Semi Precious World Exclusive: Semi Precious Weapons Plays Free Show In San Diego

Semi Precious Weapons will be headlining Kuncocshun at Warren Field this Friday, Kuncocshun is Sixth College's annual music festival celebrating student creativity. come by and enjoy arts and crafts, free food, Sixth College spirit, and an evening of live music -- Headlined by Semi. Precious. Weapons. One of our Semi Precious Insiders Will Wright got in touch with Jessica Chaisson, the head coordinator of Kuncocshun, she said

"Doors open at 5:30p and the first band will be on at 6pm. Since Semi Precious Weapons is our headliner, they won't be on until later. But from 5:30p to 8:00p there are many activities going on that you can participate in, such as life-size hamster spheres, an oxygen bar, raffles and activity booths. The location is at Warren Field (entrance at the corner of Voigt Dr and Lyman Ln) and it is absolutely free, and anyone can come - there will be no ID checks."

So if you live in the San Diego area and want to see the greatest show happening in Cali courtesy of UCSD then stop on by!

For Directions to Warren Field Click Here

Dangerous Weapons: A review of Semi Precious Weapons' Boston Show

"From the moment the first three members of the Semi Precious Weapons climbed on stage at the Paradise Rock Club Tuesday night, it was clear that the mid-week crowd in attendance was about to get a little more than it anticipated. But to expect anything less than gritty, glitzy, garage-glam rock ‘n’ roll from the Weapons is a mistake people only ever make once.

Bassist and guitarist Cole Whittle and Stevy Pine threw themselves into the music with a violent and genuine disregard for their own personal safety and the safety of the structure surrounding them. Drummer Dan Crean leered around the stage masterfully, smirking as if he owned the beat itself –– which he did. The moment the first notes of their self-titled song “Semi Precious Weapons” roared from the amps, Pine and Whittle pitched themselves into an enthusiastic head-on collision with the music and, several times, narrowly avoided actual collisions with everything ranging from the stage, their equipment, an understandably wary-looking crew member and, most often, each other.

By the time the band’s front man Justin Tranter ascended to the stage in a white mesh mini dress, ripped fishnets, impossibly high heeled gold glitter boots and not much else –– with a bottle of Jack Daniels swinging from his hand so smoothly that Ke$ha herself would have surrendered the bottle she uses for dental hygiene on the spot out of respect for a superior presence –– the three other members had worked themselves into a frenzy. Some of the skeptics in the audience might have doubted the band’s ability to maintain such an intense presence for more than a few minutes. But the Weapons didn’t disappoint.

As the song ended, Tranter stepped to the edge of the stage, balancing on mile-long legs (so toned that upon seeing them, even Gwyneth Paltrow might consider hitting the gym a little harder) and let the audience, and the rest of Boston, know exactly who it was that had just gotten their attention.

“We . . . are the Semi Precious Weapons from New York City,” he roared into the microphone. “And our job on this Tuesday night is to get all you Massachusetts [people] laid!”

With that, the band launched into its set of blazing and rough glam rock, and the stage exploded like a supernova of energy. Whittle and Pine continued their epic battle of guitar versus bass, while Crean watched over the artful chaos from his perch above his crazed band mates.

As for Tranter, he commanded the stage, thrusting his mic at the audience, drenching them in champagne from a bottle bearing his own face, writhing half-naked on center stage as he performed possibly the most sexualized and public costume change ever in the history of music, gasping as he poured the intensity of a final performance into every single song.

Despite Tranter’s mid-show declaration that “Rock ‘n’ roll has been dead for a very long time,” it might just be that the Semi Precious Weapons are what rock ‘n’ roll has been missing. All those old sold-out, has-been rockers need a taste of this medicine, like a kind of Pulp Fiction-esque adrenaline shot to the heart, courtesy of the Weapons. Cynics might say rock is dead, but the Semi Precious Weapons were playing with the volume and intensity to wake whatever dead rock deities need resurrecting.

“I don’t care that it’s Tuesday, Boston,” Tranter screamed, as the music swelled behind him. “We’re gonna party like it’s Saturday night at 3 a.m.!”

As the crowd shrieked its approval back to him, Tranter exploded to his full height: “Now that’s the applause I expect to hear after feeding champagne to minors and changing my entire outfit on stage!” he roared.
But Tranter’s secret isn’t that he expects to hear that applause after such a performance. He expects it for simply living his life. That attitude, and the band’s take-no-prisoners, shoot-the-messenger rock rage infused with glamour, is exactly why the Semi Precious Weapons might just be rock’s last great new hope." - Credit: Julia Butler

Melophobe.com Reviews Semi Precious Weapons

melophobe | Semi Precious Weapons - Bowery Ballroom (New York, NY; Apr. 26, 2010)

The mantra of glam-rock provocateurs Semi Precious Weapons is simple: “We are Semi Precious Weapons from New York Mother-Fucking City, and we hope you ALL GET LAID!” Recognizing that the band has the musical chops to back their scandalous message and gaudy antics, the Village Voice recently voted Semi Precious Weapons as Best Band in NYC, and Lady Gaga chose them to open her latest international tour.

Vocalist Justin Tranter adores the spotlight, but not only because he’s an egotist. Tranter insisted, “I want all the lights on me, so that the audience can fuck each other in the dark.” I didn’t spot any public fornication, though I did see some fans oblige Tranter’s call to “Show me some titties!”
When Semi Precious Weapons throw a party, they call the shots - literally, in my case, when Tranter grabbed my camera, stuck it in his skin-tight spandees and snapped away. I’m not sharing any out-of-focus crotch shots, but you can see his thieverous ways here (shot #4).

Most NYC scenesters are so wrapped up in their own hipsterness that they forget that rock ‘n’ roll, at its core, is a cathartic celebration of our carnal instincts. Semi Precious Weapons are filthy, glamorous, sexually provocative, dangerous and fun as hell: pure rock ‘n’ roll.

MTV: Semi Precious Weapons Marvel At Gaga's Impact On Their Success

MTV Shows

"Back in the dark ages — you know, like, 2006 — when Lady Gaga was just a girl named Stefani, she used to open for Semi Precious Weapons at gigs all around New York City. Of course, things have changed slightly since then, but Gaga has never forgotten that the Weapons helped her out when no one else would, and she's returned the favor by taking them with her on the globe-trotting Monster Ball Tour.


It's a pretty nice gig for the glam guys of Semi Precious Weapons, who've already admitted that they "owe their lives" to Gaga. They're taking full advantage of all the perks that come with being the Lady's hand-picked openers — and we do mean full advantage.


"It's been crazy," SPW frontman Justin Tranter laughed. "We showed up at the airport in New Zealand, and there were literally, like, 40 kids with huge signs that said, 'Justin, I Want Your Baby.' Because we have a song called "Put a Diamond in It," where I sing, 'Who, who, who wants my baby?' And there were all these 15-year-old boys at the airport dressed like us. ... We had some pretty legendary hotel parties, where, like, [bassist Cole Whittle] got a black eye, and [drummer] Dan [Crean] had sex multiple times. Things worked out really well."


While that kind of action was fairly common overseas, SPW are still working on graduating to that level of debauchery Stateside. Though, thanks to Gaga, it appears the goal is certainly within reach. In June, the guys will release their second full-length, You Love You, through Geffen Records, and they've started selling out venues outside of NYC. They still have a ways to go, though, before SPW fans in America can match the, uh, dedication of their supporters across the pond.


"In other countries that we go to, because we're on this massive tour, and they're hearing our songs on the radio already, they view us as superstars," Tranter explained. "And here in America, they view us as a band that's been harassing everyone for three years, desperately trying to break through," he said. "[But] the difference [from when] we used to play in America three months ago to now is insane. We're selling out shows on our own, and kids know every single word. It's really amazing.


"Another difference [between] the rest of the world to America is, here, when we say, 'You should have sex to our music,' people chuckle, like, 'Oh, that's quirky,' " Whittle added. "Over there, they just do it." -- Credit: James Montgomery/MTV

Semi Precious Weapons OWN Bowery Ballroom

"Semi Precious Weapons follow in the classic New York tradition of Warhol, Jayne County and other provocateurs that used music as a springboard for their outlandish, gaudy aesthetics. Musically, the group's feet are firmly planted in glam rock, meaning that the visuals of the live show are just as important—if not more so—than the music itself, which the band accurately describes as being "dangerous, dirty, and fun." Vocalist Justin Tranter has been a longtime cohort of Lady Gaga, sharing the stage during many of the pop star's early LES shows. With Nico Vega." - Credit:Ryan Muir

Also, Check out some of these amazing photos courtesy of nickydigital.com

View More of his photos here 

"I confess, until last night, I'd never heard Breedlove before. Oh sure, I'd heard the name but beyond that, I didn't have a clue. I didn't know what he sounded like; I knew nothing, nada, zip. So, after Lady Starlight's DJ set, a set that gave me severe 70's and 80's flashbacks (add to that, some folks were wearing stuff similar to what I wore back in the 80's!), Breedlove and his two very colorful dancing girls took to the stage. I am now, officially, in the know.

I'm still processing Breedlove. He wasn't bad by any means. But, he wasn't my cup of tea. He was however, very witty and rather entertaining. There was a very retro vibe to him; he looks very circa 1970-something. At any rate, my fellow New Yorkers liked him ... a lot! Declarations of love were screamed out. Someone wanted to marry him ... he jokingly accepted saying it didn't matter what the person looked like, he has incredibly low standards."

Check out some photos from Breedlove's set Courtesy of Quirky NY Chick

Here are some more pictures courtesy of Gagafrontrow.net

Stay tuned for more updates from last night's show! If you live in Boston, it's not too late to get filthy tonight buy your tickets:

04/27: Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club (Tickets On Sale Now!)

04/30 San Diego, CA @ Warren Field/UCSD (Ticket Info Coming Soon!)

"There is no better way to start a riot than with Semi Precious Weapons!   The New York rockers finish their Japanese tour with Lady Gaga on the 19th of April and they start again with her in Europe on the 7th of May. Rather than going on a holiday, the band has announced some all-ages headlining shows in April.  They will also dominate an arena near you as they continue to support Lady Gaga on The Monster Ball Tour in North America." - Artist Advocacy

Opening all dates, is "Rock 'N Roll Cabaret" artist, Breedlove.  Check out some of his tunes here!  Also Semi Precious Weapons just confirmed via Twitter that the amazing multi-media artist Lady Starlight will be spinning records at the starred dates below. And also performing is L.A. based rock band, Nico Vega, who have previously performed with Semi Precious Weapons at past shows.

Semi Precious Weapons Diaries Episode 8

Semi Precious Weapons D-D-Dominate Chi-Town!

Semi Precious Weapons took the town of Chicago by storm Friday night, Check out some pics/vids from that night:

--Picture Source @kayla4queen

Semi Precious Weapons, Breedlove, Lady Starlight, & Nico Vega will be kicking off their Mini-US Tour tomorrow night at The Roxy in LA! You can still buy your tickets for that show HERE!

*04/26: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom (Sold Out)

04/27: Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club (Tickets On Sale Now!)

04/30 San Diego, CA @ Warren Field/UCSD (Ticket Info Coming Soon!)

"There is no better way to start a riot than with Semi Precious Weapons!   The New York rockers finish their Japanese tour with Lady Gaga on the 19th of April and they start again with her in Europe on the 7th of May. Rather than going on a holiday, the band has announced some all-ages headlining shows in April.  They will also dominate an arena near you as they continue to support Lady Gaga on The Monster Ball Tour in North America." - Artist Advocacy

Opening all dates, is "Rock 'N Roll Cabaret" artist, Breedlove.  Check out some of his tunes here!  Also Semi Precious Weapons just confirmed via Twitter that the amazing multi-media artist Lady Starlight will be spinning records at the starred dates below. And also performing is L.A. based rock band, Nico Vega, who have previously performed with Semi Precious Weapons at past shows.

Artist Direct: Semi Precious Weapons

 "Armed with glitter, glamour, fashion and fame, Semi Precious Weapons kicked off their tour at the Roxy Wednesday night, and ARTISTdirect.com’s Jessica Nguyen had the pleasure of experiencing it all…

"From the New York Dolls to Toilet Boys, the most bitchin' glam-punk-rock bands have always called the Big Apple home. Up-and-comers Semi Precious Weapons continue that time-honored scuzz rock tradition.

The raw and brutally trashy quartet rocked the packed Roxy last night with their explosive presence. The flamboyant face of SPW, Justin Tranter, royally claimed the stage in glittery platform boots, a torn yellow polka-dot nightgown and blonde-bleached hair, reminiscent of Billy Idol. The sight of him screamed, “I don’t give a fuck!” while his fans actually screamed in excitement.

The glitter-punk four-piece kicked the party off with their infamous self-titled track, “Semi Precious Weapons”. They easily coerced their massive audience to start moving with the song, known for its dirty, infectious lyrics, "I can't pay my rent/But I’m fucking gorgeous." Sure, it’s not profound, but it's fun, it’s catchy and it's a great excuse to tell your landlord when the rent is due. Following their smash hit was, “Her Hair is on Fire”, an aggressive dance anthem to the tune of “The Roof is on Fire” with quirky lyrics that everyone quickly caught on to.

Not only are SPW’s songs overly energetic, they put on a radiant, high-powered on-stage performance. During "Sticky with Champaign", Tranter had a champagne bottle labeled with his face handy, eager to pour it in the mouths of his front audience fans. Boys and girls drowned in booze with the bubbly drenching their hair, faces and clothes. They didn’t seem to mind. Shortly thereafter, Tranter tactfully demanded to “see titties”. Genius! Get them drunk before taking their clothes off! That was more David Lee Roth than Bowie, but who's keeping score?

With the boozing, some additional stripping and mic-deep-throating, SPW can certainly come off as obnoxious and vulgar. However, they don't give a shit. Either way, they still know where their roots are and they appreciatively give credit where it's due. They closed the night with the reminder, "We are Semi Precious Weapons from New York Mother-Fucking City, and we hope you ALL GET LAID!"

You can catch them on the Monster Ball 2010 tour supporting their fellow NYC glam-queen, the one and only, Lady Gaga—somebody'll be getting laid on that tour… "

—Source: Jessica Nguyen of Artistdirect.com

Semi Precious Weapons Mentioned on E Online!

"Meanwhile, Quentin Tarantino was across town partying with his Inglourious Basterds star Eli Roth and the actor's girlfriend, Peaches Geldof, at the Roxy for the Semi Precious Weapons show. Also there were Ke$ha and Macy Gray.


The fun continued into the wee hours at the Viper Room, where Tarantino was spotted giving band frontman Justin Tranter piggyback rides throughout the club. FYI: Semi Precious Weapons has been opening for Lady Gaga on her Monster Ball tour."

--Source: E!Online

Weapon of the Week!

Check out this fab drum cover of one of our favorite Semi Precious Weapons songs, "That's Kunt"

VIDEO: Semi Precious Weapons Dominate The Roxy

Here are some videos of Semi Precious Weapons' set at the roxy courtesy of @brentisbored
Follow Him On Twitter!







Check out more videos and photos HERE

Chaz Harris on Semi Precious Weapons: Is Rock and Roll Really Dead?

"I've gotta admit that when Kurt Cobain declared “Rock ‘n’ Roll is dead”, I agreed - but what IS Rock ‘n’ Roll? In January, I shocked and confused a lot of people when I told them I was going with friends to see AC/DC. The most common thing people would say is "I never would've picked you for an AC/DC fan". I would always question what that was supposed to mean though - it was as though liking Lady Gaga means I'm not allowed to like AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Meat Loaf or Guns 'N Roses; all of which I do. That concert alone was the first sign that Kurt Cobain was most definitely wrong.

Another band on the rise is Semi Precious Weapons; they were the supporting act for Lady Gaga in Auckland last month. Naturally, I researched them a few weeks before the concert once I knew they were coming, and bought their EP on iTunes. By the time the concert arrived, I was a full-blown Semi Precious Weapons fan (or "Monster Weapon"), when most people in the audience had no idea who they were and appeared confused by my crazed partying to their tunes.

On the surface, they could be any other awesome rock band - there's just one difference: lead singer Justin Tranter parades around stage in fishnet stockings, six-inch golden glitter heels and has some seriously epic smoky eyes. Sure, it's the glam-rock look we've all seen before, but not quite to this extreme. Mix in some unashamed profanity (lyrics such as "I can't pay my rent, but I'm f**king gorgeous!"), and one awesome bass guitarist who can play while resting upside down on his shoulders (Cole Whittle) and you have a dirty, filthy rock 'n' roll band.

A big part of being an awesome support act (or headline act for that matter) are the funny anecdotes between songs, and Semi Precious Weapons certainly had them in spades. One of these was telling the audience that "she, Lady Gaga" used to be their support act in clubs in New York back in 2006. They then took pleasure in telling everyone that "there were 12 f**king people there, so thank you Auckland...for being more than 12 f**king people!" 

-- Source:  Over the Rainbow with Chaz Harris

Semi Precious Weapons take you back to disco prime on the strip - Soundbleed.com

It was a scene straight out of 1976: Justin Tranter, the front-man of  the daring glam-group Semi Precious Weapons, pouring champagne (from a bottle emblazoned with his own picture I might add) over the entire crowd at The Roxy in LA, as girls bared their chests in excitement and chanted “IT’S OKAY, IT’S OKAY,” in unison. Needless to say, every Semi Precious Weapons show becomes its own experience. Returning to the west coast for the first time since their stint opening for Lady Gaga, last night’s gig served as a sending off of the Weapons to Europe, where they’ll continue touring with the one-woman pop megashow until this summer. Upon seeing them headline their own gig however, it became difficult to conceive how they don’t upstage the Lady herself.



Taking the stage shortly after ten, SPW dove right in to the action. Dressed in an oversized shirt, six-inch sequined ankle boots, and skin-tone tights, Justin Tranter  towered over the stage and was truly a sight to behold. Bassist Cole Whittle was literally wearing rags over his person and ran about the stage in a frenzy, occasionally colliding with Stevy Pyne on guitar and stopping every once in a while to hiss at Tranter. Their presence couldn’t be contained to just the stage, and in between costume changes Tranter and Whittle fondled their way into the roused crowd, forcing everyone to dance. The set was generous, and ran through their well-known tracks, “Her Hair Is on Fire,” “Put a Diamond In It,” and “Magnetic Baby,” as well some new material off of their upcoming album, a copy of which Tranter made sure to throw aimlessly into the
crowd.
 
It’s difficult not to love the Precious Weapons, honestly. Even those in the crowd who were, shall we say-standoffish, couldn’t help themselves. Tranter and his crew have created music that’s a glimpse of extravagant glam rock in its heyday but with an attitude that’s crass and accessible.  In their gritty New York world, it’s okay to be broke and to party harder than anyone, so long as you look good and have a damn good time in the process. And while it may be easy to scoff at lyrics that ask the listener “who wants my baby?” and to bite down on diamonds, they put their money where their mouths are and present a live show that backs up the decadent chaos of their music one hundred percent.

--Source: Soundbleed.com

Guest Of A Guest Reviews Semi Precious Weapons

"It was a night of champagne spraying, boob tapping, glitter heels and rock last night at the Semi Precious Weapons show at the Roxy.  If you're not familiar with this NYC glam rock band yet then you will be. Their shows are not for the faint of heart but are blast for people who love them some fabulous, sexually charged cross-dressing, punkish pop and stage diving.

Known for their flamboyance, wild shows and rock 'n roll attitude, the band did not disappoint their fans on the left coast. Although they haven't even released a full length album yet, the group already has a huge following of adoring fans who dress up in gaudy outfits for their shows and know all the words to their songs.  The Roxy was jam packed with them as Justin Tanter, the lead singer with a penchant for eyeliner, lingerie and hooker heels, incited them with his crazy stage stunts (spraying champagne into the crowd, wrapping the mic cord around his neck, putting a bra over his face while singing, etc…) and kept urging the ladies to "show [their] tits!".

Exactly what you'd expect from a band signed to Perez Hilton's label and will be touring with "LADY. FUCKING. GAGA",  as Tanter proudly announced last night, on her Monster Ball world tour."

 --Photos courtesy of Guestofaguest.com Click Here For MORE

Semi Precious Weapons, Breedlove, Starlight, & Nico Vega Kill The Roxy!

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

FST Remixes Semi Precious Weapons Self-Titled Track!

THIS REMIX IS FUCKING FIRE! LETS TAKE SOME E!

Video of Semi Precious Weapons at The Rising Sun

Check out this great video of Semi Precious Weapons performing at The Rising Sun in New ZeZe posted By The Republic of V!

Weapon Wednesday: A Real Life Magnetic Baby

It's Weapon Wednesday where we feature a fabulous Semi Precious Weapons fan! And this week we have our cutest weapon yet!!!! FRANKY! A real life, magnetic baby. :) Check it out!

Semi Precious Weapons Fight Obesity at Broadway Gym

Broadway Gym in Sydney Australia posted some testimonials from Cole, Jimmy, and Justin! When you're touring the world. You have NO TIME for obesity!

Semi Precious Weapons First Stop on Mini-Tour Tomorrow Night

Semi Precious Weapons, Breedlove, Lady Starlight, & Nico Vega will be kicking off their Mini-US Tour tomorrow night at The Roxy in LA! You can still buy your tickets for that show HERE!

*04/21: Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy 

04/23: Chicago, IL @ Subterranean 

*04/26: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom (Sold Out)

04/27: Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club (Tickets On Sale Now!)

04/30 San Diego, CA @ Warren Field/UCSD (Ticket Info Coming Soon!)

"There is no better way to start a riot than with Semi Precious Weapons!   The New York rockers finish their Japanese tour with Lady Gaga on the 19th of April and they start again with her in Europe on the 7th of May. Rather than going on a holiday, the band has announced some all-ages headlining shows in April.  They will also dominate an arena near you as they continue to support Lady Gaga on The Monster Ball Tour in North America." - Artist Advocacy

Opening all dates, is "Rock 'N Roll Cabaret" artist, Breedlove.  Check out some of his tunes here!  Also Semi Precious Weapons just confirmed via Twitter that the amazing multi-media artist Lady Starlight will be spinning records at the starred dates below. And also performing is L.A. based rock band, Nico Vega, who have previously performed with Semi Precious Weapons at past shows.

Semi Precious Weapons Makeup Tutorial: Smokey Eye

 

Check out this awesome fan-made tutorial on how to get Justin's signature Smokey Eye!

Semi Precious Weapons' Album Art for 'You Love You'

The Official Album Artwork for You Love You as confirmed by Semi Precious Weapons!!! Album Drops June 22nd! HOW FUCKING EXCITED ARE YOU?!?!?!