After a friend’s recent death, Xiaoxinyiyi’s frontman Michael Herd organized the Rock vs Cancer fundraiser with proceeds going to the Bobby Moore fund, a bowel cancer trust. Nine bands will rock two stages at MAO Livehouse this Saturday on April 26 and Herd gave us a preview of the event.
Why did you decide to organize the "Rock vs Cancer" concert and where do proceeds go?
The idea behind this gig is as both a fundraiser and a tribute to my good friend and one time bandmate Stewart Smith who died last year of bowel cancer at the age of only 28. He was a really close friend of mine who shared more or less the same musical interest as me. Being an expat abroad, there was no way I was able to fly home for his funeral and I feel guilty that I wasn't really able to be around him during his final months. So this is how I hope to make up for that and also try to make it an annual thing as music was his big love too. The proceeds will be donated to the Booby Moore fund, a trust for bowel cancer based in the UK which Stewart was a big patron of.
There will be nine bands playing over 2 stages at MAO Livehouse. How is that going to work?
We'll start things early, so doors will open 7.30pm. Each band will be given a half hour slot and 7 of those bands will be on the main stage - I wanted to give priority to some of the bands who I know have yet to play Mao to be on the big stage. This should wrap up by 12.15 which then will lead onto the final 2 acts playing at "Little Mao" carrying the after party until doors close at 2am.
Was it hard to get bands to participate and could you give a few words are for each of the participating bands?
Not really - I had bands in mind who I specifically wanted to invite and what I did later was put a general invite out on my we chat moments for others to come forward, which is how I got at least 3 or 4 of them involved. The bands are:
T n Ace: Classic blues rock covers fronted by long term expats in Shanghai, whose base is SUS 2 Bar in Changning. Expect modern twists on Elvis, Stones and Clapton from these seasoned veterans to bring in those looking for something familiar.
Xiaoxinyiyi: Glam, Power Pop and Punk infused in one. Get ready for some new material and high energy songs to bounce along to.
The Other: Newcomers to the scene, drone and experimental music is all the rage with brilliant dynamics to keep you engaged.
En Route: Emo punk pop: excellent stage presence and anthemic singalong songs with loud maestro guitars backing it up.
Wheel of Fortune: Rock chicks with attitude, who have catchy songs and excellent growls!
Orange: Chinese Oasis covers act - authentic and beautifully crafted. Expect many of the classics to be played such as 'Champagne Supernova', 'Rock n Roll star' and 'Don't Look back in anger'.
The Cleft: As I described in my blog, the coolest kids in town. Powerful vocals, melodies and a love of Muse makes for this almost all girl band to be a favourite.
The Spondees: Seasoned maestros in blues rock who continue to get tighter and tighter with every weekly gig they do.
Limousine: Solid rock and singalong songs from these relative newcomers with a growing fanbase locally. I tip them for big things.
Xiaoxinyiyi will be playing as well. Have you started recording the record and if so, how are sessions going?
Yep we started recording last month and the sessions have gone extremely well. We are almost finished the tracking and the album should be ready for release in September. We have chosen to call it PM 250 and are working with Acid Pony Club for engineering, mixing and mastering and is being recorded at 72 Studio.
Do you have anything else to add?
This event is unique, not only in terms of line up, but in terms of cause. This is not a typical band night and we are hoping to appeal to as many people to come out there, even if they don't usually come and see live music. It is an excellent cause, and with the maximum ticket price costing 80rmb, that's still less than 10rmb per act and all money made will go to the Bobby Moore fund to fight bowel cancer. We do not want to see more young people like Stewart die so it's important that the pace at which it can be eradicated can be accelerated. Plus, pre-sale tickets can be purchased for 60rmb and students can gain entry for 50rmb.
// April 26, 7.30pm-late, RMB50-80. See Listing Here
Image by Conrad Edwards
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