28/02/2010
Friday night, 26th February, incidentally my sisters birthday, was a Night To Remember. 120 people, one small room and a feisty crowd. I thoroughly enjoyed the short set, and the insane crowd participation, singing along to the songs, including the new version of "Stairway To My Heart." I like things to jump up on/off when I play, this time it was heavy bass bin, although the idea of crowd surfing still scares me a little bit. My girlfriend reminded me of a guy who split his head open doing this....maybe another day. Thanks to all who came along and supported the night. It certainly was a night to remember.
18/02/2009
I have a last minute gig on Saturday 20th February at The Queen Elizabeth Hall Forum as part of United Underground 2. This is always a fantastic occasion promoting justice, headed by CTRL.ALT.SHIFT. I'll be playing an acoustic set at 2pm. Music starts at 12 noon. Come down, it's free, and on London's South Bank. Beautiful.
03/12/2009
Friday night: Bloc Party + Pete McAllen. A night at the Dirty South in Lewisham can only be described as, well, Dirty. We headed on stage at 10:30 for a brief change over, Penbo as always having to change the drums to suit his left handedness. The crowd, gathered with much anticipation, whistles, shouts, random cheers...with a shout we kicked off the set with Revolutionary. It was particularly pleasing seeing some of my old band mates there singing along with the rest of the crowd at the front.
Straight into new song Animals in London, one of my new favorites to play live. The bridge: "We're all insane, we're all insane..." reverberating through the building. Insanity broke out as the guy (who later was pretending to be security on the door) broke off onto the stage and shouted something in my mic - something about us being @*%@* good - so I didn't mind...too much.
In fine voice, fans screamed out "wa-ah-oh" along to Cosmic Politics, before witnessing me slip on the condensation on the drum kit as I tried three times to mount it. Finally got up there as we played the last bars of Stairway To My Heart, a salute to a most captivated audience, a leap, and the next day a huge bruise on my hip. It was well worth it. Thanks for everyone who came and made it one of my favorite gigs of the year. PM
12/11/2009
We're now two weeks away from supporting Bloc Party at their after party gig. It's going to be intimate, it's going to be one of a kind for sure. 5 other acts will be playing alongside us (we're a full band for this one) some of the hottest up and coming indie/ electronic acts in Londinium. To grab a ticket go to https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8868362
07/10/2009
Some very sad news and some very exciting news. Unfortunately the White Lies gig in November has been canceled. However, I have been asked instead to play supporting BLOC PARTY at their after party on 27th November. They will be playing a 2 hr DJ set. The venue is Dirty South, Lewisham. London. Tickets can be bought from me at £10. More to follow...
01/10/2009
It's official Pete McAllen is now on Spotify. If you haven't already got an account with Spotify then sign up - it's free music streaming. The EP "The Optical Illusion" is up and waiting for your ears.
Last week one of my fans who couldn't make it to a gig decided to email us a picture, shouting out support from her class room! We liked this a lot so decided we'd post it up here. If you can't make it to a gig in the future then send me a picture: info@petemcallen.com and we'll post it up on here.
30/09/2009
Awesome news for Danni Kingston who won last months song writing theme competition. She bags herself one of my t-shirts and CD as well as having one of my songs on the new album credited to her. More to follow when we reveal the song.
25/09/2009
I am now sponsored by Not Of This World clothing (based in LA). If you like what I'm wearing at gigs then you must check their shop. Have a browse on www.notw.com
24/09/2009
I've just returned from a tour in North America. From the passionate crowds of LA to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco the time was memorable and very entertaining. Thanks so much to the amazing people who made this happen and looked after me. Here's a couple of pictures from the last nights concert in LA.
11/08/2009
You heard I’m working on a new album? The rumors are true, and this is where you could get involved. You could be writing the theme of one of the songs on the album. Your mission: come up with an idea, theme or name for one of these songs. The song has to be upbeat, so none of this “the day Tristan died” emo stuff.
Email or message me on facebook/ twitter with your idea. The most imaginative and interesting theme will not only receive a limited edition “Optical Illusion” t-shirt and signed CD, but a special credit on the new album. The competition lasts until the end of August.
** Details: Entrants allowed to submit up to 3 themes. All entries must be in by 31st August. Email to petemcallenmailing@googlemail.com or message on the facebook fan page. **
08/08/2009
I am the music director for "Poverty Monolgues" written and performed by 18-25 year olds who have been volunteering in developing countries over the last year. We're heading to Edinburgh Festival on Saturday 15th to perform. Check www.povertymonologues.com for more information, ticket details, as well as blogs from the performers.
20/07/2009
Thanks to everyone who came to see us play at The 02 Academy 2, Islington. I've put a few pics from the night on this site taken by Ben Wetheral.
I'm having a bit of a songwriting break before heading off to North America for a 7 date tour in September. We showcased a few of the new songs including "Animals In London" at the 02 gig. Look out for new dates and fundraising events for my new album.
Pete x
18/06/2009
I've just started a new blog on Vox (not to be confused with Vox guitar amps). Have a look here: http://petemcallen.vox.com
There's also a new music profile on Imeem: www.imeem.com/petemcallen
08/06/2009
The Fans
You know, sometimes, when I'm sat in my little room working on a new song (which has been happening a lot lately, wires, synth, dusty pedals...) it doesn't always click, and I being the essence of patience get quite annoyed if something doesn't take shape. Then I head out play a gig and see all your faces smiling back at me, some singing along, and it all makes sense. It's because of you that I have this showcase on the 25th June. Invited are A&R people from a few major and indie labels plus your press/ radio crew as well. I'd love to see you there, and because of this I've lowered the ticket prices to as low as possible - £4. To get your ticket quickly go to 
28/05/2009
Tonight's gig at The Star was a little bit special. You've always got to love the good people at Ear Music, who really do put on a good show, and set the scene for one of my most enjoyable gigs of the year to date. My mate Scotty who I literally haven't seen (some would say for years, others can only remember us last seeing each other born on the same ward) came to give a loud shout and sing along to Cosmic Politics. Friends always make gigs sweet, so much love to all you who defied the chairs and gathered around the front to sit on the floor. It were intimate *farmers accent* and entertaining - for me at least. Those who were immature enough took a sticker, those far more mature bought the CD. I'm hoping the next time I'm at Tufnell Park Tube I'll see the image above branded on some part of the stations wall.
PS I'm now on Twitter, couldn't resist the urge: www.twitter.com/petemcallen.
14/05/2009
Recently I returned from a small tour of Scotland, playing 4 venues in Glasgow and Edinburgh. I always enjoy playing north of the border. It was also a chance to try out some of the new songs including "Light bulbs" which is quickly becoming my a favorite. A big thanks to all those who came to the gigs, to Craig managing me, Kate and Kat!
29/04/2009
I have a massive red bruise this morning along the top of my hip, and one ear still ringing after last nights gig at The 02 Academy 2, London. Playing alongside some great bands, we hit the stage 3rd up throwing out old track Revolutionary as well as some new ones: "Stairway to my heart" and "When I see you again." I loved the moment when the crowd started singing back to me spontaneously after we finished Cosmic Politics - woa ah oh, woa ah oh, woa ah oh... classic, we had to come back in and play. Thanks again for all of you who turned out to see us, top night x
PS I'm up in Scotland next week, playing two gigs in Glasgow and two in Edinburgh it's going to be ace.
13/04/2009
Seeing as it's Easter I thought I should give something away. For the next month (until 13th May) anyone who signs up to my mailing list gets a free download of the single Cosmic Politics. Please email us - info@petemcallen.com with the subject "Cosmic."
More live dates have been added including Coventry, Glasgow, Norfolk and some big gigs in London. Have a good Easter.
12/04/2009
I've recently had the song Cosmic Politics reviews by various Student Radio stations. Here's a few comments:
"There's no denying Cosmic Politics is a good listen...displaying a huge amount of potential in Pete McAllen." Radio Wave, Penryn.
"I'm surprised he isn't signed." GK Radio, Stoke on Trent.
"A dark folky track that shows his talent as a wordsmith and songwriter." HFM, Burnley.
"Pete McAllen's single Cosmic Politics has all the ingrediants for a good indie single...it's quality indie which is hard to fine these days." www.allgigs.co.uk.
10/03/2009
On 28th April I'm playing with my band at the 02 Academy2 (Islington, London). This is part of a showcase competition. There are three rounds and the winning band gets to play at The Breakout Festival in the Maldives. I only have 40 tickets originally at the price of £8 which if you buy off me are down to £6. Please send me a message: info@petemcallen.com with the subject line "02 Academy". This will be the first time we play as a full band in London, and with some other very good acts it looks to be a treat.
I've also got a few new gigs up, just check the gig dates section on this website for more information.
16/02/2009
Diss Gig - Feb 13th we headed over to Diss in Norfolk for a gig at DC3. It was the first time we played together with the new band lineup, and included new tracks: "Stairway To My Heart" and "Gonna Have To Stop This Now". As soon as we kicked into our first song Revolutionary the crowd started jumping, leading to stage busted style guitar jumps of bits of kit on stage. And who were the girls at the front doing the Macarena to Cosmic Politics? Made me smile.
12/02/2009
Welcome to the new Pete McAllen website. With the new recording of Cosmic Politics we decided to change the whole look of things. Take some time to look around, check the new video Revolutionary and upcoming gigs. My music including the new song is now on facebook - just search Pete McAllen and you'll see the fan site, and of course you can find it all on myspace as well.
January 09
We've been paying a visit to the studio recording a new track soon to be released: Cosmic Politics. It's passionate, outspoken and generally makes me want to grab the nearest piano and throw it at a large brick wall. Yep, Happy New Year by the way....
PS All my friends in Scotland, I shall be paying you a visit very soon and playing a wee gig or two (check tour dates).
07/11/2008
Thanks to all who came to my gig at Monkey Chews last night - we had a good time. I've been so slack at keeping updates on here, but just to let you know more news will be coming soon. I have new t-shirts (fair trade and organic) and a music video for the song Revolutionary. It's full of paint and madness. This will be up on Youtube very soon. If you are on facebook, you may have had an early taste of it. That's all for now...
28/08/2008
Been booking loads of gigs recently, and have another tour to Poland coming up in October. Last week we filmed my first music video for the song Revolutionary. From the footage I've seen, it's looking pretty amazing. There's a few pics from the filming my my myspace and facebook pages so have a look for a wee insight. Recently I have been working with a new manager. To get in contact regarding anything Pete McAllen give Rhian a shout - rhian113@hotmail.co.uk. Caio
20/06/2008
Band news, ROTW & The Barn gigs
Those of you who have seen me play in the last year will have come across the three lads who accompany me on stage as part of my band. Matt, James and Phil have played with great spirit, skill and passion, but there comes a point when every good thing has to come to an end. Since my move to London it has become much harder to play gigs together. Our last "official" gigs together were at The Barn and Rhythms Of The World Festival, last weekend. Cheers to all those who come along to support us over the last year, and keep an eye out for new line up at future gigs. Pete x
20/06/2008
Premier Radio and H3 Festival
Just to let you know on Saturday I'll be interviewed and playing a live track on Premier Radio from 6-7pm on the Unsigned show. If you're based in London and beyond you can tune in on 1305, 1332, 1413 MW or Sky Digital 0123, Virgin Media 968 and Freeview 725.
I'm also playing on Sunday 12 noon at H3 Festival. My good friend Shmatt will be drumming for me. Tickets for the day can be found on www.h3festival.co.uk
02/06/2008
YFriday support gigs.
Hey, here's a little update about the recent gigs with YFriday. My band joined me on two of the three tour slots in Aylesham, Norwich and GT Yarmouth. Each night had it's own unique flavour. I loved the Aylesham crowd - who I knew nothing about before. My favourite moment had to be playing Rose Tinted Glasses to a crowd clapping and singing along...not bad for a first attempt.
On to Norwich - the home county. The front row pretty much erupted as soon as we came on. I think everyone will remember it for my little fall - off the front of the stage along with mic stand, one of the lights and guitar in hand. Having recovered with minor injuries the show went on...and no, didn't stop playing.
Lastly Gt Yarmouth. The crowd didn't disappoint, feisty and ready to R O C K. New song Cosmic Politics went down very well - I think it's become mine (and the bands) favourite. Have a look at my myspace and facebook profiles to see the pics (especially the much better attempt to jump from the top of the drum rise! Thanks to all who came along, and to YFriday and YFC the promoters.
12/05/2008
June 3rd JAR Music Showcase. Pete will be performing as part of a showcase at Islingtons Bar Carling Accademy. This will be a high profile gig so spread the word and bring your friends. Pete will be performing fresh new songs on the night as well as material from THE OPTICAL ILLUSION.
04/05/2008
Charity Acoustic Tour dates announced.
Pete McAllen will be playing 6 venues with support from Sam Loaker for Christian Aid, during their charity week. (11th - 18th May). To check where to find him go to the tour dates section of this site.
03/05/2008
One of Pete's songs "Revolutionary" has just been featured on Tom Robinsons show on BBC 6 Music. Pete also appeared on Radio Norwich talking about the new CD "The Optical Illusion." The interview will soon be up on his myspace site.
02/04/2008
Pete has just been booked for 2 gigs supporting Newcastle based band: YFriday on 29th & 30th May. More details under the gigs section of the website.
29/03/2008
***RELEASE OF "THE OPTICAL ILLUSION" TODAY***
To grab your copy just go to the shop section of this website.
Here's what a few fans have got to say about it:
"10/10 definitely! great mixture between acoustic songs and heavier tracks!"
"The Optical Illusion is an audio masterpiece"
"The CD sounds fantastic"