Video: Isle of MTV delights the crowd

We seem to forget the effort made by our local artists!!!! Malta wake up and smell the coffee, and stop being so stuck up! Just because two of our artists made it on the international front it doesn't mean that there won't be others to come. The industry is a tough nut to crack and the talented are often left behind! Talent is sometimes not even the question! One must also have a great image to go with it, a great personality and also the know how and age to handle the rough ride the industry will give you. Frankly the only few who can make it in my opinion are Ira , Chasing Pandora and young upcoming bands like Red Electrick. Winter Moods' image is all wrong, they're old and their songs sound ok, but the same and by no means are international standard.

Although Ira is good. The music industry is all about money and if the industry felt she was good enough, they would have used her and raked in the money. But I guess the music industry don't feel she would be an international draw ( at least in North America). But anyway it seemed the Maltese enjoyed the American Entertainers which made up of 75% of the show. It also seems the Maltese went Gaga over Lady Gaga.

@ S Falzon I'm not sure if you were refering to me in your post, but if that was the case let me tell you that you are COMPLETELY wrong. First of all, can you tell me why I have to be jealous for a pseudo-Maltese-singer when I'm neither a singer myself nor a woman. People can be jealous (in the positive way of this ugly word), for example for the GENIUS of Michael Jackson, for the Shows of Madonna, for the songs of Whitney Houston or for the Legendary concerts made by Elvis, Queen, REM or Bon Jovi only to mention the Few. But NOT for a Maltese singer. Jealousy mah, I'm still laughing about it !!! Good one to begin the weekend

@ M. Borg

Thank you for your comments. You must be part of the 10% of drivers that are nice to passengers. It's a pity there aren't more. Thank you for your service!

@Ryan
ok Ryan which band or artist do you like then? You've made it quite obvious Ira will never do anything right in your eyes?
Respect goes to Ira and other artists who are making us proud outside our shores everytime they tour!

@ Miriam Vella
Lots of luck to Ira Losco and all the other local artists. Their success abroad would make any Maltese, myself included, proud! I have nothing against anybody Madam, but it's very ridiculous and unfair to see people writing that Ira Losco is the person who opened the doors to local acts abroad, because as you rightly said, to become successful local artists have to go abroad and make their own career. I see no magic produced by Ira Losco in the past (like somebody said here) in that.

Yes she performed abroad in front of thousands of people, and I'm sure she rocked the night! But that's it. Plus I think I can speak the way I spoke since we have no facts on her sales abroad in the first place, which is today's way of giving value to success in music.

@Ryan Faruggia
I admire these artists for doing music and being driven by passion. Every other artist you watched at the Isle of MTV was once supporting other acts, or struggling to survive and waiting for their big break. In Malta we have artists who have conquered their home territory and are slowly building fan bases everywhere around the world. Encouragement would be better, than your quick judgements! It's always easier to sit in front of a PC, and send in your rants!

@Ryan Faruggia
Do you happen to be Ira Losco's tour manager???? or possibly know her personally, because the way you speak and make sweeping statements about her career makes me wonder! I happen to follow her steps and during the past year visiting her site I saw events which took her out of our island to perform abroad. The problem with us Maltese is that international success only 'counts' if our artists are featured on MTV or any media WE can get our hands on! At least whe together with other bands like No Snow/No Alps, Chasing Pandora, Cable 35, Scar, Slit, beheaded and others have toured all out of their own expense!!! Many other local artists like to sit and enjoy their local stardom, there's no problem with that, but don't fire away at those who have done something of value. Yesterday I was watching a gig where Ira was invited to visit Sheffiled and play in fron of 25,000 people in a stadium, followed by other shows. She is also performing in Austria in September.
Chasing Pandora are also going back to London next year.

Just because you don't like Ira's music doesn't mean that she's not a talented artist. You know what they say.... jealousy gets you nowhere!
Did you even see the video attached to this article?? Do you really think that the Black Eyed Peas sound that good even though they're internationally famous?!? hahaaaaaaa.

Hi Mandy i'm so sorry hearing how you was treated by that driver. I call him RUBBISH. I'm a bus driver myself. Please bare with me. Do make a whole day behind the steering listening to ppl saying rude things in your face. Case in point - A 65 year old (karta anzjan) she is supposed to show the card. she did not show it. I gently asked her 23 or 47 please? u know what she said - 'mela biz zokkor nidher anzjana'. can you tell me what would be my reaction. that was only to mention one case. another case is that Myself after every trip I clean the bus floor after every trip i find chewing gum, soft drinks, tickets...BRAVU L MALTI...then i have a buss full up with tourists and you find nothing...If i had to mention every case I see I can write an ENCYLOPEDIA. you name it you find it!!!!! and mind you I only work once a week!!!!! never mind i'm glad you reported him!!!! PROSIT...and everytime you see drivers acting rude PLEASE REPORT THEM TO ADT IN VALLETTA....THEY WILL TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY BELIEVE ME!!!!!

this crap should stop.

This was indeed the best Isle of MTV Malta Special so far... the atmosphere, the music, the crowd... Was really glad not to hear the same songs as last year played all over again from Lady Gaga like we had last year from Enrique (the Valletta honorary citizen haha). One thing to criticise would definitely be the rip-off token system but as some mentioned here, organizers have to make some money from somewhere given that it was a free festival... and a very good one, one must say!
@M Borg... the waiting time was only normal... on average in even bigger festival... it takes half an hour between bands each time to set up everything. And given the kind of stage Lady GaGa had for instance, it's only normal to have such a waiting time...

i was surprised to see how good performers Black Eyed Peas are even if MTV mainstream music is not my first choice. Prices were incredibly inflated one cola and one lager =10 euros!!!
no price tags! Rip off

WHAT !!!! Hopefully you was aspiring to win the joke of the Year with this phrase cause if you weren't, you need a crash course in BASIC music. So in your deep judgement, here in Malta exist a singer better than Lady Gaga, The Black Eyed Peace or similar ? .

First of all, if you want to compare Maltese with Foreigners, you'll have to mention singers with REAL talent. And these in my opinion here in Malta are only 4, which are the Winter Moods, Joseph Calleja, Kevin Borg & Chiara. All others cannot be EVEN be compared with Foreigner AMATEUR singers. Then if you want to talk about DJs, that's another story cause I think that there are at least 5 or 6 of international level. And don't tell me that's Malta is a small country cause that excuse maybe valid when you're talking about football but not when you depend only on yourself (see Kevin Borg or William Chetcuti).

One last thing, Yesterday's concert was aimed to attract tourist here, But buying a softdrink from a stand @€2.50, you think is a good advert ? And without VAT receipt too, WHAT A SHAME !!!

I attended the event and must say it seemed to be organised well - police, first aiders, crowd control etc. The intermissions were a big disappointment for me. They are obviously needed, otherwise the whole thing would be over too quickly - but they seemed soooo loooooong. The sound of the music played in the intermission was poor quality and not loud enough. And then there was that breakfast show duo - I don't know where to start so I won't. I'ts better.

I saw yellow buses being driven very aggressively both when I arrived and when I was leaving, because I chose to go and return by bus. One bus drove towards me aggressively - I had to run. One of the inspectors was repeatedly telling bus drivers not to take more standing passengers 'because the police would stop them' - but most didnt care and took on as many passengers as they could in Floriana. I havent been on buses for some time and observed the drivers - quite a few (but not all!) seemed to bear a grudge against the passengers - how else can I explain their negative attitude towards passengers?

@ Dunstan Crockford.
Thanks for your thoughts. We had quite a busy night.

@ A.E Camilleri

Yes of course I reported him, first thing this morning as a matter of fact! And for once I was spoken to by someone at ADT who sounded like they really cared. Agreed that not all bus drivers are this bad, but unfortunately 90% of drivers are rude, arrogant and have now a habit of keeping the 3c change from a 50c when they please! Once asks, what would they do if I gave them 45c instead of 47c? And the one's that travel around with their girlfriends in tow are really the cherry on the cake!

Kevin Borg is a pop singer who entered a competition, Joseph Callejja is in a niche market of Opera. Other local acts here are facing a much fiercer feat. It doesn't just take winning a comptetion, without removing any merit from what kevin Borg has done or the amazing Joseph Callejja. But come on guys wake up! stop comparing and appreciate the local artists who continue to give us good music and performances. Many of them are still leaving our island and touring they just don't always publicise it, who are we to demand this anyway ? You'd be complaining if there were no local acts at all. So let's all take a slice of humble pie now shall we?

I don't see why slagging ANY local artist or praising another one has anything to do with yesterday!!! The first year when Ira Losco and Winter Moods performed as I recall and as you will see on youtube, both rocked the crowd senseless. They did just as well as the foreign acts that year. These sweeping statements and comparisons between one artist and another is a true manifestation of local ignorance at its best. I am constantly amazed at how stupid some people's comments are and how much envy some people have for others. I sometimes wonder whether the people writing are wannabe artists themselves, because if they aren't then maybe they should try their luck themselves and see just how hard it is for Anyone to make it. Yesterday's show was truly fantastic and entertaining!!

@Deo Catania

YOur reasoning is rubbish. For starters she's a good pianist, inherently being a great musician.

I'm not a fan of the mainstream, I'm into "heavier" styles and yet I like lady gaga.

As for coldplay...not bad as a band but I'll never get to a concert of theirs, not even free.

If you don't like her that's you problem.

@ Deo Catania
I may agree with you that Ira Losco's songs are very good and that's she's got so many fans because she produces good music. But hey she's done nothing more than the rest of the world's bands to deserve becoming an international act, both music-wise and image-wise.

@George Attard
What did Ira Losco do for local music? Doors opened ... thanks to Miss Losco?? I think you're exaggerating (unless you know something she did that we don't know). If she's got in any foreign chart, she dropped out of it soon after and was immediately forgotten. What she did was for herself to fulfill her aspirations and to get some cash. We should admire her because she has become a local icon, otherwise her career abroad was pure disappointment.

The concert was great. Next time get us Cold play.

Well done to the organizers for a fantastic show, everyone seems to have enjoyed the night of lights and sounds. I must also compliment the Police force, civil protection ,health department and volunteers for their presents at the venue ,which guaranteed our safety. One thing that annoyed me yesterday, was the Armed Forces helicopter flying over my head for more than thirty minutes. Flying at very low altitude is a very risky thing to do, especially with a single engine aircraft over fifty thousand people . What If !!

i attended mtv consert yesterday and it was like being abroad and i belive it was up to standard but the transport authority has a lot to do for next year to be silver for my point of view. it took me almost 1hr and 30min to get a bus i was waiting for it in floriana logog, it came full up it was number 59 by the way we had to stand up it was 11.30pm we paid 1.16 and the whole way we were told to move back in a full bus and standing up we had to stay till naxxar. with the going around flu and to the safety of the passangers please organize well the transport pls its not about the money. keep health and safety first pls.note to mtv organizers keep it up.

now that MTV was a success, i hope that no one cancel the VILLAGE FEASTS.

I liked everthing but i m sorry the bus drivers horrible, and i can understand couse no one were controlling the people to the buses. change doesn t exist. all the bus were full of tourists and were complaing about the repution of this driver. there were two spanish they were asking me if they always do like this . let s don t malta a bad name . they should have a regulator to control the people entering the buses. but it s too late. mtv was amazing

@ A. Debono,

Fair enough, so you don't like Ira. But why say something like that for all to see? What has she done to you to slag her off like that? What, can you do better? Come on, grab a mic, get on stage and entertain us!

Ira has done a lot for local music and because of her has opened the doors to countless others who want to follow in her footsteps and who knows, even go further than she has, I tell you, that day is coming soon when we'll have someone break the international scene and hit it big time! With all the talent out there with bands like Winter Moods, Scream Daisy, Scar and countless others, it's only a matter of time!

Lady Gaga is just a show off. Nonsense 'music'.........but ppl still get brain washed by her Poker Face and Paparazzi played endlessly on a particular local radio station. Just imagine if she and Ira swap countries than we'll see who makes success. She was just lucky to be born in the USA that's all. She's simply a waste of time. Next time get us Coldplay.

@D.Catania

Greatest Gaffe I ever read on TOM.com. At least say that it's you who prefers IRA's songs not make sweeping statements because I'm sure there are thousands, whoe like me find LG and BEP superior to the repetitive local stuff.

@ A. Grech
Ira better than Black Eyed peas. If so, it is strange that she is not internationally famous. I think you really live in a small world.

Business galore........Chicken Fillet in a bun for nearly 7 euros!!!!!!

Mandy Spiteri should report the guy to the authorities immediately. Naturally one hopes that she has relevant particulars, i.e. bus number etc. Go on, Mandy, do your duty! Such guys are 'UNWANTED', and a burden on society. Other than this unhappy incident, it all turns out to have been another very successful "Isle of MTV". Well done to all concerned. It's an experience I suppose!

@ A Grech.

Thank God we did not see Ira Losco again! We want REAL international stars to perform, not a poor man's Lady Gaga like Ira Losco!

People like Kevin Borg or Joseph Calleja are far more worthy of performing on MTV because they are real international successes.

Yesterday's MTV was the best one ver. Lady Gaga and Black Eyed Peas rocked the crowd. The roganisations was fantastic. Only the sound was a bit dodgy at times fromt he point where we were standing. However it was the greatest MTV show ever in Malta.

@Mandy
Sorry to read your bad experience! We always get the odd one don`t we! Pity his behavior and attitude spoilt the evening for you and those on your bus.I would report him if I were you.

I had a great time, well done to all those that worked hard to make this event another success.

@ Ms Liz Debono - I think you are mistaken re Ira, I’m pretty sure she did feature on MTV a while back, personally I also think that she is a very good performer, she's definitely got talent, and is very able to work it on stage in a live performance.
All the local artists will tell you that talent alone will hardly get you anywhere in the music industry abroad.

@ Dunstan Crockford

I wouldn't call the service "Sterling" from the bus drivers! One in particular:
1. The driver conveniently didn't have any change, so was charging what he wanted. I was charged 3.60 instead of 2.40. After a few others had paid I went for the rest on my change!
2. After leaving Valletta he took off his shirt and drove about in his vest with his tattoo showing.
3. He was taking on tourists for Sliema when the bus was for Savoy. The drivers pocket the money for the night service so I guess his motto was the more the merrier!
4. He was offending people for taking along time to pay, with the support of his girlfriend sat behind him saying to tourist,'Ejja come on hurry up!'
5. When we arrived a savoy the bus was still full of tourists hoping to reach the Strand, I told him that he should have told them the bus was for Savoy not Sliema, only to be offended by him, and his girlfriend!!!

Call that Sterling service cause I don't?

It is so refreshing reading such commendable comments. It is surely a break from the usual moaning and whining.

To:Deo Catania
Now I really have heard it all.... If Ira was really any good she would have received INTERNATIONAL stardom by now and would have sold MILLIONS of records on a WORLWIDE scale. I suggest in future you remain in your little box and just visit all the so called maltese music festivals where she will no doubt be playing. And another thing...I'm not sure if you were aware but it was an MTV concert and as far as I know she has never been featured on MTV............ more chance of pigs flying!

MTV was massive congratulations to all artists.....one dark spot....prices of the tokens was EXAGGERATED to say the least.....

5 tokens for 4 bottles of water
when we showed our amazement...we were told arrogantly "GHALXEJN TFITTXU GHAX KOLLHA TAL ISTESS"

@Ryan Farrugia. Ira's songs are a whole lot better than Lady Gaga's and Black Eyed Peas' songs (if you can call them that) put together.

Praise and gratitude to the traffic police and Valletta Police Station officers,CPD ,Hospital staff and Transport Authority bus drivers for their sterling work helping the show to be enjoyed by such a crowd!

@ A Grech
Lol why Ira Losco? There are so many other decent local artists out there! Ira Losco has already been given the opportunity so it's only fair that IF Maltese artists are to participate, we should see different faces on stage, no? Besides, we keep on seeing Ira & co. in all concerts, festivals and activities, so we deserve a break too lol.

It was an amazing concert, in my opinion it was the best out of the 3. Lady Gaga and Black Eyed Peas gave an amazing performance. The only thing that could be improved is the waiting time between one artist and another, I believe it was too long and the sound in breaks was not clear.
But on the whole thumbs up for another show!

Another great concert!!
However, this tokens system is a total rip off. Thank god for the outside bars, although it would have been nicer and more convenient to be able to purchase and enjoy a drink at the show itself.
I guess since it's a free concert, someone has got to make the money.

I felt sorry for Ira Losco. This time she was watching the show amongst the commoners. Wish she could perform on stage again like two years ago.

Don't worry Ira. We still love you!

Yes Karl...

Thank goodness the swine stayed away :)

This year mtv was axcellent, althogh many were scared about the swine but thousands of people attend. it was very well organised thanks to the organisers and the police who made a good job.. Apart from this the participation of the crowd was amazing thanks to all the maltese and foreigners.

It seems that it has never occurred to the organisers, the public in general , and the authorities that the granaries were not built with the intention of carrying the load of enormous crowds and heavy stage and equipment. The fact that underneath are empty spaces should be a sobering thought.

Guess not, but they probably will in a few days time.

Guess Fergie and Will.I.am were not scared of swine flu lol