Unofficial video for Deftones' Tempest

Deftones shared the following fan-made video via their various social media accounts. While it seems to have been fan-made, it has obviously gotten the band's approval.

Since the video contains mild nudity it might not be a good idea to watch this at work or school.

Queens of the Stone Age's letter to MOJO

Source: MOJO Magazine

I'm hoping the sketch atop of the note is a clue to the album's cover art.

Ex South African Spitfire takes to the skies

Source: Daily Mail UK

End of an aviation era: Restored Spitfire is the last aircraft to be built at doomed home of Concorde

• WWII fighter plane flew again 10 years after it was found in South African junkyard

• Filton airfield will be closed by owner BAE on New Year's Eve after 100 years

By Harriet Arkell

PUBLISHED: 17:56 GMT, 19 December 2012 | UPDATED: 09:01 GMT, 20 December 2012

A newly-restored classic World War II Spitfire has taken to the British skies for the first time since being found in a scrapyard a decade ago.

The iconic Second World War fighter plane has been restored by a businessman who spent £1m building it back up to its former glory after it was rescued from a South African scrapyard.

Yesterday the gleaming Spitfire took off from the soon-to-close Filton aerodrome outside Bristol for the first time since the 1940s.

Scroll down for video

Restored classic: The rebuilt Spitfire took to the skies above Bristol yesterday after a painstaking £1m renovation

Flying through British skies for the first time since the 1940s: The restored Spitfire over Bristol

Taking off: The gleaming aircraft attracted large crowds to Filton airfield near Bristol yesterday

The occasion was a poignant one as Filton aerodrome, is to be decommissioned by BAE after more than a century of aviation there, and will close on December 31.

BAE Systems, which said the site was no longer economically viable, is selling the airfield for housing and business development.

Crowds of aviation and history enthusiasts lined the A38 road which borders the airfield to watch the Spitfire take off, while BAE staff watched from beside the runway.

They were also there to see the last visit to the airfield from the Airbus A380 superjumbo, which was developed at Filton and is the world's largest commercial aircraft.

Exeter businessman Martin Phillips, 51, who owns the Spitfire, said the expensive and painstaking restoration project had been worth it.

He said: 'To see her take to the skies today has been extraordinary, and for it to happen at the same time as an A380's final visit to Filton, has made this a sad but historic day.

'I think it's a terrible shame that this famous old airfield is to close.'

Former Rolls-Royce engineer John Hart, who has worked as chief engineer on the Spitfire restoration for the last two-and-a-half years, said seeing the Spitfire and the A380 together on the runway that is also still overlooked by Concorde was 'quite a sight' for aviation enthusiasts.

He said: 'It's funny to think the last aeroplane to be put together here at Filton has turned out to be a Spitfire.'

Filton aerodrome, which has one of the longest and widest runways in the country, witnessed the first test flights of Concorde and was where American soldiers injured in D-Day were taken to before being treated at Bristol's Frenchay hospital.

The West Country's aviation industry grew up around the airfield, which developed an international reputation.

Devoted owner: Exeter businessman Martin Philips spent £1m restoring the Spitfire after it was found 10 years ago in a junkyard

Preparing for take-off: Aeroplane enthusiasts lined the runway to watch the WWII fighter plane take to the skies

Painstaking work: The Spitfire has a fully rebuilt Rolls-Royce Merlin engine

Race to finish: Engineers worked long hours to finish the Spitfire's restoration in time for it to fly from Filton yesterday

During the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vulcan bombers were stationed there, and the last Concorde to fly, Concorde 216, is parked there.

There are plans for an aviation museum on the site, hosting both Concorde and the Bristol Aero Collection of British-designed aeroplane memorabilia from the last century.

The final flights from Filton will take off on Friday, before the aerodrome is decommissioned.

End of an era: The Mark IX Spitfire was originally built in around 1943 and is the last plane to be completed at the airfield

Attention to detail: Here, Steve Atkin of Warbird Colour repaints the Spitfire in its original colours

Stripped back: The Spitfire was the last plane to be built at Filton, the home of British-built Concorde

Quite a paint job: Steve Atkin and Alec Kinane of Warbird Colour raced to finish repainting the classic plane

VIDEO A newly restored Supermarine Spitfire taking it's very first, and last flight out of Bristol Filton Airport

Experiencing Nirvana e-book

Bruce Pavitt (co-founder of Sub Pop) has written an e-book detailing his time spent touring Europe in 1989 with two young bands signed to the label, Nirvana and Tad, but in particular with the Kurt Cobain. The book documents the story of a young Cobain coming to grips with, and persevering over the hardships of extended touring. The book contains many previously unpublished photographs of Cobain on the road with band mates, crew members and friends. 

The cover demonstrates just how young Cobain was when he began his rise to fame, catching the international music scene off guard as grunge rose in popularity, and eventually dominated the 1990s. 

From what I've read, this book is a must for any fan of Kurt Cobain, Nirvana, grunge, or modern music in general. 

For a more in depth review, read this article over on Rolling Stone. 

New models from Airfix and Revell for 2013

Hot on the heels of me posting a list of the model kits in my stash, today both Airfix and Revell announced the new additions to their product ranges for 2013.

There is some excellent news from Airfix for those keen on modelling South African subjects. A newly tooled Gloster Gladiator, as well as an early Hawker Hurricane Mk I, both in 1:72 are set to be released. If these kits are up to the same standard as other recent Airfix releases then we're in for a treat. These two subjects will allow me to complete two of the mounts flown by the South African born ace, Squadron Leader Marmaduke T. St. John 'Pat' Pattle. Pattle is considered to be the highest scoring ace in both the Gladiator (15 victories) and Hurricane (35 victories).

Here's a trailer of an upcoming documentary about Pattle and his achievements during WWII.

In addition Airfix will also be releasing the two-seated De Havilland Vampire T.11 in 1:72. Presently there are two airworthy Vampire T.55 airframes in South Africa, and I was fortunate enough to see them fly together at Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD) 2012 held at AFB Waterkloof in September. Airfix's new Vampire kit should provide the ideal starting point with which to create a model Vampire T.55.

De Havilland Vampire T.55s in formation. Lead aircraft in South African Air Force (SAAF) colours while the trailing aircraft is still in its Swiss Air Force scheme.

Airfix are also planning to release a Douglas C-47 Skytrain. While 1:72 kits of the subject are still relatively easy to find, this mould may be an upgrade to the ageing moulds of the competitors, and may just offer South African modellers a cheaper option. Maybe once I've honed my skills sufficiently, I'll try and tackle a model of "Gooney Bird." Sadly AAD 2012 will remain the first and only time I saw Gooney Bird up in the air.

A new and interesting venture by Airfix is the launch of their Quick Build range. It features push-fit aircraft kits that are no doubt aimed at the younger modeller. They will not require any glue or paint for assembly. From pictures the pieces look very similar to Lego blocks. I'm intrigued as to whether the range will feature a familiar scale such 1:48 and 1:72, or whether it will use a 'metric' scale like 1:50 or 1:100.

Exploded view of the Quick Build BAe Hawk

Finally, the 1:1200 U.S.S. Nimitz aircraft carrier from Revell is of particular interest as I've been considering getting either Italeri's 1:720 or Trumpeter's 1:700 Nimitz for some time now. The idea is to make it the centre piece for a display consisting of several planes representing different squadrons from Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) during the period that it was stationed aboard the Nimitz (1975-1987). This release will offer a smaller option, which in the long run may save me some shelf space. Even at the 1:1200 scale the model Nimitz will measure close to 30 cm in length.

I'll wait to see what other reviewers have to say about the overall quality of the kit before making my decision. In the meantime, I'm still in the process of sourcing the most important plane for the display, an F-14A of VF-84.

Pale flesh remixes

Crystal Castles recently posted a remix of their track Pale flesh by Tarantula X. I thought it was the first remix of one of the tracks off Crystal Castles' album (III), but that's because I missed Hugnotdrugs remix that was posted last week. You can listen to, and download both remixes using the widgets below.

Minnaar: Dance-inspired operatic ballads

A musical collaboration between Louis Minnaar (graphic artist, music video director, composer and animator) and his sister Magdalene Minnaar (opera singer, actress, lyricist and producer). Both siblings attended art schools at secondary and tertiary levels in Pretoria, Cape Town and New York. Having chosen their respective artistic direction, Louis the visual arts and Magdalene the performance arts, they have continued to pursue their shared love for a multitude of art forms, which eventually culminated in the formation of their new musical collaboration, aptly named Minnaar, which means "lover" in Dutch.

Volcano, the first release from Minnaar, represents an explosive, symbiotic project crafting from dramatic lyrics, soaring melodies and crunching beats. Not limited to a single genre, Minnaar's music weaves a tapestry of electronic beats accented by various vocal styles, creating an enchanting fusion of epic dance-inspired operatic ballads. Volcano, a 5-track EP, is available as a free download here.

Sound City - Real to Reel full track listing

The soundtrack to Dave Grohl's rockumentary, Sound City, will contain 11 original tracks, featuring collaborations of many of the greatest artists in rock. The album is set for release on the 12 March 2013, and is available for pre-order from iTunes. Folks who pre-order the album will receive an instant download of the first single Cut me some slack, featuring Paul McCartney (The Beatles), Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Them Crooked Vultures, Nirvana), Krist Novoselic (Nirvana) and Pat Smear (Foo Fighters, Nirvana).

Here is the fill track list:

1. Heaven and all (Robert Levon Been, Dave Grohl & Peter Hayes)
2. Time sowing down (Chriss Goss, Tim Commerfors, Dave Grohl & Brad Wilk)
3. You can't fix this (Stevie Nicks, Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins & Rami Jaffee)
4. The man that never was (Rick Springfield, Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel & Pat Smear)
5. Your wife is calling (Lee Ving, Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Alain Johannes & Pat Smear)
6. From can to can't (Corey Taylor, Dave Grohl, Rick Nielsen & Scott Reeder)
7. Centipede (Joshua Homme, Chris Goss, Dave Grohl & Alain Johannes)
8. A trick with no sleeve (Alain Johannes, Dave Grohl & Joshua Homme)
9. Cut me some slack (Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic & Pat Smear)
10. If I were me Dave Grohl, Jessy Greene, Rami Jaffee & Jim Keltner)
11. Mantra (Dave Grohl, Joshua Homme & Trent Reznor)

At this point, I'm most excited to hear the last track, as it has contributions from three of the musicians of my 'dream team.'

Fron left: Grohl, Reznor & Homme in the studio.

Deadpool Game

Announced at the 2012 San Diego Comic Con in July, the Deadpool game remained under my radar until last night. Centred on the wise cracking, "Merc with a Mouth" the game is set for release on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2013.

Teaser trailer for Deadpool game

Since I own neither of those consoles, and it doesn't seem there will be a PC port of the game, perhaps it is finally time for me to replace my ageing PlayStation 2.

A PC version of Deadpool was released alongside the console versions of the game. I also subsequently upgraded to a PlayStation 3 in March when my girlfriend's DVD player packed up, and as a result I'm now more likely to get a copy of Deadpool for PS3, rather than for PC as originally intended. Despite wanting to own the game, I'm still a little reluctant to pay full-price for it, as it has received mostly mediocre reviews to date. I think I'll wait for it to go on sale.

Marvel super hero guitars

Peavey Electronics have launched a range of officially licensed guitars and accessories featuring several super heroes from the Marvel Universe.

The range includes a half size acoustic, three-quarter electric, and full size RockMaster/ Predator electric guitars featuring artwork of Captain America, Thor, Wolverine, X-Men, Spider-Man, Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk. Artworks of Punisher, Ghost Rider, and a few Marvel villains are available on guitar straps and picks.

Shake vigorously

Warning: the following contains flashing images which may induce photosensitive epilepsy.

Source: Staggering Beauty

Cut me some slack - McCartney, Grohl, Novoselic & Smear (Full track)

A preview of Cut me some slack, written by McCartney, Grohl, Novoselic and Smear was uploaded to YouTube on Wednesday afternoon. Two days later the full studio recording of the track was also uploaded, but a link was only posted on social media networks approximately 2 hours ago. In those 2 hours the song has been played over 6800 times!

What we have here sounds like a post-Cobain Nirvana, fronted by a mature, post-Beatles Paul McCartney. Vast experiences, and a number of influences have been mixed together to create a track that shares a single message. It says loud and clear that rock 'n roll is not dead.

Monotreme Records offer free compilation album

Monotreme Records are celebrating their 10th anniversary by offering a compilation album for free download. The compilation, entitled From Monotreme Records with Love, features 18 tracks by various artists signed to the label. While possibly not everyone's cup of tea, this is an excellent collection featuring previously released, as well as forthcoming singles from an array of talented musicians. 

After a single listen the tracks that stood out were those by Jeniferever, Polinski, M+A, Stumbleine (feat. CoMa), Fops, Tomat, 65daysofstatic, Nedry, and Harmonious bec. Essentially half the compilation. 

From Monotreme Records with Love will almost certainly introduce you to a several new artists, while providing a welcome alternative to listening to the same cheese being repeated several times a day on the radio.

First song from the album Sound City: Real to reel

Credited as being written by Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear, an 18 second video snippet of Cut me some slack has been uploaded to cutmesomeslack.net. 

The site also contains a link to the 121212 Benefit Concert, at which the song was performed, and another link to pre-order a DRM-free download of the Sound City Movie for US$ 12.99 10 (for a limited time only).

How to Destroy Angels 'Ice Age' video and remix

Today How to Destroy Angels premièred a remix of Ice Age by The Soft Moon. Fortunately, much like the last remix, The Soft Moon's interpretation of the song is better than the original.

This is no doubt due to the fact that the twangy, country notes have all but been replaced by 80s influenced drum machine sequences and brooding synth textures that wouldn't have sounded out of place thirty years ago. As J. Wrinkle commented on Facebook, "Trent created HTDA so that he could get away from the NIN industrial rock sound... and this mix just takes it right back." Precisely my sentiment towards the track.

 

The video for Ice Age was released a few days ago, while I was in Thailand without an internet connection. While I'd made the comparison before my trip, after watching this video, as well as seeing a particular behind-the-scene photo from the video shoot (below), I can't help but think that Mariqueen Maandig Reznor looks a lot like a kathoey. That said, the original version of Ice Age is slowly growing on me.

Non-mythical beasts

Source: Bird and Moon

Silver Flacons lose support aircraft

Just days after celebrating their 45th anniversary, the Silver Falcons have lost their C-47TP support aircraft, and all 11 personal aboard. It has been confirmed that "Gooney Bird" crashed into Giants Castle, within the Drakensberg Mountain Range, after reporting poor weather conditions. The wreckage was located later that day, but was unreachable by helicopter due to the weather. A recovery team was only able to reach the site of the wreckage the following day.

The following tribute was posted on the Silver Falcons Facebook page, and includes the names of those who perished aboard Gooney Bird.

Condolences to the family and friends of the 11 who lost their lives in the crash.

Official trailer for Sound City

Set to première at the 2013 Sundance Festival, the official trailer for Sound City has been released.  The documentary will featuring a host of prominent musicians from the past and present, as well as an interview with Rupert Neve, creator of the iconic Neve 8028 analogue mixing console that Dave Grohl purchased from Sound City Studios.

Corax: Doom/ sludge metal from Johannesburg

Corax was conceived by Brent and Patrick during May 2010, and they have been jamming intermittently since. After two years of writing material, the duo recorded their début, self-titled album in approximately 18 hours during April 2012. 

You can listen to the opening track below, or follow this link to download the entire album for free. While doing so you can read a review of the album across on The Sludgelord.

Chevelle to release compilation album

Probably one of the most underrated bands of alternative metal, Chevelle, are set to release their compilation album Stray Arrows: a collection of favorites. While it's great that they are doing so, it is more than likely as part of the contractual agreement with their record label.

I've never really been a big supporter of buying "Greatest Hits" or "Best Of" compilations released by bands that I already own a considerable portion of their discography. I tend to see such compilations as way of money hungry record labels charging people a second time round for the same music. In addition all such compilations always tend to have a sole "previously unreleased" track thrown into the mix, in order to ensure that die-hard fans and collectors will buy the compilation.

Track list:

1. Jars (from Sci-Fi Crimes 2009)
2. Same Old Trip (from Hats Off to the Bull 2011)
3. Vitamin R (Leading Us Along) (from This Type of Thinking 2004)
4. The Red (from Wonder What's Next 2002)
5. I Get It (from Vena Sera 2007)
6. Face to the Floor (from Hats Off to the Bull 2011)
7. Send the Pain Below (from Wonder What's Next 2002)
8. Sleep Apnea (from Sci-Fi Crimes 2009)
9. The Clincher (from This Type of Thinking 2004)
10. Hats off to the Bull (from Hats Off to the Bull 2011)
11. The Meddler (from Hats Off to the Bull 2011)
12. Fizgig (previously unreleased)

Disappointingly there are no tracks off the group's first album Point #1, but that is probably to be expected since they were signed to a different label at the time of its release. Another criticism is that a quarter of the tracks on this compilation are taken from the bands previous release Hats Off to the Bull. This is probably another ploy by the record label. Instead of offering those new to Chevelle a chance to listen to some of the group's older songs, the songs that most listeners will be familiar with are simply being regurgitated back at us. 

Personally I would have only used three tracks of their last album, and replaced it with an additional track from Vena Sera. While the album wasn't the strongest offering, it contains plenty of excellent tracks that have gone unnoticed by the casual Chevelle listener. The release of this compilation would have been an ideal opportunity to give such singles a second chance. I would also have liked for more b-sides, or alternative versions of the songs that have already been released, and most are familiar with. Exchanging one or two of the studio versions for a live version from one of the group's three live albums would have made this more interesting to me.

Think I'll wait until I see this album in the discount section of my local record store before I buy it. Apart from Fizgig, I already have all these tracks, and I'm sure it won't be long before Fizgig winds up on the internet for free streaming and download.

The Swarm approaches...

Blizzard Entertainment have announced the release date for the next instalment of the StarCraft II saga. On 12 March 2013 Sarah Kerrigan will make her return, along with a whole host of other nasty creatures.

The bonus content included with the Collectors Edition looks amazing. I really like how Blizzard ties their major titles together by releasing exclusive in-game content for the Diablo III and World of Warcraft realms with this release. I play neither of those though, and haven't even played StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty yet. 

I had initially intended to wait until the release of all three StarCraft II titles in a Battle Chest, but I feel that it could still be quite a long wait. Since the Zerg were my favourite race to play as in StarCraft, and considering the vast number of hours of my youth I spent playing StarCraft instead of doing school work, perhaps it is time that I re-familiarise myself with the franchise.

Win a Stephen Carpenter ESP guitar, signed by Deftones

Deftones seventh studio album, Koi No Yokan, was released today. To coincide with the release, Deftones are hosting a competition to win a signed Stephen Carpenter ESP guitar. Check the following link for details. Competition runs till 16 November 2012.

I received an email to download my digital copy of the album early this morning. The zip file only contained 10 tracks. Ironically the missing track is named 'What happened to you?' I'm guessing that the file name contains a '?' so the file is incompatible with Windows. This is mildly disappointing, but it's not the first time this has happened. Many Mac users forget, or are entirely unaware, that Windows does not allow certain characters to be used in file names.

On the plus side I can still listen to the track elsewhere, and I can take solace in the fact that I have a CD, shirt and (potentially autographed) poster on the way from the States. In the meantime I'm loving the 10 tracks that I was sent, especially Tempest, Entombed and Gauze.

--Update 14/11/2012--

I emailed Deftones online customer services to let them know that the zip file only contained 10 tracks. They were very helpful and sent me another link to download the complete album. About six hours later I received a second download link from customer services. This time the email had been sent to the entire pre-order mailing list. It contained the following message,

Earlier today you received an email to download KOI NO YOKAN.  Due to a technical issue, your download did not include Track #11, "What Happened to You?".  Please click on the button below to receive the full version of KOI NO YOKAN.

I'm super impressed with the speed that the matter was dealt with and am now able to listen to the entire album, while I wait for my CD to make its way over the Atlantic Ocean.

First track off Sol Invicto's second EP

A link to download this track was sent to the band's mailing list on 3 November, with a request that the link not be shared anywhere. That was until yesterday, when the band's official Facebook page was updated with the following status:

Free to share, download new teaser track from Initium II - 13.0, EP coming very soon, get on the mailing list to get it first.

Kindest Regards

Richie, Stephen, AJ, Eric, Dan

Without further a due, here is the link so that you too may download 13.0, the first track to be released from Initium II. Original link has been removed, but you can get the new version of 13.0 here.

Listen to Crystal Castles (III) on YouTube

For those of you, who like me, do not live in a region of the world serviced by Spotify, there is an alternative. Crystal Castles have uploaded their new album to YouTube. The entire album is available to listen to, although the videos are in a different order to that of the album.

Album Track list/ order:

1. Plague
2. Kerosene
3. Wrath of God
4. Affection
5. Pale Flesh
6. Sad Eyes
7. Insulin
8. Transgender
9. Violent Youth
10. Telepath
11. Mercenary
12. Child I Will Hurt You

Cover for The Joy Formidable's second album

Welsh trio, The Joy Formidable have just unveiled the cover art of their second full length album Wolf's Law. The cover is one of the most attractive I've seen in ages. Set for release in late January 2013, the album may be pre-ordered from here.

In addition to the album art, the complete track list was released, as well as the official video for This Ladder is Ours.

Sign up to The Joy Formidable mailing list for updates, and a free download of the title track from their second album.

Stream An Omen EP from How to Destroy Angels

The third full release made available for online streaming today, following those of Crystal Castles and Deftones. This EP from How to Destroy Angels is also set for release on 13 November. 

Track listing below:

After haven taken a listen, I can safely say that The loop closes and Speaking in tongues are my favourite tracks on the EP. This is probably to do with the fact that they sound like outtakes from Nine Inch Nails' Ghosts I-IV or one of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' soundtracks. These two songs also feature Trent Reznor on vocals, more prominently than Mariqueen Maandig Reznor.

This has lead me to conclude that I simply do not like Mariqueen Maandig Reznor's vocals. They just don't seem to tie in with the scenes set by the music at all. I'm even finding myself a little disappointed by this release as a result. In hindsight, I'm kind of glad the physical copies of the EP sold out before I got round to ordering them. It means I now have the funds to order an album that I am excited about.

While Trent Reznor is easily one of my favourite musicians, I can safely saw that his wife is not. I sincerely hope that she stays as far away from the recording studio as possible when Trent Reznor gets round to laying down some new Nine Inch Nails tracks.

Stream Deftones' new album Koi No Yokan

Listen to all the songs off the new record here. The album is set for official release on 13 November 2012.

Track listing:

1. Swerve City
2. Romantic Dreams
3. Leathers
4. Poltergeist
5. Entombed
6. Graphic Nature
7. Tempest
8. Gauze
9. Rosemary
10. Goon Squad
11. What Happened to You?

Google celebrates Bram Stoker's 165th birthday

Bram Stoker, best known for having penned the novel Dracula, would have celebrated his 165th birthday today.

An interesting bit of trivia is that Stoker's ashes are kept in an urn at Golders Green Crematorium, London. These may be visited, but only if accompanied by a crematorium employee, as there are fears that the urn may be vandalised.

Definitely an unusual attraction to see next time one is in London.

Image from Wikipedia.

Stream Crystal Castles III in its entirety

The entire new album from Crystal Castles has been made available for streaming via Spotify.

Too bad Spotify isn't available in South Africa yet.

Woman dies at Linkin Park concert

Following yesterday's tragedy, both Big Concerts and Linkin Park have confirmed that at a woman has passed away as a result of the injuries she sustained when an advertising tower collapsed outside of the Cape Town Stadium last night.

Big Concerts wrote the following Facebook update in the early hours of this morning:

Following the regrettable incident at Cape Town Stadium this evening, Big Concerts would like to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to the injured persons and in particular the family of the fan who tragically passed away from injuries sustained when an advertising tower collapsed outside the stadium from gusting gale force winds. We would like to thank the City of Cape Town, the South African Police Services, and all the medics, doctors, and disaster risk personnel for their swift and professional response to this accident.

Soon after, Big Concerts reposted the sentiments that Linkin Park expressed through their website and Facebook page:

Following our performance tonight at Cape Town Stadium, we were advised that several people were injured as a result of the collapse of an advertising tower erected by Lucozade in the parking area outside the venue.

We wish to express our deep sadness and concern for those injured and our heartfelt condolences to the family of the fan who died as a result of her injuries.

Though we have had no relationship with the sponsor or the entity responsible for erecting the structure, we take the safety of our fans very seriously and our thoughts are with all of those who were affected by this tragedy.

After posting their initial, nonchalant Twitter update, "The CT wind got the better of some scaffolding, but no-one has been severely injured. Those affected have been attended to. Show goes on!" 

5FM finally acknowledged the severity of the incident, and apologised this morning, several hours after both Big Concerts and Linkin Park had already expressed their condolences. 

The radio station issued this short apology through their Twitter account, linking to an official statement (below), "Our thoughts & heartfelt condolences are with those affected by last night's tragic accident outside CT Stadium"

5FM's official statement, which also had the band's statement appended to the end:

We are deeply saddened to learn of last night's tragic accident, in which several people were injured when, due to strong winds, an advertising tower collapsed ouside [sic] the stadium. 

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family of the fan who passed away as a result of her injuries, as well as with those who were injured.

In my opinion this is far too little, too late from 5FM, especially considering they couldn't even bother to proof read the statement dealing with the death of a concert goer.

From what I've seen, Lucozade and the contractors responsible for setting up the advertising rig have yet to release any statements.

I wish a speedy, and full recovery to those injured in the incident, and offer my sympathies to the family and friends of the young woman who lost her life.

--Update 09/11/2012--

Lucozade have released the following statement.

Official Response

We are deeply saddened by these events and extend our sincere condolences to the family of the bereaved.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured and those who witnessed the tragedy.

As tour sponsors of the concert, we are in close contact with the concert organizers and investigating authorities and will cooperate fully with them in their investigations.

Lucozade later updated their statement, saying that, "Out of respect for victims of this accident [they] will be not be actively promoting [their] tour sponsorship up to and at the final event."

Jurassic Park 3D

Nearly 20 years after its original release, Steven Spielberg's epic adaptation of Michael Crichton's novel, Jurassic Park will be released in 3D.

I was too young to see Jurassic Park on the big screen back in 1993, so I'm definitely going to take full advantage of the opportunity of seeing it on the big screen, remastered and in 3D.

The poster has the date as 05 April 2013, which is likely the U.S release date. Hopefully we non-Americans won't have to wait too much longer to see the film. In the meantime, I may just have re-watch a DVD of the original. 

As a bonus, here's Birdfeeder's slowed down version of the famous theme from the movie, originally composed by John Williams.

Linkin Park concert accident (Cape Town)

According to two recent posts about the Linkin Park show happening in Cape Town. Part of the stage a Lucozade advertising structure collapsed blew over outside of the Cape Town Stadium. The following picture surfaced on Twitter, confirming that it was an advertising instalment, and not the stage.

Initial reports claimed that at least two people were critically injured. ER24, the responding emergency medical service, have said that approximately 20 people were injured with "Multiple injuries ranging from broken bones to cuts and bruises."

5FM callously tweeted, "The CT wind got the better of some scaffolding, but no-one has been severely injured. Those affected have been attended to. Show goes on!"

While ER24 posted the following three updates via Twitter:

"Multiple serious injuries at Green Point Stadium #Rock-concert following structural collapse"

"20 people injured in scaffolding collapse at Green Point Stadium, strong winds" 

"Multiple injuries ranging from broken bones to cuts and bruises"

Big Concerts however continued to post pictures on their Facebook page of happy concert-goers already inside the venue, before issuing the following statement:

MEDIA RELEASE

Update on scaffolding collapse at Linkin Park concert at Cape Town Stadium

The City of Cape Town and Big Concerts confirm that twenty concert attendees were injured at the Cape Town Stadium this evening when a temporary scaffolding structure in the Stadium precinct collapsed due to high winds.

The City’s Emergency Services, including doctors, paramedics and Disaster Risk Management staff assisted immediately. The injured were treated on scene and have been taken to nearby hospitals for further medical attention.

The incident occurred at approximately 18h55 when high wind speeds caused the collapse of a temporary scaffolding structure. The temporary structure was a branding activation, located adjacent to the Stadium forecourt on the Cape Town CBD side of the venue.

The structure had been pre-approved and certified safe, by structural engineers prior to the event.

The remainder of the structure was dismantled and the commanding officer at the Venue Operations Centre declared the event site safe shortly afterwards.

The Stadium gates were re-opened to concert attendees. The concert is going ahead as planned.

All necessary support is being provided to those injured.

End

Issued by: Integrated Strategic Communication and Branding Department, City of Cape Town

Thankfully it sounds as if no lives were lost as a result of this tragic incident.

--Update 08/11/2012--

It has been confirmed that a woman has passed away as result of the injuries sustained form last night's accident.

My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.