var blog_title = new Array;
var blog_teaser = new Array;
var blog_id = new Array;
var blog_text = new Array;
var blog_date = new Array;
blog_title[0] = "Long-delayed hello";
blog_teaser[0] = "";
blog_id[0] = "1757713";
blog_text[0] = "I know, I know, it's been way too long but here I am (well here the virtual me is anyway!)
Sorry for the delay in getting in touch but I've been super chilling in India!!
I've been staying in a beautiful place called Arambol in North Goa, India for the past couple of months. The beach is called Aswem beach and it's one of the most amazing places I've ever been. It's been great to wind down and regroup after such a hectic year. I feel that this is going to be an amazing trip for me, I'm already getting creative and the songs are beginning to flow for the next album, I'm thinking a 2 hour epic of sitar and tabla with a bit of chanting. (just kidding!)
India has inspired me to take up Yoga though which has been very rewarding, I'll be full of energy and fighting fit for my return to the stage later on this year. Going to be moving on in a couple of days so I'll let you know where my next adventure takes me and of course how the songwriting is coming along.
I hope all is going well for you all,
Peace, love and yoga!
TB
PS - check our my photos on MySpace at www.myspace.com/tombaxter";
blog_date[0] = "18/03/2009";
blog_title[1] = "Happy New Year!";
blog_teaser[1] = "";
blog_id[1] = "1752882";
blog_text[1] = "Well, here we are... 2009. Very exciting year ahead for us all...
I am starting off the year with an adventure... I'm off to India for a few months... To widen my eyes and write some new tunes for the 3rd album... Am really looking forward to the dramatic change of scene and the inspiration that provides... I will endeavour to send a blog or 3 from there but not sure how easy it will be... If not, the very least you can expect is as detailed text as I can from me to my manager which she will forward on!
So, wrap up warm, eat soup and l look forward to posting some new tracks for your perusal very very soon...
See you along the way and as always, a big thank you for your support for my music.
Peace.
TB";
blog_date[1] = "07/01/2009";
blog_title[2] = "Thank you, thank you!!";
blog_teaser[2] = "";
blog_id[2] = "1751194";
blog_text[2] = "Thank you all so much for your generosity in bidding for the Skybound canvas - both myself and the guys at Amnesty are over the moon.
The final bid was a whopping 6,900 euro!
All the best to you - have a great Christmas and a fab 2009.
Peace
TB";
blog_date[2] = "09/12/2008";
blog_title[3] = "Thank you and last few days to bid!";
blog_teaser[3] = "";
blog_id[3] = "1750769";
blog_text[3] = "Hi everyone,
Wow - what a week it was! To all you fab brilliant people in Dublin and to those that travelled from afar, thank you, thank you, thank you. It was a truly magical week of gigs, the band and I had such a great time, and of course, it would not have been possible without your incredible support. You guys rock!
Also - a big thank you to all of you that have placed a bid for the Skybound original canvas - there are a few days left to put in a bid - email info@tombaxter.com to place a bid and we shall be in touch - a big thank you from me and the great people at Amnesty.
Peace
TB";
blog_date[3] = "01/12/2008";
blog_title[4] = "Bid for Skybound canvas!";
blog_teaser[4] = "";
blog_id[4] = "1749907";
blog_text[4] = "'OBAMARAMA!!'
'A new leader of the free world eh - what exciting times we live in... very inspiring stuff I say...'
Thought I would do my bit to try and help the world get on a bit better too! As you may know, I am doing a five, yes, five night run at the Academy in Dublin from the 25th - 29th November - (hurry hurry - we have just released a few extra tickets for the Friday night HERE!)
SO... I have decided to 'dedicate' the night of the 27th to the Amnesty 'Small Places Tour', cos I think Amnesty rocks and have also decided to auction off the ORIGINAL, EXCLUSIVE, ONE AND ONLY SKYBOUND ALBUM COVER CANVAS and donate the profits to Amnesty (Check out the canvas in the Gallery).
This hasn't been available to buy before and believe me I have had some offers for it!!! But considering it is the end of my time touring 'Skybound' and I'm soon off to wrestle with my soul and cobble together ALBUM no.3...
...I figured that these last shows in Dublin would be the perfect setting to put it up for grabs and offer somebody the opportunity to eventually hang it on their wall, safe in the knowledge that the getting it there has helped out the world in one way or another!
The reserve amount will begin at 2,500 euros - if you would like to make a bid, you can do so at the gigs, or email info@tombaxter.com with the amount, your email, contact number, address and we will be in touch. The top ten bids will then be given the chance to continue bidding against each other via email, after the 29th, with bidding closing on the 5th December when we will announce who has become the proud owner of the ORIGINAL SKYBOUND COVER ART!
The dimensions are 3ft x 3ft, and the winner will receive the canvas, SIGNED & FRAMED with a certificate of authentication from me (documenting the date it was made, exhibited, sold, the price paid and NEW owner's name).
Good luck with the bidding and for the many of you who can't afford to bid I'm also running a competition for a fan to win a backstage tour of one of my Dublin shows with yours truly. The winner will get to have a cup of tea (or something stronger if you wish!) while I take them on a tour of what makes a Tom Baxter show tick.
To enter all you need to do is answer this simple question - What are the names of my brother and sister who usually accompany me on tour?
To enter, send in your answer to info@tombaxter.com
The winner will be picked at random and informed on 21st November, so get your answers in quick. Please note - you must be able to get yourself to and from the gig in Dublin.
Peace
TB";
blog_date[4] = "11/11/2008";
blog_title[5] = "Tune in tonight";
blog_teaser[5] = "";
blog_id[5] = "1749832";
blog_text[5] = "My name is Baxter, Tom Baxter - cheesy I know - but just couldn't resist.
Tune into BBC Radio 2 tonight for an Evening of Bond songs with me, Mica Paris, David McAltmont and the BBC Concert Orchestra - singing 'Live and Let Die' with Vashti and all the string players was a great buzz - let me know what you think
Cheers,
TB";
blog_date[5] = "07/11/2008";
blog_title[6] = "Amnesty Small Places Tour";
blog_teaser[6] = "";
blog_id[6] = "1748881";
blog_text[6] = "Hi everyone,
How are you? (Apart from cold!)
I just wanted to drop you a line because, while I'm really excited about all five gigs I've got coming up at The Academy in Dublin next month, I'm especially looking forward to the show on the 27th.
Why? Well, because I'm dedicating it to the extremely-worthwhile Amnesty Small Places Tour. The Tour is a massive-scale global music and human rights project, comprising of concerts all over the world this autumn. I'm really proud to be a part of it and you can check out more info on it HERE.
Looking forward to seeing some of you soon...
All the best,
TB";
blog_date[6] = "23/10/2008";
blog_title[7] = "An Autumnal welcome to you all... ";
blog_teaser[7] = "";
blog_id[7] = "1748300";
blog_text[7] = "Hi guys,
I've been starting to write songs for my next album - it is a very exciting time indeed. I can't wait to start posting some new tunes - keep an eye out on the blog and MySpace for new stuff... In the meantime, here are a few other bits'n'bobs in the run up to Christmas....
Firstly - 5 nights, yup, FIVE nights at the Academy in Dublin from the 25th November - It will be a bit different from any other gigs you may have been to this year... and I can not wait. It is nearly all sold out, which makes me feel very chuffed indeed, so grab those last few tickets whilst you can – CLICK HERE. Oh and a solo special show in Waterford too... BUY TICKETS HERE.
I'm also off to Sligo Festival – CLICK HERE - in Ireland (I know, I know - I can't stay away from you Irish!) in a couple of weeks, and another festival in Holland – CLICK HERE, no rest for the wicked...
Tune in to BBC Radio 2 on the 7th November to listen to me and the amazing David McAlmont singing a few Bond tunes, with the excellent BBC Concert Orchestra - It has been great rehearsing for this - 'Live and Let Die', what a tune!
Finally, I had the honour of being invited to contribute to this album called 'Amazon/Tribe - Songs for Survival’ that the brilliant Bruce Parry has put together - It is out this week - check it out on iTunes HERE.
As always, all feedback is really appreciated - anything you would like to see or hear more of - let me know
I'll be in touch soon
TB x";
blog_date[7] = "14/10/2008";
blog_title[8] = "New Dublin gig";
blog_teaser[8] = "";
blog_id[8] = "1747790";
blog_text[8] = "Hi everyone,
How are you?
Winter's fast approaching, so I'm pleased to have some nice, cosy gigs lined up for the long, dark months ahead... and I'm very happy to have added another date at The Academy in Dublin.
I'm already booked to play at the venue on 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th November, and now I'll also be there on 29th November – you can't keep me away! Tickets are on sale now – you can buy them HERE - and I'm looking forward to seeing some of you there next month...
Till then, over and out,
TB";
blog_date[8] = "06/10/2008";
blog_title[9] = "America";
blog_teaser[9] = "Now if you're in the UK or Ireland right now you may want to pass over
what I'm about to say";
blog_id[9] = "1746836";
blog_text[9] = "Now if you're in the UK or Ireland right now you may want to pass over what I'm about to say - Man it's HOT!!
I've been out in the USA now for the last 10 days and am having a fantastic time. It's been about 80 degrees the whole time and for the first week we were fortunate enough to stay at a friend's place in LA who happens to live in a small patch of paradise!
As always, I'm accompanied by my brother Charlie who has been supporting me on these gigs. It's so much fun having him along, never a dull moment!
Our first gig was playing at the Hotel Cafe in LA. We had a great night and I met some really great people.
After the show we jumped in to the ever present 4 wheel drive and headed to the Roxy to catch some more music. For those of you who haven't been to LA it's impossible to survive there without a car! It's a crazy place but it's a lot of fun.
Our wonderful hostess Pati and her ever gracious family threw a party on Saturday for Charlie's birthday which turned in to an impromptu jam session. It was a bit like MTV Grind but with better music!!
And so from one coast to the other... we flew over to New York on Monday where I now sit, talking to you.
Had a great show in Boston on Tuesday night, what a brilliant city that is, It's kind of like walking into a city in England but with a calmer atmosphere and better weather! It was a real change to LA where there's a constant feeling that something big is about to happen.
New York never fails to impress me, It's skyline is one of the most iconic in the world and always evokes a feeling of excitement and wonder. As we were flying over on Monday night the Yankees were playing at home, the stadium was lit up so bright it almost out shone the full moon. There's a real hustle here like I've never experienced in any other city.
Tonight's show should be a great one, speaking of which, I'd better start warming up.
Back to England tomorrow - I'll try and grab the sun on my way!
over and out
tb
";
blog_date[9] = "23/09/2008";
blog_title[10] = "Teenage Cancer Trust gig";
blog_teaser[10] = "";
blog_id[10] = "1745736";
blog_text[10] = "Dear One and All -
Had a great gig at the hospitable Boogaloo in North London for the very worthy charity Teenage Cancer Trust - we raised loads of money and had a great time. Check out the photos HERE.
Just rehearsing with my bro and packing my bags as am off to America on Monday - can't wait - if you come along to the show - please come and say hi!
Y'all have a nice day now...
Tom";
blog_date[10] = "05/09/2008";
blog_title[11] = "Olympics and a new gig";
blog_teaser[11] = "";
blog_id[11] = "1745250";
blog_text[11] = "Hi Guys
Check this out! The highlights of the Olympics on the BBC, set to 'Miracle' - fits perfectly if I do say so myself!
It is at the end of the programme, last 5 mins or so... CLICK HERE to view it on YouTube, and enjoy!
TB
PS - I'm really pleased to confirm I'll be playing at the Sligo Festival on 24th October. Booking details are in the Gigs area and I hope to catch you there!
";
blog_date[11] = "26/08/2008";
blog_title[12] = "New Dublin dates";
blog_teaser[12] = "";
blog_id[12] = "1745099";
blog_text[12] = "Hi everyone,
I'm really pleased to announce two new dates at The Academy in Dublin for this November.
My Irish fans have always been very good to me (all my fans have been very good to me - I'm a lucky man!) and I wanted to say a little thank you for all your support by performing these two unplugged and acoustic sets. Well, I say unplugged; that's how it'll start, then the band will join me for a proper big session.
The dates are Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th November, and you can buy tickets from today HERE.
Hope to see you there, and have a great weekend,
TB";
blog_date[12] = "22/08/2008";
blog_title[13] = "Lowlands and V";
blog_teaser[13] = "";
blog_id[13] = "1745036";
blog_text[13] = "Well I have had some pretty crazy weekends but this one was one of the maddest!
It all started at 2.30am on Friday (I'll say that again - 2.30am!!) when I left my house in London with Che and Cez, my tour manager, and drove across half of England, a little bit of France, all of Belgium and most of the Netherlands to finally ended up at Lowlands festival.
We arrived at about midday and set up the gear. I wasn't expecting to play to that many people as I haven't spent a lot of time in the Netherlands but just before Che and I went on stage, Cez came in to the dressing room and told me the tent was packed - we thought he was joking but we ended up playing to over 2,000 people. It was so great to be out there and fantastic to get such a great reception. You can check out a video of me performing Skybound in the Videos area of MySpace.
I'd have liked to hang out for longer but straight after the show we had to get back in the car and drive back to London.
Saturday morning came far to quickly for my liking but arrive it did, so we packed up the van once again and headed to the Stafford V festival. The whole band came with us this time so we had a good laugh on the way up.
The show went really well, it's always great to play with the full band and get the energy really high! We managed to catch a bit of Kings Of Leon before we all bundled back in the car and headed back to London to get some sleep before the Chelmsford leg of the festival.
The show in Chelmsford went really well and I managed to catch up with a few friends which was really nice after such a mad couple of days. I did a live acoustic performance of ‘Better' on the new 4music channel which was great.
And so - here I am on Monday afternoon having a quick cup of tea before we set out on the next adventure!
You can see some of the pictures from the weekend in the Gallery area (at the bottom of the Live area).
Watch this space!
Over and out
TB";
blog_date[13] = "20/08/2008";
blog_title[14] = "Tickets up for grabs!";
blog_teaser[14] = "";
blog_id[14] = "1744888";
blog_text[14] = "Oh the joys of an English Summertime! Hello to you all, just dropping in a little note to let you know what I'm up to -
First up - V this weekend - if you are there - come and say hello - we had a great time last year and looking forward to this one - come rain or shine...
Then - if you are one of the first 10 people to email info@tombaxter.com, we will put a pair of tickets on the door for you at the mighty Boogaloo in North London on September 2nd - am doing an acoustic show for the Teenage Cancer Trust - it has already sold out, but I held a few back for you lovely people - as it's for such a great charity - sure you won't mind that it is a fiver on the door - it will be worth it! Have some cool support acts as well... May well be my last show in London of 2008!
And then off to Los Angeles and New York and Boston and San Diego and San Francisco and we are really excited! The fabulous radio station that is KCRW (www.kcrw.com) are presenting the shows - they have been a massive support to me over the last few months - and I can't wait to get over there and play play play - for tickets go to the Gigs area.
And after that... well, I am going to taking a bit of time to hole up in the back room, with the guitar and start writing some new tunes. Am hoping to get a little webcam set up, so that I can beam in sometimes...
Over and out
TB";
blog_date[14] = "14/08/2008";
blog_title[15] = "Special gig";
blog_teaser[15] = "";
blog_id[15] = "1744136";
blog_text[15] = "Hey folks –
Those lovely people at the Teenage Cancer Trust have asked me to do a special acoustic night at the world famous Boogaloo in North London on 2nd September. How could I refuse? Such an amazing cause - looking forward to it.
Tickets are a bargain at £6 and go to this very special charity - it's an intimate gig - ie: it will be rammed - so get your tickets soon! Buy them HERE.
Cheers,
TB.";
blog_date[15] = "30/07/2008";
blog_title[16] = "New American dates";
blog_teaser[16] = "";
blog_id[16] = "1744074";
blog_text[16] = "Hi everyone,
Thanks to everyone who came down to the iTunes Live gig yesterday. I had a blast, and hope you did too.
And while we're on the subject... I've added four new dates in America for this September. I'll be in LA, San Diego, Boston and New York in mid September, and you can find full booking details in the Gigs area. Hope to catch some of you there!
See you soon
TB";
blog_date[16] = "28/07/2008";
blog_title[17] = "Newsflash: iTunes festival Sunday... Grab your free ticket now!";
blog_teaser[17] = "";
blog_id[17] = "1743931";
blog_text[17] = "The summer sun has finally kicked in... So we thought a few tunes this Sunday night (27th July) at my old favourite Koko, to celebrate would be a top idea... Our good mates at iTunes are very kindly hosting a festival there and even better, the tickets are free!
So register now HERE and see you Sunday...
Don't forget your sunscreen!
TB";
blog_date[17] = "24/07/2008";
blog_title[18] = "More gigs";
blog_teaser[18] = "";
blog_id[18] = "1742659";
blog_text[18] = "Hey guys,
How's it going? I've added in a couple of new gigs to my schedule I thought you'd like to know about...
I'll be at the House Festival in Chiswick on 10th July, at Theatre Annzee in Ostende, Belgium, on 3rd August and at the Lowlands Festival in Biddinghuizen, The Netherlands, on 15th August. You can find ticket details in Gigs now, and hope to see some of you there.
Before then, I'll be at Cornbury this weekend. Looking forward to it a lot, despite the forecast rain - let's get muddy!
Over and out
TB";
blog_date[18] = "04/07/2008";
blog_title[19] = "Glasto, Glasto,Glasto...";
blog_teaser[19] = "";
blog_id[19] = "1742529";
blog_text[19] = "What can I say, we came, we saw, we got wasted!!!
Wow what an end to the tour. After a week of travelling all over Ireland we landed on the very rainy coast of North Wales and made our way down to the mighty Glastonbury festival.
For the next 8 hours of the drive from Holyhead it rained and rained and rained. I don't need to tell you that our hopes for a mud free year were becoming more like dreams. BUT. The very minute we drove onto the Glasto site the rain stopped!!
Don't get me wrong - it was still muddy as hell but at least we weren't putting tents up in the rain. We were lucky enough to be camping backstage at the Acoustic tent where we were very well looked after by Izzy, Stuart and the rest of the gang.
Friday night was a bit of a wash out as we were all so knackered but we had a little wander and a couple of beers and then hit the hay. Saturday was all about the music. Manu Chao, Vampire weekend, and of course Amy. For those of you who were watching on the TV - trust me, she was brilliant! The thing that always amazes me about Glastonbury is the distance you manage to cover over the few days that you're there! Miles and miles of shops, bars, cafes... crazy loons everywhere - it's brilliant!
We played an absolutely blinding set at the Acoustic stage on the Sunday which was such a huge buzz. My first performance at one of my favorite festivals was such a high for me.
Went for a chat with the guys and gals at worthy FM after the show and then walked down to the Pyramid stage as the sun was setting to watch the amazing Leonard Cohen. Now that is a true genius of words - wow, totally mind blowing. I couldn't think of a better way to end the festival than listening to Leonard Cohen singing 'Hallelujah' with my brother and sister and all of the crew from the tour.
Needless to say, as Sunday was the official last day of the tour we had a royal knees-up and saw the sun rise over the stone circle on Monday morning before we packed up our tents and headed back to the big smoke.
It's now Wednesday and my brain has just about engaged enough to write this!
I just want to thank everyone who came out and saw us over the last couple weeks. We've had a cracking tour and are now looking forward to the summer festival silly season. If you're going to any festivals this year, make sure you come and say hi. You can see which ones we're playing at in the Gigs section.
Here's hoping for plenty more sunshine!
Peace
TB";
blog_date[19] = "02/07/2008";
blog_title[20] = "Greetings one and all...";
blog_teaser[20] = "";
blog_id[20] = "1742345";
blog_text[20] = "Wow what a start to the tour - had a brilliant show in Dundalk playing to a crammed smallish room of folks and then the following day played at the National Stadium in Dublin. Totally different vibes but both brilliant shows. PS - An enormous apology that the bar was closed in Dublin - dreadful behaviour!
Did the second 'meet and greet' of my career where somebody's parents had entered them in to the competition not knowing that their children hadn't a clue who I am - this usually leads to a very surreal dressing room meeting which is somewhere between a first date and a job interview - thank the heavens for vodka!
Played at The Savoy Theatre in Cork which was the best show of the tour so far - really great fun and always a pleasure to work with my old mate Tom Keating who looks after us all so well. Dolan's Warehouse in Limerick last night also rocked - so much so that the bass amp blew up!!
When we were in New York recently - a rather nice chap called Mitch made us this very cool bit of kit - it's like a virtual CD that can hang out on your desktop - CLICK HERE to have a look and let me know what you think.
Oh - I nearly forgot... While I was in Dublin I took Max and Che down to play at the Buddah Bag shop for my good friend Ray Foley. They're a great bunch over at Today FM. Just after I'd played the third song Ray surprised me by presenting me with a double platinum disc for Skybound! Check it out HERE. I was so shocked I could hardly speak, which doesn't work all that well on radio.... It means so much to me to get something like this in Ireland where all of you have been so supportive from the very beginning. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
Anyway,
That's my lot for now.
I'm off to get a pint of Guinness and a pie!!
Over and out
TB";
blog_date[20] = "25/06/2008";
blog_title[21] = "Well, here we go again...";
blog_teaser[21] = "";
blog_id[21] = "1741411";
blog_text[21] = "I'm sat here in the upstairs bar at the Spirit Store in Dundalk sound checking for the first gig of the Irish tour.
It's great to be back here again especially after I had to postpone these shows the first time round. The Irish crowds are always so welcoming and love a good sing-along so I'm hoping for a lot of energy from you guys!!
We're playing at the National Stadium in Dublin on Friday night which I'm really looking forward to, it should be one hell of a show!
If you're near a radio at around midday then tune in to the Ray Fowley show on Today FM and you'll hear a couple of live taster tracks.
As always I'm supported by my ridiculously talented brother Charlie Winston - www.charliewinston.com - and our old friend Max Greenwood, whose fantastic debut album 'In The Blood' is released on 27th June - www.maxgreenwood.com. Things are looking really good for him over here in Ireland, if you keep your ears peeled there's a good chance you may catch him on the radio in the coming weeks!!
Well, I hope to see some of you at a gig in the next few days - make sure you bring enough air in your lungs for a good old sing-along!
Peace
TB";
blog_date[21] = "20/06/2008";
blog_title[22] = "More dates";
blog_teaser[22] = "";
blog_id[22] = "1740102";
blog_text[22] = "Hey guys,
I've sneaked in a few more festivals for this summer (you know I can't resist!). I'll be in Nottingham and Harrogate in July, and Wiltshire in September, so hope to catch a few of you there soaking up the festival atmosphere...
Find dates and booking details in the Gigs area.
See you soon - especially if you live in Ireland, can't wait for the tour next week!
TB";
blog_date[22] = "12/06/2008";
blog_title[23] = "My Year Dot";
blog_teaser[23] = "";
blog_id[23] = "1740028";
blog_text[23] = "Hey everyone,
I've just recorded a new video clip for Year Dot, which I thought you'd like to hear about.
Basically, Year Dot is a new series from Channel 4, following 15 young people over the course of one groundbreaking year in their lives.
So when the programme-makers asked me to put together a little video talking about the most important year of my life so far, I jumped at the chance. You can check out the results, and add your own stories, on the Year Dot website HERE.
Also, anyone from last night's Casa 139 gig reading this, you were a fantastic crowd!!
Laters,
TB";
blog_date[23] = "11/06/2008";
blog_title[24] = "Thank you";
blog_teaser[24] = "";
blog_id[24] = "1739761";
blog_text[24] = "Hey guys,
I want to thank everyone who took part in the eBay auction of my original piece of artwork,'Together'.
The winning bid came in at £822, and I'm delighted we managed to raise such a great amount for The Prince's Trust. Hope the winner enjoys the piece!
And a big thank you to everyone who bought 'Miracle' on download this week. You really are a fantastic bunch.
I'm off to Milan now for a gig at Casa 139, and am looking forward to saying hello to some of my Italian fans (and eating a lot of great food).
Until next time...
TB";
blog_date[24] = "09/06/2008";
blog_title[25] = "eBay update";
blog_teaser[25] = "";
blog_id[25] = "1739677";
blog_text[25] = "Wow, I've been overwhelmed by the response we've had to my 'Together' piece on eBay.
As I write this, the highest bid stands as £601, so thank you to everyone who's gone online and checked it out so far! As you know, all proceeds from the sale of this piece of original artwork go to The Prince's Trust, a charity that does such a lot to change young lives in the UK, so I hope you'll dig deep for this great cause. But hurry - the auction ends at 7pm this Sunday (8th June).
Find it HERE.
Koko rocked by the way, if you are reading this and you were there, then a pat on the back indeed, an amazing audience...
Have a great weekend.
Over and out,
TB";
blog_date[25] = "06/06/2008";
blog_title[26] = "A whole lot of news...";
blog_teaser[26] = "";
blog_id[26] = "1738949";
blog_text[26] = "Hey everyone,
So, today is 'Miracle' release day and I'm pretty excited about it. I love the tune, it's been going down a treat at the gigs recently, and if you feel so inclined you can buy it in stores today, and also on iTunes HERE. Thanks for all your support guys - I know I say it all the time, but you really are the best.
What else? Loads actually! As you know, it's the big Koko gig tomorrow night, and I'm having a listen to some cracking entries for the support slot now. Thanks to everyone who entered the competition - there's some fantastic unsigned acts out there, and it's going to be a hard task choosing just one to open the night for me!
You can buy tickets to the Koko gig HERE.
And I've just added a bunch of new live dates to my summer touring schedule. I am delighted to be heading out on the road again to do the rescheduled Irish dates that I had to postpone last month. If you haven't got your tickets I know there are still some available, so check out the Gigs page to get yourself involved!
I've also just confirmed some new festivals - Latitude, Oxegen, T In The Park... And I'll be heading back to New York to play Joe's Pub, and to Milan to play La Casa 139!
Check out the full listings in the Gigs area.
I've also been working on a special auction for Ebay. I have decided to sell another piece of my art to raise money for the Prince's Trust. I have chosen a piece called 'Together' which any of you who have bought my book 'Tales From The Forest Of Hope' will know is the opening image of the two clasped hands. This piece means a lot to me so I'm hoping it will raise a ton of money! If you would like to bid for this original piece of my work in aid of a brilliant charity the auction is open NOW and will end on the 8th June at 7pm.
Check it out HERE.
Have a great month and if you see me anywhere along the way don't forget to come and say hello!
TB";
blog_date[26] = "02/06/2008";
blog_title[27] = "Koko competition";
blog_teaser[27] = "";
blog_id[27] = "1739086";
blog_text[27] = "Well - after spending all weekend listening to the hundreds of entries - I have chosen a winner!
Firstly - a massive thank you to everyone who entered - wow - there is a lot of really good talent out there - keep it up! But I have gone with a young chap called Marcus Foster - just really liked his tunes and his voice and looking forward to seeing him perform live - www.myspace.com/marcusfoster. If you are coming to the show tomorrow night, make sure you get there early to check him out and let me know what you think...
Enjoy the gig!
Over and out
TB";
blog_date[27] = "02/06/2008";
blog_title[28] = "Open for me at Koko!";
blog_teaser[28] = "";
blog_id[28] = "1738365";
blog_text[28] = "Hi guys,
How's it going?
I've got a really exciting competition for you, which I think you're going to love...
As you know, I'm playing Koko in Camden next week (3rd June), and I can't wait. It's a fantastic venue, and the crowds are always a blinder.
Even better, I'm running a competition for an unsigned artist to win the opening slot at this gig. Yep, you'll get to get out there in front of a packed house and show them what you and your music are all about.
I know how tough this industry can be, and I hope this gives a talented performer out there a great showcase. To be eligible to enter, you have to be an unsigned act. Send in either your MySpace link or two MP3 tracks to info@tombaxter.com. I'll be listening to them all myself, and picking a winner shortly - so get moving!
The winner gets to perform a short opening slot on 3rd June (so make sure you're free that day, and can get to the venue!).
Good luck, and I can't wait to hear the entries...
And if you want to buy tickets for the Koko gig, HEAD HERE.
Peace,
TB";
blog_date[28] = "28/05/2008";
blog_title[29] = "'Miracle' Monday";
blog_teaser[29] = "";
blog_id[29] = "1738374";
blog_text[29] = "'Miracle' is my latest single to be taken from Skybound, and it's out on Monday.
And in a shameless act of self-promotion, I thought I'd provide you with those pre-order links so you know exactly where to get your hands on it...
Click here for 7digital
Click here for Amazon
Click here for HMV
Click here for iTunes
You can also pre-order the track by texting MIRACLE to 78789. It costs £1.50 plus a standard network charge and if you order this way, you get a free download of a special version of 'Billie Jean' I did.
And I'll be performing 'Miracle' on This Morning on Friday, 30th May, so tune in if you can.
Thanks for some great gigs over the past few days - it's been a blast.
See you soon,
TB ";
blog_date[29] = "28/05/2008";
blog_title[30] = "Video News";
blog_teaser[30] = "";
blog_id[30] = "1737937";
blog_text[30] = "I'm really excited to be able to tell you that the music video for my next single, 'Miracle', is now out and ready for you to watch.
If you remember, I filmed this in a Dublin studio back in April with a great crew and director. You can watch the video now over in the video section of this site. I'm really happy with the finished piece and I hope you are too.
The single is out June 2nd and you can pre-order it by SMS already, as long as you live in the UK. All you need do is text MIRACLE to 78789 - it costs £1.50 plus a standard network charge and if you order this way, you get a free download of a special version of 'Billie Jean' I did.
Enjoy the video!
TB";
blog_date[30] = "21/05/2008";
blog_title[31] = "Hi guys";
blog_teaser[31] = "";
blog_id[31] = "1737456";
blog_text[31] = "Hi guys,
Just thought it was about time I dropped you all a line seeing as I've been on the road for a few days. As you can see from the photos on my Myspace pics section HERE we've had a little engine trouble, but we found ways to pass the time!!
Yesterday we did the drive along the coast from Aberdeen to Edinburgh where we parked the van in the shadow of the great castle and did another blinding gig at the Liquid Rooms.
You can see more of our Tour Tales on Kyte TV HERE where we're posting a video blog most days - you'll have to excuse the quality of our camera work!
I'm really excited to be releasing 'Miracle' as my next single, out on June 2nd which you can already pre-order by SMS as long as you live in the UK. All you need do is text MIRACLE to 78789 - it costs £1.50 plus a standard network charge and if you pre-order this way, you get a free download of a special version of 'Billie Jean' that I did for a very cool Dutch radio station. The new video will be here any minute too! Keep checking in to catch it.
I also really want to say a massive thank you to all of you who have wished me well over the last couple of weeks, I was so gutted to have to postpone the first part of the tour in Ireland but I'm back on form and ready to roll!
Don't forget, if you haven't already joined the mailing list, or the excellent extra special bit which is Baxter HQ you can do so HERE, and if you're very good I may even send a free acoustic version of Skybound your way!
Until we meet again!
Over and out
tb";
blog_date[31] = "15/05/2008";
blog_title[32] = "RESCHEDULED IRISH TOUR DATES";
blog_teaser[32] = "";
blog_id[32] = "1735950";
blog_text[32] = "19th June, Dundalk, Spirit Store
20th June, Dublin, National Stadium
21st June, Cork, Savoy
22nd June, Limerick, Dolan's Warehouse
24th June, Galway Roisin Dubh
25th June, Derry, Nerve Center
26th June, Belfast, Spring and Airbreak
Due to illness, Tom Baxter has been forced to cancel his forthcoming seven date Irish Tour which was due to kick off this Friday, May 2nd at The National Stadium Dublin.
Tom Baxter has been ordered by his doctor that he is unfit to perform at present due to acute laryngitis which has caused him to temporarily loose his voice.
Tom Baxter has commented on the rescheduling of his Irish Tour dates and has said that he is \"Gutted! - To all of you who have bought tickets... I send you my apologies for postponing the shows. I want to give it my best and I am unfortunately not 100%. I will be back on my feet A.S.A.P making music to temper your worries and illuminate your soul - I promise! - love TB\"
We are pleased to confirm that Tom Baxter's Irish Tour has been rescheduled for June 2008.
All purchased tickets are valid for the rescheduled tour dates.
Tom Baxter and MCD Productions apologise for any inconvenience cased due to these unavoidable circumstances.
For further information please contact: Bebhinn Gleeson MCD Productions Tel: 00353 87 7907243 Email: bebhinn@mcd.ie www.mcd.ie www.tombaxter.com ";
blog_date[32] = "01/05/2008";
blog_title[33] = "'GUTTED' !!!!";
blog_teaser[33] = "";
blog_id[33] = "1736008";
blog_text[33] = "As some of you may know, Tom's totally lost his voice so had to postpone the Irish tour... He is properly disappointed and has made a little video to explain...
Head over to the videos section of this site to take a look.
The dates have been rescheduled, and all the tickets are still valid (more info in gigs section).";
blog_date[33] = "01/05/2008";
blog_title[34] = "A quick hello";
blog_teaser[34] = "";
blog_id[34] = "1734517";
blog_text[34] = "A quick note from the set of the video shoot for 'Miracle'... It's a cold and windy Saturday here in Dublin, but we are shooting inside so no complaints there... Excellent crew and a very good time is being had by all... Can't wait to see the finished item, and to show it to you guys. Have fun wherever you are!
There's a little photgraphic preview in the Gallery, hope you like!
TB.";
blog_date[34] = "20/04/2008";
blog_title[35] = "Dublin then Koln then Europe then...";
blog_teaser[35] = "";
blog_id[35] = "1734392";
blog_text[35] = "Hey guys,
How's it going?
I'm using this very brief moment of respite for the chance to say hi. It's been a bit mad (when isn't it?!): we got back from America a couple of weeks back - what a great trip, and thanks especially to the guys at one of my favourite radio stations in the world - KCRW - Nic Harcourt and Chris Douridas who have been playing the album. Cheers guys.
Hope to be back there playing again in June before the silly season of festivals kicks in, of which more news later - but seems like there is one every weekend - starting at Glastonbury and ending at V!
I filmed the video for my new single MIRACLE this week - it all happened so fast, I've just about got my breath back! It's out in the shops and online on June 2nd - stay tuned for pre-order links, and there are a couple of rather splendid Bsides on there - if I do say so myself!
Today we're off to Dublin to do the highly coveted Late Late Show, then next week I'm out with the talented and gorgeous KT Tunstall in Europe for a couple of weeks and then I'll be on tour around Ireland and the UK in May, so book your tickets and come and say hi!
Peace
TB";
blog_date[35] = "18/04/2008";
blog_title[36] = "Friday Night Is Music Night";
blog_teaser[36] = "";
blog_id[36] = "1733150";
blog_text[36] = "So, with a touch of jet lag but full of excitement here we all are (check out the photo in the Gallery) before playing 6 tracks with the BBC Concert Orchestra, LIVE on Radio 2 last week - it was a brilliant, thrilling, nerve-wracking experience, but think we pulled it off in the end!
You can listen again HERE - let me know what you think
Cheers,
TB";
blog_date[36] = "09/04/2008";
blog_title[37] = "Showtime USA and Live on Radio 2 tonight! ";
blog_teaser[37] = "";
blog_id[37] = "1732129";
blog_text[37] = "Yeeee haaaa!!
Just landed back at Heathrow after an amazing ten days in the mighty USA!
Started the whole trip in LA by playing the aftershow party at the American premiere of Run Fat Boy Run. Was joined by a fantastic piano player called Chris Joyner who is not only a wicked player, but also a very nice guy! Jamie Morrison joined us on drums and the ever magical Charlie Winston helped me out on bass. We had a great show and the whole gang from the film were there, all dancing away!
I played a couple more gigs at the Hotel Café and Les Deux. Both great gigs and great crowds.
Had a couple of days off to catch up (drink!) with old friends and then hopped on a plane to New York. What a great city! So much going on it's almost impossible to go to bed!
Had a bit of a night out in a bar called Lucky Strike where the local DJ, a wonderful woman called Amber, played some great tunes which kept us rocking 'til the early hours!
The hangover the next day didn't take away the excitement of playing at the Cutting Rooms which, if you're ever in NYC you should definitely check out, a very cool little venue.
Spent the last day hanging out in Soho bruising the credit card in the shops!
It's been such a great trip and it's been great as always to have my brother Charlie along with me. I'm really looking forward to being able to go back and play again soon.
In the meantime I'm out with KT Tunstall in Europe for a couple of weeks and then I'll be on tour around Ireland and the UK in May so book your tickets and come and say hi!
And tune in to Radio 2 tonight at 7.30pm to catch me and the band live on Friday Night Is Music Night. Can't wait!
See you soon, and keep rocking!
T";
blog_date[37] = "04/04/2008";
blog_title[38] = "Tour round-up";
blog_teaser[38] = "";
blog_id[38] = "1729815";
blog_text[38] = "One tour down... hopefully a few thousand more to go! It was great - thank you to all who came, clapped, sang, whistled, heckled and took the odd photo - we have popped some in the Gallery so take a look. Bring on the May tour I say, and of course the end of tour party at the world famous Koko in Camden Town on June 3rd!
Am off to the great US of A very soon - a couple of shows in Los Angeles and New York - find details in Gigs. Am going over to play at the party after the premiere of Run Fat Boy Run, released in the States end of this month - David Schwimmer asked me to come out, which I am most chuffed about. Thanks mate!
Also - this week am jumping around Europe a bit - some promo in Paris, a gig in Amsterdam, then off for some radio shows in Italy - all rather exciting stuff I say...
As spring is nearly with us - I thought I would hopefully add to the longer days of sunshine by giving away a couple of copies of my album signed by me and the band - this is quite a rarity - trying to get us all in a room to do anything other than play tunes is hard work (apart from drinking of course!). So - if you fancy an addition to your collection - please answer the following question - what song do I normally play for the encore? Is it 'My Declaration' or 'Stand and Deliver'...? Email to info@tombaxter.com with your answer and contact email and we will be in touch!
That's it for now folks - going to brush up on my French, Dutch, Italian, Greek...
Cheers,
Tom";
blog_date[38] = "18/03/2008";
blog_title[39] = "Last gig...";
blog_teaser[39] = "";
blog_id[39] = "1727631";
blog_text[39] = "Well, we've battled force 12 gales, rain, sleet, hail and even snow but we've managed to play some great shows in Ireland and the UK over the last couple of weeks. From Dublin to Glasgow to Manchester and beyond the crowds have been amazing for us. The energy you've all shown us has kept us going and warmed our minds on the late night, cold drive from gig to gig!
Had a crazy show last night at the Thekla in Bristol, for those of you who have never been, it's a club in the bottom of a boat! It's like playing in a submarine - very surreal! And so finally... here we are sitting in the wonderful theatre that is the Stables in Milton Keynes getting ready for the last gig of the tour. My brother Charlie Winston has just rocked up looking dapper as ever! He's been supporting me on this tour and had a great reception from you lot as always, it's been great to have Medi and the medicine show on the road with us as well adding a little rock star twist to the magical soup that is Tom Baxter live!!
At the end of the set we've had so many people jamming on stage there's been barely enough room for me to jump off the drum riser in Bruce Dickinson style!!
Wow... a very loud bell has just gone off in my ear signaling that it's time for soundcheck so I'd better run - gotta keep the sound man happy otherwise all is lost!! Got a super early start tomorrow as we're playing on GMTV at 7.40am!
Have a good weekend one and all and look out for us in a town near you on the May tour.
Over and out,
tb";
blog_date[39] = "11/03/2008";
blog_title[40] = "Hello from me";
blog_teaser[40] = "";
blog_id[40] = "1726879";
blog_text[40] = "Well here we are, on the road again! I'm sat in the dressing room at the Arts Theatre in Norwich waiting to go on stage so I just thought I'd drop you all a line to let you know how it's all going...
We had a fantastic start to the tour with a sold out show at the Olympia in Dublin. The Dublin crowd were fantastic as always and we had a great old sing along!
After the show the guys and gals from EMI Ireland came up to the dressing room to say hello and surprised me with a shiny platinum disc! It turns out that Skybound has reached platinum status over there now!!
Thank you to all of you who have been out and bought the album with your hard earned euros! You can check out a photo of me with the disc and the EMI Ireland crew in the Gallery.
Had a pretty funky ferry ride over from Dublin in those force 9 gales that battered this fair Isle over the weekend! The band were more than a little green I can tell you! Just about made it to Nottingham and played another sold out gig at the rescue rooms, it's great to be playing to so many new people....
Anyway I'm being ushered out of the dressing room towards the stage so I'd better be off! More to come soon,
TB";
blog_date[40] = "03/03/2008";
blog_title[41] = "More tour";
blog_teaser[41] = "";
blog_id[41] = "1726727";
blog_text[41] = "I just can't help myself!
Every time I think - shall I have a break? I go - NO, I shall continue on the road - it's where I belong...
So - in the Gigs area are some more dates for the UK in May - going to some new places which is always exciting - be great to hear from you a bit about your town - post on the Forum and let me know the best place to get a beer!
Cheers,
TB";
blog_date[41] = "29/02/2008";
blog_title[42] = "No rest for the wicked I say...";
blog_teaser[42] = "";
blog_id[42] = "1726474";
blog_text[42] = "...We played at the Meteor Awards in Dublin last week, which was a blast, and those lovely people at Hot Press Ireland put me on the cover of their magazine - a weird feeling seeing my mug on the newsstands.
Oh and congrats to Andy Smith who won the Valentine ipod Nano - go forth and schmooze mate...
We've filmed a video for the next single 'Tell Her Today', which is out on March 17th. You can watch a clip of it HERE. Tell me what you think - I'm really happy with it. It was a long cold day, and the dancers did an excellent job - as did the mouse - which was christened 'Baxter'.
Last night we played the iTunes Festival at Air Studios. It went really well, lots of fun playing some tunes with my brother CHARLIE WINSTON, the very talented NATALIE CLEIN and the brilliant YAEL NAIM. Thanks to all the guys at iTunes for looking after us all so well, especially Denzyl and Claire.
And we are back on the road! The tour kicks off this week with a sell out show at the Olympia in Dublin on the 28th!! Most dates are now sold out. Only a few tickets remain. Check 'em in the Gigs area. Go on, you know you want to! Watch this space for more dates announced soon.
Also, I'm off to the great US of A soon too. A couple of shows in Los Angeles and New York. I'll be playing at the premiere party of 'Run Fat Boy Run'. David Schwimmer asked me to come out, which I am most chuffed about. Thanks mate!
My first festival of the summer! Tickets on sale now HERE!!
Hope to see you singin' along over the next few weeks.
Cheers
TB";
blog_date[42] = "27/02/2008";
blog_title[43] = "Happy Valentine's...";
blog_teaser[43] = "";
blog_id[43] = "1724646";
blog_text[43] = "...From me!
*Here's a little message.*";
blog_date[43] = "14/02/2008";
blog_title[44] = "Video shoot";
blog_teaser[44] = "Greetings all";
blog_id[44] = "1724033";
blog_text[44] = "How are those Valentine preparations going?! Got the chocolates? The flowers? The card? What about the music?! If you haven't already then you need to be quick and enter the competition in Baxter HQ to win a loaded lush Nano with some rather touching (slushy!) Valentine tunes.
Also - I am very happy to invite you all to come and dance the night away in a forest! Start the Summer in a suitably summery way and come see me supporting the lovely KT Tunstall. AND, if you happen to be in France, Holland, Belgium or Germany KT has invited me to play on her tour in April - check out Gigs for info.
Limbering up for shooting the video on Wednesday for 'Tell Her Today'. I'll get some photos up on the website soon after. It's a great idea and all I can say for now is that I'm looking forward to a day of dancing!
That's it for now - More to follow -
Peace.
Tom ";
blog_date[44] = "11/02/2008";
blog_title[45] = "Shepherd's Bush";
blog_teaser[45] = "";
blog_id[45] = "1722657";
blog_text[45] = "Wow wow wow. What an amazing show. Thank you so much to everyone who bought a ticket, came down and made it one of the most special nights of my life. We did some filming too - when we've put it all together, I'll pop a bit in the HQ to relive the night!
Can't wait to get out on tour in March, lots of the gigs are sold out already, which makes me feel all warm inside - thank you - if you haven't got your ticket yet, check 'em out in the Tour Dates area... (oh and watch this space for some exciting summer news - I feel a festival or 2 coming on...)
See you soon
TB";
blog_date[45] = "03/02/2008";
blog_title[46] = "Happy New Year's!";
blog_teaser[46] = "";
blog_id[46] = "1717333";
blog_text[46] = "
Feliz Ano Nuevo ! Happy New Year ! Bonne Annee ! Prosit Neujahr!
Am sat here, with a slight New Year's Day hangover in sunny Argentina - what an amazing trip. Have seen some beautiful things and met some fantastic people - the music, the dancing - it is all great - I hope I can come back here and tour very soon...
I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all the best and that 2008 brings you all lots of happiness, joy and success!
My year is certainly off to a good start as I am releasing my album Skybound next week. Crikey! All the love, time and effort that goes into it - and finally it will be in the shops - I hope you enjoy it!";
blog_date[46] = "01/01/2008";
blog_title[47] = "2007 highlights, 21st December";
blog_teaser[47] = "";
blog_id[47] = "1716860";
blog_text[47] = "Greetings from Argentina! Having an excellent time, very hot - lots and lots of fun. Just wanted to say to all of you thank you for making this year such a great one.
2007 what a year! The best bits? Well, let's see... Finishing my second album Skybound, launching it with an exhibition of my paintings at an art gallery, selling all the paintings!, having my song 'Better' in the brilliant film 'Run Fat Boy Run' and finally all the gigs we did, playing my tunes with my fab band to you fab people. Here's to 2008. Peace. TB.
PS - Find more news in the Blogs area, which I keep regularly updated. ";
blog_date[47] = "21/12/2007";
blog_title[48] = "Off to Argentina, 14th December";
blog_teaser[48] = "";
blog_id[48] = "1716523";
blog_text[48] = "Hola amigos
Am practicing my Spanish as am off to Argentina! Very excited about it all - am hoping to play a few gigs out there, so will try and beam back a little video blog if I can work out all the cables!
THANK YOU THANK YOU ONE AND ALL! If you bought the single - your support means so much to me, simple as that.
And - I am coming to a town near you very soon - I'm back out on the road in March CLICK HERE for info on the dates. I hope to see you there. I can't wait.
Hasta luego! (See you later - I think!)";
blog_date[48] = "14/12/2007";
blog_title[49] = "Led Zep";
blog_teaser[49] = "";
blog_id[49] = "1715792";
blog_text[49] = "Gobsmacked... went to see Led Zeppelin last night and was just blown away. Incredible atmosphere. A dream come true, being a little bit too young to have seen them first time round! On my MySpace is a very bad photo taken from my phone. A huge huge thank you for David Campbell for having me as his guest there. It was and will be a night to remember... now where did I put my double axled guitar and bow?!?";
blog_date[49] = "11/12/2007";
blog_title[50] = "At Abbey Road";
blog_teaser[50] = "";
blog_id[50] = "1714775";
blog_text[50] = "Yesterday was another fab day... I was at the 'World Famous' Abbey Road Studios re-recording my tune 'My Declaration' as the end song to the excellent new film Inkheart which comes out in March next year... I was lucky enough to go to a sneaky screening and I think you are all going to love it - Helen Mirren, Paul Bettany, Jim Broadbent, Andy Serkis - a stellar cast indeed - also the lead is played by a young girl called Eliza Bennett who joined me in the studio to record some vocals. It was a long day, but we had a lot of fun. In the Gallery is a photo of me with Eliza and the director Iain Softley.... We finished rather late, even later than Oasis who were in the studio next door!! Thanks again to all of you who have bought my single this week - I really truly appreciate it. And if you haven't yet - then please do!
More soon. TB";
blog_date[50] = "07/12/2007";
blog_title[51] = "Radio 2 festy";
blog_teaser[51] = "";
blog_id[51] = "1714772";
blog_text[51] = "So there I was putting the finishing touches to a song for a film, more of later, when I got the call... Mika is sick! Can I come down to the O2 venue and fill in for him at Radio 2's Music Club mini festival... Of course I said of course!, so spent a frantic few hours tracking down the band, battling traffic and procuring a Spanish guitar as mine was in the shop, but in the end we pulled it all together and had a great time, played 'Better' live on Chris Evans's show (top bloke) had a beer with KT and generally enjoyed myself with those lovely folks at Radio 2, and now to sleep, big day tomorrow.";
blog_date[51] = "06/12/2007";
blog_title[52] = "Well Folks";
blog_teaser[52] = "";
blog_id[52] = "1715319";
blog_text[52] = "It is almost that time of year...
Oh yes, we have waited a long time for this, but now it is nearly upon us... No ! Not the Christmas party season - but the release of my new single...
'Better' will be in all decent record shops, download sites ( and the odd supermarket ) today ! - there are a couple of choice B -sides on there that are already firm live favourites - 'Too Far Gone' and 'Love is Not Enough' - which should be good to get everyone going at the office party...
It has been a crazy last few weeks - King timekeeper Che and myself drove the length and breadth of this fair country playing at every radio station that would have us ! It was a bit exhausting, but we met some really great people along the way that made it all worth while... special thank you to the guys at Key 103 and the imitable Billy Sloan.
If you haven't been to my website for a while - there are a few surprises awaiting you - me and the guys at Charisma have been tinkering around in the back room to make it all new and shiny for you - lots to look at... www.tombaxter.com
We basically put everything we thought you might like up there, but if there is anything that you think is missing - then please let me know - you can email info@tombaxter.com ( yes it has all gone .com now too, but .co.uk will work for a while yet so we can all get used to it ! )
There are some special things that I want to be able to get to the true fans that have been out there for me through thick and thin - with this in mind - I thought a little competition to test your Baxter Trivia might be in order - click here to enter and join the exclusive inner sanctum - cunningly called... 'BAXTER HQ\"
Be in touch soon - enjoy the site and the music - We have made it 'Better'!
PEACE, TB";
blog_date[52] = "05/12/2007";
blog_title[53] = "Update from the road, 4th December";
blog_teaser[53] = "";
blog_id[53] = "1714769";
blog_text[53] = "Greetings - from the long and winding road... Have been visiting as many radio stations as possible over the last few weeks playing tunes and drinking endless cups of tea! There has been a great reaction to 'Better' all across the country and thank you to everybody who has requested the song - keep 'em coming!
...Back home now - good, apart from the fact that the plumbing in on the blink and it's freezing. Off to Paris this weekend to visit my little brother - we are hoping to do a gig together in a dark and dingy Parisian bar - as soon as I know where and when I will let you know...";
blog_date[53] = "04/12/2007";
blog_title[54] = "Tales from the Forest of Hope Tour";
blog_teaser[54] = "";
blog_id[54] = "1715312";
blog_text[54] = "Hello peeps, this is now day 9 on the 'Tales from the forest of hope tour'
we have just arrived in sheffield and have lumbered our gear into the venue, tumbled downstairs to the basement of the 'leadmill'
where i am sitting in almost pitch black with a very nessecary cup of tea!
Che (drums) the eternal optimist is sitting beside me ranting about CD jewel cases, the corruption of big buisness whilst swigging on a bottle of calsberg! whilst Max (piano) is fiddling with his hair which he has put up in a bun?
Inquring as to why - he replied 'it annoys him when it is down?' So I went on to ask... 'why have long hair then?'
and he shrugged (Max style!) it's cheaper?
So as you can see the depth of our backstage banter is really as vacuous as ever and so really nothing to write home about... but i am anyway as this is my blog???
I started of the tour by going to see the Police play in dublin with Che... this was one of my favourite bands as i was growing up
and i spent a large part of my teenage years working out almost all of their songs out... infact ...it was such an influence that if anyone has ever got their hands on the first 'Baxter' demo CD from years ago you will hear a few tracks with a drummer we played with for a number of years called Tim Ponting who was trained by Stewart Copeland himself and sounded just like him!!
We were right up at the front at the Police gig and getting to see one of the 'great three piece' bands back together was a special moment for me - even if Sting's trousers were just a little to tight!.
We went along with the Director of a film out at the moment called 'Kingdom' Peter... (somebody... can never remember names?)) he had a couple of massive body guards with him as apparently he is a terrorist threat and has had death threats? so never sat to close to him!! eeeekkkk
Anyway they all went back stage to meet Steward Copeland (who they were good friends with apparently) and returned to tell us that Stewart Copeland was commenting on how him and Sting simply just don't vibe together on stage and never lock in!
You would never Know? Sounded bloody great to me?
So here we are in Sheffield a week on.
We are all a bit knackered today as we had a storming gig in Leeds last night - the crowd were really up for it and welcomed us with smiles, cheers and lots of energy!!
We played really well apart from when i fell back into the drum kit and almost couldnt get up!! - next time i'm just gonna jump into them!!
We have had some cracking gigs along the way and as usual the crowds have been fantastic wherever we have been.
I have met some great characters after the shows all of which have told me their tales of what the gig meant to them or how they came to hear my music...
One couple (well - a brother and a sister actually!... no it's not a weired Irish thing ..... read on .....) told me in Dublin why the song \"better\" meant so much to them...
They explained that after many years they discovered they had a long lost half sister and having eventually found her, decided to throw a big party to welcome her into the family.
They were looking for a way to explain how they felt - and after hearing \"better on the radio\" (the brother) decided to work it out to play it to her round the dinner table when she came to stay!
I really liked the way that they had interpreted it in a different way...
... its a universal little ditty that song...
'Better' has been getting loads of airplay in Ireland as it is being released a month or two earlier over there so things so a lot of my time over their was spent doing early morning radio shows, TV appearances and Interviews and then gigs in the evenings. The Irish have been very good to me over the years and i owe them a lot of thanks for supporting me in such a generous way! 'Better' seems to be taking to people's hearts and many folk have told me they have had it playing at their weddings as a first dance..... You wouldn't believe how many weddings i've been invited to recently!
Unfortunately the 80 page book which we were hoping to sell on tour has still not been delivered to us yet. I am really looking forward to seeing it as i put a lot of time and energy into giving you all something in depth about me as an artist and songwriter.
I will be sold at a really affordable price and tells you a lot more about not only me, but also the band/ the making of the album/ the last 10 years of my journey/ the artwork/ photos/ place's we've played/ poems/ montage's ... and much more... I hope you like it.
Apart from that all is well on the Tom Baxter Tour... Tom Fry (bass) is experiencing his 10 days without the aid of mind altering drugs... i asked him why and he replied - 'well I've been waiting for the record company to buy me some?' - i think that he means me? Vashti (my sister) has been playing some great set's supporting me on tour and i think she is generally enjoying being surrounded by a load of nutty smelly men!!
They're a good ole bunch!!
I hope you are well.
see you soon.
Tom Baxter.";
blog_date[54] = "19/10/2007";
blog_title[55] = "BBC Live";
blog_teaser[55] = "";
blog_id[55] = "1715309";
blog_text[55] = "Anyone in London next Tuesday lunchtime?
Fancy coming to see me do a small and very intimate gig at the BBC...
I think there may even be sandwiches ! The first 5 people to reply will each get a pair of tickets... email info@tombaxter.co.uk
Hope to see you there ! TB.";
blog_date[55] = "27/09/2007";
blog_title[56] = "A great week!";
blog_teaser[56] = "";
blog_id[56] = "1715306";
blog_text[56] = "Current mood: cheerful :-)
Great week it has been - we had a brilliant trip to Ireland for the Cois Farrighe Festival in Kilkee - a brilliant crowd, great Guinness of course, and a very special mention to Hugh who runs the best hotel going - Morrisey's in Doonbeg - he treated us like kings... we hope to be going back there very soon...
Also thanks to all of you who came down to the little gig at St Barnabus Chapel - it was short but very sweet.
Lots on this week - a Napster session is in the pipeline, shooting a video - which we might need a little help from you guys with - if you are in London this weekend - please email - info@tombaxter.co.uk and we will be in touch with more info... sorry to be so vague - but it is top secret !
Cheers. TB.";
blog_date[56] = "17/09/2007";
blog_title[57] = "Blog update";
blog_teaser[57] = "";
blog_id[57] = "1715481";
blog_text[57] = "Great week it has been - we had a brilliant trip to Ireland for the Cois Farrighe Festival in Kilkee
A brilliant crowd, great Guinness of course, and a very special mention to Hugh who runs the best hotel going - Morrisey's in Doonbeg - he treated us like kings... we hope to be going back there very soon...
Also thanks to all of you who came down to the little gig at St Barnabus Chapel - it was short but very sweet.
Lots on this week - a Napster session is in the pipeline, shooting a video - which we might need a little help from you guys with - if you are in London this weekend - please email info@tombaxter.co.uk and we will be in touch with more info... sorry to be so vague - but it is top secret!
Cheers. TB";
blog_date[57] = "17/09/2007";
blog_title[58] = "Films, new deals and all my news!";
blog_teaser[58] = "";
blog_id[58] = "1715303";
blog_text[58] = "Hi all...
Well what a couple of weeks it has been - went to the premiere of the brilliant new film 'Run Fat Boy Run' which my song 'Better' is in... It was great -Simon Pegg is very funny and it has been directed by the excellent David Schwimmer from Friends... Thoroughly recommend it !
On an even more exciting note...
\"....I am genuinely very pleased to announce that I have gone into partnership with the excellent Charisma Records. I have so enjoyed making this album Skybound,-- and, of course,-- creating the canvases that go with it,-- that I felt it was time to try and get as many people to hear my music as possible - and by working with Charisma, I know that is going to happen. They totally get what I am trying to do-- - how I want to express myself creatively and that makes me very happy !-- So here is to long and fun time for us all ! \"
Can't wait for the tour in October - tickets are selling really well - we have had to add a third London show ! So if you haven't got yours yet, grab 'em while they're hot ! www.tombaxter.co.uk/live/
Have you seen my 3 ( yes ! 3 ) different videos for the single 'Better' which is released on the 29th October - 3 amazing groups of children all took time out of the summer hols and came up with some brilliant results - you can vote for your favourite here.... www.myspace.com/tombaxter
tb
And finally...
...the album will be available everywhere from November 12th - online at my shop, at record shops, iTunes, at the supermarket etc etc. Spread the word !
Have a great weekend – tb";
blog_date[58] = "12/09/2007";
blog_title[59] = "Interviews and going live again...";
blog_teaser[59] = "";
blog_id[59] = "1715300";
blog_text[59] = "Hello it's Tom here...
I thought it about time I wrote y'all a little blog to bring you all up to speed with Baxter world!
I've just got back today after having a busy day which started with a Johnnie Walker session for Radio 2 this morning where I played 3 songs and had a good ole chat. (The session will be on air on July the 29th...)
The tracks I played were:
'Skybound', 'Better' & 'Love Is Not Enough'
Johnnie had got in contact with me after hearing the new song - 'Better' and was keen to support my cause...
(some of you may remember I did one of his drivetime sessions about 2 years ago which seemed to go down well?)
I have to say Johnnie really is one of the great English DJs ... and I was touched by the way he genuinely supported my record and fully caught on to the way i have gone to get things going independently...
Doing a session where the DJ genuinly LOVES and understands the true value of music is the best!... I mean his knowledge of stuff going on is superb... He's a very top man in my humble estimations!
Following Johnnie's session I went on to do a Private Showcase @ the Apple iTunes building in Regent St (where we have had the TEN 3ft x 3ft Skybound Artwork Canvases on display for the last couple of months)
It was an intimate event with the crew from the building taking a 30 min breather from their computers and hopefully I gave them a chance to switch off for at least a few minutes...
The're a good bunch and have also been increasingly supportive with this new record!
Other stuff that's coming up are:
· My Solo tour is starting this Sat 14th July 2007. - at Latitude festival - actually the band will be there for that one....I have to say I am really looking forward to getting out there to play to some of you again - it's been too long since I've been able to get out and around the country and I'm really looking forward to doing a more intimate show with just my brother Charlie Winston on piano (who will also be supporting) and Oli Langford on violin.
more news to come soon... See you on the open road!
love tb.";
blog_date[59] = "13/07/2007";
blog_title[60] = "Hanging out at the Gallery";
blog_teaser[60] = "";
blog_id[60] = "1715297";
blog_text[60] = "Well - what a great night we had on Tuesday launching the album
it went really well - we have sold some of the canvases and also had the great news that the exhibition is going into the Apple Store on Regents Street in London after here for a few weeks....
If you are in London this weekend - please do come in to say hi at the gallery ( 144 Kensington Church St, W8 ) - It has been brilliant this week with people popping in, meeting people who enjoy my music is what makes me enjoy my music!
If not, hope to see you on tour this July...
Cheers, TB";
blog_date[60] = "02/06/2007";
blog_title[61] = "Skybound - New Album.. OUT NOW!!";
blog_teaser[61] = "";
blog_id[61] = "1715291";
blog_text[61] = "Current mood: excited
This day has been a long time coming, but am very happy to say that you can now buy my new album Skybound, on iTunes, with an exclusive digital booklet - or from my website - www.tombaxter.co.uk to get a numbered limited edition sent direct to your front door ! I will be out on tour in July - dates on the myspace. Looking forward to playing the tunes and hopefully meeting some of my new myspace mates. thank you for your support. you rock ! TB. X";
blog_date[61] = "28/05/2007";
blog_title[62] = "Exhibition Opens Today!!";
blog_teaser[62] = "";
blog_id[62] = "1715294";
blog_text[62] = "Current mood: creative...
So - finally the exhibition opens today - it has been a hectic time, but think we are there - to all you that are able to come in this week, look forward to seeing you - and for those that can't hope you like what you see on the site...
The album is being pressed up as I write this... very exciting indeed.
Must dash - got to go hang some art ! TB x";
blog_date[62] = "28/05/2007";
blog_title[63] = "EXHIBITION/ALBUM";
blog_teaser[63] = "";
blog_id[63] = "1715282";
blog_text[63] = "Hello there to you all
Am just putting the finishing touches to the 10 canvases that I will be exhibiting in London from May 30th - June 4th They represent the 10 tracks on the new album - 'Skybound'. The gallery will be open every day from 11am - 7pm - the address is the Richard Dennis Gallery, 144 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4BN. Nearest tube is Notting Hill Gate.If you can't make it, I will be showing them on my website as well - but not until the 29th May . www.tombaxter.co.uk.
Also - you can preorder the new album
http://www.townsend-records.co.uk/tom+baxter
or wait to download it from itunes, release date the 4th June....
Its all happening!
Enjoy - TB.
";
blog_date[63] = "13/05/2007";
blog_title[64] = "HAPPY EASTER";
blog_teaser[64] = "";
blog_id[64] = "1715279";
blog_text[64] = "Just on my way up to the High Tide Festival in Suffolk
Looking forward to playing tonight...
Have just added some more dates - opening up for the one and only Maria McKee. And then will be doing my own dates in July.
Album should be with you all by the end of May - Enjoy the weekend. Cheers, TB
";
blog_date[64] = "07/04/2007";