Welcome to the Ray's Gigs website!

Here's the latest - updated 25th June 2021

Tuesday 22 June 2021.

Tuesday 22 June 2021.
ENGLAND 1 CZECH 0.
I am back at The Trafalgar Square Fan Zone for the third time.
It is pretty much the same set up, with 700 key workers and their guests.
A nice atmosphere, nothing too rowdy.
A bit overcast, but thankfully no rain.
England go through to the last 16, and Scotland go home.
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23 June 1996 - 25 years ago today.
THE SEX PISTOLS played Finsbury Park on their 1996 "Filthy Lucre" reunion tour.
I saw them play five mega gigs on that tour...3 X UK and Paris and Milan.
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Wednesday 23 June 2021.
CROUCHY'S EUROS 2020 LIVE at The Troubadour Theatre, Wembley.
Ex England footballer Peter Crouch is now a tv presenter.
Peter is a massive music fan , and i have seen him at a few gigs including KASABIAN.
BBC 1 tv recording of this show that is on throughout the EURO 2020.
Only around 40 punters in the audience ,due to covid restrictions.
From 8pm to 10pm we watch the Portugal 2 France 2 game in the tv room, on big screens.
We then are each given two drinks tokens for wines/beers and a food carton.
After the game we are ushered into the garden area where the show is recorded.
At 10.30pm Peter Crouch and co-host Maya Jama come out to warm up the crowd.
The show is fully live from 10.45pm to 11.30pm...so very late to be in Wembley.
Other guests included...
Ex England goalkeeper David Seaman.
Ex Wales captain Ashley Williams.
Singer Tom Grennan who had trials for Luton as a footballer , when he was a teenager.
Very enjoyable evening.
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Thursday 24 June 2021.
RICKY GERVAIS live at The Forum.
Ricky Gervais is back at this venue as part of his small venue warm up shows
to test out new material for his UK "Super Nature" Arena tour later in the year.
It will be his second of five Thursday's at this venue.
Pretty much the same set-up as last week, with 500 punters seated.
EMILY ATACK is upstairs on a VIP table....she headlines The Forum on 16 October.
Sean McLoughlin is again the support and starts at 7.30pm for a good 15 mins set.
His set was 50% different from last week.
RICKY GERVAIS arrives on stage at 8pm and performs for 70 mins which was 5 mins longer
than last.....his set was also around 50% the same as last week....plenty of taboo subjects.
A very enjoyable show, with many funny bits.
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Friday 25 June 2021.
A very interesting music related event is held today.
Check back soon for review on Saturday lunchtime.

Updated 23rd June 2021 Permalink

Saturday 19 June 2021.

Saturday 19 June 2021.
SKY ARTS 6.45pm - KYLIE MINOGUE live at Earls Court Arena 2005.
I went to one of these stunning Kylie shows at this venue.
Oddly it was the rest day between the four CREAM re-union shows i went to at
The Royal Albert Hall that year.
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Sunday 20 June 2021.
Happy Birthday to BRIAN WILSON who is 79 today.
I have seen Brian on stage over 20 times.
Remember those amazing comeback shows at The Royal Festival Hall in 2002 and 2004?
If was at all six shows there in 2002 and three of the six shows in 2004.
Multi-night stints with the likes of Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey
and many other musicians turning up to see this Beach Boys legend.
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Happy Birthday to LIONEL RICHIE who is 72 today.
I have seen Lionel on stage several times.
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Monday 21 June 2021.
Happy Birthday to RAY DAVIES who is 77 today.
I have seen Ray three times with The Kinks since 1978 , and several times as a solo artist.
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Tuesday 22 June 2021.
22 June 2017 - It was four years ago today that i saw KRAFTWERK play The Royal Albert Hall.
It was an excellent 3-D visual show where the audience were given 3-D glasses.
See my Facebook page for a photo.
I first saw them in 1975 at Hammersmith Odeon when I thought they were some kind of
German novelty act , as i was into guitar led bands only back then.

Updated 19th June 2021 Permalink

Thursday 17 June 2021.

Thursday 17 June 2021.
Happy Birthday to CHRIS SPEDDING who is 77 today.
Happy Birthday to MICHAEL MONROE who is 59 today.
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Thursday 17 June 2021 - RICKY GERVAIS live at The Forum.
This is one of his warm-up shows to test out new material for his upcoming UK arena tour.
I used to listen to Ricky when he was a DJ with XFM Radio in the 1990s.
Pretty amazing how he has become such a major name in the UK and North America.
It is another of those 500 capacity events in this venue that normally holds 2000.
Support act Sean McLoughlin performed a decent 15 mins set.
RICKY GERVAIS arrived on stage at 8pm and performed for around 65 mins.
He was very funny, although the set felt a bit short.
For these warm up shows the tickets are half the price of the arena tour so i suppose
Ricky will be saving the 90 mins sets for the main arena tour.
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Friday 18 June 2021 - EURO 2020 - megaclash as England play Scotland at Wembley Stadium.
Who can forget that incredible game between them in EURO 1996 , with that superb
Gazza goal and celebration....the game is live on tv at 8pm...
Fan zones are showing it on big screens all around the UK, including Trafalgar Square.
Hordes of Scottish fans have decended on London's West End to drink and sing.
We are back inside Trafalgar Square to watch it on the big screens.
Rain forecast for today and we had plenty of it , so umbrellas were up and event staff
giving out free ponchos as no cover for any of the 700 folks here.
Due to covid rules all the screenings here will have the guests sat at tables.
Only noticed one table of Scottish fans on our side.
A draw seemed a fair result.
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Happy Birthday to PAUL McCARTNEY who is 79 today.
I have been lucky to have seen him on stage over 20 times , dating back to Wings shows
in 1975, 1976 and 1979.
See my Facebook page to see some photos from a Mary McCartney book launch in 2010
where both Macca and Ringo turned up to the small gallery in Chelsea.

Updated 17th June 2021 Permalink

Wednesday 16 June 2021.

Wednesday 16 June 2021.
It was 15 years ago today when I went to a great music awards event, followed
by a FOO FIGHTERS secret gig.
16 June 2006.FOO FIGHTERS live at The Camden Underworld , London.Tomorrow night they headline
to some 50,000 fans in Hyde Park but tonight its a fan club only secret gig for only 300 fans but
true to his word The Foo Fighters tour manager has put our names on the guest list after meeting
him that afternoon.Its very,very,very hot in here.Foo Fighters were due to play for 90 mins
but they finish after 75 mins and do not bother with the 3 song encore. Some say it was because
of the curfew (it turns into a disco at 10.30) but it was clearly that all the band were just
suffering the extreme heat in the venue.Loads of great songs here like "Monkey Wrench","Times Like
These", "DOA", "Breakout","Stacked Actors" ,"My Hero", "Generator" and "All My Life" .I came out
soaking with sweat so i dread to think what state the band were in . A mega gig it was........
16 June 2006.Noon to 5pm.Nordoff Robbins Music
Therapy Silver Clef Awards At The Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London.
Lots of big acts and music industry legends here for this charity event.
About 500 seated for 3 course dinner but tonight we are part of the 50 people standing. A long
affair with dinner, awards, auction ,raffle etc.
Those here The Foo Fighters sitting with Brian May,The Eagles, Ozzy,Sharon and Kelly Osbourne,
Editors, Cheap Trick,Girls Aloud, Kaiser Chiefs,Paul Carrack , Myleene Klass, Linda Lewis and
Patti Boyd.The free booze is flowing and The Eagles have a lot of security with them but the
highlight was chatting to the drummer of The Foo Fighters and he told us about the secret gig at
The Underworld that night the band were playing and he kindly put us on the guest list for it
by getting the tour manager to take our names.
A very enjoyable afternoon event.............

Updated 16th June 2021 Permalink

Saturday 12 June 2021.

Saturday 12 June 2021.
Today is RECORD STORE DAY.
Get down there early to buy some nice limited edition vinyl.
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Sunday 13 June 2021.
Live on BBC1 2pm - opening EURO Football Championship game for England who play Croatia.
The game at Wembley Stadium looks like 25% capacity - 22,000 fans.
There are many Fan Zones all over the UK to watch it on big screens including Trafalgar Square.
Some Fan Zones need an advance ticket or reservation for entry.
High expections again for England as usual , so hopefully they can at least get to the semi-finals.
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We were in Trafalgar Square to see England beat Croatia 1-0.
The two stunning huge fountains are in full flow before the game.
Around 700 key workers and their guests sitting at tables.
Order your drinks and food from your table QR code.
A great atmosphere on this hot and sunny day.
Two massive main screens, and one smaller one at the side.
London Mayor SADIQ KHAN is here talking to the media and makes a speech to the crowd.
He watches all the game with friends, and is happy to pose for selfies.
After the game we went to the nearby St James's Park for a couple of hours.
A random sighting of FEEDER singer Grant Nicolas sitting on the grass with a friend.
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Monday 14 June 2021.
Boris Johnson makes an announcement about the 21 June "back to normal " date.
Due to covid cases rising again , it has been delayed for four weeks.
This will mess up hundreds of indoor and outdoor events that were working to the post 21 June date.
I.e. the four big shows at Kenwood House at the end of June will be postponed to August.
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Happy Birthday to BOY GEORGE who is 60 today.
I have seen Culture Club several times including four shows in their 1983 heyday.
One at The Dominion and three at Hammersmith Odeon when i worked front stage security.
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Happy Birthday to Slade former member JIM LEA who is 72 today.
I have seen Slade a dozen times including three times at Hammersmith Odeon in 1974 during their heyday.
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Tuesday 15 June 2021.
Another ex member of Slade has a birthday - NODDY HOLDER is 75 today.

Updated 11th June 2021 Permalink

Wednesday 09 June 2021.

Wednesday 09 June 2021....2.30pm to 6.30pm...
LONDON CONCOURS 2021 welcomes 100 of the most astonishing examples of automotive endeavour into the beautiful five-acre Honourable Artillery Company Gardens , City Road, London EC1.
(Moorgate and Old Street tube stations are the nearest).
There will be over 100 rare and exotic machines coming to the first major automotive event of 2021 and – as ever – it's a selection of cars worthy of any of the most prestigious motoring events in the world.
www.londonconcours.co.uk
Visit their website here for more info and to buy tickets.
Tickets are £25 for general admission for Tues and Wed and Thurs this week.
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A lovely sunny day in this field hidden on all four sides by the office blocks.
Over 500 folks here including ex Top Gear tv presenter RICHARD HAMMOND.
He was one of the many speakers talking about cars.
All the iconic carmakers from the 1960s and 1970s here.
The gleaming condition of these cars is top notch.
Also a few motorbikes including a lovely 1974 Kawasaki 750cc Triple.
All guests got a complimentary copy of the current Esquire magazine on departure as they were one of the sponsors.

Updated 9th June 2021 Permalink

Saturday 05 June 2021.

Saturday 05 June 2021.
SKY ARTS 11pm - BLACK SABBATH live in Birmingham 04 Feb 2017 - their last ever show.
I saw one of their two last ever London shows at The 02 Arena a couple of days before this show.
I have seen Black Sabbath around 35 times since 1974, when they headlined Hammersmith Odeon.
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SKY ARTS 9pm - Sat and Sun are showing highlights of previous Download Festivals.
BBC2 10.30pm - TINA TURNER live 2009.
I have seen Tina live several times including Ike and Tina Turner in 1974 at Hammersmith Odeon.
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Happy Birthday to IRON MAIDEN drummer NICKO MCBRAIN who is 69 today.
I have seen Iron Maiden around 35 times since 1980 when they supported Judas Priest.
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Happy Birthday to PSYCHEDELIC FURS front man RICHARD BUTLER who is 65 today.
I have seen him with the Furs around 15 times since 1979 when they were a support act.
I have also seen him with his side project Love Spit Love when the Furs were on hiatus.
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Sunday 06 June 2021.
SKY ARTS 3pm - The Killers live at The Royal Albert Hall 2009....I was at this great show...
SKY ARTS 7.15pm - Metallica live in San Francisco 2019.
SKY ARTS 10.30pm - Iron Maiden "Flight 666 " documentary.
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Monday 07 June 2021.
Happy Birthday to TOM JONES who is 81 today.
I have seen Tom live around a dozen times since 1989.
Tom is playing a full UK tour throughout this summer.
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Tuesday 08 June 2021.
Happy Birthday to BONNIE TYLER who is 70 today.
I have seen her perform three times along with a couple of guest appearances.
1988 - headlining Hammersmith Odeon
2012 - supporting Status Quo at The 02 Arena
2019 - headlining The Palladium
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Happy Birthday to MICK HUCKNALL who is 61 today.
I have seen Simply Red live around 20 times since 1985 when i saw them three times
supporting soul legend JAMES BROWN at Hammersmith Odeon.
I also saw him a couple of times when he fronted THE FACES.
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Tuesday 08 June 2021...5.30pm to 7.30pm...private view...
Changing Room Gallery,1 Hopkins Street, Soho, London W1.
Great to be mooching around Soho in the sunshine.
The old Soho is disappearing quickly, as more and more overpriced luxury apartments are going up.
Changing Room Gallery Presents 'Thirst Prize' showcasing works created during RES. 002 with Corbin Shaw and Celeste McEvoy.
Both artists have created new works which they will exhibit beside each other recreating conversations during their duo residency. Showcasing their work at ZeroOne’s space located in the heart of Soho. Formerly a Victorian primary school.
Around 100 cool arty folks at this gallery near Berwick Street.
Complimentary vodka and orange & vodka and raspberry drinks for all the guests.
This exhibition is on from 08 June to 12 June - free admission
Afterwards I saw a punk poster on the wall from my friend MAL-ONE
Check out his release on Record Store Day Saturday 12 June 2021.
I took a photo of the poster that is now up on my Facebook page.

Updated 4th June 2021 Permalink

Wednesday 02 June 2021

Wednesday 02 June 2021.
Happy Birthday to CHARLIE WATTS who is 80 today.
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Happy Birthday to TONY HADLEY who is 61 today.
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Thursday 03 June 2021.
Happy Birthday to SUZI QUATRO who is 71 today.
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Happy Birthday to IAN HUNTER who is 82 today, yes 82.
I have seen him on stage over 20 times since 1973.
Mott The Hoople + Queen at Hammersmith Odeon - Dec 1973.
My first of over 2000 shows i have seen at that venue.
All of their great TOTP appearances in 1972 and 1973 got me hooked for life.
1975 - Hunter Ronson Band at Hammersmith Odeon.
1979 - Hunter Ronson Band at Hammersmith Odeon.
1989 - Hunter Ronson Band at The Dominion Theatre.
1994 - Mick Ronson Tribute Show at Hammersmith Apollo....with many special guests.
At least once on every solo tour since 1987.
2010 - all five Mott The Hoople reunion shows at Hammersmith Apollo.
2013 - Mott The Hoople at The 02 Arena.
2019 - both Mott The Hoople shows at Shepherds Bush Empire.
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Back in July 2010 I witnessed a very angry Ian Hunter when he joined Down n Outz when they supported ELP at The High Voltage Festival in Victoria Park, East London.
Down n Outz feature Def Leppards Joe Elliot and members of the Quireboys playing their fave Mott The Hoople related tracks.First we get a neat 10 minute version of Elton Johns "Love Lies Bleeding".Then its tracks from the "My Re Generation" album inc "Overnight Angels","Shouting And Pointing","One Of The Boys","England Rocks" and "Rock n Roll Queen" then Ian Hunter joins them for "Once Bitten Twice Shy" and "Who Do You Love?".They are about to launch into "All The Young Dudes" when the stage manager says "no ,your 80 mins is up".Ian Hunter is furious and runs to the side of stage with his acoustic guitar above his head and is about to smash it over the stage manager when roadies and security intervene.A school boy error really as all stage times were prompt today and they were a support band and not the headline act so its their own fault for not keeping an eye on the clock....
See my Facebook page Thursday lunchtime for a photo of Ian with myself.
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Thursday 03 June 2021....4pm to 4.30pm....
JAMES BARNOR - ACCRA/LONDON : A RETROSPECTIVE - at The Serpentine Gallery, London W2.
This is a show of warmth and character, like the photographer himself, James Barnor. Born in Accra, Ghana, the 92 year old photographer has captured the beauty and excitement of changes in Ghana during it’s independence from the British in 1957 and then recorded 1960s London.
His portraits are exquisite. Several front covers for Drum magazine were captured in West London, there are some great images of sixties fashion, cars, people. In the late 1970s Barnor returned to Ghana and worked there as a government photographer and then portraitist for 20 years.
Includes photographs from a session he had with Muhammed Ali.
Doubt many people had a camera in Ghana, back in the 1950s.
From 19th May - 24th October, Serpentine North Gallery, closed on Mondays.
Free admission but they prefer to pre-book your time before 21 June, due to covid restrictions.
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6pm to 8pm.
JR : CHRONICLES - private view - Saatchi Gallery, Kings Road, Chelsea, London SW3.
Whenever I come to this huge gallery space I always think of when I attended that great opening night
for The Rolling Stones exhibition in 2016 when all the band turned up.
There was over 800 there that night, but tonight is more like 200 due to covid restrictions.
JR was here at lunchtime for the press view , but did not see him this evening.
This was the largest solo museum exhibition to date of the internationally recognised French artist JR, featuring some of his most iconic projects from the past fifteen years. Curated by Sharon Matt Atkins and Drew Sawyer from the Brooklyn Museum, JR: Chronicles traces JR's career from his early documentation of graffiti artists as a teenager in Paris to his large-scale architectural interventions in cities worldwide and recent digitally collaged murals that create collective portraits of diverse communities.
Born in 1983, JR is pretty much like a French Banksy.
The exhibition is over nine rooms including a room showing his short films and speeches.
He has been involved in some incredible projects around the world.
He covered rooftops in a Kenyan slum with weather protected vinyl images of his art.
He went into the slums of Brazil , and managed to put his images all over the area.
He refuses to work with any sponsors.
All guests got a goodie bag on departure.
www.saatchigallery.com
Visit their website here for more info, and to buy tickets....£9 during the week and £12 at weekends.

Updated 2nd June 2021 Permalink

Tuesday 01 June 2021.

Tuesday 01 June 2021.
Happy Birthday to RONNIE WOOD who is 74 today.
I have seen him many times playing with The Rolling Stones, The Faces and solo.
I will put up a photo on Facebook later of Ronnie and myself.
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Happy Birthday to TOM ROBINSON who is 71 today.
I have seen Tom on stage over 20 times since those early TRB gigs in 1977.
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01 June 2011 - it was 10 years ago i attended this surreal RINGO STARR event.
First was The Ringo Starr Press Conference and then later Kings Of Leon gig.
First was 12.30 to 7pm.
Ringo Starr And His All Starr Band press conference.Meet 12.30 at Embankment tube station.
1pm bus leaves for secret location.(a bit of a Magical Mystery Tour as such).Only 30 people on the bus from major UK news folks inc BBC ,The Sun and errr raysgigs.com.We used a Greyhound Bus who have started up in the UK the past couple of years.We got given a press release by them stating an incredible list of songs that the term Greyhound Bus has been used in.Its a full 2 hours on the bus through South London deep into the lovely Surrey countryside where we arrive at Dunsfold Aerodrome,Godalming,Surrey.Inside Hanger 86 there are around 100 more media folks from all over Europe.Loads of tv crews.We have some freebie sarnies,pastries and coffees.Ringo Starr And His All Starr Band come out one by one.They play a four song 20 mins set."Boys" sung by Ringo."Free Ride" sung by Edgar Winter."Broken Wings" sung by Mister Mister singer Richard Page and finally "With A Little Help From My Friends" sung by Ringo.
We then had a 25 mins Q and A session.Ringo was professional and relaxed with his answers.Only around 150 here in total so a very nice exclusive event.View the event on
www.muzu.tv.The 28 date European Tour starts on June 04 and includes Hampton Court on 17 June.
Two hours to get back but as Live Nation are the promoters of Ringo Starr and Kings Of Leon half the bus was on the guest list to review Kings Of Leon so we stopped off at the 02 on the way back which was a good result and got off .......then Kings Of Leon + The Whigs live at The 02 Arena,London.This was the replacement show for the one in Dec 2010 when their tour bus caught fire at the venue.Up first we have The Whigs who play a decent 30 mins set. Kings Of Leon are pretty boring apart from a couple of good tracks including "Sex on Fire".

Updated 1st June 2021 Permalink

Friday 28 May 2021.

Thursday 27 May 2021.
27 May 1977 - one of the greatest singles of all time was released 44 years ago today.
SEX PISTOLS " GOD SAVE THE QUEEN".
I bought it when it was first released, and like "Anarchy In The UK" , i played it non-stop.
See my Facebook page for a photo of my GSTQ vinyl collection.
I went to 117 gigs in 1977, many of these were at legendary venues that have gone forever.
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Happy Birthday to SIOUXSIE SIOUX who is 64 today.
I have seen her on stage around 25 times since Sept 1976 which was her debut stage appearance at
The 100 Club Punk Festival when Sid Vicious was on drums , and the second time i saw her was at the legendary punk venue, The Roxy Club in March 1977.
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Friday 28 May 2021....FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD exhibition opens tonight, in Liverpoool.
The British Music Experience at the Cunard Building is set to host a brand new exhibition which will document the 1984 chart domination of Liverpool band Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
No band has ever dominated a year like Frankie Goes to Hollywood in 1984. Born out of Liverpool’s post-punk scene with a brash, mischievous, ‘do what you want’ attitude – Frankie were a one-off. With their first three singles all going to No.1 – a feat previously only achieved by fellow Liverpudlians, Gerry and the Pacemakers – they dominated the charts and the airwaves. They had a sound and image unlike anything else; part punk with rock and dance thrown in for good measure.
I was working front stage security for all their fantastic six shows at Hammersmith Odeon in 1985.
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Happy Birthday to KYLIE MINOGUE who is 53 today.
I have seen her a dozen times since Shepherds Bush Empire in 1998.
Some of her live shows have been incredible, and equal to the likes of Madonna.
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Happy Birthday to JOHN FOGERTY who is 76 today.
I don't recall him visiting the UK that much in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s but I have seen him five times.
2000 - Tina Turner + John Fogerty at Wembley Stadium.
2006 - John Fogerty at Hammersmith Odeon.
2007 - John Fogerty at Wembley Arena.
2012 - Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band + John Fogerty at Hyde Park
2018 - John Fogerty + Steve Miller Band at The 02 Arena.
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The Royal Mail/ Post Office today issue 12 stamps featuring PAUL MCCARTNEY.
McCartney, who collaborated on the collection with the Royal Mail, is just the third solo artist to be so honoured. He follows David Bowie in 2017 and Elton John in 2019. Several groups have had official stamps from the Royal Mail including The Beatles, Queen and Pink Floyd.
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Saturday 29 May 2021.
Happy Birthday to NOEL GALLAGHER who is 54 today.
Check my Facebook page at noon to see a picture of Noel with myself.
I have seen Oasis and Noel solo live a few times each.
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Happy Birthday to FRANCIS ROSSI who is 72 today.
I have seen Status Quo over 40 times since 1974.
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Saturday 29 May - ED BYRNE live at The Forum.
Popular Irish comedian is on a UK tour, along with four support acts.
He had to stop his tour back in March 2020 due to the first covid lockdown.
This is a socially distanced show, with face coverings to be worn.
25% capacity maximum so 500 tickets allowed to be sold out of the usual 2000 capacity.
Upstairs is not sold out, so maybe 400 tickets sold tonight....chairs in the stalls.
You order drinks and food (nachos) via your smartphone , which is delivered to your seat.
Four good support acts performed for around 20 mins each - Sally Anne Hayward,
Funmbi Omatayo,Troy Hawke, Felicity Ward and ED BYRNE performed for around 30 mins.
Ed Byrne did an enjoyable set, he said he has been doing stand-up comedy for 27 years.
Good to see some comedy in these strange times.
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Sunday 30 May 2021.
SKY ARTS 9pm - KISS rocks Las Vegas 2014.
Hard to believe how very rare it is to see KISS on UK tv.
I have seen KISS over 30 times since 1976, they are still my fave ever American act.
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Bank Holiday Monday 31 May 2021.
The first record fair in the UK for 14 months is held in Reading.

Updated 28th May 2021 Permalink

Saturday 22 May 2021.

Saturday 22 May 2021.
THE EUROVISION SONG CONTEST is live on BBC1 at 8pm.
The UK entry James Newman "Embers" is a good track, but nobody votes for us anymore.
Look out for a couple of decent rock tunes from Finland and Italy.
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Happy Birthday to MORRISSEY who is 62 today.
I never got around to seeing The Smiths live, but i have seen him solo several times.
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Happy Birthday to NAOMI CAMPBELL who is 51 today.
It was a surprise to hear that last week ,she became a mother.
Due to her age, rumours are she may not have conceived it herself.
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Sunday 23 May 2021.
The Monaco F1 Grand Prix is held....live on SKY tv and highlights on Channel 4 tv.
I attended this Grand Prix 12 years ago when i spent a fortnight in the South of France.
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Looks like members of THE SEX PISTOLS are heading to court.
Steve Jones and Paul Cook are to sue John Lydon as he refuses to agree to the
licensing of Sex Pistols music for the currently being filmed "Pistol" tv series.
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Monday 24 May 2021.
Music legend BOB DYLAN reaches the grand old age of 80 today.
I have seen him live around 30 times since two shows at Earls Court Arena in 1978.
Includes some nice stints watching him at Hammersmith Odeon when i worked on security.
In 1990 I saw all six shows there and in 1991 i saw all eight shows there.
I must admit i preferred his shows back then , to his current style of playing.
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Tuesday 25 May 2021.
Happy Birthday to PAUL WELLER who is 63 today.
His recent album "Fat Pop" went in at number one , last Friday.
I have seen Paul several times with The Jam and a few times with The Style Council and a few times solo.
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Happy Birthday to the oldest punk rocker in town - CHARLIE HARPER from The UK Subs is 77 today.
I have seen UK Subs around 10 times since 1978.
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Wednesday 26 May 2021.
Happy Birthday to STEVIE NICKS who is 73 today.
I have seen her a few times with Fleetwood Mac, and a rare solo show supporting Rod Stewart.

Updated 21st May 2021 Permalink

Wednesday 19 May 2021.

Wednesday 19 May 2021.
In the afternoon I had a nice little trip down memory lane.
I had five great years working in Nine Elms Lane 1993 to 1998.
It is the area situated from Vauxhall Cross to Battersea Power Station.
Situated by The River Thames, with Pimlico on the other side of the water.
It was a pretty gloomy area back then , with just some huge spaces taken over by The Royal Mail,
Securicor, HMSO, a nightclub, a couple of pubs and not much more.
Now there are at least FIFTY blocks of flats/offices here all along Nine Elms Lane.
There is even a Waitrose and trendy restaurants & bars.
There is an amazing see-through swimming pool, suspended ten floors up between two blocks.
See my Facebook page for a nice photo of it.
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7.30pm - THE MOUSETRAP re-opens at St Martin's Theatre, West Street, London WC2.
The world's longest running play re-opens in the West End with an all-star cast.
Performances now on-sale from 17 May 2021 – 30 January 2022.
The first four week's will be socially distanced, just 25% of full capacity allowed.
Facece coverings must be worn during the show.
The Mousetrap is a murder mystery play by Agatha Christie. The Mousetrap opened in London's West End in 1952 and ran continuously until 16 March 2020, when the stage performances had to be discontinued due to the COVID-19 pandemic.....it has sold over a staggering 10 million tickets....over 28,000 performances.
I have seen it a couple of times before.
Every other row has been left unsold and spare seats between all groups of ticket buyers.
Only eight in the cast , and no need for an orchestra so hopefully they can still make a small profit.
Two sets of around 60 mins each.
It was enjoyable to see it again.
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Thursday 20 May 2021.
KISS have finally confirmed the postponement of their 2021 European Tour to 2022.
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Happy Birthday to CHER who is 75 today.
Cher did not play live much in the UK so i only saw her the once.
It was at Wembley Arena, where we also went to the aftershow party.
We walked past Chers dressing room and the room next door said "Chers Wig Room".
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7.30pm - EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE, The Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1.
Everybody's Talking About Jamie will return to the Apollo Theatre in The West End , with Shane Richie reprising the role of Hugo/Loco Chanelle. ... Richie first played Hugo/Loco Chanelle from 28 January - 4 May 2019, but he's best known for playing Alfie Moon in BBC's Eastenders.
Jamie is a musical with music by Dan Gillespie Sells (The Feeling) and book and lyrics by Tom MacRae. The musical is inspired by the 2011 television documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16 directed by Jenny Popplewe.There is a full length feature film due out in 2021.
The show features a twenty-five strong company and a nine-piece band that will ‘sweep you away on a tide of mischief, warmth and exuberance’ (Financial Times).
When it first premiered a couple of years ago it got five star reviews from The Times, The Financial Times,
The Independent, Time Out and Daily Express.
The first four week's will be socially distanced, and face coverings must be worn.
Tonight's show feels around 75% capacity, with just one empty seat between each booking.
The venue actually said they were selling shows at 50 % capacity.
The show is on for around 2 hours 25 mins over two sets of 85 mins and 60 mins.
I have a perfect view as I am just four rows from the stage.
Jamie is the 16 year school boy from Sheffield who overcomes hurdles to be a drag queen.
Plenty of great songs & dance routines and camp humour from the superb cast.
Great to see Shane Richie dress up in full drag.
It is an excellent , heartwarming and genuinely uplifting show , that is a perfect tonic
to help you get over those lockdown blues.
---------
Happy Birthday to tv presenter & comedian NOEL FIELDING who is 48 today.
I worked with Noel's dad in the 1990s so saw a couple of his very early shows.
One was at Riverside Studios and i surprised Noel at The Melbourne Comedy Festival.
Later on I would see him at Brixton Academy (The Mighty Boosh) and The Royal Albert Hall.
---------
Happy Birthday to LEO SAYER who 73 today.
I have seen him live several times since 1975 , he had a few hits in the 1970s.

Updated 20th May 2021 Permalink

Monday 17 May 2021.

Monday 17 May 2021.
The next stage of coming out of lockdown starts today, in the UK.
From 17 May Restaurants, bars and pubs can have customers inside.
From 17 May there are a few socially distanced gigs being held until 21 June.
From 17 May some theatres will be putting on socially distanced only shows until 21 June.
Many theatres will stay closed until at least 21 June as socially distanced shows are not viable.
From 17 May we can start going to the cinema again, so a good time to watch Oscar winning
films including "Nomadland" and "The Father".
Despite covid there are many brand new restaurants, bars and hotels due to open after 17 May.
Lets pray that this new Indian variant of the covid virus in the UK does not fuck things up.
----------
Today would have been the press / VIP day for The Chelsea Flower Show.
This year ,it has been postponed to September.
It is a always a great day out as it lasts from 10am to 10pm.
It is spilt into three parts...
Lunchtime session - celebrities turn up
Afternoon session - the area is pretty much cleared for The Royal Family members private view.
Evening session - party for around 1000 guests with champers etc flowing.
See my Facebook page for some photos i took of The Queen, Prince Harry and Ringo Starr,
from a few years ago.
-----------------
Tuesday 18 May 2021.
Happy Birthday to OLIVIA HARRISON who is 73 today . (wife of George Harrison) .
I will put a photo of her with me on my Facebook page Tuesday lunchtime.
---------
Happy Birthday to RICK WAKEMAN who is 72 today.
I have seen him on stage a couple of times.
---------
Happy Birthday to TOYAH WILLCOX who is 63 today.
She was a regular at Hammersmith Odeon when I worked their in her 1980s heyday
---------
18 May 1980 - Joy Division's IAN CURTIS committed suicide 41 years ago today.
I saw them a few times back in the day.
Joy Division,Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark,Certain Ratio Nashville Pub, London 13.08.1979
Joy Division,Distractions,Certain Ratio Electric Ballroom, London 26.10.1979
Buzzcocks,Joy Division Rainbow Theatre, London 10.11.1979 great double bill
Joy Division,Killing Joke,Certain Ratio Town Hall , High Wycombe 20.02.1980 well worth the drive up the A40/M40.
Joy Division,Killing Joke,Certain Ratio Lyceum Theatre, London 29.02.1980
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Looks like several tours are happening in America in the second part of the year.
This nice pairing have been confirmed for Sept and Oct - Alice Cooper with special guest Ace Frehley.
------------------
Wednesday 19 May 2021.
Happy Birthday to PETE TOWNSHEND who is 76 today.
I have seen The Who over 20 times since two shows at Hammersmith Odeon in Dec 1975.
Including two London shows in 2000 where Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros were the support band.
Including The Greek Theatre, Los Angeles in 2002, when i went over to see The Sex Pistols headlining a
huge festival which included over a dozen support acts including The Damned and The Buzzcocks.
I also attended one Petes rare headlining solo shows... The Rainbow in 1979.
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Happy Birthday to GRACE JONES who is 73 today.
I have seen her on stage a few times.

Updated 16th May 2021 Permalink

Friday 14 May 2021.

Friday 14 May 2021.
Happy Birthday to DAVID BYRNE who is 69 today.
I saw Talking Heads six times back in their heyday period - 1977 to 1980.
The 1980 show had some new band supporting called U2...whatever happened to them?
I have seen David Byrne with his band three times.
I did not get along to his tour a couple of years ago, which got some great reviews.
-----------------
Saturday 15 May 2021.
Surprise news that UK GQ Editor DYLAN JONES is to leave his post after 22 years.
The author and editor-in-chief of the UK Men’s Title published the August 2021 issue on Instagram on Friday. It will be his last with the publisher.
Jones will join The list of finished Condé Nast editors who have departed over the past six months.
The company has integrated its editorial team under global and regional leaders.
GQ has a great annual party, that attracts many A-list names - i have been to a couple of them.
----------
Another big name shopping brand on UK high streets bites the dust.
DEBENHAM'S has announced it will shut its remaining stores by 15 May, closing the door on more
than 200 years of trade on UK high streets.
----------
Live on BBC1 5pm - FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Leicester.
SKY ARTS 9pm - Paul Simon live in Central Park 1991.
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45 years ago today on 15 May 1976.
I saw KISS play their first concert in London at Hammersmith Odeon.
First night i was eight rows back, second night i was front row centre.
-------------------
Sunday 16 May 2021.
SKY ARTS 10.15pm - Lynryd Skynryd documentary.
I saw them live five times before their fatal plane crash in Oct 1977.
This included supporting The Rolling Stones at Knebworth in 1976.
I have seen them many times with the more recent line-ups.
Lead vocalist/founding member Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist and vocalist Steve Gaines, backing vocalist Cassie Gaines (Steve's older sister), assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary and co-pilot William Gray all died as a result of the crash while twenty others survived.
----------
Happy Birthday to JONATHAN RICHMAN who is 70 today.
I have seen him live at four UK shows including headlining Hammersmith Odeon in 1977.
I also saw him in 2003 in San Francisco , when i went over to USA for some Sex Pistols shows.
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40 years ago today on 16 May 1981 - JAPAN at Hammersmith Odeon.
This was my first night on front stage security at this legendary venue.
I would be working there for 11 years until 1992, when it became Hammersmith Apollo.
Some months i would be working over 20 evenings, as it was very popular with big name artists.

Updated 14th May 2021 Permalink

Monday 10 May 2021

Monday 10 May 2021.
SID VICIOUS would have been 64 today.
I saw him on stage in 1977 with The Sex Pistols and in 1978 with his own all-star band.
I had a chat with him at a Ramones gig at The Roundhouse in 1977.
-----------
Happy Birthday to BONO who is 61 today.
I have seen U2 over 20 times since 1980 , when they were a support band to Talking Heads.
Including....
1985 - Live Aid at Wembley Stadium
1987 - Cardiff
2005 - Dublin
2009 - Cardiff
They have have always been a top notch live act.
-----------
Three Brirish rock legends celebrate their 75th birthday on Monday....
Donovan (had his main success in the 1960s and 1970s) (I got one of his albums signed at a gig).
Dave Mason ( I saw him play Hammersmith Odeon twice in 1975 , when he split from Traffic)
Graham Gouldman ( he is still the only constant member of 10.cc.)
I saw 10cc a few times in their 70s heyday , including when they were the main support act
to The Rolling Stones when they played Knebworth in 1976.
-------------------
Tuesday 11 May 2021.
The BRIT AWARDS are held at The 02 Arena....to a smaller crowd due to covid restrictions.
Coldplay open the show, then it is pretty much aimed at the younger music fans and the current charts.
---------
Happy Birthday to singer-songwriter ERIC BURDON who is 80 today.
He is best known as the vocalist in The Animals.
-------------------
Wednesday 12 May 2021.
Happy Birthday to BILLY DUFFY from The Cult who is 60 today.
I have seen them live over a dozen times, including three times at Hammersmith Odeon on their 1987 tour.
In 2003 i went to America to see five Sex Pistols shows. Billy Duffy was at three of those shows.
Glen Matlock kindly arranged the guest list for all the shows for me.
I stayed at The Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas for a couple of days as Sex Pistols were playing there.
One afternoon i was in their open-air swimming pool , chatting to Billy Duffy and Glen Matlock.
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Happy Birthday to STEVE WINWOOD who is 74 today.
I have seen him a few times on stage.
-------------------
Thursday 13 May 2021.
Happy Birthday to STEVIE WONDER who is 71 today.
I have seen Stevie play live at Wembley Arena and Clapham Common.
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Happy Birthday to JOE BROWN who is 80 today.
Along with the likes of Cliff Richard, Joe is one of the original UK rock n rollers.
He is still touring, and has a UK tour planned for later this year.
I have seen him on stage a couple of times.

Updated 11th May 2021 Permalink

Friday 07 May 2021.

Friday 07 May 2021.
Happy Birthday to STEVE DIGGLE (The Buzzcocks guitarist) who is 66 today.
See my Facebook page to see a nice photo of Steve Diggle, Mick Jones and me from
2006 when The Buzzcocks picked up The Inspiration Award at The Mojo Music Awards.
..................
05 June 2006.MOJO Music Awards At Shoreditch Town Hall, London.
This was a quality event, full of proper musicians and some big names.
500 seated at tables and 50 upstairs in balcony.
6pm drinks reception in this lovely building that is over 100 years old then 7.15pm the following
were giving ,accepting or just hanging out David Gilmour, Jon Bon Jovi, Elton John, Tom Robinson,
Can, Corinne Bailey Rae, Buzzcocks, Mick Jones,Don Letts, Tony Wilson,Vic Reeves, Jeff Beck,
Brian May, Richard Hawley, James Dean Bradfield,
Nick Cave, Jools Holland, Roseanne Cash,Beth Orton,Roy Harper, Bert Jansch,Primal Scream,
Jesus And Mary Chain, Prince Buster , Joe Brown,
Phil Manzernera, Chrissie Hynde, Scott Walker and Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood.
Highlight for me was punk legends The Buzzcocks winning The Inspiration Award.
Then 9.15pm a lovely 2 couse dinner. I was on a table with Vic Reeves, Tony Wilson and Don
Letts. As normal half the musicians left the building after the awards and skipped dinner.
More lovely Appleton cocktails consumed.
11pm to 1am was the aftershow with dj in the room at the end of the building .A few hung around
but only Corinne Bailey Rae got on the floor for a boogie .A totally excellent evening....
------------
It was 10 years ago this week that AC/DC launched one of my fave in concert DVDs.
I have seen AC/DC many times with Bon Scott and Brian Johnson.
See my Facebook page for three photos from the event.
06 May 2011.
AC/DC World Premiere of their new dvd/blu-ray "Live At River Plate" at Hammersmith Apollo,London.
At around 7.30pm four of the five band members inc Brian Johnson and Angus Young arrive in cars for the red carpet that is between their famous cannons and giant bell.The band sign stuff and pose for photos.Just after 8pm we have a mumbling video intro from Ozzy Osbourne and dj Nicky Horne introduces the four band members who say a few words before taking their seats.The screen is huge as its takes up all the stage space and there are extra speakers all around the venue.Each song is given a big cheer.Its like a proper gig really as there is even band merch on sale.The crowd scenes are incredible as South American crowds really are the best.Its a fantastic must buy item.Shot in December of 2009, AC/DC Live At River Plate marks AC/DC’s triumphant return to Buenos Aires where nearly 200,000 fans, and 3 sold-out shows, welcomed the band back after a 13 year absence from Argentina.
There was a big afterparty in the circle bar for over 200 guests. AC/DC did not turn up but all
The Stereophonics are here and Kelly Jones says to me "Does this count as another gig then , Ray?".
------------
SKY ARTS 9pm - SUEDE documentary on their 1996 debut album " Coming Up".
SKY ARTS 11pm - SUEDE live at The Royal Albert Hall March 2010.
I did not go to this show, but I did go to their warm up gig at The 100 Club a couple of days before.
-----------------------
Saturday 08 May 2021.
Van Halen drummer ALEX VAN HALEN is 68 today.
GARY GLITTER is 77 today...
He had so many great glam rock tunes in the 1970s and i saw him live several times
before his disgusting behaviour later.
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SKY ARTS 9pm - Ronnie Wood documentary from 2020 "Somebody Up There Likes Me " .
-----------------------
Sunday 09 May 2021.
Happy Birthday to BILLY JOEL who is 72 today...
I have seen Billy Joel four times in concert
2006 - two shows at Wembley Arena
2016 - Wembley Stadium
2019 - Wembley Stadium
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Happy Birthday to DAVE GAHAN who is 59 today.
I have seen Depeche Mode over a dozen times since 1981.
-----------
SKY ARTS 11.15pm - NICK MASON'S SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS live at The Roundhouse 2019.
The DVD of this show was released in 2020.
I was at both these Roundhouse shows.

Updated 7th May 2021 Permalink

Tuesday 04 May 2021.

Tuesday 04 May 2021.
Happy Birthday to ZAL CLEMINSON (SAHB guitarist) who is 72 today.
I saw Zal with Sensational Alex Harvey Band a few times in the 1970s,
and a few times later without Alex as he passed away in 1982, aged only 46.
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Happy Birthday to MICK MARS (Motley Crue guitarist ) who is 70 today.
I have seen Motley Crue live around a dozen times since 1984.
-------------------
Wednesday 05 May 2021.
Happy Birthday to ADELE who is 33 today.
In July 2008 I saw Adele play a tiny club show at the 250 capacity Bush Hall for Capital Radio.
In 2008 Adele and Duffy were the hottest new female acts coming through, with their debut albums.
-----------
Sad news that NICK KAMEN has passed away at the age of 59, a friend of his family
has confirmed to the BBC.
The Essex-born star was known for appearing in a 1985 Levi's advert filmed in a launderette.
His music career peaked the next year with a top five hit Each Time You Break My Heart, co-written by Madonna.
His friend and fellow singer Boy George led the tributes on Wednesday, describing Kamen as "the most beautiful and sweetest man".
-------------------
Thursday 06 May 2021.
Happy Birthday to actor GEORGE CLOONEY who is 60 today.
-----------
AUGUST DARNELL is the latest songwriter to cash in on his back catalogue - selling hits including Annie I'm Not Your Daddy to music publisher One Media iP Group.
The singer has sold the writers' royalties of 1980s' band Kid Creole and the Coconuts, saying he wants to "look after his Coconuts way into the future".
The musician, born August Darnell in New York in 1950, enjoyed a string of hits in the early 1980s, which included Stool Pigeon and I'm A Wonderful Thing, Baby and in 1983 won a Brit Award for best international artist.
Kid Creole & The Coconuts were such a great live band back in their 1980s heyday.
Over a dozen of them on stage , including three man brass section, percussion and the three Coconuts.
I have seen them over a dozen times including....
four shows in 1982 ( one at The Lyceum and three at Hammersmith Odeon)
six shows in 1983 (all at Hammersmith Odeon as they played two UK tours that year )

Updated 4th May 2021 Permalink

Tuesday 27 April 2021.

Tuesday 27 April 2021.
Happy Birthday to original KISS guitarist ACE FREHLEY who is 70 today.
I have seen all the various KISS line-ups.
These are the KISS shows i have seen with Ace.
1976 - both shows at Hammersmith Odeon.
1979 - KISS + Judas Priest in Chicago, USA.
1980 - all four UK arena shows.
Ace departed KISS for a bit , then they reformed with the original line-up and put the costumes back on.
1996 - all four UK shows
1997 - two shows - Ghent, Belgium and Finsbury Park.
1999 - two shows - Paris, France and Wembley Arena.
I also saw three shows by Ace Frehleys Comet.
1988 - Hammersmith Odeon.
2008 - Astoria.
2009 - Shepherds Bush Empire.
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Happy Birthday to Adam Ant original guitarist MARCO PERONI who is 62 today.
I first saw him with Adam Ant in 1979 , when they were a support band at The Electric Ballroom.
-------------------
Wednesday 28 April 2021.
YouTube - Watch PRINCE stunning guitar solo in a new directors cut of his Rock & Roll
Hall of Fame appearance with the all-star band in 2004.
Filmed at New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel, on March 15 of that year, an all-star lineup took to the stage to perform Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Among those onstage were Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, Jeff Lynne and Dhani Harrison, who uncannily resembles his father.
-------------------
Thursday 29 April 2021.
Happy Birthday to Country Music legend WILLIE NELSON who reaches the grand age of 88 today.
I have seen him on stage three times....
1982 - Hammersmith Odeon
2000 - supporting David Bowie at Glastonbury Festival.
2008 - Hammersmith Apollo.
-------------------
Friday 30 April 2021.
SIR TOM JONES is all over the tv and radio and media this week promoting his new album.
Sir Tom Jones is on course for his first UK Number 1 album in two decades with Surrounded By Time.
Friday afternoon update - Tom’s new studio album went straight in at number one.
-------------------
Saturday 01 May 2021.
SKY ARTS 5pm - Marc Bolan documentary.
SKY ARTS 6pm - Kurt Cobain documentary.
-------------------
Sunday 02 May 2021.
Happy Birthday to my youngest son ,who is 31 today - where have all the years gone?
Happy Birthday to JIMMY WHITE who is 59 today.
Happy Birthday to DAVID BECKHAM who is 46 today.
Check my Facebook page Sunday lunchtime for three photos related to the above birthdays.
Along with my reviews of the event where the photos were taken.
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BBC1 9pm - the final episode of Line of Duty...must see tv.
-------------------
Monday 03 May 2021.
Happy Birthday to FRANKIE VALLI who is 87 today.
He is still touring, and due to play The Royal Albert Hall in 2022.
I have seen him twice at The Royal Albert Hall, with the first time in 1980.
I also attended the opening press night and party for The Jersey Boys musical.
18 Mar 2008.The Jersey Boys - The Story Of Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons at The
Prince Edward Theatre,London.It must have cost a fortune and it put band
gig aftershows to shame.They have laid on a convoy of coaches to take us to the splender of
The Natural History Museum where some 1000 press,vips,cast members and their guests get stuck into the free booze and food from 11pm to 2am.
Faces here inc Frankie Valli,Brian May,Anita Dodson,Barbara Windsor,Cilla Black,Lionel Blair,
Christopher Biggins,Vanessa Felz,Carole Malone and a few more.There was a 12 piece jazz band
playing the classics with the dinosaur bones hanging over our heads......Excellent bash......

Updated 26th April 2021 Permalink

Thursday 22 April 2021.

Thursday 22 April 2021.
Very sad news that Bay City Rollers frontman LES MCKEOWN has died suddenly, aged 65.
The Scottish boy band were the biggest band in the country for a couple of years in the 1970s.
Teenage girls loved them , think along the massive level of One Direction and Take That.
When BCR split, i saw Les fronting his version of the band a few times.
Also I was at their reunion shows at Hammersmith Apollo in 2015 and 2016 with three original members.
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Happy Birthday to big screen legend JACK NICHOLSON who is 84 today.
He is one of only three male actors to win three Academy Awards.
-------------------
Friday 23 April 2021.
23 April 1991 - JOHNNY THUNDERS died 30 years ago today....he was aged just 38....
The current Vive Le Rock magazine has a multi-page issue on JT in selected stores this month.
I was lucky to have seen him on stage 18 times, plus a 10th anniversary tribute show for him after his death.
Johnny Thunders Heartbreakers,Siouxsie And The Banshees Roxy Club. London 02.03.1977
Johnny Thunders Heartbreakers Marquee Club, London 28.03.1977
Johnny Thunders Heartbreakers,Siouxsie And The Banshees Rainbow Theatre, London 20.11.1977 all sex pistols went to see this show
Johnny Thunders Heartbreakers,Depressions Vortex Club, London 21.11.1977
Johnny Thunders Allstars feat Hot Rods And Snatch members Speakeasy Club, London 31.01.1978 late night musicians club
Johnny Thunders Allstars feat Steve Jones and Paul Cook Speakeasy Club, London 25.03.1978 midnight show start with ex Sex Pistols
Johnny Thunders Allstars feat Steve Jones and Paul Cook Lyceum Theatre, London 12.10.1978 Johnny Thunders Heartbreakers,Voodoo Shoes Maxs Kansas City ,New York 07.09.1979
Johnny Thunders on home turf - brilliant
Johnny Thunders Hope And Anchor Pub , London 20.04.1982 chaotic but brilliant
Johnny Thunders Camden Dingwalls , London 28.04.1982 9.5 11.30pm show start
Johnny Thunders,London Cowboys Kensington Ad Lib ,London W8 29.05.1982 2 great bands
Johnny Thunders,Jayne County,Chelsea Lyceum Theatre , London 09.10.1983
Johnny Thunders Heartbreakers,Patti Palladin Lyceum Theatre , London 25.03.1984
very messy but still brilliant .
Johnny Thunders Hearbreakers Marquee Club , London 23.08.1984 johnny just has the X factor
Johnny Thunders Hearbreakers Marquee Club , London 24.08.1984 last of 5 show run at The Marquee
Johnny Thunders Band Town And Country Club , London 02.12.1987 johnny was drugged out of it tonight so two hour gap between support band and Johnny coming on stage.
Johnny Thunders,Vaynes Marquee Club, London 09.02.1989 much better than Town And Country gig great I hour 50 mins set of old and new . my first show at new Marquee site in Charing Cross Road , London
Johnny Thunders Marquee Club , London 21.12.1990 another messy but great set
Johnny Thunders Tribute Fusilier And Firkin , Camden ,London 11.10.2002 band members inc Chris Musto from Glen Matlock Band who has played with Johnny Thunders and Victor from The Parkinsons.Chaotic and messy energy filled 60 mins set .To hear all those great Thunders and NY Dolls songs live again was just fantastic .
------------------
Saturday 24 April 2021.
Happy Birthday to music producer TONY VISCONTI (David Bowie, T.Rex, etc) who is 74 today.
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Happy Birthday to CAPTAIN SENSIBLE from The Damned who is 67 today.
I have seen The Damned around 40 times including once in 1976 and ten times in 1977.
See my Facebook page of a photo taken by me from The Classic Rock Awards at The Roundhouse.
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SKY ARTS 4pm - Pearl Jam live in Austin, USA.
SKY ARTS 5.15pm - Bad Company live at Red Rocks, USA.
SKY ARTS 11.45pm - The Rolling Stones live at Hyde Park 2015.
I went to both their excellent shows in Hyde Park.
-------------------
Sunday 25 April 2021.
Carabao Cup Final at Wembley Stadium 4.30pm - Spurs v Man City.
BBC1 9pm - Line of Duty - episode six.
-------------------
Monday 26 April 2021.
The Academy Awards (The Oscars) are held in Los Angeles Sunday , and highlights
will be shown Monday morning on UK tv channels.
-----------
Fancy working the bar at some good live music venues, that are based all around the UK?
Academy Events are looking for staff for when live music starts up again.

Updated 22nd April 2021 Permalink

Monday 19 April 2021.

Tuesday 20 April 2021.
Sad news that JIM STEINMAN has passed away , aged 73.
His is best known for his contribution to Meat Loaf and the 'Bat Out Of Hell " albums.
I went to see his musical "Bat Out Of Hell " twice in London, including the opening press night party.
Steinman died at a Connecticut hospital after suffering from a "sudden medical emergency" on April 19, 2021.
--------
20 April 1991 - STEVE MARRIOTT died 30 years ago today, just three days before Johnny Thunders.
I was lucky to see Steve Marriott with The Small Faces and as a solo artist.
Status Quo,Thin Lizzy,Steve Marriott Kensington Olympia, London 31.12.1975
Small Faces Rainbow Theatre, London 28.04.1977
Small Faces Hammersmith Odeon, London. 25.09.1977
Chuck Berry, Steve Marriott Hammersmith Odeon , London 09.07.1987
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A 5,000-capacity festival promoted by Festival Republic is the latest pilot event taking part in the UK government’s Events Research Program (ERP). The one-day event – which features Blossoms, The Lathums and Zuzu on the bill – is scheduled for May 2 at Sefton Park, Liverpool. The poster explicitly mentions “no social distancing & no masks inside the event” as the event is part of a scientific experiment.
-----------------
Wednesday 21 April 2021.
Happy Birthday to QUEEN ELIZABETH who is 95 today.
----------
Happy Birthday to IGGY POP who is 74 today.
I have seen Iggy Pop around 20 times since 1977 at The Rainbow, where David Bowie was on keyboards.
----------
Happy Birthday to The Cure's ROBERT SMITH who is 62 today.
I have seen The Cure around 10 times, with the first time when they were a support band to
Siouxsie and The Banshees at Hammersmith Odeon in 1979.
----------
Music legend PRINCE died five years ago today.
Prince was one of the greatest live performers, and a total musical genius.
I saw him in concert over 25 times since 1986.
Many times when he played Wembley Arena and smaller venues including Shepherds Bush Empire
and two shows in one night at The Roundhouse in June 2014.

Updated 19th April 2021 Permalink

Tuesday 13 April 2021

Tuesday 13 April 2021.
THE LIBERTINES have announced a 15 date UK tour for Nov/Dec.
I have seen them a few times including that amazing Hyde Park show in July 2014
when they headlined to a massive crowd of 65,000.
-------------------
Wednesday 14 April 2021.
Happy Birthday to guitar legend RICHIE BLACKMORE who is 76 today.
I first saw Richie on stage with Deep Purple at Hammersmith Odeon in 1974.
That was the classic line-up of David Coverdale, Richie Blackmore, Glenn Hughes,
Jon Lord and Ian Paice.
I then saw him with Rainbow a couple of times (I still have the Cozy Powell drum stick)
and then Blackmore's Night, and a few years ago when Rainbow played The 02 Arena, where Sweet were the support band.
-------------------
Thursday 15 April 2021.
15 April 2001 - JOEY RAMONE sadly passed away 20 years ago today.
I was lucky to have seen them live 15 times starting with their debut UK tour in 1976.
-----------
ERIC CLAPTON said some strange stuff back in 1976, during his drink & drugs period.
Eric caused controversy when he spoke out against increasing immigration during a concert in Birmingham. Visibly intoxicated, Clapton voiced his support of controversial political candidate Enoch Powell, and announced on stage that "I think Enoch's right, I think we should send them all back. Stop Britain from becoming a black colony. Get the foreigners out. Get the wogs out. Get the coons out. Keep Britain white. I used to be into dope, now I’m into racism. It’s much heavier, man."Keep Britain white" was, at the time, a slogan of the far-right National Front (NF). Clapton began his remarks by addressing his audience thus: "Do we have any foreigners in the audience tonight? If so, please put up your hands. So where are you? Well, wherever you are, I think you should all just leave. Not just leave the hall, leave our country. I don’t want you here, in the room or in my country." This incident, along with some controversial remarks made around the same time by David Bowie,as well as uses of Nazi-related imagery by punk artists Sid Vicious and Siouxsie Sioux, were the main catalysts for the creation of Rock Against Racism.
-------------------
Friday 16 April 2021.
BBC4 tv has an evening on programmes to celebrate 40 years of DURAN DURAN.
Another band who i first saw when their debut album came out, and many times after.
Includes three shows at Hammersmith Odeon in 1981 to support the debut album , and six shows
at Hammersmith Odeon in 1982 to support their massive selling second album "Rio".
Working on front stage security with hoardes of screaming girls was great fun and DD were great live.
In 1982 the band had a police escort every night around 30 mins after the show as the police asked them
to leave the venue as soon as they could, to avoid young girls waiting hours for them to leave.
-------------------
Saturday 17 April 2021.
PETE SHELLEY from The Buzzcocks would have been 66 today.
So sad that so many of the punk rock musicians from the 1970s have passed away.
See my Facebook page for a photo of us together.
----------
Sad news that 1970s pub r n b rocker LEW LEWIS has passed away.
I saw him a couple of times back then.
Dr Feelgood,Lew Lewis Hammersmith Palais, London 19.12.1976
Peter Gabriel,Lew Lewis Hammersmith Odeon, London 25.04.1977
---------
PRINCE PHILIP funeral is held at Windsor Castle Chapel....it will be shown live on tv.
FA CUP Semi-Final live on BBC1 at 5.30pm Man City v Chelsea.
-------------------
Sunday 18 April 2021.
Watch this very entertaining 27 mins clip on YouTube from when Neurotic Outsiders were playing.
Howard On Demand TV - Duff And Steve Jones
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Car boot sales can open from today.
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SKY ARTS 7pm - BOB DYLAN 30th anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden 1992.
Feat Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Ronnie Wood, The Bryds and others.
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BBC1 9pm the next episode of Line of Duty.

Updated 12th April 2021 Permalink

Friday 09 April 2021.

Friday 09 April 2021.
Very sad news of the death of a much loved man who had a remarkable life in British history.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who had been treated for a pre-existing heart condition, died on Friday morning, two months before his 100th birthday.
A statement from Buckingham Palace said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle".
Prince Philip has been at The Queens side for over 70 years.
He made over 22.000 solo engagements and over 600 overseas visits.
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Released today - I was at this show where Lynryd Skynyrd supported THE ROLLING STONES.
A massive outdoor show where over 100,000 turned up.
LYNRYD SKYNRYD release a new DVD, CD, and LP set. Lynyrd Skynyrd: Live at Knebworth ‘76.
The concert was recorded at the long-running Knebworth, England, festival on August 21st, 1976, with a classic Skynyrd lineup of singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarists Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, and Steve Gaines, bassist Leon Wilkeson, drummer Artimus Pyle, keyboardist Billy Powell, and backing vocalists the Honkettes. Van Zant and Gaines would be among those who died in the band’s tragic plane crash a year later.
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One of the first singles i ever bought - Johnny Reggae by The Piglets (1971)
Simple,catchy and still sounds great.
Check out the track & video on YouTube.
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Saturday 10 April 2021.
Happy Birthday to Stray Cat BRIAN SETZER who is 62 today.
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U2 live in Paris 2015 is on YouTube - 7.30pm for support act and U2 at 8pm.
For this tour U2 had their sideways stage down the middle of the arena, it was incredible.
For this tour , I was at three of their five shows at The 02 Arena, it was really top notch.
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Sunday 11 April 2021.
Happy Birthday to JOSS STONE who is 34 today.
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SKY ARTS 1pm - Concert for George Harrison at The Royal Albert Hall 2002.
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The BAFTAS are held in London tonight at The Royal Albert Hall.
Looks like the hosts and some presenters will be there, but no audience due to covid restrictions.
It will be shown live on BBC1....no after parties for it this year due to covid restrictions.
HARVEY WEINSTEIN hosted some great BAFTA parties , but for the obvious reasons, not anymore.
He held five parties Feb 2013, Feb 2014, Feb 2015, Feb 2016, Feb 2017... I was at all of them.
They were all excellent events......Here are a few words on the 2014 event...
11.30pm to 4.30am.BAFTAs: Weinstein Company BAFTAs party at
Rosewood London Hotel,Holborn Dining Room, 252 High Holborn, London, WC1.
This was a mega no expense spared bash held by Hollywood film mogul Harvey Weinstein for
his nominated films 'Blue Jasmine','The Butler' and 'American Hussle'.
Around 500 glammed up folks here as most were at The BAFTAs earlier.
Some major names here including Harvey Weinstein,Leonardo DiCaprio,Oprah Winfrey,
Cate Blanchett,Naomi Campbell,Noel Gallagher,Lily Allen,Jessie J, Stephen Fry,
Matthew Williamson,Rita Ora,Michael Fassbender,Damien Hirst,Andrew Lloyd Webber,
Gillian Anderson,Sadie Frost.
I had a nice long chat with Noel Gallagher who was very nice and chatty.
Lots of security keeping a close eye on each of the main actors and actresses.
We have a nice surprise live act who is Rolling Stones regular backing singer LISA FISCHER
who sings five songs and was joined by Rita Ora on the last song which was a cover of
'Take Another Little Piece Of My Heart'.
Her set included a cover of 'Fever'' and the Stones track 'Gimme Shelter' which were
gentler reworked versions as she just had a guitarist as backing.
Lisa stars in the Weinstein produced film '20 Feet From Heaven'.
Loads of complimentary booze including champers and different cocktails and non stop yummy food all evening.
Pretty amazing that around 75% of the crowd stayed until the end.
Respect is due to Noel Gallagher and Matthew Williamson who were still on the dance floor at 4.30am.
On departure, all guests got a goodie bag with a large BVLGARI scented candle and other bits.
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Monday 12 April 2021.
After a gloomy three months of lockdown , the pubs are open again and I can get a haircut.
Restaurants, bars and pubs can open up their OUTSIDE spaces / beer gardens from today.
Many hospitality spaces have limited space outside so are fully booked for the next month.
To combat no shows – which have previously angered celebrity chefs such as Tom Kerridge – some restaurant owners are putting in a place a new policy which will ask diners to pay for their meal at the point of booking.
Reports say that only 40% of pubs will be opening on Mon 12 April.
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Happy Birthday to TONY JAMES who is 68 today.
He was a member of Generation X, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Carbon/Silicon and others.
Visit YouTube for a great show by Generation Sex ( Tony James, Billy Idol, Steve Jones, Paul Cook).
They play a great set of Generation X and Sex Pistols related tunes.
This was one of only two shows they have played....both were in America.
Would love them to play London, but Steve Jones is not keen on flying these days back to the UK.

Updated 9th April 2021 Permalink

Wednesday 07 April 2021.

Wednesday 07 April 2021.
LEE BRILLEAUX sadly passed away on this day in 1994...he was aged just 41
Lee Brilleaux was an English rhythm-and-blues singer and guitar/harmonica with the band Dr. Feelgood.
The pub rockers quickly elevated themselves to bigger venues.
They influenced many of the punk bands.
These are the shows i saw them play back in their heyday....they were a great live band.
Dr Feelgood , GT Moore Hammersmith Odeon, London 09.11.1975
Dr Feelgood,Roogalator Hammersmith Odeon, London 24.01.1976
Dr Feelgood,Lew Lewis Hammersmith Palais, London 19.12.1976
Dr Feelgood,Mink De Ville Hammersmith Odeon, London 15.10.1977
Dr Feelgood,Squeeze Hammersmirh Odeon, London 29.10.1978
Dr Feelgood,Phil Rambow,Red Beans And Rice Hammersmith Odeon, London 19.12.1979
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Thursday 08 April 2021.
RONNIE WOOD receives The Freedom of the City of London.
The Rolling Stones guitarist said he was "humbled and honoured" to receive the award.
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Three years ago this week , i did an interview with Time Out magazine.
Talks about me being the UKs number one gig goer, with over 7000 gigs seen by me.
Headline calls me "an inspirational Londoner".
Type in Google Ray Morrissey Time Out to read it online.
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Happy Birthday to fashion icon DAME VIVIENNE WESTWOOD who is 80 today.
I attended the launch party for her autobiography in 2014.
Tues 07 October 2014....8pm to 10.30pm.
Dame Vivienne Westwood - book launch party at Mark's Club, 46 Charles Street, London, W1.
The fashion egend that is Vivienne Westwood has brought out her biography.
Vivienne is now aged 73 but shows no sign of slowing down.
Vivienne Westwood is one of the icons of our age.Fashion designer,activist,co-creator of punk,
global brand and grandmother ; a true living legend.
Her career has successfully spanned five decades and has influenced folks all over the world.
The book includes a chapter each on opening the Sex clothing shop with Malcolm McLaren in the 1970s,
her period in New York with Malcolm and The New York Dolls in the mid 1970s and of course
The Sex Pistols in their heyday period of 1976 to 1978 as well as her fashion over the years.
My fave memory of Vivienne from the punk era is her dancing side of stage at The Sex Pistols
Notre Dame,London show in Nov 1976 with a pint pot of lager in her hand.
Original Vivienne Westwood t shirts and clothing from the 1970s have sold for over £1000 each at auction.
Very nice to be at Marks Club which is a private members club in Mayfair.
Guests here included Jerry Hall,Bryan Adams,Chrissie Hynde and Zandra Rhodes.
We have a speech by Vivienne and her helper on the book Ian Kelly.
We have two different complimentary Snow Leopard vodka cocktails and Nyetimber sparkling wine.
Also veggie canapés for all.
All guests got a complimentary copy of the book and i got mine signed by Vivienne.
A very nice event.
See my Facebook page for a photo of the signed book

Updated 7th April 2021 Permalink

Friday 02 April 2021.

Friday 02 April 2021.
BRYAN FERRY has announced a new live album, Royal Albert Hall 2020, out 2 April 2021.
I was at one of the these two shows , that took place just before the first covid lockdown in March 2020.
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Very sad news about a major train crash in Taiwan.
When i travelled around Taiwan three years, i went on this East Coast route.
Over 50 people have died and many more are injured after a train carrying nearly 500 crashed and then derailed in a tunnel in Taiwan.
The eight-carriage train reportedly hit a construction vehicle that had slipped onto the tracks at the tunnel's mouth.
Rescuers combed badly damaged carriages inside the tunnel to find survivors, some of whom smashed windows to flee.
The train, from the capital Taipei to Taitung, was carrying people travelling for a long-weekend annual holiday.
Many people may have been standing because the train was so full.
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Saturday 03 April 2021.
03 April 1977 - it was 44 years ago today, that i saw SID VICIOUS playing his first show with
The Sex Pistols in front of a crowd at The Screen On The Green, Islington.
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Sunday 04 April 2021.
Happy Birthday to DAVE HILL from Slade who is 75 today.
I have seen Slade over a dozen times including three times in May 1974 at Hammersmith Odeon,
when Slade were regulars on Top Of The Pops and in the charts in their glam rock heyday.
Slade are playing a UK tour at the end of the year...Dave Hill is now the only original member.
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Another music director who has produced a stunning collection of works is BRUCE GOWERS.
He started off with Queen videos including the iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody" and then
did many others including 10cc, Genesis, The Rolling Stones, The Bee Gees, The Tubes,
Supertramp, Sparks, Michael Jackson, Rush, Prince, Santana, Reo Speedwagon and he moved
to America to direct many music specials....go to his wikipedia page for the complete list....
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SKY ARTS 12.30pm - PET SHOP BOYS live at The Royal Opera House, London.
Inner Sanctum is the third live album and video by English duo Pet Shop Boys, released on 12 April 2019 by the duo's label x2. It was recorded in July 2018 during the band's four-day Inner Sanctum residency at the Royal Opera House in London as part of the Super Tour..The show was designed by Es Devlin and directed by David Barnard, and released on DVD, Blu-ray and CD.[2] The DVD/Blu-Ray.
I saw them play at this historic upmarket venue in 2016 and 2018 with their stunning show.
You can watch it later on Sky Arts i-player.
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Monday 05 April 2021.
Check out this 26 mins tv clip from 1976 that features THE SEX PISTOLS.
I was at this legendary gig and some stills of the gig with me in there were featured on the poster
"Dance to The Sex Pistols" when their single "Pretty Vacant" was released.
At the 20 mins 30 seconds mark, you can me with back to the camera jumping around in a bomber jacket
and red t-shirt and later down the very front for the images that were used for the poster.
Search in YouTube - The London Weekend Show Punk Rock 28/11/76
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As expected, GUNS N ROSES have postponed their UK & European Tour from 2021 to 2022.

Updated 2nd April 2021 Permalink

Monday 29 March 2021

Monday 29 March 2021.
Happy Birthday to the iconic ROYAL ALBERT HALL venue which is 150 today.
29 March 1871 - 29 March 2021.
The foundation stone rests below seat - stalls row k, row 11, seat 87.
Needless to say i have seen loads of great shows there over the years.
In the 1970s I saw Bryan Ferry, Abba, Osmonds, Kate Bush, Dusty Springfield.
From the 1980s onwards I saw the likes of Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, The Who, Leonard Cohen,
Oasis, Deep Purple, Paul Weller, Stereophonics, Spinal Tap , Bruce Springsteen (acoustic),
Eric Clapton, all four Cream reunion shows in 2005, Sting, Van Morrison, Lou Reed,
David Gilmour , Bob Dylan, The Damned, many Teenage Cancer Trust shows and many others.
Acts including Eric Clapton, The Who and others i have seen several times there.
107 shows seen there by me from 1977 to 2002 - see venue search on raysgigs for full list.
300 plus shows seen there by me from 2002 to the present day....see individual reviews.
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Tuesday 30 March 2021.
Happy Birthday to ERIC CLAPTON who is 76 today.
I have seen him over 40 times, with most of them being at The Royal Albert Hall.
Including all four CREAM reunion shows there in 2005.
The first time I saw him was at The Crystal Palace Bowl in 1976 and amazingly that venue
will be back in action for some summer shows this year, many years after it was last used.p
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Happy Birthday to DJ JOHNNIE WALKER who is also 76 today.
Legendary DJ who started on the pirate radio ship Radio Caroline in the 1960s.
His current Sunday show at 3pm on BBC Radio 2 show plays classic 70s tracks.
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Wednesday 31 March 2021.
British Summertime shows in Hyde Park will not happen this year.
Pearl Jam and Duran Duran have said they will be playing there in 2022.
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Happy Birthday to ANGUS YOUNG who is 66 today.
I have seen him on stage with AC/DC over 30 times since 1976, which was when
they first came to the UK and started playing on the pub circuit.
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Happy Birthday to MICK RALPHS who is 77 today.
Send him your thoughts, as he had a stroke a few years ago.
I have seen him many times with Mott The Hoople and Bad Company.
Mott The Hoople + Queen at Hammersmith Odeon in Dec 1973 was the first
of over 2000 shows I have seen at that venue, that is now called The Apollo.
Those Mott The Hoople appearances on Top Of The Pops in the 1970s hooked me in.
2009 - I saw all five Mott The Hoople reunion shows at Hammersmith Apollo.
2013 - I saw Mott The Hoople at a half empty 02 Arena.
2019 - I was both Mott The Hoople shows at Shepherds Bush Empire but Mick Ralphs
sadly not there, due to his stroke.
Also Bad Company shows...
Bad Company,Nazareth Kensington Olympia, London 02.01.1976
Bad Company,Racing Cars Earls Court Arena, London 03.07.1977
Bad Company Wembley Arena, London 11.03.1979
On 17 Nov 2009 I was at the The Hard Rock Cafe , London as 100 guests saw Bad Company
play a four song set to announce their first UK tour for 25 years.
26 March 2010 - I saw Bad Company at The BBC Theatre, London W1.
The support act for the 2010 tour was The Joe Perry Project.
The photo on Facebook was one I took at The Brighton Centre where Joe Perry joined
the band for the encore, he did not join them on stage at Wembley Arena.
29 Oct 2016 - I saw Bad Company play the final date of their UK tour at The 02 Arena.
This I think is the last time Mick Ralphs was on stage before his stroke.
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Thurs 01 April 2021.
Happy Birthday to DJ ANNIE NIGHTINGALE who is 81 today.
Annie Nightingale CBE is an English radio and television broadcaster. She was the first female presenter on BBC Radio 1 in 1970, and is its longest-serving presenter.
Pretty amazing she is still on Radio 1 and not with the other older djs on Radio 2.
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Regardless of vaccines, are gigs in the UK ever gonna be 100% on?...anything can happen at short notice.
Bluesfest Byron Bay, one of Australia’s biggest music festivals, was cancelled March 31– ONE DAY before it was to open the gates.
Health authorities cancelled the five-day event as part of an overall lockdown of four shires over fears of a COVID breakout in the region
This was the second year in a row that the pandemic has caused havoc. In 2020 the festival was closed three weeks out from showtime.
This year promoters had to hastily reach out to thousands of patrons from around the country to stop them coming.
Bluesfest normally draws around 100,000 people. This time numbers were capped at 16,500 a day, and the event had meticulously planned strict COVID-safe measures. Despite having no international names on the bill, it was 85% sold-out, said director Peter Noble.

Updated 29th March 2021 Permalink

Friday 26 March 2021.

Friday 26 March 2021.
THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL today confirm artists playing this years event - to be held in September.
As expected Lionel Richie cannot make it but most of the UK acts are still appearing.
Fri 17 Sept - Liam Gallagher + Tom Jones + James plus many more.
Sat 18 Sept - Snow Patrol + David Guetta + Sam Fender plus many more.
Sun 19 Sept - Duran Duran + Script + Supergrass plus many more.
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Happy Birthday to STEVEN TYLER who is 73 today.
I have seen him with Aerosmith around 15 times since 1976.
I also saw his only UK solo show at The Forum in 2018.
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Happy Birthday to DIANA ROSS who is 77 today.
I have seen her three times at Wembley Arena - 1997, 2004, 2007.
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BBC 1 live at 7.30pm - Six Nations Rugby - delayed game can now decide the champions.
France v Scotland
If France score more than 21 points and four tries, then Fabien Galthie’s team will be champions.
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BBC4 and SKY ARTS are showing programmes to celebrate Elton John's 74th birthday.
BBC4 12pm - GLAM ROCK at The BBC....always great to watch these classic performances
from the likes of T.Rex, Sweet, Slade, Alice Cooper, David Essex, Mud and others.
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Saturday 27 March 2021.
Happy Birthday to TONY BANKS from Genesis who is 71 today.
I have seen Genesis half a dozen times since 1976.
Genesis are due to play a UK arena tour later this year.
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BBC2 10.30pm - Dave Grohl interview
BBC2 11.15pm - The Foo Fighters live at Reading Festival.
I have seen The Foo Fighters around 15 times including one of their Wembley Stadium shows
in 2008 and club shows at The Underworld, The Scala and ULU.
They are one of those bands that are just always superb live.
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Sunday 28 March 2021.
ITV 5pm live coverage of England v Albania - World Cup 2022 Qualifier.
BBC1 9pm - series 6 episode 2 - Line Of Duty

Updated 26th March 2021 Permalink

Monday 22 March 2021.

Monday 22 March 2021.
Over the past few years, many of the older musicians have been saying "rock is dead".
The changes in the music industry have made them say that.
When I grew up in the 1970s , we took it for granted that it would always be great.
We had loads of record shops selling vinyl singles and albums, and there were a
few weekly music papers which were the bibles where we got most of our info from.
Apart from a couple of tv shows , there was no way you could see a band unless you went to a gig.
There were no video recorders or YouTube.
Hardly any record stores are left now, and all the weekly music papers have gone.
In the 1980s and 1990s CDs were everywhere and the record companies and artists
were laughing all the way to the bank.
Nowadays bands seem to be forgotten about and female / male singers are the
what record companies want to force on us.
The classic artists from the 1960s and 1970s are gradually dying or retiring.
Young folks don't appreciate how much money and effort it takes to make music ,
and just want to listen to it for free.
Folks will always love going on see live acts, but it is a different world these days.
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Tuesday 23 March 2021......another trip down memory lane as it was 16 years ago today....
23 March 2005 . DAVE GOODMAN - A Life In Music ,The 100 Club , London.
For The Sex Pistols and punk rock community, this was a great loss . Dave died last month .
He produced loads of great Sex Pistols demos before the band signed to EMI and recorded
"NMTB" with Chris Thomas, and Dave produced several other name bands.
A really good turn out and a few punk band members here like Steve Diggle (The Buzzcocks) and
Tony Barber (he had a stint as bass player in The Buzzcocks ) , Captain Sensible (The Damned) ,
Glen Matlock (The Sex Pistols ) , Poly Styrene (X Ray Spex ) and a few others from back
in the day inc Sex Pistols roadies and Ron Watts who was The 100 Club promoter in 1976 for the
legendary 100 Club Punk Rock Festival (I was both days for all of it).
On Tuesday i will put a photo on the invite on my Facebook page.
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Sad news that football legend FRANK WORTHINGTON has died aged 72.
He scored that wonder goal in 1979.
Type in Frank Worthington Super Goal! to view it on YouTube.
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Wednesday 24 March 2021.
Happy Birthday to singer-songwriter NICK LOWE who is 72 today.
I have seen Nick several times on stage over the past 40 years.
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Thursday 25 March 2021.
U2 are showing the second of four special shows on YouTube/U2...up for 48 hours only...
This one is of their legendary performance for "Live at Red Rocks " 1983 show.
I remember seeing this as a tv special back then.
I have seen U2 around 20 times since 1980 when they were a support band.
Each of their YouTube shows has an Irish support act which is a nice touch.
Times should be around 7.30pm support act Fontaines D.C.and 8pm for U2.
On March 25th fans can tune in to see U2: Live At Red Rocks recorded on June 5th 1983 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, United States on the band's War Tour. A career defining show, the rain-soaked performance at the iconic venue helped establish U2's reputation as one of the greatest live acts in the world. And another Grammy-nominated Dublin band, Fontaines D.C. will open the show with a performance recorded in their hometown last year.
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Happy Birthday to ELTON JOHN who is 74 today.
I have seen Elton John live in concert around 40 times, since Dec 1974.
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World Cup 2022 football qualifying games are taking place before the delayed Euro 2020.
ITV 7.45pm - live coverage - England v San Marino

Updated 21st March 2021 Permalink

Wednesday 17 March 2021.

Wednesday 17 March 2021.
Happy Birthday to PATTIE BOYD who is 77 today.
Pattie Boyd is an English model and photographer. She was one of the leading international models during the 1960s and, with Jean Shrimpton, epitomised the British female look of the era. Boyd married George Harrison in 1966 and experienced the height of the Beatles' popularity as well as sharing in their embrace of Indian spirituality. She divorced Harrison in 1977 and married Harrison's friend Eric Clapton in 1979; they divorced in 1989. Boyd inspired Harrison's songs "If I Needed Someone", "Something" and "For You Blue", and Clapton's songs "Layla" and "Wonderful Tonight".
Another trip down memory lane was her autobiography launch in 2007 where I got my book signed.
28 August 2007.Launch party for Pattie Boyd book autobiography "Wonderful Tonight" at
Century Club, Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1.
Very enjoyable couple of hours here for Patties long overdue book on her life.
She met George Harrison on the set of "A Hard Days Night" and they were married for around 10 years
before she left him for Eric Clapton, and again the marriage lasted around 10 years.
Lots of great rock n roll moments in the book.
A particular part of Boyd’s book appears most heartbreaking. “When, years later, myself and Eric get married, and George and his new wife, Olivia, come to the wedding party, Paul comes, Ringo comes, but John couldn’t go. He said later that he would have loved to come. That night there was a huge jam session, and had he been there it would have been the last time the Beatles played together.”
A great crowd here inc David Gilmour(Pink Floyd),Roger Taylor(Queen),Cilla Black and Ben(Curiousity Killed The Cat)who is with his mum who was a friend of Patties in the old days.
Complimentary drinks and canapés for around 150 guests.
See my Facebook page to see a photo of the signed book.
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Happy Birthday to SCOTT GORHAM who is 70 today.
I saw Scott with Phil Lynott 23 times since 1975 when they supported Bachman Turner Overdrive
at Hammersmith Odeon...also a few Lizzy shows post Phil Lynott and then Black Star Riders.
I saw Scott in The Greedies (members inc Sex Pistols/Thin Lizzy) in 1978.
They only played two shows in England , and I was at both of them.
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Happy Birthday to BILLY CORGAN who is 54 today.
I have seen Smashing Pumpkins four times.
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Thursday 18 March 2021.
SKY ARTS 10pm - Richard Pryor documentary.
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Friday 19 March 2021.
Happy Birthday to TERRY HALL (The Specials/Fun Boy Three ) who is 62 today.
It was great to see them often when the UK ska revival took place in the late 1970s.
Clash,Specials Camden Music Machine, London 24.07.1978 Frst of 4 sold out shows
Clash,Specials Camden Music Machine, London 25.07.1978
Damned,UK Subs,Specials Lyceum Theatre, London 08.04.1979 punk and ska 3 band bill
Gang Of Four,Mekons,Specials Lyceum Theatre, London 27.05.1979
Specials,Madness,Selecter,Modettes Electric Ballroom, London 21.07.1979
first major 2 tone ska gig in London
Specials,Selecter,Dexys Midnight Runners Lyceum Theatre, London 25.11.1979 great sweaty ska dance package
Specials,Selecter Lewisham Odeon, London 01.12.1979
Who,Specials,Pretenders Hammersmith Odeon, London 28.12.1979 Charity Concert For Kampuchea
Specials,Swinging Cats Hammersmith Palais , London 06.10.1980 missed stray cats who were first on
Specials Hope And Anchor Pub, London 31.10.1980 fantastic low key club show
Specials Mean Fiddler,Harlesden,London 23.03.1996 reunited again with 4 original members but sadly no Terry Hall but it was still a fantastic 90 mins set.
Specials Jazz Cafe , Camden , London 04.12.1996
Specials Mean Fiddler,Harlesden,London 18.04.1997
Specials Mean Fiddler,Harlesden,London 03.06.1997
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BBC4 10pm - Boomtown Rats documentary.
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Saturday 20 March 2021.
Final day of The Six Nations Rugby Tournament.
Two games are live on BBC1 and one game is live on ITV.
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SKY ARTS 9pm - The Go-Gos documentary.
SKY ARTS 12.15pm - Joan Jett documentary.
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Sunday 21 March 2021.
Happy Birthday to SLIM JIM PHANTOM who is 60 today.
I was lucky to see The Stray Cats a few times in 1980 and 1981 when they were a hot new band.
Also a few of their reunion shows at Hammersmith Odeon, Town & Country Club, Brixton Academy,
Shepherds Bush Empire , Hammersmith Apollo along with seeing Slim Jim when he was part of
Dead Men Walking......also a Head Cat show with Slim Jim and Lemmy in 2011.
Check out this video on YouTube - Stray Cats live at Montreux 1981.
A very nice 79 mins in front of a packed sweaty crowd , and the band were shirtless for the final encore.
With producer Dave Edmunds , they entered the studio to record their self-titled debut album, Stray Cats, released in Britain in 1981 on Arista Records. They had three hits that year with "Runaway Boys", "Rock This Town", and "Stray Cat Strut".
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Two FA Cup quarter-final games are live on BBC1 today.
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BBC1 9pm - the new series of Line Of Duty starts today.
One of the good things about staying in so much these days is watching
on catch-up iPlayer past tv series including Line Of Duty and Killing Eve.

Updated 17th March 2021 Permalink

Monday 15 March 2021.

Monday 15 March 2021.
Over 24 million first doses of the covid vaccine have been given out in the UK.
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Great to see BODY COUNT win a Grammy Award on Sunday for Best Metal Performance.
Check out the track on YouTube - BODY COUNT - Bum-Rush (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
I have seen BODY COUNT live a couple of times.
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KISS classic album "Destroyer" was released 45 years ago today on 15 March 1976.
I bought it on release and two months later i saw both KISS debut London shows
at Hammersmith Odeon in May 1976.
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Happy Birthday to PENNY LANCASTER (Mrs Rod Stewart) who is 50 today.
On Monday i will put up a photo of Penny and myself together at a nice event.
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Happy Birthday to HOWARD DEVOTO who is 69 today.
His main band were Magazine but he was also the original Buzzcocks singer before Pete Shelley.
I saw Magazine three times during 1978/1979 and their reunion tour several years ago.
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Happy Birthday to DEE SNIDER from Twisted Sister who is 66 today.
I had a random meeting and photo with him at the ICE Gaming Show at Excel in Feb 2020.
I saw Twisted Sister three times during their 1980s heyday period.
Twisted Sister,Lita Ford Hammersmith Odeon , London 15.06.1984 great fun double bill.
Twisted Sister,Shy Hammersmith Odeon , London 24.03.1986. Dee Snider is a great front man .
Twisted Sister,Shy Hammersmith Odeon , London 25.03.1986.
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Tuesday 16 March 2021.
The Cheltenham Festival starts today for four days - The Gold Cup is on Friday.
This time last year , they managed to get 50,000 full capacity each day just before the first covid
restrictions lockdown ,that started just a few days later.
There was a lot of critisism over whether it should have been held.
This year it will go ahead without crowds at the Racecourse due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions.
It is live on ITV every afternoon.
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One year ago this week, "normal" gigs came to a standstill due to the first lockdown.
I was at these shows that week...
11 March 2020 - Bryan Ferry at The Royal Albert Hall.
12 March 2020 - The Cat Empire at Shepherds Bush Empire.
13 March 2020 - Elvis Costello & The Imposters at Hammersmith Apollo.
14 March 2020 - Jim Davidson at The Beck Theatre, Hayes.
16 March 2020 - Boris confirms covid lockdown to start pronto.
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BBC4 10pm.
Crock of Gold | A Magnolia Pictures Film | Directed by Julien Temple | Own it on DVD released Dec 2020.
CROCK OF GOLD – A FEW ROUNDS WITH SHANE MACGOWAN deep dives into the life of the tortured Irish vocalist, best known as the lead singer and songwriter of the Pogues.
I first saw Shane on stage when he fronted The Nipple Erectors in Jan 1979.
I have seen Shane on stage a dozen times with The Pogues and The Popes.
The first time seeing The Pogues was 1985 at Hammersmith Palais.
Their shows always had a fantastic atmosphere.
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16 March 1996 - 25 years ago today.
Sex Pistols held their press conference at The 100 Club to announce their "Filthy Lucre" world tour.
I did not go to it, as it was impossible for me to get time off from my day job.
I did see five shows on that superb tour.
23 June 1996 - Finsbury Park, London (main support was Iggy Pop).
04 July 1996 - Le Zenith, Paris, France.
11 July 1996 - Aquatica, Milan, Italy.
17 July 1996 - Shepherds Bush Empire.
21 July 1996 - Phoenix Festival, Stratford Upon Avon.
1996 was that incredible year when The Sex Pistols reformed with original members and
KISS reformed with original members and make up - I saw all four of their UK shows.
Donington (main support was Ozzy Osbourne), Birmingham, Manchester, Wembley.
KISS tour actually was spread over 1996/1997 so i ended up seeing them twice in 1997.
10 June 1997 - Flanders Expo Arena, Ghent ,Belgium.
05 July 1997 - Finsbury Park, London (main support was Rage Against The Machine).
The Finsbury Park show was the last date on their very successful 1996/1997 reunion tour.

Updated 14th March 2021 Permalink

Thursday 11 March 2021

Thursday 11 March 2021.
Mainland Europe seems to be struggling with putting on summer festivals and the vaccine rollout.
Ticket seller and promoter CTS Eventim has announced the cancellation of seven of its festivals including some of Germany’s biggest – Rock Am Ring (cap. 80,000), Rock Im Park (70,000), Hurricane (68,000), Southside (60,000) and Deichbrand Festival (60,000).
While in the UK, more and more festivals are being confirmed for July, Aug, Sept.
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40 years ago this week, my band Gun Control played 3 gigs in 4 days.
Normally we would play once a week, or once a fortnight, but this was our mini-tour.
Pretty amazing how I still got along to see other bands between our own gigs and rehearsals.
Hopefully we will be playing another gig in West London at the end of the year.
Krokus,More Hammersmith Odeon , London 07.03.1981
Gamma,Preying Mantis Hammersmith Odeon , London 08.03.1981
Jeff Beck Band Hammersmith Odeon , London 09.03.1981
Gun Control Roebuck Pub, Chiswick , London 11.03.1981 my band on tour = 3 gigs in 4 days
Gun Control Bedford Pub , Balham, London 12.03.1981 our first gig in south london
Status Quo Hammersmith Odeon , London 13.03.1981 third of four sell out ham odeon shows
Gun Control Clarendon (basement),Hammersmith ,London 14.03.1981
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Friday 12 March 2021.
Happy Birthday to STEVE HARRIS who is 65 today.
I have seen Iron Maiden around 30 times since 1980.
They would play multi-nights at Hammersmith Odeon in the 1980s , when I worked front stage security.
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Happy Birthday to JAMES TAYLOR who is 73 today.
I have seen James Taylor four times since 1986.
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Happy Birthday to PETER DOHERTY who is 42 today.
I have seen Pete several times on stage as part of The Libertines, Babyshambles and solo.
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Happy Birthday to LIZA MINNELI who is 75 today.
In 2002 I saw three of her five shows at The Royal Albert Hall.
In 2008 I saw two of her three shows at The Coliseum.
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SKY ARTS 9pm - Brian Johnson meets Paul Rodgers.
SKY ARTS 11pm - repeat of last week's Poly Styrene documentary.
BBC4 11pm - repeat of the Robert Plant documentary.
BBC2 10pm - Paul Weller is the main guest on the Jools Holland show.
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Japan "Quiet Life" album entered the UK chart at number 13.
Loyal fans buy the album in the first week for many acts, then it drops dramatically.
Alice Cooper "Detroit Stories " entered at number 4 last week, and this week dropped to number 52.
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Saturday 13 March 2021.
Sad news that MURRAY WALKER has passed away.
Legendary commentator Murray Walker has died at the age of 97.
Walker commentated on his first grand prix race for the BBC at Silverstone in 1949 and became a full-time F1 commentator in 1978.
He became synonymous with F1 through his commentary, first with the BBC and then ITV, before retiring in 2001.
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SKY ARTS premiere 9pm - the Story of the 1980s Blitz Kids.
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Happy Birthday to ADAM CLAYTON who is 61 today.
I have seen U2 around 20 times since 1980 when they were the support band to Talking Heads.
I have seen them at...
1985 - Live Aid
1987 - Cardiff Arms Park
2005 - Dublin Croke Park
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Happy Birthday to NEIL SEDAKA who is 82 today.
I have seen him half a dozen times.
Three times at Hammersmith Odeon in 1975, 1976 and 1979.
Then later shows at The Royal Festival Hall and a couple at The Royal Albert Hall.
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Sunday 14 March 2021.
Happy Birthday to JONA LEWIE who is 74 today.
Jona Lewie is an English singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his 1980 UK hits "You'll Always Find Me in the Kitchen at Parties" and "Stop the Cavalry"....both released on Stiff Records.

Updated 10th March 2021 Permalink