All these bands really wanted to showcase at The Underground, so I guess we've got a hip reputation now! Although a recommendation by CNN is kind of weird... http://www.cnn.com/2006/TRAVEL/DESTINATIONS/05/22/bct.hongkong/index.html

Since I last wrote, we've lost our annual outdoor festival, Rockit. The rumors swirling were that the organizers lost a lot of money, or it was the HK Government being heavy-handed, or that the organizers were unable to get any more sponsors. Maybe one day we'll know…

Meanwhile, a different kind of outdoor festival took its place, called "Clockenflap," (which honestly sounds like a German chicken farm festival)! Although it’s a more 'multi-media' festival than Rockit, with less focus on live bands, it was still an interesting outdoor festival. Plus, we take what we can get here in HK! That was in January 2008, and it looks like another one will be happening at the end of this year! I hope they include different acts than who were showcased at #1 and Rockit.

We also had “Live N Loud” for the first time-- (an indoor festival, not the obscure British metal band that play Thin Lizzy covers!), which had some interesting acts including: Simple Plan (Canada), One Republic and Lost Prophets all in one evening. The worst part was that it was on a Tuesday night. This year, the promoters promise us it will be held THREE days over an entire weekend, plus a promise to include some local acts too! (I vote for Chochukmo, Poubelle International and Very Ape to be included.)

Asia also seems to be shrinking with many more Hong Kong bands heading over to Spring Scream (Taiwan outdoor festival), popping over to Manila (like they are popping in for a cup of tea!), and playing shows in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. I’d like to give big shout-outs to all those event organizers in these places that make it all possible.

Big names that have drifted through HK in the last couple of years: Incubus (who were awesome!), Linkin Park (thanks for coming back for a return visit!), Westlife, The Cure, Avril Lavigne, NIN, Muse, Roger Waters, Sigur Ros, Coldplay, REM, My Chemical Romance, Stereophonics, Manic Street Preachers, Travis, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, James Blunt, Bjork, Mogwai, David Byrne, The Ting Tings, Jason Mraz, Duran Duran, and even the Backstreet Boys! Acts to come in 2009 include Craig David and more! So I have to confess that Hong Kong must be less of a ‘last resort to make money’ stop these days…

Interestingly, many acts are starting to choose to perform in Macau: Black Eyed Peas, Celine Dion (what a relief in this case!), Linkin Park (they must like China!), Journey, and Kylie.

Things like bird flu haven’t really affected the local music scene. Oh yeah, the Olympics happened in Beijing & the equestrian event was in Hong Kong. We had the torch come through here, but for some strange reason, the Government only chose a handful of athletes, and the rest were politicians, actors, and rich people’s heirs… that’s Hong Kong for you!

Okay, I’ll stop here now and let Frank publish this, or it’ll be another 3 years before I send an update!!

Love bbchris xx