Welcome to the Ray's Gigs website!

Here's the latest - updated 13th April 2021

Tuesday 13 April 2021

Tuesday 13 April 2021.
THE LIBERTINES have announced a 15 date UK tour for Nov/Dec.
----------
-------------------
Wednesday 14 April 2021.
Happy Birthday to guitar legend RICHIE BLACKMORE who is 76 today.

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.
------------
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.
------------
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.
----------------------
Saturday 10 April 2021.
Happy Birthday to Stray Cat BRIAN SETZER who is 62 today.
-----------
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.
----------------------
Sunday 11 April 2021.
Happy Birthday to JOSS STONE who is 34 today.
------------
SKY ARTS 1pm - Concert for George Harrison at The Royal Albert Hall 2002.
------------
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.
---------------------
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.
-----------
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
---------------------
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.
------------
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.
------------
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.
-----------
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.
----------------------
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.
----------------------
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.
-----------
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....
----------
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.
--------------------
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
-----------
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.
--------------------
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
---------
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.
---------------------
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.
------------
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.
------------
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.
----------------------
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.
----------------------
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.
----------
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.
----------
Happy Birthday to DIANA ROSS who is 77 today.
I have seen her three times at Wembley Arena - 1997, 2004, 2007.
----------
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.
----------
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.
---------------------
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.
---------
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.
---------------------
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.
-----------------
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.
----------
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.
------------------
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.
------------------
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.
----------
Happy Birthday to ELTON JOHN who is 74 today.
I have seen Elton John live in concert around 40 times, since Dec 1974.
----------
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.
---------
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.
---------
Happy Birthday to BILLY CORGAN who is 54 today.
I have seen Smashing Pumpkins four times.
------------------
Thursday 18 March 2021.
SKY ARTS 10pm - Richard Pryor documentary.
------------------
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
----------
BBC4 10pm - Boomtown Rats documentary.
--------------------
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.
-----------
SKY ARTS 9pm - The Go-Gos documentary.
SKY ARTS 12.15pm - Joan Jett documentary.
--------------------
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".
-----------
Two FA Cup quarter-final games are live on BBC1 today.
-----------
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.
----------
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.
----------
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.
----------
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.
----------
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.
----------
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.
------------------------
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.
-----------
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.
-----------
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.
----------
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.
----------
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
----------------------
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.
-----------
Happy Birthday to JAMES TAYLOR who is 73 today.
I have seen James Taylor four times since 1986.
-----------
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.
-----------
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.
-----------
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.
----------
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.
----------------------
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.
----------
SKY ARTS premiere 9pm - the Story of the 1980s Blitz Kids.
----------
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
----------
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.
-----------------------
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

Sunday 07 March 2021

Sunday 07 March 201.
Strong rumours that the cancelled Glastonbury Festival is back on.....but without a crowd.
They are lining up acts to play at Glastonbury for a televised event.
--------------------
Monday 08 March 2021.
From today we can meet someone from a different household outside, that does not involve exercise.
Meeting up socially outdoors with one other person will be allowed. Until then, it is illegal and you can still only meet another person, outdoors and for exercise. People in care homes will also be allowed one regular visitor.
Jan, Feb and March has been pretty gloomy due to the covid lockdown restrictions.
Roll on to the end of March , when the clocks change and days become warmer and brighter.
---------
Very sad news that artist DUGGIE FIELDS has passed away after a period of ill-health.
Fields briefly studied architecture at Regent Street Polytechnic before studying at the Chelsea School of Art for four years starting in 1964. He left with a scholarship that took him on his first visit to the United States, in 1968. As a student, Fields' work progressed through minimal, conceptual and constructivist phases to a more hard-edged post-Pop figuration. His main influences were at that time Jackson Pollock, Mondrian and comic books, with a special regard to those worked on by Stan Lee. In 1968, after his US visit, Fields went to live in Earl's Court Square and shared a flat with Syd Barrett, who had just left Pink Floyd. Fields still lives in the same flat and he works in Barrett's former room, using it as his atelier.
The last couple of times I saw him was at two very nice parties.
07 May 2017 - Pink Floyd exhibition private view launch party at The V & A Museum.
Guests included Nick Mason, Brian May, Roger Taylor ((Queen),
Jimmy Page, Sir Bob Geldof, Noel Gallagher and Nick Rhodes.
01 Oct 2019 - Dior book launch party at their New Bond Street store.
Guests included Kate Moss , Naomi Campbell, Mick Jones and Bobby Gillespie.
----------
Happy Bithday to GARY NUMAN who is 63 today.
I have seen Gary Numan live around 30 times since 1980.
He was a regular at Hammersmith Odeon when i worked front of stage security throughout the 1980s.
There is a great live version of his classic that is up on YouTube.
Gary Numan - Are 'Friends' Electric? (Live at Brixton Academy)
----------
Happy Birthday to MICKY DOLENZ from The Monkess who is 76 today.
I have seen The Monkees live three times.
April 1989 - Hammersmith Odeon
May 2011 - Royal Albert Hall
Sept 2015 - Hammersmith Apollo (just Micky and Peter Tork as Davy Jones had passed away in 2012).
-------------------
Tuesday 09 March 2021.
THE KILLERS have postponed their UK stadium tour to 2022.
-----------
Happy Birthday to JOHN CALE who is 79 today.
I saw him live in 1975 when The Velvet Underground split up , and later on 2008 when he was
one of the support acts when I saw The Sex Pistols at Azkena Rock Festival, Northern Spain.
I have also seen him at a couple of music awards shows.
-----------
Looks like the Paul Stanley Soul Station release has been postponed to Friday 19 March.
PAUL STANLEY ( KISS ) the debut album "Now and Then" from his project "Soul Station".
Stanley and Soul Station’s cover of “O-o-h Child” will appear on their upcoming debut album, Now and Then, out March 5th via UMe. The record will feature nine covers of classic soul and R&B songs, as well as five original tracks. Other covers include the Spinners’ “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love,” the Temptations’ “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me),” and the Miracles’ “Tracks of My Tears.”
-------------------
Wednesday 10 March 2021.
This album was released last Friday but looks like it will be a Top 10 entry this Friday.
JAPAN "QUIET LIFE"....originally released in the UK in Jan 1980.
Quiet Life was the third, final and most successful release on the Hansa Records label. A forerunner for the alternative/new wave sound of the new decade.
They would release two albums after this one on Virgin Records then they split up.
The record is now the subject of a major new reissue featuring a brand new Abbey Road half-speed remaster of the original album, alt mixes, b-sides, singles, rarities and live material – including the sought after ‘lost’ Live at Budokan show from March 1980 previously only available as the 4 track EP ‘Live in Japan’.
I bought this album when it came out and saw them play many times.
Blue Oyster Cult, Japan Hammersmith Odeon, London 03.05.1978 fantastic double bill
Blue Oyster Cult,Japan Hammersmith Odeon, London 04.05.1978
Blue Oyster Cult,Japan Hammersmith Odeon, London 04.06.1978
Japan Lyceum Theatre, London 26.11.1978
Japan,Reggae Regulars Rainbow Theatre, London 12.04.1979
Japan,Nash The Slash Hammersmith Odeon , London 07.02.1981
Japan,Modern English Hammersmith Odeon , London 16.05.1981
The Japan show on 16 May 1981 was my first stint on front stage security at Hammersmith Odeon.
I would be there for 11 years until 1992 , when it became Hammersmith Apollo, after changing owners.
Japan,Modern English Hammersmith Odeon , London 17.05.1981
Japan Hammersmith Odeon , London 23.12.1981 6pm show start .
Japan Hammersmith Odeon , London 23.12.1981 9pm show start .
Japan ,Sandi And The Sunsets Hammersmith Odeon , London 17.11.1982
First of six Japan shows at Hammersmith Odeon on this UK tour.
Japan,Sandi And The Sunsets Hammersmith Odeon , London 18.11.1982
Japan were huge in the UK at this stage .
Japan,Sandi And The Sunsets Hammersmith Odeon , London 19.11.1982
Japan,Sandi And The Sunsets Hammersmith Odeon , London 20.11.1982
Japan,Sandi And The Sunsets Hammersmith Odeon , London 21.11.1982
Japan,Sandi And The Sunsets Hammersmith Odeon , London. 22.11.1982
-----------
Happy Birthday to ROBIN TROWER who is 76 today.
He was known as the British Jimi Hendrix , due to a similiar guitar style.
I saw him three times in his heyday period, when he played big venues.
Robin Trower,John Miles Wembley Arena, London 05.03.1976
Robin Trower,Racing Cars Hammersmith Odeon, London 25.10.1976
Robin Trower,Samson Hammersmith Odeon, London 08.02.1980

Updated 6th March 2021 Permalink

Thursday 04 March 2021.

Thursday 04 March 2021.
It was two years ago today, that KEITH FLINT from The Prodigy sadly passed away.
Police were called to Flint's home in North End, near Great Dunmow, Essex, in response to concerns for his welfare.Flint was pronounced dead at the scene, and the police did not treat the death as suspicious. It was later confirmed at an inquest into his death he had died as a result of hanging.
The Prodigy were a fantastic live act, who I saw live several times.
--------------------
Friday 05 March 2021.
SKY ARTS 9pm - Brian Johnson meets Joe Walsh.
----------
Will ALICE COOPER new album "Detriot Stories" go straight in at number one today?
It ended up going in at number 4.
The popularity of Queen continues as their "Greatest Hits" album is number 8 in the charts,
despite it being released 40 years ago in 1981.
"Greatest Hits " has spent over 900 weeks on the UK Albums Chart, and has been certified 22× platinum with sales of over 6 million copies, making it the best-selling album of all time in the UK.
----------
Released today - BLACK SABBATH release deluxe versions of their two albums with Ronnie James Dio.
Black Sabbath launch deluxe versions of " Heaven And Hell " (1980) and " Mob Rules" (1981).
Both the classic albums from the early 1980s will be packaged in double album format, vinyl and cd
along with rare and unreleased material.
I saw them eight times at Hammersmith Odeon during the touring for these two albums...
Black Sabbath, Girlschool Hammersmith Odeon, London 07.05.1980
Black Sabbath, Girlschool Hammersmith Odeon, London 08.05.1980
Black Sabbath,A To Z Hammersmith Odeon , London 19.01.1981
Black Sabbath,A To Z Hammersmith Odeon , London 20.01.1981
Black Sabbath,More Hammersmith Odeon , London 31.12.1981
Black Sabbath,More Hammersmith Odeon , London 01.01.1982
Black Sabbath,More Hammersmith Odeon , London 02.01.1982
Black Sabbath,More Hammersmith Odeon , London 03.01.1982
--------------------
Saturday 06 March 2021.
Happy Birthday to DAVID GILMOUR who is 75 today.
David has EIGHT children - four each with both his wives.
His last solo tour was the Rattle That Lock world tour in 2015/2016.
He played 11 shows at The Royal Albert Hall - 5 + 1 + 5
For the show on 24 April 2016 I was front row centre in the arena, just a few feet from the stage.
-----------
SKY ARTS are having a punk evening from 9pm- four programmes.
Poly Styrene - documentary premiere.
I saw her fronting X-Ray Spex three times in the late 1970s.
X-Ray Spex Marquee Club, London 30.12.1977 (free entry)
Tom Robinson Band,Steel Pulse,The Clash,X-Ray Spex Victoria Park, London 30.04.1978
X-Ray Spex,Sore Throat Hammersmith Odeon, London 27.11 1978
-----------
White Riot - documentary on Rock Against Racism featuring The Clash.
I attended the major event for Rock Against Racism.
Tom Robinson Band + Steel Pulse + The Clash + X-Ray Spex , Victoria Park, London 30.04.1978
Tom was a spokesperson for the movement , so TRB ended being the last band on at this free gig.
-----------
The Sex Pistols - There'll always be an England.
It is a live concert film by Julien Temple of the Sex Pistols' November 2007 Brixton Academy shows celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols.
I was at all five of these Brixton shows - you can see me a couple of times in the superb crowd scenes.
The full DVD is also up on YouTube.
I have seen The Sex Pistols live 29 times.
-----------
The Damned - Don't You Wish That We Were Dead documentary.
I saw The Damned once in 1976 and 10 times in 1977 ,along with many times since then.
Nick Mason produced their second album in 1977.
-----------
Very sad news that the bands manager in This Is Spinal Tap has passed away.
Tony Hendra ,who played band manager Ian Faith in the film This Is Spinal Tap, has died at the age of 79.Hendra’s window, Carla Meisner, confirmed his death to the New York Times. The actor had been battling ALS - also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease - since being diagnosed in 2019.
He had many great lines in the classic 80s film , which spoofs the life of a rock band.
I saw Spinal Tap actually play live shows...Royal Albert Hall in 1992 and Wembley Arena in 2009.

Updated 3rd March 2021 Permalink

Tuesday 02 March 2021.

Tuesday 02 March 2021.
Happy Birthday to HARRY REDKNAPP who 74 today.
See my Facebook page to see a photo of the two of us together, along with my review of the event.
------------
BRYAN ADAMS has postponed his three Royal Albert Hall shows to 2022.
ERIC CLAPTON has postponed his UK & European Tour to 2022.
------------
Happy Birthday to JON BON JOVI who is 59 today.
I have seen Bon Jovi live around 25 times since they first came to the UK, as a support act.
Including all four superb shows at Hammersmith Odeon on the "Slippery When Wet" tour in 1986.
I also saw Bon Jovi in New Jersey, USA in 2000.
KISS,Bon Jovi Brighton Centre , Brighton 30.09.1984 KISS not wearing make-up on this tour.
KISS,Bon Jovi Wembley Arena , London 14.10.1984
KISS,Bon Jovi Wembley Arena , London 15.10.1984
Bon Jovi,FM Hammersmith Odeon , London 17.11.1986
Bon Jovi,FM Hammersmith Odeon , London 18.11.1986
Bon Jovi,Queensryche Hammersmith Odeon , London 24.11.1986
Bon Jovi,Queensryche Hammersmith Odeon , London 25.11.1986
------------
Sad news that another football legend has passed away.
Liverpool player IAN ST JOHN has died aged 82, the club have confirmed. The former striker played for the Reds throughout the 1960s, where he won two league titles and the FA Cup.
When he retired as a player , he was great as a tv football presenter/pundit with Jimmy Greaves.
-----------
Sad news that an Australian music industry legend has passed away.
Michael Gudinski has been active over there since the 1970s.
His influence looms large in Australian music history, died March 2 at his home in Melbourne.
The founder of Frontier Touring and Mushroom Group, including record label Mushroom Recods, was 68.
According to a statement on Mushroom Group’s website, Gudinski died in his sleep and no cause was given.
---------------------
Wednesday 03 March 2021.
I get my first Covid jab today.
-----------
Happy Birthday to CHRIS REA who is 70 today.
I have seen him perform live a couple of times.

Updated 1st March 2021 Permalink

Friday 26 February 2021.

Friday 26 February 2021.
Following a government announcement by Boris on Monday suggesting large-scale UK events will be able to open in June, two Live Nation festivals – Reading & Leeds and Creamfields – have jointly sold 170,000 tickets within 72 hours....Reading & Leeds & Creamfields are all held in the last weekend of August.
---------
SKY ARTS 9pm - Brian Johnson meets Mick Fleetwood.
SKY ARTS 11pm - Marvin Gaye documentary.
I saw Marvin Gaye at Hammersmith Odeon in 1981...his dad shot him dead in 1984.
SKY ARTS 12.15pm - James Brown live at Montreux 1981.
I have seen James Brown live around a dozen times, with the first time being Hammersmith Odeon in 1977.
---------------------
Saturday 27 February 2021.
Happy Birthday to STEVE HARLEY who is 70 today.
I have seen him on stage a dozen times , with the first times in 1975 and 1976 when
Cockney Rebel headlined Hammersmith Odeon.
------------
SKY ARTS 9pm - Dire Straits live at Hammersmith Odeon 1983....I was at both their shows on that tour...
In the foyer at those shows Phillips were showcasing their new product...it was called a CD player.
SKY ARTS 11pm - The Jam live in Germany 1980.
Film 4 11.45pm - Carrie (1976) - one of my fave ever films.
---------------------
Monday 01 March 2021
The Download Festival today announced that this years June event will not happen.
The date being early June that includes UK covid regulations and lots of American acts.
Headliners for Download June 2022 have been confirmed as KISS , Iron Maiden and Biffy Clyro.
----------
Happy Birthday to ROGER DALTREY who is 77 today.
I have seen The Who around 30 times , including three times with Keith Moon in the 1970s.
The Who,Charlie Hammersmith Odeon, London 22.12.1975
The Who,Charlie Hammersmith Odeon, London 23.12.1975
The Who,Alex Harvey Band,Little Feat Charlton F.C. , London 31.05.1976

Updated 25th February 2021 Permalink

Monday 22 February 2021

Monday 22 February 2021.
Today at 3.30pm - BORIS JOHNSON revealed the next "lockdown roadmap exit plan" for England.
Over 17 million doses of the first Covid vaccine given out in the UK, so hopefully no more lockdowns.
08 March - we can officially meet one person from a different household outside for a chat, coffee etc.
12 April - bars and restaurants to open - outside areas only and socially distanced.
12 April - non-essential shops including barbers and hairdressers can open.
17 May - bars and restaurants to open - inside and socially distanced.
Theatres will reopen on May 17 but venues will be limited to half of their total capacity, with a maximum limit of 1,000 people, the Government has announced.
Restrictions on indoor events are among the strictest, with evidence showing that the virus is much more likely to spread between people who meet inside.
Theatre performances, cinemas and other live events will be phased back in as part of Step 3 of the easing of lockdown, but social distancing restrictions will be maintained and venues will be limited to a maximum capacity of 1,000 people, with no more than 50 per cent of seats filled.
21 June - if everything goes to plan , no covid restrictions and " life goes back to normal".
-------------------
Tuesday 23 February 2021.
AEROSMITH have postponed their European Tour to June/July 2022.
----------
MICK JAGGER narrates a 95-second film to celebrate the 150th anniversary of The Royal Albert Hall.
Watch legendary moments in music history, alongside appearances from artists, athletes and activists, in their 95-second tribute to live music and performance, narrated by Sir Mick Jagger.
View it on www.royalalberthall.com
I have been to a few hundred shows at that iconic venue , including many legendary gigs.
My first shows there were Bryan Ferry and Abba in 1977.
A spokesman for the venue said " the first major event back should be in June" so that means
shows including Bryan Adams (April) and Eric Clapton (May) will be officially postponed soon.
------------------
Wednesday 24 February 2021.
Happy Birthday to actor DENNIS WATERMAN who is 73 today.
Anyone around my age will remember how good he was in tv series " The Sweeney" and "Minder".
He became well known as DS George Carter in The Sweeney during the 1970s. As well as starring as Terry McCann in Minder, Waterman sang the theme song, "I Could Be So Good for You", which was a top three UK hit in 1980 and a top ten hit in Australia.
----------
This time last year, i caught this Canadian singer-songwriter support at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Never heard of him before but had a few really good songs, and this was one of them.
It is an updated video with city images from his European tour , including London and Paris.
It also mixes in some front stalls fan clips from Shepherds Bush Empire.
On YouTube - JP Saxe - 3 Minutes (Official Music Video)
-------------------
Thursday 25 February 2021.
Happy Birthday to Welsh music legend MIKE PETERS who is 62 today.
I have seen The Alarm around 20 times since they headlined Hammersmith Odeon in 1985,
along with several shows of him in Dead Men Walking and other projects.
Check out this great 75 mins MTV worldwide broadcast from UCLA in 1986.
YouTube - The Alarm - Spirit of '86 (Full Broadcast)

Updated 22nd February 2021 Permalink

Friday 19 February 2021.

Friday 19 February 2021.
AC/DC singer BON SCOTT sadly died on this day 41 years ago - 19 Feb 1980.
Bon had been out drinking with friends in London – but the casual evening took a terrible turn as Scott passed out in his car, and ultimately choked to death on his own vomit. He was only 33 years old.
I was lucky to have seen Bon 19 times with AC/DC including many of their earliest shows in the UK.
I always remember seeing where i read about AC/DC the first time.
It was in Sounds music paper who had an article on new bands to look out for in 1976.
It mentioned AC/DC who had a guitarist who dressed up in full schoolboy uniform and
the singer would carry him on his shoulders through the crowd...that was enough to get me along.
Their live reputation soon got around and it only took seven months from arriving in the UK ,
and playing pubs and The Marquee to headlining Hammersmith Odeon.
AC/DC Captain Video Nashville Pub, London 26.04.1976 first time I saw them.just amazing.
AC/DC Back Street Crawler Marquee Club, London 12.05.1976
AC/DC Fulham Greyhound Pub, London 23.05.1976
AC/DC Marquee Club, London 04.06.1976
AC/DC Lyceum Theatre, London 07.07.1976 every time I saw them they were great
AC/DC Marquee Club, London 26.07.1976 broke the house attendance record
AC/DC Marquee Club, London 02.08.1976
AC/DC Marquee Club, London 09.08.1976 AC/DC had a weekly Monday gig at Marquee
AC/DC Marquee Club, London 16.08.1976
AC/DC, Tyler Gang Hammersmith Odeon, London 10.11.1976 first major London headline theatre show
AC/DC, Jenny Darren Rainbow Theatre, London 11.03.1977
AC/DC Hammersmith Odeon, London 25.11.1977
AC/DC,British Lions Hammersmith Odeon, London 07.05.1978
AC/DC,Blazer Blazer Hammersmith Odeon, London 15.11.1978
AC/DC,Blazer Blazer Hammersmith Odeon, London 16.11.1978
Who,Stranglers,AC/DC,Nils Lofgren Wembley Stadium, London 18.08.1979 fantastic stadium bill
AC/DC,Def Leppard Hammersmith Odeon, London 01.11.1979 first of 4 sold out shows here
AC/DC,Def Leppard Hammersmith Odeon, London 03.11.1979
AC/DC,Pirates Hammersmith Odeon, London 17.12.1979 (last London show with Bon)
Visit my Facebook page to see a photo.
-----------------
Saturday 20 February 2021.
8.30pm - Vive Le Rock magazine internet gig featuring a dozen acts.
I think it will be free to view after Saturday as well, as it is not a paid ticket event.
----------
SKY ARTS 9pm - THE CURE live at Hyde Park , London in July 2018 to celebrate their 40th anniversary.
I did not go to this show, as i saw their warm up show at The Royal Festival Hall.
-----------------
Sunday 21 February 2021.
Amazingly this live music fan has a gig clash , that is all of 15 months away.
You would think that booking agents and promoters would try and avoid this type of thing.
Birmingham has two large arenas, one in the city centre and one on the outskirts of town.
She sent a tweet to the A-ha Twitter account....
Why reschedule the A-ha date at Birmingham Utilita Arena to 28th May 2022, so that it now clashes with Pet Shop Boys at Birmingham Resorts World Arena on the same date? I already have tickets to both events. Do I now have to choose a “favourite” and get a refund on the other? Pouting face

Updated 19th February 2021 Permalink

Sunday 14 February 2021

Sunday 14 February 2021.
SYLVAIN SYLVAIN online gig from New York, in memory of his life.
Around 20 acts including David Johansen, Earl Slick, Debbie Harry, Clem Burke,Glen Matlock.
Looks like it is a paid ticket event....15 dollars - around £12.
----------
THE WHO recorded their classic album "Live at Leeds " on this day 51 years ago.
It was recorded at the University of Leeds Refectory on 14 February 1970, and is their only live album that was released while the group were still actively recording and performing with their best-known line-up of Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle and Keith Moon.
----------
The U.K. has now given out over 15 million Covid vaccines....pretty amazing.
----------
Happy Birthday to KEVIN KEEGAN who is 70 today.
-------------------
Monday 15 February 2021.
THE WHO have finally announced the cancellation of their March 2021 UK arena tour.
Covid strikes again, and no doubt a few more tours will be postponed or cancelled.
-----------
THE MEMBERS have a new album out.
I saw them live 14 times in the period 1978 to 1982.
”Bedsitland” features 10 new Songs and three Members of the Classic classic 1978 line up (Nigel Bennett, Chris Payne and JC Carroll) Plus Long time drummer plus Nick Cash and Special Guests that include John Perry (The Only Ones) Guy Pratt (Pink Floyd/Nick Mason etc)
The Record will be available on Vinyl , CD, USB memory Stick and all the usual Digital Formats.
-------------------
Wednesday 17 February 2021.
From 23 Feb , New York will start allowing socially distanced events in arenas to happen.
Do expect a 10% capacity limit in arenas and stadiums that can fit over 10,000 people, plus assigned and socially distanced seatings, temperature checks and face covering requirements.
One more thing: everyone entering the various complexes must show proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the event they're attending.
The thing is , how can anyone make any money unless the event is televised, when only 10% capacity ?
-------------------
Thursday 18 February 2021.
THE DAMNED released the first ever UK punk album on this day 44 years ago.
Damned Damned Damned is the debut studio album by English punk rock band the Damned. It was released on 18 February 1977 by Stiff Records. Produced by Nick Lowe, Damned Damned Damned was the first full-length album released by a UK punk group.
I bought it as soon as it came out.
I have seen The Damned live over 40 times, including once in 1976 and ten times in 1977.
----------
Some sad news.....Legendary pioneer of the dancehall, U Roy is dead.
The veteran toaster reportedly died in his native Jamaica on Wednesday night after ailing for sometime. He was 78.
Tributes flowed freely on social media Wednesday night as musicians expressed sorrow at the death of a pioneering godfather of Jamaican music.

Updated 14th February 2021 Permalink

Wednesday 10 February 2021.

Wednesday 10 February 2021.
Keith Moon: The Final 24 (Full Documentary).....it is up on YouTube...
Well worth watching is this 48 mins documentary on the life of this legendary rock drummer.
Features interviews from Alice Cooper, Kenney Jones and others.
---------
First it was 2020 then 2021 and now its 2022.
Queen + Adam Lambert's upcoming Rhapsody Tour has been rescheduled to 2022. The tour is due to include a massive London run of ten nights at The O2 from 5 - 21 June 2022.
---------
Not a good week for BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN.
The past weekend some fans and critics took a dim view of Bruce taking the big bucks
for his Jeep advert during Super Bowl , and today it has came out that he was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.
The Boss was arrested in the Gateway National Recreation Area, also known as Sandy Hook, New Jersey in November, but authorities just confirmed the details Wednesday.
Springsteen received citations for driving while under the influence, reckless driving and consuming alcohol in a closed area. The spokesperson said Springsteen was cooperative throughout the process.
---------
10 Feb 1978 - VAN HALEN classic debut album released 43 years ago today.
It has now sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
I saw Van Halen supporting Black Sabbath twice at Hammersmith Odeon in June 1978 where
their setlist was based on that album , and they completely upstaged the headliners.
-----------------
Thursday 11 February 2021.
Happy Burthday to SHERYL CROW who is 59 today.
Happy Birthday to actress JENNIFER ANISTON who is 52 today.
-----------------
Friday 12 February 2021.
Happy Birthday to guitarist STEVE HACKETT who is 71 today.
Happy Birthday to guitarist BRIAN ROBERTSON who is 65 today.
I saw him playing , when he had stints with Thin Lizzy in the 1970s , and Motorhead in the early 1980s
-----------------
Saturday 13 February 2121.
Happy Birthday to PETER GABRIEL who is 71 today.
Another quality artist who puts on a great show.
I have seen him live several times , including this superb show when it played London.
Go to YouTube for a superb " in the round " production that came out on DVD - Growing Up 2003
Also another superb live DVD show - Secret World 1994
See my Facebook page on Saturday for a picture of the two of us together.
---------
Happy Birthday to PETER HOOK (Joy Division/ New Order / solo )
I was lucky to see Joy Division five times over 1979/1980.
I have seen New Order a few times, and his solo band shows are nice long sets of over two hours.
---------
SKY ARTS 9pm - Muse live in Rome 2013.
FILM 4 11pm - World War Z film ( Muse are on the soundtrack)
I went to the afterparty for this film which was a huge event back in 2013.
'World War Z' at Horse Guards Parade,St James's Park,London SW1.
I was at the Muse event...8pm to 10.30pm.
Brad Pitt is hosting a massive event after the premiere for his new film 'World War Z'.Paramount Pictures must have real clout as The Mall is closed to all traffic and i do not think this historic venue has ever had a film afterparty let alone a rock gig held here.
Around 15,000 comp winners with mainly floor standing and a few blocks of seats around the edge.
One block is for the vips that attended the film premiere earlier.Brad Piff looks cool with longer hair as he waves to the crowds.
There are clips of the film shown on the big screens.
We have a full production short gig by Muse.
A superb eight song hits set lasting 42 mins.
They arrive on stage dead on 9.35pm just as it is going dark so the effects of the spotlights and lasers on the old buildings around us is stunning.
Lots of columns of fire on stage for the opening track.
An excellent event.
Fourteen mins of Muse music used in the film soundtrack.
Full MUSE setlist played.....
Supremacy...Supermassive Black Hole...Follow Me...
Starlight...Madness...Uprising(Extended outro)...
Knights of Cydonia...
Encore:...Time Is Running Out...

Updated 10th February 2021 Permalink

Saturday 06 February 2021

Saturday 06 February 2021.
SKY ARTS 6.30pm - The Who live at Kilburn 1977.
SKY ARTS 8pm - The Making of Marc Bolan documentary.
SKY ARTS 9pm - documentary on 1980s indie band The Nightingales.
They were championed by legendary dj John Peel in the early 1980s.
They split up for 20 years but have reformed and are still ticking over today.
In the late 1970s, they were called The Prefects, who i saw in 1977 supporting The Slits at The Vortex.
---------
Sad news that STEFAN CUSH from folk punk group The Men They Couldn’t Hang has died ,
following a sudden heart attack...he was aged just 60.
I saw them play live a couple off times at the end of the 1980s at The Mean Fiddler, Harlesden.
-----------------
Sunday 07 Februay 2021.
The NFL Super Bowl is live from the USA on BBC1 11.30pm to 3.30am.
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida.
The Weeknd is playing the half-time show.
Great timing to promote his just announced ,massive 11 month world tour of arenas Jan to Nov 2022.
The Weekend performance is up on YouTube but much better is The TikTok Tailgate Party featuring
Miles Cyrus with guests Joan Jett / Billy Idol / Steve Stevens, which is also up on YouTube.
---------
Happy Birthday to ALAN LANCASTER (ex Status Quo) who 72 today.
I have seen Status Quo over 50 times since 1974 , when they headlined Hammersmith Odeon.
One of those bands that would always play multi-nights at that venue when they toured.
I was at all seven of their shows at that venue in 1984.
I saw them twice in Australia in 2003.
I was lucky to have seen a few of their "Frantic Four" shows several years ago when
all four original members re-united.
-----------------
Monday 08 February 2021.
Any NEW YORK DOLLS fans should watch this documentary on YouTube - 78 mins.
New York Doll - Killer Kane Documentary
The story of New York Dolls bass player and gentle soul Arthur "Killer" Kane.
He was left behind when the band broke up in the 1970s and other members had more success.
He said just before the reunion shows, " For 30 years , i have been living in obscurity and been told that I'm just a loser. And now, well we want to get back to that same excitement. But I have to get used to it. It's something that I haven't dealt with in thirty years" .
He joined The Mormon Church and then got the call for those amazing reunion shows in 2004
at Morrissey Meltdown Festival at The Royal Festival Hall.
I was at both those shows - on the film at 59.40 you can see me down the front.
Sadly Arthur died just a month after the shows took place.
----------
I was at both New York Dolls RFH aftershow parties.
16 June 2004 New York Dolls ,Royal Festival Hall,
London. Excellent aftershow party for the Dolls
first show anywhere for over 25 years .Morrissey
pops his head in for a few mins also Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols) Bobby Gillespie (Primal
Scream ) Patti Palladin, Bob Gruen , Andy who
owned punk rock club The Roxy in 1977 .All the
Dolls are here and are friendly and chatty even
though David Johansen is well out of it .Plenty
of free booze for the 50 or so people here.Mega.
It was the same a couple of nights later for the
second New York Dolls show with Paul Cook (Sex
Pistols ) Mick Jones ( Clash + C Silicon )Tony
James (Gen X + C Silicon ) Bob Geldof ,Don Letts,
Shane McGowan and Primal Screams Bobby Gillespie
all here.
----------------
Tuesday 09 February 2021.
Happy Birthday to JIMMY PURSEY from Sham 69 who is 66 today.
I have seen Sham 69 over 20 times since 1977 ,which included two shows at The Rainbow in
Dec 1977 when they supported The Clash.
They had a skinhead following ,so a few of their shows had to to be stopped due to fighting.
Jimmy met up with Steve Jones and Paul Cook for the ill-feted Sham Pistols.
Oddly Jimmy reformed Sham 69 a few years ago because there was a tribute band
going out using their exact same name , which is totally mis-leading to punters.
Check out a good Sham 69 45 mins YouTube show from a French Rock Festival in 2019.
Sham 69 - Live at Hellfest (Jun 22, 2019) HDTV
---------
MARY WILSON, who co-founded The Supremes and remained a member of the group until they split up, has suddenly died at the age of 76.
The singer passed away at her home in Henderson, Nevada, her publicist Jay Schwartz announced, but he did not confirm the cause of death.
The Supremes were known for hits such as Baby Love and You Can't Hurry Love.
The group was founded in Detroit as The Primettes in 1959, when Wilson was 15 years old.
Wilson was an original member of the group alongside Diana Ross, Florence Ballard and Barbara Martin.
I saw Mary singing with The Supremes at Hammersmith Odeon in 1975, after Diana Ross
had left the group to go solo.
Oddly , just two days before her death,Mary released a video on YouTube talking about releasing material.
Search in Google for - Mary Wilson YouTube Channel Celebrates Black History Month 2021
--------
Dutch rockers GOLDEN EARRING have broken up. The band, who originally formed as the Golden Earrings in 1961, are calling it quits after guitarist George Kooymans was diagnosed with the degenerative muscle disease ALS....this has meant that a planned final tour is not happening.
I saw them headline The Rainbow Theatre, London in 1977...they had a classic hit "Radar Love".

Updated 6th February 2021 Permalink

Monday 01 February 2021.

Monday 01 February 2021.
London Live tv 11pm - Rude Boy (1980 film) featuring The Clash.
-----------------
Tuesday 02 February 2021.
Sex Pistol SID VICIOUS died 42 years ago today on 02 Feb 1979... He was aged just 21.
VICIOUS WHITE KIDS at The Electric Ballroom, Camden, London on 15 August 1978.
I was at this show that was Sid Vicious last appearance on a UK stage.
Vicious was due to fly to New York City and needed money,so after bumping into ex-Pistol Glen Matlock one day, he decided to play a gig with him. Matlock, who Vicious had replaced in the Sex Pistols, saw it as an opportunity "to show there was no animosity" between them, he later commented.Matlock recruited his Rich Kids bandmate Steve New on guitar, and The Damned's Rat Scabies completed the line up on drums. Vicious' girlfriend Nancy Spungen sang backing vocals, but after hearing her at rehearsals, Matlock made sure her microphone was not plugged in on the night of the gig. The name of the band came from an amalgamation of Sid Vicious, The Rich Kids and Rat Scabies' part-time outfit The White Cats.
Although i went to many punk gigs in the 1970s , like everyone else i rarely took a camera, but for this I did.
One of those crappy little things where only half a dozen photos came out of a roll of 24.
There are three photos i took at the gig that night on my Facebook page.
-----------------
Wednesday 03 February 2021.
Happy Birthday to ex Kink DAVE DAVIES who is 74 today.
-----------------
Thursday 04 February 2021.
Happy Birthday to ALICE COOPER who is 73 today.
I have seen Alice Cooper live around 20 times, with the first being Wembley Arena in 1975.
---------
10 million covid vaccines have been given out in the UK...pretty amazing.
That is 19% of the entire UK population.
-----------------
Friday 05 February 2021.
This day 28 years ago on 05 Feb 1993.
I attended the first ever show at the newly re-named Hammersmith Apollo - JOE SATRIANI.
For the previous 30 years 1962 - 1992 it was known as Hammersmith Odeon.
--------
Some great news in the hotel world as THE MOXY HOTEL opens in Slough.
It is less than five minutes walk from Slough train station....just one stop on the train to Windsor.
A new 'double-decker' hotel has opened in Slough - featuring nods to the town's past and a classic TV show.
The Moxy and Residence Inn hotels are part of a bigger residential, retail and leisure hub built on the former site of Slough Library - at the junction Bath Road and Windsor Road.
At the moment, the hotels are only taking booking for guests exempted from the government's coronavirus guidelines - such as people coming to the town for work purposes or attending medical appointments.
The Moxy has 152 rooms and incorporates graphics from Thunderbirds into its designs. The world-famous puppet show was filmed in Slough in the 1960s by creators Gerry and Sylvia Anderson.
The Residence Inn has 92 suites and designed for longer-staying guests, who can enjoy views of the London skyline.
----------
SKY ARTS 8pm - Pub Rock documentary.
BBC1 9pm - It's A Sin - episode 3 of 5.
Excellent sublime series about London’s gay community in the 1980s, from the creator of Queer as Folk.
Three young gay men move to London and are faced with the HIV crisis.
Olly Alexander from the band Years & Years is superb in the lead role.
Along with a great 1980s soundtrack.
SKY ARTS 10pm - Janis Joplin documentary.
----------
Actor CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER has died aged 91.
Veteran and respected actor had a career stretching back to the 1950s, but won his Oscar for best supporting actor for Beginners in 2011.
He was best known for his role in the classic film "The Sound of Music"
Christopher Plummer, the dazzlingly versatile Canadian actor whose screen career straddled seven decades, including such high-profile films as The Sound of Music, The Man Who Would Be King and All the Money in the World, has died aged 91.
His family confirmed the news, saying he died peacefully at home in Connecticut, USA.

Updated 1st February 2021 Permalink

Wednesday 27 January 2021.

Wednesday 27 January 2021.
Happy Birthday to NICK MASON who is 77 today.
See my Facebook page for a nice picture of us together.
------------------
Friday 29 January 2021.
Happy Birthday to ADAM LAMBERT who is 39 today.
Queen are due to play a UK tour in June 2021.
------------------
Saturday 30 January 2021.
Happy Birthday to PHIL COLLINS who is 70 today.
Genesis are re-forming for a UK tour later this year.
Happy Birthday to PETER CROUCH who is 40 today.
------------------
Sunday 31 January 2021.
Happy Birthday to JOHN LYDON who is 65 today.
I have put a couple of photos from the following event up on Facebook that i took in October 2013.
Tuesday 15 October 2013....7pm to 1am... But
Broadcast Music, Inc. presented the BMI Icon Award to music legend John Lydon at its annual BMI London Awards held at London’s Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane,Mayfair, London W1. The BMI Icon designation is given to songwriters who have had “a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” John Lydon joins an elite list of songwriters that includes 2011 recipient Queen, as well as Ray Davies, Steve Winwood, Van Morrison, Donovan, Don Black and Bryan Ferry, among others.
“John Lydon is a true icon whose influence on music, fashion and art has been felt around the world. We are very pleased to recognise his impact on popular culture and his outstanding musical contributions with the BMI Icon Award,” said Del Bryant, BMI President and Chief Executive Officer.
Around 300 guests are here at this famous five star hotel for dinner and drinks at the 30 tables.
John is here with his wife Nora, John "Rambo" Stevens, Scott Murphy, Reggie
along other family members and friends and staff from Universal Music.
All the members of the current Public Image Limited are here but no Sex Pistols members are here.
The event was held during the PIL UK tour held that month.
Around 20 awards are given out, and John gets the main award at the end.
They played a nice video montage of Sex Pistols and PIL classic clips on the big screen.
John gets a full standing ovation when he goes up to collect the award and make a speech.
John's speech is up on YouTube.
--------------
During lockdown a few people have asked me about Sex Pistols gigs so i have
compiled a basic list of all the Sex Pistols shows that I have seen.
Sex Pistols shows i have seen = 29
1976 x 3 - Sundown Club + 100 Club Punk Rock Festival + Notre Dame Hall.
1977 x 1 - Screen On The Green (with Sid on bass) .
Their Filthy Lucre reunion tour in 1996 was their first shows since Jan 1978.
1996 x 5 - Finsbury Park + Paris + Milan + Shepherds Bush Empire + Phoenix Festival.
2002 x 2 - one off show for Europe and one off show for North America.
Their shows in 2002 were their first shows since The Filthy Lucre Tour in 1996.
Sex Pistols at Crystal Sports Arena, London 27 July 2002
Sex Pistols + Offspring + Social Distortion + Bad Religion +Buzzcocks + Blink 182 + New Found Glory + X + Damned Glen Helen Blockbuster Pavillion,Devore , California , USA. 14 Sept 2002
Huge all day UK/USA punk festival outdoors in scorching heat.
2003 - x 5 - San Francisco + Las Vegas + Los Angeles + San Diego + Phoenix.
2007 - x 7 - all 5 at Brixton Academy + Manchester + Glasgow.
2008 - x 6 - Birmingham Academy + Isle of Wight Festival + Lokerse Festival, Belgium +
Electric Picnic Festival, Ireland + Hammersmith Apollo + Azkena Rock Festival , Northern Spain.
Public Image Limited shows I have seen = a dozen times with the first being their debut UK show at
The Rainbow , London on 25 Dec 1978 ( yes , they were allowed to play on Christmas Day back then) .

Updated 27th January 2021 Permalink

Tuesday 26 January 2021.

Saturday 23 January 2021.
Sad news that Legendary American TV personality LARRY KING has died today (January 23) aged 87.
The news was revealed on King’s official Twitter account by his representatives, Ora Media. No official cause of death has yet been announced, though King was hospitalised at the start of the month after contracting COVID-19.
During his six-decade career, which included 25 years hosting his own nightly programme on CNN, King interviewed many of the most famous political leaders, celebrities and sports people of the day.
He had been married EIGHT times.
----------
Saturday 23 Jan and Sunday 24 Jan is FA Cup 4th Round games.
Three live games on BBC1 over the weekend.
----------
Saturday 23 Jan SKY ARTS - The Story of Cream docu (2 hours plus) and Disraeli Gears classic album docu.
I was at all four Cream reunion shows at The Royal Albert Hall in 2005.
Saturday 23 Jan SKY ARTS - Manic Street Preachers live in Manchester 1997.
Sunday 24 Jan SKY ARTS - Rogers Waters "Us + Them" live on his 2017/2018 world tour.
Sunday 24 Jan SKY ARTS - Deep Purple "Perfect Strangers".
1984 saw the long-awaited reunion of the classic Deep Purple Mark II line-up of Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord and Ian Paice. It was the first time they had been together since 1973. They recorded a brand new studio album, "Perfect Strangers" and headed out on tour. This show was filmed in Melbourne, Australia and is the only full length concert film of the band at this time. It's a stunning concert with the band in incendiary form. The setlist mixes then new tracks from the "Perfect Strangers" album with favourites from the early seventies culminating in the brilliant "Smoke On The Water" finale.
--------------------
Monday 25 January 2021.
Hard to believe that "punk poet" JOHN COOPER CLARKE is 72 today.
-----------
Check out this great show I went to - WHITESNAKE Hammersmith Apollo in 2004....1 hour 43 mins.
Full pro-shot DVD quality - type in Google/YouTube - Whitesnake - Live In The Still Of The Night 2004.
Reminds me of that great live gig atmosphere we have badly missed for nearly a year now.
I have seen Whitesnake live around 25 times since 1978.
This is my review of the after-party i attended for that show....
20 October 2004 Whitesnake + Quireboys ,
Hammersmith Apollo ,London. Aftershow at the
venue for around 150 people in the balcony bar. .
No free booze but a great atmosphere for 90 mins or so.
David Coverdale showed his face for a few mins along
with Jimmy Page (Led Zep) and Brian Johnson(AC/DC).
The remaining members of Whitesnake and
Quireboys all stayed until the end which was more
down to all the pretty woman showing an interest
in hanging out with them me thinks.
These included The Suns Top Page 3 Girl Zoe and
a couple of her model mates who all had a sherbet
too many .Also here was Luke Morley from Thunder
and rock n roll photographer Ross Halfin . A couple of
nice quotes were given .Me asking the drummer "Why
He Does Not Bother With Gloves Like Some Rock
Drummers Do?? Answer was " Gloves Are For
Homosexuals " also Brian Johnson could not confirm
whether the rumours of AC/DC playing Brixton
Academy just before or after Christmas are true.
Could be another Carling Live one off show??
All in all a proper rock n roll night really.
---------------------
Tuesday 26 January 2021.
ITV4 9pm - The Blues Brothers (1980 film) .... also repeated on Thursday evening.
-----------
Great scenes from an outdoor "normal " concert in New Zealand, that was held on Saturday.
20,000 concert goers without social distancing due to the strict previous NZ lockdown.

Updated 23rd January 2021 Permalink

Sunday 17 January 2021.

Sunday 17 January 2021.
Happy Birthday to MICK TAYLOR ( ex Rolling Stones ) who is 72 today.
----------
Legendary music producer PHIL SPECTOR has died aged 81 , of Covid while in prison.
He was an American former record producer, musician, and songwriter who developed the Wall of Sound, a music production formula he described as a Wagnerian approach to rock and roll. Spector is regarded to be among the most influential figures in pop music history and as the first auteur of the music industry for the unprecedented control he had over every phase of the recording process.After spending three decades in semi-retirement, in 2009, he was convicted for the 2003 murder of the actress Lana Clarkson.At the time of his death, he was serving a prison sentence of 19 years to life.
The Ramones recorded with him , and they had to deal with his erratic behaviour.
-------------------
Tuesday 19 January 2021.
Happy Birthday to DOLLY PARTON who is 75 today.
I saw Dolly live at Wembley Arena (2007) and The 02 Arena (2008)
In 2019 I went to the opening night party for Dollys musical " 9 to 5" at The Savoy Hotel Ballroom.
A very lavish event, and Dolly was there for an hour or so.
-------------------
Wednesday 20 January 2021.
JOHN LYDON will appear on todays edition of Loose Women on ITV.
ITV, Loose Women, Wednesday, January 20th 2021 12:30pm - 1:30pm UK.
John was one of the few musicians that supported Donald Trump.
I presume it will be via video as John lives in America.
---------
Happy Birthday to NICKY WIRE (Manic Street Preachers) who is 52 today.
I have seen the Manics around 20 times since an early club show at The Hibernian Club, Fulham in 1991.
---------
Joe Biden takes over from Trump today in America.
Musicians will come out to support him at the main event and tv specials including
Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Bon Jovi, Lady Gaga, Cher, James Taylor and Barbra Streisand.
---------
Happy Birthday to PAUL STANLEY of KISS who is 69 today.
I have seen KISS over 30 times since their debut London shows in May 1976 at Hammersmith Odeon.
Includes five overseas shows...
Sept 1979 - Chicago , USA.
June 1997 - Ghent , Belgium.
March 1999 - Paris , France.
June 2008 - Milan, Italy.
June 2010 - Madrid, Spain ( see my photos page below to see me with KISS from this show).
See my Facebook page for a couple of KISS photos, including a flyer i picked up in 1979.
-------------------
Thursday 21 January 2021.
Artists not getting proper monies from streaming is a total scandal
Sky News spoke to Gary Numan about artist revenue from streaming as a Parliamentary inquiry looks into the economics. Gary Numan has told Sky News he received just £37 for a hit that had been streamed more than a million times, as an inquiry into the economics of digital music services continues.
---------
Rod Stewart usually kicks out 20 or so signed footballs at every show.
Rod Stewart said he will not be kicking signed footballs out anymore as too many
fights have broken out as fans fight over them.Rod said "sometimes it's like a Rangers v Celtic brawl".
---------
Friday 22 January 2021...Tonight , BBC4 tv have an evening dedicated to Neil Diamond
The legendary Neil Diamond in the week of his 80th birthday with Neil Diamond at the BBC - a brand new compilation film which looks back at some of Diamond’s best BBC moments. That same evening, audiences will have another chance to view his set from Glastonbury 2008 as well as from the Electric Proms, which took place at London's Roundhouse in 2010....Neil is 80 on Sunday.
I have seen Neil Diamond three times in concert.
1999 - Wembley Arena.
2005 - Earls Court Arena.
2008 - 02 Arena.

Updated 17th January 2021 Permalink

Thursday 14 January 2021.

Thursday 14 January 2021.
Happy Birthday to Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) who is 52 today.
SKY ARTS 2pm - Sissy Spacek documentary - one of my fave actresses since she was in 1976 film Carrie.
---------------------
Friday 15 January 2021.
Very sad new news that glam-punk legend SYLVAIN SYLVAIN has died of cancer aged 69.
The news was announced on his Facebook page, with a statement saying that he had the disease for two and a half years. “While we grieve his loss, we know that he is finally at peace and out of pain,” it adds. “Please crank up his music, light a candle, say a prayer and let’s send this beautiful doll on his way.”
I was lucky to see The New York Dolls live 11 times after they reformed in 2004.
They brought out three great albums during that period too.
Also Sylvain Sylvain solo events...
1986 - Dingwalls
2013 - 100 Club
17 July 2018 - Sylvain Sylvain book launch party Omnibus Press, London W1 - 3 songs plus QnA.
22 July 2018 - Sylvain Sylvain book tour - Dublin Castle, London NW1 - 10 songs plus QnA.
See my Facebook page for photo of the autographed book.
-----------
British tribute band PEARL JAMM have been served with lawyers papers from the real Pearl Jam,
to stop using their name, hand over their internet domain name, destroy all merch etc.
Pearl Jam are saying it is too similar to their own name.
Another well known tribute band are Pearl Jam UK but they are safe it seems...for now.
-----------
Happy Birthday to Saxon vocalist BIFF BYFORD who is 70 today.
---------------------
Saturday 16 January 2021.
Happy Birthday to SADE who is 62 today
-----------
Directors JULIEN TEMPLE and DAVID MALLETT.
Go on their wiki pages and see their incredible list of music videos and music films they have directed.
-----------
SKY ARTS 9pm - JIMMY CARTER: ROCK & ROLL PRESIDENT ( documentary film from 2020)
If it hadn’t been for a bottle of scotch and a late-night visit from musician Gregg Allman, Jimmy Carter might never have been elected the 39th President of the United States. The documentary charts the mostly forgotten story of how Carter, a lover of all types of music, forged a tight bond with musicians Willie Nelson, the Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan and others. Low on campaign funds and lacking in name recognition, Carter relied on support from these artists to give him a crucial boost in the Democratic primaries. Once Carter was elected, the musicians became frequent guests in the White House. The surprisingly significant role that music played throughout Carter’s life and in his work becomes a thread in this engaging portrait of one of the most enigmatic Presidents in American history.
It is repeated Sunday evening at 11pm.

Updated 14th January 2021 Permalink

Sunday 10 January 2021.

Sunday 10 January 2021.
Sad news that the legendary hippie dancer gig-goer JESUS (William Jellett) has died age 72 ,
after a period of ill-health.
He was a regular figure at London venues, dancing at the front of his stage with his long straw-like hair,tambourine and maracas at loads of gigs and festivals in the late 1960s ,1970s and 1980s.
I saw him many times at venues including Hammersmith Odeon, The Marquee, The Roundhouse etc.
Many artists would also certainly remember him...
When I saw Neil Young at Hammersmith Apollo in 2008 , Neil recalled on stage to
seeing a guy named Jesus dancing at the front of stage when he played there in 1976.
When I saw Madness play The Roundhouse in 2019, Suggs recalled on stage to
seeing Jesus dancing madly at the front of stage in the late 1970s when he went to gigs there.
The last time I recall seeing Jesus dancing front of stage at a gig was 27 May 2004.
Alvin Lee + Edgar Winter + Tony McPhee at The Royal Albert Hall.
I bumped into Jesus around a decade or so ago, and I asked him where does he go ?
Oddly he said The Standard in Walthamstow which was mainly a pub venue for tribute bands.
I said that was an odd choice.
Jesus said " he was fed up with security hassling him at the bigger venues , and that the staff
at that venue were always happy to see him".....R.I.P.
-------------
Happy Birthday to ROD STEWART who is 76 today.
See my Facebook page for photo of when i went to his book signing in 2012.
Would you queue for a few hours for Rods autograph? ...I did.
07 Oct 2012.Rod Stewart book signing at Waterstones,Piccadilly,London.
A big crowd here from all over the UK for Rods signing of his new autobiography.
A friend is a big Rod fan so i said i would go along.I got there 7.45am yes 7.45am for the signing that was down for 12.30pm.
Even then i am raffle ticket 91 out of 250 allowed.There was nice friendly banter between all the waiting crowd.
Rod Stewart and Penny were dead on time.
Rod looking very dapper as usual.
Some rules here.
Only the book to be signed.No other items.
Two copies per person allowed.
I bought my copies from Tesco for £9 as Waterstones charging £20 for the book.
Waterstones allowed book purchases from rivals, but you had to produce receipts.
No photos of Rod with the customers but you can take photos of Rod and Penny.
I got my two signed just after 1pm so pretty much i was there over 5 hours.Will not be making a habit of doing that any day soon but job done.
After the signing Rod flew to Glasgow to watch Celtic beat Barcelona 2-1.Rod was all over the tv and papers as he was seen crying with joy with the result.
-------------
SKY ARTS 10.30pm - David Bowie " A Reality Tour" live in Dublin in 2003.
I went to the Birmingham show and both the Wembley Arena shows on this tour in Nov 2003.
This 2003/2004 tour was his final one before he retired due to ill-health.
I went to both the aftershow parties for the Wembley Arena shows.
Ricky Gervais and Frank Skinner were at the first night but the second night was better,
as Brian Eno and James Dean Bradfield were there and SONY presented David with a gold disc
as we all stood in a semi-circle and David went around the entire room shaking hands with all
including me...very surreal that was.
---------------------
Monday 11 January 2021.
Happy Birthday to SPIZZ ENERGI who is 62 today.
I have seen him live many times over the past 40 odd years.
-----------
BRIAN MAY is taking on the fragrance market with his own scent, Save Me.
The guitarist and animal rights activist has teamed up with Sergio Momo – boss of perfume company Xerjoff – to launch the new scent, named after Queen’s 1980 hit, to raise money for the protection of wildlife and badgers....suitable for men and women.
---------
OLIVIA HARRISON ( wife of George) is in a London hospital suffering from Covid-19.
---------------------
Tuesday 12 January 2021.
This should be good......A six-part tv biopic based on Sex Pistol STEVE JONES autobiography.
Academy Award-winning director Danny Boyle has been confirmed as director.
It will consist of six episodes and will be based on Jones’s memoir Lonely Boy: Tales from a Sex Pistol.
The series will move throughout Jones’ life - from the Shepherd’s Bush council estates where he grew up, to the international controversy that came with the release of Never Mind the Bollocks - which is often cited at one of the most influential albums of all time - and the release of tracks such as God Save the Queen.
Production starts in March , so hopefully it will be on screens by the end of the year.
I have two copies of the book - one is autographed by Steve Jones.
---------------------
Wednesday 13 January 2021.
Happy Birthday to Wayne Coyne (Flaming Lips) who is 60 today.
Happy Birthday to Suggs (Madness) who is 60 today.
Happy Birthday to Bill Bailey who is 56 today.

Updated 10th January 2021 Permalink

Thursday 07 January 2021.

Thursday 07 January 2021.
NEIL YOUNG is the latest high-profile musician to cash in on his song rights, selling a 50% stake in his music to British investment company Hipgnosis. The company said it acquired half of Young's global copyright and income interests of his catalog, which includes 1,180 songs.
Would be funny if Neil Young forgot to tell them that the 50% he has kept are all his classic songs from the
1960s and 1970s and Hipgnosis has bought the other lesser known material.
-------------------
Friday 08 January 2021.
BBC4 tv has an evening of programmes for the 5th anniversary of David Bowies death - 10 Jan
David Bowie would have been 74 today.
I saw David Bowie live over 20 times from 1976.
I got his "Heathen" album signed by him and a handshake at HMV, Oxford Circus in Sept 2002.
There is a picture of it on my photos page at the bottom of my website.
When I had a five year stint reviewing gigs for my local paper, David Bowie was one of them.
See my Facebook page for the actual review.
I also went to the opening night for his 'Bowie Is" exhibition at The V & A Museum, London SW7.
That was 20 March 2013 - a great event with loads of celebs from music, film, art, fashion etc.
David Bowie was not there as he stayed in New York due to retirement/health problems.
-----------
Happy Birthday to SHIRLEY BASSEY is 84 today.
--------------------
Saturday 09 January 2021.
Happy Birthday to guitar legend JIMMY PAGE who is 77 today.
See my Facebook page for a couple of photos from "Celebration Day" DVD premiere.
------------
Happy Birthday to DAVID JOHANSEN who is 71 today.
See my Facebook page for a couple of photos from their HMV signing.
Pretty amazing how many times I saw The New York Dolls after they reformed in 2004.
------------
SKY ARTS 9pm - Billy Joel live at Shea Stadium 2008...Billy is joined by Paul McCartney.
Sat and Sun - FA Cup third round - lots of games live on BBC1 and BBC iPlayer.

Updated 7th January 2021 Permalink

Saturday 02 January 2021.

Friday 01 January 2021.
No wonder Macca did not want to clash with Taylor Swift for opening week album sales,
as McCartney III has slumped to number 19 in its second week of release.
-------------------
Saturday 02 January 2021.
SKY ARTS 4pm - The Rolling Stones live in Hyde Park 2013.
Hyde Park Live is a live album by The Rolling Stones, released in 2013. It was recorded at Hyde Park, London on 6 and 13 July 2013 during the band's 50 and Counting Tour. The album was released exclusively as a digital download through iTunes on 22 July 2013 for a limited time of four weeks. The album debuted at #16 in the UK and #19 in the US.The same concert was later issued on DVD as Sweet Summer Sun: Live in Hyde Park.
I was at both these great shows...both were 65,000 capacity sold out.
--------------------
Sunday 03 January 2021.
Happy Birthday to JOHN PAUL JONES (Led Zeppelin / Them Crooked Vultures) who is 75 today.
See my Facebook page for a photo of us together.
-------
Very sad news that GERRY MARSDEN has passed away aged 78, following a heart infection.
The Gerry & The Pacemakers singer was best known for the hit, You'll Never Walk Alone.
It is still famously sung on the terraces at Anfield Football Stadium (Liverpoool F.C.)
It was one of their three number one singles, that all went to the top in 1963.
Another well known hit the following year was "Ferry Across The Mersey".
I saw Gerry & The Pacemakers play The Royal Albert Hall in 2005.
--------------------
Monday 04 January 2021.
04 Jan 1986 - PHIL LYNOTT sadly passed away 35 years ago today.
I was lucky to have seen him play with Lizzy 23 times including their last ever UK show.
After a difficult leg of the tour in Japan, where some members of the band had difficulty obtaining heroin, Thin Lizzy played their final UK concert before their break-up at the Reading Festival in August 1983.
--------------------
Tuesday 05 January 2021.
KISS NYE show in Dubai is up on YouTube and well worth watching.
Main show - 2 hours 13 mins full set.
The finale of " Rock n Roll All Nite" is spectacular , with non-stop fireworks and flames.
Pre-show documentary - 58 mins ( pretty amazing how much effort was put into getting this show on).
The band seem keen on promoting Dubai, Atlantis Hotel and Emirates Airlines (all sponsors) .
Only time I was in Dubai was in their airport for a couple of hours, en route to Australia.
Gene and Paul said that KISS will play their again, and bring their families with them.
Rehearsals - songs played with pyro but band not in make-up and costumes.

Updated 2nd January 2021 Permalink

Friday 01 January 2021.

Sunday 27 December 2020.
41 years ago this week, i went to all four Concerts for Kampuchea at Hammersmith Odeon.
Queen Hammersmith Odeon, London 26.12.1979
Ian Dury And The Blockheads,The Clash,Mutumbi Hammersmith Odeon, London 27.12.1979
The Who,Specials,Pretenders Hammersmith Odeon, London 28.12.1979
Wings,Elvis Costello,Rockpile Hammersmith Odeon, London 29.12.1979
----------------------
Monday 28 December 2020.
Rock legend LEMMY sadly passed away, five years ago today.
LEMMY died just four days after his 70th birthday, Lemmy died at his Los Angeles apartment from prostate cancer, cardiac arrhythmia, and congestive heart failure.
I saw Motorhead live over 40 times since 1975 when they supported Blue Oyster Cult.
Over half the times I saw them was at Hammersmith Odeon/Apollo.
A good excuse to play the great official video for Motorhead's "Killed By Death".
----------------------
Tuesday 29 December 2020.
Happy Birthday to Marianne Faithfull who is 74 today.
--------
BBC4 9pm - documentary- when Bruce Dickinson played war torn Sarajevo in 1994.
BBC4 10.45pm - Metallica live at Glastonbury Festival 2014.
--------
Sad news that Pierre Cardin has died at the age of 98. The French fashion designer passed away in hospital in Neuilly, west of Paris, his family confirmed.
----------------------
FOOTBALL great Jimmy Greaves is finally set to be given a gong in the New Year’s honours.
The record-breaking striker and former TV host, 80, will be made an MBE along with fellow 1966 World Cup squad member Ron Flowers, 86.
----------
Wednesday 30 December 2020.
BBC2 10pm - The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne (2020 documentary film)
----------
Sales of vinyl and cassettes surged once again in 2020, as music fans spent much of lockdown discovering new favourites to add to their collections.
The BPI, the organisation that represents the UK’s recorded music industry, reports Official Charts Company data showing that fans bought nearly 5 million vinyl LPs in 2020, marking a 21st century record and the highest total since the early Nineties.
Cassette sales are set to double by the end of the year, their highest level since 2003, as artists offer their music in a greater range of formats.
----------
Happy Birthday to PATTI SMITH who is 74 today.
Happy Birthday to JEFF LYNNE who is 73 today.
Happy Birthday to JAY KAY (Jamiroquai) who is 51 today.
Visit my Facebook page for a photo of me and him together.
------------------
Thursday 31 December 2020.
Happy New Year to all visitors to my website.
Although "normal " gigs stopped in mid March due to Covid ,i still managed to get along to 35 of them.
I will put up my Top 10 gigs of the year in early 2021.

Updated 24th December 2020 Permalink

Thursday 17 December 2020.

Thursday 17 December 2020.
Happy Birthday to PAUL RODGERS who is 71 today.
Happy Birthday to TOMMY STEELE who is 84 today.
--------
17 Dec 1979 - 41 years ago today.
I saw Bon Scott play his last ever London show with AC/DC at Hammersmith Odeon.
It was the 4th time I had seen AC/DC that year , and the 19th time I had seen them with Bon Scott.
Bon was found dead just a couple of months later, in Feb 1980.
Who,Stranglers,AC/DC,Nils Lofgren Wembley Stadium, London 18.08.1979
AC/DC,Def Leppard Hammersmith Odeon, London 01.11.1979
AC/DC,Def Leppard Hammersmith Odeon, London 03.11.1979
AC/DC,Pirates Hammersmith Odeon, London 17.12.1979
--------
It was 10 years ago this week I went to a couple of mega PAUL McCARTNEY with band shows,
which included an intimate show at the legendary 100 Club.
18 Dec 2010 - Hammersmith Apollo - on stage for 2 hours 20 mins.
We had excellent seats 5th row of circle dead centre.Twiggy and Sharlene Spiteri are sitting in the row in front of us.Nearby are Paul Weller,Ali Campbell,comedians Steve Coogan,Rob Brydon and Frank Skinner.Also here were artist Sir Peter Blake and dj Chris Moyles.
-
17 Dec 2010 - The 100 Club - lunchtime show - on stage for 1 hour 55 mins.
This was when the first news of the threat of The 100 Club being sold off came out.
Paul did not respond to a couple of chaps who shouted out a few times between songs,
"Paul, why don't you buy The 100 Club".
Thursday lunchtime I will put a photo up on Facebook of the ticket and special edition t-shirt.
------------------
Friday 18 December 2020.
RONNIE BIGGS passed away on this day in 2013.
See my Facebook page of a review and photo from when i attended Ronnies book launch event in 2011.
------------------
PAUL McCARTNEY releases his third solo album today.
Looks like a deal was made so Macca could be number one for Christmas as Taylor Swift
brought her album out a week early , so as not to outsell Paul in his first week.
--------
Happy Birthday to KEITH RICHARDS who is 77 today.
Keith looked on deaths door in the 1970s with his heroin habit , but he is still out there rockin'.
The Rolling Stones 2020 American Tour has been postponed to 2021.
I have seen The Rolling Stones over 20 times since 1976 , when I saw four of their six shows
at Earls Court Arena.
------------------
Saturday 19 December 2020.
Looks like the Paul McCartney pr machine goes into full action this week, to plug his new album.
Macca hoping to be the number one when the next charts are announced on Christmas Day.
Starting with , BBC1 9.20pm to 10.20pm Idris Elba meets Paul McCartney - recorded at The ICA, London.
It will be up on BBC iPlayer to view over the next month.
Update - Idris made a bit of a blooper during his intro as he said " I saw Paul perform a great show at
Wembley this time two years ago " - that was fake news as it was The 02 Arena - I was there.
Paul also did a phoned in interview to Howard Stern in New York.
---------
CHAN 4 at midnight - Carrie (1976)
I saw this great film in Hammersmith when it was first released - still in my Top 10 fave films of all time.
------------------
Sunday 20 December 2020.
We need a bit of cheering up these days and it was great that BILL BAILEY delivered.
The comedian & singer was the winner of this year's Strictly Come Dancing, becoming the oldest celebrity to lift the glitterball trophy. The 55-year-old shared his triumph with partner Oti Mabuse, the first Strictly dancer to win for two years in a row.
He had danced to Metallica and Queen over the weeks and strapped on a rocket firing guitar.
Bill has headlined Hammersmith Apollo in the past but I did see him a few years ago at
The Hexagon, Reading.
--------
SKY ARTS 9pm - The Eagles live at The Los Angeles Forum 2018.
-------------------
Monday 21 December 2020.
Very sad news that the legendary West End venue CAFE DE PARIS is to close after more
than 90 years, due to covid ,which has crippled their income.
I have been to loads of very nice events there at this 500 capacity venue including
2005 - the first ever Classic Rock Awards
2006 - INXS
2018 - Kylie Minogue launch party gig for her "Golden" album.
Paul Raymond Publications party every year was good fun.
On 8 March 1941, the café was bombed soon after the start of a performance ,and at least 34 people were killed and around 80 injured. Two bombs fell into the basement ballroom down a ventilation shaft and exploded in front of the stage. The victims included 26-year-old bandleader Ken "Snakehips" Johnson,his saxophonist Dave "Baba" Williams,other band members, staff and diners.
The venue did not reopen until 1948 but re-established itself as one of the leading theatre clubs in London, playing host to Judy Garland, Josephine Baker, Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, James Mason, David O. Selznick, Jennifer Jones, Tony Hancock and Grace Kelly. In the 1950s Noël Coward often performed cabaret seasons at the Café de Paris as did Marlene Dietrich. It was also used in the 2006 music video for I Think We're Alone Now by Girls Aloud.
-------------------
Tuesday 22 December 2020.
Happy Birthday to Cheap Trick guitarist RICK NIELSON who is 72 today.
Rick is the lead guitarist and primary songwriter of American rock band Cheap Trick. He is well known for his numerous custom-made guitars from Hamer Guitars, including his famous five-neck guitar.
I have seen Cheap Trick several times since 1979.
Rick throws out dozens of guitar plectrums at every show.
---------
JOE STRUMMER sadly passed away 18 years ago today...he was aged only 50...
Joe Strummer, was a British musician, singer, songwriter, composer, actor, and radio host who was best known as the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist, and co-lead vocalist of punk rock band The Clash.
After a break he formed Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros.
I was lucky to have seen The Clash 20 times and his other band several times.
-------------------
Wednesday 23 December 2020.
Happy Birthday to Pearl Jam vocalist EDDIE VEDDER who is 56 today.
Pearl Jam play two massive shows in Hyde Park in July 2021.

Updated 17th December 2020 Permalink

Monday 14 December 2020.

Monday 14 December 2020.
Very sad news that GERARD HOULLIER has passed away.
Liverpool and France manager, dies aged 73.
Houllier had undergone heart surgery in Paris before his death.
Led Liverpool to Uefa Cup, FA Cup and League Cup treble.
--------
It was this day 47 years ago that I saw the first of over 2000 shows at Hammersmith/Apollo.
14 Dec 1973 - Queen + Mott The Hoople
---------
The Clash third studio album "London Calling" was released 41 years ago today - 14 Dec 1979.
---------
Happy Birthday to JANE BIRKIN who is 74 today.
Check my Facebook page for a photo of us together.
-------------------
Tuesday 15 December 2020.
Happy Birthday to The Clash bass player PAUL SIMONON who is 65 today.
Happy Birthday to Kasabians SERGE PIZZORNO who is 40 today.
Check my Facebook page for a photo of us together.
--------
As has been threatened for a number of days now, London is confirmed as being raised to Tier 3 restrictions from midnight on Wednesday morning on 16 December.
Put simply, it means that all restaurants, bars and pubs have to shut - and are back to only deliveries and takeaways. Essentially it's the same as Lockdown 2.0.
This also means theatres have to close, and most have only been open a week.
This also means football stadiums in Tier 3 cannot have fans inside the stadium.
-------------------
Wednesday 16 December 2020.
Happy Birthday to ZZ Tops BILLY GIBBONS who is 71 today.
I have seen ZZ Top live around a dozen times since 1980.

Updated 14th December 2020 Permalink