Commence drum roll ... or prog rock drum solo ... or not ...The time has finally arrived where the winners of Pure Rawk’s Rawk n Rawl Awards 05/06 are announced. A massive thank you to all those who have voted (in two weeks, PRNR Awards was hit with 135 votes!) and had a look on the website recently, you are totally rockin and we love you very very much. Here is the damage that all you lovely people have done.

Band of the Year: Roadstar (Hurricane Party)

Releasing their debut album “Grand Hotel” on 29th of May, Roadstar took the lead with the voting from the off. Recently they have been on tour with Thunder and had a one-off support with The Darkness. In the past, their support slots range from Nickelback, Skid Row, Meatloaf and Status Quo and their classically influenced style of rock has turned many heads and ears. They were taken under the wing of legendary John Kalodner: John Kalodner for their first label produced EP ‘Get This’ and it was rumoured that prior to finding the then ‘Hurricane Party’ - JDK was going to pack in what he’s become worldly known for and loved (not just for having a centre parting, long beard and copious amounts of fluffy jumpers).

Roadstar have had an interesting year and one fraught with changes. After Hurricane Katrina, they changed their name to ‘Roadstar’ - after their debut video single track, which was met with support and controversy. But despite that, they’ve made good headway in 06. “Grand Hotel” is also having a Japanese release - expect big things to come soon.

What you said: “Roadstar (have a new name and they're about to release album of the year. We all know they rawk)”

Newcomer Band of the Year: Stolen Sun

I think its safe to say that Stolen Sun stole the best newcomer award! Out of all the entrants, their fan base voted in their numbers. There were a lot of votes for the Eruptors - whose bassist is also in Stolen Sun - but SS sealed the winner. A quote from Pure Rawk’s recent review of their EP ‘Ridin on’: “They bill themselves as “pure unadulterated groove”, but without being too cliche - it does exactly what it says on the tin. Not opting for innuendo and cryptic lyrics, SS seem to be a band taking the legacy of classic rock’’s forefathers and giving it a younger feeling ... Pure Rawk will be keeping an eye on Stolen Sun in the future”.‘Nuff said.
What you said: “Stolen Sun rule without a doubt!” (photocredit - Stolen Sun's MySpace)

Pure Rawk’s Hot Prospect Of the Year: Jack Viper

Having only been together for almost a year, Jack Viper have made waves on the fast rising London sleaze scene. Ace riffing and lyrics that stick in your head, ready for you to use them for any appropriate situation (GFY is a song that is suited to many occasions). On the constant rampage to stamp out Indie music, they have already supported the likes of LA Guns and will be playing alongside Canadian legend, Robin Black in April. Appearing on Perris Records ‘Hollywood Hairspray 5', it wouldn’t surprise if the Vipers pull more than snakes out of the bag this year!

Drink of the Year: Jack Daniels

Pre gig, post gig - tipple of choice determines generally how rock and roll you really are. Unanimously voted ‘Jack Daniels’ - Tennessee’s finest drink was voted for in varying combinations. Everything from Jack and Coke, Jack and Ribena, Double Jack straight (no, do not insert ‘Spam’ jokes here) was on the list, so the votes are right to Mr. Daniels. Keep making fine booze that all the rockers seem to love!
What you said: “Ribena and JD”, “a whole bottle of JD”, “fluids”

Whingy Little B**** of the Year: Pete Doherty (Babyshambles and random events)

Storming the way with the votes on this one. - Outspoken, overrated, over publicised are the words that are often linked to Pete Doherty. Axl or Waxl as he is affectionately known by some voters came second but after Doherty’s drug charges and constant press coverage have left a sour taste in many a rocker’s mouth - so get rid of that taste and have a glass of JD and laugh at Doherty as he throws his toys out of his Indie pram in the future.
What you said: “Pete"I'm a c***"Doherty”, “Pete Doherty (does he whinge? I dunno ... but I know he is a t*** so that counts)”, “Any pop prima donna” (photocredit - Scanpix/EPA)

Legend Of The Year: Jonny Rocker (Roadstar)

There have been a lot of strange things that have gone on over the past year where the triumph of rock music has extended further than vocal chords, guitar strings and drumsticks. With the huge diversity in this category, Pure Rawk had to go with their instinct - plus the fact that “Rubber” Jonny Rocker (rhythm guitarist from Roadstar) was voted for multiple times by the same person - you know who you are!. Axl Rose was a close second what with the reported emergence of new Guns’ material and an appearance at Download festival for this year. But Jonny’s legend status stemmed from last year’s Meatloaf tour. Mr. Rocker was happily basking in the sun pre-gig reading a book, minding his own business - only to have a truck run him over - not once, but twice which broke his arm and left him with a fair few cuts and bruises. Carrying on the rest of the tour, Jonny did his usual backing vocals. He’s back on form now, hence voters calling him “Rubber” Jonny Rocker - he seems to be indestructible and bounces back!
What you said: “Rubber Jonny Rocker...hehehehe”, “JR from Roadstar from surviving being squished”

Sexiest Male: Alex (Stolen Sun and the Eruptors)

Its cliche to vote in such a category - but if Pure Rawk only uses this category once, its got to be done right. This certainly was a close one between a few young men. The votes went to Jay R (vocalist from Jack Viper), Rookie (bassist from Kid Ego), Jonny Rocker (rhythm guitarist from Roadstar) and Richie Hevanz (vocalist from Roadstar) - but it seems that the Stolen Sun fans stole this one too. Well done to Alex who is the bassist from Stolen Sun - looks like people think you’re a sexy dude! (Photocredit - Alex's MySpace)

Sexiest Female: Nix

To put the female that came top would make these awards look rigged! But Pure Rawk has decided to do it anyway!. Nix of Pure Rawk won this category and she has these words: *cries like Halle Berry on a stage before being slapped with a wet fish* “Thanks dudes for the votes, you rock n’ roll! Oh, and your fivers are in the post. See you at a gig soon”. Dressing totally out of character ...

Best Stunt Pulled: Jack Viper at the Borderline, February

Another random votes section with a lot of answers, but 12 people voted Jay R’s mid gig speech the stunt of the year. The night was potentially fraught with problems and Jack Viper were the ‘odd band out’ for that gig (the rest of the bands were Indie bands). Jay R took time out in the middle of the set to rip into the current music scene and display his ‘affection’ (lack of) for Pete Doherty, who the headlining band took main influence from. There were more insults traded than a Def Jam comedy gig. Those that were there for Jack Viper joined in with all kinds of trashing banter - check out the review of that gig on the gigs page.

What you said: “Jay R performing like a sleazy motherfucker in a JV gig after whacking his eye with his mike lead at the very beginning!”, “JR and the verbal tirade against the Indie rabble at the Borderline 06"

Gig of the Year: Roadstar, Bradford Rio’s - New Years Eve 2005

Everyone yearns for the perfect gig. Like most of us at Pure Rawk, the voters have seen a lot of gigs so it was going to be hard to pick one contender out of many - but surprisingly we found two! Close call between Jack Viper at the Borderline (06) and Roadstar’s Bradford Rio’s New Year gig but Roadstar just pipped the voting. A lot of people from across the country travelled to that gig, including a lot of the Roadie faithful, so other than performance - I’d assume it was the company as well!
What you said: “Bradford NYE Roadstar, what an ace way to start the New Year”, “Roadstar at New Years, blew everyone away - love you roadies!”

Lifetime Achievement Award: Mötley Cruë

This certainly was not a debatable one. Sticking out like a sore thumb, Mötley stormed ahead with the lead from the start of the voting. The four sleaze mongers all working in harmony again, producing a fantastic American tour (resulting in the Carnival of Sins DVD). With an album in the making this year Motley still looking good (well, at least Nikki and Tommy - sorry, the Ed’s preference on that one!), it just proves how long their music has lasted and that sleaze is well alive and kicking. May Mötley live forever and keep kicking ass until they fall to bits (or at least until Mick Mars falls to bits).
What you said: “Mötley Cruë is "still kickin ass!"”, “How can you deny Nikki magic, Motley f***ing Crue!” (Photocredit - Mötley Cruë)

Voter Award: Mary

Well, we couldn’t leave out the charming dudes and dudettes that tapped away and helped shape the awards. Looking through the responses, there were some really interesting answers and some stuff that made us chuckle such evil little laughs. So without further ado, thanks to Mary who DID vote multiple times - but made us laugh at the same time with Nikki Sixx, Roadstar and other random references! Congratulations.

Many thanks to everyone again for voting in the Pure Rawk n Rawl awards. Come back and read stuff regularly - it all rocks on from here. Love you all to bits!

© Pure Rawk 2006