Ray's Gigs

Daily news and reviews of gigs bars clubs restaurants product launches films theatre fashion shows books art galleries hotels competitions interesting places to visit ...and much more!

Welcome to the Ray's Gigs website!

Here's the latest - updated 18th March 2024

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SCROLL DOWN this page a bit for recent reviews...just past the upcoming highlights....
Every week there will be four or five reviews.
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For PREVIOUS MONTH REVIEWS please click on the earlier posts link above left.
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ABOVE LEFT - click on the three horizontal menu lines for my improved search.
My fave links and contact details will now appear at the bottom of the front page.
The old search area only covered bands, venues, dates but now it includes everything,
so type in anything by name, restaurants, bars, galleries, bands , venues etc...
including many special events at various venues like Fortnum & Mason, Annabels, and
Chiltern Firehouse, V & A Museum, Q Awards.....and even a few Harvey Weinstein BAFTA parties.
There is now over 250,000 words on the site ( that's around two books worth of words).
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I went to 189 gigs in 2023 , which brings my gig total to 7561 since Sept 1973.
These three that I gave a 10, and their were plenty of other great shows.
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ELTON JOHN at The 02 Arena - 17 April
DOG DAY AFTERNOON at Crystal Palace Park - 01July
IGGY POP + BLONDIE + GENERATION SEX + STIFF LITTLE FINGERS + BUZZCOCKS + LAMBRINI GIRLS.
KISS at The 02 Arena - 05 July
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JUST FOR ONE DAY....The Old Vic, London SE1.
Live Aid Wembley Stadium July 1985 - I was there.
A musical about the greatest gig of all time....i always tell folks , this was my number one gig .
26 Jan–30 Mar 2024
Relive the day music brought the world together.
Featuring the songs of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney, The Pretenders, The Cars, Status Quo, Paul Weller, Sade, The Boomtown Rats, Bryan Adams, Diana Ross, Ultravox and more, this is the story of Live Aid and the people united by it.
Political unrest, social revolution, boom and bust. In a decade of neon and noise, one moment made the world stand still and brought 1.5 billion people together – and they all have a story to tell about ‘the day rock ‘n’ roll changed the world’.
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From 06 March - MJ THE MUSICAL at The Prince Edward Theatre.
Get ready to moonwalk your way to the Prince Edward Theatre for MJ the Musical! MJ the Musical tickets are available on London Theatre now.
This smash hit musical based on the thrilling story of legendary pop star Michael Jackson comes straight from Broadway, featuring Myles Frost in his West End debut. Frost made his Broadway debut and won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for transforming into the late King of Pop, making him the youngest solo recipient of the award in history.
MJ the Musical centres around rehearsals for Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. When an MTV camera crew arrives to interview Jackson for a documentary, the singer gradually opens up about his turbulent backstory and career. His memories come to life with some of his most famous songs, including “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Thriller,” and “Smooth Criminal,” and a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage.
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An excellent triple bill of classic rock bands are touring the UK.
​JUDAS PRIEST headline with special guests /Saxon/Uriah Heep UK Tour 2024...six date UK tour including...
Thursday 21st March - Wembley Arena.
Judas Priest new album ' Invincible Shield ' is out for the tour.
The metal icons’ 19th album entered the UK charts at Number 2. It was only kept off the top spot by Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine.
Previously, Priest‘s best UK chart showing was with 1980’s British Steel, which reached No.4. The band’s last album, 2018’s Firepower, reached No.5.
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Teenage Cancer Trust is back! The Royal Albert Hall has been hosting concerts in aid of the charity since 2000, with the biggest names in music and comedy coming together each year to raise money to help young people face the chaos of cancer.
I have been to at least one show , every year since the start.
Mon 18 March - THE WHO with orchestra + Squeeze
When these shows arrive ROGER DALTREY will be aged 80 ,and PETE TOWNSHEND will be aged 78.
I have seen The Who around 30 times since Dec 1975 , when they headlined two shows at Hammersmith Odeon.
I have seen Squeeze around 20 times since March 1978, when they supported Eddie & The Hot Rods at The Lyceum.
Also many solo shows by Squeeze members.
Tues 19 March - comedy evening .
The legendary Night Of Comedy will be back at the Hall on with host Kevin Bridges, sets from Rob Beckett, Paul Chowdhry, Joe Lycett, Joanne McNally and Seann Walsh.
Wed 20 March - THE WHO with orchestra + Squeeze
Thurs 21 March - NOEL GALLAGHER and THFB + Blossoms
Fri 22 March - YOUNG FATHERS
Sat 23 March - THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS
Sun 24 March - ROGER DALTREY and friends
‘Ovation’ - A Celebration of 24 Years of Gigs For Teenage Cancer Trust' with Roger Daltrey, Kelly Jones, Robert Plant with Saving Grace, Pete Townshend, Eddie Vedder, Paul Weller.
The Who's Roger Daltrey has announced he will step down as curator of the annual Teenage Cancer Trust gigs, after this year's set of concerts.
The shows have been running at the Royal Albert Hall since 2000, raising more than £32m from ticket sales.
The series will end with a celebration of the series of shows.
Titled Ovation, the concert will feature Daltrey himself, accompanied by artists who helped establish the gigs as a fixture of the music calendar.
From 2025, the concerts will be overseen by a series of guest curators. Daltrey will continue as a Teenage Cancer Trust Honorary Patron
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Mon 25 March - 10cc play The Royal Albert Hall.
Their run of mid-70s hits were bona fide, pop-literate, soft-prog gold.
They are touring to promote a massive 145-track, 14-disc, all the albums, plus single edits, B-sides and alternatives box set.
Still featuring original member Graham Gouldman.
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Sun 31 March - STEPHEN EVENS plays The Lexington, N1.
Stephen Evens headlines for his album launch, w/ The Scaramanga Six.
Post-punk, art-rock troubadour Stephen Evens delivers his poetic beatnik style vignettes of life, infused with a joyful glint of glamour, crackling beats, swooping guitars and a huge dose of brilliantly composed skronk, as he muses on everyday happenings, all topped off with an eccentric and ironic slice of candour. Tonight he undertakes a double headliner show with the band that tourture from Yorkshire, The Scaramanga Six to launch his 3rd long playing record "Here Come The Lights".
"New wave poetics, dry, surreal and amusing, against music that matches cheap tech with post-punk skronk,' The Arts Desk
'A wonk fest glittered with a dirty glam sound that reminds me of Brix & The Extricated.' LTW
'A post-punk bovver-boy groove, heavy bass, and shrewdly astute lyrics,' Harmonic Distortion
Tickets are £10 in advance or £13 on the door.
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Tues 26 March - STRANGLERS play The Royal Albert Hall.
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Sat 30 March and Sun 31 March and Mon 01 April.
ZUCCHERO plays The Royal Albert Hall.
68 year old Italian singer has sold over 60 million records.
His stage name is the Italian word for "sugar", as his elementary teacher used to call him.His music is largely inspired by gospel, soul, blues and rock music, and alternates between Italian ballads and more rhythmic R&B-boogie-like pieces.He is credited as the "father of Italian blues", introducing blues to the big stage in Italy.He is one of the few European blues artists who still enjoys great international success.
He has currently got an Italian vocals album out with Jack
Savoretti....Jack will be joining him at The Royal Albert Hall.
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Tues 02 April - PAUL WELLER plays Shepherds Bush Empire.
Paul Weller plays a special warm up show , prior to his UK tour.
I was lucky to see Paul fronting The Jam a few times, and have seen him with The Style Council and solo.
I was at the Hammersmith Apollo gig and party after at the venue to celebrate his 50th birthday.
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Thurs 04 April and Fri 05 April - JOE BONAMASSA plays The Royal Albert Hall.
Celebrated and award-winning blues rock guitarist and singer songwriter, Joe Bonamassa will be performing two UK exclusive concerts at the Hall.
Backed by a stellar band of legendary musicians, the setlist for this show will feature new songs alongside career-spanning favourite’s.
Joe always seems to ask silly prices for tickets when he plays this venue....£70 for gallery standing and £200 , £175 , £150 and £100 for seats plus booking fees...maybe there is struggle to sell tickets as there has been heavy advertising in all the papers in the run up to the shows .
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Wed 03 April - PALOMA FAITH plays The Hexagon , Reading.
Paloma is on a full UK tour.
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Wed 03 April + Thurs 04 April + Sat 06 April
BANANARAMA play The Palladium.
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Friday 05 April 2024.
SLASH feat Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators play Wembley
Arena....They are playing a UK & European Tour.
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Tues 09 April and Wed 10 April - JAMES BLUNT plays The Royal Albert Hall.
Thurs 11 April - ELLIE GOULDING plays The Royal Albert Hall.
Wed 24 April and Thurs 25 April - DAVE MATTHEWS BAND plays The Royal Albert hall.
Tues 30 April - TRAIN play The Royal Albert Hall.
Mon 13 May + Tues 14 May +15 May - BRYAN ADAMS.
BRYAN ADAMS returns to the Hall, performing one of his classic albums in full each night, alongside his most loved hits.
Mon - 18 Til I Die - - released 1996.
Tues - Reckless - released 1984.
Wed - So Happy It Hearts - released 2022.
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Mon 20 May + Tues 21 May + Thurs 23 May Friday 24th. ERIC CLAPTON plays four shows at The Royal Albert Hall.
Eric has performed on the RAH stage over 150 times during his career.
Wed 22 May - RICHARD MARX plays The Royal Albert Hall.
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Fri 12 April - VIVE LE ROCK AWARDS at The Islington Academy.
Feat SHAM 69 + RUTS DC + TOYAH + REPUBLICA + CHRIS SPEDDING and many more.
Fri 12 April -JOHNNY MARR plays Hammersmith Apollo.
Sat 13 April - THE HIVES play Hammersmith Apollo.
This show sold out over a month ago.
The Hives have announced a UK and Ireland tour in spring 2024, culminating with a date at London’s Hammersmith Apollo on April 13th. The band will also release their highly anticipated new album The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons August 11th 2023 via FUGA.
It is twenty-five years since The Hives exploded around the world, with they stunning singles 'Main Offender ' and 'Hate To Say I Told You So'.
I have seen them several times including a low key club show at The Garage , North London in 2023 to promote the new album.
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Sun 14 April - THE PROFESSiONALS play The 100 Club.
They feature Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook.
This is the last of four dates to celebrate the release of both their albums on double vinyl.
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Wed 17 April - ERIC CANTONA plays Shepherds Bush Empire.
Football legend plays London as part of his singing UK tour.
Éric Cantona has announced the release of his first ever live album, ‘Cantona Sings Éric – First Tour Ever’, to be released on March 29.
The football icon made his debut tour in 2023, and this live album will draw 17 tracks from multiple dates of the run of shows, and will feature many of the songs from his debut EP, as well as ‘I Love You So Much’, his love letter to Manchester United fans.
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Wed 17 April - LULU plays The Palladium.
Lulu plays the last night of her UK tour.
Lulu is celebrating 60 years in music.
Lulu still looks amazing for her 75 years.
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EXPERIENCE SALON PRIVÉ LONDON
www.salonprivelondon.com - Visit their website here.
Salon Privé London: the ultimate luxury car event at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
For three days only from 18th to 20th April 2024, immerse yourself in the world of luxury cars – both classic and modern – and enjoy an unforgettable experience surrounded by automotive excellence.
At the heart of the event is the ‘Concours de Vente’ – a carefully curated selection of 75 rare historic automobiles, which are all for sale. From Aston Martins to rare and coveted Jaguars, this year’s Concours de Vente is a treasure trove of motoring marques.
The venue is just a short walk from Sloane Square tube station.
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Brixton Academy to host gigs again for the first time in over 15 months , since two were killed there in a crush in Dec 2022.
A statement by the venue on X, formerly Twitter, said: 'O2 Academy Brixton will reopen on Friday 19 April with Nirvana UK (tribute to Nirvana) and The Smyths (tribute to The Smiths), followed by Friday 26 April with Definitely Mightbe (tribute to Oasis) and UK Food Fighters (tribute to Foo Fighters).'
I would imagine these are restricted capacity test events , as doubt tribute bands like these can sell 5000 tickets.
I have seen many great shows at this venue , including a five man Clash and U2 in the 1980s, The Rolling Stones in 1995 and all five SEX PISTOLS shows there in 2007.
Then the proper bands start playing shows there...
Thurs 02 May - THE EDITORS.
Tues 07 May and Wed 08 May - THE BLACK KEYS.
Tues 11 June and Wed 12 June - NOFX plays Brixton Academy.
A farewell tour to celebrate their 40 year career.
The dates will see the band play three different albums each night. On Tuesday (June 11), they’ll perform ‘Punk In Drublic’, ‘Wolves in Wolves’ Clothing’ and ‘Pump Up’, and on Wednesday (June 12), they’ll play ‘So Long & Thanks’, ‘White Trash’ and ‘The Decline'.
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Sat 27 April - THE MEN THEY COULDN'T HANG play Shepherds Bush Empire.
TMTCH play a special 40th anniversary show.
Founded in 1984, TMTCH gained a passionate national following with their uproarious and engaging style, coupled with keenly contemporary songs. Their 40-year career has been filled with much-loved music, a dedicated fan community and high-octane performances.
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08 May + 09 May + 10 May + 11 May .
MITSKI - Singer and songwriter Mitski will be performing live at Hammersmith Apollo for four nights in May 2024, plus special guest Miya Folick.
All four shows out by Feb.
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Mon 13 May , Tues 14 May , Sun 02 June. TEDDY SWIMS plays three sold out shows at Shepherds Bush Empire.
American singer -songwriter started off doing cover versions on YouTube but in 2023 brought out an album of his own material.
His single ' Lose Control' has gone Top 10 in the UK and USA.
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Wed 15 May - BLACK CROWES play Hammersmith Apollo.
American blues rockers are playing a UK tour.
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Mon 27 May and Wed 29 May - JANE'S ADDICTION play The Roundhouse.
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Tues 04 June - YES play The Royal Albert Hall.
THE CLASSIC TALES OF YES - UK TOUR 2024
Hot on the heels of their hugely successful ‘Classic Tales Of Yes’ American Tour, Progressive Rock legends, YES, are poised to hit the road in the UK once more on a 9-date trek across the country starting on 23rd May at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and ending in London on 4th June at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, a fitting end for such a majestic band.
‘The Classic Tales Of Yes Tour’ will see YES mining their rich catalogue to deliver a career spanning set of classics, rarely played vintage cuts and new songs from 1970’s ‘Time and a Word’ right up to ‘Mirror To The Sky’, their 23rd album released last year, together with a special section celebrating the 50th anniversary of their momentous ‘Tales From The Topographic Oceans’ opus.
Every show will feature a Roger Dean gallery in the venue’s foyer area. Dean’s masterful artwork of striking other-worldly landscapes has graced classic album covers and posters. He has sold more than one hundred million copies worldwide. His artwork appears on the cover of the current
YES album Mirror To The Sky. Roger is planning to be at each show on the tour, to meet with fans.
Steve Howe, whose association with Yes began in 1970, along with Geoff Downes, a member of the 1980 ‘Drama’ era line-up are joined by Jon Davison, lead vocalist in Yes for well over a decade
now; Billy Sherwood on bass, hand-picked by original bassist Chris Squire and Jay Schellen, who worked closely with Alan White, on drums completing the line-up.
Thursday 23 May Manchester Bridgewater Hall*
Friday 24 May Glasgow Royal Concert Hall*
Sunday 26 May Liverpool Philharmonic Hall*
Tuesday 28 May York Barbican*
Wednesday 29 May Southend Cliffs Pavilion*
Friday 31May Bristol Beacon
Saturday 1 June Birmingham Symphony Hall*
Sunday 2 June Gateshead The Glasshouse (formerly The Sage*)
Tuesday 4 June London Royal Albert Hall
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Due to phenomenal demand, the final two shows have been added to the Long Goodbye Tour. THE EAGLES – Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, with Vince Gill, and Deacon Frey, announce a UK residency at the new Co-op Live ..arena in Manchester as part of their acclaimed 'Long Goodbye' tour. Performing at the largest indoor Arena in the UK, The Eagles' long-time contemporaries and fellow Hall of Famers, STEELY DAN, will join these historic shows and commemorate their own 50+ year career.
THE LONG GOODBYE TOUR
Friday 31 May, Manchester, UK, Co-Op Live
Saturday 1 June, Manchester, UK, Co-Op Live
Tuesday 4 June, Manchester, UK, Co-Op Live
Friday 7 June, Manchester, UK, Co-Op Live
Saturday 8 June, Manchester, UK, Co-Op Live
No London shows confirmed as yet.
Maybe no London shows this time as they played a big Hyde Park , London show in 2022.
Incredibly The Eagles have the Top and 3rd best selling albums in American chart sales history .
5. The Beatles – The Beatles (24 million)
5. Led Zeppelin IV (24 million)
4. Back in Black – AC/DC (25 million)
3. Hotel California – Eagles (26 million)
2. Thriller – Michael Jackson (34 million)
1. Their Greatest Hits – Eagles (38 million)
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Thurs 06 June - THE WILDHEARTS play Shepherds Bush Empire.
The Wildhearts have started the next phase of their career with a new line-up and a ‘world exclusive’ concert this summer.
Joining frontman Ginger Wildheart in the new incarnation of The Wildhearts is former bassist Jon Poole together with new members, drummer Pontus Snibb and guitarist Ben Marsden.
The band will play a one-off show at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Thursday 6th June 2024 where they will be accompanied by special guests Ladyhawke and ASOMVEL.
Ginger Wildheart says: “Join me, Jon Poole, Ben Marsden and Pontus Snibb for a world exclusive show, for which I promise you the biggest production the Wildhearts have ever put on".
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BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND return to Europe in 2024 for a massive tour of stadiums, which opens and ends in the UK.
Principality Stadium, Cardiff, UK, 5th May
Boucher Road, Belfast, UK, 9th May
Nowlan Park, Kilkenny, Ireland, 12th May
Páirc uí Chaoimh, Cork, Ireland, 16th May
Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland, 19th May
Stadium of Light, Sunderland, UK, 22nd May
Orange Vélodrome, Marseille, France, 25th May
Airport Letnany, Czech Republic, Prague, 28th May
San Siro Stadium, Milan, Italy, 1st June
San Siro Stadium, Milan, Italy, 3rd June
Cívitas Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain, 12th June
Cívitas Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain, 14th June
Estadi Olímpic, Barcelona, Spain, 20th June
Goffertpark, Netherlands, Nijmegen, 27th June
Werchter Park, Belgium, Werchter, 2nd July
Heinz von Heiden Arena, Hannover, Germany, th July
Dyrskuepladsen, Odense, Denmark, 9th July
Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland, 12th July
Friends Arena, Stockholm, Sweden, 15th July
Friends Arena, Stockholm, Sweden, 18th July
Dokken, Bergen, Norway, 21st July
Wembley Stadium, London, UK, 25th July
Wembley Stadium, London, UK, 27th July
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Sat 08 June - SCORPIONS + EXTREME play Wembley Arena.
A great pairing of Classic Rock bands.
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Thurs 20 June and Sat 22 June - FOO FIGHTERS play London Stadium, East London.
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Wed 26 June and Thurs 27 June - GIRLS ALOUD play The 02 Arena....in memory of band member Sarah Harding .
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Sat 29 June - NICK MASONS SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS play The Royal Albert Hall.
Pink Floyd drumming legend Nick Mason and his band will be playing early Pink Floyd material.
This is the last night on their UK tour.
Sat 29 June - PEARL JAM + RICHARD ASHCROFT play Tottenham Football Ground.
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Fri 28 June and Sat 29 June and Sun 30 June .
Another underwhelming line-up for The Glastonbury Festival.
I went three times in the 1990s , but never again .
Save yourself £360 and watch the highlights on BBC TV.
Dua Lipa makes her Pyramid Stage debut as Friday night headliner, on a Friday bill also featuring Glastonbury veterans LCD Soundsystem and PJ Harvey.
Coldplay will make their first Pyramid Stage appearance since 2016 on the Saturday night, with the only European festival appearance of their record-breaking current world tour, in the process beating their previous joint headliner record (with The Cure) and becoming the first act to headline Glastonbury five times. Little Simz comes back to Glastonbury to play her biggest slot yet immediately before Coldplay.
Sunday night headliner is SZA, the multiple Grammy and Brits winner – and quite possibly the hottest hip hop / R&B act on the planet – who will make her Glastonbury debut following Sunday sets from Afrobeats megastar Burna Boy and Janelle Monáe.
This year’s Sunday teatime legend will be Shania Twain, who makes her first trip to Worthy Farm.
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TAYLOR SWIFT has added two extra London shows to her record-breaking Eras tour, after the first six nights sold out.
The new dates, on 19 and 20 August, mean she will now play a total of EIGHT nights at Wembley Stadium in 2024.
That equals a record set by Take That (when they reformed with Robbie Williams)who played the venue for eight dates on their 2011 Progress tour.
London now surpasses Los Angeles and Singapore as the city hosting the most shows on Swift's Eras tour.
US rock band PARAMORE, ,will support Swift at all eight of her Wembley Stadium shows.
Taylor Swift brings the first billion dollar in ticket sales tour to Wembley.
The Eras Tour is coming to Wembley Stadium on 21, 22 & 23 June and 15, 16, 17, 19 & 20 August 2024.
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HEART + SQUEEZE play a six date UK arena tour.
It will be Hearts first visit to the UK for 8 years...including.
Mon 01 July - The 02 Arena , London.
Wed 03 July - Utilita Arena, Birmingham.
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AC/DC play their first European tour for around eight years, including...
Wed 03 July - Wembley Stadium
Sun 07 July - Wembley Stadium
I have seen AC/DC many times with Bon Scott and Brian Johnson on vocals , and just the once with Axl Rose.
AC/DC played the UK for the first time in 1976, and I saw them TEN times that year.
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BST Hyde Park shows confirmed for 2024.....so far.
Sat 29 June - SZA - The alt R&B star will be joined by special guests Sampha and Snoh Aalegra.
Sun 30 June -KINGS OF LEON with special guests Paulo Nutini and The Vaccines.
Thurs 04 July - MORGAN WALLEN ( massive country music artist who is a huge name back in America)
Fri 05 July - ANDREA BOCELLI
Sat 06 July - ROBBIE WILLIAMS
Sun 07 July - SHANIA TWAIN ,+ THE CORRS
Sat 13 July - KYLIE MINOGUE
Sun 14 July - STRAY KIDS ( K Pop act)
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Sun 14 July - GRETA VON FLEET play The Royal Albert Hall.
Greta Van Fleet have announced a huge one-off show for this summer in London, which they are billing as “A Special Evening with Greta Van Fleet”.
They released their third album ‘Starcatcher’ last July, including the singles ‘Meeting The Master’, ‘Sacred The Thread’ and ‘Farewell for Now’.
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From 04 July...
THE KILLERS play the first of six nights at The 02 Arena.
In December 2023 they had their eighth number one album in the UK.
The news comes ahead of the announcement that ‘Mr Brightside’ is Spotify UK’s most streamed song in the history of the platform. According to the Swedish streaming platform, ‘Mr Brightside’ (released September 29, 2003) has over 1.8 billion streams globally as of October 9, 2023.
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ALICE COOPER with support act GLEN MATLOCK.
Sunday 20 Oct and Monday 21 Oct - Hammersmith Apollo.
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BIFFY CLYRO play Shepherds Bush Empire.
They will play a different album each night.
Sun 20 Oct (Blackened Sky)
Mon 21 Oct (Vertigo Of Bliss)
Tues 22 Oct (Infinity Land)0
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MOULIN ROUGE - THE MUSICAL is at The Piccadilly Theare, London W1.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a jukebox musical with a book by John Logan. The musical is based on the 2001 film Moulin Rouge! directed by Baz Luhrmann and written by Luhrmann anod Craig the studio as a possible singer for the tour, but nothing came of it.
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From 27 May 2022 - ABBA VOYAGE show starts at The Abba Arena, Stratford, East London.
First there was the comeback album, and now are the live shows...sort of.
The show will feature four avatars of the band along with a live 10-piece band.
The ‘immersive theatre’ is the purpose-built 3,000-capacity ABBA Arena where audiences will be able to watch a special concert that mixes a live ten-piece band with an ultra-high-tech pre-recorded motion-capture performance from the four members of ABBA: that’s Benny, Björn, Agnetha and Anni-Frid.
The show is the first music offering from George Lucas’s Industrial Light & Magic special effects company.
It is now on until Nov 2024...floor standing or reserved seating available.
Despite the expensive tickets, on Mon 17 April 2023, they sold their millionth ticket....it has been a huge success.
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Sunday 17 March 2024.

Sunday 17 March 2024.
THE PIXIES live at The Forum.
American alternative rock legends ,who formed back in 1986, play the second of three sold out Forums, as part of their World Tour.
The Pixies will perform two of their hugely acclaimed albums: the 1990-released Bossanova and 1991's Trompe Le Monde! In the main set, and an encore of their most well known songs.
I have seen The Pixies a few times before with the first time being at Hammersmith Odeon in 1990.
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We have a nice view from the side of the mixing desk.
THE PALE WHITE arrived on stage 8pm for their 30 mins set.
This trio are creating a big stir in their Newcastle hometown.
All three have Dave Grohl type hair to shake as they play.
Their good alt-rock set finished with the drummer standing on top of his drum stool for 'Medicine'.
THE PIXIES arrived on stage at 9pm for their 1 hour 45 mins set. They have a backdrop of their logo, and four circular balls that start off as map of the world globes, then giant eyes.
Lots of nifty indie-guitar playing, and the band’s brand of punky, indie, noisy alternative rock is still as great as ever.
Lots of dancing in the front rows of the stalls standing.
Not much talking between the many songs played.
Only downside was the encore of hits , where they seem to change and swop around each night.
We get ' Caribou' tonight but not 'Debaser', 'Where Is My Mind', 'Here Comes Your Man' or 'Monkey Gone To Heaven' .
So for me , a really good show , but would have preferred a couple more of the big classics during the encore .
Full PIXIES setlist played tonight...
BOSSANOVA album
Cecilia Ann (The Surftones cover)
Rock Music
Velouria
Allison
Is She Weird
Ana
All Over the World
Dig for Fire
Down to the Well
The Happening
Blown Away
Hang Wire
Stormy Weather
Havalina
TROMPE LE MONDE album
Trompe le Monde
Planet of Sound
Alec Eiffel
The Sad Punk
Head On ( The Jesus and Mary Chain cover)
U-Mass
Palace of the Brine
Letter to Memphis
Bird Dream of the Olympus Mons
Space (I Believe In)
Subbacultcha
Distance Equals Rate Times Time
Lovely Day
Motorway to Roswell
The Navajo Know
Encore:
Vegas Suite
Wave of Mutilation ( UK Surf)
Nimrod's Son
Caribou
Outro Tape Song - Streams of Whiskey (The Pogues song)
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Very sad news.
Musician STEVE HARLEY has died of cancer aged 73.
The singer, who performed as part of Cockney Rebel, was touring up until January 2024, but was forced to cancel dates after being diagnosed with cancer.
He “passed away peacefully” at his Suffolk home on Sunday morning with his family by his side, according to his daughter Greta.
I saw Steve Harley with Cockney Rebel and solo over a dozen times with the first time in April 1975 at Hammersmith Odeon when ' Come Up and See Me' was number one.
Support act were SAILOR.
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Saturday 16 March 2024.
THE PINEAPPLE THIEF live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
The Pineapple Thief are a British prog-rock band, started by Bruce Soord in 1999 in Somerset, England.
They have released over a dozen studio albums.
Their 2024 release is titled ' It Leads To This'.
This show is the last on their 20 date UK & European Tour.
I have seen them three times before at this venue in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
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Level 3 is closed , but Levels 1 and 2 seats are full as this older crowd prefer to sit , rather than stand....maybe 1200 folks here.
RANDY McSTINE arrived on stage at 7.45pm for his 30 mins set....Just him and his acoustic guitar, and some proggy sounds from his keyboard.
A huge pictured curtain comes down in time for the headliners
THE PINEAPPLE THIEF arrived on stage at 8.35pm for their 1 hour 50 mins set. The five piece band including keyboards all arrive on stage wearing simple black t-shirts. They are all great musicians. The addition of brilliant drummer Gavin Harrison, from not one but two legendary progressive rock bands in Porcupine Tree and King Crimson, has made a quantum leap in quality and reputation. I do not know any of their songs, but they sound best when they rock out, rather than the slower ones. A good show with perfect sound quality , and the crowd loved it.

Friday 15 March 2024.

Friday 15 March 2024.
THE PHARCYDE and LORDS OF THE UNDERGROUND live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Formed in 1989 in Los Angeles, legendary old school rap group The Pharcyde are back on the road with their influential witty lyricism and jazz style production.
Joining The Pharcyde will be hip-hop trio The Lords of the Underground, made up of Mr. Funke, DoItAll Dupré and DJ Lord Jazz and most remembered in connection with the golden age of hip hop.
The pair are playing a UK & European Tour before heading home to America for a tour there.
I saw The Pharcyde play a sold out show at The Forum in 1996..
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A very lively hip-hop atmosphere tonight, at this near sell-out show.
The stalls standing area is totally rammed solid.
Reminds me of all those great shows I saw in the late 1980s, when hip-hop first came to the UK with Public Enemy , Run DMC ,Beastie Boys. LL Cool J etc.
Mainly a 75% white crowd , with ages 20s to 50s.
It is pretty much a three hour non-stop show , as when acts not on stage , there were DJs playing hip-hop tunes.
LORDS OF THE UNDERGROUND arrived on stage at 8.50pm for their 60 mins set.
Both headliners had a DJ or DJs at the back spinning their backing tracks. The Lords did a good lively set.
THE PHARCYDE arrived on stage at 9.55pm for their 60 mins set.The Pharcyde did a good lively set.
Very nice to be at a hip-hop show again.
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Thursday 14 March 2024....i went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 8.15pm
JESS ALLEN - private view - Unit Gallery ,3 Hanover Square, Mayfair, London W1.
Jess Allen’s first solo exhibition with Unit considers space, time and the inevitable transformation of present into past. This Is Now captures a series of fleeting moments in which shadows and figures overlap to represent the ephemeral and indistinct. The exhibition presents a series of paintings in which details are kept to a minimum.
It is on for the next month...free entry.
Complimentary whiskey cocktails and gin cocktails for all .
then
8.30pm to 11.15pm
THREE SHEETS SOHO - launch party - 13 Manette Street , London W1.
They've been very popular in Dalston, and now Three Sheets are to open their second bar, this time in Soho. Run by Max and Noel Venning, the original is viewed as one of the best bars in town, and you'll also have seen Max's cocktails in many of the city's best new restaurants, like the recently opened Pearly Queen.
Three Sheets Soho is on Manette Street, part of Soho that's seen a huge amount of change over the last year thanks to the Elizabeth Line works, with the new bar just around the corner from new openings like Daroco and Milk Beach.
The original Dalston cocktail bar is noticeably compact so this Soho space is a little bigger (although they're still referring to the space as "cosy") and the biggest difference is that their Soho bar will be an all-day affair, with coffees and pastries on offer in the morning.
But the cocktails are where it's really at.
They'll also have a small wine list and a food menu that's been put together by ex-Lyle’s chef and butcher William Blank. On that, you'll find salt beef sandwiches, croquettes, triple-cooked chips and fresh oysters.
And when summer finally returns, they'll have some space outside for alfresco drinks. All in all, it's a very promising new addition to Soho.
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No signs outside, so it feels like a private members club.
It is in the same street where The Borderline venue was,
and The Crow Bar rock bar , which is now a Simmons Bar.
Venue is full and buzzy, as maybe only holds 50 folks max.
We managed to squeeze in , at a corner table by the bar.
Lots of nice complimentary drinks and food including
Billicart -Salmon champers , four different cocktails , salt beef sandwiches and triple-cooked chips.
Well worth a visit when in the Tottenham Court Road area.

Wednesday 13 March 2024.

Wednesday 13 March 2024.
GIANT ROOKS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
German indie-rock band Giant Rooks tour their second full-length album, How Have You Been?, the follow-on to their 2020 debut, Rookery, that peaked at Number 3 on the German Album Charts.
Their story is anchored in the live show, having built up a worldwide loyal following, and garnered hundreds and millions of views across breakout hits such as “Wild Stare”( official video has over 4 million views on YouTube) and selling out shows across Germany, North America, and Europe.
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Level 3 is closed and Level 2 is half empty, so must be around 1200 / 1300 folks here as the stalls standing is rammed full.
Two thirds are females under the age of 30.
ANDREW CUSHIN and band are on at 8pm for 30 mins.
I saw Andrew at this venue in Dec 2022 , when he was touted as hotly tipped , where he was the support act.
15 months later and he is still supporting at the same venue.
However, he did sell out a hometown gig at Newcastle City Hall in 2023, and headlines a North American club tour in April.
Noel Gallagher produced and performed on his third single, Where's My Family Gone, which appeared later that year. Shortly after, Andrew was signed to Pete Doherty's Strap Originals, which issued his debut EP, You Don't Belong.
Andrew has also secured support slots for some huge names in music, including Paul Weller and Jake Bugg.
He played a good 30 mins set of indie-rock tracks.
GIANT ROOKS arrived on stage at 9pm for their 90 mins.
The five piece band include keyboards.
A nice bouncy indie-rock-pop sound.
They remind me of a German version of The 1975.
All the lyrics and stage banter are in English.
The singer says " we have dreamed of playing this iconic venue for many years".
In the middle of the show the great singer sang a song from Level 1 , and the show had to be stopped for a medical incident in the front stalls.
" Wings”, “Bedroom Exile”, “Pink Skies”, and “Fight Club” – major songs off the latest album – all turned up before the brilliant “Somebody Like You” ended the main set on the night, before the encore.
However, what makes Giant Rooks one of those rare bands with stadium potential is how they pull off their show. They know how to charm their fans, and their singer is a truly amazing and charismatic frontman.
The show ends with an encore and their two major hits, “Wild Stare” with the singer dancing in the stalls standing crowd , and “Watershed”, and i honestly don’t see anything stopping Giant Rooks from being the next big German music export.
A really good show.
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Tuesday 12 March 2024...6pm to 9.30pm...
Taste of PATA showcase -
Huckster London, 4 Kingdom Street, Paddington , London W2.
Taste of PATA aims to give attendees exactly that – a ‘taste’ of what your customers can experience in the diverse destinations of the Asia Pacific region. Set up like a fair, our suppliers will be offering you food & drink tastings, Thai massage, quizzes, games with spot prizes + lots more!
Those showcasing......
Taiwan Tourism Board
AAT Kings
Tourism Australia
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Outrigger Hotels & Resorts
Singapore Airlines
Journey Beyond, Australia
Qantas
Red Elephant Reps (client list here)
Equator Learning
Thai Airways
Malaysia Airlines
InterContinental Bali Resort
Minor Hotels
Bandara Hotels & Resorts
Great Journeys New Zealand
Explore Central North Island
Aqua Expeditions
Prizes in the business card draw...
The following prizes are up for grabs:
8 nights in Thailand at Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok, Bayphere Hotel Pattaya & Pimalai Koh Lanta
£200 voucher from Tourism Authority of Thailand
‘Experience Rottnest’ package 2 people from Journey Beyond
1 adult fare on Great Journeys NZ Signature Spectacular South Tour
2 nights in Bangkok at Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok
2 nights in Bali at InterContinental Bali Resort
A dinner set from Taiwan Tourism
A bottle of Aussie fizz from AAT Kings
£50 shopping voucher from Outrigger
Qantas goodybag & voucher
Malaysia Airlines goodybag
Aesop gift set from Tourism Australia
Aqua Expeditions goodie bag
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Around 150 guests here in this area of Paddington that has had a full regeneration recently .
We chat to most of the stands.
I have been to Australia , Thailand and Taiwan and would love to get back to them all one day.
Sadly none of the three of us won anything in the prize draw.
Complimentary Guinness , wines, beers , full size cheeseburgers , slices of pizza and canapes
A guests got a goodie bag of small items from the various stands here .

Monday 11 March 2024.

Monday 11 March 2024...6.45pm to 10.15pm...
THE MURPHIA LIST - Sea Containers, London SE1.
In the run-up to St Patrick's Day, Hot Dinners website proudly present their 10th annual Murphia List, in association with Bord Bia, showcasing the Irish talent contributing to the creativity of London's food and drink scene.
This hotel and venue is situated next to The OXO building.
Stunning views of the River Thames at night.
Around 150 guests here, including many on the list like chef Richard Corrigan, The Savoy Hotel head butler Sean Davoren and the team from that great pub The Devonshire Arms in Denman Street, London W1.
At 7.15pm The MURPHIA LIST was announced in the big screens , and kept repeating throughout the evening.
Irish music playing in the background , inc Thin Lizzy.
Lots of complimentary Irish food & drinks, inc bowl food , canapes , Donegal oysters and desserts .
Drinks included Guinness, Five Farms Irish Creme , Boatyard Vodka and Gin Martinis and Doren Vineyards wines.
All guests got a goodie bag on departure that included a 700ml bottle of Five Farms Irish Creme (from Cork).
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Sunday 10 March 2024...10 pm to 3 am....
The 96th OSCARS - private screening - Dorchester Hotel ,
Mayfair , London W1.
Always nice to be at this famous five star hotel.
Around 200 folks here watching the awards on the big screens
in the various rooms used here tonight.
Comfy sofas and chairs for all.
It is the same ITV showing , as if you were at home.
The awards were on from 11pm to 2.30am.
Very entertaining and as expected Oppenheimer won Best Film and Best Director.
We have complimentary Espresso Martinis , wines , beers ,
canapes and Krispy Kreme donuts.
At 1.45 am the bacon rolls and Bloody Mary's came out.
An excellent event.
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Very sad news that legendary live music promoter and venue owner VINCE POWER has passed away aged 76.
He started off with The Mean Fiddler, Harlesden in the 1980s and in the 1990s he owned several London venues.
In the early 1990s Vince Power gave me a gold card for several years until 2000 where I got guest list for all his venues and outdoor events which included The Sex Pistols in Finsbury Park in 1996.

Saturday 09 March 2024.

Saturday 09 March 2024.
BRAINSTORM live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Latvian pop-rock band BrainStorm (Prāta Vētra) are coming to the UK to perform songs from their several studio albums.
Not to be confused with the German power metal band with the same name.
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Level 3 is closed but the other levels are full, so maybe 1500 are here, with mainly Lavian folks who are living in London.
Lots of very attractive females here tonight.
There seems to be a lot of drinking by this crowd.
BRAINSTORM arrived on stage at 8.35pm and played for two hours.
Seven musicians on stage, including a female percussionist.
The song lyrics are all in Latvian, apart from one of two.
Simple catchy pop-rock , with a nice mix of dancier tracks and ballads that got the crowd all swaying.
The singer looks like a young Jim Kerr.
He did a good job of creating a great atmosphere.
The crowd loved it , and although it was a foreign language ,the show ticked along nicely.
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Friday 08 March 2024.
JARLATH REGAN live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Following millions of downloads and views on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram Jarlath Regan’s epic new standup comedy show “Yer Man” has landed. Ireland’s favourite ‘Irishman Abroad’ is back after appearances on Tonight At The Palladium (ITV), Russell Howard’s Good News (BBC) and Goggle Box (Channel 4).
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Level 3 is closed tonight , and Level 2 is near empty ,and it is stalls seats so maybe just 500 here.
NEIL O'ROURKE arrived on stage at 7.30pm for his 20 mins.
JARLETH REGAN arrived on stage at 9.10pm for his 75 mins.
The crowd is pretty much half Irish half English.
Great to hear two Irish voices on stage tonight , as my parents are Irish and 75% of my relatives live over in Ireland.
The first act ticked along ok, and the headliner was great.
Just a stool , table and pint of Guinness was his stage set-up.
He is very pleased to be playing this historic venue, and tells the crowd that Charlie Chaplin and The Wogan Show were here.
Lots of jokes related to being back in Ireland....really good.

Thursday 07 March 2024.

Thursday 07 March 2024....I went to three events.
6pm to 7pm.
Two gallery private views in the same street.
5 Cork Street, Mayfair, London W1.
9 Cork Street , Mayfair , London W1.
Lots of cool art folks moving between this galleries area.
Nice surprise to see PRINCESS EUGENIE mooching here.
Complimentary wines and beers for all the guests.
then
7.05pm to 8.15pm.
Private view - Gazelle Art House - 39 Dover Street London W1.
Harold Cohen, Refactoring (1966-74),
Exhibition: 8 March — 11 May 2024
A preview of Refactoring (1966-74), a solo exhibition exploring transitional work from 1966 to 1974 by represented artist Harold Cohen. The exhibition coincides with a major exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art (on view until 19 May 2024). Refactoring (1966-74) showcases Cohen’s practice in the years preceding and inaugural to his creation of AARON—the pre-eminent computer programme designed to create art autonomously.
Complimentary wines and beers for all the guests.
then
10pm to 12pm.
Opening night VIP/press after-party at Soho Place, London W1.
My first time at this venue that opened in 2022 and was the first new theatre built in the West End in 50 years.
It is on the site of the sadly missed Astoria.
The party is for around 200 folks in the top floor terrace bar ,
which overlooks The Outernet across the road.
A nice buzzy mix of black and white folks, including some well known faces , Charleen White, Dr Ranj Singh and Angie Le Mar.
There is a DJ playing dance tracks.
Complimentary Rum cocktails wines beers and a full Caribbean food buffet including Jerk Chicken.
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For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy returns to London’s West End Garrick Theatre in 2024 following three previously sold-out runs.
Father figures and fashion tips. Lost loves and jollof rice. African empires and illicit sex. Good days and bad days. Six young Black men meet for group therapy, and let their hearts – and imaginations – run wild.
Inspired by Ntozake Shange’s ‘For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf’, For Black Boys…  is located on the threshold of joyful fantasy and brutal reality: a world of music, movement, storytelling and verse – where six men clash and connect in a desperate bid for survival.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
‘a powerful and deeply moving meditation on Black masculinity and Black life in Britain’
The Guardian
Following sold-out runs at the Apollo Theatre, Royal Court Theatre and New Diorama Theatre, Ryan Calais Cameron’s Olivier Award-nominated, multi award-winning For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy returns to the West End for a limited 9 week run at the Garrick Theatre.
BOOK ONLINE NOW
BOOKING NUMBER
0330 333 4811
Booking
Thursday 29 February – Saturday 4 May, 2024
Tickets From
£15
Prices include a £1.50 restoration levy.
Show Times
Monday – Saturday, 7.30pm
Thursday & Saturday, 2.30pm
Running Time
Approx 2hrs 10 mins including interval
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Wednesday 06 March 2024.
QUEEN EXTRAVAGANZA live at Hammersmith Apollo.
Queen Extravaganza, the official Queen tribute band produced by Roger Taylor and Brian May, returns to the UK in 2024,
following their triumphant 2023 tour.
The band formed in 2012, and band members are hand-picked by Roger Taylor.
I have seen the real Queen with their three singers many times over the years (Freddie Mercury + Paul Rodgers + Adam Lambert).
I saw Freddie with Queen a dozen times including my first ever gig at this venue in 1973 when Queen supported Mott The Hoople and also their legendary Live Aid gig at Wembley 1985.
Pretty amazing that some tribute bands can play this big venue
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It's not sold out tonight, but the venue is pretty full.
I have a great stalls seat , 10 rows from the stage , dead centre.
The show was on for 1 hour 45 mins for two sets of 50 mins and 55 mins.
There are six musicians on stage , including two male singers who share the vocals.....the drummer also sang three songs.
There is a huge Queen logo hanging behind them.
Lots of lights ,but there are no images of Freddie tonight.
The guitarist is playing a Brian May type guitar.
The show is 22 Queen classics, one after the other.
The crowd are singing loudly along and dancing too.
Of course the singers are not in the league as Freddie Mercury or Adam Lambert , but it was still very enjoyable.
Full setlist played tonight....
Intro music - MONTREAL THUNDER
FIRST SET
We Will Rock You (Fast)
Tie Your Mother Down
Somebody to Love
Under Pressure
I'm in Love With My Car
You're My Best Friend
Killer Queen
These Are the Days of Our Lives
Now I'm Here
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
I Want It All
SECOND SET
A Kind of Magic
Hammer to Fall
Don't Stop Me Now
Who Wants to Live Forever
Fat Bottomed Girls
I Want to Break Free
Another One Bites the Dust
Radio Ga Ga
Bohemian Rhapsody
Encore:
We Will Rock You (reprise)
We Are the Champions

Monday 04 March 2024.

Monday 04 March 2024.
SOOSHI MANGO live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Sooshi Mango is an Australian comedy troupe founded in 2015.
The group consists of two brothers, Joe and Carlo Salanitri, and their best friend, Andrew Manfre. Sooshi Mango is best known for their comedy skits, acts, videos, series and live shows, paying homage to their experiences growing up in an Italian family, and around Italians, Greeks, Croats, and other ethnic cultures living in Australia.
The comedic influences of the group include Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, the Marx Brothers, Laurel and Hardy, Benny Hill and many more. Being most strongly inspired by their European ancestry, their content is commonly rooted in humorously depicting the Italian and Greek ethnic and cultural diaspora and their role in Australian society, and its racial prejudice and social mechanisms of the modern-day world.
This is the first of two shows at this venue.
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It is stalls seated tonight , pretty full but not sold out.
Maybe 800 tix sold out of the 1000 capacity.
Mainly Aussies here, but also Italians and English .
The show was on for two hours over two sets.
There is a big screen to show some of their video clips.
Brothers Joe and Carlo Salanitri along with best friend, Andrew Manfre created Sooshi Mango to honour and keep the memory alive of their parents as well as the European immigrants of the 50’s and 60’s. Coming to a new country not knowing the language and trying to establish a new life makes for lots of challenging and funny stories. The lads from Sooshi Mango have taken all those and rolled them into one funny comedy show in Off The Boat!
All the well-loved characters made an appearance. How can you not love Sam, Vince and Johnny? We go back in time, forty years ago to learn how the three paesano’s met and became friends. Going back in time to also meet the young Greeks Stavros, Tasso and Kosta and the three ‘bella’s’ Carmela, Angela and Guiseppina was also hilarious. The animated black and white silent films have all the comedy vibes of a Laurel and Hardy or Charlie Chaplin skit. Sooshi Mango have perfected the art of slapstick comedy and it highlights their comedic timing and abilities.
The show takes us from yester-year to today where we find out what the characters, after a lifetime in Australia, are up to in 2022. There are court room dramas, crazy fiss and tsip shop (Fish and Chip Shop) antics as well as trying to get a bird cage up a tree. Oh, and tomatoes. There’s always an argument about who has the biggest tomatoes in their garden!
The highlights for me were their two comedy lyrics and dance routines for Bon Jovi's 'Livin' On A Prayer' at the end of the first set , and a Jersey Boys aka The Greasy Boys making an appearance. They sing parody of classic songs like Left Home and Mum Cried (Big Girls Don’t Cry by The Four Seasons) and Frankie Valli’s Oh What A Night (Marrying a Skip).
The Sooshi Mango lads have created Off The Boat with music, lights and slapstick into a well-crafted comedy show. They’ve taken their life experiences and turned them into hilarious sketches.
An enjoyable show.
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Saturday 02 March 2024....6.30pm to 9pm...
THE LANSDOWNE CLUB - showcase - 9 Fitzmaurice Place, Mayfair , London W1.
With a rich heritage dating back to 1763, The Lansdowne Club re-imagined itself as a leading private members’ club in 1935 and has welcomed men and women with equal status ever since. An eclectic mix of the historic and the contemporary, the Club boasts stylish décor and exquisite art, underpinned by seamless service provided by our knowledgeable team who will always go that extra mile.
Standing discreetly at the south-west corner of London's Berkeley Square,
The Lansdowne Club is ideally located in the heart of London's West End.
The Club offers a friendly, welcoming and lively social scene. With wine tastings and gourmet evenings; art, music and cultural events; balls and parties as well as networking events, you’ll never be short of wonderful activities to attend.
With a diverse range of food and drink options – from the elegant Art-Deco Dining Room and our al fresco Courtyard, to the historical but contemporary Round Room Cocktail Bar – we have a destination for every occasion.
We also offer a variety of active interest groups, from the arts, debating and singing, to dancing, gardening and bridge. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy at the Club.
It also has over 50 rooms for overnight stays.
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Walked past this venue hundreds of times of the years, but this is my first visit back since 2014 , when I went to a book launch.
Like a Tardis, it is massive once you get inside the doors.
There is a violinist playing tunes in the background.
There are half a dozen upmarket fashion stands showcasing.
Including made to measure suits, nice ball gowns and Macaro of Whitcomb Street who supply singer Gregory Porter with his luxury bow ties.
Complimentary Collet champers , mojitos , Hindleap English Sparkling Wine and canapes.

Friday 01 March 2024.

Friday 01 March 2024.
RENEE RAPP live at Hammersmith Apollo.
Reneé Rapp ( age 24 ) is an American singer, songwriter and actress. Rapp gained recognition for starring as Regina George in the Broadway musical Mean Girls (2019–2020).
She released her debut album ' Snow Angel' in 2023.
It reached number 7 in the UK album charts.
RENEE is on a 12 date UK & Euro Your.
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It is stalls standing tonight and 5000 tickets sold out.
Pretty much 80% or more females here under the age of 30.
TOWA BIRD and band arrived on stage at 7.30pm for 30 mins.
The guitar playing talents of Towa Bird were first discovered by many during the lockdown years, when the young musician would regularly showcase her tasty lead chops (and handsome guitar collection) while improvising over the top of an assortment of hip-hop, pop, and R&B tunes on TikTok.
She channels a bit of Hendrix in her look and playing attitude.
A really good set inc a rockin cover of Blur ' Song 2 ' .
SEKOU and band arrived on stage at 8.15pm for 30 mins.
Sekou is a British singer-songwriter born in Leicester but now based across London and Los Angeles. At the age just 16, he attracted the interest of record labels after a video of him performing in a car park went viral, signing eventually to Universal across both Island and Republic Records.
A nice soulful voice in a set that included covers of Eurythmics ' Sweet Dreams ' and Adele's ' Someone Like You' .
RENEE RAPP and band on stage at 9.35pm for 80 mins
Several of the girls here are wearing a t-shirt from her merch stand that says ' GOOD TITS GOOD HEART".
The females here are singing loudly along to every song.
They hang on to every word , when Renee speaks between songs.
There is a big screen showing pre-recorded digital images.
The set included a nice cover of The Cranberries ' Linger'.
The encore of ' Snow Angel' had confetti fired over the stalls.
An enjoyable show.
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Thursday 29 February 2024....I went to three events.
6.15pm to 7.15pm.
DAVID BOWIE – A LONDON DAY - private view.
Fitzrovia Chapel , 2 Pearson Square, London W1.
A new exhibition of photographs by Kevin Davies
The Fitzrovia Chapel is proud to announce a new exhibition of photographs title DAVID BOWIE – A LONDON DAY by Kevin Davies, capturing David Bowie over the course of a single day in 1992, which will open on 1st March and run until 20th March 2024 as part of The Fitzrovia Chapel’s Cultural Programme. The exhibition is free and you don’t need to book.
DAVID BOWIE – A LONDON DAY is curated by journalist, author, cultural historian and Bowie fan, Dylan Jones.
This stunning chapel dates back to 1891 , and is set in the middle of some expensive looking newish blocks of flats.
Nice to Clash bass playing legend PAUL SIMONON here.
I got a photo with him.
KEVIN DAVIES and DYLAN JONES are here.
Dylan Jones had made The Standard paper bold front page and contents much more interesting since he took over.
You can buy merch here of what's on display.
Postcards £1
Posters £10
Catalog £15
Complimentary prosecco and wines for all the guests.
I was lucky to have seen David Bowie on stage 15 times with the first time back in 1976 at Wembley Arena on the 'Young Americans' tour.
then
7.30pm to 9.15pm.
RICHARD JAMES - Grand re-opening store party ,
19 Clifford Street , Mayfair , London W1.
Savile Row tailoring brand Richard James has unveiled the £2 million refurbishment of its store at 19 Clifford Street, opposite its store at 29 Savile Row, reimagined as ‘The House of Richard James’ - "a three-storey temple to beautifully crafted ready-to-wear and bespoke tailoring".
The 2,500 sq ft store, which is in a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse, was previously home to Richard James Bespoke and the label’s made-to-measure tailoring at ground level. But the new vastly expanded space has been "elevated into an entire Richard James experience" with ready-to-wear, bespoke, special projects, exclusive limited-editions and one-offs only available in-store.
There is a DJ playing tracks upstairs.
Complimentary English sparkling wines, gin cocktails and canapes....nice to see that the sparkling wine was called BRITPOP which is produced by Alex James from BLUR.
then
9.45pm to 12.pm.
THE ALCHEMIST - opening launch party - 52 Grosvenor Gardens, Victoria , London SW1.
The Alchemist is set to continue its expansion plans into 2024 with the opening of its sixth London venue.
The Classic Cocktail Competition finalist has secured a site in Grosvenor Gardens, Victoria, which sits opposite Victoria station.
Following a £1.8m fit out of the 4,858 sq ft venue, the space will be more geared towards the brand's late-night offering, with particular attention given to the lighting as the day transitions to evening.
Lots of comfy velvet seating here.
The venue has the feel of a late night cocktail bar club vibe , as Thurs, Fri , Sat it is open to midnight.
We missed the canapes but there is a full complimentary bar including Moet champers and over a dozen different cocktails.

Wednesday 28 February 2024.

Wednesday 28 February 2024.
FIZZ live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
London act Fizz , not to be confused with Pop act Bucks Fizz.
The band's musical style has been described as psychedelic, maximalist, and theatrical, often drawing inspiration from influential artists of previous eras. Their debut studio album, released Oct 2023 ' The Secret to Life' , reached number 31 in the UK charts, offers a diverse range of genres to “create a giddy, freewheeling pop sound”.The track "The Grand Finale" has been compared to Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody,"while the track "You, Me, Lonely," has been compared to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
They certainly are on the rise, as they formed in early 2023, then released a debut album later that year , and that got in the charts , and now they can headline Shepherds Bush Empire....all in the space of a year.
Second last date on their UK tour, before heading to Brighton.
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Level 3 is closed tonight , but all the other three levels are full , so must be around 1500 folks here.
One of those shoes with over 100 on the guest list.
Lots of the LGBT+ community are here.
MAYA DELILAH and band arrived on stage at 8pm for 30 mins.
MAYA Delilah is a 23 year old singer - songwriter.
This is the third time I have seen her as a support act, as I have also seen her in 2022 and 2023.
MAYA in a black dress , and three band members all in white.
She plays some nifty finger pickin' guitar during her good set.
FIZZ arrived on stage at 9pm for their 75 mins set
The main four (three females and one male) are at the front, and the bass and drums are behind them.
A very nice stage presentation with a huge countryside image on the big screen and props around the stage including giant mushrooms, and several vertical lighting poles .
The three girls take in turn for the vocals, and they join together for some nice harmonies.
They dance and bounce around the stage , quirky and fun.
The crowd sang along to all the songs, with highlights at the end with a cover of Lily Allens ' Smile'....and they rocked out to
' The Grand Finale' and encore ' The Secret to Life' got all the seated folks up an dancing.
A very enjoyable show.
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Tuesday 27 February 2024.
YUNG GRAVY live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
27 year old American white singer -songwriter / rapper.
His 2022 single, "Betty (Get Money)" marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 30 and likewise received platinum certification.
In 2023 Rick Astley and rapper Yung Gravy reached a settlement in a lawsuit over the use of Astley’s 1987 hit “Never Gonna Give You Up” — also known as the Rickroll song — in a 2022 Yung Gravy track.
Astley sued Yung Gravy, whose legal name is Matthew Hauri, for “deliberate theft” of Astley’s voice on the rapper’s hit single “Betty (Get Money),” which includes a rerecording of the 1980s song. The suit also named the song’s producers, Nick Seeley (who goes by Popnick), David Wilson (dwilly) and Dillon Francis, and record label Republic Records.
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Level 3 is closed , but all the other levels are full.
Must be at least 1500 mainly white folks under 30 here.
ARTAN arrived on stage at 8.20pm for his 25 mins set.
The UK rapper is backed by a DJ playing backing tracks.
The American DJ in the cool hat is playing 60 second snippets in the interval of tracks including ' Sweet Caroline' , which has all the crowd singing loudly along , to create a nice party vibe.
YUNG GRAVY arrived on stage at 9pm for his 85 mins set.
The females here are soon screaming , as his good looks soon
gets a few bras and panties thrown on stage.
The DJ from earlier is on the backing tracks console behind .
Yung Gravy is lazily dressed in a t-shirt and trainers.
The combination of older retro samples with new, modern production is a time-honored tradition in hip hop. The issue is that these samples do not feel as organically melded as some of the best examples from the genre.
It feels like very watery comedy rap at times.
A couple of tracks were good, but too many felt flat.
Oddly his track with the snippet of Rick Astley was a highlight as everyone knows the words to Ricks classic.
The support act joined him for a track.
For the encore he oddly did 10 press ups....cue more screams.
The finale was the DJ playing Spandau Ballet 'True' and Yung Gravy handing out a dozen roses.
An underwhelming show overall.

Tuesday 27 February 2024.

Tuesday 27 February 2024.
A mad story has come out that an 80 year old woman has been scammed out of £115,000 from someone pretending to be
RICHIE BLACKMORE....yes, that RICHIE BLACKMORE.
Looks like she went to the same school as Richie Blackmore.
Someone set up fake social media to contact her , saying he needed some money to tide him over , but don't tell anyone due
his well known profile. This poor woman bought loads of these supermarket gift cards in various supermarkets, whose staff didn't question the payments....these payments cannot be traced....the fake Richie said she would get the money back, with good interest, but of course it was all a scam.
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Monday 26 February 2024.
Rod Stewart and Jools Holland are set to top the Official Albums Chart for the first time as a duo this week with their brand-new album, Swing Fever.
A covers album featuring songs from the big band era, Swing Fever would become the 11th Number 1 album – and first in nearly five years – for Stewart, while Holland would celebrate his first-ever chart-topping LP in the UK.
After the weekend sales, it was the top seller , so let's see if it stays there for this week's final chart rundown on Friday.
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Sunday 25 February 2024.
Very sad news that QPR football legend STAN BOWLES has died aged 75....He had suffered with Alzheimer's...
I saw him play many times on the 1970s.
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Saturday 24 February 2024.
BOWLING FOR SOUP live at Hammersmith Apollo.
This show sold out a month in advance..
It is the last show on a nine date sold out UK tour.
The gig before this one was 7500 sold out in Cardiff.
They are an American skate rock band with hints of punk /ska.
They are celebrating 30 years since their debut album.
I saw them supporting Steel Panther at Wembley Arena in 2016.
Special guests on the tour are LESS THAN JAKE who are a skate punk band , who released their debut album in 1995.
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The venue is totally rammed sold out tonight.
VANDOLIERS arrived on stage at 7.25pm for their 30 mins.
VANDOLIERS are a country punk band from Texas.
They have released four studio albums.
The singer is happy , as he cannot believe he is on the same stage where The Beatles played in the 1960s.
They finished with a neat cover of Proclaimers ' 500 Miles'.
A really good set.
The DJ is playing Green Day , Blink 182 and other related gems.
LESS THAN JAKE arrived on stage at 8.10pm for their 50 mins.
They had three mini-screens either side of the drummers kit.
They have sax and trombone in their band.
A really good set with the last song feat toilet roll streamers being fired onto the crowd along with confetti.
BOWLING FOR SOUP arrived on stage at 9.30pm for 85 mins.
They have a big screen mixing live footage with pre-recorded.
Lots of jokey stage banter between songs.
They have a bar side of stage for their many guests.
They gave out a guitar to a girl who won a raffle.
Lots of moshing and crowd surfing.
Gems like ‘Punk Rock 101’ and ‘Girl All The Bad Guys Want’ hit hard to whip the crowd into a frenzy.
The nifty encore of '1985' had streamers and confetti.
A very good set.
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Friday 23 February 2024.
CHASE & STATUS live at Drumsheds, Tottenham , North London
I saw them headline The 02 Arena in 2013.
Go on YouTube and check out videos of their mega dance anthem ' Blind Faith' ..the official video and Live at Glastonbury and Live at The 02 Arena 2013.
A pioneering duo with a number of best-selling albums and record-breaking tracks, legendary DNB producers Chase and Status are set to take on one of their most exciting projects to date, inviting a number of very special guests to join them at their new live show concept at DRUMSHEDS.
As one of the catalysts in bringing underground drum and bass to the masses with recent releases entering the UK top 40 charts, this C&S LIVE show will demonstrate elements of their new sound, as well as some of their iconic tracks from the last decade.
This 15,000 capacity venue for DJ events has a 10,000 limited capacity tonight in this huge all standing sold out show.
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I went to the old Drumsheds just the once before COVID.
This new Drumsheds is in the same area...Meridian Water.
It is a bit of a nightmare journey from West London.
It looks more modern than the old Drumsheds.
It is a bit of a mad house in here tonight, with the happy drum n bass fans here to have a good time.
LENS was on stage for around 45 mins.
DJ and vocals played some heavy bass sounds in his set.
FLOWDAN was on stage for around 45 mins.
FLOWDAN is a grime rapper MC and producer.
In 2023, he featured on two songs which reached the top 20 of the UK Singles Chart, and in 2024 he won his first Grammy Award for the Skrillex and Fred Again collaboration "Rumble", becoming the first grime MC to win a Grammy in any category.
Like the first act , he got folks dancing.
Amazing how many people were arriving late for the show.
CHASE & STATUS arrived on stage at 9.15pm for their 90 mins.
The enormous screen looks fantastic.
As they promised , they have several guest singers perform with them....lots of lights and the crowd loved it.
Their anthem ' Blind Faith' was played near the end, as the confetti came down over the crowd...just superb.
A really good show overall.
Full CHASE & STATUS setlist played tonight...
Smash TV
Selecta ( with Stefflon Don)
Censor ( with IRah)
Liquor & Cigarettes
Retreat2018
Take Me Away
Count on Me (with NADIAH)
Time
Mixed Emotions (with Clementine Douglas)
Hold Your Ground ( with Ethan Hole)
Don't Be Scared
NRG
Eastern Jam
Machine Gun
Let You Go
Disconnect (with Becky Hill)
No Problem
Original Nuttah 25 (Chase & Status Remix) ( with IRah)
Baddadan ( with Trigga)
End Credits
All Goes Wrong ( with Tom Grennan)
Blind Faith ( with Liam Bailey)
Program (with IRah)
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Thursday 22 February 2024....6.30pm to 10.30pm...
LONDON GIBSON GARAGE - opening launch party -
61-62 Eastcastle Street , London W1.
Gibson Brands, the world’s most iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for more than 100 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, TN, Gibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Gibson, the number one guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, Kramer, Steinberger, MESA/Boogie, and the Gibson Pro Audio division, KRK Systems. Gibson Brands is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson Brands.
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Over 100 guests here for Gibson's first store outside of America,
A visual treat here , as there are over 300 Gibson electric and acoustic guitars on display over the two levels.
Works by rock n roll photographer by Gered Mankowitz are
everywhere around the 4500 sq ft store.
Lots of Gibson merch available including t-shirts and caps etc.
There is a performance space downstairs
There are five acts playing short sets tonight.
We watch the two that I have heard of, as the comfy sofas upstairs were great to rest on between acts.
THE AMAZONS arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 20 mins set
A really good set of uptempo indie-rock tunes.
KID KAPICHI arrived on stage at 9.15pm for their 30 mins set.
They are a great lively rock band from Hastings.
They are signed to Spinefarm Records and nice to see Dante here , who runs Spinefarm Records.
'Lets Get to Work' and ' Smash the Gaff' were just two of their crackin' tracks.
Complimentary spirits n mixers, prosecco , wines , beers and canapes for all the guests here.
Guests got a Gibson tote bag on departure with a few items inside , including a tin of 50 Gibson guitar picks and a Gibson umbrella.
See my Facebook page for some photos and videos I took .
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A lunchtime event had some guitar legends turn up earlier.
Celebrating the launch were Jimmy Page, Brian May, Tony Iommi, and James Bay, who’ve arrived to mark the official opening of the new London store....Jimmy Page cut the ribbon.
The opening day for the public is Saturday 24 Feb 2024, when
20 Noel Gallagher signed '78' Gibson Les Paul guitars will go on sale....with profits going to Teenage Cancer Trust.

Wednesday 21 February 2024.

Wednesday 21 February 2024.
AITCH live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
This was a pre BRITS gig week for War Child charity.
AITCH is a 24 year old white rapper from Manchester.
His 2022 debut album went to number two in the UK charts.
"Taste (Make It Shake)" and "Baby", which both peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart...and he has had collaboration hits with other artists.
The name "Aitch" derives from the pronunciation of the letter 'h', which is the first letter of his given name.
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Level 3 is closed, and other levels have space , so maybe 1000 folks here...perhaps the £50 plus £10 booking fee was too much for this act that mainly appeals to the under 30's females.
A1 and J1 arrived on stage at 8pm for their 40 mins set.
The first 20 mins they played DJ tracks that the crowd knew and sang along to, then they sung some of their own tracks.
Near the end of their set, the music stopped as there was a scuffle down front of stage , where a couple of girls had barged their way to the front , upsetting others , and pushing and shoving occured , and security ejected the pair.
AITCH and band arrived on stage at 9.15pm for his 75 mins set.
He arrived on stage in all white attire , as the females screamed.
The same nice lighting and strobes as the night before , as it was the same promoter , relating to AEG/War Child.
Aitch brought on a few rappers to guest with him , including tonight's support act.
The show ticked along ok, and the crowd loved it .
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Tuesday 20 February 2024.
Pre- BRIT AWARDS gigs this week...for War Child charity.
KEANE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Keane celebrate 20 years of their million selling debut album Hopes and Fears, and are pleased to announce the anniversary collection, including a limited edition box set, 2LP, 1LP and 3CD.
They had mainstream international success with the release of their debut album Hopes and Fears in 2004. Topping the UK chart, the album won the 2005 Brit Award for Best British Album and was the UK's second best-selling album of 2004. It is one of the best-selling albums in UK chart history.Their second album, Under the Iron Sea, released in 2006, topped the UK Albums Chart and debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200.....they have released five studio albums.
They have had several Top 20 hit singles
This is an intimate gig for them , as their UK arena tour coming up features two huge shows at The 02 Arena on May 10 and May 11.
I have seen Keane a few times before, with the first time back on 2004.
Including the launch party opening for The Hard Cafe at Piccadilly Circus in Sept 2019.
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The show is sold out, even with a steep ticket price of £75 plus £10 booking fee , although all proceeds go to War Child charity .
As expected the show is pretty much full of polite folks in their 40's.
OSCAR LANG and three musicians arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins set.
He played a decent set of keyboard based tracks from his debut album ' Chew The Scenery'
KEANE arrived on stage at 9pm for their 95 mins set.
Singer Tom Chaplin is now aged 44, but still has those boyish looks.
Hard to imagine he had a serious drug addiction around a decade ago.
Lots of good catchy keyboard based, radio friendly hits played in their set.
Never really a band liked by critics , but they write top notch songs.
A very good show.
Full KEANE setlist played tonight...
Can't Stop Now
Bend and Break
Silenced by the Night
We Might as Well Be Strangers
Spiralling
The Way I Feel
Your Eyes Open (first time live since 2013)
Disconnected
Is It Any Wonder?
Nothing in My Way
Bedshaped
This Is the Last Time
A Bad Dream
Everybody's Changing
Somewhere Only We Know
Encore:
The Night Sky (first time live since 2007; acoustic; Tom and Tim only)
Neon River
Crystal Ball
Sovereign Light Café

Monday 19 February 2024.

Tuesday 19 February 2024.
ALICE COOPER plays a six date UK tour in October. To
The support act for the two London shows at Hammersmith Apollo on
Oct 20 and Oct 21.......is surprise surprise Glen Matlock.
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Sunday 18 February 2024....11pm to 3.30am..
SEARCHLIGHT - BAFTA after-party - Soho House , Greek Street , London W1.
This was one of the several lavish parties after the main event.
Must be around 300 very smartly dressed guests here.
Searchlight celebrate its 19 nominations including for Poor Things, All of Us Strangers and Rye Lane. This is a combo get-together as it has grown in recent years, meaning a host of studios, streamers and indie distributors will populate the multi-tiered property. Along with Searchlight, they include Disney, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate, Amazon, Studiocanal, Sky, Mubi and Dogwoof. Among the nominated films from that group are Elemental, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Anatomy of a Fall, Saltburn, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, Ferrari, How to Have Sex and 20 Days in Mariupol.
The building has many rooms over the different levels.
Quieter in the downstairs levels with nice sofas and chairs.
The main party was on the rooftop bar , with the DJ playing and folks dancing.
SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR wad here along with husband RICHARD JONES ( The Feeling).
Sophie is flavour of the month, as her old hit has been featured in Saltburn.
She also attended the parties at Chiltern Firehouse and Annabel's on the same night.
I saw a couple of actors holding their BAFTA trophies, but couldn't put a name to them.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food all night , including Ruinart champers, Espresso Martinis , any cocktail or drink you like , along with canapes , full size pizza, brownies etc.
An excellent event.
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In years gone by, disgraced Hollywood film producer HARVEY WEINSTEIN held five top notch BAFTA parties
at The Rosewood Hotel, Holborn from 2014 to 2018, which always got plenty of big names .
I was at all five of them.

Saturday 17 February 2024.

Saturday 17 February 2024.
REND COLLECTIVE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Christian folk rock band from Northern Ireland.
They have released several albums.
They have also had success in the USA Christian charts.
This show is the last night of their tour.
I didn't go to their show at this venue in 2018.
In 1987 i saw Christian hair metal band STRYPER headline Hammersmith Odeon. They threw out bibles with their yellow and black logo on the cover. I still have one .
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The venue is totally rammed sold out.
A very polite Christian crowd here , lots of families.
I see a couple of JESUS IS KING t-shirts.
REND COLLECTIVE are on stage for 1 hour 40 mins over two sets of 50 mins.
Five members on stage ,with the drummer having a few huge tom toms on the side of his kit.
A dozen vertical lighting poles are dotted around the stage.
Their sound is very in the mould of Mumford & Sons.
A mix of quiet and louder rousing songs, with the crowd singing the Christian lyrics at the top of their voices..
Sometimes the songs veered into a type of Irish jig.
There were two or three prayers between songs.
The front man had jokey clean moments.
Confetti cannons used during the encore.
An enjoyable show.
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Friday 16 February 2024....I went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 7.20pm.
KRISPY KREME - new store press launch - 27 Oxford Street, London W1.
Very popular donut brand opens another store.
As it is a small space, this was the second of two days launch.
There are balloons all around the entrance to the store.
They even have two security, as they expect to be busy.
We have a couple of complimentary glazed donuts heated up ,
along with vodka cocktails and beers.
There is also a DJ playing tunes.
Goody bag to take away was a big box of any 12 donuts.
The nearest tube station is Tottenham Court Road.
Opposite Primark on Oxford Street (ex Virgin Megastore).
then
7.30pm to 10.30pm.
NOK NOK -presentation - at Chateau Denmark,
Denmark Street, London WC2.
My first time at this newish cool boutique hotel.
Today was the first day of London Fashion Week .
Inspired by the neighbourhood’s architectural and cultural heritage, Chateau Denmark’s hotel rooms and apartments are set across 16 buildings, along London’s one hundred yard Denmark Street. Our award winning bar – Thirteen, brings a baroque and gothic charm to the Soho neighbourhood.
Their 55 rooms and apartments are set along a street where the Sex Pistols once lived, the Rolling Stones recorded and where Bowie and Hendrix hung out - if the walls here could speak, you'd be hooked.
NOK NOK are presenting their Never Ending Sin A/W 24 Collection.
The presentation is one of their stunning hotel suites.
Their motto is Peace, Love , Rock n Roll.
The collection is a great mix of 70's classic rock and punk ,
that would suit any rock star on stage.
Musicians who wear his clothes include Marky Ramone.
The hotel suite upstairs (again with a huge four poster bed ) ,
was where the bar was as as 70 or 80 folks enjoyed complimentary Deacon Whisky cocktails and Tequila cocktails.
We managed to find a huge sofa to sit on , most of the evening.
At 9pm a guy and his electric guitar played a couple of Jimi Hendrix covers.
The DJ was playing classic rock tunes all night.
Never thought I would be at a London Fashion Week event and gear Ratt and Warrant being played.
All guests got a tote bag with a few items inside including Riot Connex vapes and tins of Gin cocktails.
A really good event , much better than expected.

Thursday 15 February 2024.

Thursday 15 February 2024.
NOTHING MORE play Shepherds Bush Empire.
Nothing More is an American rock band from San Antonio, Texas. Formed in 2003.
They released their sixth album 'Spirits' in 2022.
They are playing a full UK & European Tour.
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Level 3 is closed and Level 2 is half empty, so maybe 1200 tix sold.
It is mainly the under 40s rock crowd tonight.
Three bands from different countries on stage.
SIAMESE arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 30 mins set.
They come from Denmark and played some nice crunching rock tunes.
They had an electric violin player in the band .
A dozen photographers are in the pit for the bands tonight.
SIM arrived on stage at 8.20pm for their 45 mins set.
SIM are from Japan.
The singer is tiny , so stands on a raised platform front of stage all the show.
A rock band , with hints of ska and reggae in some of the tunes.
They dedicated a song to Madness and The Specials.
The crowd knew the songs , and there was plenty of moshing.
I would say they were my fave band of the night.
NOTHING MORE arrived on stage at 9.40pm for their 80 mins set.
The singer arrives on stage topless, and has warpaint over his six pack chest.
He looks an exact ringer for TV fitness celebrity Joe Wicks.
They got the crowd moshing, but the songs felt pretty samey to me.
Nice finale of the singer banging Tom Tom drums with the front stalls fans.
A pretty average evening overall.
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Wednesday 14 February 2024.
THE DEAD BOYS + DESPERATE MEASURES play The Underworld, Camden.
Opening bands are DEAF DEVILS and MONKISH.
New York punk rock legends The Dead Boys play a five date UK tour, at the start of their European Tour.
I saw them twice in Nov 1977 with original singer Stiv Bators R.I.P.. when they supported The Damned at The Roundhouse.
Original guitarist Cheetah Chrome is still in the band.
The original Dead Boys released two studio albums, Young Loud and Snotty, and We Have Come for Your Children....and their best known track is the single Sonic Reducer.
Support comes from original NZ punk rockers Desperate Measures who feature Eugene from Vive Le Rock magazine on vocals.
Buy tickets for this gig at £30 plus £5 booking fee here.
www.theunderworldcamden.co.uk - Visit their website here for a list of upcoming shows at The Underworld.
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Great to be back at this proper rock music venue.
Seen so many gigs here over the years.
Hard to believe the first time here was back in 1993 with The Quireboys.
I was at that mega Foo Fighters secret gig here in 2006.
Last year Motley Crue played here before their Wembley Stadium show.
Nice to see several of my punk rockin' chums in the crowd tonight.
MONKISH arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 30 mins.
They have three guitarists , and sound good.
Brad on vocals is entertaining us with his between song banter.
A good set featuring tracks ' Hobosexual' and 'OCDC'.
DEAF DEVILS arrived on stage at 8.15pm for their 30 mins set.
Deaf Devils come from Valencia , Spain and they were pretty amazing.
All arriving on stage wearing braces, including their female singer.
Playing uptempo garage rock , that really had the wow factor as band members jumped into the crowd.
For the last two songs, three members of the band , including the drummer with his drum kit on the floor of the venue between the fans , ending with a storming ' Kick Out The Jams'.
See my Facebook page for a video of this.
DESPERATE MEASURES arrived on stage at 9pm for their 30 mins set.
Another band playing a really good set.
The vocals are much clearer than the chaos of The Deaf Devils.
Great tunes like 'Lost Angels' and ' Seven Sisters' went down a treat.
THE DEAD BOYS arrived on stage at 9.45pm for their 75 mins set.
The Dead Boys arrive on stage , and we are transported back to punks heyday .
Members of The Deaf Devils join all the folks jumping around front of stage.
They open with their best known track ' Sonic Reducer' which is fantastic.
Jake Hout is a great front man , as he jumps in the crowd or gets pulled into the crowd.
Other gems followed including 'All This and More', ' What Love Is' , ' Not Anymore' ,
' I Wont Look Back' , 'Ain't Nothin' To Do' , ' Down In Flames' and encores including
'Aint It Fun'..... we get shout outs to Stiv Bators and Sylvain Sylvain.
A great set, to finish off a fab four band evening at The Underworld.

Wednesday 14 February 2024.

Tuesday 13 February 2024....I was at two very nice events in SE1 tonight...
Several well known faces at both of them.
Both events had a massive crowd of around 500 guests.
6.30pm to 8.45pm.
YOKO ONO - MUSIC OF THE MIND- private view - Tate Modern , London SE1.
Over 200 items are on display at this paid ticket exhibition.
The exhibition will look at the significance of Yoko's career before and after her famed relationship with John Lennon....which includes her artwork and films.
YOKO ONO is not here as she is too frail to travel at her age of nearly 91.
YUXI WANG was here.
Guests here included BOBBY GILLESPIE, TRACEY EMIN, GRAYSON PERRY, PRINCESS JULIA,
DANIEL LISMORE, PAM HOGG , NINA MYSKOW.
I could not resist to write www.raysgigs.com on the graffiti wall.
Long time celebrity photographer RICHARD YOUNG was here snapping away.
Complimentary wines ,beers and nibbles for all the guests.
then
10pm to 12.30pm
Press Night Party for JUST FOR ONE DAY - THE LIVE AID MUSICAL at Sea Containers London SE1.
I had a ticket for the show but will have to see it another time as I was at the Yoko Ono event earlier.
I was at Live Aid in 1985 , and I always tell folks it was the best gig of the 7000 plus gigs I have seen.
The show itself was at The Old Vic Theatre, and runs until 30 March.
We have stunning views from this lovely venue of The River Thames at night
Guests here included BOB GELDOF , MIDGE URE PETE TOWNSHEND, LENNY HENRY , ALAN YENTOB,
BEVERLEY KNIGHT, ROACHFORD TREVOR HORN, BARRY McGUIGAN, TOM FLETCHER (McFly).
I had nice chats with BOB GELDOF and ROACHFORD
There is a DJ and several folks are dancing.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food including Taittinger champers , two different Gin cocktails , wines ,beers, juices, bowl food , cartons of fish n chips , canapes and desserts.
See my Facebook page for some photos and videos of both events.

Tuesday 13 February 2024.

Monday 12 February 2024.
PRETTY WOMAN - THE MUSICAL - Wimbledon opening night - New Wimbledon Theatre, London SW19.
Once upon a time in the late ’80s, Vivian met Edward and her life changed forever. Be swept up in their romance in this dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages – and get to know these iconic characters in a whole new way – in a sensational show that took London’s West End by storm, guaranteed to lift your spirits and light up your heart.
Introducing Amber Davies as Vivian, Ore Oduba as Happy Man/Mr Thompson and Oliver Savile as Edward – who’ll be starring alongside original SIX: the Musical queen Natalie Paris as Kit de Luca in the cast. (Disclaimer: Cast and performance schedule subject to change without prior notice.)
With a blazing rock score from Grammy® winners Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (Summer of ’69, Heaven), direction and choreography by Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Hairspray) and a book by the original movie’s director Garry Marshall & screenwriter J.F. Lawton, a powerhouse creative team representing the best of music, Hollywood and Broadway ensures you’ll have a pretty magical time at Pretty Woman: The Musical.
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I did not see this musical show when it was in The West End.
It got pretty average reviews from it's run on Broadway and The West End.
It is now on a full UK tour of weekly stints at various theatres.
As expected it is pretty much a 75% female crowd here tonight.
The show is on for around 2 hours....two sets of 65 mins and 55 mins.
The show has many of the highlights from the 1990 film.
Basically the storyline is .....
Edward hires Vivian for six days on the grounds that he needs a dinner date, and a live-in hooker is less hassle than a girlfriend; eventually they fall in love and he decides corporate raiding is bad because… she’s nice?
The songs are simple, basic and catchy .
Lots of dance routines and plenty of rom-com moments.
It is a feel good evening , that ticked along nicely.

Sunday 11 February 2024.

Sunday 11 February 2024.
COMEDY WAREHOUSE presents Love & Comedy Valentine's Show live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Several black comedians and a white guy perform at this annual event.
I have been to this really good entertaining show a couple of times before.
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The stalls is seated tonight , and the venue looks full, so maybe around 1200 folks here.
Pretty much a 75% black crowd.
The show was on for two hours 40 mins over two sets.
First set was 8pm to 9.25pm....85 mins.
KANE BROWN was the host , and introduced all the acts...he is so funny as he interacts with the crowd so well.
Black male comedian ???
Black male comedian ???
WHITE YARDIE is a white guy with a full on Jamaican accent , who went down really well.
Second set was 9.40pm to 10.55pm...75 mins.
KANE BROWN
CHRISTOPHER SAVAGE
RICHARD BLACKWOOD arrived stage on at 10.25pm for his 30 mins headline set.
A very enjoysble evening with lots of laughter from all the acts.
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Saturday 10 February 2024.
Popped into Westfield , Shepherds Bush just before the gig nearby.
Westfield seems to be always busy, despite the cost of living crisis.
5pm to 5.15pm.
I watched the Chinese New Year Dragon Dance on the ground floor.
then
5.15pm to 6pm.
KARL LAGERFELD store launch at Westfield.
It is only a small store, so just a small soft launch opening.
Great to see some of the items here , many have his image on.
BBB iPlayer currently has that great documentary on him , that feature footage of his Paris Fashion Shows
that looked incredible.
There is a DJ playing tunes , and there is complimentary juices with vitamins in his branded bottles.
then
OLIVER ANTHONY live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Virginia native Oliver Anthony is a country-folk poet of the people, who became an overnight sensation with the meteoric rise of his debut single, “Rich Men North of Richmond”.
His passionate voice features a unique and emotional rasp shaped by his personal battles.
In August 2023, he released the single "Rich Men North of Richmond" independently, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Anthony the first artist to debut atop the chart without any prior charting history in any form.
This show sold out a month in advance.
This show is part of an eight date UK & European Tour.
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It is a rowdy Saturday night drinking crowd.
Not many Americans here for this sold out show.
We have two support acts , who play 20 mins each.
Later on I see that they are both the other members in the Oliver Anthony band.
They second one did a neat cover version of. ' Valerie'.
OLIVER ANTHONY arrived on stage at 9.05pm for his 95 mins set.
He is backed by two musicians and there is no drum kit.
The crowd participation for this show was a bit strange for a London gig , as every two or three songs the band would get the crowd to loudly sing " Joe Bidens a Peado" to the Seven Nation Army riff.
Oliver lives off-grid in Virginia, has scant experience of playing live, and after reading a Bible verse from his phone mid-set, declares that “all the songs you hear on Spotify were recorded on this”. His songs are rootsy and muscular, with the live addition of double bass and acoustic guitar warming up the twang of his resonator guitar. Vocally he’s the real deal, his clear tone lending conviction to ' Cobwebs and Cocaine ' , ' Ain't Gotta Dollar' and drinking song 'I've Got to Get Sober' .
Too much tuning up between songs was a pain, and Oliver had the lyrics to each song in front of him on a paper, and at the end of the song he would give it to the double bass player , who would make a paper aeroplane out of it , and direct it into the crowd.
A couple of good covers were played....' Rocket Man' and ' Freebird'.
We had two superb versions of his mega hit ' Rich Men , North of Richmond' , with the crowd singing loudly.
For the final song , the guitarist was on his own playing as Oliver Anthony went to the front of stalls pit ,
to pose for selfies and to sign stuff.
Overall a good show...but very weird hearing those Joe Biden chants.

Friday 09 February 2024.

Friday 09 February 2024...6.45pm to 8.45pm...
UNIT GALLERY - private view - 3 Hanover Square , Mayfair , London W1.
This gallery always invites lots of guests so must be easily over 100 folks here.
A woman here who had the most cutest little dog I have seen in years.
Complimentary Vodka Tropical Cocktails for all guests.
Both exhibitions on until 10 March 2024
Lower Ground - ZIPING WANG 'Small Talk'.
Ziping Wang’s second exhibition with Unit demonstrates a significant shift towards abstraction, while continuing to explore everyday themes and day-to-day social situations, reflecting the exhibition’s title, 'Small Talk'.
Ground Floor - ZACHARY LIEBERMAN ' Circles, Blobs, Ripples' .
Zachary Lieberman's first solo exhibition with Unit explores the unexpected effects of geometries crafted with code, revealing how a systematic approach to image-making can transform shapes into mesmerising visual experiences.
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Thursday 08 February 2024....6pm to 9pm...
FALCON APARTMENTS - showcase - 3rd Floor, Cairo Studios , 4 Nile Street, Shoreditch , London N1.
North Property Group are showcasing their new apartment block at Red Bank , Victoria North, Manchester .
189 apartments that are due for completion in 2027.
One bed flats start at £268,500.
Six storey clubhouse of residents amenities
A ground breaking development of one, two and three bedroom homes in the heart of the Victoria North Regeneration.
Falcon is the first ground breaking development in the highly anticipated Red Bank neighbourhood one of seven new neighbourhoods in the Victoria North regeneration, the largest regeneration of its kind in the North's history.
The development will offer a selection of contemporary one, two and three bedroom apartments benefiting from floor to ceiling windows that will allow for natural light and open aspects. The spacious open plan layouts will feature high quality appliances and modern finishes in a neutral palette so residents are free to make their spaces their own.
As well as 24 hour concierge services residents will also benefit from The Club House, a six storey residents only amenities building which will cater for every wellness, working and social need including a fitness suite, bar & restaurant, private dining spaces and co working lounge along with more amenities yet to be released.
Falcon is perfectly placed for those seeking for a blend of open space and city living, set in prime position where the thriving city meets the calming waterfront of the River Irk and awaited 113 acre City River Park. Adjacent to Falcon the City River Park will be Manchester's most extensive natural asset, set over 46 hectares.
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Around 50 or 60 folks here in their space away from all the office furniture.
There is a model of the building , and we have a chat with the sales rep.
They have got a female DJ, a bar and a chef.
Complimentary choice of three different cocktails , spirits n mixers , prosecco , wines , bottles of beers , cans of Guinness and canapes.

Wednesday 07 February 2024.

Tuesday 06 February 2024.
2.15pm to 7pm.
ICE GAMING at Excel, London E16.
The place the world of gaming goes to do business will welcome the entire industry on 6-8 February at ExCeL London, where 45,000+ trailblazers will gather to network with leading international decision makers, regulators, operators and innovators across all gaming sectors and verticals, over three days of expansive business opportunities.
ICE is the biggest global showcase of the very latest and innovative technologies and opportunity providers, home to 600+ global brands providing FIRST access to products and services designed to enhance your growth potential in 2024.
After many years in London, it moves to Barcelona from next year
Over 10,000 visitors each day , and as usual it is a 90 % male crowd.
Portuguese football legend LUIS FIGO is here as Ambassador for DIGITAIN.
UFC champion ALEX PEREIRA is posing with his belts on the AVIATOR stand.
This is the event where a few years ago i met DEE SNIDER from Twisted Sister on one of the stands.
Lots of colourful digital screens and neon everywhere.
Plenty of nice looking promo girls at different stands.
You can have a go on all the various slot machines, casino related etc.
Many of the stands are giving out complimentary coffees , cocktails, spirits n mixers, wines ,
prosecco , champers, beers and snacks.
then
7.30pm to 12pm.
ICE GAMING OPENING PARTY at Magazine , London SE10.
Around 3000 guests at this massive venue.
There are dancers in carnival type costumes, acrobats, burlesque and djs.
Lovely surprise to see punk rock band THE DUEL here..
On at 9.10pm for just 15 mins, but they went down well with the crowd.
GREG BANNIS had many years as singer with Hot Chocolate...replacing Errol Brown (R.I.P.)
He was on at 10pm for his 20 mins of singing Hot Chocolate hits to a backing tape.
SOUL II SOUL arrived on stage at 11.05pm for their 45 mins set
A massive band as must be 15 members on stage including three female brass , two female violinists and three female backing singers.
They played their great hits from 1989 ' Keep On Moving' and 'Back to Life'.
Our wristbands were valid for complimentary drinks and food all night,
that included champers in the VIP lounge area and elsewhere was spirits n mixers, wines, beers , prosecco and
the food trucks in the VIP lounge area.

Monday 05 February 2024.

Monday 05 February 2024.
Looks like AC/DC are to announce their first world tour for 8 years.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Ground has been booked concerts for July 8, 9, 10.
The act has not been confirmed yet...is that AC/DC ?
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Sunday 04 February 2024.
Happy Birthday to ALICE COOPER who is 76 today.
I have seen Alice Cooper around a dozen times since 1975 , when I saw both his shows at Wembley Arena.
Alice always puts on a top notch live show.
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Saturday 03 February 2024.
JAZZU live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
I have seen acts from Poland, Russia, Italy, Columbia and others playing to their own communities in London, and this time it is the turn of Lithuania.
Around 1200 mainly Lithuanian folks here , which is pretty good going.
Around 75 % of the crowd are female....so many great looking women at this gig.
JAZZU is a big name in Lithuania , and is an X Factor judge over there.
JAZZU arrived on stage at 8.15pm and played for 1 hour 45 mins.
Nine musicians on stage , including four backing vocals ...2m/2f.
All are dressed in cool all black attire.
The songs are pretty much dreamy electro pop , although it did get livelier in the second half.
Lyrics were all in English , apart from a couple of tracks in English, and a couple of snippets from hit covers.
Hints of Goldfrapp in some of the tracks played, and it was a good show.

Friday 02 February 2024.

Friday 02 February 2024.
PEYTON PARRISH live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Popular TikTok star from America.
Peyton Parrish laid the foundations for his career in 2020 with a cover of “My Mother Told Me”, made famous by the series, ‘Vikings’.
He’s since released his debut album with original songs and covers, to versions of Disney classics, and his latest release, ‘Skalds Of Metal’, includes a collaboration with German medieval rock giants,
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The sign outside the venue says the show is sold out.
DOMINUM arrived on stage at 8pm for their 40 mins set.
German Heavy Metal band played a decent set of tracks from their album.
They have a bald headed singer , and the other three musicians are wearing gruesome masks.
They did a good cover of Dead Or Alive ' You Spin Me Round' .
They signed stuff at the merch stand after their set
PEYTON PARRISH arrived on stage at 9.15pm for his 85 mins set.
You wouldn't think a heavy metal band would have a singer named Peyton.
Plenty of crunching heavy metal tracks played , with lots of lighting.
A superb cover of Cranberries ' Zombie' was a highlight.
The big track ' My Mother Told Me' was performed near the end.
A good show, that the crowd loved.
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Thursday 01 February 2024.
SHEN YUN live at Hammersmith Apollo.
Historical Chinese theatre and music show returns to this venue...I saw it at this venue in 2023.
Extensive daily advertising on TV all through January must have cost them a fortune, so maybe that's why the tickets are so expensive at £75 to £160.
It is on at this venue from 26 Jan to 04 Feb.
This stint in London is part of a UK tour.
They have eight productions touring the world.
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The stalls seats look sold out , even with the high priced tickets.
As expected, it is an older respectable crowd.
The two hour show was over two sets of 60 mins.
The stage presentation is lovely.
A huge digital screen showing colourful images.
Around 30 performers in total on stage.
A full live orchestra of 30 musicians in black tie, that sounded fantastic.
Each piece had an introduction from a m/f couple.
Only two pieces had singing , with a piano backing.
The rest was classical Chinese dance routines with stunning costumes.
An enjoyable show.

Wednesday 31 January 2024.

Wednesday 31 January 2024....6.45pm to 9pm....
BARBARA KRUGER....private view...
THINKING OF YOU. I MEAN ME. I MEAN YOU.
Serpentine Gallery , Kensington Gardens, London.
The site-specific exhibition will feature Kruger’s iconic pieces reconfigured in recent years as video works, including Untitled (I shop therefore I am) (1987/2019) and Untitled (Your body is a battleground) (1989/2019)
Serpentine is honoured to present a solo exhibition of recent works by American artist Barbara Kruger (b. 1945, Newark, New Jersey, USA). The exhibition will be presented at Serpentine South from 1st February to 17th March 2024 and in the public realm with Outernet Arts.
Titled Thinking of You. I Mean Me. I Mean You. the exhibition will feature a unique selection of installations, moving image works, and multiple soundscapes installed across the Serpentine building, bookshop, and outside banners, as well as on large-scale, immersive wraparound screens at Outernet Arts.
It will be the artist’s first solo institutional show in London in over 20 years and a return to Serpentine. Kruger previously exhibited at Serpentine in 1994 as part of the group exhibition Wall to Wall.
Around 150 cool art folks here, including BBC arts editor WILL GOMPERTZ.
Complimentary Ruinart champers for all guests
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Wednesday 31 January 2024.
Happy Birthday to JOHN LYDON who is 68 today.
See my Facebook page for a photo of the two of us together.
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Tuesday 30 January 2024.
EVERGLOW live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Six girl K-Pop act are promoting their fourth album 'All My Girls'.
Six major European cities on this tour....
Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, London, Warsaw , Berlin.
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Two days ago i was at this venue for all boy K -Pop and today it is the same promoter's ,
but tonight it is the turn of the girls....more a 50/50 male / female crowd split.
The tickets are an eye watering £100 in the stalls and £90 and £80 for the upstairs seats.
No wonder the stalls standing is half empty , but seats look pretty full.
Maybe 1000 out of the 2000 tickets have been sold.
It is the same format as Sunday , where the band come on early and finish early , so they can do a meet and greet for 200 fans after.
The glow sticks are out in force again tonight.
EVERGLOW arrived on stage at 7.30pm and perform for 1 hour 55 mins.
Every track has an incredible dance routine , as they dance to backing tracks.
They perform their track ' Slay MV' which has had over 25 million views on YouTube.
They also perform a couple of covers in the middle of the set.
Plenty of chat between songs , the girls cannot speak full English so they have an interpreter side of stage.
The girls give out mini hand waves, heart signs and thumbs up etc to the fans.
From my point of view , it is great to watch six fit girls dancing.
Surprisingly they stick to the same black stage outfits for the entire show.
K-Pop really seems to have a cult like hypnotic attraction to their fans.
Visually really good to watch , even though the music was basic dance pop.

Monday 29 January 2024.

Monday 29 January 2024.
I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY : THE SAW MUSICAL - London Opening Night - live at
The New Wimbledon Theatre, London SW19.
I Should Be So Lucky is a brand new jukebox musical featuring the music from songwriting trio Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Walkman. The trio had huge success in the 80s and 90s, writing 13 UK number-one hit singles for artists like Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley and Bananarama. Their music was devised into the show by Debbie Isitt, the brains behind the Navity! movies.
SAW is considered one of the most successful songwriting and producing partnerships of all time, scoring more than 100 UK top-40 hits, selling over 150 million records.
The show is playing weekly stints all over the UK.
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The show is on for two hours over two sets of 60 mins.
The show centres on Ella (Lucie-Mae Summer), a bride left at the alter, whose friends and family decide to accompany her on her honeymoon to a Turkish resort, then the groom who jilted her goes to Turkey to win her back.
It's a heartwarming comedy , along with the SAW tracks woven into the script.
Kylie and Bananarama have the most songs in the production, and there's some Jason Donovan ,
Rick Astley ,Sinitta , Mel and Kim , Dead or Alive etc.
Lots of good dance routines, and Kylie appears on the big digital screen several times.
After-party...
There was complimentary prosecco, wines, beers, ciders for guests and press.
Pre show and during the interval was held in the upper circle bar, then the bigger dress circle bar , for when the cast turned up , along with PETE WATERMAN and NATHAN MOORE from Brother Beyond.
Not sure if the other two from SAW were here, as forgot what they looked like.
We were there 10pm to 11.15pm, and it was still lively when we departed.
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Sunday 28 January 2024.
XIKERS play Shepherds Bush Empire.
Xikers is a South Korean boy band formed by KQ Entertainment. The group consists of ten male members: Minjae, Junmin, Sumin, Jinsik, Hyunwoo, Junghoon, Seeun, Yujun, Hunter and Yechan.
Their world tour is called 'Tricky House - First Encounter'.
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The crowd is pretty much 90 % very excitable females under the age of 30.
Not sure how they can afford the steep ticket prices of £90 , £80 and £70.
Plus there are over 200 that have paid for a meet and greet after the show, hence the early start early finish.
There is some serious money floating about in K.Pop.
Some space up in Level 3 and rear stalls so maybe 1300 folks here.
XiTERS arrived on stage on 7.35pm and played for 1 hour 40 mins.
Oddly they are nine members on stage , rather than ten mentioned on wikipedia.
Lots of fantastic dance routines, and after each track they would take a breather by chatting some basic English or by playing a video on the big screen.
As usual with K-Pop acts there is no live band , and it's all backing tapes.
Lots of lights and strobes are used throughout the shows.
It is all very visual ,but the music is basic dance pop.
Lots of screaming girls and many are holding various glow sticks.
I think there were three costume changes.
Overall a visually good show , but the music was a bit tame.

Saturday 27 January 2024.

Saturday 27 January 2024
Happy Birthday to NICK MASON who is 80 today.
See my Facebook page for a photo of us together.
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Friday 26 January 2024...I went to three events today...
See some photos from the events on my Facebook page.
2pm to 6pm
KENSINGTON MARKET REUNION , The Design Museum Kensington High Street ,London W8.
2pm to 2.45pm - i had at a peek around REBEL : NEWGEN exhibition which features 30 years of London fashion designers.
I went to the launch party for it in Sept 2023..
2.45pm to 3.30pm. - I had a peek around SKATEBOARD - celebrating 70 years of the skateboard.
Featuring 100 plus skateboards and related items from 1953 onwards.
3.30pm to 4pm - I had a peek around The Design Museum exhibition itself.
4pm to 6pm - Complimentary wines, beers and snacks upstairs for the 60 or so guests.
Stall holders, friends and customers are gathered in the upstairs bar here.
Good to see a few people i know here.
Kensington Market was a very popular place to go for cool clothes through the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s.
It was located pretty much opposite The Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington High Street.
In the 1960s and 1970s, it catered to hippie and bohemian culture. From the 1980s to the end of the 1990s, it catered to punks, new romantics, metal heads, ravers, and goths, as well as other sub-cultures of contemporary music, fashion, hair stylists, body arts, and crafts and accessories.
In 1969, before the band Queen had formed, Roger Taylor ran a stall at the market, also enlisting Freddie Mercury to work on it.In a 2006 interview, Lemmy, the founder of Motörhead, stated he sold dope at the market during the 1960's.
American and UK bands used to get stage wear there.
Probably the most popular store was Johnson's, whose owner and staff are here tonight.
I went to Johnson's New Year's Eve party on 31 Dec 1980 that featured The Stray Cats live.
then
6.30pm to 7.30pm
Sprovieri Gallery - private view - 23 Heddon Street , London W1.
The contemporary art on display was not my cup of tea.
Complimentary sparkling wines for all the guests
This building has a famous history.
It's over 50 years since David Bowie donned a loud turquoise Freddi Burretti jumpsuit, and posed — guitar slung over shoulder — in the lamplit doorway of 23 Heddon Street, for the photoshoot of his album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.
then
BLACK SABBITCH live at The Camden Assembly.
Top notch all female Sabbath tribute band arrive in the UK from Los Angeles.
For over a decade, Black Sabbitch has been selling out shows and wowing even the most difficult to please Sabbath worshipers, gaining a rabid fan base and the respect of critics, fans and musicians alike. They have become festival favorites, consistently performing with some of the world’s biggest acts, in a world seldom played by your typical “tribute” band. Black Sabbitch were hand-picked by Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne to open the inaugural Ozzfiesta and by Dave Grohl to play Cal Jam with Foo Fighters and Iggy Pop, after which the Foo Fighters shared photos of Black Sabbitch saying "we were spellbound.”
Tickets are £20 including booking fee.
Also Sunday 28 Jan at Sub 89 in Reading.
I have seen the real Black Sabbath many times since the 1970s.
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The 200 capacity upstairs room at this venue is packed solid.
The band are selling their wares themselves at their merch stand.
The band for around 1 hour 45 mins over two sets.
Ever since I saw The Runaways debut London shows at the nearby Roundhouse in 1976, I have had a soft spot for all girl rock bands.
Great to hear all those Sabbath classics played, in a really good set.
Nice to see the drummer doing most of the stage chat between songs.
Setlist included...
Into The Void
N.I.B.
Fairies Wear Boots
Paranoid
Black Sabbath
War Pigs
Wicked World
Snowblind
Children Of The Grave
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Thursday 25 January 2024.
ROD STEWART tribute show at The Theatre Royal , Windsor.
Top notch Rod tribute show ' Some Guys Have All The Luck '.
I have seen this show three times before.
I have seen the real Rod Stewart live around 25 times with the first times at those legendary shows at The Olympia, Kensington in the late 1970s.....1976 x 2 , 1977 x 1 , 1978 x 3.
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A mainly older crowd tonight in this cosy all seated theatre.
A good turnout for a tribute act as around 500 tix sold out of the 633 capacity.
The show was on for 1 hour 55 mins over two sets of 50 mins and 65 mins.
Rod tonight is backed by a four piece band.
Lots of folks here my age, and nice to see some folks who are clearly in their 70s. Each song had some spoken Rod history to it , and there were Rod images on the big screen. The singer looks like Rod and has that great raspy voice that the real Rod has and friendly typical Rod like stage banter. A few costume changes by him too, mainly just a different jacket. Lots of dancing by the punters in the second half, and you cannot go wrong with so many Rod gems......a really good show...
20 songs played tonight, including....
You Wear It Well
Stay With Me
Cindy Incidentally
First Cut is The Deepest
This Old Heart Of Mine
I Don't Wanna Talk About It
Do You Think I'm Sexy
Some Guys Have All The Luck
You're in My Heart
Baby Jane
Sailing
Encore :
Maggie May

Thursday 25 January 2024.

Wednesday 24 January 2024....5.15pm to 8pm...
The MARK KNOPFLER Guitar Collection , Christie's , King Street , St James's , London SW1.
Christie’s is honoured to bring to auction guitars from the collection of music legend Mark Knopfler, the celebrated singer-songwriter, guitar hero and frontman of the iconic British rock band, Dire Straits.
Comprising more than 120 guitars and amps, the collection spans the 50-year career of one of the world’s most influential musicians and chronicles the diverse array of guitars Knopfler has used to write, record and perform an extensive catalogue of compositions for Dire Straits, as well as numerous successful solo albums and film soundtracks. Renowned for his distinct and virtuoso finger-picking style, Mark chose each instrument for its individual sound and tone, assembling a wide-ranging archive that includes iconic and world-famous names such as Gibson, Fender and Martin alongside custom-built models by Rudy Pensa and John Suhr, and bespoke examples crafted by luthiers from across the globe.
Twenty-five percent of the total hammer price will be divided equally and donated to The British Red Cross, Tusk and Brave Hearts of the North East.
The live auction will be on the Christie's website 31 Jan at 1pm.
There Is a 26 mins video of Mark Knopfler being interviewed about the guitars on YouTube.
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A big crowd of over 300 folks here.
The stunning range of guitars are hanging on the walls, with several on the main stage.
It is a public view guest list , rather than a private view guest list so it is a pay bar , rather than the usual complimentary bar.
There are videos of Dire Straits on the big screens, and the sound is perfect as it is via Dolby Atmos.
6pm -Paul Crockford Mark Knopfler' s current manager , gives a talk about the crafting of the Local Heroes Gin , a collaboration with Mark Knopfler....which is on sale at the bar tonight..
7pm - John Illsley , founding member and bass guitarist of Dire Straits was in conversation with Paul Sexton about the band's rise from London pubs to global stardom.
Mark Knopfler has sold sold over 100 million albums with Dire Straits and solo.
I have seen Dire Straits 14 times and Mark Knopfler solo 4 times.
The first time I saw Dire Straits was when they were support at this new wave /punk show.
Talking Heads + Slaughter and The Dogs + Dire Straits - Roundhouse 29 Jan 1978 .
Also two shows at Hammersmith Odeon in 1983 that were sponsored by Phillips who were launching their new electronic device - The CD player.....also Live Aid in 1985.
See my Facebook page for a video and some photos

Sunday 21 January 2024.

Sunday 21 January 2024.
Big family lunch party to celebrate my mum's 90th birthday.
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Saturday 20 January 2024.
RYAN LONG live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
New York comedian with multi - millions of views on YouTube plays the last night of his UK tour , and his third London show on his tour.
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Levels 2 and 3 are closed tonight and maybe 500 seated folks here in the stalls and Level 1.
We have three support acts tonight.
ERIC FETTY on at 8pm for 12 mins.
DANNY POLISHCHUK on at 8.12pm for 20 mins.
FRANCIS ???? On at 8.50pm for 10 mins.
RYAN LONG arrived on stage at 9pm for his 65 mins set.
Plenty of anti-woke and non-pc routines were good to hear.
Subjects included lots of dick and pussy rants, along with religion , LGBT , fat people, politics , racism ,etc.
At the end of his set, Ryan said he would be meeting fans at the back of the stalls for a free chat and photo.
All the acts had some very funny routines, and some average routines.
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Thursday 18 January 2024....5.15pm to 10.15pm...
Launch Party - 26 Leake Street, Waterloo, London SE1.
Events management company Camm & Hooper has acquired the venue 26 Leake Street, which resides in three renovated railway arches in London's Waterloo.
It comes after Camm & Hooper revealed it is amid a period of "ongoing growth", having secured Platform, a 35,000 sq ft space in Glasgow, last November.
26 Leake Street is an 11,000 sq ft space that has previously held drinks receptions, music events, corporate functions and fashion shows for brands such as Smirnoff, Amazon, Fendi and Adidas.
The venue can host up to 1,200 standing guests or 450 seated banquet diners.
The event company has a portfolio of seven sites, which includes Tanner Warehouse in London's Bermondsey, Jeru Mayfair and Platform Glasgow, and has committed to acquiring additional venues in Scotland, Manchester and Leeds.
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A big crowd of around 400 or 500 guests here tonight.
Lots of things going on including an acoustic guitarist playing a few tunes, magician , djs, street performers,
a fun photo booth and a graffiti wall with markers and spray cans and stencils.
I sprayed a tote bag with the words Sex Pistols on it..
See my Facebook page for a photo of it.
At 7pm we had a welcome speech by the CEO of Camm & Hooper.
An army of staff coming around with food and drinks all night along with the many bars and dessert stations.
Complimentary drinks and food included a dozen different cocktails , prosecco , wines , beers , bowl foods, canapes, up desserts and a sweets and pick n mix counter.
An excellent event.
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Wednesday 17 January 2024...I went to two events tonight...
6.15pm to 6.45pm.
OMOROVICZA - showcase - 60 South Audley Street, Mayfair ,London W1.
They opened this London Flagship in Nov 2023.
Having opened in Budapest three years ago, the founders now bring their cult luxury products and skin therapy treatments to London’s Mayfair, with a newly opened store on South Audley Street. The space has been designed by Tina Vaia, and Ed Milton of EJM Studio, and features two treatment rooms, a cocooning relaxation area, a courtyard, and a boutique.
Complimentary Waitrose champers and white wines for all the guests
then
6.50pm to 9.15pm.
ANDY WARHOL - BEYOND THE BRAND - private view -Halcyon Gallery , Mayfair , London W1.
Can it be possible that there’s a Warhol we haven’t seen? Yes, apparently, quite a few, and ten of them will be on view to the public on the UK for the first time from this week.
Andy Warhol’s rarely seen original Ads paintings were created in 1985, as a set of ten painted canvases and a portfolio of prints. Each depicts Warhol’s hand-made, vividly coloured take on a different famous advertisement, from Apple Computers to Chanel No.5, Volkswagen cars to Lifesavers (a sweet a bit like fruit polos, since you ask).
Other Andy Warhol's on show here included ..
1972 Marilyn
1972 Mao
1986 Cowboys and Indians
A female DJ was playing tunes in the background.
Complimentary Taittinger champers and canapes for the 100 plus guests.
See my Facebook page for a few photos from the event.

Tuesday 16 January 2024.

Tuesday 16 January 2024.
Family celebrations today as my dear mum is 90 today.
Her dementia is getting worse , but she is hanging in there.
See my Facebook page for some photos.
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Sunday 14 January 2024.
999 live at The 100 Club.
with support from THE SATELLITES .
I have seen punk legends 999 around 25 times since 1977.
Here are the times I saw them in 1977, 1978, 1979 which
Includes shows at the legendary Nashville Pub.
999,Swords Nashville Pub, London 18.07.1977
Vibrators,999 Roundhouse. London 16.10.1977
Runaways,999 Hammersmith Odeon, London 13.11.1977
999 Hope And Anchor Pub, London 29.11.1977
999 ,Red Cow Pub, London 23.12.1977
999,Black Slate Roundhouse, London 19.03.1978
999 ,Camden Music Machine, London 30.05.1978
999 ,Nashville Pub, London 28.07.1978
999,Donkeys Marquee Club, London 05.10.1979
999 Nashville Pub, London 15.12.1979
Between 1978 and 2007, 999 released fourteen singles and twelve studio albums. Five of the singles released by 999 between 1978 and 1981 charted within the Top 75 in the UK Singles Chart, with one further single released by 999 in 1978, "Homicide", charting within the Top 40. In addition, as a result of extensive touring in the United States in the early 1980s, the band's third and fourth studio albums, The Biggest Prize in Sport and Concrete, each charted on the U.S. Billboard 200.
Despite having formed in 1976, 999 have only experienced two permanent changes to their original line-up.
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Nice to see so many of my punk rock chums here.
THE SATELLITES arrived on stage at 8.15pm for their 40 mins set.
I saw these original punk rockers from Acton three times back in the day.
Adam And The Ants, Satellites,Ruts Acton White Hart, London W.3 30.08.1978
Satellites,Scabbies Flatterlites The Kensington Pub,London W14 23.09.1980 lotsa nudity and chaos
Lurkers,Satellites Moonlight Club , London NW 02.07.1982
I have seen them more recently too.
Del is still on vocals, and the band are sounding good.
999 arrived on stage at 9.10pm and played for 75 mins.
Nick Cash is still doing a great job on vocals as usual , and its not long before he starts his usual rant " they said punk rock would last only 6 months , but here we are still here 48 years later".
Lots of short catchy gems played, with highlights including 'Emergency ', ' Nasty Nasty ' , ' Homicide" and final encore " I'm Alive" .....a great show by 999 as usual.
Full 999 setlist played tonight....
Biggest Prize in Sport
My Street Stinks
Hit Me
Feeling Alright With The Crew
Shoot
Boys in the Gang
Titanic (My Over) Reaction
Don’t Wanna Know
Black Flowers for the Bride
I Really Really Really Really Like You
Inside Out
My Dad Trashed My Submarine
Last Breath
Lie Lie Lie
Don't You Know I Need You
No Pity
Emergency
Nasty Nasty
Homicide
Encore:
Little Red Riding Hood
Let's Face It
I'm Alive
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Saturday 13 January 2024.
THE SMYTHS + BILLY BLAGG live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
A nice pair of tribute acts to The Smiths and Billy Bragg.
I have seen Morrissey a dozen times, but never saw The Smiths as they never played Hammersmith Odeon in their short career, when I worked front stage security.
I have seen the real Billy Bragg around a dozen times , with the first times being three shows supporting David Gilmour at Hammersmith Odeon in 1984, and I have seen The Smyth's at Sub 89 in Reading a couple of years ago.
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Level 3 is closed , and Level 2 is half empty but must be 1300 folks here, which pretty good for " just a tribute band" .
Mainly a crowd in their 50s, but lots of younger folks here who were not even born when the The Smiths split up in 1987.
BILLY BLAGG arrived on stage at 8pm for his 35 mins.
Never did I ever think that someone would bother to do a Billy Bragg tribute act, but the guy looks and talks like him , and even got a bit political, just like Billy Bragg.
Lots of Billy Bragg classics played , including...
To Have and To Have Not
Sexuality
The Milkman of Human Kindness
The Battle of Barking
There is Power in a Union
Between The Wars
A New England
THE SMYTHS arrived on stage at 8.45pm and played for 1 hour 55 mins over two sets of 50 mins and 65 mins.
They were introduced by BBC presenter Jeremy Vine.
The crowd are all singing and dancing along to those great lyrics, with highlights including...
William It Was Really Nothing
The Last of the International Playboy's
There Is A Light That Never Goes Out (dedicated to Andy Rourke)
Shoplifters of The World Tonight
Panic
The Boy With The Thorn In His Side
Girlfriend In A Coma
Stop Me
Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now
What Difference Does It Make
This Charming Man
Bigmouth Strikes Again
How Soon Is Now

Saturday 13 January 2024.

Friday 12 January 2024.
ANNIE NIGHTINGALE R.I.P.
Veteran BBC Radio 1 presenter Annie Nightingale has died, aged 83.
The radio star, who was the station’s first-ever female presenter, died on Thursday (11 January) following a short illness, according to her family, who said in a statement: “Annie was a pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration to many. Her impulse to share that enthusiasm with audiences remained undimmed after six decades of broadcasting on BBC TV and radio globally.”
Annie joined the BBC in 1970, and was still there over 50 years later.She also presented The O.G.W.T. in the 1970s when Bob Harris departed.
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Thursday 11 January 2024....I went to FOUR events tonight...
5pm to 6.30pm....private view ..
The Mayfair Antiques & Fine Art Fair , London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London W1.
Around 40 exhibitors are showcasing.
Lovely period furniture, jewellery , watches , paintings etc.
Complimentary sparkling wines , along with red & white wines.
It is on all this weekend...Fri, Sat and Sun.
then
6.35pm to 7.35pm....private view....
Phillips Gallery , 30 Berkeley Square , Mayfair ,London W1.
Phillips: Editions - 17 & 18 January, London
Bid Now! Only 6 days left to register in our editions auction. Browse works by David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst, among others.
Complimentary Lallier champers, Margherita cocktails and white wines.
then
7.45pm to 9.15pm...launch party...
W1 CURATES present "Alienated" by CEM HASIMI.
Basement of Flannels, 161- 167 Oxford Street , London W1.
This digital Art space is more night club rather than your typical gallery. Very nice images on all the walls.
A bit like what you would see at the Outernet display.
Free admission over the next couple of weeks.
Complimentary spirits Inc JD n cokes along with prosecco, wines and beers.
then
THE RAMONAS live at The 100 Club.
I have seen this all girl Ramones tribute act twice before.
Then they mixed Ramones songs with their own songs.
The band started off just playing Ramones songs , but recently have released albums with their own material.
Tonight was billed as an ' originals set' .
They arrived in stage at 9.40pm for their 60 mins set.
It was all their own material tonight , with no Ramones songs.
Their own material was Ramones sounding and pretty good.
Would have been nice to hear a few Ramones classics though.

Thursday 11 January 2024.

Wednesday 10 January 2024.
Happy Birthday to ROD STEWART who is 79 today.
Raysgigs was the first place that mentioned Rod reuniting with The Faces...although it took several years to actually happen.
I did around 20 media interviews relating to it.
This is what NME.COM said in Nov 2008.
Frontman Rod Stewart told Raysgigs.com that all the original members aside from late bassist Ronnie Lane, who died in 1997, were set to reconvene on Monday (November 17) to run through their old hits.
The singer, who spoke at the Claridges Bar 10th Anniversary Party said the band, which includes current Rolling Stones‘ guitarist Ronnie Wood, will use Stewart‘s touring bassist to fill in for Lane.
The actual tour with The Faces did not actually happen , and Ronnie got fed up waiting for Rod to commit , so a couple of years later, i saw Mick Hucknall take over vocal duties for The Faces reunion , which also included Glen Matlock on bass.
The Faces with Rod and Ronnie would eventually only do the one show in 2015 at Hurtwood Park , Surrey ...i was there.
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Tuesday 09 January 2024.
ALADDIN panto at Theatre Royal , Windsor.
Catch the 'sensational' Aladdin panto before it flies out of Windsor!
Returning for his 10th Windsor Pantomime, everyone’s favourite fox Basil Brush is back alongside Windsor favourites Steven Blakeley, Kevin Cruise And Anita Harris. Plus, joining them this year is star of The Real Marigold Hotel Patti Boulaye, and TV trickster Paul Zenon!
Featuring Theatre Royal Windsor’s traditional pantomime comedy capers, dazzling dancers, colourful costumes, and a sprinkling of magic, you won’t want to miss this ‘Genie’-ous show.
This is the 85th season of panto at this venue.
It is on until 14 January.
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This cosy 633 capacity theatre looks half empty tonight.
The show is on for around 1 hour 50 mins over two sets.
It is more a family panto compared to the excellent
Palladium adult panto last week.
Although there were a few Carry On type innuendos like
" Let me rub this lamp , and see what happens".
Some familiar faces from the 1970s /1980s on stage inc
Anita Harris who is now aged 81.
Patti Boulaye who is now aged 69.
Basil Brush was around when it was black & white TV.
Lots of silliness and lots of cover songs performed.
A few topical jokes about politicians and nearby areas.
There was a full on Barbie tribute with outfits and that very catchy song , and they threw out a dozen beach balls.
Aladdin flew over the front stalls on his flying carpet.
A full on slapstick version of 12 Days of Christmas was very entertaining , as was the four little girls on stage for some cure audience participation ...ages 5, 9, 3, 3 .
An enjoyable show.

Tuesday 09 January 2024.

Tuesday 09 January 2024.
Happy Birthday to JIMMY PAGE who is 80 today.
Happy Birthday to DAVID JOHANSEN who is 74 today.
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Monday 08 January 2024.
Teenage Cancer Trust is back! The Royal Albert Hall has been hosting concerts in aid of the charity since 2000, with the biggest names in music and comedy coming together each year to raise money to help young people face the chaos of cancer.
I have been to at least one show , every year since the start.
Mon 18 March - THE WHO with orchestra + Squeeze
Tues 19 March - comedy evening with half a dozen acts
Wed 20 March - THE WHO with orchestra + Squeeze
Thurs 21 March - NOEL GALLAGHER and THFB + Blossoms
Fri 22 March - YOUNG FATHERS
Sat 23 March - THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS
Sun 24 March - ROGER DALTREY and friends
Tickets go on sale soon.
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Saturday 06:January 2024.
THE BOYS live at The 100 Club.
With support from THE DIRTY STRANGERS + THE VULZ.
I have seen The Boys over a dozen times since 1977 when they supported The Damned at The Roxy Club Jan 1977 , and then summer 1977 with The Jam + The Saints + The Boys at Hammersmith Odeon, then a headline gig at The Marquee Club.
I have seen The Dirty Strangers three times. Singer Alan Clayton got Keef and Ronnie to play on some of their tracks , and in July 2013 I saw them play The Borderline Club when Stones sax player Bobby Keys played eight songs with them.
I have seen The Vulz a couple of times before.
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This was my first gig of 2024.
This was the third show of The Resolution Punk Festival at this venue. Nice to see so many friends here.
THE VULZ arrived on stage at 8.10pm for their 35 mins set.
They played some good catchy tunes from their albums.
The Vulz lend out their gleaming drum kit to the other two bands and other stage bits like guitars and amps.
THE DIRTY STRANGERS arrived on stage at 8.55pm for their 40 mins set. They have a nice sound with hints of The Stones / The Faces. Their set included gems like 'Pirates Don't Get Pensions ' and 'Gold Cortina' but no time tonight to play ' 'Shepherds Bush City Limits'.
THE BOYS arrived on stage at 9.50pm for their 65 mins set.
The Boys still feature two original members.
Lots of short and catchy tracks played in their great set.
Most of them date back to their 1970s punk heyday.
Setlist played tonight...
T.C.P.
See Ya Later
Terminal Love
Punk Rock Menopause
Weekend
U.S.I.
I'm a Believer
Cop Cars
You Can't Hurt a Memory
No Money
Soda Pressing
Tumble With Me (Hollywood Brats cover)
Do the Contract Hustle
Global Warming
I Don't Care
First Time
Brickfield Nights
Living in the City
Sick on You