Keyboardist for the Band's Band - It's A Knockout (Winner: Matt Bellamy of Muse)

[Corki]

Well, it has taken quite some time (blame the DM move and my forgetfulness!), but The Band of the Red Hand returns to our search for our Dream Band. So far, the following have been nominated for our Dream Band:

 

- Carlos Santana will be on Guitar

- Rush's Geddy Lee is the bass player

- Within Temptation's Sharon den Adel as the female vocalist

- Freddie Mercury of Queen won the position of Male Vocalist

- Neil Peart of Rush is the drummer

 

Next and our final stop on our list is Keyboardists, several months after we started out on our epic journey. You managed to nominate five (5) Keyboardists to challenge for the honour, and Corki has filled the remaining eleven (11) positions to compete the line up for the position in the Band's Dream Band. The Keyboardist that makes it into the Band's Dream Band is the one that wins this "It's A Knockout" contest. It is basically down to you to pick who gets that important position.

 

"It's A Knockout" remains with the longer format this month - and this means there are 16 keyboardists instead of 8!

 

 

"It's a Knockout" - Format

For those of you who have not been involved with a "It's A Knockout" thread before, the rules are quite simple. The Band of the Red Hand is DM's travel, music and eating out Social Group, and "It's a Knockout" is a knock out competition to find out the winner of the chosen category (past categories include Micheal Jackson songs, Classical Music, One Hit Wonders). Each day, 2 keyboardists will be posted, along with a link so you can listen to some of skills if you do not know it, and all you have to do is post who you think is the better keyboard player of the two. After a day, the votes will be counted, and the winning keyboardist will progress to the next round, until we only have 1 keyboardist left as the winner at the end of the competition - who will take their place in the Band's Dream Band. It's very simple, so I look forward to seeing you getting involved!

 

So without further a-do, let the competition begin!

[Corki]

RESULTS

 

Round 1

 

1. Sir Elton John beat Tony Hymas of Jeff Beck (3-0)

2. Gregg Allman of Allman Brothers Band lost to Rick Wakeman of Yes (0-4)

3. Matt Bellamy of Muse beat Mike Pinder of Moody Blues (2-0)

4. Steve Winwood of Traffic lost Brandon Flowers of The Killers (0-5)

5. Stevie Wonder lost to Jon Lord of Deep Purple (0-2)

6. Keith Emerson of ELP beat Ian Underwood of The Mothers Of Invention (2-0)

7. Steve Nieve of Elvis Costello lost to Ray Manzarek of The Doors (1-3)

8. Richard Wright of Pink Floyd beat Isaac Hayes (4-0)

 

2nd Round

 

1. Ray Manzarek of The Doors beat Matt Bellamy of Muse (0-4)

2. Richard Wright of Pink Floyd lost to Sir Elton John (1-2)

3. Rick Wakeman of Yes beat Jon Lord of Deep Purple (3-0)

4. Brandon Flowers of The Killers beat Keith Emerson of ELP (2-1)

 

Semi-Final

 

1. Matt Bellamy of Muse beat Sir Elton John (4-2)

2. Rick Wakeman of Yes beat Brandon Flowers of The Killers (3-2)

 

3rd/4th Play-off

 

1. Sir Elton John beat Brandon Flowers of The Killers (4-1)

 

Final

 

1. Matt Bellamy of Muse beat Rick Wakeman of Yes (3-2)

[Corki]

THE CHOSEN KEYBOARDISTS

 

1. Sir Elton John

Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, Sir Elton John has been in the limelight for many, many years. He is one of the most successful artists ever, having sold more than 250 million records in his four-decade career. Selling over 33 million copies, his single Candle in the Wind 1997 (in memory of Princess Diana) is the best selling single in Billboard history. His piano playing is influenced by classical and gospel music.

 

 

2. Tony Hymas of Ph.D and Jeff Beck

Tony Hymas has been a journeyman keyboardist. He was a founding member of Ph.D, before joining the Jeff Bruce Band. During 1987, he toured Japan with Jeff Beck, and this led to his long association with Jeff Beck. Hymas studied the piano at the Royal Academy of Music in London. His latest work is a recording of the piano music of Claude Debussy and Erik Satie.

 

 

3. Gregg Allman of Allman Brothers Band

Greg Allman is known as being a rock and blues singer, keyboardist, guitarist and songwriter, along with being a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band. He was inducted with the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. He also has a distinctive Southern-accented voice. Allman has also been married at least 6 times; his most notable wife has been Cher, whom he was married to between 1975 and 1979.

 

 

4. Rick Wakeman of Yes

The English keyboard player, composer, and songwriter, Rick Wakeman, is best known as being the keyboardist of the progressive rock band Yes. Later, he was the keyboardist for Ozzy Osbourne. He is considered to be a pioneer in the use of electronic keyboards, as well as combining rock bands with choirs and orchestras. With over 100 solo albums, he has sold over 50 million of these. He now works heavily in the media, with several television appearances, and he is now making the transition to radio.

 

 

5. Matt Bellamy of Muse

Matt Bellamy is a multi-talented artist, being the lead vocalist, guitarist, pianist, and main songwriter of the alternative rock band Muse. Bellamy started playing the piano at the age of 6, and later started the guitar at 14. He has won many awards in magazine and online polls, mainly for his guitar, but also some for his looks.

 

 

6. Mike Pinder of Moody Blues

Mike Pinder rose to prominence with the Moody Blues in 1960s and 1970s, which was the height of their success. He is especially noted for his technological contribution to music. When the Moody Blues stopped recording in 1974, Pinder joined the Atari computer corporation as a consultant in California. Pinder is known for playing a mellotron, an electro-mechanical, polyphonic keyboard, and introduced the instrument to The Beatles.

 

 

7. Steve Winwood of Traffic

Yet another multi-talented musician who plays the keyboard! His musical career has crossed many musical genres, as well as many great musicians. As well as his solo career, Winwood has been a member of bands like the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, Blind Faith and Go. He has also won numerous Grammy Awards. His solo career began in 1977, but in 1994, he reunited with Jim Capaldi to reform Traffic.

 

 

8. Brandon Flowers of The Killers

Brandon Flowers is the frontman, vocalist, and keyboardist of the Las Vegas-based rock band The Killers. The group was formed in 2001 when Flowers responded to a newspaper advert by Dave Keuning. Since 2010, Flowers has also released a solo album, which is called Flamingo. And if anyone has better clips of Flowers on the keyboard, send it my way and I will replace mine!

 

 

9. Stevie Wonder

And we continue with our multi-talented keyboard players! Stevie Wonder plays a whole host of instruments, of which the keyboard is one. He became blind shortly after birth, and signed up with Motown Records' Tamla label at the age of eleven. He continues to perform and record for Motown to this day. He is the solo artist to receive the most Grammy Awards, which currently stands at 22. Stevie Wonder's songs are well known to be difficult to sing.

 

 

10. Jon Lord of Deep Purple

Jon Lord IS an English composer, pianist, and Hammond organ player. He is known for his pioneering work in fusing rock and classical or baroque forms. As well as being a member of Deep Purple, Lord has been involved with Whitesnake, Paice, Ashton & Lord, The Artwoods and Flower Pot Men. While with Deep Purple, Lord's trademark keyboard sound emerged. Ignoring the Moog synthesizer, Lord focused on a keyboard sound centred on the Hammond organ, giving a heavier than a blues sound and often featuring distortion.

 

 

11. Keith Emerson of ELP

One of the founders of Emerson, Lake and Palmer, he has a vast array of keyboards, organs and pianos at his disposal on stage. With the emergence of the Moog synthesiser, Emerson was able to vary the pitch, volume or timbre of the output. It is also interesting to note the amount of abuse Emerson gives his instruments in live shows - so much so, he actually got stuck underneath one of his reinforced L-100.

 

 

12. Ian Underwood of The Mothers Of Invention

Woodwind and keyboard player, Ian Underwood is best known as being part of the group Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Inventions. Underwood later worked with Frank Zappa on his solo recordings, most notably on 1969's Hot Rats. After working with Frank Zappa, he pursued a career as a session keyboardist. He has recorded with Barbra Streisand and Barry Manilow. He was also one of the musicians who played the main title theme for the 1980s hit series Knight Rider. He has also been a featured performer on work by James Horner, mainly on the piano, including the hit film Titanic.

 

 

13. Steve Nieve of Elvis Costello

Steve Nieve is a student from the Royal College of Music and joined Costello's backing band The Attractions in 1977. Nieve was actually born Steve Nason, but received his musical moniker "Nieve" while on the Attractions' first tour. Nieve stopped working for Elvis Costello during the mid-1980s until the early 1990s, when he focused on session work. Elvis Costello reformed The Attractions in 1994, but it was short lived. Costello did form a new band, and Nieve was part of this. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Elvis Costello & The Attractions in 2003.

 

 

14. Ray Manzarek of The Doors

Manzarek is an American musician, singer, producer, film director, writer, co-founder and keyboardist of The Doors. He is also a part of 21st Century Doors, who are now known as Manzarek-Krieger. After the death of Jim Morrison, Manzarek sang on Other Voices and Full Circle, the last two albums by The Doors. As a solo artist, he has been very busy, including recording a rock adaptation of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana with Philip Glass (who, by the way, is an awesome modern composer), and playing with many different groups, like Iggy Pop and Echo & the Bunnymen.

 

 

15. Richard Wright of Pink Floyd

Richard Wright was an English pianist, keyboardist, vocalist and songwriter, who was best known for being part of Pink Floyd. His richly textured keyboard layers were a vital ingredient and a distinctive characteristic of Pink Floyd's sound. He sang frequently on backing vocals, and occasionally lead vocals. He is ranked #5 on Digital Dreamdoor's list of "100 Greatest Rock Keyboardists of All Time. Wright's playing style fused jazz, neoclassical and experimental music influences, complementing the simple harmonic structures of the more blues and folk-based songs written by Pink Floyd's songwriters. He sadly died of cancer back in September 2008.

 

 

16. Isaac Hayes

Hayes was an American songwriter, musician, singer, and occasionally an actor. He was a Grammy and Academy award winning artist for his musical score for the 1971 film Shaft. Along with David Porter, he wrote the hit song Soul Man, first performed by Sam & Dave. Between 1997 and 2005, he lent his distinctive, deep voice to the character "Chef" on the animated TV series South Park. Hayes passed away in August 2008. Hayes passed away in August 2008.

[Corki]

Round 1, Tie 1

 

 

 

Sir Elton John

Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, Sir Elton John has been in the limelight for many, many years. He is one of the most successful artists ever, having sold more than 250 million records in his four-decade career. Selling over 33 million copies, his single Candle in the Wind 1997 (in memory of Princess Diana) is the best selling single in Billboard history. His piano playing is influenced by classical and gospel music.

Links: Candle in the Wind (1997 version) and

 

vs.

 

 

Tony Hymas of Ph.D and Jeff Beck

Tony Hymas has been a journeyman keyboardist. He was a founding member of Ph.D, before joining the Jeff Bruce Band. During 1987, he toured Japan with Jeff Beck, and this led to his long association with Jeff Beck. Hymas studied the piano at the Royal Academy of Music in London. His latest work is a recording of the piano music of Claude Debussy and Erik Satie.

Links:

and I Won't Let You Down

 

 

Voting ends Monday 14th February 2011 at 11pm (GMT)

[Corki]

Banders, Please Note:

 

Voting in "It's A Knockout" threads counts towards posting in an activity thread for points gained through the roll call. However, in order for that to qualify, you need to post and vote at least 4 times - and sign into the roll call here!.

 

Corki

Marshal-General

Social Group Leader

[Corki]

This is now open for voting!

[Jeannaisais]

I'm gonna have to go with Elton John

[Corki]

Yeap, another vote for Sir Elton John.

[Talya]

Sir Elton John I love that version, makes me cry...I remember watching it at the funeral..

[Corki]

Sir Elton John eases into Round 2 with a 3-0 win.

 

Time for the next tie.

[Corki]

Round 1, Tie 2

 

 

 

Gregg Allman of Allman Brothers Band

Greg Allman is known as being a rock and blues singer, keyboardist, guitarist and songwriter, along with being a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band. He was inducted with the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. He also has a distinctive Southern-accented voice. Allman has also been married at least 6 times; his most notable wife has been Cher, whom he was married to between 1975 and 1979.

Links:

and

 

vs.

 

 

Rick Wakeman of Yes

The English keyboard player, composer, and songwriter, Rick Wakeman, is best known as being the keyboardist of the progressive rock band Yes. Later, he was the keyboardist for Ozzy Osbourne. He is considered to be a pioneer in the use of electronic keyboards, as well as combining rock bands with choirs and orchestras. With over 100 solo albums, he has sold over 50 million of these. He now works heavily in the media, with several television appearances, and he is now making the transition to radio.

Links:

and Life On Mars

 

 

Voting ends Tueday 15th February 2011 at 11pm (GMT)

[Jeannaisais]

I'm gonna say Rick Wakeman

[Krakalakachkn]

Yeah, Rick Wakeman for me too

[Corki]

It looks like Rick Wakeman is cruising...

[Talya]

Rick Wakeman

[Corki]

Well, an easy win there for Rick Wakeman, cruising to a 4-0 victory. And a firm favourite, I would suggest.

 

Time for the third tie of the first round.

[Corki]

Round 1, Tie 3

 

 

 

Matt Bellamy of Muse

Matt Bellamy is a multi-talented artist, being the lead vocalist, guitarist, pianist, and main songwriter of the alternative rock band Muse. Bellamy started playing the piano at the age of 6, and later started the guitar at 14. He has won many awards in magazine and online polls, mainly for his guitar, but also some for his looks.

Links: Citizen Erased and Piano Solo

 

vs.

 

 

Mike Pinder of Moody Blues

Mike Pinder rose to prominence with the Moody Blues in 1960s and 1970s, which was the height of their success. He is especially noted for his technological contribution to music. When the Moody Blues stopped recording in 1974, Pinder joined the Atari computer corporation as a consultant in California. Pinder is known for playing a mellotron, an electro-mechanical, polyphonic keyboard, and introduced the instrument to The Beatles.

Links:

and

 

 

Voting ends Monday 14th February 2011 at 11pm (GMT)

[Jeannaisais]

matt Bellany

[Corki]

Matt Bellamy

[Corki]

Turnout was quite low, but it was enough to see Matt Bellamy advance to the 2nd Round with a 2-0 victory.

 

The fourth tie of the contest is coming up next.

[Corki]

Round 1, Tie 4

 

 

 

Steve Winwood of Traffic

Yet another multi-talented musician who plays the keyboard! His musical career has crossed many musical genres, as well as many great musicians. As well as his solo career, Winwood has been a member of bands like the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, Blind Faith and Go. He has also won numerous Grammy Awards. His solo career began in 1977, but in 1994, he reunited with Jim Capaldi to reform Traffic.

Links: While You See A Chance and Roll With It

 

vs.

 

 

Brandon Flowers of The Killers

Brandon Flowers is the frontman, vocalist, and keyboardist of the Las Vegas-based rock band The Killers. The group was formed in 2001 when Flowers responded to a newspaper advert by Dave Keuning. Since 2010, Flowers has also released a solo album, which is called Flamingo. And if anyone has better clips of Flowers on the keyboard, send it my way and I will replace mine!

Links:

and

 

 

Voting ends Thursday 17th February 2011 at 11pm (GMT)

[Krakalakachkn]

Brandon Flowers

[Jeannaisais]

Brandon Flowers

[Corki]

Brandon Flowers

[el Nynaeve]

Brandon Flowers