Welcome to the Ray's Gigs website!

Here's the latest - updated 12th February 2026

Sunday 15 February 2026.

Friday 13 February 2026.
Happy Birthday to PETER GABRIEL who is 75 today .
Happy Birthday to PETER HOOK who is 70 today.
Happy Birthday to ROBBIE WILLIAMS who is 52 today.
-------------
-------------
Thursday 12 February 2026.
Happy Birthday to SHERYL CROW who is 64 today.

Updated 12th February 2026 Permalink

Sunday 08 February 2026.

Sunday 08 February 2026.
STARCAT live at The 100 Club.
An evening of adrenaline-soaked Rock ‘n’ Roll with STARCAT featuring the legendary Slim Jim Phantom, Phil Polecat and Neal X.
The show will feature tracks from their respective three groups - The Stray Cats , The Polecats , Sigue Sigue Sputnik - and classic covers from the 1960s and 1970s.
I have seen The Stray Cats over a dozen times, including three times in 1980 when they first came over , and they were the hottest new band in town.
I saw Sigue Sigue Sputnik at The National, Kilburn in 1986.
------------
Good to see several chums here tonight.
STARCAT arrived on stage at 8.20 for their 80 mins.set.
The highlight of the evening was a few classic hits of The Stray Cats .
The band look so cool on stage
Slim Jim and his stand up drums, Phil Polecat and his stand up double bass, and Neal X with a nice array of nice looking guitars , and all wearing cool stage wear .
They were joined by a fourth member on sax.
Nice to see a couple of special guests joining them for a couple of tracks each
TOBY LEE is a 21 year old blues guitarist , and it was great to see him dueling with Neal X
HOTOI is a Japanese guitarist , who is based in London, but has sold millions of records in Japan over his 40 year career.
An excellent show.
Setlist included several rock roll covers from the 1960s and 1970s , along with ....
Rumble in Brighton - The Stray Cats
Rockabilly Guy - The Polecats
Stray Cat Strut - The Stray Cats
TOBY LEE joined them for two tracks
Hey Jayne Mansfield Superstar - Sigue Sigue Sputnik
Tiger Feet - Mud
Runaway Boys - The Stray Cats
Love Missile F1-11 - Sigue Sigue Sputnik
and HOTOI joined them for the final two great tracks of
Rock This Town - The Stray Cats
C'mon Everybody - Eddie Cochran
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Saturday 07 February 2026.
GUITAR GANGSTERS plus support acts live at The Music Box , Bourne Avenue ,Hayes.
Note that the venue has moved from West Drayton Football Club.
This new to me venue , is putting on punk rock shows.
Hayes, Middlesex is out West London way , Zone 4 on the Elizabeth Line.
This launch gig is FREE ENTRY for all.
Get more info from the Old School Promoters website.
They also promote gigs at a couple of other small venues.
The London-based punk band Guitar Gangsters have been around for over 30 years, and are known for their melodic, late 70s power punk, and are influenced by bands like The Clash , The Jam and The Ruts, Guitar Gangsters gained recognition in the punk scene and solidified their reputation as a live act
----------------
The venue is around 15 mins walk from the train station.
I walk past where EMI had their famous vinyl record pressing plant.
The EMI (originally Gramophone Company) record-pressing plant in Hayes, Middlesex, was a cornerstone of the music industry from the early 20th century, with major operations spanning from 1907 to the late 1970s.
The site is pretty much a mix of new housing blocks of flats and industrial .
Artists including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Cliff Richard, T.Rex and Pink Floyd – had their vinyl records produced at the site. Production reached its peak in the 1960s at the Hayes site, which covered 150 acres and saw a staggering 14,000 people in work there.The area is now known as The Old Vinyl Factory.
Around 50 or 60 folks are here.
WOKERATI PARTY arrived on stage at 8.35pm for their 40 mins set.
A duo making a nice racket.
Male drummer and main vocals, female guitar and backing vocals.
GUITAR GANGSTERS arrived on stage at 9.45pm for their 70 mins set.
A four piece who are dressed in black.
Lots of good catchy lively punk pop like "Turn The Tables," "Nothing To Shout About," and "That's When The Razor Cuts".
The final song of the night was the only cover ' Be My Baby's.
A good set.

Updated 7th February 2026 Permalink

Friday 06 February 2026

Friday 06 February 2026.
Congratulations to top notch young new band THE MOLOTOVS.
Their debut album has gone straight in at number 3 in the UK charts.
I saw them play a great gig at The 100 Club just a few days ago .
-----------------
-----------------
Thursday 05 February 2026....6.30pm to 8.45pm...
PRESTIGE EVENTS MAGAZINE 23rd birthday at Kerb Social Club, Spitalfields Market , London E1.
Around 100 guests are here.
Prestige Events Magazine is a premier UK-based publication and resource hub serving 35,000+ senior event planners, corporate hospitality managers, and industry professionals. It provides insights into industry trends, event technology, and venue selection, featuring "cool" venues
Kerb Social Club. An inclusive neighbourhood sports bar for food, drinks, live sports and entertainment. A bold, open venue where sport, street food and good times collide. With big screens, buzzing bar energy, darts, karaoke, five private rooms and food that’s worth cheering for.
Later on there is some dodgy sounding karaoke by some female guests.
We ended up leaving an hour before it was due to finish.
Complimentary prosecco, wines, beers and a buffet of southern fried food.
They promised cocktails on the invite , but that did not happen , so I would have to say not as good as some of their previous events at other venues.
------------------------
------------------------
Wednesday 04 February 2026...6.15pm to 11pm...
THE SUNDAY TIMES Sportswomen of the Year Awards 2025 at Nobu , Portman Square ,London W1.
Around 250 guests in this very nice restaurant and hotel.
Several well known faces are here to pick up awards or present or just to watch .
Sharron Davies , Lawrence Dallaglio, Ellie Simmonds, Baroness Karren Brady .
Emily Maitlis did the interviews after the awards.
Emily did that car crash interview with Prince Andrew.
We are seated in rows for the awards at 8pm for an hour.
The award winners were ....
Ellie Kildunne named The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year.
Ellie accepted via video message .
Michelle Agyemang is the Sure Young Sportswoman of the Year.
Michelle was here to accept .
Alice Tai wins the Disability Sportswoman of the Year.
Alice accepted by video message .
Sarah Perry receives the Helen Rollason Award for Inspiration.
Sarah was here to accept the award . A tiny car with big retention and even bigger list
Natalie O’Rourke MBE voted Grassroots Sportswoman of the Year.
Natalie was here to accept the award.
Lionesses coach Sarina Wiegman awarded the Editor’s Choice Award.
Sarina accepted via video message .
Mastercard Team of the Year awarded to England Red Roses.
A couple of the girls picked up the award.
Lots of very nice complimentary drinks and food before and after the awards , including Laurent Perrier champers ,spirits n mixers , Negronis , wines , beers , small plates that included their famous black cod , canapes and desserts .

Updated 5th February 2026 Permalink

Tuesday 03 February 2026.

Tuesday 03 February 2026.
JUST FOR ONE DAY - THE LIVE AID MUSICAL The Shaftesbury Theatre, London WC2.
I went to see this excellent musical just three weeks ago , but am back again as it closes at this venue this coming Saturday 07 February 2026.
It is very full, at least 95% tickets sold overall tonight.
We have excellent seats, in the stalls a dozen rows back.
The show is on for 2 hours 15 mins over two sets of 65 mins and 70 mins.
There are around 20 actors /singers on stage. A live six piece band are on the raised stage at the back.
The show starts with the complexities of recording the single ' Do They Know It's Christmas' and then getting the artists to perform at Wembley Stadium. Lots of great songs that were performed at Wembley and Philadelphia. Some acts that were at Wembley get no mention whatsoever.
The actor playing Bob Geldof was again superb , with plenty of his trademark swearing.
The actress playing Maggie Thatcher was also top notch .
The actor playing Harvey Goldsmith was also really good.
The original event in July 1985 was my number one best live gig event that i have ever attended.
It is a really excellent and enjoyable feel-good musical.
It will go on a major UK tour from March 2027.
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
Monday 02 February 2026...I went to two vents tonight....
6.30pm to 7.30pm
TV CHOICE AWARDS - The Hilton Hotel , Park Lane, Mayfair , London W1.
TV Choice is a popular weekly TV listings magazine.
I am here for the red carpet press arrivals for an hour.
I was last at this TV awards event around a decade ago.
Must be around 400 guests here.
Lots of familiar faces from the TV screens here tonight.
Many are here from the different TV soaps.
JASON MANFORD is here as he is on hosting duties .
Also Pete Wicks, Lisa Snowdon, James Martin, Brian Conley , Denise Van Outen, Shaun Wallace, Nicki Chapman, Don Warrington , Michelle Collins , Gaby Roslin, Matt Baker , Jenny Ryan, Alison Steadman , Anne Hegarty and musicians who have TV or radio side jobs, Shayne Ward , JB Gill, Duncan James and Harry Judd.
Complimentary Silverhand English Sparkling Wine for all the guests.
then
THE MOLOTOVS live at The 100 Club , London.
Certainly one of the best newish bands out there .
I have seen them supporting The Libertines and The Sex Pistols.
They have already sold out The Electric Ballroom.
They have played over 600 gigs including youth clubs.
They have a great look and sound that's draws influences from Mod and Punk Rock.
Brother and sister duo (Matt and Issey ) , with a male drummer for live shows.
This is the London date on their UK tour to promote their debut album ' Wasted on Youth' which was released last Friday on Marshall Records to several great reviews.
Will be interesting where it ends up in the album charts come this weekend , as they have done full promo with with gigs, in store record store appearances and TV , radio and newspaper/magazine interviews .
-------------
This iconic venue is sold out in advance.
Oddly for such a young band , most of the crowd are middle aged blokes.
THE FORTY FOURS arrived on stage at 8.30 for their 35 mins set.
The Forty Fours are also a very young looking back.
They have the 1960s retro look of suits and ties.
They play a rock n roll set of 1960s and tracks from their upcoming debut album.
They were enjoyable to watch.
THE MOLOTOVS arrived on stage at 9.30pm for their 65 mins set.
The band is incredibly tight, delivering high-speed songs with almost no breath between them. Blonde Issey on bass is magnetic on stage, possessing a strong, commanding presence, as she cannot stop moving and tossing her hair to the music , as she pouts and poses.
Matt on vocals is a dead ringer for The Ace Face / Sting in Quadrophenia.
They played tracks from the new album , along with some new tracks, and a cover of David Bowies ' Suffragette City'.
Their dad loved The Jam and played them non stop at home , and saw them four times back in the day , so you can see why Paul Weller comparisons are made with Matt.
Matt said they are in a battle with Lily Allen's album for the number one spot.
They are a real bundle of uptempo energy, and really good to watch.
Needless to say , bigger venues like The Forum Kentish Town are coming next time Sept 2026.

Updated 2nd February 2026 Permalink

Saturday 31 January 2026.

Saturday 31 January 2026.
Happy Birthday to punk legend JOHN LYDON who is 70 today .
I have seen him with The Sex Pistols and PiL many times.
----------------
----------------
Saturday 31 January 2026.
THE ROTTYS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Join the boys from The Screen Rot podcast for Content's biggest night as they once again give out the prestigious Rottys to the stars of your dirty little phone screens, with help from a load of special guests.
--------------
The crowd tonight was 95% male...lots of rowdy drinkers too.
Stalls seated , and sold out , so must be 1000 to 1200 tickets sold.
The crowd have been asked to wear attire as it you are going to a real awards show...some do.
They must be doing something right as big guns Live Nation are their promoters.
The show seemed very short as on for only 75 mins over two sets of 35 mins and 40 mins.
They basically gave out awards to TikTok / Instagram etc folks they and the crowd like.
The big screen showed the three shortlisted for each category , and the winner was here to accept.
They have a few cosy armchairs on stage , and that's it.
The first half included...
Father of the Year and Viral Moment of the Year.
The second half included...
Waffller of the Year and Podcast of the Year.
Great to see Mike Parry to pick the Best Waffler of the Year award.
The evening finished with everyone on stage and all the crowd singing ' Wonderwall'.
There were several funny moments, and the crowd enjoyed it lots.
-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------
Friday 30 January 2026.
NEW PURPLE CELEBRATION live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Top notch seven piece Prince tribute will be playing a two hour show of his hits.
I was lucky to have seen the real Prince live over 20 times, including a short notice gig at this same venue back in 2014....he really was an incredible performer , with so many great tracks.
The first times i saw Prince were two nights at Wembley Arena in 1986, then four of his seven nights at Wembley Arena in 1988 , on his ' Lovesexy ' tour.
---------------
Level 3 is pretty empty, but must be 1200/1300 here.
Lots of folks are dressed in purple clothing.
Guests in the Level 1 vip seats included singer BEVERLEY KNIGHT and comedian BILL BAILEY .
Beverley Knight was the support act to Prince , when he played 21 nights at The 02 Arena....I went to six.
NEW PURPLE CELEBRATION arrived on stage at 8.10pm for their 2 hours 15 mins set.
The singer has bit's of Prince characteristics , and plays Prince type guitars.
Encore of ' Purple Rain' had everyone swaying along.
A great show.
Must around 25 tracks played , with many Prince classics, including....
1999
Raspberry Beret
Little Red Corvette
Gold
Diamonds and Pearls
The Cross
Sign of The Times
Let's Go Crazy
When Doves Cry
I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man
Kiss
I Wanna Be Your Lover
U Got The Look
I Would Die 4 U / Baby I'm A Star
Encore :
Purple Rain
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
Thursday 29 January 2026.
I went to two events tonight .
6pm to 6.45pm .
PIPPY HOULDSWORTH GALLERY - private view - 1st Floor , 6 Heddon Street , Mayfair, London W1.
Artist KV DUONG is showcasing .
Around 100 guests here.
Complimentary wines and beers for the guests.
then
6.50pm to 9.15pm.
P.JOHNSON - celebration - 25 - 28 Old Burlington Street , Mayfair , London W1.
This cool upmarket Australian menswear store is located where the legendary nightclub The Embassy used to be....I had many great nights there back in the day .
Around 50 or 60 nicely dressed guests here.
They have pushed the boat out, as much better than expected .
Complementary Bollinger champers , Negronis , Gin n Tonics and canapes.

Updated 29th January 2026 Permalink

Wednesday 28 January 2026.

Tuesday 27 January 2026...7pm to 10.30pm..
RADIO TIMES COVERS PARTY at Claridges , Brook Street , Mayfair , London W1.
Always nice to be at this famous five star hotel.
I have been to this event a few times before , but it's my first time post Covid.
Around 300 guests here in the ballroom.
Always over a dozen well known folks from TV screens here.
At 8pm for an hour SIR LENNY HENRY hosted the main event which celebrates the best covers of 2025.
The winners get a framed copy of their Radio Times cover .
TRAITORS - the winners were here to collect.
DEATH IN PARADISE - Don Warrington was here to collect.
EASTENDERS 40th ANNIVERSARY - Jessie Wallace , Michelle Collins , Michelle Ryan and Gillian Taylforth are here to collect....hard to believe the youthful looking Gillian Talyforth is now aged 70.
CALL THE MIDWIFE - Megan Cusack was here to collect.
NOT GOING OUT - Lee Mack was here to collect.
MATCH OF THE DAY - Mark Chapman and Kelly Gates were here to collect.
STRICTLY COME DANCING - a few of the professional dancers were here to collect.
RIOT WOMEN - Tamsin Greig was here to collect.
MARY BERRY at 90 - Mary Berry was here to collect.
WALLACE & GROMIT - Nick Park was here to collect.
LIVE AID 40th ANNIVERSARY - Roger Taylor from Queen and Michael Buerk were here to collect.
There was a tribute to Alan Yentob from Armando Iannucci .
ALEX HORNE & THE HORNE SECTION helped out out with musical snippets during the main event.
Other guests here include Richard Arnold , Mark Gatiss , David Mitchell , Vernon Kay ,Alex Kingston,
and several more I could not put names to.
Complimentary sparking wines , wines, beers and canapes.
Guests got a very nice big bulky goodie bag with over 20 items inside.
-----------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
Tuesday 27 January 2026.
Happy Birthday to NICK MASON who is 82 today.
See my Facebook page for a photo of us together.
---------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
Monday 26 January 2026.
Celebrity Mastermind BBC2 7.30pm.
Football legend and punk rock lovin' STUART PEARSE is a contestant .
His chosen subject was UK Punk Rock 1976 to 1979.
He got 9 out of 10 punk rock questions correct.
He did good in general knowledge and won it overall.
Well done Stuart.

Updated 26th January 2026 Permalink

Friday 23 January 2026.

Friday 23 January 2026.
DEAF DEVILS live at the Hope & Anchor, Islington.
SHAKE SOME ACTON #130. DEAF DEVILS, DESPERATE MEASURES, MORGELLONS,THE PHOBICS.
Shake Some Acton is hitting the ground running in 2026 with this red hot line up ! It also happens to be Mannie”s, Dave Ralf’s and Roger’s Birthday gig too!
From Valencia, Spain and hot off touring with G.B.H and The Baboon Show( in Europe), comes the loud,fast and dangerous merchants of mayhem, DEAF DEVILS!! Stoked, to welcome them back again. A tornado of incendiary Punk Rock. Death Action Rock 666! Lucyfyer and the lads are here to tear it up! Seeing is believing.
I saw them a year ago , and they were very lively indeed.
DESPERATE MEASURES. Christchurch NZ 80′ s Punks,reborn and sounding better than ever! Eugene is a great front man and the band back him up in fine Punk Rock n Roll style. The Stooges,Pistols,heavy Rockin .
I have seen them a couple of times before as support act.
MORGELLONS. A rare live performance. Lyrics that are witty, heartfelt and scathing and backed up by a Post Punk sound.
I have seen them a couple of times before.
THE PHOBICS. A firm favourite on the Punk circuit.
Fast,loud Punk n Roll.
I have seen them just the once before.
Tickets are £12 advance and £15 on the door...from WeGotTickets website.
It is many, many , many years since I last went to this venue.
I went there during its heyday .
I saw some big bands who played this tiny venue.
999 Hope And Anchor Pub, London 29.11.1977
Marseilles Hope And Anchor Pub, London 27.03.1978
Damned,Nipple Erectors Hope And Anchor Pub, London 10.01.1979
Protex,Innocence Hope And Anchor Pub, London 08.08.1979
Fabulous Thunderbirds Hope And Anchor Pub, London 03.03.1980
Specials Hope And Anchor Pub, London 31.10.1980
Skids Hope And Anchor Pub, London 01.11.1980
Only Ones Hope And Anchor Pub, London 03.11.1980 another in this week of special shows here.
Madness Hope And Anchor Pub, London 07.11.1980
Johnny Thunders Hope And Anchor Pub , London 20.04.1982
-------------------------
No surprise this gig sold out in advance as only 80 capacity these days due to health and safety.
In the old days it was more like 150/200 capacity...still very small.
They would certainly squeeze them in then, as gigs were packed and very hot n sweaty .
Good to see lots of punk rockin' chums here tonight.
I have seen all four bands tonight at least the once.
THE PHOBICS arrived on stage at 7.15pm for their 35 mins set.
Deptfords finest garage punk rockers have been going for over 25 years.
They played a good set of songs.
MORGELLONS arrived on stage at 8.10 for their 35 mins set.
My old mucker Mannie (tonights promoter) is their drummer.
Lots of catchy tracks played tonight.
DESPERATE MEASURES arrived on stage at 9.10pm for their 40 mins set.
Eugene from Vive Le Rock magazine is their vocalist.
He knows how to work the crowd well.
Lots of good tracks played in their set including....
Back to the Rats
Thinking of England
Seven Sisters
Lost angels
1984
I Wanna Be Your Dog ( cover)
DEAF DEVILS arrived on stage at 10pm for their 50 mins set.
The handball arrivebon stage wearing white shirts , white trousers and black braces.
Their blonde female singer Lucyfer looks great , and does not keep still.
On stage the band are a whirlwind of 100,% uptempo garage punk rock.
Hints of Amyl & The Sniffers and The Hives give you an idea of their sound.
Great times like ' Too Much For You'.
.Lucyfer had a change of outfit halfway through the set.
Last two songs included a cover of ' My Generation ' and saw all the band in the audience area , including the full drum kit, for a wild and chaotic finish.
A great set.
--------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
Thursday 22 January 2026....6.30pm to 10pm...
A Wild Night at The Crown and Sceptre with Prof Alastair Driver and Ben Goldsmith.
A talk on Rewilding and Conservation by two experts .
The Crown & Sceptre, 34 Holland Road , Holland Park , London W14.
£15.00 Per ticket from their events page.
www.crownandsceptre.uk - Visit their website here.
----------------
This event was hosted by ex page 3:model JACKIE ST CLAIR and husband Carl.
Jackie's stunning house in Holland Park is just a few mins away.
She has an amazing garden full of wildlife as there are many bird boxes and a fox family and more.
The pub is packed solid sold out ..maybe 60 seated and 20 standing.
Many are Jackie's friends , so i know several people here .
Guests included LIZZIE CUNDY, BASIA BRIGGS and the mother of singer JOY CROOKES.
The talk was pretty much two hours over two sets of 75 mins and 45 mins.
The two main guests were joined by others for five mins each or so.
Some great images of before and after on the big screens.
Mainly about Rewilding , Conservation, Recycling and the Environment .
At 8.15pm there was a 30 mins interval.
A nice complimentary Greek buffet was laid on, including large kebabs .
At 9.30pm we had a female singer with a great voice sing three tracks .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
January Blues Festival continues at this venue.
Venue = 229 Great Portland Street, London W1.
Wednesday 21 January 2026 - TEN YEARS AFTER with original member Ric Lee.
Ten Years After are an English blues rock group formed in Nottingham in 1966. They had eight consecutive albums in the Top 40 on the UK Albums Chart between 1968 and 1973. They also had twelve albums enter the US Billboard 200.The band are best known for tracks such as "I'm Going Home", "Hear Me Calling", "I'd Love to Change the World" and "Love Like a Man" ( their only hit single from 1970).
Their guitarist Alvin Lee left in 1974, and passed away in 2013.
I have seen TYA a few times with various line ups , including in 1990 at Hammersmith Odeon when all four original members reunited for a tour.
With support from JOHN VERITY ex Argent.
John Verity (now aged 76) is an English guitarist and singer. He is best known as a member of Argent, a band formed by Zombies keyboardist Rod Argent. He joined the band alongside John Grimaldi, replacing Russ Ballard.
Argent were best known for their hits ' Hold Your Head Up ' ( 1972) and ' God Gave Rock n Roll To You' ( 1973) .
Thu 22 Jan 2026 - FANTASTIC NEGRITO
Fri 23 Jan 2026 - FANTASTIC NEGRITO
3 x GRAMMY Award–winner Fantastic Negrito, Blending hard-hitting guitar, soulful ballads, and his trademark twists, the record explores family, identity, and the tension between father and son. 2025 also marks the 10-year anniversary of Fantastic Negrito winning the inaugural NPR Tiny Desk Contest—an unlikely turning point in a remarkable career defined by resilience, reinvention, and unforgettable live performances.
Sat 24 Jan 2026 - BEN POOLE + KIRRIS RIVIERE
Venue capacity is 620 - visit their website for more info and to buy tickets .
------------------------
My second visit to this venue for their Blues Festival this month.
The venue looks pretty full on this gloomy rainy Wednesday evening.
Good to see regular gig-going chums here , including Mark Taylor , David Stark and Jon Tailor .
JOHN VERITY arrived on stage at 8pm for his 30 mins set.
Just John and his acoustic guitar tonight.
His set included ' Sand In My Pocket' , and covers of ' Stay With Me' and ' Love The One You're With ' and the Argent classic hit ' Hold Your Head Up'.
TEN YEARS AFTER arrived on stage at 9pm for their 95 mins set.
The band are a four piece , including keyboards.
On guitar is Sam C Lees, a British guitar virtuoso who joined in 2025 , and he was pretty incredible .
So many great guitar solos on many of the tracks played tonight.
He also handled the vocals very well.
The overall sound from the stage was top notch.
After 30 mins we had a three song semi-acoustic set.
Great to see RIC LEE perform a full five mins drum solo , at the grand age of 80.
Highlights included ' Love Like a Man' and ' I'm Going Home'.
A really good enjoyable show.
Straight after their set , all the band greeted fans at the merch desk..
Full TEN YEARS AFTER setlist played tonight..
I'm Coming On
One of These Days
Hear Me Calling
I'd Love to Change the World
Silverspoon Lady
Portable People
Don't Want You Woman
Losing the Dogs
Love Like a Man
The Hobbit
Good Morning, School Girl ( Sonny Boy Williamson cover)
I Say Yeah
I'm Going Home ( including rock & roll.medley)
Encore:
Choo Choo Mama

Updated 22nd January 2026 Permalink

Monday 19 January 2026.

Monday 19 January 2026...6.30pm to 9.30pm...
MAYFAIR TIMES COMMUNITY AWARDS at Claridges , Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1.
Always nice to be at this famous five star hotel.
Around 400 guests are in the ballroom
The host was CLIVE MYRIE ( BBC News Presenter and Mastermind Host) .
Folks here included legendary showbiz photographer RICHARD YOUNG who is taking the photos , also BARONESS FLOELLA BENJAMIN, LADY VICTORIA HERVEY, STEPHEN WEBSTER, EWAN VENTNERS , KAREN MILLEN, ALISON JACKSON ,BASIA BRIGGS, STUART WATTS and a few more.
The dozen awards started at 7.30pm for 30 mins.
No acceptance speeches , so they went pretty quickly .
Good to see Joseph Haddad from The Guinea Grill win Doorman Of The Year .
THE PUPPINI SISTERS arrived on stage at 8.05pm for their 30 mins set.
The Puppini Sisters are a popular close-harmony vocal trio known for their vintage swing style, glamorous aesthetic, and clever rearrangements of pop hits, inspired by the Andrews Sisters.
Their cover versions included ' I Wanna Dance with Somebody', ' Kokomo' and ' Walk Like an Egyptian '.
There was a fun photo booth.
Complimentary drinks and food included Gusbourne English Sparkling Wine, two different , cocktails , wines , beers , canapes, selection of cheeses and desserts.
Caviar tastings from Caviar House 161 Piccadilly.
All guests got a goodie bag on departure.
See my Facebook page for a couple of videos.
--------------------------------------
--------------------------------------
Sunday 18 January 2026.
I watched all this bonkers football game with a crazy ending Sunday evening.
Morocco 0 Senegal 1
After Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr had his goal disallowed early in injury time, referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty after El Hadji Malick Diouf brought down Brahim Diaz.
The AFCON final then descended into chaos as Senegal players walk off after controversial penalty.
Chaos ensued at the Africa Cup of Nations final, as Senegal's manager ordered his players to leave the pitch after hosts Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty deep into stoppage time.
Senegal's head coach Pape Thiaw told his players to leave the pitch .
The penalty kick by Morocco was a dreadful attempt that the goalie easily saved.
Senegal have won the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations after a hugely controversial final against hosts Morocco. Pape Gueye's sensational goal in extra-time proved to be the difference, but the real story was a 17-minute delay late on because of something which few have ever seen in professional football
---------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
Sunday 18 January 2026.
GREGGS the bakers , have overtaken Starbucks, Costa Nero and the others to now become the number one coffee operator in the UK.
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
Saturday 17 January 2026.
MARCUS & MARTINUS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Norwegian pop duo Marcus & Martinus head out on their 2026 UK & European tour.
They are 23 year old twin brothers..
The duo won Masked Singer Sweden in 2022, and represented host nation Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö with the song "Unforgettable".
They are promoting their fifth studio album ' The Room' ( released in 2025).
--------------
January is always a quiet time for big name artists to play , so i always end up at 1 or 2 gigs I would not bother with , if it was any other time of year , and tonight is one of them.
Levels 2:and 3 tonight are closed , so maybe 700 or 800 here .
90% of the crowd are excitable females under the age of 30.
Many have their parents with them.
MARCUS & MARTINUS arrived on stage at 8pm for their 90 mins.
They have a big screen showing pre-recorded images, a three piece band and two Shakira lookalike type female dancers shaking their booty on several songs.
The two boys are singing catchy foot tapping dance pop tunes.
They certainly reminded me of British twins pop act Bros.
A few basic costume changes from the two boys.
Lots of screaming from their female fans throughout the show.
The boys and the girl dancers performed some nifty dance routines.
Highlights included a cover of ' Wicked Game' and the encore ' Unforgettable'.
A good pleasant show.

Updated 17th January 2026 Permalink

Friday 16 January 2026.

Friday 16 January 2026.
SUNNY AFTERNOON - press night - live at Alexandra Palace Theatre North London.
Following a phenomenal two years in the West End and a sensational first UK and Ireland tour, the “indisputably terrific” (The Times) OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING BEST NEW MUSICAL, charting the euphoric highs and agonizing lows of THE KINKS, is back and heading to Alexandra Palace Theatre, in the neighbourhood where the Davies brothers grew up!
Sunny Afternoon celebrates the raw energy, passion, and timeless sound of one of Britain’s most iconic bands, telling their story through an incredible back catalogue of chart-toppers, including ' You Really Got Me', ' Lola' , and ' All Day and All of the Night' , and many more.
www.thekinksmusical.co.uk - Visit their website here for more info and to buy tickets for London and other 2026 UK dates
It is on here until 31 January 2026.
I was fortunate enough to first see The Kinks at Hammersmith Odeon in 1978 , and seen a few Ray Davies solo shows, and a rare Dave Davies show at The Barbican.
The Kinks had 13 Top 10 hits in the UK , which included 3 number ones , with the first being ' You Really Got Me' back in 1964.
-------------------------
I saw this great show in Wimbledon in 2017, so really good to see it again.
The choice of venue is superb.
This is where I saw Later with Jools Holland TV show a couple of times.
Press folks get a couple of tokens each for drinks.
I was told Kinks drummer Mick Avory was going the following night...Saturday 17 Jan...
We have superb seats seven rows centre from the stage.
The show was around 2 hours 40 mins over two sets, which included a 20 mins interval.
We get the story of four working-class lads from Muswell Hill who become a band, get screwed over by their management and fall out with each other. So many bands seemed to have had managerial issues in the 1960s. The rivalry between Ray ( played by Danny Horn) and Dave ( played by Oliver Hoare ) is there for all to see.
Great to see all those 1960s clobber on both the males and females on stage .
Ray getting married to a Lithuanian women in 1964, and tying the knot in Bradford, and juggling the bands constant touring , with the wife looking after the kids at home.
The Kinks caused a ruckus on their first tour of America and actually got banned from visiting the country for four years ( 1965 to 1969).
The actor who plays Dave Davies steals many scenes with his crazy rock n roll antics.
Some songs were played twice....an acoustic version and an electric version.
There was a fantastic drum solo from the drummer .
Plenty of dancing throughout from the cast members.
The Ray and Dave story featured a lot , but the other two members of The Kinks had plenty of involvement .
So many great Kinks tracks are played throughout the show, including :' You Really Got Me', ' Lazy Sunday Afternoon', ' All Day and All of the Night ' , 'Days' ' A Well Respected Man', ' Waterloo Sunset ' and the finale of ' Lola' with all the full house standing up and grooving was a real joy.
A joyous, feel-good show that's a great night out, especially if you love The Kinks.
-----------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
Thursday 15 January 2026....I went to three events tonight ..
6.15pm to 7.50pm .
Private View - Paul Smith Store , 9 Albermarke Street , Mayfair London W1.
Artist Nick Jenson is showcasing his solo exhibition ' Driftwood Dragon'.
We can browse the designer clothes in the store too.
Over 100 guests here , and it's nice and lively .
Complimentary prosecco, wines and beers for the guests.
then
8pm to 9pm.
Private View - Modern Art Gallery , 7 Bury Street , St James's ,London SW1.
It is a group showing of Modern Art.
Around 70 or 80 guests here
Complimentary wines and beers for the guests.
then
9.45pm to 11.15pm.
GERRY & SEWELL - press / VIP opening night party at The Waldorf Hilton Hotel, Aldwych , London WC2.
Around 300 guests in the very nice ballroom of this four star hotel.
Gerry & Sewell is that rarest of things: a fringe theatre hit from outside London that’s made it all the way to the West End. Based on Jonathan Tulloch’s novel The Season Ticket – later adapted into the cult film Purely Belter – this story about two unemployed lads from austerity era Gateshead with a single minded desire to score Newcastle United season tickets began life in North Tyneside pub Laurels in 2022, and has now worked its way up to this, a two-week-stint at the Aldwych Theatre. It’s adapted and directed by Olivier-winning north east theatre maker Jamie Eastlake.
Several guests are wearing black and white Newcastle football scarfs.
My friend saw ROBERT FRIPP and wife TOYAH WILLCOX at the show , but I didn't see them at the party after.
All the cast eventually turn up.
As it is only a two week stint , the party was pretty basic , so just complimentary wines , beers and canapes for the guests, so we left well before the 1am finish.
------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Thursday 15 January 2026.
I am in total shock today to hear that PAUL ENDACOTT has died suddenly of a heart attack
He invited me on to one of his excellent 1960s related bus music tours a couple of years ago.
He was so enthusiastic about the music of the 1960s.
See below....
Bus tours visiting iconic locations from the 1960s.
On these award-winning tours, you'll see London locations that helped to launch The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Mary Quant, Genesis, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Jimi Hendrix, The Kinks, Vivienne Westwood and many other 60s icons.
You can pick a day and time to suit you.
www.60sbus.london - Visit their website here for info and tickets.
-------------------

Updated 15th January 2026 Permalink

Wednesday 14 January 2026.

Wednesday 14 January 2026.
BIFFY CLYRO live at The 02 Arena.
Biffy are playing a UK and European Tour to promote their latest album ' Futique'..
It was announced that Biffy Clyro have struck the right chord once again, the Scottish heavyweights securing their fourth Official Number 1 Album with 'Futique '.
I have seen them several times before ,including all three Shepherds Bush Empire shows in 2024.
They have pretty much headlined every major music festival in the UK.
9 Jan – The SSE Arena, Belfast
12 Jan – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
14 Jan – The O2, London
16 Jan – Utilita Arena, Birmingham
17 Jan – Co-op Live, Manchester
18 Jan – Utilita Arena, Cardiff
20 Jan – P&J Live, Aberdeen
21 Jan – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
15 December 2025 update news...
Biffy Clyro bass player James Johnston has announced he will not join the band on their upcoming UK and European tour because of mental health and addiction issues.
The 45-year-old wrote to fans on the band's social media pages, saying he had concealed his issues for a long time.
He said he had recently started to receive professional help and assured fans "there is light at the end of the tunnel".
Biffy Clyro headline a massive outdoor in Finsbury Park July 2026.
The main support band are SOFT PLAY.
Soft Play are an English punk rock duo formed by Isaac Holman (lead vocals, drums) and Laurie Vincent (backing vocals, guitar, bass) in Royal Tunbridge Wells in 2012. They were known as Slaves until 2022, when they changed their name due to their original name's unwanted connotations.
They have released five studio albums under both their names.
They headlined Brixton Academy last year.
----------------
SOFT PLAY arrived on stage at 7.50pm for their 30 mins set.
They are given a tiny space in front of Biffy's stage curtain.
The duo played a pretty mental uptempo noisy set ,
The drummer was shirtless and tattooed and standing up.
No hi-hat on his kit and they even have a track called ' Fuck the Hi-Hat'.
They got the crowd moshing down the front.
It was really good watching them.
By the time Biffy Clyro come on the venue is totally full.
Even the rear corner blocks of Level 4 are all sold.
Stalls standing too, so must be over 18,000 here.
BIFFY CLYRO arrived on stage at 8.50pm and played for 1 hour 45 mins.
They have a visually fantastic stage show production.
Staircases , lots of lights , big screens , pyros, streamers , moving curtains etc.
They were joined by two female violinists on a few songs.
Simon on vocals and guitar always ends up sweating his nuts off
Loads of great crunching rock songs played, with their biggest anthems in the second half .
A great show.
Full Biffy Clyro setlist played tonight....
A Little Love
Hunting Season
That Golden Rule
Who's Got a Match? ( Simon Forgot The Lyrics)
Shot One
Space
Wolves of Winter
Tiny Indoor Fireworks
Goodbye
Friendshipping ( Dedicated to James Johnston)
Biblical
A Thousand and One
Different People
A Hunger in Your Haunt
Black Chandelier
Instant History
Mountains
Two People in Love
Machines
Encore:
The Captain
Living Is a Problem Because Everything Dies
Bubbles
Many of Horror
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Tuesday 13 January 2026.
JUST FOR ONE DAY - THE LIVE AID MUSICAL
It opened at The Old Vic Theatre in February 2024.
See my review of the opening night party below .
It is now at The Shaftesbury Theatre, London WC2.
We have excellent seats, in the second of the stalls.
The show is on for 2 hours 15 mins over two sets of 65 mins and 70 mins.
There are around 20 actors /singers on stage.
A live six piece band are on the raised stage at the back.
The complexities of recording the single ' Do They Know It's Christmas' and getting the artists to perform at Wembley Stadium.
Lots of great songs that were performed at Wembley and Philadelphia.
Some acts that were at Wembley get no mention whatsoever.
The original event in July 1985 was my number one best live gig event that i have ever attended.
It is a really enjoyable feel-good musical.
It closes here on 07 February 2026.
It will go on a major UK tour from March 2027.
---------------------
10pm to 12.30pm - Tuesday 13 February 2024.
Press/VIP Night Party for JUST FOR ONE DAY - THE LIVE AID MUSICAL at Sea Containers London SE1.
We have stunning views from this lovely venue of The River Thames at night .
Must be around 300 guests here
Guests here included BOB GELDOF , MIDGE URE PETE TOWNSHEND, LENNY HENRY , ALAN YENTOB, BEVERLEY KNIGHT, ROACHFORD TREVOR HORN, BARRY McGUIGAN, TOM FLETCHER (McFly). I had nice chats with BOB GELDOF and ROACHFORD There is a DJ and several folks are dancing. Lots of complimentary drinks and food including Taittinger champers , two different Gin cocktails , wines ,beers, juices, bowl food , cartons of fish n chips , canapes and desserts.
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Tuesday 13 January 2026.
Hard to believe it is five years already since SYLVAIN SYLVAIN died.
I was lucky to see several New York Dolls shows when they reformed .
Also solo shows.
Also got his autobiography signed by him.

Updated 13th January 2026 Permalink

Sunday 11 January 2026.

Sunday 11 January 2026.
999 live at The 100 Club.
This is the last show for this year's 100 Club annual Resolution Punk Festival.
999 (50th Anniversary ) ) + Hi Fi Spitfires.
I have seen 999 around 25 times since 1977 and the punk heyday.
Singer Nick Cash is now aged 75.
----------
A messy journey going in as all the trains from and to Paddington western section , were down due to a fire , so i got alternative route in , but that meant that i missed all of the support band.
It is freezing outside, but inside the venue it is hot and very full.
Good to see several punk rockin' chums here.
999 arrived on stage at 9.25pm for their 65 mins set.
Singer Nick Cash is still full of punk rock enthusiasm ,as he continually reminds us that 999 are celebrating 50 years of punk rockin' this year .
A set of older classics and newer tracks, with the likes of biggies 'Emergency' , 'Nasty , Nasty' , 'Homicide' and 'i'm Alive ' played near the end.
999 are always really great to watch.
Full 999 setlist played tonight ..
Black Flowers for the Bride
Inside Out
Hit Me
Feelin' Alright With the Crew
Shoot
Boys in the Gang
Titanic (My Over) Reaction
Li'l Red Riding Hood ( Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs cover)
Really Like You
My Dad Trashed My Submarine
Biggest Prize in Sport
Last Breath
Lie Lie Lie
No Pity
Emergency
Nasty Nasty
Homicide
Encore:
Let's Face It
I'm Alive
-------------------
-------------------
Saturday 10 January 20
Hard to believe DAVID BOWIE passed away 10 years ago .
I was lucky to have seen him 18 times since the 1970s.
That included Live Aid in 1985.
Also shook his hand and got my Heathen album signed by him at HMV London signing in Sept 2002.
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Friday 09 January 2026.
HIGH NOON - press / VIP night - Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton Street, London SW1.
No well known names in the cast from my eyes.
Set in the American West of the 1800s, High Noon rides on themes as relevant now as they were then. Courage vs. Cowardice. Justice vs. Peace. Duty vs. Desire. And at its heart, is the bond between Will Kane and Amy Fowler – a love tested by impossible choices as the clock ticks down to the return of deadly outlaw Frank Miller on the high noon train.
Three Bruce Springsteen songs performed.
An enjoyable show.
It is on here until 07 March 2026.
Guests watching the show included Pierce Brosnan, Sir Derek Jacobi, Dame Helen Mirren, Dame Arlene Phillips , Frank Skinner , Bruno Tonioli , Gyles Brandreth , Ashley Jenson, Nick Ferrari , Alfie Boe, Adil Ray,
Blake Harrison, Andy Serkis, Gaby Roslin and no doubt a few more.
then
9pm to 11.30pm.
Opening night party at The Haymarket Hotel , Suffolk Place, London SW1.
Around 300 guests in their covered swimming pool area downstairs.
All the cast turn up.
Several of the guests that watched the show are here, including Pierce Brosnan, Bruno Tonioli , Dame Arlene Phillips .
Complimentary prosecco, wines, beers , canapes , including tempura king prawns , and pure chocolate balls.
We left at 11.30pm and around half the guests were still here.

Updated 10th January 2026 Permalink

Wednesday 07 January 2026.

Wednesday 07 January 2026...6.30pm to 8.30pm...
Private view - 13 Cramer Street Gallery , Marylebone, London W1.
Cramer Street Gallery unveil all-women exhibition FORM – Primal Rhythm, opening January 7th, 2026, which brings together a dozen female artists including Lauren Baker, Nettie Wakefield and Gaby Jonna to explore the female form, intuition and humanity’s primal connection to nature in an increasingly disconnected world.
You sometimes need reminding what a lovely area Marylebone Village is.
Loads of very nice busy restaurants in every street .
A nice buzzy event as must be over 200 guests here.
That also meant non stop queues at the bar.
At 7.45pm performance artist GABY JONNA did her 15: mins with sculpted stones .
Complimentary vodka and cranberry , prosecco and wines.
There were a couple of products showcasing.
I was given a 50 ml bottle of SUPEROOM after chatting to the female on the table ,in exchange for a mention on this website.
What they say about it...
We wanted to create a company that would give people the tools to take control and proactively manage their health, instead of being left with only treating symptoms of illnesses when it was too late. Superoom is leading a proactive healthcare revolution by using industry-leading biotechnology to produce the purest functional mushrooms (from the best forests in Finland) on Earth. We want to empower people to build healthier, happier and higher-performing lives today and for even more tomorrows.
Our clinical-grade, organic, ultra-potent, compact liquid formulas work in harmony with both your body and your lifestyle to help fuel your best every day. Our mission is to make high-performance and long-term health the norm, not the exception, ensuring that it's not only effortless, but also accessible to all.
Thank you for joining us on this epic journey
Basically a couple of drops in each of your drinks helps with your wellness daily supplement.
Each 50 ml bottle retails for a pricey £40.
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
Tuesday 06 January 2026.
WOMAN IN MIND - press/VIP night - The Duke of Yorks Theatre, St Martins Lane , London WC2.
Olivier Award winner Sheridan Smith stars in Alan Ayckbourn's darkly comic psychological drama Woman in Mind, alongside multi award-winning comedian Romesh Ranganathan in his West End debut.
Directed by Michael Longhurst (Constellations, Caroline or Change, and former Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse) this spellbinding revival explores one woman’s fractured reality with heart and humour.
When Susan sustains a bump to the head, her world splits in two—one mundane, one imagined—and the lines begin to blur. Ayckbourn’s groundbreaking play is a hilarious and gripping exploration of identity, family, and mental escape.
It was very enjoyable.
It is on here until 28 February 2026.
Guests watching the show included Frank Skinner, Stephen Mangan, James Norton, Tony Robinson, Tom Davis, Maisie Adams , Paul Whitehouse and no doubt a few more .
Afterparty was 9.45pm to 12pm.
THE LONDONER HOTEL, Leicester Square, London WC2.
Always nice to be at this very nice five star hotel.
Must be around 300 guests here, in their main ballroom space.
All the cast turn up , and some of the well known guests named above are here.
There is a fun photo booth in the corner .
At 11.30pm it was great to see around 20 guests do the old school dance to Cameo ( see video on Facebook).
Complimentary Moet champers , any spirit & mixer, wines , beers , crispy chicken bao buns , canapes and desserts .
We left at midnight, but it was on due to finish at 1am.

Updated 6th January 2026 Permalink

Sunday 04 January 2026.

Sunday 04 January 2026.
Hard to believe that PHIL LYNOTT passed away 40 years ago today.
He was aged only 36.
I was lucky to see THIN LIZZY with him 23 times.
Many shows at Hammersmith Odeon.
Including their last UK show , which was headlining The Reading Festival in 1983.
Thin Lizzy were such a great live rock band , and Phil was so charismatic.
I also saw Phil Lynott twice with THE GREEDIES at The Electric Ballroom in 1978.
The Greedies band members included Steve Jones and Paul Cook and others .
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Saturday 03 Jan 2026 .
THE ANIMALS + GENO WASHINGTON & The Ram Jam Band live at 229 Great Portland Street , London W1.
I went to see this very nice double bill this time last year , at the same venue .
Two legends from the 1960s play the first gig of the January Blues Festival at this venue.
See the front page of my website for the full list of the 19 shows.
With original founding member John Steel (now aged 84), Having served as the Animals drummer at its inception in 1963, he is the only original band member playing in the current incarnation of the Animals. He was inducted with the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. The Animals greatest hits include House of the Rising Sun, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, We’ve Gotta Get Out of This Place, Baby Let Me Take You Home, Bring It On Home To Me, It’s My Life and many more which helped make The Animals one of the biggest groups in the world during the 1960’s.
The Animals played a five week tour of Australia just before Christmas .
Geno Washington (now aged 82) is an American R&B singer who released five albums with the Ram Jam Band between 1966 and 1969, and eight solo albums beginning in 1976. His status as one of the "Kings of Soul" was cemented forever by Kevin Rowland and Dexy's Midnight Runners in the 1980's with the World-wide No. 1 smash hit single "Geno", which paid homage to the great man himself.
-----------
The 620 capacity looks pretty full on this cold January evening.
The DJ is playing just the right tunes to get folks in the mood for the bands.
GENO WASHINGTON & The Ram Jam Band arrived on stage at 8pm for their 55 mins set.
His backing band are actually known as The YoYos.
Geno looks a bit frail , when he shuffles on and off the stage , but once he gets behind that microphone ,
he is a man transformed.
His voice and enthusiasm and stage banter is pretty amazing.
Geno jokily teases his musicians and unveils a succession of increasingly tall funny tales to the crowd.
A great set , full of classic soul and r n b covers.
Chants of "Geno, Geno, Geno" from the appreciative crowd throughout his set.
The overall sound for both bands was top notch.
A quick changeover of only 10 mins as both bands used the same drum kit.
THE ANIMALS arrived on stage at 9.05pm for their 70 mins set.
Younger faces stood beside long-time faithful who’ve carried this music with them for decades — the kind of crowd where the songs feel inherited, almost woven into people’s DNA. That blend of generations gave the night a special warmth, the sense of a tradition being passed on .
Vocalist Danny Handley was in wonderful form from the moment he stepped up to the mic. His humour, warmth, and relaxed wit have become central to the modern Animals identity, and his banter made the crowd feel part of the show rather than spectators.
Lots of their classic hits played, along with a few choice covers.
Just before the encore John Steel thanked us for coming , and said see you next year.
A great show.
Full setlist played by The Animals tonight...
Baby, Let Me Take You Home
It's My Life
Bright Lights, Big City (Jimmy Reed cover)
I Believe to My Soul (Ray Charles cover)
I'm Crying
Bring It On Home to Me (Sam Cooke cover)
Don't Bring Me Down
Big Boss Man ( Jimmy Reed cover) (With snippet of "Hi-Heel Sneakers" by Tommy Tucker)
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (Nina Simone cover)
Night Time Is the Right Time ( Roosevelt Sykes cover)
We Gotta Get Out of This Plac ( (Barry Mann cover)
Encore:
The House of the Rising Sun
-----------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
Thursday 01 January 2026.
My fave gigs of 2025 .
2023 - I went to 189 gigs.
2024 - I went to 189 gigs.
2025 - I went to 157 gigs.
That brings the total to 7907 gigs seen by me since Sept 1973.
Another great year for gig-going .
The 10/10 stand out gigs for me personally were...
My top gig of the year has to be ...
THE SEX PISTOLS with FRANK CARTER live at The 100 Club on 21 March 2025.
The Sex Pistols play this iconic club for the first time since I saw them at The 100 Club Punk Festival in Sept 1976, and it's even a semi - secret warm up gig for the Royal Albert Hall show under the S.P.O.T.S. name that they used in 1977 .
No doubt John Lydon didn't fancy going back there during previous reunion tours , but now Frank Carter is on vocals it can at last be done. Three original members and a fantastic front man playing tracks from the greatest album of all time , at this particular venue was incredible.
THE SEX PISTOLS with FRANK CARTER live at The Royal Albert Albert 24 March 2025.
THE WHO + LEVEL 42 live at The Royal Albert Hall on 27 and 30 March 2025.
IRON MAIDEN live at The London Stadium on 28 June 2025.
BLACK SABBATH + OZZY OSBOURNE BAND + METALLICA + GUNS N ROSES + STEVEN TYLER + SAMMY HAGER plus many more at Villa Park, Birmingham on 05 July 2025.

Updated 1st January 2026 Permalink

Wednesday 31 December 2025.

Wednesday 31 December 2025...HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY....
LONDON NEW YEARS EVE FIREWORKS DISPLAY along The River Thames.
Entry to the annual spectacle for Londoners remains at £20 and £35, depending on the viewing area. Tickets for people who live outside the capital will be £40 and £55, an increase of 10 per cent from last year.
Why have legitimate ticket prices gone up this year?
The price attendees pay depends on their viewing spot and if they live inside or outside the capital. City Hall has said this is to help cover the increasing costs across the events industry.
Over 100,000 people line the banks of the River Thames every New Year's Eve to take in the world-famous display. The city's skies will light up in colour as Big Ben chimes in 2026
I have been there the last few years , and will be up there again this year.
The last few years have been pretty mild but looks like much colder this year.
Usually a DJ playing tunes before midnight , and fireworks for 10 to 12 mins at midnight.
--------------
A great atmosphere down by the river, with people everywhere.
All the bars , pubs and venues nearby are buzzing.
We popped into a couple of bars for drinks , then 10pm to 12.30pm we were in the Red Zone for the fireworks.
I am fully layered up for the cold evening.
Always great to see the buildings along The River Thames all lit up.
The boats and disco boat charters and yachts all get in a nice position.
The DJ played tunes before and after the fireworks .
The excellent fireworks display at midnight lasted for around 12 mins.
There were other fireworks displays going off nearby at the same time .
-------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
Monday 29 December 2025.
Look at these four mega gigs I went to in the gap between Christmas Day and New Years Day back on 1979 .
Charity Concerts for Kampuchea .
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
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
Saturday 27 December 2025.
PUBLIC IMAGE LIMITED (PiL) live at The Forum.
I have seen them live around 20 times.
At various London venues , and a few outside of London .
I saw PiL debut show at The Rainbow, North London on 25 Dec 1978.
Yes... It was actually on Christmas Day.
Support comes from THE DUALERS , who are popular in their own right.
They return to headline Indigo at The 02 Arena complex in November 2026.
--------------
Not sold out tonight , and maybe just 1200 tickets sold.
PAUL WHITEHOUSE and ALAN McGEE are here .
I am second row of the balcony with a nice seated view.
THE DUALERS arrived on stage at 8.05pm for their 40 mins set.
They are an eight piece ska and reggae band of black and white members .
A great lively sound , including sax and trombone , reminded me of The Specials .
They ended with ' Monkey Man' which The Specials also covered.
A really good show , and i look forward to seeing a headline show to their own crowd.
PiL arrived on stage at 9.15pm for their 1 hour 40 mins set.
My first time seeing their new band logo , and new drummer .
It is the first night of their Winter Tour , but still sound fantastic .
The guitar sound that Lu makes is pretty incredible.
John is on top form , even though he says he has new contact lenses fitted .
A superb wall of sound noise.
An excellent show .
Full PiL setlist played tonight...
Religion II
Home
Know Now
Corporate
World Destruction (Time Zone cover)
This Is Not a Love Song
Poptones
Death Disco
Corporate
Warrior
Shoom
Encore 1 : FAG BREAK
Public Image
Open Up (Leftfield cover)
Rise
Encore 2 : FAG BREAK
Annalisa
Attack
Chant
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
Saturday 27 December 2025.
Happy Birthday to JANET STREET PORTER who is 79 today.
She did some of the earliest TV interviews with The Sex Pistols in 1976, and a bit later when John Lydon formed Public Image Limited.
See my Facebook page for a nice photo of us together

Updated 27th December 2025 Permalink

Thursday 25 December 2025.

Wednesday 24 December 2025.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY.
Just looking at gigs I was at this time 50 years ago.
Nov 1975 and Dec 1975....me aged 16 and a half .
Both Bruce Springsteen's debut UK shows, two shows from The Who with Keith Moon , four shows from Queen who had just hit the jackpot with ' Bohemian Rhapsody' and other legends like The Four Tops , Lynyrd Skynyrd ,Status Quo , Thin Lizzy , Alex Harvey Band etc.
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
Tuesday 23 December 2025.
7pm to 11pm.
Christmas drinks with over a dozen chums in Hammersmit
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
Monday 22 December 2025.
7pm
I got off at Bond Street station for a wander down Bond Street .
It's the Monday before Christmas , so the tourists and shoppers are everywhere.
I have seen some West End Christmas displays this year already, but always good to see them again.
Some of the Bond Street luxury stores have stunning displays , as does Fortnum & Mason itself.
Big crowds taking photos.
then
7.30pm to 10pm
3'6 bar at Fortnum & Mason , 3rd Floor, 181 Piccadilly , London W1.
Always nice to visit this historic luxury multi - floor store that dates back to 1707.
A visit here to use up some complimentary cocktail vouchers, that I got in a couple of goodie bags events .
A good time to go as gigs and drinks events now go pretty quiet for two or three weeks.
Expertly made cocktails were all very yummy.
I had six different ones , including Old Fashioned and Espresso Martini.
A piano player is playing in the corner .
It only holds maybe 30 people.
It is a late 10pm closing tonight , compared to the usual 8pm closing.
A hidden gem in Piccadilly for sure.
On the way back along Park Lane I saw the huge crowds at Winter Wonderland Hyde Park.
Yep , Central London really is buzzing this time of year
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
Monday 22 December 2025.
Sad news that CHRIS REA has passed away....age 74.
I saw him perform live a couple of times.
Chris was well known for his Christmas song and others.
He recorded 25 studio albums over his career.
He had health problems the last few years.
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
22 December 2025.
Hard to believe that punk rock legend JOE STRUMMER died 23 years ago today. Lucky to have seen The Clash 20 times and Joe & The Mescaleros 10 times including The 100 Club. These were his last two London shows...both benefit shows, but very different venues, but both still superb.
10 Nov 2002. Bryan Adams with Brian May + Joe Strummer And The Mescaleros Royal Opera House , Covent Garden , London benefit concert for Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund .This was the first ever proper rock concert at the amazing venue .There were a few famous actors who made speeches between the acts . The first set included 3 songs by the lovely looking and sounding Opera Babes then Joe Strummer And The Mescaleros did a great 5 song set which were 3 Mescaleros tunes + Rudie Dont Fail and a stunning White Riot . To see and hear it in this venue was unreal .Afterwards i said to Joe " a nice surprise to hear White Riot" in this venue..Joe Strummer replied to me "Well it had to be done " In the second half of the show Bryan Adams did a 10 song 45 mins set and was joined by Brian May for the last 5 tunes with a mega finale of Queens Crazy Little Thing Called Love.the sound for the whole event was just crystal clear and the aftershow in The Vilar Flora Hall was very 5 star with free champagne and drinks for 500 guests for a couple of hours .Superb
15 Nov 2002. Joe Strummer And The Mescaleros Acton Town Hall , London .This was a low key benefit show for the striking fireman in a venue that has not been used for rock shows for years .Fantastic atmosphere as a fair amount of the 600 here were firemen and the rest were hardcore Strummer fans .Andy Gilchrist the firemens union leader made a rousing speech .Joe Strummer And The Mescaleros did a really great 75 mins set but the 3 song encore was unreal as Mick Jones came on stage to play with Joe on stage for the first time in over 15 years for Clash anthems Bankrobber +White Riot + London's Burning an amazing night but sadly less than 6 weeks later Joe Strummer died of a heart attack aged only 50 .

Updated 22nd December 2025 Permalink

Saturday 20 December 2025.

Saturday 20 December 2025.
TREVOR HORN and his band live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Trevor Horn (now aged 76) is a legendary producer of many hits by different acts.
He will be playing many of them tonight, or tracks connected to the artists he produced.
Horn gained fame in 1979 as a member of the Buggles, who achieved a hit single with "Video Killed the Radio Star". He was invited to join the progressive rock band Yes, becoming their lead singer.
In 1981, Horn became a full-time producer, working on successful songs and albums for acts including Yes, Dollar, ABC, Malcolm McLaren, Grace Jones and Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
This will be a stalls seated show .
LOL CREME from 10cc will be in Trevor Horns band.
I saw 10cc four times with their four
original members, including their last ever show together which was as the main support to The Rolling Stones at Knebworth in 1976.
Support is BELOUIS SOME who I saw twice supporting Nik Kershaw at Hammersmith Odeon back in 1984.
Belouis Some ,now aged 65 , is a British singer, songwriter and musician. He had UK and worldwide hits in the 1980s with "Some People", "Imagination" and "Round, Round", the latter being featured on the soundtrack for the John Hughes film ' Pretty in Pink'. "Some People" and "Imagination" charted on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1985.
------------
Not sold out tonight , but all levels are open and it is stalls seated so maybe 700 or 800 here .
Stalls seated and an older crowd , made it a lot quieter than the rowdy crowd from last night's The Wonder Stuff show at the same venue.
BELOUIS SOME arrived on stage at 7.45pm for their 45 mins set.
He has kept a low profile for many years.
Belouis Some set ticked along ok, and good to hear 'Imagination' near the end of the set.
TREVOR HORN and his band arrived on stage at 9pm for their 1 hour 55 mins set
Trevor plus six musicians and three backing songs ( 2 Female and 1 Male) who also sang lead on some of the songs.
Great to see Lol Creme sing on two of the three 10cc classics performed.
Oddly no ABC songs performed in the set, or maybe it was because ABC recently toured.
Trevor told a few stories behind the recording of some tracks.
Nice surprise to see SEAL guesting on vocals for all the four song encore.
He did an excellent job , and sealed ( gettit?) a great evening.
Full setlist played tonight...
Two Tribes (Frankie Goes to Hollywood cover)
Video Killed the Radio Star (Buggles song)
Cry ( Godley & Creme cover)
Rubber Bullets (10cc cover)
It's Different for Girls (Joe Jackson cover)
The Dean and I(10cc cover)
Can't Fight the Moonlight (LeAnn Rimes cover)
The Plastic Age ( Buggles song)
The Power of Love (Frankie Goes to Hollywood cover)
All the Things She Said (t.A.T.u. cover)
I'm Not in Love (10cc cover)
Elstree (Buggles song)
Downtown Train (Tom Waits cover)
Relax (Frankie Goes to Hollywood cover)
Clean, Clean ( Buggles song)
Slave to the Rhythm (Grace Jones cover) (with Seal)
Owner of a Lonely Heart (Yes song) (with Seal)
Kiss From a Rose (Seal cover) (with Seal)
Killer (Adamski cover) (with Seal)
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Friday 19 December 2025.
THE WONDER STUFF live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
I have seen them a few times before including last year at the same venue. The band scored one UK number 1 single, their release of "Dizzy" with comedian Vic Reeves, 17 x Top 20 single hits in the UK and three top-10 albums in the UK. The band also toured internationally, and achieved some success in the United States, where they had six songs on the Billboard Alternative Songs Chart.
-------------
No sold out sign outside the venue , but the venue is very full.
Mainly middle aged blokes, who remember them from their heyday, who are out for a Christmas knees up.
VENT 414 arrived on stage at 8.05pm for their 30 mins set.
They were the side project of The Wonder Stuff singer Miles Hunt from 1994 to 1997.
Miles fronts the band tonight and is backed by two musicians , for the decent set.
THE WONDER STUFF arrived on stage at 9.10pm for their 90 mins set.
Six musicians on stage, including a female on electric violin. Three guitarists on most songs.
One of the guitarists is wearing a Sex Pistols t shirt .
Miles Hunt and co are really on top form tonight. A great set featuring all their best known tracks. Their loyal fans down the front are singing and dancing madly, especially in the second half.
They created a great big uptempo lively sound, to make a proper live gig atmosphere.
Full WONDER STUFF setlist played tonight....
Red Berry Joy Town
On the Ropes
Ruby Horse
Cartoon Boyfriend
Golden Green
Piece of Sky
No, for the 13th Time
Mission Drive
Caught in My Shadow
The Guy With the Gift
A Wish Away
Welcome to the Cheap Seats
Sing the Absurd
Full of Life (Happy Now)
Don't Anyone Dare Give a Damn
Here Comes Everyone
The Size of a Cow
Don't Let Me Down, Gently
Unbearable
Give, Give, Give Me More, More, More
Encore :
Can't Shape Up
Poison
Ten Trenches Deep

Updated 19th December 2025 Permalink

Thursday 18 December 2025.

Thursday 18 December 2025.
KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Welsh rock pop five-piece Kids In Glass Houses head back out on the road to celebrate 15 years of their second album 'DIRT' , playing the album in its entirety .
As part of their UK tour.
The first four of their five albums all made the UK Top 40 charts.
They have played Reading/Leeds Festivals four times , and this year played The Download Festival as part of their comeback.
-----------
Level 3 is closed and Level 2 is 75% empty and there is space in the stalls and Level 1 so maybe a 1000 here.
The younger rock crowd are here.
DEAD PONY arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins set
They are a four piece rock band from Glasgow with a female singer, who played some good tracks from their debut album.
KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES arrived on stage at 9.10pm for their 80 mins set.
The five piece band have a nice light show behind them.
Singer Aled Phillips has a great stage presence , and the many females here swoon over him.
Lots of uptempo rock songs , that got the crowd dancing and bouncing down the front.
I don't really know if of their songs , but they rocked along nicely.
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
Thursday 18 December 2025.
RONNIE BIGGS died 12 years ago today .
I met him at his book.lsunch s couple of years prior.
17 Nov 2011.
11am to 3.30pm.Press conference and party for the updated version of Ronnie Biggs autobiography "Odd Man Out,The Last Straw" at Shoreditch House,London E16.
Ronnie Biggs and his son Michael attended.
The original book came out in 1994 but this updated version has around 200 extra pages.There are loads of tv crews and photographers here.Later on friends and family would arrive.Ronnie is wheeled in looking very frail.He cannot talk but understands you and answers back via a spell board or hand gestures.His son Michael and Ronnies good friend Chris Pickard who helped him with the book are the ones that answer the press questions.
I asked Ronnie "did he enjoy recording with two members of The Sex Pistols back in 1978".He gave me a smile and a thumbs up which was quite touching.
After most of the press had left more friends and family turned up inc Nick Reynolds(son of Great Train Robber Bruce Reynolds) and Gaz Mayall.A nice lunch was laid on and the freebie wines and beers were flowing.The press chairs were taken away and it became more relaxed.Ronnie was cuddling any women here he could get his arms around.ITV host Fiona Phillips was very chatty with him as her own dad had similiar ill health.
We had some proper Hells Angels here from UK,Sweden and Brazil.Everyone got a free copy of the book and Ronnie signed loads of them.I got mine signed and got a couple of photos with him.I also got my "The Biggest Blow-A Punk Prayer" signed.Ronnie with Cook n Jones on that one.
Despite Ronnie being in a wheelchair and not being able to talk he clearly enjoyed himself.He was here for well over three hours which was pretty amazing.
Needless to say the book is a must buy.
See my Facebook page for a few photos from the day .
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 17 December 2025.
SLADE live at Shepherds Bush Empire .
Glam rock legends are playing their ' last ever tour'.
Only Dave Hill ( aged 79) is now the only original.member.
I first saw them in 1974 for all three nights at Hammersmith Odeon , in their heyday.
Slade's London Christmas show is usually at The Islington Assembly Halls , but as it's the final tour they have upgraded to a venue twice the size of the Islington venue.
Slade had 16 x Top 10 hit singles in the UK , including 6 x number ones.
Their film ' Slade in Flame' was re-released in 70 UK cinemas a few months ago.
---------
Really looking forward to seeing these Glam Rock legends .
All levels are open tonight , and a near sell out crowd.
SONS OF THE SEVENTIES arrived on stage at 7.45pm for their 45 mins set.
They were an ideal warm act as they played 1970s rock covers that this mainly older crowd would know , from the likes of Led Zeppelin , Golden Earring , Black Sabbath , Deep Purple , AC/DC , Queen and others.
SLADE arrived on stage at 9pm for their 80 mins set.
A pretty basic stage production.
Dave Hill is wearing a glittery jacket and a large brimmed hat
Dave said that Noddy Holders son was in the audience , as he is producing Dave's solo album.
The vocals are good , but impossible to be as good as Noddy Holder.
The Jim Lea lookalike also played the electric violin a couple of times.
Only 80 mins on stage seemed a bit short .
Great to hear so many glam rock classics, although a couple of my faves were not played , ' Squeeze Me Please Me' and ' Radio Wall of Sound'.
The crowd were singing and clapping to all the big hits.
The Christmas hats came out on stage for their classic Christmas classic at the end.
A great show .
Full SLADE setlist played tonight....
Take Me Bak 'Ome
Lock Up Your Daughters
Look Wot You Dun
Everyday
Coz I Luv You
Run Runaway
My Friend Stan
Far Far Away
The Bangin' Man
My Baby Left Me ( Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup cover)
Gudbuy T'Jane
Mama Weer All Crazee Now
Encore:
My Oh My
Cum On Feel the Noize
Merry Xmas Everybody
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 17 December 2025.
BON SCOTT performed his last London show with AC/DC on this day 46 years ago.
I was there on 17 December 1979 at Hammersmith Odeon.
It was the 19th time I had seen them since April 1976.

Updated 17th December 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 16 December 2025.

Tuesday 16 December 2025.
LONDON COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR live at The Royal Albert Hall.
The London Community Gospel Choir are back with their annual festive party at this venue.
Expect Christmas tunes and gospel classics.
Featuring The Heritage Orchestra and the powerhouse London Community Gospel Choir band conducted by Tom Smith. With special guest YolanDa Brown.
I first saw LCGC at The Jazz Cafe in Camden back in 1998.
Also a couple of times as the support act at shows , and when they backed Blur at Wembley Stadium , when they performed 'Tender'.
-----------
Not sold out tonight, but the venue is very full , with just the choir seats sections half empty.
The show was on for two hours over two sets of 60 mins.
Lots of musicians on stage to create a lovely big wall of sound.
Several different singers in or related to the LCGC , 20 in the LCGC and over 30 others in the band and Heritage Orchestra.
YolanDa Brown and her nice sax joined in on a few tracks.
It was mainly soulful Gospel tracks , Christmas Carols and Christmas hits.
Including ' Silent Night', a cover of ' How Deep is Your Love' and all on stage for the finale of the Slade classic ' Merry Christmas Everybody '.
Two females in the corner taking it in turns for the sign language .
An enjoyable show .
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
Tuesday 16 December 2025.
Sad to hear that JOE ELY has died aged 78.
I saw him perform several times with The Clash , Robert Cray Band and solo.
Clash,Joe Ely Electric Ballroom, London 16.02.1980 The Clash played 3 London venues in 3 days
Clash,Joe Ely Lyceum Theatre, London 17.02.1980 The Clash loved to play live
Clash,Joe Ely Lewisham Odeon, London 18.02.1980 All 3 nights were incredible
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
Monday 15 December 2025.
Happy Birthday to The Clash bass player PAUL SIMONON who is 70 today.
See my Facebook page for a nice photo of us together.
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Sunday 14 December 2025.
HOLY TRINITY BROMPTON CHRISTMAS CAROLS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) is a very popular, large, charismatic evangelical Anglican church in London's Knightsbridge area, known for its vibrant worship, large congregations, and influential Alpha Course, attracting many people with its modern approach to Christianity,
The church is around three miles from the venue.
----------
Not sold out but all levels are being used.
Must be over 1200 here , which is more than some of the bands get .
Although the tickets are cheaper - £20, £15 and £10.
Most folks here are under 30, and all skin colours represented.
The main event started at at 8.10pm and was on for 80 mins.
They had some nice big screens showing festive digital images.
Several big balloons thrown out near the start , and confetti came down at the end.
There was a choir at the start , and at the end.
A six piece band backed all the singers.
There were several different singers who sang Christmas Carols and Christmas Chart Hits.
The crowd were singing along loudly to all of it.
There was certainly a joyous and uplifting atmosphere in the venue .
When the main event finished at 9.30pm we had a DJ for an hour playing party anthems.
Some of the crowd left after the show but 75% remained and danced away.
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
14 December 1973 ... .It was 52 years ago today ....me aged 14 and a half.
MOTT THE HOOPLE + QUEEN live at Hammersmith Odeon.
It was the first of over 2000 shows I have seen at that venue.
They played two shows that evening.
The second show was a bit crazy as Mott The Hoople were still on stage for their encore when the venue brought the stage curtain down for the midnight curfew.
It was the only tour that Queen supported in the UK , as the following year they never supported anyone again.

Updated 14th December 2025 Permalink

Saturday 13 December 2025.

Friday 12 December 2025.
STEREO MCs live at Shepherds Bush Empire .
The band are playing a UK tour.
They had five Top 40 singles in the UK in the 1990s /2000s , including 'Connected' in 1992.
I have seen them a couple of times before.
-------------
Levels 2 and 3 are both closed , and plenty of space in the stalls and Level 1 , so must be only 600 here max
Music legend ALAN McGEE is in the Level 1 vip seats.
He used to manage Stereo MC's in their hit singles heyday .
Maybe he still manages them.
DJ FORMAT warmed the crowd up nicely, as he was played vinyl singles and mixed and scratched.
Plenty of foot tapping dance and hop hop tunes , and even a Cure remix.
STEREO MCs arrived on stage at 9.15pm for their 1 hour 40 mins set.
Four of them on stage , no bass or guitars
Male vocals .
Female dancer and backing vocals .
Percussion.
Beats man mixing the backing tapes.
The band are from South London, so very happy have a local gig.
Their funky hip hop / electro dance tunes got everyone dancing from the start .
The overall sound was perfect.
Great to hear gems like ' Connected' and ' Step It Up ' again.
A good enjoyable show.
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
Thursday 11 December 2025.
INSPIRAL CARPETS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
The band are playing a UK tour.
Noel Gallagher was a roadie for the Manchester band Inspiral Carpets before achieving fame with Oasis. He worked for the band as a roadie and assistant from 1988 until he joined Oasis, having previously auditioned to be the band's singer but was turned down.
Noel was at the Shack / Mozart Estate gig at this venue a few days
before this show , so could easily be here.
INSPIRAL CARPETS had eleven Top 40 hits in the UK in the 1990s.
I have seen them a couple of times before.
-------------
Levels 2 and 3 are closed tonight, but stalls and Level 1 look full.
No sign of Noel Gallagher up in the Level 1 vip seats.
DJ DAVE SWEETMORE was the support act , and he did a good job of warming the crowd up with classic tracks from the likes of Oasis, Joy Division ,The Smiths, New Order , Stone Roses etc.
INSPIRAL CARPETS arrived on stage at 9.05pm for their 75 mins set .
They had a big screen showing old photos of them back in the day ,along with gig posters etc.
75 mins on stage seemed a bit short , but the singer said his voice was playing up a bit .
Their keyboard based indie rock Madchester tunes ticked along nicely.
Clint Boon and his organ sounded great , that oddly made them sound like The Stranglers in places.
Highlights included ' This Is How It Feels ' , ' I Want You', ' Dragging Me Down' and encore ' Saturn 5'.
A good enjoyable show.
Full INSPIRAL CARPETS setlist played tonight...
Real Thing
Generations
She Comes in the Fall
Weakness
Two Worlds Collide
Let You Down
Directing Traffik
Find Out Why
Drag The Bag
Sackville
Uniform
This Is How It Feels
I Want You
Joe
Dragging Me Down
Encore:
Saturn 5

Updated 12th December 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 10 December 2025.

Wednesday 10 December 2025.
PAUL WELLER + BASTILLE + others live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Paul Weller, Bastille, and The National’s Matt Berninger will take to the stage in celebration of the Streets of London’s “Starry Night” charity fundraiser this year, enabling life-changing support for people who are homeless in London.
Hosted by Shaun Keaveny, Streets of London’s Starry Night 2025 also includes stripped back live performances by Corinne Bailey Rae, Glen Hansard and Nectar Woode.
I was lucky to have seen The Jam several times and Paul Weller solo several times .
I have seen Bastille three times before , including in 2024 at Shepherds Bush Empire.
------------
The venue looks totally full and sold out .
FIRST SET.
NECTAR WOODE performed three tracks.
Smooth soul songs from this female singer songwriter , who is signed to Communion Records.
GLEN HANSARD performed four tracks , ending with a cover of Shane McGowan's ' Christmas Lullaby'.
CORINNE BAILEY RAE performed three smooth soul tracks , ending with ' Like a Star' .
SECOND SET.
A bit of a surprise to see Paul Weller early on, rather than the final act.
PAUL WELLER and band on stage at 8.50pm for their 35 mins set .
They were joined by a string quartet.
Paul's set included some rarely played tracks from his recent covers album.
Always good to see this music legend live.
Full PAUL WELLER setlist played tonight...
Gravity
I Woke Up
Pinball ( Brian Protheroe cover)
I Started a Joke (Bee Gees cover)
(Unknown)
Never the Same (Lal & Mike Waterson cover)
Wild Wood
Be Not So Fearful (Bill Fay cover)
BASTILLE on stage at 9.40pm for their 25 mins set.
Bastille got the crowd singing for ' Save My Soul' in their good set, and for their big hit ' Pompeii'.
Good Grief
Hope for the Future
SAVE MY SOUL
Pompeii
Many folks left after the Bastille set.
MATT BERNINGER from The National on stage at 10.15pm for his 30 mins set.
Full setlist played by Matt..
No Love
Distant Axis
One More Second
Light Years ( The National song)
Breaking Into Acting ( with string quartet )
Bonnet of Pins (with string quartet )
A very enjoyable evening .
--------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
Tuesday 09 December 2025.
BAND OF SKULLS live at Shepherds Bush Empire .
Band of Skulls embark on a headline run in support of Cold Fame, a deluxe box set celebrating the music that defined a generation of modern rock fans. Originally formed in Southampton in 2004, Band of Skulls remains a vital force in modern rock, powered by gritty guitar riffs and hypnotic harmonies.
They have released five studio albums , and had chart success in the UK .
They have just come back from a North American tour as two of their albums made The Billboard Hot 200 Rock Chart .
THE DUKE SPIRIT are the main support act.
I have seen them four times over the past 20 years...all times as a support act.
-------------
Levels 2 and 3 are closed off tonight as unsold.
Only 700 folks here, including 100 on the guest list.
Band of Skulls are another band who are over the moon to be playing this venue , when they know they are not popular enough to sell it out.
Both the support acts were pretty good.
THE HOWLERS on stage at 7.25pm for their 30 mins set.
A male duo from East London with electric guitar and drums.
They have one of two albums out, and made a cool sound.
THE DUKE SPIRIT on stage at 8.15pm for their 45 mins set.
They have a female singer , and ticked along nicely .
BAND OF SKULLS on stage on at 9.30pm for their 85 mins set .
They have a blonde female dancer , who also adds backing vocals and shaking her tambourine .
The band play muscular, dusty, blues-rock with Zeppelin-esque riffs, garage rock grit, and pop sensibilities, reminiscent of The White Stripes, The Kills, or The Raconteurs.
Plenty of good songs , and they finished the main set with a fantastic track called ' Death by Diamonds and Pearls '.
Some dancing and head shaking down the front stalls area.
A good enjoyable show.
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
Monday 08 December 2025.
CLIFF RICHARD live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Cliff plays the first of two sold out shows at this iconic venue.
These are his last shows on a 32 date world tour .
Before The Beatles, there was Cliff Richard.
Cliffs first hit single was ' Move It', back in 1958.
Cliff has had an incredible run of chart success in the UK.
124 Top 40 hits , including 68 Top 10 hits and 14 No 1s.
Cliff will be aged 85 when these shows happen.
I have seen Cliff over a dozen times before.
The first time was at The Royal Albert Hall in 1979 for a charity event where half a dozen artists performed three songs each , including a certain Kate Bush.
----------
The venue is rammed solid sold out, including the side choir seats .
Cliff still attracts the older women as loads of 60 + are here.
Walking sticks and wheelchairs galore.
If there is one act , the Grannies will come out for, it's Cliff.
Big queues for the female toilets.
It's very Christmassy as lots of them have baubles and tinsel with them .
The venue itself has two huge Christmas trees at the very rear of the stage.
CLIFF RICHARD on stage at 7.45pm for 1 hour 55 mins , over two sets of 50 mins and 65 mins.
Cliff was backed by a six piece band.
Nice to see such a great lights production.
Pretty much a Greatest Hits set from Cliff - The National Treasure.
Lots of chat between songs , as Cliff would tell us who wrote the song or its chart position or how many copies it sold....he also mentioned how Elton John signed him to Rocket Records that helped get his biggest hits in America .
Cliff wore a sparkly jacket , and is looking great for his age.
I can remember at his Hammersmith Apollo shows a few years ago where someone said Cliff has a lot of help on stage with his voice.
Yes, Cliff Richard uses backing tapes and pre-recorded vocals in many of his live performances.
Not that his fans here care, as it was a great show.
Full CLIFF RiCHARD setlist played tonight..
Set 1:
Move It!
Dreamin'
The Minute You're Gone ( Sonny James cover)
Some People
The Young Ones (Cliff Richard & The Shadows cover)
Please Don't Tease ( Cliff Richard & The Shadows cover)
Living Doll ( Cliff Richard & The Drifters song)
Summer Holiday (Cliff Richard & The Shadows cover)
The Next Time (Cliff Richard & The Shadows cover)
Miss You Nights
On the Beach (Cliff Richard & The Shadows cover)
Be-Bop-A-Lula (Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps cover)
Set 2:
Wired for Sound
Do You Wanna Dance? ( Bobby Freeman cover)
Daddy's Home (Shep & the Limelites cover)
Congratulations
Bachelor Boy (Cliff Richard & The Shadows cover)
Ocean Deep
Saviour's Day
Mistletoe & Wine
The Millennium Prayer
Devil Woman
We Don't Talk Anymore
Encore:
My Kinda Life
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
Monday 08 December 2025.
The Teenage Cancer Trust shows at The Royal Albert Hall for March 2026 are announced today .
Robert Smith to curate so but looks like The Cure are not playing .
Monday 23 March: Elbow plus special guests MRCY
Tuesday 24 March: Robert Smith's Comedy Favourites featuring Maisie Adam, Bridget Christie, Jack Dee, Andy Hamilton, Dom Joly, Miles Jupp, Athena Kugblenu, Stewart Lee, Dara Ó Briain
Wednesday 25 March: Mogwai plus special guests Craven Faults and Annika Kilkenny
Thursday 26 March: Manic Street Preachers plus special guests The Joy Formidable (150th Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall show)
Friday 27 March: my bloody valentine plus special guests CHVRCHES (stripped back performance)
Saturday 28 March: Garbage plus special guests Placebo (rare, stripped back performance)
Sunday 29 March: Wolf Alice plus special guest Nilüfer Yanya
This week sees the 150th TCT RAH show.
I have been to around 50 of them over the past 20 odd years.

Updated 7th December 2025 Permalink

Saturday 06 December 2025

Saturday 06 December 2025.
THE UNDERTONES live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
They had seven hit singles , that made the UK Top 40.
I saw them nine times in their heyday between 1978 and 1983.
Including in Boston , USA , where they supported The Clash and Sam & Dave.
Feargal Sharkey is not singing with them anymore, as he left the band in 1983.
The Undertones split then and reformed in 1999 with a new singer .
I saw them in 2000 at The Mean Fiddler , Harlesden , with their new singer ,
which was their first London show with him.
Also ...
2005 - Wasted Festival, Morecambe.
2019 - Rewind Festival , Henley .
Legendary DJ John Peel's favourite single, which he repeatedly called the greatest song ever and even had its lyrics on his gravestone, was "Teenage Kicks" by The Undertones.
Support comes from THE FRANK & WALTERS.
Irish band whose debut album made the UK Top 40 in 1992,
but have gone off the radar a bit since then.
Their hit single ' After All' made number 11 in the UK charts in 1993.
-----------
Level 3 is closed and Level 2 is half empty tonight.
FRANK & WALTERS arrived on stage at 7.50pm for their 40 mins.
Appearing on stage wearing their customary orange shirts and black ties , they waste no time in returning to their ’90s heyday, when Radiohead were one of their support acts.
A good set that included a cover of Kraftwerk' s ' The Model' and good to hear their hit single 'After All' again.
THE UNDERTONES arrived on stage at 9pm for their 85 mins set.
The band still include some original members.
A pretty basic stage set-up.
It was similar to watching The Buzzcocks a few days ago, where the original singer is not there, but they have so many good catchy songs , it doesn't really matter.
They whizzed through 30 songs in just 85 mins on stage.
A great set.
Highlights included...
Jimmy Jimmy
It's Going to Happen
You've Got My Number
My Perfect Cousin
Wednesday Week
Get Over You
Jump Boys
Here Comes the Summer
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
Friday 05 December 2025.
The ups and downs of artists always appeals to me .
The comeback of LILY ALLEN has been spectacular .
Lily has not done anything for a few years , then brings out a new album.
Then sells out her theatre tour , including three shows at The London Palladium.
Now had added an arena tour with two nights at The 02 Arena .
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
Thursday 04 December 2025.
THE RASMUS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Finnish rockers The Rasmus return with their kaleidoscope of heavy guitars, pop hooks and futuristic electronics.
They are touring to promote their 11th studio album 'Weirdo'.
I have seen them twice before ...in 2004 and 2022.
They had their two biggest UK hits in 2004, "In The Shadows" reached number 3, and "Guilty" reached number 15. Their album from 2004, "Dead Letters" reached number 10 in the UK. They have gone off the radar a bit since then.
-------
Level 3 is closed tonight and Level 2 is half empty...maybe 1200 here.
BLOCK OF FLATS arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 30 mins set.
These rockers from Finland played a decent set.
THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT arrived on stage at 8.15pm for their 40 mins set .
The band are pretty popular back home in America.
The Rasmus have actually supported them in America.
The emo-rooted Atlanta-based band are performing their debut shows overseas as part of their first-ever European tour . The set features songs from their acclaimed album GREETINGS FROM SUFFOCATE CITY – FROM BEYOND THE ABYSS: DELUXE EDITION that was released 13 June 2025 via Better Noise.
Singer Lee Jennings certainly falls into the Adam Lambert type singer.
Long neon green mullet hairstyle and LGBTQ+ leanings....a good set.
There were big queues for The Rasmus merch.
THE RASMUS arrived on stage at 9.15pm for their 95 mins set.
They had plenty of lights and a nice big digital screen showing pre-recorded images .
The Rasmus played their two big UK hits , ' Guilty' and 'In The Shadows ' at either end of the main set .
Another highlight was at the end of the main set.
Singer Lee Jennings from The Funeral Portrait returned to sing the title-track of the recent album ‘Weirdo’, with The Rasmus singer Lauri – a moment I didn’t see coming, even though he is featured on one of the recordings. It was intriguing seeing the frontmen interact and not take themselves too seriously.
The Rasmus set bounced along with plenty of catchy rock songs and energy .
They may not be as cool as the likes of other Finnish rockers Michael Monroe or Hanoi Rocks , but it was a good enjoyable show.

Updated 4th December 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 03 December 2025.

Wednesday 03 December 2025...7pm to 9.30pm...
CHRISTY LEE ROGERS - closing night party - W1 Curates, 161 - 167 Oxford Street , London W1.
This was the last day of her five day stint here.
Internationally acclaimed visual artist Christy Lee Rogers returns to the UK with a new solo exhibition that reimagines classical mythology through her signature underwater lens.
Titled 'Myths and Legends' , the exhibition will transform the iconic façade of W1 Curates on Oxford Street, as Rogers’ luminous underwater figures are projected across 300 state-of-the-art LED screens—turning one of London’s busiest streets into a vast theatre of light, colour, and movement.
Around 150 guests here in the basement of The Flannels store.
A cooler crowd than usual here tonight .
Lots of glammed up females
TAMARA BECKWITH was here.
This space has a digital art x nightclub vibe.
A female DJ is playing tunes all evening .
At 8pm Christy Lee Rogers said a few words.
Complimentary prosecco , spirits and mixers, wines and beers.
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
Tuesday 02 December 2025.
TONY HADLEY and his BIG BAND live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Ex Spandau Ballet singer is on another UK tour.
Tony will be mixing Rat Pack classics , Spandau Ballet hits, covers and festive tracks .
I have seen him with Spandau Ballet a few times, and solo a few times.
I saw his first London solo shows at the much smaller Jazz Cafe in Camden.
He departed Spandau Ballet over a royalties row.
Spandau tried to replace him, but a new singer lasted just one show.
Looks like they know , nobody can replace Tony, so they have given up looking to replace him.
-----------------------
The venue is sold out tonight.
No surprise that it is mainly females and m/f couples here tonight.
TONY HADLEY and his big band were on for two hours 10 mins over two sets of 60 mins and 70 mins.
Fifteen musicians on stage , including a superb eight man brass section.
Only four Spandau tracks played in a thirty song show , as Tony makes a shift towards a more relaxed, "cabaret" or "swing" style , with a setlist that includes both new material and classics from artists he admires.
Tony's distinctive powerful voice is outstanding and has ability to hold notes and project with strength.
Tony has an engaging stage presence , as he has a charming and humorous personality, which contributes to a relaxed but enjoyable atmosphere.
He drank Jack Daniels , as he fondly talked about meeting Frank Sinatra at this same venue.
These days , Tony is pretty much a modern day British Frank Sinatra.
It was a great show.
Full setlist played by TONY HADLEY tonight...
Set 1:
Too Close for Comfort (Sammy Davis Jr. cover)
Music to Watch Girls By (The Bob Crewe Generation cover)
Summer Wind ( Wayne Newton cover)
The Best Is Yet to Come (Cy Coleman cover)
The Impossible Dream (Mitch Leigh cover)
Walk of Shame
Tender Is the Night (Tony Bennett cover)
Fly Me to the Moon (Kaye Ballard cover)
Only When You Leave (Spandau Ballet song)
True (Spandau Ballet song)
I Ain't Got Nobody (Marion Harris cover)
Gold (Spandau Ballet song)
That's Life (Kelly Gordon cover)
I've Gotta Be Me (Walter Marks cover)
Set 2:
Feeling Good ( Anthony Newley cover)
The Mood I'm in ( Jack Jones cover)
Avenues and Alleyways (Tony Christie cover)
Mission Impossible
The Good Life (Tony Orlando cover)
Through the Barricades (Spandau Ballet song) ( Tony's fave Spandau track)
I Will Wait for You ( Michel Legrand cover)
Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered (Rodgers & Hart cover)
You Make Me Feel So Young (Josef Myrow cover)
Mack the Knife (Kurt Weill cover)
The Lady Is a Tramp (Rodgers & Hart cover)
If I Can Dream (Elvis Presley cover)
My Way (Claude François cover)
Encore:
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas ( Hugh Martin cover)
All Alone on Christmas ( Darlene Love cover)
Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (Harry Reser and His Orchestra cover)

Updated 3rd December 2025 Permalink

Monday 01 December 2025.

Monday 01 December 2025....I went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 8.30pm .
CHRISTIE'S - private view - King Street , St James's , London SW1.
A preview for two separate auctions that are held on Tuesday .
"The Winter Egg and Important Works by Fabergé from a Princely Collection."
"Old Masters ."
Lots of extra security here for the Fabergé collection.
It is held over two of the rooms, behind security glass.
One room features " The Winter Egg' which is expected to sell for over £20m.
The other rooms are showcasing "Old Masters".
Christie's is a major global market leader in Old Master paintings, drawings, and sculptures, offering a wide range of European art spanning the 15th to 19th centuries.
Over 200 guests here at this well known art auction house .
I had a nice chat with PETER YORK about The Blitz Exhibition at The Design Museum and all things 1980s .
Also here was LORD MICHAEL HESELTINE ( now aged an amazing 92) and his wife
Heseltine served as a Conservative Member of Parliament from 1966 to 2001. He was a prominent figure in the governments of Margaret Thatcher and John Major.
Complimentary Nyetimber English Sparkling Wines , Negronis and canapes.
then
THE BUZZCOCKS live at The 100 Club.
I am back again to see these punk legends at their second show at this iconic venue.
I saw DESPERATE MEASURES play a good set the night before , but miss them tonight.
Good to see KEVIN SHEPHERD who is here again.
Good to see GARY LAMMIN here. I have his Dave Goodman produced 2017 album ' Gary Guitar Lammin'.
It is a good album , certainly worth checking out.
THE BUZZCOCKS again hit the stage at 9pm.
They played for 90 mins , which was a bit longer than the night before as we get an extra track ' Chasing Rainbows/ Modern Times'.
A nice mix of older classics and more recent material again .
Steve Diggle has a bottle of Moet by his amp again.
Another great show .
See my Facebook page for photos and videos of both events.
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Sunday 30 November 2025.
THE BUZZCOCKS + DESPERATE MEASURES live at The 100 Club.
Mancunian punk legends play the first of their two shows at this iconic venue.
I have seen The Buzzcocks over 30 times since 1977 , when they supported The Clash at The Rainbow Theatre.
Original singer Pete Shelley sadly died a few years ago, but original guitarist Steve Diggle is still there.
--------
It is cold outside, but it soon gets hot in this legendary club venue.
Great to see KEVIN SHEPHERD here , who has seen both The Buzzccoks and The Damned over 500 times.
Great to see STEVE ENGLISH here , who recently celebrated his 70th birthday .
DESPERATE MEASURES arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins set.
Eugene from that great punk mag ' Vive Le Rock ' is their singer.
They played a really good set , that included ...
Back to The Rats
Thinking of England
Lost Angels ( dedicated to Pam Hogg who passed away last week)
Seven Sisters
THE BUZZCOCKS arrived on stage at 9pm for their 85 mins set.
Steve Diggle and co whizzed through 21 songs.
A great mix of older classics and more recent material.
Steve Diggle has not got the great vocal style and voice that Pete Shelley had, but he does a good job.
A great gig.
Highlights of THE BUZZCOCKS set included...
What Do I Get ?
Everybody's Happy Nowadays
Promises
Fast Cars
Autonomy
Love You More
Orgasm Addict
Boredom
Times Up
Ever Fallen In Love
Harmony in My Head

Updated 29th November 2025 Permalink

Saturday 29 November 2025.

Saturday 29 November 2025.
AEROSMITH joining up with Yungblud seems to be paying off.
Aerosmith and YUNGBLUD scoop this week’s UK Official Number 1 album with collaborative project ' One More Time'. ...it qualifies even though it is actually a five track EP...
This marks US rock legends Aerosmith’s first UK Number 1 LP, 38 years after their chart debut, and a fourth chart-topping accolade in YUNGBLUD’s arsenal. It is also the Brit’s second Number 1 of 2025, after Idols debut at the summit in June.
--------------------------------------
--------------------------------------
Friday 28 November 2025.
TORS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Tors are a three-piece indie folk band from Devon,, composed of brothers Matt and Theo Weedon, and Jack Bowden. They have released EPs and singles , but no actual albums.
Their UK shows follow dates in Mainland Europe.
I asked many of my friends " have you heard of Tors" , they all said " No".
---------
Levels 2 and 3 closed tonight , but still 1000 tickets sold.
Support act JO HILL and her band arrived on stage at 8.15pm for their 30 mins set.
British singer-songwriter Jo Hill has officially released her highly anticipated debut album, girlhood., out now via UROK. Featuring standout tracks like ‘SUPERMARKET SUSHI’ and ‘WHERE DID ELLA GO?,’ the album offers a showcase of Jo’s country-pop-inspired sound and her remarkable storytelling ability.
A good set.
TORS arrived on stage at 9.20pm for their 90 mins set .
A sparse production as just some fairy lights , candles and plants dotted around the stage .
A great spoken intro over the pa by David Attenborough who tells the crowd about Tors , which are rock formations.
The singer really knows how to connect with the crowd.
He has a kind of Chris Martin vibe going on.
A good bunch of pop- folk - indie songs, with lyrics based around Happiness , Sadness and Love.
Highlights included two guest appearances .
Support act JO HILL joined them for a song.
A nice suprise to see MYLES SMITH come on to sing his big hit 'Stargazing'.
Near the end of the set , they get a dozen fans on stage for a dance , and the singer goes up to Level 1 to sing.
For the first encore , the trio sing acoustic in the stalls crowd.
An enjoyable show .
Full TORS setlist played tonight....
Wilder Days
Heavy Hearts
Happy Enough
I Don't Wanna Know
What If
Merry Go Round
Does He Make You Happy? ( with Jo Hill)
Was It Love ( Unreleased New song )
Must Confess ( Unreleased New song )
Dying Stars
Stargazing ( Myles Smith cover) (with Myles Smith) (Acoustic version)
Garden on the Kitchen Floor
Anything Can Happen
Never Give Up
Miracle
Encore:
Only For You (Unplugged)
Empty Hands
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
Thursday 27 November 2025.
AMBLE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Fast rising Irish folk rockers play their third sold out show at this venue.
I saw them at their first show in Shepherds Bush 10 days ago.
See my review from 17 Nov 2025.
The band are massive back home in Ireland .
Their world tour also includes three nights at Dublin Arena.
--------
Lots of Irish folks here again.
MAICIN arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins set.
The five piece from Northern Ireland did a good acoustic based set.
The singer was a bit of a character.
Great to hear those accents from the stage and in the crowd.
The venue is totally rammed by the time the headliners arrive .
AMBLE arrived on stage at 9pm for their 95 mins set.
The three main guys at the front , and three more behind them.
Throughout the set, the mixture of guitars, banjos, mandolins and accordion blended naturally between the band and the three fellow Irish musicians on stage. Their brotherly playfulness and genuine awe for one another’s talent was magnetic, as was their harmonies.
It was acoustic based , as no electric guitars on stage.
Oddly , they played two or three more songs than the show I saw here 10 days ago.
The uptempo songs got the crowd clapping and cheering.
The band are going back to Ireland the following day .
A very enjoyable show.
They will be playing bigger venues on their next London visit.

Updated 27th November 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 26 November 2025.

Wednesday 26 November 2025.
Shock news that fashionista PAM HOGG has passed away aged 66.
I saw her at many West End events, and she was always friendly and chatty.
Last time I saw her was when she was DJ support to CYNDI LAUPER just a year ago at The Royal Albert Hall.
Pam was the maverick Scottish designer who dressed everyone from Kate Moss and Beyonce to Debbie Harry and Princess Eugenie.
-----------
Wednesday 26 November 2025....5pm to 10pm...
Christmas reunion drinks with some ex work colleagues .
Last night was the glamour of a celebrity filled party at Claridges , and tonight it is The Wetherspoons in Wimbledon.
Around 20 of us here , reminiscing about the good old days and other stuff.
Ray Fielding was there ( Noel Fieldings dad).
We are all now retired , apart from one who is still full time.
Really great to see them all again for a catch up.
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 25 November 2025...6.45pm to 10pm...
CLARIDGES - Christmas Tree 2025 - unveiling party , Mayfair , London W1.
This year's Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2025, is designed by Daniel Lee, Chief Creative Officer of Burberry.
Standing proudly in the Art Deco lobby, the traditional 16ft tree brings together two illustrious British names in a celebration of craft, heritage and festive wonder.
This event used to be upstairs in the space above the tree for 150 guests , but it always felt a very crowded space , so this year they have moved it to a bigger space in the dinning room near the tree for around 300 guests .
It was a very glam event at this famous five star hotel...
Lots of well known faces here along with male and female models and other creatives.
Dame Joan Collins , Richard E Grant , Jennifer Saunders , Erin O'Connor , Sophie Dahl , Alexa Chung, Pixie Geldof, Nicky Haslam, Jeremy King, Harris Reed , Daniel Lismore , Pink Pantheress , Mutya Buena ,Patsy Kensit,
Celia Imrie, Hannah Waddingham , Georgia May Jagger , Suzy Menkes , Jessie Ware ,
Leah Williamson ( Arsenal and England National Team footballer),Ncuti Gatwa ( Dr Who 2023 to 2025 ) .
Early on we had a choir singing Christmas Carols.
At 8pm Daniel Lee from Burberry gave a welcome speech , which was followed by a reading by Olivia Colman .
A DJ was playing tunes in the background .
Lots of very nice complimentary drinks and food , including Billecart-Salmon champers, three different cocktails including Negronis , wines, canapes and a desserts table.

Updated 25th November 2025 Permalink

Monday 24 November 2025.

Monday 24 November 2025....I went to two events tonight ...
5.15pm to 6.15pm .
The Palm Court lounge & bar re-launch and Christmas Tree Lights switch on -
Sheraton Grand Hotel, Park Lane, Piccadilly , London W1.
The Palm Court bar at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane has relaunched following a refresh.
Around 100 guests in the comfy space in this five star hotel .
At 5.30pm we had Carol Singers for 20 mins.
At 6pm was the Christmas Tree Lights switch on.
Complimentary English sparkling Wines, wines beers, mulled wines and festive canapes , including salmon.
All guests got a goodie bag on departure .
then
7pm to 10pm.
ROSEWOOD HOLBORN HOTEL Christmas Party - High Holborn, London WC1.
A big crowd of over 300 guests in their outdoor courtyard of this five star hotel.
They have just launched an indoor chalet here .
They always have a live act performing a few songs .
In previous years they have had Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger , but
tonight is an up and coming artist who has just released her second album.
At 7.55pm NYAH GRACE and band performed four smooth soulful tracks.
After she finished her set , there was a superb fireworks display.
A DJ played tracks before and after the live band.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food , including Gusbourne English Sparkling Wines,
Whiskey Cocktails , Negronis , wines, beers , Hot Chocolate with marshmallows .
Pork and Turkey Rolls food stations along with canapes and a desserts station .
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
Sunday 23 November 2025.
Time for an evening rest indoors catch up.
Been out at gigs and events for 27 evenings on the trot.
Last time indoors was Sunday 26 October.
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
Saturday 22 November 2025.
THE CLONE ROSES live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
The Clone Roses return, performing all the Madchester anthems we all know and love.
From selling out Blackpool Empress Ballroom to performing at the iconic Spike Island site on the banks of the River Mersey in front of a sell-out 15,000 strong crowd, the band have become hugely popular amongst Roses fans old and new and will be inviting some of the UK’s finest tributes as guests on tour.
The show will also feature support from Oasish and The Smiths Ltd.
I saw this very nice three band tribute at this venue last year, and the year before that .
This three band package has sold a lot more tickets for this show this year , which no doubt is related to the Oasis reunion shows a few months ago and the shock news that Stone Roses bass player 'Mani' died just two days before this show.He was aged just 63....hopefully they will play tribute to him.
This is the first time this three band tribute has sold out Shepherds Bush Empire.
1800 tickets sold for tribute bands...very impressive.
I have seen the real Stone Roses live a few times.
I have seen the real Oasis live several times.
I never got to see The Smiths , but have seen Morrissey solo several times.
--------------
The atmosphere in the venue is really great from the start.
The rowdy fans are drinking the bars dry on this Saturday night.
Ages range here from teenagers to folks in their 60s.
All the bands have the look and sound of the real bands.
All the bands pay tribute to Mani at some stage .
Clone Roses have a bass on stage lit up that looks like Manis centre stage .
All the bands play a greatest hits set , so plenty of classics played.
The crowd are singing loudly , and the front stalls is bouncing
THE SMITHS LTD arrived on stage at 7.15pm and play for 45 mins.
OASISH arrived on stage at 8.15pm and play for 55 mins.
THE CLONE ROSES arrived on stage at 9.35pm and play for 85 mins.
Highlights included Oasish getting the crowd to do a full ' Poznan' for ' Cigarettes & Alcohol'.
The Clone Roses dedicating a stunning ' This Is The One ' to London , Manchester and Mani.
The Clone Roses mentioning local Shepherds Bush team QPR win today .
A great evening .

Updated 23rd November 2025 Permalink

Friday 21 November 2025.

Friday 21 November 2025.
CAST live at Shepherds Bush Empire .
Cast will be touring the UK and Ireland to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut album, "All Change".
Cast had seven Top 10 hit singles in the UK.
Richard Ashcroft and Cast were the support acts on the massive UK Oasis reunion stadium shows in the UK this summer .
I have seen Cast a few times before, with the first time at Battersea Power Station in 1997.
-------------
A sold out drinking crowd of mainly middle aged folks tonight.
PASTEL arrived on stage at 7.40pm for their 30 mins set .
A newish band , but they look and sound like a 1990s band. A good set.
CAST arrived on stage at 8.45pm for their 1 hour 50 mins set.
The first part of the set is the ' All Change ' album.
Singer John Power, still has that great Liverpudlian singing voice and banter.
Several classic hits like 'Sandstorm' , ' Fine Time' , ' Walkaway ' and 'Alright' are highlights.
A newer track ' Free Love' was excellent.
As good enjoyable show.
Full setlist played by CAST tonight...
Follow Me Down
Promised Land
Sandstorm
Mankind
Tell it Like it Is
Four Walls
Fine Time
Back of My Mind
Walkaway
Reflections
History
Two of a Kind
Alright
Way Its Gotta Be (Oh Yeah)
Poison Vine
Free Love
Love Is the Call
I'm So Lonely
Live the Dream
Tomorrow Call My Name
Encore:
Guiding Star
Free Me
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
Thursday 20 November 2025...6.15pm to 10.45pm...
HARRY'S - launch party - 11/12 Russell Street , Covent Garden , London WC2.
Having rolled out The Ivy to pretty much everywhere (the latest of those in Battersea), it looks like Richard Caring's Caprice Holdings has started focusing on Harry's as their next big brand. They opened in Victoria last year and in King's Cross earlier this summer. All that was building up to what's going to be the restaurant group's flagship site, which gets its big launch this winter in Covent Garden.
The site they've nabbed is where Tuttons stood for nearly 40 years. It's right on the corner of the piazza beside the London Transport Museum. As such, it's got a massive terrace which will do very nicely for them in the summer months. If you haven't been to one of them before, then they channel a kind of 1950s Italian energy, serving up dishes like their popular truffled tagliolini and the much-photographed Harry's toadstool dessert.
Open seven days a week, join us from breakfast to pre-theatre dining or for an after-show dinner and savour the very best of Harry's alongside classic cocktails with a signature twist. And for the perfect evening, discover Il Palco, a new concept space with live music from Thursday to Saturday.
----------------
A great location on the edge of Covent Garden Piazza .
Must be over 200 guests here over the two levels .
Lots of smartly dressed staff fussing over the guests.
Nice to see several friends here .
There is a female singer and band downstairs , then later a DJ.
Lots of very nice complimentary food and drinks, including
Prosecco , Bellinis, Negronis, Aperol Spritz , wines , beers and several delicious canapes and desserts .

Updated 21st November 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 19 November 2025

Wednesday 19 November 2025.
THE FRAY live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
This is their second of two sold out shows at this venue.
The Fray are massive back home in the USA
Multi-Platinum band The Fray embark on a highly anticipated global tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album, ' How to Save a Life' .
Released in 2005, '' How to Save a Life'' became a defining album of the 2000s, producing chart-topping singles like “Over My Head (Cable Car)” and the 5 x Platinum title track.
Those two singles also made the UK Top 10.
Their other three albums all made the Top 10 in the USA.
Their first two albums made the Top 10 in the UK.
Their original singer left the band in 2022.
------------
The venue is rammed solid sold out tonight.
ST. LUNDI arrived on stage at 8pm for his 30 mins set.
Just him with his acoustic guitar and keyboards.
A decent set of his debut album tracks that went down well.
He plays a headline show at Bush Hall in Feb 2026.
THE FRAY arrived on stage at 9pm for their 95 mins set.
The main three band members are joined by two other musicians.
They had some nice Vox and Fender amps on stage.
The guitarist has pedal box with 16 pedals in it , even though they only have 18 songs in the setlist .
Their songs are keyboard led so have hints of Coldplay and Keane.
New singer Joe King used to be the guitarist in the band, but has now taken over the lead vocals.
A nice middle section where they played their two early hits , and then the next song the singer sang it in the
stalls standing area with the fans .
A good show.
Full setlist played by THE FRAY tonight ...
She Is
All at Once
Look After You
Fall Away
Little House
Dead Wrong
Trust Me
Heaven Forbid
Vienna
Over My Head (Cable Car)
How to Save a Life
My Heart's a Crowded Room (Joe performed in the stalls floir crowd)
Hurricane
Heartbeat
Dreams ( The Cranberries cover)
You Found Me
Encore :
Songs I'd Rather Not Sing
Never Say Never
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
Tuesday 18 November 2025...6.15pm to 9pm ....
Christmas tree and lights launch party , London W1.
Always nice to be at this luxurious venue .
The main Christmas tree and the smaller ones look amazing all lit up.
Around 150 guests here.
At 6.45pm there is a speech from the owners.
A wandering quartet are playing Christmas classics and Rat Pack classics.
Complimentary Laurent Perrier Champers, Classic Negronis , Spiced Negronis , mini cheeseburgers, cartons of truffled fries , canapes and desserts .
A very nice event.

Updated 18th November 2025 Permalink

Monday 17 November 2025.

Monday 17 November 2025.
AMBLE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
This is the first of their three sold out shows at this venue.
Irish folk trio Amble extend their ongoing world tour in support of their album, 'Reverie'.
'Reverie ' showcases the bands signature sound: relatability, intimate storytelling, and authenticity seamlessly blended with no-frills acoustic instrumentation, serene soundscapes, and heavenly natural harmonies.
Their tour includes three sold out shows at Dublin Arena.
Pretty amazing how quickly they have become so popular , despite releasing just one studio album and one live album , and a few EPs .
Their May 2025 released debut album went to number one in Ireland.
---------
Most of the crowd seemed to be Irish tonight.
Many of the middle aged men look like my Irish uncles.
Two of Ireland's football heroes from the past weekend were in the Level 1 vip seats.
MAICIN arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins set.
The five piece from Northern Ireland did a good acoustic based set.
The singer was a bit of a character.
Great to hear those accents from the stage and in the crowd.
The venue is totally rammed by the time the headliners arrive .
AMBLE arrived on stage at 9pm for their 80 mins set.
The three main guys at the front , and three more behind them.
Throughout the set, the mixture of guitars, banjos, mandolins and accordion blended naturally between the band and the three fellow Irish musicians on stage. Their brotherly playfulness and genuine awe for one another’s talent was magnetic, as was their harmonies.
It was acoustic based , as no electric guitars on stage .
Several chants of "Ole , Ole , Ole " ring out during the show.
The main singer said " just a year ago , we quit our full time jobs to go on this world tour".
The crowd are singing along to the songs performed .
A cover of John Prine ' Angel From Montgomery' was great .
Some songs were livelier than others.
An enjoyable show .
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Sunday 16 November 2025.
ASIA featuring John Payne + FOGHAT live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
A very nice pair of old school rock bands...co-headline show.
Asia feature John Payne on vocals, who replaced John Wetton on vocals from 1991 to 2006. John Payne recorded several albums with them, but not the first three albums which included their mega selling debut from 1982, which included the worldwide hit single ' Heat of the Moment'.
Support comes from FOGHAT.
I bought a couple of their albums in the 1970s when they were massive in the USA.
They feature original drummer Roger Earl.
Foghat are an English rock band formed in London in 1971, who had big success in America in the 1970s,
and stayed over there rather than come back to the UK.
The band are known for the use of electric slide guitar in their music. Their best known song is the 1975 hit "Slow Ride". The band have released 17 studio albums, including eight gold albums and one platinum, along with one double platinum live album. Despite several line-up changes, the band continue to record and perform.
A very rare UK visit by Foghat as their last shows in the UK was around 50 years ago.
This show is stalls seated, as will be a rock show for the seniors.
-----------
Levels 2 and 3 are closed tonight , and it's stalls seated so maybe only 500 tickets sold.
Maybe the pretty high ticket prices of £75 and £65 for this venue put them off.
It is pretty much 80% older males here tonight as expected.
FOGHAT arrived on stage at 7.45pm for their 75 mins set.
Five of them are on stage , including percussion.
A lovely southern rock blues set , with plenty of nifty slide guitar.
They finished with their best known track ' Slow Ride' which was great.
ASIA arrived on stage at 9.30pm for their 1 hour 45 mins set.
This meant they left the stage at 11.15pm ...far too late for a Sunday.
Many were leaving by 11pm, as tubes close down an hour earlier on Sundays.
The band are a different type of genre to Foghat as they mix soft rock with prog rock .
Four musicians on stage , including keyboards
Nice vocals and harmonies and stage banter from John Payne.
Highlights included ' Only Time Will Tell', ' The Longest Night' and 'Sole Survivor' and the final song which was their big hit ' Heat of the Moment', which got everyone off their seats.
A very nice evening with these two bands.

Updated 17th November 2025 Permalink

Saturday 15 November 2025.

Saturday 15 November 2025.
SAXON live at Hammersmith Apollo.
Rock legends are playing another UK tour.
I have seen Saxon over 20 times.
The first time was in 1979 , when they supported Motorhead at Hammersmith Odeon.
Saxon are bringing their 'Hell, Fire and Steel ' UK & Ireland Tour to Eventim Apollo in November 2025, which will see the band perform songs from their new album 'Hell, Fire and Damnation' as well as playing their classic album ' Wheels of Steel' in full, from start to finish, for the last time as well as all the other hits and fan favourites too.
Saxon singer Biff Byford is now aged 74.
In mid-2025, Byford revealed he was diagnosed with bowel cancer after a small tumor was found during an MRI scan. He underwent successful surgery in July 2025 to remove the tumor, with doctors indicating they removed all visible cancer. A short course of "mop-up" chemotherapy was prescribed as a precautionary measure.
Also, so as to make it even more special, Saxon have invited their great friend the legend that is Dirkschneider, formerly of Accept, to perform his classic album ' Balls to the Wall ' in its entirety too which should make for one hell of a memorable and unique night.
I saw Accept support Judas Priest at Hammersmith Odeon in 1981, and then saw Accept headline the same venue in 1984, 1985 ,1986.
------------
Needless to say , i was really looking forward to seeing this pair of rock legends.
It is not sold out, but the venue looks very full.
Lots of overseas voices could be heard.
Lots of folks in 80s type jean jackets with band patches covering them.
Lots of big queues for the very popular Saxon merch stands.
Lots of folks drinking and keeping the bars very busy .
Most folks got in early to see the special guests support.
Dirkschneider arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 60 mins set.
Udo and band did a good set with sone nice pair of riffing guitars.
Full DIrkschneider setlist played tonight...
Balls to the Wall ( Accept song)
London Leatherboys (Accept song)
Fight It Back (Accept song)
Head Over Heels ( Accept song)
Losing More Than You've Ever Had (Accept song)
Love Child (Accept song)
Turn Me On (Accept song)
Losers and Winners (Accept song)
Guardian of the Night (Accept song)
Winterdreams (Accept song)
Fast as a Shark ( Accept song)
SAXON arrived on stage at 9pm for their 1 hour 45 mins set.
A top notch stage production as we had a lovely big screen mixing live footage with pre-recorded images, along with a wall of Marshall speakers and a barrage of lights and strobes .
Biff Byford is a great front man , with plenty of stage banter , as he introduced 'Balls To The Wall' saying Saxon played this track at this venue on the first time at this venue in 1979 - I was there.
Another track from 1980 , which introduced by Biff saying "this came out when no mobile phones or internet , but there was vinyl and cassettes " .
It was lively stage front , with over 30 crowd surfers.
Plenty of their classic tracks played tonight.
Tonight Saxon were better than ever...fantastic.
Full SAXON setlist played tonight...
Tape intro - The Prophecy
Hell, Fire and Damnation
Power and the Glory
Sacrifice
Backs to the Wall
Never Surrender
Madame Guillotine
Heavy Metal Thunder
Dallas 1 PM
Album - Wheels Of Steel
Motorcycle Man
Stand Up and Be Counted
747 (Strangers in the Night)
Wheels of Steel
Freeway Mad
See the Light Shining
Street Fighting Gang
Suzie Hold On
Machine Gun
Encore:
Denim and Leather
And the Bands Played On
Strong Arm of the Law
Princess of the Night
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Friday 14 November 2025.
LEVELLERS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Widely acclaimed Brighton folk-rockers Levellers head out on tour in celebration of the 30th anniversary of their chart-topping album ' Zeitgeist'....many of their other albums made the Top 40.
I have seen them a few times before, including headlining The Royal Albert Hall in 2019.
LEVELLERS have had 14 x Top 40 singles, but none made the Top 10.
---------------
Tonight is fully rammed sold out .
A Friday night drinking crowd creating a great proper live gig atmosphere.
The Levellers show is being filmed by over a dozen film cameras .
GRACE PETRIE arrived on stage at 7.45pm for her 45 mins set .
Grace Petrie is an English folk singer-songwriter and guitarist from Leicester, England.
Grace is a bit of a protest singer , a bit like a female Billy Bragg.
She got the crowd to sing along , and went down well with them.
LEVELLERS arrived on stage at 9pm for their 85 mins set.
A very nice stage production , as they have a huge curtain of the album cover behind them , and lots of lights and strobes.
Six musicians spread out around the stage , with a nice big overall sound.
The first set was the album ' Zeitgeist' , then it was some classic best of tracks.
It got very lively , with lots of moshing down front of stage.
They whizzed through their set , without much chat.
Lots of their hits played in a really good show.
Full LEVELLERS setlist played tonight...
FIRST SET
The Fear
Hope St.
Exodus
Maid of the River
Saturday to Sunday
Alive
Forgotten Ground
Fantasy
P.C. Keen
Just the One
Haven't Made It
Leave This Town
Men-an-Tol
SECOND SET after a two minute break
Jig
One Way
Carry Me
The Cholera Well
Encore :
Four Boys Lost
The Road
The Riverflow

Updated 14th November 2025 Permalink