The end of the year is coming up… FAST and FURIOUS! I wanted to make something to commemorate the awesome year the guys have had through the eyes of you, the fans! Since we haven’t been around the whole year, we need some help!

Here is the plan…

I am going to make a video for each of the guys. No more then 10 minutes per video (most likely less!). I want the video to include pictures and video from the eyes of the fans. They can be of performances, you meeting the guys, a photo of you with one of the guys, WHATEVER! As long as it is YOUR picture or video, it doesn’t matter what it is!

I’ll take everything sent to me and create montages for the year. This could be really cool, but I need the help from you all to make it amazing!

Want to participate?

1. Send me an email with your video or picture attached to shackofsoul@hotmail.com no later than Wednesday, December 23, 2009.  Put the guy’s name and End of Year Video in the subject line (ex. Sam Bradley – End of Year Video) so I can sort them easily.

2. Make sure whatever you are sending is YOUR personal photos/videos. Do not send any promo shots or any photos or video you do not have permission to use.

3. Be sure to include your name that’d you like used to credit you for participating. If you have a blog or a Twitter you’d like to link to, let me know. I will try to accomodate.

4. Should we receive a huge response, your photo or video may NOT be used. It will be at our discretion. I don’t want any hurt feelings! We will do our best, but I make no promises.

5. Even if you have sent us stuff in the past, please resend it for the video. I don’t want to surprise anyone by using something they didn’t want put in the video.

So, what do you think? I’m kind of excited about doing this.

And if you want to participate, but don’t have anything to send, you still can! I need help picking out a song for each guy to use on the video. Leave your song suggestions in the comments and we’ll run a poll next week with the best ones!

First batch are from our good friend, PokerStarlight (who I get to meet this weekend!). These pics are from Sam Bradley & The Men’s performance in Atlanta on Nov. 10. Great pics babe!!

Digging the sweater!!

More pictures after the jump!

Personally, I love these really "intense face" shots! And the lights provide a cool background!

Looking for some divine intervention? LOL

Another nice shot! Love the smile!

Play it Sammy, PLAY IT!

Sam with the Men! Who is he pointing too?!?

Sam singing sans guitar!

Is that water, or maybe a little something else? Shhh... we won't tell!

And from Mtn_lioness, who made the Sam show in Chicago on Nov. 12, we have a few more pictures and she had some nice words about him:

My friend and I went to Sam’s show in Chicago last night and had the pleasure of talking to him for quite a while as well. We were so impressed with his stage presence and charm! We look forward to seeing him live again sometime. His music is great, but his music live transcends greatness!

I love how he seems to be glowing. Hilarious.

Sam with all the Men. The blue smoke is killer looking!

A little bit fuzzy, but the smile is too good not too share!!

So, you going to see the guys on tour! We’d love to see your pics and hear your stories. Send them on over to shackofsoul@hotmail.com and we’ll try and get them posted!! Oh, and if you are seeing Sam this Saturday in Dallas, be sure to come and say hi to LiLi and me. We’ll be the ones by the bar!

It’s like a little Monday morning/afternoon Bobby Long pick up! Way better then coffee, right?

I asked these “Man Fans” 5 quick little questions about their love for the guys, and here is what they had to say!

Jon

1. Who is your fave Brit boy and why?

Marcus – because he is just so fun to watch

2. Have you been to a show and if so, what did you think?

Yes I went to both shows here in Dallas. When my sister drug me out there the first night I really wasn’t a big fan but I didn’t want her and her friends going down to that part of town without a guy. But when the show started it was awesome. Bobby was great and Marcus really surprised me. He is fucking awesome.

3. As one of the few guy fans, what made you become a fan?

What really made me a fan was how the guys acted around me. At the show the guys had to use the restroom in the dressing room and when I went back there the were just really cool and talkative.

4. Favorite song?

Shadows of the City

5. Why should other guys give the Brit boys a chance?

Because the are just really cool and fun guys. They are just like any of my friends they just talk funny.

Nominated by his sister Katie!

Author side note: If you were at the Dallas shows, Jon was the guy in the Dallas Cowboys jersey! LOVE IT!!

More after the jump!

Michael (By they way, he is a sarcastic one!)

1. Who is your fave Brit boy and why?

I like Bobby because it sounds like he’s gone through some things and he’s putting that emotion into his music and it sounds like he also really tells a story in his music while the others, no offense sound more like they’re writing fluffy love songs. But I like Marcus, too because he got a blues-y style, it’s different compared to what we are used to hearing in the US.

2. Have you been to a show and if so, what did you think?

No, I have never been to any of their shows.

3. As one of the few guy fans, what made you become a fan?

I’m not a fan, I have to listen to this stuff because my wife is three feet from me and she doesn’t wear headphones like she should, like I do.

4. Favorite song?

No, because I don’t know any of the names of the songs to begin with.

5. Why should other guys give the Brit boys a chance?

Mmm. I don’t know? Maybe they’ll get cool points from chicks, if they’re lucky.

Nominated by his wife at The Pattinson Project!

Shaun

1. Who is your fave Brit boy and why?

My favorite recording artist from the “Brit Pack” would have to be Sam Bradley. He has an amazing voice and we have already seen him live twice. He puts on a good show and we have spoken with him briefly twice, and he was very nice to talk to and down to earth.

2. Have you been to a show and if so, what did you think?

Yes I have been to two shows and am scheduled to go to two more in the winter. He had great crowd participation and interaction, good stage presence.

3. As one of the few guy fans, what made you become a fan?

My wife…lol. She had said that she liked this guy and that I should listen to him. When I first heard him I was not…thrilled with Sam, but slowly over time I listened more and more to him and really began to enjoy his voice and his sound. It is a big change for me – while I listen to a variety of music I mainly listen to rock and classic rock. So the switch to the nice bluesy, soulful sound was a nice change.

4. Favorite song?

Do i have to pick only one??

Sidenote from the wifey: Yup, you have to pick just one. Maybe two, but Amber & LiLi may get mad.

Well if they will get mad then I’ll only pick one….Hmmm let me think…Well if I can choose only 1, I hate to say this b/c it is probably almost everyones favorite, would be “Too Far Gone” by Sam.

5. Why should other guys give the Brit boys a chance?

The Brit Pack is a good group of aspiring singers that give a good show and really put a lot of themselves into their music. I like their soothing sound at the end of the day or when I am trying to wind down.

You can also follow Shaun on Twitter!

Jon (Yes, a different one!)

1. Who is your fave Brit boy and why?

I suppose right now it would have to be Sam Bradley. I really have not yet had a chance to enjoy any of the other’s music.

2. Have you been to a show and if so, what did you think?

I took my loving wife to see Sam for her birthday. I really enjoyed the show. The venue was packed and we were right up front at the stage. Afterward we were able to experience the “meet and greet” where we were able to talk to Sam and “The Men”. Autographs followed along with a little discussion about their music.

3. As one of the few guy fans, what made you become a fan?

First of all I like the music styles. Second, Sam plays his music for the fans and really caters to them. Third, his music is original.

4. Favorite song?

I really like “Derek” I think it has a good groove to it, and the lyrics are great.

5. Why should other guys give the Brit boys a chance?

Why not? If you are a fan of music, you would really enjoy their styles. Where would we be today if we only stuck to “American” music? I have enjoyed music from several other countries. For example: U2 – Ireland, AC/DC – Austrailia, Midnight Oil – Austrailia, The Beatles – UK, I could go on with a whole lot more, but you get the point. Their (the Brit boys) music is up and coming music that fit so many lifestyles. They bring soul, rock, jam and a little bit of edginess to the table. I am looking forward to hearing, and possibly meeting more from them.

I am hoping to get a chance to listen to some more from the guys soon.

Nominated by his wifey, Amber at Eyes of Amber!

James

1. Who is your fave Brit boy and why?

Sam Bradley is my favorite of the three. His voice reminds of a young Billy Joel. (and having Bobby be my favorite, would mean I’d be agreeing with my wife and we can’t have that. LOL!)

2. Have you been to a show and if so, what did you think?

No unfortunately. Sam’s only been in Michigan once and we missed him.

3. As one of the few guy fans, what made you become a fan?

Well, I learned of the guys from my wife’s slight *insert sarcasm here* obsession with the “Brit Pack” as you girls call them. HaHa! I had, at first, only heard of Bobby, because of Amy’s insistence of listening to his CD on auto replay. I finally got myself an iPod awhile back and stole all Sam and Bobby’s songs off of Amy’s iTunes library and  I was extremely impressed with Sam’s music. He’s also a great instrumentalist. Bobby is also a great guitar player. You just have to appreciate that kind of raw talent and ability from all 3 of them.

4. Favorite song?

Passport by Sam Bradley

5. Why should other guys give the Brit boys a chance?

Umm..if you can’t beat em’ (or banish your wife from going to 4 Bobby Long concerts in November) just join em’. It’ll definitely get ya some points with your woman! LOL! But no seriously, I usually tune out anything Twilight related and just assumed I wouldn’t like their music at first, but all 3 guys seem pretty cool down to earth and are very talented. It’s kinda refreshing to see and hear that some musicians, such as Sam, Marcus and Bobby, still write, sing and perform their own music. That’s not very common anymore.

And Amber, I’m making Amy upload these pictures I took of my 2 year old Son (that won’t say “Daddy” but can pick Bobby out of a picture AND will point to the radio, in the car, and say “Bobby”?? then put his fingers to his ear because he wants to hear his music!! WTH??)  watching this video of one of Bobby’s concerts on my wife’s laptop. Yes, my 2 year old, will stand in place for a period of greater than 3 minutes and watch a video of Bobby Long playing. So, again, I reiterate, if you can’t beat em’, join em’! LOL!!

All together now… AWWWWWWW! So cute! Bobby, meet your youngest fan!!

James (and his son) were nominated by his wife Amy (AddictedtoRob)!

We went to Florida for a week in June and I took my guitar.  I had learned ‘Who Have You Been Loving?” and was playing it a lot. My mother wanted me to record it for her online friends to hear. One day my step-father set up the camera and we recorded it.  When we got back, my mother posted it on You Tube. The next morning, I woke to my mom yelling that Bobby tweeted about it. I vaguely took this into account and went back to sleep. It didn’t hit me until that next Thursday when we went to Sam’s concert in Birmingham. On his way to the microphone, he turned to me and complimented me on the video. After about 2 ½ songs later, it had hit me, and I’d almost sh*t my pants.

After he & The Men had finished an awesome show, I walked with the crowd to the front lobby and waited in line to meet Sam. After letting numerous girls cut in front of me, it was finally my turn. Sam said, “You!” I said,”You!” He said I was talented and asked me if I had written any of my own music. I told him I had. Then we talked music and guitars. I had worn a shirt that read “Messing with your Mojo”, a reference to his Nashville show in April. He thought it was funny and gladly signed the back. The Men signed it, too.

Later, my sister took my picture with Sam & he made a funny face in the first one. We ended up outside after I was stalked by some scary pedophile in the lobby.  We talked to Sam for a long time and he handed me a Fruit roll-up. We talked about the music industry, recording labels, Bobby and Nashville. Finally, we were the only people left and Sam was still talking to us. The Men were in the van, waiting on him because he was driving them to Nashville that night.  Sam seemed reluctant to leave. We were, too, but eventually, he had to go. He said, “See you next time.”  It wasn’t just a “Thanks for coming,” but more of a promise that there would be a next time. We waved at them as they drove off.

It was an epic night.

And from Edward’s mom and biggest fan/promoter, Bandmum1:

I went to Atlanta to see Bobby’s two shows in August. Neither of them was an All Ages show, so Edward had to miss out. The first night at The Earl, Bobby seemed a little tired. He had just come from Nashville, which I hear was pretty awesome. He chatted a little with the audience, but put all his energy into a wonderful performance. After the show, he came out to meet everyone. I told him I was Edward’s mom and he grinned so cutely. He said,” He’s amazing! He’s very talented.” (I contained myself, barely.) I did manage to thank him for the tweet, which just made him duck his head and grin. Such a sweet guy. It was wonderful of him to pay it forward like that. We hope to get Edward and Bobby together in the same place before too long, possibly on the Fall leg of his tour.

Would you like to see this video everyone is a buzz over? Here it is!

Wow, right?!? You can see why it caught Bobby’s eye. Edward also has covered Sam’s Sea Blue, seen here.

Want more info from Edward? He also conducted a “Twitterview,” answering questions about the guys, his own inspirations, writing, etc. You will love it!

Q: How did you first get into music?

E: From a very young age, I wanted to play percussion. I’ve always done percussion. I sat in on drum line camp when I was in 5^th grade. My school starts band classes in 7^th, and in 8^th you can play with the high school marching band. The drum instructor let me participate in the camp and when they had auditions for high school band at the end, they asked me to join. I was the only 6^th grader ever to play with the high school band. Once I was in, I wanted to learn to play other instruments.

My oldest sister plays trumpet. She handed me hers one day and showed me some basics. That’s what I play in concert band now. She also gave me my guitar when I was 8. It sat in my closet because I couldn’t get my arms around it to play. I picked it up when I was 11, and started to play it seriously when I was 12. I’ve never had a lesson.

Q: Who was your first musical inspiration?

E: Don McLean. His Greatest Hits album was one of the first CDs I ever owned, along with The Monkees, Van Halen and Mac MacAnally.

Q: What musicians currently inspire you most?

E: Neil Young, The Beatles, Sam Bradley and Bobby Long.

Q: What drew you to Sam & Bobby’s music?

E: My mom made me do it. (laughs) She plays their music all the time. I was messing around with my guitar and she asked me to learn ‘Whiskey’, because it’s one of her favorites. I started listening to Sam’s MySpace. I picked it out, but it wasn’t until I saw him play live that I realized he was using a capo. I wasn’t, so I was doing it the hard way.

Q: What influences have Sam and Bobby had on your music?

E: Sam influenced my vocal sound. I like the emotions he brings out with his voice. Bobby has influenced my musical style and my lyrics. He writes such poetic lyrics, and I like to do that.

Q: What kind of music did you listen to or play before?

E: My Chemical Romance, Metallica, Monkees, Kansas, etc.

Q: Are you inspired by all types of music or just those to which you gravitate?

E: I think there is something in every musical style that I can relate to and enjoy.

Q: Do you use your real life experiences to write songs?

E: James Dean. (laughs*) Yes, a lot of things that happen to me or I see in the world, I write about. Music is beautiful. I like the emotions I can express through it.

Q: What comes first, the music or lyrics?

E: The music. I write the guitar parts first. I have to get the sound and the emotion down first before the lyrics come.

Q: What other instruments do you play and what do you want to learn?

E: I play xylophone, bass drum and cymbals in band. I’m teaching myself piano. I‘d like to learn cello and violin, strings. (laughs) That makes me sound burly!

Q: What would you choose to do in college, if it WASN’T music?

E: This is hard! Historical research, I guess. I like historical trivia. I love history.

Q: What would be your dream musical career?

E: I’d love to be able to perform with one of my major influences. That’s a definite dream. Other than that: touring, recording, getting paid to do what I love.

Q: What are your goals?

E: Right now, buy a better capo; my old one is almost dead. And there’s a Dean guitar at the music store that I am in love with!  I really want that guitar. I do want to go to college.

And to meet Ellen DeGeneres.

(* Sam Bradley gave a mock interview in a Land of Dreamers video, in which he answered all the questions with “James Dean.”)

Support Edward by following him on Twitter and checking out his MySpace page and, of course, see him on Youtube. Oh, and leave him some nice words of encouragement below!

These pictures are of Bobby (duh!) and his most recent show in Atlanta. They are absolutely gorgeous and I think GarnetGurl should be a professional photographer or something cause DAMN!. I have no additional words to describe them other then enjoy!

Merry Christmas everybody!

And I have to say, it is quite clear from this pictures that Marcus puts EVERYTHING into it! (And that the venue should have turned up the A/C.)

ADeweese was at Sam’s “Secret Show” in Nashville and reported that the crowd got a real treat, getting to hear the new songs Sam has posted on his MySpace page live and in person. And if you think they are good on MySpace, ADeweese says they are EVEN better in person. While we all may be tempted to go and see if there are YouTube vids of the new songs, we have heard that Sam asked that his new music not be filmed. Therefore, you will not see any videos of his new music from the Saturday night show on SoS. We respect Sam’s wishes!

And, our fab reader JBell was at Bobby’s show this past Saturday and she reports that Bobby is also planning a “secret show.” Bobby plans to do a performance once again at the Dunedin Brewery in Tampa, FL this upcoming Thursday. Now, apparently my computer does not like the Dunedin Brewery website, so I was unable to see if any information is listed on the site. My suggestion? If you plan to go, give the Dunedin a call and verify the times and ticket prices.

So now I have a new goal in life–it’s good to have goals, right?  I am determined to find a vid of Marcus calling a fan and/or have him just call me and have someone tape it at an upcoming show.  That’s not too much to ask is it??

The first person to find a vid OR preferably the first person to put away all their dignity and corner Marcus and thrust a phone in his face for him to call me someone while you video it* will win a prize**.  Ready, set, go!

In the meantime, enjoy these Sam and Bobby phone call vids:

Source

PS– Watch this Bobby vid twice.  Once to stare at Bobby and the second time to check out Manager Phil in the background.  Love me some Phil– holla @veddersgirl!

Source

*don’t really do this.

**not really