Conception of Living End

[Madtwins]

We want to talk with all of you TLE fans about conception and idea of Living End band. We need it for getting a serious conclusion of "What TLE spreading around" and "What people finding in them" from professional showbiz point of view.
What people exactly can say when someone ask them ablout TLE? It's like: "Oh, this are that guys which singing about ..., or this is those guys which supporting ...ideas, or just -this are those guys which have ...clothes and ...hairstyle". For what exactly you love them? Why exactly you listen them? Can you shurely say which ideas they bringing?
We want to hear all answers- from scrupulous analysis to simply "because I like them"or "because Andy is handsome".


What is interesting for us: you are fans and is it important for you what about TLE singing, wearing onstage, what supporting? What they showing in their videos (like Wake up) and why they choose it specifically - not something another. Is it important for you for tell - I like them! Or it's don't make sence if they tomorrow go onstage in wide pants, with golden chains or in tracksuits. Is it exactly important for TLE guys to bring some idea with thier creative work, or just playing and have money and fun.

We can tell for ourselves that we like TLE for their complex music, guitar-style,
three-pieces band formula. We like their outward look but can't exactly say what style it is mostly - punk, rockabilly, mod? We know that many of their songs is social-filled, BUT we don't know all meaning of songs till present day. Anyway we like it and listen it because of catching music and vocals.

Please seriously regard to our topic because only here we can ask about this stuff and get an answer.

[Amur]

just my opinion(from one english sucker to anothers,hehe):
+their music.of course it's a main plus of band's existance
+their style.always on top.i mean I CAN love them even in wide pants,but they choose their own style and never wear nothing what they and we-fans don't likes in generally.Not because TLE are smart asses,no.I think they have a good taste at all,so their clothes can't be in non-rock'n'roll style!they like it and we like it too.so what's problem?
+songs.they have random meanings,and like i once read in some interview "we're not punk band,cos we don't have that political imporant songs".but what's about maitland Street?9/11.it's a good song,one of my favs,AND IT HAVE A HUGE MEANING!!And...Carry Me Home - absolutely another idea,but it have energy and drive!love it..or random "personal experiences" songs like...Growing Up,I Want A Day...OMG,i really see how many can i write about it!!better wait an e-mail from me=)

[Madtwins]

Thanx Amur!!!!!

JUST EVERYONE OF YOU - PUT HERE YOUR THOUGHTS AND OPINION!!!!

[The Dying Start]

I was initially attracted to the band because they were entirely different to anything else that was on radio at the time. When SS/POS was released it was about the same time that Blink 182 - Dude Ranch was starting to go nuts.

After more investigation I discovered that i loved every song on the Self Titled album and i fell in love with the new mave rockabilly music that helped shape The Living End.

There are no real stylistic reasons why i love this band. It is simply a case of me liking every damn song they've ever put out. It's just my taste.

Of course as a result of this i've become very attached to the image of the band. And i think you'd all agree that The Living End has a style pretty much all to it's own. I don't think you'd want to classify it simply as "Punk". I don't think you could classify it as "Mod", "Rocker", "Rockabilly"...they just wear what they personally think looks good...and that's a point of view i tend to use myself. Anyone that knows me would probably agree that my fashion sense is a complete mish-mash of 50 different "styles". I just see something i like so i wear it.

Anyway, i dunno if i answered the question but i tried!

Good topic, Madtwins!

[AlinaPOW]

The songs are just so unique and so different to anything i've ever heard before. They are amazing songs too! They fuse so many different styles and influences and the product is just unbeliavable! And at the same time, no two songs sound the same. For instance, i can't answer a question like "whats your favourite album" because they're all just so different!

They are some of the most talented and outstanding and dedicated musicians out there and you can really tell that they love what they do.

They're way too nice to thier fans! They really do care and don't strike me as a band that's purely in it for the money.

Their style. Goddamit, i'm in love. They dress so sharp it hurts!

Pretty much the most amazing live act i've ever seen.

Honestly, i could go on for DAYS as to just why i love them!

[Madtwins]

Yeah guys, thanx for your thoughts. Please express your knowledge about what you think TLE express through their creative work to people. Just how you feel it and is it have an influence on you?
Ok, Gleen, your reply was an interesting!

[Erin]

i loved them when i fist saw WOYR?. they were different and i loved that. i hated all the pop rock crap on the radio. what really got me liking them was the fact i didn't hate any of their songs. they all seemed different, yet somehow i knew it was them when their songs were played on the radio.

i don't know, did that help?

[Madtwins]

i don't know, did that help?

Don't worry Erin! That's ok! Main think it's telling your own opinoin. Everyone will tell about things which are more important for it's own.

[Amur]

They're soooooo haaaaawt!!:D :D i helped you once again. LOL

[The Dying Start]

Through their songs TLE express all sorts of different stuff...that's also a good thing. They don't write about the same shit all the time. Like some pop punk band writes about girls and breaking up all the time. TLE have their political songs, they have their social commentaries, and they have their silly songs. Pretty much anything and everything could potentially make it into a TLE song. It's very diverse and i think that helps attract people to them.

Also their music continues to grow into a varying amount of styles. No longer just a Rockabilly + Punk + Psychobilly band. They're a pub rock band, a jazz band, a pop band, a country band, a blues band. It's fantastic.

And it's the musicianship that allows them to be so open with what they want to play.

[Colezy]

The fact that their attitude towards their music, fans and each other is forever positive. For me, that kinda thing goes a long way.

Other things that i love about the band include:
- Their dress sense. Oh man, I love how they dress. Such good style and taste.

- I love that although they have a sound that you can identify TLE with, you will never hear a song that's the same as another TLE song.

- there's alot more but i'm off to bed soon, so I'll finish another day!

[Madtwins]

T.

- I love that although they have a sound that you can identify TLE with, you will never hear a song that's the same as another TLE song.


yes! We agree! We discussed it ones with friend-musician( it was Vaddy). We gave him "Ready" short song and didn't tell what it is. He told: " such guitar playing can be only by Chris or Brian Setzer!"

Write more your thoughts.

[Amur]

yes! We agree! We discussed it ones with friend-musician( it was Vaddy). We gave him "Ready" short song and didn't tell what it is. He told: " such guitar playing can be only by Chris or Brian Setzer!"

something tell me he recognised Chris's gangsta-rapper voice :D

[Sarah]

hmmm...


I love that after everything they've achieved they're still really nice, normal guys with a great attituted to everything. They'll hang around and talk to fans, they don't get around like rockstars trashing hotel rooms or bad mouthing (although i do miss Trav's pleasant words sometimes :P ) other bands or musicians (hell they even chat to idol contestants) or places.

I love their songs for their simplicity and for the intricate things you only notice after the 33523rd time you've listened to it. I love how they've been inspired and influenced by artists of all eras, but their own songs are timeless and will never be cringeworthy (yes even POS). I love that unlike most other cds i have i can listen to any TLE album non stop for weeks on end and still not get sick of it.

I love that they have/want so much control over their products. They'll remake a film clip because it's too Americanised (surely blowing thousands and thousands of $$$), they release collectable vinyl/merch cos it's stuff they'd want to buy themselves, they'll pull The Fucking Room from the dvd cos it's not up to scratch, they'll pull a tv performance (surely going out to hundreds of thousands of walking cash machines, ie 13 year old kids) because the sound isn't good enough.

I love that they have so much time for their fans. They wanted to know what we wanted to hear on the tour, they wanted to know what we wanted to buy merch wise, they listen to a petition on an online forum and release a song we (well....Glenn :P ) want to hear, they'll spend countless hours fixing and replacing our precious online forum, they'll reply to each and every comment posted on myspace (even the dumb arse questions that could easily be answered by reading the site!).

I love that they have the best manager in the world! Besides doing all the 'making TLE the best known band in the world' stuff she'll also find time to do all the nice things she does for us fans. Setting up meetings, replying in our threads, reading all our threads, replying in myspace, chatting at gigs and sacraficing precious items from her own personal collection for us!

Well, i could go on, but you get the idea :)

[Madtwins]

Thanx Sarah !!!
We love your answer! We know that TLE fans so good and devoted to their band! We agree with most of your words! Sure that Rae rules and we love she too! We catch your idea well, but you can go on, and it will be cool!

[Sarah]

haha, well the only other thing i forgot to add is how I love TLE fans as well. They're loyal and generally nice people. I've met so many nice people that will do anything for the band and anything for other fans like themselves :)


hows that :P

[The Dying Start]

Yeah. We rule.

[Sarah]

well, duh!

[The Dying Start]

The Living End would be nothing without me and Sarah.

[Sarah]

Yeah, when I said "fans" i was refering, of course, to only us two.

[graverobbin'bastard]

Through their songs TLE express all sorts of different stuff...that's also a good thing. They don't write about the same shit all the time. Like some pop punk band writes about girls and breaking up all the time. TLE have their political songs, they have their social commentaries, and they have their silly songs. Pretty much anything and everything could potentially make it into a TLE song. It's very diverse and i think that helps attract people to them.

Also their music continues to grow into a varying amount of styles. No longer just a Rockabilly + Punk + Psychobilly band. They're a pub rock band, a jazz band, a pop band, a country band, a blues band. It's fantastic.

And it's the musicianship that allows them to be so open with what they want to play.

I completely agree with that. That's pretyt much how i feel. I love that they don't stick to one style of music. I tihnk the thing that makes them great is they can play all these different styles and mix them all together at times and it all comes out sounding like the living end. I never think whoa what the fuck are they thinking?

[The Dying Start]

Awesome. We could be brothers.

[graverobbin'bastard]

great minds think alike

[The Dying Start]

Fools never differ!

[luke_the edge_dragons]

where do i start?

i first heard of them when POS/SS was out and they were just a breath of fresh air compared to the stupid pop that was going around then. they were then, and still are, no nonsense rock n' roll!
i think it was chris's fantatsic guitar skills that really hooked me in and to this day he still amazes me.
they have never been caught up with the media or fame and are still the same people as they were before they became famous. they dont have big rockstar egos like some other bands. they still know that the fans have made them who they are and that if they keep producing good albums then we'll keep buying them!
the biggest factor in my love for TLE is probably their ability to play live!! unlike some bands who couldnt play live if their life depended on it...TLE are absolutely amazing and this is why I believe they are so respected in the music industry. i have never gone home disappointed from a TLE concert.
their style isnt a big factor for me...they dress how they like (i think the aussie boxers on Australia Day at the Big Day Out 06 showed that!!!) and i think thats fine!!

i hope this helps in some way...

[tanguyen]

I liked them late 2004/ early 2005. I was an aspiring guitarist who was into the punk genre but was sick of just learning power chords and palm muting. My friend (an educated music head who knows enough about the Living End) suggested to me that I should listen to some of their songs. So I listened to all the popular ones to begin with (Prisoner of Society, Second Solution, All Torn Down, WHo's Gonna Save us and some other randoms) and I felt that I really dug their groove.

I went to HMV and bought the From Here On In DVD and watched the whole thing straight after. Musically, I was stupefied by their musicianship. From watching the DVD, Cheney was a gun at guitar and Scott looked way cool on the double bass. THen I saw E-boogie. I showed my 53 year old English as a second language father Chris Cheney using a beer bottle as a slide and even he was impressed. The DVD also featured that 2 hour documentary and I was attracted to their charismatic, calm nature. But I guess that's with all interviews as Chris really likes to say "F*** YEAH!"

I saw them for the first time at Live n Local and it was a great experience. I've become an obsessed fan (not the most obsessed mind you) and strive to try and look like them (dress sense wise) Why? It's that casual "smart" look that is appealing. Although it could have drawn influence from the punk era, they make it look more professional, rather than the underlying messages of, "I'm a rebel behind a spiffy suit".

Their music is fun to perform and raises eyebrows to people who aren't that aware of The Living End. "Wow... that's way different and way cool than the metal stuff". There is another band in our grade who are very hard rock/Metal.

The reason why I absolutely love the Living End is because of their sound. Their arrangements, compositions, even remakes of songs always cooks my toast, flushes my toilet, floats my boat... you get the drift. It's come to the point where anything they churn out, I will like - as sucky up as tha tsounds.

[The Dying Start]

Andy makes a mean coffee!

[Madtwins]

where do i start?


they have never been caught up with the media or fame and are still the same people as they were before they became famous. they dont have big rockstar egos like some other bands.

Thanx luke_the edge_dragons!!! Interesting reply!

We interested by your sentence about rock star egos. We know what fame can do to people. Can some more longtime fans of TLE confirm this?

[BeaglesRule]

One thing I like about TLE is how they combine old-school sounds with new ideas, they're keeping certain types of music (like rockabilly, ska, ect.) alive in today's suffering music scene. They sound different than everybody else, they look different than everybody else, and they are all great musicians. The combination of Scott's double bass and Chris' guitar is so unique (not to forget good old Andy;) ). They're fun guys and care so much about the fans, they put what they want into their music and don't change to become popular. They seem to have a vision with their music, it's just not songs produced aimlessly, they all seem to have a purpose, you can see the band knows what they want. Also, they are versatile, all their albums are different. A huge draw for me is the passion they show for all that they do, it's genuine. I remember the first time I heard a full album of theirs, just sitting at my desk thinking "Oh my god, this is awesome'. very few times I am floored by a band, TLE are one of those.:) I credit them with broadening my musical horizans.

[eryanic]

I think a few things make Living End cool :-
1. Scott on the Double Bass, you don't see many rock bands with a double bass
2. Mad guitar skills by Chris. Nowadays most of the punk rock bands don't play crazy solos like Chris...Look at American punk bands like Green Day, Blink 182, Simple Plan...etc. The ones that do guitar solos are into a heavier kinda rock

But to be honest, I think that the Living End classics like POS, Roll On...etc are more of an 'acquired taste of music' if you know what I mean. I love the Living End now, but when I first heard their music, I didn't quite like the melody of the songs. Like for Roll On, somehow when it goes to the chorus, the melody (or key perhaps?) switches and it doesn't sound as mainstream as the verse.

I guess if you look at Green Day, and Simple Plan's hit singles. Although from a musician's point of view, their guitars and bass are fairly simple to play, but their song/melody is more mainstream and a normal person listening to it can connect to it instantly. An example of a Living End song would be "Wake Up". No guitar solos, but still a pretty damn nice song...coz it's straight forward

Anyway these are just my thoughts. I'm not a song writer or anything, and i don't even know if "mainstream" is the right word.

[The Dying Start]

Thanx luke_the edge_dragons!!! Interesting reply!

We interested by your sentence about rock star egos. We know what fame can do to people. Can some more longtime fans of TLE confirm this?

This is true. They are very very down to earth. They are honestly stunned if you tell them that they are amazing musicians...they don't see themselves as great musicians, and they are always trying to be better at playing their instruments.

They always have time for fans. If you yell at them in the car park they will come and say hello...they don't just jump in the van and drive off.

They are all incredibly modest. They seem to think of themselves as ordinary guys. They often seem to put them on the same level as the fans. They're just three guys who love music, like to go see their favourite bands play and like to have a few drinks. They're not big rockstars "don't you know who we are? We're famous."

They don't do the hotel room trashing, they don't expect french champagne with their riders. They're just 3 guys who like to get up and put on the best show they can.

Brilliance!

[Madtwins]

Thank you Glenn. Considering to your words we will not be afraid to talk to them when we meet. On Ukraine musicians which have less attainments than TLE are more "rockstarish".

[mel_bound]

they don't expect french champagne with their riders.

They do, however, have a ute-full of boxes of corona!! :p

I love the guys, as Glenn said, so down to earth and friendly. They put their fans first, they released the DVD for us fans, even though they weren't, but their reason was quality control!! And the little extras, the SOE DVD, the filmclips, the myspace replies.. and so much more.

Their music is always a little different, new and interesting, yet you can still get into it and tell it's them, if you hear them on the radio. And I also find them very inspirational, I could just keep making TLE-related art, even if it's crazy-obsessive.

and they dress and look excellent ;)

[Julian]

I think they're all great musicians and even though they show it they can still write a great pop song. They don't go over the top with what they do and every member of the band has a strong entity.
One reason I listen to them alot is because of the diversity of their music. No matter what mood i'm in, there's usually a tle song to match it :D
First live band I saw and still the best, I think it'll be a while before anyone overtakes them :)

[The Dying Start]

First live band I saw and still the best, I think it'll be a while before anyone overtakes them :)

NEVER!



They were my first favourite band and it's at the point now where no other band will even come close. Unfortunately the race for second favourite band is very very cluttered and the lead changes alot!

[Belinda]

TLE are one band that have been with me through my teenager years. It's different, it's genuine, it's outstanding and I can listen to their music any time of the day. With some other bands I listen to, with their music I can only listen to their songs if I'm down, or angry or even really happy. But I'm always in the mood for The Living End.

The Living End are The Living End, I can't really think of anything else to say why I adore this band. I just do, I always have and I always will. They support me just as much as I support them. They are everything a fan wants their favorite band to be, and more.

But as time goes on I mature, and so does their music. I'm growing up with them and that's something that I hold very special. My parents grew up with The Beatles and I adore The Beatles now. I hope my children will appreciate the music of The Living End.

Hope that made sense :)

[Liz]

I was first introduced to The Living End by my father, who was in love with Second Solution. I remember running around the house when I was 7 singing Prisoner of Society at the top of my voice. Once you like The Living End, you like them for good. I've had other favourite bands who've just came and gone but TLE has stuck with me my whole life. Even through all the hype, they've remained real, Aussie, down to earth guys and haven't ever acted snobby or selfish about their fame and success. They're unique and everything about them is different. They give out amazing live performances and write amazing songs. I can't imagine anyone else being my favourite band and I will support TLE throughout the rest of my life.

[Madtwins]

I was first introduced to The Living End by my father, who was in love with Second Solution. I remember running around the house when I was 7 singing Prisoner of Society at the top of my voice. .

Cool! We are feel jealous :)

[Crystal]

I was first introduced to The Living End by my father, who was in love with Second Solution. I remember running around the house when I was 7 singing Prisoner of Society at the top of my voice. Once you like The Living End, you like them for good. I've had other favourite bands who've just came and gone but TLE has stuck with me my whole life. Even through all the hype, they've remained real, Aussie, down to earth guys and haven't ever acted snobby or selfish about their fame and success. They're unique and everything about them is different. They give out amazing live performances and write amazing songs. I can't imagine anyone else being my favourite band and I will support TLE throughout the rest of my life.

At least your dad has good taste in music :D. I remember buying TLE's first album when I was 12 or 13 coz i was... (still am actually) in love with Second Solution :). I had just got a CD player at that time, haha... and I listened to it over and over. :p

[The Dying Start]

My dad is currently obsessed with Til The End. He saw them do it live on the DVD the other day and he was pumped.

[Buddha117]

My elder brothers listened to the living end ages ago when they first started out. Since then, i have been listening to em. I love cause i think they are unique, stylistic, and just awesome. Also i play double bass and drums, and their music is the best to play to. Long Live the Living End!!!

Cant wait for White Noise!

[i_heart_you]

you know those songs you've heard so many times you can't but like them? like, any beatles song and love shack by the b52s? that's how living end was for me. my sister got the S/T album, played it non stop for a few months and then grew tired of it. me, being the young, impressionable child down the hall, had those songs imprinted on my brain. since then, i've loved tle more as habit as anything else.
but beyond that, it's just real music. sure, i like some of the shitty pop junk on the radio to jam out to, but tle's music is lightyears away from that. they grow, they're mature, their sound is rich and full and intense and complicated. i see music as an art, and tle has fulfilled those expectations, where pop music always falls short. i may stray from tle for a few days, but the creativity in their music always draws me back. i find something haunting about their songs that makes me feel like no other band could.

plus, you know, they're hotties. or whatever. ;)

[Absolution]

Hmm, hadn't noticed this topic before...oh well, here goes...

i see music as an art, and tle has fulfilled those expectations, where pop music always falls short.

Agreed. Being the artistic type that I am, I always look for the meaning in art; whether that be in painting, photography or indeed music. It's something that I highly value in society today, as the power of images and music can get us to express and convey such an important wealth of information and emotion to a given subject.
In this respect, The Living End are (well, as far as I'm concerned :p ) the epitome of social opinion. The fact that they value the lyrics in their songs so much forms such a profound basis for their work, and the fact that they tie their message in with a remarkably raw and solid composition, musically speaking, is the proverbial icing on the cake. That's why I love TLE so much, there's meaning an real ambition behind their songs and its then no real surprise that a song like All Torn Down has become one of...nay, my favourite song ever; it ties together all these little goodies into one beautiful and fulfilling piece of art.

The other key aspect of their work, as has been previously mentioned through this thread, is that their sound is so unique. There's just so much of the same old thing being churned out in the (mainstream) music industry these days that TLE provide a breath of fresh air; a release. To be honest, I have this odd belief that music, especially that of TLE's keeps my sane in this crazy world of ours, honestly.

My only regret is not having heard of TLE sooner...but I guess I was still a musically ignorant and juvenile...child (lol) during TLE's early years.
Actually I do have a second regret...not having seen the guys perform live...damn I hope I get that chance.

*finally exhales*

Well that was longer then intended but I hope some of you could be bothered reading it all! :D

[skitzo12]

iv'e hada the living end around me at all times, i mean a traditional aussie barbeque normally had at least roll on played at it...
apart from that, i generally like rock music and the living end are a grouss band

[The Dying Start]

Goodness Gracious.

[paulvroc]

while i'm just another humble fan, not claiming to know anything special about them or own every single track they ever did as the Runaway Boys or whatever...these are my thoughts...
i posted a blog about them recently, so i'll just paste it here :p

reasons why i love the living end:

firstly, the front man. while chris cheney's not a ridiculous rock singer or lyricist with a huge vocal range, he is one of the most talented, versatile, stylistic and generally ridiculous guitarists on the circuit today. he can solo as well as anyone, and is diverse enough that he can nail jazz numbers, write a country tune, and dominate a range of other genres. best of all, he can play just about anything while belting out a huge chorus, or going through the motions of a verse. the man is a freak, but he's so modest that you wouldn't know it until you see him play, because he's not an arrogant idiot like most other guitarists of his calibre. on another note, his song writing keeps getting better, and the wide range of influences and techniques that lie in his music are massive.

the band in general is, and this is a rarity these days, hugely talented. obviously chris cheney is a gun, but scott on the double bass (which is much harder than it looks) and andy on drums all prove their worth on one viewing of the E Boogie live.

its pretty much a showcase of who they are as a band, and their ability. its a rockabilly number they wrote themselves (as far as i know guys, don't crucify me here), which highlights their passion for 50s music which is obviously very difficult to play, and one of the best parts about it is it incorporates so much of who they are, with the whole song performed live and with their complete Australianess coming through (with the usual playing guitar with a VB as a slide)

as well as being talented, the band in general is really versatile, but at the same time staying true to their own sound. never a sell out to modern trends, and with a passion for 50s rockabilly and 70s rockabilly revival bands such as Stray Cats at the forefront, the living ends influences and range goes from jimi hendrix to the clash to elvis to midnight oil. and it makes for such good listening when each of their albums has its own unique sound...and all those influences come through in their music

but through all of this, the band aren't rockstars, in the usual sense of the word. they seem more like a bunch of mates just doing their own thing...very, very well. they are old melbourne boys who began and continue to live here, playing for the local audience. on top of this, they also are three of the biggest legends in the music industry. there's no arrogance, they're always joking around and never talk themselves up, and they're the sort of guys who would never talk down to a fan

now we get to one of the biggest reasons why they're my favourite band of all time. most of their praise comes from their live performances, which are unrivaled in this country, and are matched by few bands in the world. the shows are long, electric, and insane. they sound better live than they do on record, which is more that can be said about the majority of 'rock' groups these days. if you ever go to one of their shows, you'll know what i mean. you'll actually get to see what cheney can do, improvisation-wise, and stylistically as well. and it all comes through on their albums, which are not multi-tracked (didn't mention Modern Artillery in the blog), but are recorded straight to tape for that kickass live sound, which is when they sound best. and all of this without the huge American budget, which just makes them to be admired more. ridiculous!

so all of these attributes come together to form one of the greatest bands of the 90s and 2000s, and all those who know rock music can appreciate what i'm saying. because its enormously rare that that many awesome traits are all found in one group. and all right here in melbourne! fuck i love this band

...the end
i hope i didn't just waste space by posting this here...

[Colezy]

I agree with all of that :) Nice write up thingy :p

I'd add my own thoughts in too, but my brain is fried atm.

[Kacky]

*Thumbs up*

[The Dying Start]

I want to eat Ferret's fried brains.