"NEWER" NEWS AT THE TOP & OLDER NEWS AT THE BOTTOM!!!

SONIC ACTION UPDATE; A little Sonic Action news just in thanks to Jon and The Kickovers' manager Ami; "The show was a great success. Around 200 people came and all the bands were amazing. It was sad that Johnny wasn't there, but Nate, Jamie and Jon pulled it off as a 3-piece. We raised almost $2000 for the Horizons Initiative, which we feel great about." Jon told me that he'd had a great time inspite of a bizarre incident at the ATM!!! As for Johnny, he's still out on the road with the lovely Hot Rod Circuit and he was saddened that he wasn't going to be able to play the benefit show...but fortunately everything worked out well anyways! More news when I get it...

MARCH UPDATE; Our boy Jamie celebrates his birthday on Tuesday 11th so I'm just taking this chance to give a shout out to him and wish him all the very best. Happy Birthday Vavs...your birthday gift is in the post!!! Much love...

Just another update regarding the upcoming Sonic Action benefit show in aid of The Horizon Initiative. All the information you need is already on this page...but if you need more info scroll down the page for the relevant links to the Horizon Initiative's website...

On the Sonic Action front; I suggested to Nate an idea for doing some kind of interview to hopefully inform more people about the show and who'll benefit from it, fortunately Nate thought it was a great idea too and agreed to share his views with everyone. So we decided to do an interview during two online chats...it's pretty short but sweet...thats how we wanted it as we didn't want to cover any other subjects at this time, just the benefit show. CLICK HERE to read the results of our little chats. Thanks again to Nate for taking the time to chat with me about this worthy cause (amongst other things) and for agreeing to share it online, I really appreciate it...I always enjoy our little chats and it was really cool to get the chance to be educated by Nate on a subject I wanted to learn more about...many thanks dude!

Anything else? Johnny is busy in his "music management bullshit" capacity as usual, Jamie and the guys in The Pills are still working hard on finishing their third album...I'm not sure what Jon is upto but Nate is battling with a cold and about to head back into the studio for a few more days...poor lamb!

...AND a new date has been added too...April 14th at TT The Bears Place, Cambridge, MA with Nerfherder...excellent!

THE HORIZON INSTITUTE - SONIC ACTION UPDATE; A list of artists scheduled to be appearing at The Horizons Initiative benefit show on March 14th has been announced, the full bill is listed in the press release below. I want to comment about the tickets being priced at just $10 each so you can easily afford to buy one for somebody else too, so you're safe in the knowledge that all money goes directly to benefit The Horizons Initiative. The press release had this information to add;

Sonic Action is honored to announce a concert to benefit The Horizons Initiative, Friday, March 14, 2003 at T.T. The Bear�s Place in Cambridge, MA. Spawned from the idea that musicians need to "give back" to their communities, Nate Albert (The Kickovers, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones) decided to get friends and fellow musicians together to get involved, donate their time, and raise awareness and funds for this important Boston non-profit organization.

"We believe social action should begin on a local level. We see this as an opportunity to use the talents of local musicians to make a difference in their community," says Albert. "We are proud to work with the following artists who are willing to perform at the concert." Aaron Perrino (The Sheila Divine), The Kickovers, Tony Goddess/Ray Neades (Papas Fritas/Prettiest Gurls), Blake Hazard, Read Yellow (formerly The Sharks) and Ad Frank.

The Horizons Initiative�s mission is to improve the lives of homeless children and their families. "In the midst of the economic downturn our nation is experiencing, homelessness among families is rising," states Sue Heilman, Executive Director of The Horizons Initiative. "The cost of housing is increasing; the total number of subsidized housing units for low-income families has decreased; and in Massachusetts recent budget cuts have narrowed the criteria for those entitled to receive emergency shelter. The net result is that more children and families are, and even more probably will be, experiencing homelessness than ever before."

Through two Community Children's Centers, The Horizons Initiative provides homeless preschool children in Massachusetts with the opportunities for early education and play that all children need to learn and grow in healthy ways, and provides resources and tools for their families to achieve social and economic self-sufficiency. Through the Playspace Programs, hundreds of homeless children receive the stimulation and education that occurs naturally during play in cheery, shelter-based playrooms known as "Playspaces." More than 600 volunteer Playspace Activity Leaders (PALs) work to encourage children's creativity, imagination and interest in the many varied activities of a Playspace each week.

Tickets for the concert are $10 and available at T.T. The Bear�s in advance, and night of show. All monies raised will be donated in full to The Horizons Initiative [horizonsinitiative.org].

FEBRUARY NEWS; The Kickovers have been super-busy lately, writing and rehearsing new songs. They're heading back into the studio this month...obviously to do a little recording!!! Jon says; "We've been spending a lot of time rehearsing some new material that I think is gonna really floor people. Great stuff that Nate has brought in and everyone has warped into our own sound." Previously Johnny told me "When the new record comes out you'll see why we've been so busy." so it all sounds like the hard work is going to pay off...and we'll see why they've been so busy ALL the time... ;) Watch this space for more details about the new material and the forthcoming EP.

Fenway Recordings' website has added lists with "a rare glimpse into the hearts and minds" of their staff and artists...providing a...um...rare glimpse into their hearts and minds!!! Nate and Johnny reveal some of their favourite things alongside assorted Fenway peeps and associates. CLICK HERE to visit Fenway's website and read the lists for yourself. Much kudos goes to Nate for listing his dog, Luna...now ain't that sweet? Awwwwww bless him!

JANUARY NEWS; I just got back from Boston and I have the flu...

I've just added my new interview with The Kickovers bassist Jon McGarry...I'm sure you'll find it educational? CLICK HERE to read more! It's super-funny and very revealing...Jon made an excellent interview participant and was willing to reveal the most embarrassing things, sooooo funny...thanks Jon! Kudos also to Johnny for his help and support...as always I appreciate it!

The Kickovers are co-organizing a benefit concert to be held on March 14th at TT The Bear's in Cambridge, MA. The concert will help to raise money and awareness for The Horizons Initiative, an independent, non-profit organization with a mission to improve the lives of homeless children and their families in Massachusetts. The Horizons Initiative is supported primarily by charitable gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations, to learn more about their good work CLICK HERE and visit their website. Please add your support, if you can?

Also, as I announced before the jolly holiday season, there is an EP to look forward to. It's currently being touted for a springtime release (fingers crossed...we need some new KO's material, hint hint!) and it really will show all of the hard work the band have been putting into everything recently...they're such workaholics!!!

On the Mikey front (yes, I know...I'm going to Hell in a handcart...but some Kickovers fans still like to know these things) here's some news about an art show starting next month; Boston Magazine & Zeitgeist Gallery present "Between Rock and an Art Place" This is a group show of visual art by Boston area musicians. Featuring the works of Mikey Welsh, Willie Alexander, Jonathan Richmond, Asa Brebner, Adam Sherman, Dana Colley, Cynthia Von Buhler, Jeff Hudson, Jane Hudson, Doug Slade, Wayne Viens, Robin Lane, Joey Pesce, Steve Morel, Roger Miller, Mark Dwinell, Chris Shurtleff, Scott Getchell, Billy Borgioli and Reeves Gabrels. The show runs from February 12th until March 2nd with the opening reception taking place on Saturday February 15th, 6:30-9pm.

THE FIRST UPDATE OF 2003 and it promises to be a bit boring really...but what can you do?

Anyways, this little webpage, although always under construction, is now a year old and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has inspired me or contributed to it's making in one way or another, namely Nate, Johnny, Mikey, Jamie, Jon and Joe for the most obvious reasons; for existing, taking part in the interview and bio processes, looking out for me when I find myself in Boston, being such cool and friendly guys and a million more other reasons that would take forever to list but you guys know what I mean...I am so honoured to know you all...and you rock! I also want to thank Ami for her tireless dedication to the cause and her friendship, everyone over at Fenway Recordings for their help and support, for being so cool...but I miss Ric! Kudos goes to my pal Jeff for his photographic talents and his words of wisdom. Big shout out to the Bosstones for everything...and Keith for being my guardian angel! Everyone else who has helped me out in one way or another, don't think I don't appreciate all you've done too...because I do! Much love and thanks to everyone!

PRE-CHRISTMAS UPDATE. A quick update before you all start stuffing yourself with turkey...The Kickovers' official website will soon be getting a makeover...new year, new look perhaps?

What else? The release of an EP featuring 5 or 6 new songs...and scheduling the odd show in here or there in Boston. Anything else? YES! PRA Will start classes on Mondays at TT The Bear's Place (Central Square, Cambridge, MA) at 6:30pm. The launch class takes place on the January 6th 2003 with special "after show" acoustic punk rock performances by Cubby Berk (Lovers), Ray Needs (Beefy DC) & Tony Goddess (Papas Fritas), Bill Janovitz (Buffalo Tom), Jim Buni (Buttercup), Nate Albert & Mikey Welsh (The Kickovers), The Operators, Melissa & Meredith of Heavy Stud, Rich Pontius (The Touch Me Theres), Chris Toppin (Fuzzy) & Hilken Mancini (Count Me Outs), Michelle Paulhaus (The Dents) and Dave Sakowski (Swizzle). Somthing else to look forward to if you find yourself in the neighbourhood...and in the mood for a little PRA!

Oh yeah...Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, all the best for 2003...etc, etc...

EARLY DECEMBER UPDATE. I'm just back from yet another of my little vacations in the USA...so I don't really have that much to report on right now I'm afraid! Sorry!

Okay, heres a little something; the lovely Nate and Mikey (alias The Garcia Bros...ha-ha, cool) will be guest DJs at Punk Rock Aerobics on Saturday 14th of December, downstairs at the Middle East at 2pm. If you're in the Cambridge, MA area check it out! For more details visit the PRA WEBPAGE.

I guess I'll just add that the band have been in the studio lately, working on some new material...so thats something to look out for. Plus over on the official site there is a new merchandise offer for the holiday season "Happy Holidays from The KOs! Get any/all of the Kickovers' t-shirts for $10 from December 9th through 20th... sale prices will be active during those dates only." So CLICK HERE to find out more and go shopping to your heart's content! KO's shirts...the perfect stocking stuffer!!!

NOVEMBER UPDATE. Where has this year gone? It only seems like yesterday that this webpage was dedicated to The Brakes!!! Oh how the time flys? Anyways, enough about that...what are the band upto right now? They've recently been spending some time in the studio, working on and recording new tracks for album number two. From what I've heard about the new songs this material really promises to be even better than before...maybe even better than Osaka! What? Is that even possible?

What else? Jamie has finally started teaching drum lessons in the Boston area. If you're at all interested then e-mail Jamie at [email protected] for further details.

They've also been playing a few shows (headlining their own and supporting Sum 41) and have another show coming up at Hamilton College, Clinton, NY with the amazing Dropkick Murphys on November 22nd, so miss that show at your peril! More news coming soon!

MIKEY'S DEBUT ART SHOW. I am very proud to announce that my fellow artist, the incredibley talented Mikey Welsh, has an exhibition of his awesome artwork opening on October 25th 2002. Mikey's debut show is called "Infections" and will feature over forty paintings, comprising of acrylics, oils and collage on canvas. The subject matter covers many areas ranging from self-portraits to melting Popes, and parachuting cows to one piece entitled "Heroin." The paintings are described as going from whimsical and playful to violent, so make up your own mind...I do know that Mikey has put a lot of time and hard work into this collection and the results are enormous great pieces of art...so go and check them out! My personal favourites are "My Uncle Told Me About Bears", "Infection", "The Garcia Brothers" and "Paloma" but thats just my taste I guess? As I mentioned, the show starts on October 25th and runs until December 25th at the new Paradise Lounge, located on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston. This is the very first art show to be held at the Paradise Lounge, an opening reception will take place on November 7th, Mikey will be there to greet everyone at that reception. I truly wish Mikey all the love and luck in the world with this show and hope it's a huge success...you deserve this Mikey! This debut art show is proudly presented by Moso Productions. To visit the virtual gallery and check out Mikey's paintings online CLICK HERE!

UPCOMING DATES. The band have just finished their "Revenge Of Boston" tour with The Damn Personals, here are their upcoming dates;

10-23-02 Centre College Danville, KY

10-29-02 Rutgers University Piscataway, NJ

10-30-02 Mercury Lounge New York, NY

11-07-02 Bill's Bar Boston, MA

11-08-02 TT The Bears Cambridge, MA

11-22-02 Hamilton College Clinton, NY*

* with Dropkick Murphys.

OCTOBER UPDATE. Well, its about time for another Kickovers update I guess, so here goes; firstly, I've just returned from 2 awesome weeks in Boston. I caught a lot of amazing shows whilst there; I saw The Kickovers four times, LCA, the Bosstones, etc, etc...watch out for my Kickovers photos turning up on this webpage anytime now!

What else? The Kickovers official site has a brand new feature; JOHNNY'S TOUR JOURNAL; which is rad and very funny. New merchandise is also now available...plus you can buy the split 7" from FENWAY RECORDINGS too! Check out the official site for the usual updates.

Also Mikey's absence has been more obviously noted now, the lovely Jon McGarry (Shemp - ex-Bosstones guitar tech) is doing a damn fine job of filling in for our beloved Mikey while The Kickovers are out on the road with The Damn Personals. Mikey is currently on indefinite leave from the band, he's concentrating on his artwork and dedicating time to himself, I wish well and send him my love.

SPLIT TOUR 7". A new split tour 7" with The Damn Personals is to be released, featuring the unreleased track "Mascara Queen". The bands are touring together throughout October on "The Revenge Of Boston" tour. To buy this 7" go to FENWAY RECORDINGS.

EVEN MORE TOUR DATES.

09-29-02 University of New Hampshire, NH

10-06-02 Holy Chow, Richmond, VA*

10-07-02 Earl, Atlanta, GA*

10-08-02 Beta Bar, Tallahassee, FL*

10-09-02 Common Grounds, Gainesville, FL*

10-10-02 Back Booth, Orlando, FL*

10-11-02 Orpheum, Ybor City, FL*

10-12-02 Picadilly Garden, Miami, FL*

10-14-02 The End, Nashville, TN*

10-15-02 Southgate House, Newport, KY*

10-16-02 Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland, OH*

10-17-02 Mohawk Place Buffalo, NY*

10-18-02 Valentine's Albany, NY*

* with The Damn Personals.

IN OUR LIFETIME: VOLUME 3. "The Revenge Of Boston" Fenway Recordings' third compilation in this awesome series will be released on October 8th and will feature The Kickovers with a new track "Dirty Hands" alongside 20 other unreleased songs by Billy Barrett, The Damn Personals, Heavy Stud, Insight, The Sheila Divine, Mission of Burma, Kaiju Big Battel, Cave In, Piebald, Jack Drag, Chad Stokes Urmston, Papas Fritas, Lockgroove, Blake Hazard, The Gentlemen, The Skating Club, Cracktorch, Fierce Tibetan Gods, Quitter and Dropkick Murphys with Dicky Barrett.

"FAKE IN LOVE" IS KERRANG! SINGLE OF THE WEEK. Yes, the legendary Kerrang! magazine has deemed "Fake In Love" worthy of this title, heres the awesome review; "Usually projects involving those fresh from established acts end up as excursions of the unmemorable that fall far shorter then the sum of their parts. Even if such a fate may yet befall ex-Weezer bassist Mikey Welsh and ex-Mighty Mighty Bosstones guitarist Nate Albert's new band The Kickovers, the duo can rest easy knowing that with their first release they've made a perfect single. Because everything about 'Fake In Love' sounds like it was only ever meant to be played (again and again) at 45rpm. Short (bitter) sweet and to the power-pop point, it's an anthem before you even get to the gloriously sharp-tongued chorus, which of course, you'll be repeating, mantra-like before the day is out. Whether the forthcoming full-length album will deliver the same energised fix remains to be seen, but for now this bright and brash slice of American pop has made one hell of an entrance." AND if that wasn't cool enough Osaka also got a mention as "Former Weezer and Bosstones men unite for an album of pop-punk nirvana." Now if only NME could have been so understanding? Still, their review of "Fake In Love" was quite entertaining and very amusing all round..."grimsters" indeed, ha-ha!

NATE'S LATEST UPDATE. On August 5th Nate posted a new update on the message board...don't you think that Nate just loves his capital letters? "WE JUST GOT BACK FROM SNOJAM IN DETROIT! A SUPER FUN TIME WAS HAD BY ALL. IT WAS KINDA INSANE, THEY HAD A HUGE HALF PIPE COVERED WITH SNOW IN 95 DEGREE HEAT!! BUT THE RIDING WAS AMAZING AND THE OTHER BANDS WERE GREAT. I AM REALLY LOOKING FORWARD THE THE ALBANY AND BOSTON SHOWS. SPEAKING OF BOSTON WE ARE PLAYING WITH BRENDAN BENSON THE WEEK BEFORE SNOJAM AT THE MIDDLE EAST IN CAMBRIDGE (HOMETOWN). HIS NEW ALBUM ON STAR TIME INTERNATIONAL IS VERY COOL AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HIS BAND. WE ARE GOING BACK INTO THE STUDIO THIS WEEKEND TO FINISH GIRLFRIEND, DIRTY HANDS AND MASCARA. DIRTY HANDS WILL BE ON THE NEXT I.O.L. COMP ON FENWAY OUT THIS FALL. AS FOR MASCARA AND GIRLFRIEND, I AM NOT SURE WHERE WE ARE GOING TO PUT THEM YET. ALSO, WE ARE WORKING ON OUR 'BACK TO SCHOOL' KICKOVERS LINE. WE SHOULD HAVE SOME NEW THINGS UP ON OUR SITE BY NEXT WEEK. THERE SEEMS TO BE ALOT MORE STUFF IN THE WORKS AND I WILL LEAVE A NEW UPDATE ASAP. LOVE NATE."

UK RELEASE FOR "OSAKA" AND "FAKE IN LOVE" 7". Osaka will finally get it's release in the UK on September 9th...hurray! Okay, I know most of you probably already got your CD from the good peeps at Fenway Recordings or CD Street but it's good news anyways! Also "Fake In Love" is being released on a 7" format, it features the previously unreleased "Don't Look Down" as it's b-side. Incredibley limited so buy it while you can!

JAMIE IS CONFIRMED AS KICKOVERS NEW DRUMMER. As everyone thought Jamie IS now The Kickovers new drummer...congratulations Jamie! Obviously it's sad that Joe Sirois isn't drumming for the band...though his presence on Osaka is amazing, Jamie has played with The Kickovers at every live show and is earning himself quite a good following in the meantime, but given Joe's committments with the Bosstones it's hardly surprising. Both Joe and Jamie are awesome drummers and I wish them both lots of luck in all the bands they bless with their presence.

MORE TOUR DATES.

05-08-02 Met Cafe Providence, RI

05-10-02 Bills Bar Boston, MA

05-12-02 LIVE on WFNX Radio 101.7 FM

05-25-02 Skater Island Middletown, RI

05-28-02 Filene Center Vienna, VA

05-30-02 Chastain Park Atlanta, GA

06-01-02 Pompano Beach Amphitheatre Miami, FL

06-07-02 The Fire Philadelphia, PA

06-08-02 Crannel/Chance Poughkeepsie, NY

06-09-02 WBCN River Rave at CMGI Field Foxboro, MA

06-21-02 Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ

06-29-02 RNR Preserve Utica, NY

06-30-02 Webster Theatre Hartford, CT

07-11-02 Northern Lights Albany, NY

07-12-02 Crannell/The Chance Poughkeepsie, NY

07-18-02 CBGBs New York, NY

08-03-02 SnoJam Detroit, MI

08-17-02 Beachcomber Wellfleet, MA

09-06-02 SnoJam Albany, NY

09-18-02 Boston College, MA

09-19-02 AS220 Providence, RI

09-20-02 Middle East Cambridge, MA

09-27-02 SnoJam Boston, MA

WBCN RIVER RAVE. The Kickovers will play the WBCN River Rave on Sunday June 9th, the first concert at CMGI Field. The bill also includes the following hugely impressive line-up; OUTKAST, P.O.D. PAPA ROACH, THE STROKES, OUR LADY PEACE, JIMMY EAT WORLD, DROWNING POOL, CUSTOM, QUARASHI, ASH, JEREMIAH FREED, ABANDONED POOLS, SIMPLE PLAN and MISTLE THRUSH. God I wish I was going!

APRIL NEWS. I just got back from Boston - I had an awesome weekend and thats all pretty much thanks to The Kickovers who I went to see at the Middle East on April 14th, I was lucky enough to be on their guest list and hang out with the band - they are simply THE coolest and sweetest people I have had the pleasure of spending time with. I'll write a more concise report when I get the time.

TOUR DATES.

3-21-02 608 Somerville, MA

4-09-02 Crocodile Rock Caf� Allentown, PA

4-10-02 Met Caf� Providence, RI

4-11-02 Webster Theatre Hartford, CT

4-12-02 Northern Lights Albany, NY

4-13-02 Pearl Street Northampton, MA

4-14-02 The Middle East Cambridge, MA

4-15-02 Maxwell's Hoboken, NJ

4-16-02 CBGBs New York, NY

4-17-02 Theatre of Living Arts Philadelphia, PA

4-18-02 Black Cat Washington DC

4-20-02 Snow/Skate Festival Asbury, NJ

4-21-02 Live on WBCN 104.1 Boston, MA

5-12-02 Live on WFNX 101.7 Boston, MA

FEBRUARY - NEWS FLASH; The Brakes have changed their name to The Kickovers, this is to avoid any potential confusion with a New York band called The Break. So now I'll be saying sorry for all the times that The Brakes are mentioned on my webpage rather than The Kickovers! I'm getting around to doing all the name changing stuff, amongst other things, so please be patient...you'll be rewarded...and it's a totally rad name so all is well!

JANUARY - A LITTLE BIT OF NEWS; The Brakes have actually got a little mention in the January 26th issue of KERRANG! magazine. I do think it plays a little too much on Mikey's previous band but what can you do? Here is what was said; NEW WEEZER PROJECT. EX-WEEZER bassist Mikey Welsh has joined The Brakes, a band featuring ex-Mighty Mighty Bosstones guitarist Nate Albert and Bosstones drummer Joe Sirois. Their new album, 'Osaka', will be released on April 23 through Fenway Recordings. Yeah-yeah, like we didn't already know all that but it is cool that The Brakes got a little attention! Thats always good!