Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Reflections on life in the UK in 2006


Reflections on life in the UK in 2006

I recently wrote an article on the PR disasters in the UK in 2006 which prompted me to reflect on how 2006 affected the UK population generally.

Several things occurred to me as key issues: the ongoing saga of the war in Iraq, Muslim terrorists in our midst, water shortages and the unwelcome invasion by Poland. Here is a brief reflection of those issues – I will keep if short because otherwise it might be seen as some rant by a deranged left-winger, which I certainly am not!

Let me start by underlining what an amazing place the UK is to live and work. But, our tolerant and genuinely welcoming nature has been taken advantage of.

Our politicians took us into a war in Iraq largely to support our American cousins. The talk of weapons of mass destruction was a smokescreen for securing oil long term so as to stabilise the global economy; but there is even a case to make for that it was just that lying is not our way of life.

It is possible that the Americans actually had intelligence that those weapons existed. But, if so, then their incompetence is staggering. If not, then they lied. Either way, they dragged the UK into the war with them.

But, from a UK citizen’s perspective, the inefficiency of government departments of getting us into an unwelcome war is overshadowed by the fact that we sent our troops into the field with equipment that wasn’t readily available, didn’t work or was unsuitable. Stories of soldiers being killed, whose lives could have been saved had they not had to lend their safety equipment to others going out on patrol, beggars belief.

This war has sparked off a major menace here in the UK. The Muslim terrorist is a well known phenomenon world-wide, 2006 saw the development of home-grown British Muslims training to be bombers and suicide bombers. This has resulted in a deep mistrust of the whole Muslim community by ordinary people and intolerance.

The courts have had to try cases where Muslim women wanting to go about their work covering themselves completely in black, except for an eye slit. I have to say that I do not want my child being taught by someone dressed like something out of “Star Wars”.

Even in my home town on Basingstoke, a lovely town in which to live, there was a fire bomb attack on the local mosque. This would have been unimaginable just a few years ago!

Let’s now turn to water shortages. Readers from abroad who have visited our green and pleasant land will now that the green fields and hedgerows stay green because of the regular rain. So, the government sit back and let the water supply companies, now largely owned by foreign corporations, put our prices up at the same time as turning a blind eye to them letting thousands and thousand of gallons pour away in leaks in the pipe work. Because global warming is changing our climate, we are having less rain so instead of sorting out the leaks, the water suppliers threaten to cut off supply and put up stand pipes in the street. In the meantime, they ban us watering our gardens or washing our cars. There is no national grid of water pipes to transfer water from areas well supplied to those less adequately supplied, but the authorities talk about piping in water from abroad!

Finally, I come to the Polish invasion. I voted for Tony Blair’s government in each of the last two elections so I feel particularly let down by them. Many people warned them that, when Poland was admitted to the European Union which then allowed their citizens free access to any member country, we would be deluged by Polish immigrants seeking work. Germany, for example, realised this and set limits on the numbers coming into their country,

Our incompetent government assured us that this wouldn’t happen here. 345,000 of Eastern Bloc immigrants have piled over the border.

345,000!

Yes, this is a staggering number. So, what is the impact? It is horrendous. The Polish are in huge numbers in every town. Every shop you go in has Polish staff serving you; some have a reasonable command of English but many just scrape through and you have to struggle to make yourself understood. In factories, many are employed who speak no English at all and cannot mix with their fellow English workers making for divided groups of employees.

They have taken a hold of the rented accommodation making it difficult for local people to find places to rent. They have taken most of the lower paid work leaving English people struggling for work. And, because their way of life is so different – they have no concept of customer care or saying “please” or “thank you” they can be so rude. And they drive round in untaxed and uninsured cars because the driver cannot be charged as it would not be possible to enforce fines or convictions when they give their address, which who knows might even be fictitious, in Poland.

Headline Promotions, Press & PR which my PR consultancy here in the UK, was asked to arrange a series of events for a nightclub for the Polish community. The local Council, aware of problems with the large numbers of Polish immigrants in the area, promised to put some money into this to try and get them together. But, the Police advised against the idea. They said that large groups of Polish men already get together in town centres, drink excessively and then either fight amongst themselves or pick fights with innocent groups of English party-goers. Nice!

So, what is the UK government’s solution to this problem? They are opening the floodgates for hundreds of thousand of Bulgarians to come into the UK when Bulgaria enters the European Union. Other countries are imposing limits but ours isn’t. Yes, you could not even make this up.

If I were a betting man, I would put a few pounds on a civil backlash, for sure, before the Polish flag (pictured) is flying over much of the UK!

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Even Christmas is a PR opportunity

In my Christmas e-mail inbox, was an electronic Christmas card from David Seall of EEF South (formerly known as the Engineering Employers' Federation Southern regional office).

You can view this by clicking here.

This was accompanied by a personal e-mail from David, EEF South's dynamic Chief Executive, which said that the organisation was sending this personal greeting with the electronic Christmas card. The money saved was being donated to the local childrens' hospice.

What a great PR coup with social benefits thrown in! It was such a good idea that I wished to share it with you.

And, may I take this opportunity to wish all readers the very best for 2007.

With all good wishes,
John


John Hicks
Managing Director
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Basingstoke
England

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Your chance to break into the music scene


IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
18th December 2006.



Your chance to break into the music scene

Hampshire songwriter Matt Elwood is inviting local singing talent to audition for the opportunity to record some of his extensive collection of songs at an open audition to be held at The Academy Basingstoke on the evening of Saturday 27th January.

John Hicks, general manager of The Academy said, “We are excited about this opportunity to not only help a young songwriter who clearly has a future in the music industry but maybe help someone to launch their singing career.”

“On the evening of Saturday 27th we will be also hosting our monthly cash prize karaoke competition. That is a lot of fun but the cash prizes attract some great local talent so that, even if customers do not wish to sing along, this is a great evening’s entertainment. Admission is a nominal £2.” added John.

However, the open audition adds a new dimension to the evening, as Matt is seeking to find some raw talent with whom we can develop a good working relationship to enable him to promote his songs to the music industry.

As Matt explains “This is will be a great experience for any singer I can work with. As well as being paid for the sessions, their voice will be heard within the industry as I work on developing opportunities for my songs to be recorded by established and upcoming artists”. Matt describes his work as introspective, reflective songs.

Full details of the venue are available on The Academy website (http://www.academyclubs.com/ or by telephoning John on 01256 327273.

Aspiring singers who are unable to make the 27th are invited to submit a demo CD to Matt Elwood, c/o The Academy, Worting Road, Basingstoke RG22 5EE or they can contact John to arrange a separate audition.



ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Sports Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant. Live music forms an integral part of the entertainment at Basingstoke with live bands and/or DJ entertainment every Friday and Saturday 8pm – 2am.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).

Matt Elwood lives in Petersfield but works as a Property Developer throughout Hampshire. His passion for songwriting goes back to his youth and he has an extensive portfolio of work. Public reaction to his work has been very favourable and he is encouraged by the response. Having taken professional advice, he now seeks a singer to take record some demonstration tracks for him to present to the music industry.


Media enquiries to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com


Photo of Robert Lamberti at his George Michael Tribute Show at The Academy Basingstoke, December 2006. Photo courtesy of Simon Harbinson

New Year means great new line up at The Academy Basingstoke


IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
18th December 2006.



New Year means great new line up at The Academy Basingstoke

Basingstoke’s premiere over-25’s sports and live entertainment venue, The Academy in Worting Road, has announced an exciting programme of events for January ‘07.


The popular Country Music Nights hosted by CMR Nashville’s Lee Williams, which are steadily attracting larger numbers of customers, are moving from its Wednesday nights slot to Friday nights. John Hicks, general manager of The Academy said, “Because the country shows feature a wide range from country rock through to gentle ballads, they appeal to a wide audience who may not even realise they are listening to country music. Add in some regular bands and Friday nights makes The Academy the place for over-25’s to find some terrific entertainment.”

On Tuesday 2nd January, The Academy is hosting a New Year’s Eve II Party for staff of local pubs, clubs, restaurants and taxi companies who had to work all over the festive season. Their opportunities to party would have been restricted and The Academy is inviting them to a late New Year’s Eve party of their own. Admission is £2.

On Saturday 6th, a Robbie Williams tribute show, with “Millennium” who have been featured on many television shows, will be live on stage. This will attract many Robbie fans but will appeal to anyone who loves live music. Tickets are £5 and are available on-line at www.academyclubs.com.

Saturday 13th sees the venue’s first “Northern Soul Night” with special guest DJ Danny Dee who recently set a new world record for the longest continuous live DJ performance in a club. His 120 hour record will seem miniscule as he entertains people from 8pm to 2am, a mere 5 hours! Admission is only £2.

Local DJ Ivan Axford joins the line-up on Saturday 20th when his ever-popular Motown, Soul and 70’ & 80’s music show will be featured. Admission is £2 and the show runs from 8pm to 2am.

Friday 26th January sees a very special band on stage when Alan Tyler and “The Lost Sons of Littlefield” are live on stage for the launch of their new album. There has been considerable interest from the country music industry in this event and their show at The Academy is being recorded for later broadcast worldwide on CMR Nashville Radio (www.cmrnashville.net).


“On the evening of Saturday 27th January, we will be also hosting our monthly cash prize karaoke competition. That is a lot of fun but the cash prizes attract some great local talent so that, even if customers do not wish to sing along, this is a great evening’s entertainment.” added John.

“However, this month the karaoke night includes a unique opportunity for local singing talent to break into the music industry, as local songwriter Matt Elwood is seeking to find some raw talent with whom we can develop a good working relationship to enable him to promote his songs to the music industry.”

“As Matt himself explains, this is will be a great experience for any singer he can work with. As well as being paid for the sessions, their voice will be heard within the industry as Matt works on developing opportunities for his extensive portfolio of songs to be recorded by established and upcoming artists. Matt describes his work as introspective, reflective songs.” John said.

Full details of the venue are available on The Academy website (www.academyclubs.com or by telephoning John on 01256 327273.



ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(www.academyclubs.com).

Matt Elwood lives in Petersfield but works as a Property Developer throughout Hampshire. His passion for songwriting goes back to his youth and he has an extensive portfolio of work. Public reaction to his work has been very favourable and he is encouraged by the response. Having taken professional advice, he now seeks a singer to take record some demonstration tracks for him to present to the music industry.

To hear some tracks from Alan Tyler and The Lost Sons of Littlefield, go to:
http://www.myspace.com/alantylerandthelostsonsoflittlefield



Media enquiries to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com


PHOTO OF RECENT GEORGE MICHAEL TRIBUTE SHOW NIGHT AT THE ACADEMY BASINGSTOKE IS COURTESY OF SIMON HARBINSON

Friday, December 15, 2006

80's pop legends "Modern Romance" announce Basingstoke live show



IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
14th December 2006.



80's pop legends "Modern Romance" announce Basingstoke live show

The Academy family entertainment centre in Basingstoke is featuring the 1980’s pop legends MODERN ROMANCE live on stage on Saturday 2nd June 2007.

Andy Kyriacou, lead singer of Modern Romance (pictured left with John Hicks) said, “We are excited about coming to Basingstoke. The Academy is a unique venue with snooker, pool, sports bar, restaurant, functions room, DJ entertainment and live music, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. But, for us, it is one of the most exciting live music venues in the south of England and we are pleased to be part of the 2007 line-up.”

The 1980’s pop legends “Modern Romance” had hits with such songs as “Everybody Salsa”, Don’t Stop That Crazy Rhythm” and “Best Years of our Lives” which was featured in the movie “Shrek”.

They had huge success around the world. Andy explained: “In Thailand, where they had a number one in the charts for 6 weeks, and Japan our music was extremely well-received and videos of live shows were huge hits.” In the UK, Modern Romance had eight Top 20 hits and two Top 40 albums.

Andy has featured in a number of TV shows in recent years and the Band have been shown in the popular Top of The Pops II series. When it was announced that the BBC were axing the TOTP Show, Andy was in great demand for radio interviews regretting the BBC’s decision and the BBC themselves used his quotes on their website.

Modern Romance have yet to announce their full 2007 schedule which will undoubtedly include holiday camps 80’s revival shows and the band are in discussion with a show promoter interested in a UK Theatre Tour. In the meantime, contracts have been signed for the appearance at The Academy Basingstoke.

Full details of this and other original artists appearing in 2007 alongside their popular tribute band shows are available on The Academy website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) which is updated regularly or by telephoning John Hicks, General Manager, on 01256 327273.


ENDS



Note to Editors


There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).

Further details of Modern Romance can be found at http://www.modern-romance.com/ – we are researching details of their worldwide hits in advance of publication of Andy Kyriacou’s book, based on his 1980’s diaries, but the interim results are as follows:

Discography – Listing of Territories & Hits
Venezuela No.1 album (gold) ("Adventures in Clubland")UK – Gold Album – Party Tonight.U.K. - 8 Top Twenty hits
UK - 2 Top 40 albums
UK – Warner Records released a “Platinum Collection” compilation CD October 2006
New York - Award for Best New Dance Track ("Can You Move")Thailand No.1 Single (Walking In The rain"). Album (Unknown Position)Spain - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position, but very high - major tv appearances)Italy - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position, but very high - major tv appearances)Germany - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position)Holland - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position - major tv appearances)Sweden - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position - major tv appearances)Belgium - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position - major tv appearances)Norway - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position - major tv appearances)Cyprus - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position)Greece - Various hits. Album (Unknown Position)All of the above European countries visited repeatedly during 3 tours of Europe.

The Far East was visited at a time when the band were No. 1 in Thailand, and a video of the live show was recorded in Japan, where the band also had a huge following. The video was released as Modern Romance - "Live in Tokyo". We have yet to ascertain how well it sold, in this or any other country. We are presently following this matter up.






Media enquiries to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

CMR Nashville Radio announces Christmas schedule


PRESS RELEASE:

CMR Nashville Radio announces Christmas schedule

Now after only two weeks from officially launching, CMR Nashville & CMR Hot are pleased to announce their special Christmas broadcast schedule for the festive period.

A full schedule is available on their website http://www.cmrnashville.net/

Highlights for the Christmas Holidays include …..

Christmas Day - Lunchtime special with Sir Cliff Richard interviewed by CMR Nashville’s Paul Davis and playing his favourite Christmas songs. Noon – 1.30pm (GMT) and repeated 6pm, 12 midnight.

Christmas Eve – Christmas with Reba McEntire – 6 hours of the best Xmas Country songs hosted by one of the top female country singers at 6pm, repeated at midnight and again on Christmas Day at 6pm.

Boxing Day – The legendary Pat Boone joins Paul Davis with a 2 hour special talking about Christmas and playing his favourite music. This is at 12 noon and is repeated 6 pm and midnight.

Boxing Day – Another legend George Hamilton IV + Tony Goodacre, who will both be appearing live on stage at The Academy Basingstoke on Friday 28th September 2007, join Stuart Cameron for an hour special talking about their 50 years in the business and playing their favourite songs. This is at 2 pm and repeated at 8pm and 2 am.

Boxing Day – “Dolly Parton at home” – an hour of great Christmas music and chat 4 pm and repeated 10pm.

Other Christmas shows include specials from Wes Davis, Lee Williams, Colin Roke, Richard Alen, Gail Comfort and Brigid Coady. For full schedule visit http://www.cmrnashville.net/

On Wednesday 27th December CMR Nashville are holding their Christmas Party at The Academy Basingstoke from 8pm with Easy-Rider + guests, Lee Williams and other CMR Nashville DJs. Tickets priced only £5.00 are available at the door.

All times quoted are British GMT.

CMR Nashville and CMR Hot available 24/7 on the Internet and now Internet Radios just a click away. For more information contact Lee Williams lee@cmrnashville.net Tel: 0845 8901 913 or 07956 888587

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Nightclub marketing at the sharp end!














Nightclub marketing at the sharp end!
By John Hicks
Headline Promotions, Press & PR



Sometimes, if you want to promote your business, you just have to throw a shed load of money at a PR event.

Recently, a nightclub and sports venue wishing to re-invent itself, did just that. They hosted a show with Spike Edney and his SAS Band supported by an amazing array of stars – Paul Young, Madeline Bell, Jeff Scott Sotto and Tom Robinson.

The SAS band itself comprises some of the finest musicians from some of the greatest bands of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s from Genesis to Whitesnake and 10CC. Spike himself was Freddie Mercury’s keyboard player from “Queen” and performed at “Live Aid”.

The venue, The Academy Basingstoke, is creating a reputation as THE home of live music in the south of England. It’s current licence gives it a capacity of 580 but actually has sufficient space to expand to at least 1,200 and more. The owners have already some a lot of money refurbishing it but have exciting plans for 2007 – this is a huge venue and it will take time and investment. The niche market it is aiming at is the over 25’s on a night out. The nightclubs, themed bars and down-market pubs cater for the under 25’s but they bring the problems of binge drinking – fights, drugs and social disorder – with them.

But there is a problem for The Academy. Estate agents say that the three prime factors with buying and selling property are: location, location and location. All other factors are secondary.

The Academy is located at the back of an industrial estate down an uneven road on the outskirts of Basingstoke. Basingstoke itself is a brilliant location being strategically placed near to the main M3 and M4 motorways only twenty minutes from the M25. But being on an industrial estate does not create the ideal image. The cost of taxi fares across town will not help either.

Having said that, it isn’t in the town centre where all the fights and social problems are to be found at the end of the evening. Not that I want to leave you with the image that Basingstoke is any worse than many large towns – this is a social problem which affects British society and is one that will not be cured until a government finds the courage to put the minimum drinking age up to 21 – it is the under 21’s who are the problem!

So, from a marketing and PR point of view what is the prime objective for the venue? It is to encourage people to come and see what you have to offer and why they should travel out of the town centre for a night out. This is nightclub marketing at the sharp end!

The Academy has a vibrant programme of live music events as well as its core business of being a pool and snooker hall. This attracts a number of people and, as word of mouth spreads the message, the numbers are growing. But that is a slow process so they went for “big bang”.

Spike Edney, the SAS Band, Toyah Willcox, Paul Young, Madeline Bell, Chris Thompson, Jeff Scott Sotto, Tom Robinson is, by any definition, big bang! Big bucks too!

So, did it work? Yes it did. The media coverage was superb with radio and newspaper coverage being extensive. This created a buzz around town as people were talking about the event in coffee shops, McDonalds and in the shops. Staff at The Academy would have people come up to them in the street asking what was happening and people were phoning in for details whilst the website, www.academyclubs.com, was receiving massive numbers of hits every day.

We have an expression in the UK: “You have to speculate to accumulate”. Put simply, sometimes you must risk some money to try and secure a return in the long term. The Academy have put their money and energies into this event to put themselves on the map.

Luckily, the event planning and execution was superb. That was the biggest risk. The huge drawing power of the musicians was enough to attract people’s attention but it would have failed if the event was poorly organised and delivered – but it wasn’t.

Details - like having road signs on roundabouts for people out of town and car park attendants to direct people to parking spaces through to having enough staff on duty to keep the bars running smoothly and glasses off the dance floor – made this a memorable event.

Poor planning would have ruined this event but it didn’t happen that way and I am sure that the reinvigorated Academy Basingstoke will be a huge success.

I cannot wait for the next event but, from a sneaky look at their calendar of events for 2007, my highlights for next year are Jack Smink in February with his tribute to Elvis show, 80’s pop legends “Modern Romance” in June and the legendary country music star George Hamilton IV in September.

In the meantime, I have my memories of meeting Toyah, Paul Young and the lovely Madeline Bell, whom I remembered from “Blue Mink”, but whose stunning performance on the stage at The Academy will be etched on my memory for ever!