Winter Moods celebrate new album with big concert
Popular Maltese band Winter Moods drew the biggest crowd for a concert by a Maltese group last night when they performed on the granaries in Floriana.
Led by vocalist Ivan Grech the band belted out its most popular songs as well as numbers from its new album including the new Last To Know and My Neverland and classics like Everyday Song and Marigold.
This was the second major concert by the band. Two years ago, it attracted over 7,000 for a concert at the Valletta Waterfront.
The band is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and recently launched its 5th CD album, titled Argento.
Cruz, a five-musician band specialising in electronic rock, was supporting band for the concert.
Yesterday's concert, presented by NnG Promotions, came hot on the heels of the Joseph Calleja concert, which also drew thousands of people to the granaries, on Thursday.
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Jesmond Micallef
Aug 2nd 2010, 16:11
Winter Moods seem to be doing well in the local music scene. I wish them all the best. Good to notice a rather old man, whose obviously young at heart, among the crowd on the front row.
Kevin Saliba
Aug 2nd 2010, 16:05
The more comments I read, the more I love Brikkun!
S. Fenech
Aug 2nd 2010, 13:30
@ Mario Vella (Brikkuni)
If I were the publisher, I would have never shared your comment to the public!
You not only lack modesty but also seem to be frustrated towards all those who take the lime light off you. Your comment says 'JEALOUS' all over.
Well done Winter Moods. This was my first time to attend one of their gigs and was impressed not only by their music but also by their humbleness. THANK YOU WINTER MOODS.
Josef Florian Micallef
Aug 2nd 2010, 15:00
Why wouldn't you want the publisher to share such a comment with the public? He has every right to say that for most of Brikkuni's crowd, Winter moods do rate poorly. i happen to agree with that.
I can't say its painful to see more Maltese attend concerts like Winter Moods. This is normal. What is painful is to read such comments from people who don't understand Brikkuni's music and what Mario Vella was talking about. First of all, folk music is not about limelight.
Artists like Brikkuni desire to communicate and truly reach out to Maltese people, and enhance our identity. People today are so alienated by MTV culture, that they fail to be communicated to. We need more bands like these to strengthen our culture, and want the government and the media to promote these activities, in a country where its cultural basis has become westernized. It would be a pity if in 100 years time, history books would have no reference to Maltese music in Maltese, and about the Maltese way of life / perceptions in the 21st century. Maltese music did not stop at Ghana you know!
Juanita Cassar
Aug 2nd 2010, 15:05
Mr Vella might not be the paradigm of modesty, however what he says is largely true.
Brikkuni have a loyal following, most of which would gladly choose to pay for a Brikkuni gig rather than go to a Winter Moods concert.
It also happens that a lot of the people you'd find at a Brikkuni concert would not have paid to see Winter Moods, so Mr Vella's comments in that regard were pretty true. It's two different audiences.
Even though during the Brikkuni gig he DID thank people for not going to the Fosos and turning up at his gig instead...
S. Fenech
Aug 2nd 2010, 16:04
My comment was not addressed to Brikkuni as a group but to Mr. Vella's attitude. I never critized his music or dare downgrade Maltese folk. It is the way Mr. Vella wrote his comment and moreover the way that you are putting your words.... "Even though during the Brikkuni gig he DID thank people for not going to the Fosos and turning up at his gig instead..." Thank you for showing up would have been enough! There was not need to be sarcastic. More and more when the other gig was supposed to be held on another day. So, would it have been Joseph Calleja's night on the 30th, Mr. Vella would have addressed his comments to Mr. Calleja, Mr. Cocciante & Ms. Warwick?
It is not the music of the 2 groups I am commenting, but the attitude of the members of the group towards the public. If I could have, I would have attended to both gigs as I like music in general. I like Walter Micallef. Also Tribali! Next time I will attend to Brikkuni... hoping that Mr. Vella is not so much of a 'brikkun' himself.
Mario Vella (Brikkuni)
Aug 2nd 2010, 09:02
Though I appreciate the sympathy showered on Brikkuni as a result of the 'unlucky clash with the Winter Moods gig I would like to underline that we were in no way concerned by such coincidence (the clash was the least of our worries). Thankfuly , Winter Moods rate very poorly amongst most of our followers and venue was sold out anyway.
As to dimwits mentioning 'sour grapes' and other such fallacies......
Even Gonzi and Muscat draw thousands at the granaries yet we should have no qualms about their lack of bravura or integrity.
To the authorities concerned: GIVE US D.I.Y BANDS VENUES TO UTILISE AND KEEP THE POLICE AT BAY. VALLETTA REVIVAL MY FOOT. WE CAN MANAGE ON OUR OWN WITHOUT ANY OUTSIDE HELP THANK YOU VERY MUCH. JUST GIVE US SPACE. IT'S ALL WE ASK FOR
Adrian Camilleri
Aug 2nd 2010, 12:33
A dose of modesty surely won't hurt sales, either...
Louise Cassar
Aug 2nd 2010, 12:55
Mario, your self-inflated ego is so much out of place that you make me hate your music and your band. As do plenty of others. What a pity for the rest of the band members. I do not like the music by Winter Moods, not because it's not good, but because it's not my style - but I would GLADLY listen to them for a whole month on end that spend an hour listening to a gig of yours.
F,Abdilla
Aug 2nd 2010, 13:44
sour grapes.
winter moods rock my boat!
Marouska Pisani Bugeja
Aug 1st 2010, 18:34
Well done WINTERMOODS...you made me proud to be MALTESE...the people who were there enjoyed every moment...Ivan...you brought tears into my eyes with that maltese song...and this goes to all those who always complain...Just staff your jealousy...min ma jilhaqx l-gheneb dejjem jghid li hu qares...
adrian steel
Jul 31st 2010, 21:22
all the haters, ....get a life !!!
john wilson
Jul 31st 2010, 19:40
Well done Mr.Grech and the band WINTER MOODS for EVERRRRRRRRR
James Vella
Jul 31st 2010, 17:52
pffff well people, i'm sorry that you guys are just happy with the same stuff as usual. Its always the same everywhere on the island. Winter Moods are good but still its like hearing the same songs all over again.. Or one song covers them all. I know I'm gonna get a lot of comments thrown back at me., but still I think that there are many good musicians around and no one is doing a single thing to help them out. Music wise our country is very ignorant, both governments and private organizations wont do a single thing to help single performers, or bands to improve and even be promoted abroad. I'm sorry to say but here its always the same 4 bands, Winter Moods, Ira Losco, Tribali not to mention their repetitive concerts and a
Airport Impressions. Not to mention that the latter 3 all all run by the same management.
Thanks
M Schembri
Jul 31st 2010, 18:54
So, what do you suggest Mr. Vella. That these bands you mentioned stop?! I truly can't understand your argument. You're craving for something to be done to help artists and then you complain about bands / management which did their homework well. Let's be realistic... each band (even giants like U2, Coldplay, The Killers) has its own sound and some of the songs may sound stereotype. But that's the relation between the artist and their own music, something which changes in years through the band's / artist's maturity in music.
Those artists you mentioned which you pointed out as "always the same 4", once were not known, worked their socks off and now they are reaping their hard work. So what's the problem in that?!
Surely I agree with you that it can be more from authorities, but let's be grateful for the effort and sacrifices of our local artists.
Joseph Micallef
Jul 31st 2010, 23:07
It is true though that certain artists even if they have reached a top standard, are not given enough coverage and opportunities here. Some are hardly known of. Just to mention one - Carrie Haber. She is having a great success in the UK - but here? I mention her to work collegues and they ask "who is she?"!!! Yes bands like Winter Moods deserve the acknowledgement that they have because they worked for their status and followers - but it seems that if a guest band is invited on a tv show, for instance, it has to be Winter Moods always - or Ira Losco! What about the band Fire - they are such an excellent band!
Shar Camilleri
Aug 2nd 2010, 19:30
I agree with Mr Micallef here,, FIRE is a great band with great musicians yet Fire don't have any of their relatives on the radio's playing their songs every time they go on air....
Give me Fire anytime.. they give a hell of a performance every time they are on stage!!!
Dani. Mangion
Jul 31st 2010, 17:07
Last night was an amazing night! Winter Moods have shown, that although 25 years have passed from the beginning of their glorious band, they still have the strenght to be among the top bands in Malta. In yesterday's concert Winter Moods also introduced a young star. His name is Bradley, and he played the accustic guitar in "Sarah". He amazed everybody with his talent. Moreover I was surprised when Ivan sang "Xemx", it was really beautiful.
I really hope to hear Winter Moods playing in the near future!
Well done yesterday was really worth waiting for!
M Bonnici
Jul 31st 2010, 13:22
Haveing followed the Band since it's conception way back in early eighties I have to say that last night was yet another good show. On the other hand I must admit that all those who where in the Vodafone area were taking for a complete ride last nite!! standing on the left hand side of the stage with no front of house PA pointing in our direction we were left at the mercy of the bass bins infront of us. To add insult to injury up to half way of the show the big screen in front of us was left idle. Have work with to local bands for the past 25 years including WM for couple of occations I don't think this was fair for WM, the crowd and last but not least Vodafone image with its esteemed customers who God only knows how much money did the Company pumped in for these two great concerts!......Better luck next time Voda people!!
Michael Debatista
Jul 31st 2010, 11:49
I'm sorry to sound 'realistic'. I came yesterday because Vodafone offered me the free tickets. I hate it when people start inventing. The crowd was responsive just like Brikuni was as i went there for the last for 20 minutes as well. Anyone who says that there were more than 6000 people is part of the exaggerated media frenzy which follows. It was nothing more and nothing less than a typical rock night at Indipendenza which used to happen every year. Lets start being responsible on these numbers. People were giving out tickets 7 Euros for 2 people as well which means not more than 2,000 people bought tickets. They had more people at Waterfront as i was there and once again got the tickets for free. I enjoy live concerts so try to attend as many as i can.
I really would like to suggest to Winter Moods though to be humble about this . Also lets not forget the local artists who continually get good results abroad. Unfortunately Winter Moods are not one of them but still local music deserves our support but it also deserves our honesty.
Joseph Bugeja
Jul 31st 2010, 16:03
First of all I want to thank and congratulate Winter Moods for their great concert yesterday. Thanks guys. I want to congratulate Brikkuni also because although I wasn't there I still support local talent, whoever and whatever kind of Maltese talent it is.
Mr Debattista, I was confused about your comment. When you said that you support local music. First of all the way you attacked last night's concert regarding attendence. Does it matter to you how many people there were paying or not and comparing last night's concert with two years ago? If you support local talent, you'll enjoy the music and that's it. Secondly if you want local talent to flourish, pay for your concert tickets to help the artists.
Rachel Formosa
Jul 31st 2010, 16:08
Not even worth a comment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well done Winter Moods, great as always. Thanks for such a great night
rene agius
Aug 1st 2010, 20:42
your numbers are wrong, however even if it was a free concert, the attendance proves the popularity, success and demand for Wintermoods. Getting there, walking there, staying in a crowd of people in this heat is the true measure of success, not the €7.
If u wish to support the local musicians refuse the complimentaries you are getting for every show and start paying something small like €7. set an example for all.
S. Caruana
Jul 31st 2010, 10:07
Winter Moods clashed with Brikkuni yesterday:( I opted for Brikkuni Lajv and loved it loved it!! They're a unique buzz! Made me proud to be maltese. Welldone BRIKKUNI you're simply Great!
Hope such gigs do not clash again though... since both gigs are equally worthy of attendance.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Jul 31st 2010, 10:57
Hear hear! : O)
M. Pavia
Jul 31st 2010, 11:13
Agree - I opted to listen and support an award-winning, upcoming local band ... Airport Impressions @ Beer Festival, eventhough i was offered free tickets/offers to attend @ Fossos. The atmosphere was electrifying - well done to AI.
Such events should not clash with each other, including that of Brikkuni Lajv!
Claudia Pecorella
Jul 31st 2010, 09:31
WELL DONE.....PROSIT!!! Really enjoyed the show......am proud of being Maltese and was proud last night of being part of the 9000 strong concert crowd!! Keep it up Winter Moods and WE WANT MORE☻☻☻
simon amato
Jul 31st 2010, 09:00
i agree with you edith...winter moods concert was fantastic. the covers of xemx was simply brilliant...great voice of Ivan. insomma im proud im a winter dude:)
Edith Barbara
Jul 31st 2010, 07:40
Well done Winter Moods. Superb gig -enjoyed every moment. The sound and lighting were professional . Ivan's voice is wonderful - Their well known hits as well a lovely rendition of Can't Afford to Lose and Xemx Wisq Sabiha were much appreciated by the crowd. Hope we'll continue to hear more from this group. Well done Etienne Robinich (though we didn't get to see your face) !