The Birthday Massacre: A Tale of Darkness and Light

Hailing from the heart of Canada, The Birthday Massacre (TBM) are a rock band that have carved a unique space for themselves in the world of music. Formed in 1999 in London, Ontario, they have since relocated to Toronto, their sonic vision evolving alongside their journey.

Originally known as "Imagica," a nod to Clive Barker's 1991 fantasy novel, the band's name was inspired by their own music. In 2002, they opted for "The Birthday Massacre," after one of their early songs, to avoid confusion with another band. The song itself was then renamed "Happy Birthday," reflecting the duality of their sound.

The band's music is a potent mix of darkness and light, with vocalist Sara "Chibi" Taylor's powerful vocals bringing life to their intricate compositions. Their current lineup features a tight-knit team: Michael Rainbow (rhythm guitar), Michael Falcore (lead guitar), Owen Mackinder (keyboards), Philip Elliott (drums), and Brett Carruthers (bass).

TBM's music is often characterized as a blend of gothic, synth-pop, and alternative rock, creating a distinct sound that has earned them a loyal following. Their journey from "Imagica" to "The Birthday Massacre" is a testament to their artistic evolution, and their continued commitment to crafting music that is both captivating and challenging.

The Hollies: A Harmonious Journey Through Rock & Roll History

The Hollies are a legendary English band, born in the vibrant musical scene of 1962. They emerged as a key player in the British Invasion, captivating audiences with their trademark three-part harmonies. Their roots lie in the Merseybeat sound, originating in Manchester, though their members hailed from various corners of northern England.

The band's core, founders Allan Clarke and Graham Nash, set the stage for a musical journey filled with both triumphant highs and bittersweet departures. Nash, a crucial element in the Hollies' sound, left the group in 1968 to join the supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash, leaving a void that was eventually filled by the talented Terry Sylvester. Despite the lineup changes, the Hollies continued to shine, maintaining a consistent presence in the music world.

Their impact on the charts was undeniable. The mid-60s saw them soar in the UK with hits like "Just One Look," "Here I Go Again," "I'm Alive," "Look Through Any Window," and "I Can't Let Go." While they initially struggled to conquer the US, "Bus Stop" became their breakthrough in 1966.

Throughout the 70s, their success continued on both sides of the Atlantic, with anthems like "Stop Stop Stop," "On a Carousel," "Carrie Anne," "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother," "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress," and "The Air That I Breathe" solidifying their position as a musical force.

The Hollies boast an impressive catalog, with over 30 singles charting in the UK, 22 in the US, and 21 in Canada. They stand as a testament to enduring musical power, continuing to record and perform even after five decades, a feat achieved by few bands from that era, making them a rare breed among the rock 'n' roll elite. The Hollies have weathered the storms of time, their harmonies echoing across generations, ensuring that their legacy as one of the most significant British bands of all time remains firmly intact.

Theory of a Deadman: A Canadian Rock Force

Theory of a Deadman, often shortened to Theory or T.O.A.D, is a Canadian rock band hailing from North Delta, British Columbia. Born in 1999, the band boasts a unique blend of post-grunge and alternative rock, infused with elements of country and acoustic sounds. Their raw energy and distinct sound have propelled them to international recognition, particularly in the US.

A Story of Grit and Success

Theory of a Deadman's journey began with lead guitarist/vocalist Tyler Connolly and bassist Dean Back, who joined forces in 1999. Their talent caught the attention of Chad Kroeger, frontman of Nickelback, who was captivated by their raw demo. This encounter led to the band signing with Kroeger's 604 Records imprint in 2001, marking the beginning of their ascent.

Their self-titled debut album, released in 2002, was co-produced by Kroeger himself. The album's name stems from a song on the record, later retitled "The Last Song," which tells the tale of a man preparing to take his own life. This powerful narrative became a symbol of the band's raw emotionality and their ability to connect with listeners on a deep level.

Chart-topping Success

Theory of a Deadman's music has resonated with audiences worldwide, leading to nine singles cracking the top ten on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Among these hits are four chart-toppers: "Bad Girlfriend," "Lowlife," "Rx (Medicate)," and "History of Violence." These achievements solidified their position as a force in the rock music scene, proving their longevity and impact on the genre.

A Legacy of Passion

Theory of a Deadman has crafted a unique sound that blends hard-hitting rock with heartfelt lyrics, capturing the raw emotions of life and love. Their journey, from the humble beginnings in North Delta to conquering the US charts, is a testament to their talent, resilience, and unwavering passion for music.

The Rolling Stones: A Rock 'n' Roll Legacy

The Rolling Stones, hailing from the vibrant streets of London, burst onto the music scene in 1962. They've been rockin' for seven decades, cementing their status as one of the most influential and enduring bands in history.

The Stones were pioneers, pushing the boundaries of rock with their raw, blues-infused sound, paving the way for the hard rock genre. Their classic lineup – Mick Jagger on vocals, Keith Richards on guitar, Brian Jones on various instruments, Bill Wyman on bass, and Charlie Watts on drums – became the foundation of their success. Initially led by Jones, the band found their creative spark with the arrival of manager Andrew Loog Oldham in 1963. Oldham encouraged them to write their own material, and the Jagger-Richards songwriting partnership soon became the heartbeat of the band.

Born out of the blues and early rock 'n' roll, the Rolling Stones started as covers artists, riding the wave of the 1964 British Invasion. But they quickly found their own voice, capturing the spirit of the youth counterculture with iconic hits like "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", "Get Off of My Cloud" and "Paint It Black." Their groundbreaking album Aftermath (1966), filled with original songs, cemented their place as musical revolutionaries. It's considered a cornerstone of their early career, showcasing the band's raw power and artistic evolution.

Thirty Seconds to Mars: A Rock Band Evolving Through the Decades

Thirty Seconds to Mars (stylized as 30 Seconds to Mars), hailing from the heart of Los Angeles, burst onto the scene in 1998. The band's core, a brotherhood forged in music, consists of the Leto brothers - Jared, the charismatic frontman wielding vocals, guitars, bass, and keys, and Shannon, the driving force behind the drums and percussion. While other musicians have come and gone, the Leto brothers have remained the constant heartbeat of the band.

Their debut album, self-titled and released in 2002, garnered critical praise, but it was the follow-up, "A Beautiful Lie" (2005), that truly ignited their ascent. This album, certified multiple times over around the world, catapulted them to global fame.

"This Is War" (2009) signaled a bold shift in their sound. The band embraced experimental music and eclectic influences, pushing the boundaries of their sonic landscape. The album's creation was marked by a turbulent legal battle with their record label, EMI, a conflict that was later documented in the critically acclaimed film "Artifact" (2012).

After leaving EMI, Thirty Seconds to Mars signed with Universal Music, and their fourth album, "Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams" (2013), emerged, capturing both critical acclaim and commercial success. Subsequent releases, "America" (2018) and "It's the End of the World but It's a Beautiful Day" (2023), divided critics but continued to showcase the band's relentless creative drive.

As of 2014, Thirty Seconds to Mars had sold over 15 million albums globally, solidifying their place as a force to be reckoned with in the rock world. They have consistently challenged themselves and their audiences, evolving from a promising band to a global phenomenon known for their dynamic performances and boundary-pushing sound.

Tizzy Bac, also known as Tieh Chih Bei Ke (鐵之貝克) in Chinese, is an independent Taiwanese band formed in 1999. The band consists of three members: Chen Hui-Ting (vocalist and keyboardist), Hsu Che-Yu (bassist), and Lin Chien-Yuan (drummer). They are primarily active in northern Taiwan, performing at various venues in Taipei City. Their bassist, Hsu Che-Yu, passed away on January 23, 2018 due to cancer.

== Band Introduction ==

Tizzy Bac was originally formed in December 1999 by Chen Hui-Ting (vocalist and keyboardist), Hsu Che-Yu (bassist), and Cheng Kai-Tong (drummer). The songwriting for the band is mainly handled by the vocalist, Hui-Ting, with lyrics focused on exploring the challenges and predicaments of modern life and love. As a result, they self-identify as a "grumbling" band. Due to the themes of their lyrics, Tizzy Bac's music tends to resonate with audiences who have a richer life experience, leading some to categorize their music as "Adult Alternative."

In 2002, drummer Cheng Kai-Tong left the band to join the Mint Leaf Band, also serving as the drummer for Zhang Xuan & Algae. In 2003, drummer Lin Chien-Yuan joined Tizzy Bac.

Tizzy Bac, however, does not have a guitarist, a common feature in most bands. They use a keyboard (primarily a piano sound) as the main melody instrument, creating a unique "piano rock" style, earning them the title of "Taiwan's Ben Folds Five." The distortion sound that is prevalent in Tizzy Bac's music comes from the bass through effects pedals, not from a guitar.

Tomahawk: A Supergroup Built on Collaboration and Sonic Prowess

Tomahawk, the American rock supergroup, emerged from the fertile musical minds of Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle) and Duane Denison (The Jesus Lizard) in 1999. Their shared passion for pushing sonic boundaries led them to exchange music with the aim of creating something truly unique.

Denison, known for his searing guitar work, brought in drummer John Stanier (Helmet), a powerhouse behind the kit. Patton, the enigmatic vocalist and keyboardist, rounded out the lineup with bass player Kevin Rutmanis (Melvins/ex-Cows).

The group's debut album, recorded in Nashville during the spring of 2001, marked the beginning of their journey. The following years saw extensive touring and the release of two more critically acclaimed albums.

While the band went on an extended hiatus in 2007, their sonic legacy continued to resonate. In 2013, Tomahawk returned, with Trevor Dunn replacing Rutmanis on bass, ready to unleash their intense and experimental rock upon the world once more.

Early Days (1999-2000):

Patton, fresh off the breakup of Faith No More in 1998, had already established the Ipecac Recordings label and returned to the fold with Mr. Bungle. He also formed the experimental metal supergroup Fantômas with Buzz Osborne of the Melvins and Dave Lombardo of Slayer.

It was during a Mr. Bungle concert in Nashville that Patton met Denison. This meeting sparked a creative fire, resulting in a musical exchange and jamming sessions that would ultimately shape the sound of Tomahawk.

The werewolf in question is none other than Michael J. Wolf, frontman of Wolf-Face, a local punk band now achieving legendary status. Their sound echoes influences like the Misfits, Dillinger Four, Dead Mechanical, and even the late Jay Reatard.

Ten years ago, Tampa Bay was introduced to Wolf-Face when they emerged from their practice space, armed with anthems like "Give Me a Keg of Beer," "Be a Man!," and "​​I'm a Son of a Bitch." These songs, filled with biting lyrics, were a direct response to the producers of the 1985 film "Teen Wolf," who, according to Wolf, appropriated his life story and turned it into a movie.

Won Fu (English band name: Won Fu) is a Taiwanese band with four members. Officially formed in October 1998, the band's name came from member Twiggy and his friend's name for a dog at school. They have participated in many large-scale music events such as Spring Scream, Wild Stage, Gongliao Ocean Music Festival, and performed at live houses such as Taipei Vibe, Underground Society, Riverside Message, and Saint Realm. They are unique for their childish innocence, simple humor and unique creativity. They gradually gained recognition after participating in Rolling Stone's "Half-Adult Collection". They currently belong to Won Fu Love You Co., Ltd. Won Fu won the Jury Award at the 2002 Ocean Music Festival and was nominated for Best Band at the 16th, 17th, 19th, 27th and 30th Golden Melody Awards. They were nominated for Best Band at the 13th Golden Melody Awards and won.

== Members ==

=== Current Members ===

=== Former Members ===

== Music Works ==

=== Albums === 2003: Same Name, Same Surname Album 2004: Won Fu 2005: Won Fu Chronicle 2007: Youth Dance Music (Chinese Version / Japanese Version) 2008: The Wonderful World of Wonfu (Japanese Version Compilation) 2009: Won Fu Love You (Chinese Version / Japanese Version) 2010: Flying Towards You, Flying Towards Me 2013: Won De Fu (Chinese Version / Japanese Version) 2015: Dad, I Want to Be a Singer (Chinese Version / Japanese Version) 2018: Won Love Song (Chinese Version) 2021: Hello Me, Hello You, Hello Everyone (Chinese Version)

=== Singles === 2001: Little Sheep Going to Market included in Young Patriot (Angle Head Records) 2002: Shinkansen included in Red Voice Rock Vol. 5 (Sony Music) / Half-Adult Statement (Rolling Stone Records) 2003: When I Was Little, I Went to Spin included in Ocean Award Band Compilation (Angle Head Records) 2003: Rudolph's Revenge 2004: ByeBye X'mas 2007: Kiss, Clear Heart, Have a Good Year (Council for Cultural Affairs '2007 Clear Heart Have a Good Year') 2008: Love ING 2008 (7-11 OPEN Little General Compilation) 2011: Gentle Little Certainty (Kao Depend Gentle Declaration Commercial Song) 2011: Little Bit of Gentleness (Kao Depend Gentle Declaration Commercial Song) 2012: Backpacker 2014: Wang Wang Call 2014: Have some Fun 2016: Let's Party (LihPao Land 2016 Annual Spokesperson Theme Song Commercial Song) 2017: Ah Niang Ha Xi Yao 2018: Rough Level Give Power (Uni-President Sunshine Brown Rice Milk Spokesperson Theme Song) 2019: Half Each (The Making of a Normal Woman Theme Song) 2021: This World Record - Brave Version 2021: Pearl Taro Balls 2021: Sayonara Sayonara (The Making of a Normal Woman 2 Theme Song)

== Film Works ==

=== Films ===

== Award Records ==

== Publications == Won Fu (Softcover Publishing Co., Ltd., 2003) ISBN: 9789578034365 Letter to My Daughter: Rock Dad Loves You One Trillion Years (City State Culture Publishing: Family Media City State Branch Publishing, 2015 City State Culture Publishing: 2015) ISBN: 9789863061946

== Personal Life == On July 16, 2013, after the filming of the Love You One Trillion Years MV was completed, lead singer Xiao Min proposed to bassist Tui Ji, who is also in the band. They registered their marriage on December 25, 2013, and held a wedding ceremony and reception on June 11, 2014. Bandmates Du Pi and MAMI served as best man and maid of honor. On July 12, 2014, Won Fu announced a "six-month graduation" to allow Xiao Min and Tui Ji to prepare for parenthood, while MAMI studied abroad in France. On January 16, 2015, Xiao Min and Tui Ji welcomed their daughter, Duo An. MAMI returned to Taiwan.