Sometimes change creeps up on you while sometimes it explodes inches away from your eyes. The Dots experienced the latter in this, the 30th year, when first Martijn opted to step out, and then Niels followed suit.
The good news is that Erik Drost has rejoined the Dots on guitar, and for the first time since 1989, the band will be playing as a trio onstage with Raymond remaining behind the controls at the mixing board.
In fairness Martijn had been indicating for some time that he needed to find a more stable income, as nobody can argue that times have become much tougher for every small band in the last few years.
However Niels’ decision was surprising, but it can be that the occasionally rough circumstances the Dots encountered on the last tour represented a step too far. It was hard – EUROPE as a whole is very hard now.
Attempts to play in even the cities which have always guaranteed large crowds have come to nothing (Stockholm? Strasbourg?), and it may be the point when we will call time on longer tours of this continent.
Happily the shows slated for April ARE going ahead, although there remains a disturbing gap where Greek shows should be, and we do hope for some positive news sometime in March.
Beyond April, The Dots have a one-off in Amsterdam planned for 14th May, while a Polish festival appearance (July) and a concert in Moscow (September) should also go ahead.
It goes without saying that we wish Martijn and Niels success and joy in all their projects in the future. Meanwhile some serious sessions are taking place in this new line-up and after the shock there is a feeling of real excitement once more.
LEGENDARY PINK DOTS 30th Anniversary Tour – PART 2
Remember to always check our tour schedule for updated information.
2 Apr Brussels, B ………………………..Botanique
7 Apr Frankfurt, D…………………………das Bett
8 Apr Prague, CZ………………………….Jazzdock
9 Apr Breclav, CZ
10 Apr Lomnice nad Papelkou, CZ……..Aion
11 Apr Kosice, SK………………………….Tabacka Kulturfabrik
13 Apr Budapest (tbc)
14 Apr Cluj, RO……………………………..Irish Music Pub
15 Apr Bucharest, RO………………………Club Controle
17 Apr Thessalonika, GR (tbc)
18 Apr Athens, GR (tbc)
21 Apr Roma, I………………………………Init
22 Apr Torino, I……………………………….Union Club
24 Apr Geneva, CH………………………….L’Usine
14 May Amsterdam, NL……………………..Wilhelmina Pakhuis
If you can help with plugging those gaps, please contact Edward at: l_khata@yahoo.com
A full USA/Canada Tour is scheduled to begin in Vancouver BC on October 15.
NEW RELEASES
Plenty of news here as The Dots launch the second wave of CDRs for their 30th Anniversary actions. All are now in stock and ready to order.
Ordering Instructions (scroll to bottom of page)
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS /ANY DAY NOW – THE SECRETS (TOQ CDR)
From 1987 and the last recordings made by the band on British soil. A real find in a box of dusty cassettes. Unheard sessions, ideas, miniatures and a colossal demo of “True love”. Sound has been lovingly enhanced as we want it to be more than a document. Price: 13.50 Euros plus postage.
THE SILVERMAN / ELEMENTAL (TOQ CDR)
Floating in a pool that stretches far beyond that wistful horizon where the orange sun spreads instead of simply setting. And the memories stand to attention and blow tender kisses. One of those places you do not want to leave, and why should you anyhow? 13.50 Euros plus postage
EDWARD KA-SPEL & ALENA BOYKOVA / RED SKY AT NIGHT (TOQ CDR)
An hour in the company of Edward and Alena in a landscape that begins with desolation and finishes in, well, paradise. Five lovingly recorded, meticulously finished pieces from the last 2 years. 13.50 Euros plus postage.
THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS – Live 1991 DVD-R
Filmed with one camera in LPDs home town of Nijmegen. Hugely nostalgic (one of Martijn’s first shows) and very wild and intimidating at a time when “Maria Dimension” was new. Consider this as a companion release to “The Maria Sessions”. 15 Euros plus postage.
THE TEAR GARDEN – Have a Nice Trip (CD)
Now finished and primed for production in the near future. Songs composed and recorded in Los Angeles early in 2008. A sumptuous audio rollercoaster. 20 Euros plus postage.
EDWARD KA-SPEL – Trapped in Amber (LP)
Limited Vinyl only release from EK on the Dutch Plinkity Plonk label. Colourful and precious, a natural follow-up to “Painted River of Regrets”. 20 Euros plus postage.
EDWARD KA-SPEL – Dream Loops (CD)
Originally planned as a CDR release on TEKA, it was decided to make it a silver disc on Beta-Lactam Ring Records after a chat between Edward and Chris at the label. All proceeds go towards a a good cause (go to www.blrrecords.com for full details). 15 euros plus postage and packing.
NEW COMPILATIONS FEATURING LEGENDARY PINK DOTS AND MEMBERS OF THE BAND
TWISTED CABARET
Absolutely delightful collection featuring The Dots, Dresden Dolls, The Residents, Baby Dee and a brilliant side-splitting song from Tiger Lillies.
Available from : www.volvoxmusic.com. The Dots’ song “Man or Mouse” is exclusive to this compilation.
We have just a few copies so please contact us first if you wish to order. It costs 15 Euros plus postage and packing and comes with a promotional video featuring The Dots and live version of “The Wedding” with Edward Ka-Spel, The Silverman, and Amanda Palmer.
KORM PLASTICS 25th ANNIVERSARY CASSETTE
A cassette release from long term LPDs friend Frans de Waard which features exclusive pieces from Edward Ka-Spel and The The Silverman. Also features Z’ev, Illusion of Safety, Idea Fire Company and a host of others.
Order from Korm Plastics directly at: www.kormplastics.nl
VARIOUS ARTISTS – MOM
An excellent compilation from Beta Lactam Ring Records featuring an exclusive track from LPDs, as well as contributions from Nurse With Wound, Nadja, Andrew Liles, Troum and many others. All proceeds go to a very good cause… For more information contact: www.blrrecords.com. – From us it costs 15 Euros plus postage.
BACK IN STOCK!!
THE TEAR GARDEN – The Secret Experiment (CD)
A handful in the cupboard. 20 Euros plus postage.
Ordering Instructions (scroll to bottom of page)
LINKS
LOVE AND LOUD COLOURS – The lyrics of Edward Ka-Spel
We’d like to bring your attention to www.loveandloudcolours.com… this is a website dedicated to Edward Ka-Spel’s book of lyrics which was released a few years ago. The site has been updated and visitors will find a section where Edward reveals the origins for many of his outpourings.
Worth mentioning again – Long term Pink Dots’ friend Eric Lanzilotta of Anomalous Records has opened an excellent new music shop in Seattle. Music lovers should check this out. Here is a description in Eric’s own words…
Dissonant Plane is a record store selling experimental, avant garde classical, psychedelic rock, drone, electroacoustic, free improv, noise, weird soundtracks, out rock, ambient, free jazz, metal (black, death, heavy, speed, power, thrash, symphonic, doom, gothic, experimental, grindcore, industrial, brutal death, viking, folk, noodlecore, avante, patriotic, electronic, shred, progressive, “deathphonic”, dark, satanic, religious, hateful,…) vinyl, compact discs, videos, books, and tapes.
BEAUTIFUL THINGS THAT CAME OUR WAY
Watch this space for new entries in months to come. Meanwhile we direct you to previous newsletters for precious pearls in this series.
