Heaven's Basement

Last updated

Heaven's Basement
EmS 2013 Heavens Basement 13.jpg
Background information
Origin Manchester, England
Genres
Years active2008–2017
Labels Red Bull
Past members
  • Chris Rivers
  • Sid Glover
  • Rob Ellershaw
  • David Radahd-Jones (Jonny Rocker)
  • Rob Randell
  • Richie Hevanz
  • Aaron Buchanan
Website heavensbasement.com

Heaven's Basement was an English rock band formed in 2008 and signed with Red Bull Records. Band members included Aaron Buchanan (vocals), Sid Glover (guitar, vocals), Rob Ellershaw (bass, backing vocals), and Chris Rivers (drums). The band split up in January 2017.

Contents

Their debut album, Filthy Empire , was released in 2013. They released their first single, "Fire, Fire", in September 2012, leading up to their album release. The single peaked at number 11 on the Mainstream Rock chart.

History

Heaven's Basement EP (2008–2010)

Heaven's Basement was renowned for their heavy touring schedules and extremely energetic live performances. The band first performed live in Kettering at The Sawyers venue in April 2008 after a few months of being locked away in a studio writing songs. Since that point, Heaven's Basement toured Europe with the likes of Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Bon Jovi, Theory of a Deadman, Shinedown, Blind Melon, Hardcore Superstar, Tesla, Madina Lake, D-A-D, Thunder, Black Stone Cherry, Halestorm, D'espairsRay and Black Veil Brides as well as playing at many festivals such as Bloodstock Open Air, Hard Rock Hell, Graspop Metal Meeting, Download Festival, and Sonisphere among others. [1] Heaven's Basement also worked with the American record producer Bob Marlette in the studio. [2]

They were invited to open for Bon Jovi on the Manchester show of their tour at the City of Manchester Stadium, playing to an audience of around 50,000 people. Later that summer, the band released their own self-titled E.P. which was recorded at Sandhills studio in Liverpool. The rest of the summer was spent with the band playing small clubs and pubs all across the UK, building their fanbase. In November 2008 Heaven's Basement were invited to be the main support for Thunder on their UK tour, which also helped to rapidly build their fanbase. They ended 2008 with a UK headline tour, with support from fellow upcoming band Wired Desire. After impressing Thunder on their UK tour, Heaven's Basement started 2009 with the main support slot to Thunder on their European tour in Feb/March which included dates in Belgium, Holland, Germany, and Switzerland.

In early September 2009, Heaven's Basement announced on their MySpace page that their bassist, Rob Randell, had left the band for personal reasons. [3] As the band had many gigs lined up for the month after this, Jonny Rocker took on bass duties for some of the shows. The band held auditions for a new bass player, and it was announced late in October that Rob Ellershaw was to take over. [4] Rob had supported Heaven's Basement in his previous band Whitefire for a number of shows in 2008.

In October 2009, Heaven's Basement appeared live alongside Papa Roach [5] and Madina Lake during Papa Roach's Metamorphosis tour of the United Kingdom. According to both Metal Hammer and Kerrang! magazines, as one of the best live bands in Britain.[ citation needed ] They returned to the UK for a full headlining tour in December 2009, with Dear Superstar and New Device supporting. They also appeared as co-headliners with the Eureka Machines at Rockit '09, Rugby, alongside local act Audio Narcotix.

During 2009, Bob Marlette expressed his interest in working with the band to produce some songs. He traveled to the UK for two sessions with Heaven's Basement at Monow Valley studios. Two of the songs recorded were added to the band's EP ("Can't Let Go" and "Misunderstood" replacing "Saint Routine" and "Fear of Getting Off"). Another song from the sessions, "The Long Goodbye" was released in early 2010 via the band's MySpace site, but others remained unreleased.

In February 2010, just two weeks before the UK headline tour, the band announced that lead singer Richie Hevanz was leaving the band, citing the reason that the demands of constant touring had overwhelmed him. Just as Hevanz left the band, they were also confirmed as main support to Theory of a Deadman across Europe throughout March and April. Heaven's Basement called upon friend Johnny Fallen from UK based band "The Fallen" to sing temporarily whilst they searched for a new frontman. Heaven's Basement appeared at a number of high-profile festivals during the summer of 2010, including Sonisphere at Knebworth park on the Bohemia stage (headlined by Rammstein) and the Swedish Sonisphere pre-party with The Cult. They also appeared at the first Getaway Festival in Sweden alongside Deftones and Airbourne.

Guitarist Jonny Rocker broke his finger whilst playing football in July 2010 a few hours before the band were due to go stage opening for Papa Roach. The band decided to carry on and play the show as a four-piece, and the rest of the summer headline and festival dates were also performed as a four-piece.

Heaven's Basement released a statement in August 2010 informing everyone that they would be spending the rest of 2010 mainly off the road, working on brand new material whilst seeking a new full-time singer.

Unbreakable EP (2011)

On Thursday 17 February 2011, Heaven's Basement released a statement saying that Aaron Buchanan (ex-Oceans Upon Us) would be taking over on lead vocals, and that rhythm guitarist and long-time band member Jonny Rocker would be leaving to pursue a more behind-the-scenes career in music. Heaven's Basement stated that they would, for the foreseeable future, be a four-piece. On the same day, a new song 'Unbreakable' was released which was also revealed to be the title of the band's second EP. The Unbreakable EP was released on 5 May at the band's first show of their UK headline tour, and was later released on iTunes. In May through to June, the band toured extensively across the UK.

Following a highly successful UK tour, Heaven's Basement were offered an acoustic slot at Download Festival and Sonisphere Festival, as well as a main-stage slot at High Voltage Festival in London, alongside the likes of Judas Priest, Dream Theater and Slash. They prepared for these acoustic dates with a warm-up show in The World's End, Camden. Heaven's Basement released a statement in association with these shows, saying that they weren't going to become just a 'soft' acoustic band (as many bands at the time were choosing to perform acoustic sets), and that fans could expect an equally energetic performance from their acoustic shows as they could from their full electric gigs.

In October 2011, Heaven's Basement travelled to Los Angeles for a month to record new material. In November, they announced that they'd signed a deal with Red Bull Records. "Paper Plague", a new song recorded during this recording session, was released as a free download, and three new shows were announced for December 2011.

Filthy Empire, Buchanan's departure and split (2012–2017)

Heaven's Basement in 2012 Heaven's Basement in Los Angeles.jpg
Heaven's Basement in 2012

In September 2012, the band released a single from their debut album Filthy Empire entitled "Fire, Fire". John Feldmann produced, co-wrote on, and mixed the album. The band promoted this with a month-long European tour with Halestorm and the band's first ever appearance in America playing alongside The Darkness at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on 24 October 2012. They then went on to do a UK and European tour with Seether in November 2012 and finished off 2012 with a show at the Camden Barfly, London on 18 December 2012. The band returned to perform at Carolina Rebellion and Rock on The Range through the spring and summer of 2013. They had some show dates with Buckcherry, before returning to the UK for their headline run in July. The band then went on tour in the US and Canada with The Pretty Reckless and Louna. [6] They closed out the year in the UK and Europe with Black Veil Brides. They were subsequently scheduled to perform throughout Australia as part of the 2014 Soundwave Festival.

During 2015, the band began recording their new album, stating that the new record would be released sometime later in the year.

Filthy Empire, the band's debut album, was released on 4 February 2013 to excellent reviews, including KKKK from Kerrang, and entered the BBC Rock Album Chart at No. 9 in the UK. [7] [8] [9] This album included the singles "Fire, Fire", "Nothing Left to Lose" and "I Am Electric", each of which was accompanied by a music video. [10] "Fire, Fire" peaked at No. 11 on the US Mainstream Rock chart (Week of 10 May 2013).

On 21 October 2015, it was announced via social media that Aaron Buchanan had parted ways with the band, with the following statement: "We've all had a fantastic few years touring the world with Filthy Empire but we simply feel that our time together has run its course." Buchanan went on to form Aaron Buchanan & The Cult Classics in April 2016, with debut album "The Man With Stars On His Knees" (mastered at Abbey Road Studios) released on 26 May 2017 to critical acclaim. [11]

In 2016, former band member Richie Hevanz became frontman of Fragile Things, following a short stint in a band called Endless Mile. [12] In July 2021, he became the frontman for Misery's Smile. [13]

In January 2017, Heaven's Basement announced via social media that they had decided to split up. Former band members Sid Glover and Rob Ellershaw went on to found a new band called The Cruel Knives, together with Tom Harris and Al Junior. [14]

Band members

Touring musicians

Discography

The song "I Am Electric" is featured on the soundtrack of the video game Need for Speed: Most Wanted and is a playable track in Rock Band 4 .

The song "Fire, Fire" is featured on the soundtrack of NHL 14 .

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alien Ant Farm</span> American rock band

Alien Ant Farm is an American rock band that formed in Riverside, California in 1996. They have released five studio albums and sold over 5 million units worldwide. The band's cover of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" topped the Billboard Alternative songs charts in 2001, and was featured in the film American Pie 2.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Papa Roach</span> American rock band

Papa Roach is an American rock band from Vacaville, California, formed in 1993. The original lineup consisted of lead vocalist Jacoby Shaddix, guitarist Jerry Horton, drummer Dave Buckner, bassist Will James, and trombonist Ben Luther.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skindred</span> Welsh metal band

Skindred is a Welsh band that fuses heavy metal with other genres, most notably reggae. Formed in Newport in 1998, they are well known for their energetic and involving live performances and have won several awards including "Best Live Band" at the 2011 UK Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards and the "Devotion Award" at the 2011 Kerrang! Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Art of Dying (band)</span> Canadian rock band

Art of Dying is a Canadian rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia, formed in 2004 by lead singer Jonny Hetherington and guitarist Greg Bradley. Soon after, the duo added Chris Witoski on rhythm guitar, bassist Matt Rhode, and drummer Flavio Cirillo.

Days in December was a London-based post-hardcore band who released an EP entitled "Countless Hours Making Waves".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madina Lake</span> American alternative rock band

Madina Lake is an American alternative rock band formed in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in 2005. The band released their debut album, From Them, Through Us, to You, through Roadrunner Records on March 27, 2007. Madina Lake won Best International Newcomer at the Kerrang! Awards 2007. The group disbanded in September 2013 before reuniting in February 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glamour of the Kill</span> English rock band

Glamour of the Kill were an English post-hardcore band from York. They had a Kerrang! video of the week with the track "Feeling Alive".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sonisphere Festival</span> Annual English touring music festival

The Sonisphere Festival was a touring rock music festival which took place across Europe between the months of June and August. The festival was owned by John Jackson and Kilimanjaro Live. It was jointly promoted by K2 and Kilimanjaro Live. It hosted heavy metal bands such as Iron Maiden, Metallica, Mötley Crüe, Slayer, Judas Priest, Megadeth, Avenged Sevenfold and Babymetal.

New Device are a UK-based hard rock band, established in late 2007. The band's style is rooted in classic rock of the 1980s, influenced by bands such as: Aerosmith, Skid Row, Metallica and Guns N' Roses. They first gained a modicum of fame via their Myspace site, when they uploaded early demos which were successfully received by fans.

Dear Superstar are a hard rock band from Manchester, UK. They incorporate very modern styles of rock and metal with the swagger of old 1980s hair metal. They have had an extensive international touring history with many sold out shows across the UK and Europe. They have played on the same bills as acts such as Bullet for My Valentine, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Guns N' Roses and Mötley Crüe – helping to build upon their foundations as one of the UK’s brightest hard rock groups. New Musical Express Magazine has described them as:

You and What Army were an English four-piece electronic rock band formed in 2007, originating from Telford. It consisted of David Brown, Kieran Charles Smith, Jamie Hancox and Zak Hammond from 2008, and previously with Joseph Allen (guitar), Darren Smith (bass), and Thomas Bridgwater (drums). Although they are predominantly a rock band, they combine several different musical styles into their sound and are mainly influenced by heavy metal and electronic music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yashin (band)</span> British post-hardcore and metalcore band

Yashin were a British post-hardcore and metalcore band formed in Glasgow, Scotland in 2006. They have toured with the likes of Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach, Black Veil Brides & Madina Lake and have also played at Download Festival, T in the Park and Sonisphere.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don Broco</span> British Rock Band

Don Broco are a British rock band formed in Bedford, England, in 2008. The band consists of Rob Damiani, Simon Delaney (guitar), Tom Doyle and Matt Donnelly. The band have released four studio albums, including Priorities (2012), Automatic (2015) and Technology (2018). Their most recent album Amazing Things (2021) was their first to reach No.1 in the UK Album Charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rival Sons</span> American rock band

Rival Sons is a two time Grammy nominated American rock band formed in Long Beach, California, in 2006 and loosely based in Nashville. The band consists of Jay Buchanan, Scott Holiday (guitar), Dave Beste and Michael Miley (drums). In their most recent tour they were joined by keyboard player Jesse Nason, priorly Todd Ögren accompanied them when touring. They are signed to Atlantic Records via Dave Cobb's label Low Country Sound, an imprint of Elektra. They have released eight albums and one EP.

Jettblack was an English rock band from High Wycombe, England. They have released three studio albums, Get Your Hands Dirty (2010), Raining Rock (2012), and Disguises (2015).

The Defiled were a four-piece British band from London mixing groove-laden hardcore/metal with electronic music influences. They have been described by Kerrang! magazine as "The saviours of UK Metal" and championed by Metal Hammer as one of the leaders in a new wave of British metal along with bands such as While She Sleeps, Bury Tomorrow and Devil Sold His Soul. The band have built a fanbase following support slots with bands such as Murderdolls, Static-X, Godsmack, Deathstars and Motionless in White as well as playing Bloodstock, Download and Sonisphere festivals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arcane Roots</span> English rock band

Arcane Roots were a three-piece alternative rock band from Kingston upon Thames, England, formed in 2006. In its final incarnation, the band consisted of Andrew Groves, Adam Burton (bass), and Jack Wrench (drums).

<i>Filthy Empire</i> 2013 studio album by Heavens Basement

Filthy Empire is the only studio album by British rock band Heaven's Basement. The album, which was released on 4 February 2013 after initially being scheduled for a January release, was produced by the American musician and producer John Feldmann. Filthy Empire was released on record label Red Bull Records, with whom the band signed in late 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Amorettes</span> Scottish hard rock band

The Amorettes were a hard rock band formed in Scotland in 2009. They performed in support of Black Star Riders, Europe, W.A.S.P., Ash, The Dead Daisies, Black Stone Cherry, Gun and Thunder among others, and toured across the UK, and performed in several countries throughout Europe.

Aaron Buchanan & The Cult Classics are a British rock band formed in 2016 by former Heaven's Basement vocalist Aaron Buchanan and signed to Listenable Records. Band members include Aaron Buchanan (vocals), Laurie Buchanan, Tom McCarthy, Mart Trail (bass) and Paul White (drums). The band cite 1990s grunge rock influences and came together for first rehearsals in June 2016 initially with Kev Hickman formally of RavenEye on drums, this was followed up with a full UK tour alongside InMe starting on 17 October 2016 through to 23 October. The band continued to tour through 2017 with appearances at Download Festival, a full UK tour alongside Life of Agony and a European tour with Royal Republic in support of The Man With Stars on His Knees album. The band has also toured with the likes of Skid Row, Buckcherry and Skindred amongst many others.

References

  1. ↑ "photos – Sonisphere 2010". eFestivals.co.uk. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  2. ↑ "Sleaze Roxx: Heaven's Basement Working on New EP and Added to Download Festival". Archived from the original on 21 April 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  3. ↑ "Heaven's Basement Official MySpace Blog". Archived from the original on 21 September 2009. Retrieved 17 November 2009.
  4. ↑ "Heaven's Basement Official MySpace Page Blog". Archived from the original on 7 February 2009. Retrieved 17 November 2009.
  5. ↑ "EGigs.co.uk - Papa Roach announce UK tour dates with Madina Lake, & Heaven's Basement - tickets on sale next Wednesday". Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 17 November 2009.
  6. ↑ Revolver Magazine (10 September 2013). "Louna Announce First-Ever U.S. Tour, with The Pretty Reckless". Revolver.
  7. ↑ "Heaven's Basement Official Store". Archived from the original on 8 February 2013. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
  8. ↑ "UK Top 40 Rock Albums". BBC. 6 February 2019. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  9. ↑ Kerrang! , 6 February 2013
  10. ↑ "Heaven's Basement – Home". Facebook.com. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  11. ↑ "Aaron Buchanan on Chris Cornell, Essex, and seeing life through Iggy Pop's eyes | Louder". Teamrock.com. 2 June 2017. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  12. ↑ Maria Savva (25 June 2016). "Interview with Fragile Things – Rock And Roll". Realrockandroll.wordpress.com. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  13. ↑ Maria Savva (10 August 2021). "Track of the Day: My Misery – Misery's Smile". Realrockandroll.wordpress.com. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  14. ↑ Chad Childers. "Heaven's Basement Dissolve, Cruel Knives Emerge With New Song". Loudwire.com. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.