Welcome to the Ray's Gigs website!

Here's the latest - updated 20th March 2023

Sunday 19 March 2023.

Sunday 19 March 2023.
MORRISSEY live at Hammersmith Apollo.
Moz plays his only UK show on his seven date European Tour.
I never saw The Smiths live as i was always working front stage security at Hammersmith Odeon during the 1980s , but have seen Morrissey solo around a dozen times.
Needless to say , that i am really looking forward to seeing this show.
Morrissey fans are meeting up at Beluhshis Bar on Hammersmith Broadway before and after the show.
Gig tickets on the expensive side tonight as stalls standing were £75 and circle seats were £100 and £75.
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Folks are handing PETA leaflets all over the front of the venue.
My security chums told me 33 hardcore Morrissey fans had camped out overnight under the flyover,
to get the front row stalls standing positions when the doors open.
Folks have come from all around the country for his only UK show on this tour.
The merch stands are doing a roaring trade.
The show is completely rammed sold out by the time Morrissey comes on stage.
Lots of the fans have Moz hairstyles and his style of clothing.
BOY GEORGE is sitting in the front circle seating.
From 8pm to 8.30pm we have a big screen showing a film of some of Morrissey's fave videos
which included two of his fave bands - The Sex Pistols and The New York Dolls.
I did not go to any shows on his last UK tour, but i think this film was also used then.
MORRISSEY arrived on stage at 8.35pm and played for 85 mins.
He introduced the show with the words "Happy Mothers Day" (Morrissey recently lost his own mum).
His top notch band sounded great as usual.
The big screen remained, to show pre-recorded images.
Chants of "Morrissey, Morrissey, Morrissey" ring out throughout the evening.
The front stalls standing is a heaving mess of bodies, and a couple of them get on stage.
Lots of classic tracks played along with a couple of new tracks from his upcoming album.
A few oldies from The Smiths played, and 'Everyday is like Sunday' was totally mega.
As usual he muttered away between songs.
He never seems to play for than 90 mins and tonight Morrissey was on stage for only 85 mins,
which seems short for someone with 40 years of material, but there were 20 songs played.
A great show.
Full MORRISSEY setlist played tonight...
Our Frank
Alma Matters
Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before (The Smiths song)
Irish Blood, English Heart
I Wish You Lonely
Jim Jim Falls
I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris
Sure Enough, the Telephone Rings
Istanbul
Girlfriend in a Coma (The Smiths song)
Everyday Is Like Sunday
Knockabout World
The Loop
The Night Pop Dropped
Without Music the World Dies
Half a Person ( The Smiths song)
Trouble Loves Me
Suedehead
Jack the Ripper
Encore:
Sweet and Tender Hooligan (The Smiths song)
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Saturday 18 March 2023...I went to two events tonight...
6pm to 8pm
FLAT IRON - press preview - 9 Young Street, Kensimgton, London W8.
Kensington residents on the lookout for a decent steakhouse now have the arrival of Flat Iron.
Everyone's favourite budget steak restaurant has opened up a 90-seat restaurant on Young Street, just off Kensington High Street. As per their usual operating model, it'll all be about their titular Flat Iron steak which, right now, is on sale for £13.
In addition to that steak, there will also be a "rotating board of beef specials" so you can look out for sirloin, bavette and also the odd burger special. On top of that, sides will include crispy bone marrow garlic mash, truffled macaroni cheese, creamed spinach, and beef dripping chips.
A pretty basic menu here which features steak, beef, wagu as mains choices and several side dishes.
For desserts that is only ice-cream and that is free to all to take out in a cone or tub as you leave the venue.
We had a Flat Iron steak each and a British F1 Wagu Flank to share and half a dozen side dishes to share.
Great music over the house sound system included The Who, The Rolling Stones and The Sex Pistols.
The food was delicious and the staff were great.
Visit their website www.flatironsteak.co.uk for locations and menu.
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then
THE SKIDS live at The 100 Club.
The Skids play the second of two sold out pronto shows at this iconic club venue.
I have seen these great Scottish punk legends around a dozen times, which included
seven times during their heyday period of 1979 to 1981.
Skids,Dole Marquee Club, London 28.03.1979
Skids,Angelic Upstarts Lyceum Theatre, London 03.06.1979
Skids,Fingerprintz Rainbow Theatre, London 02.11.1979
Skids,Simple Minds,Pink Military Hammersmith Palais , London 26.08.1980
Skids,Ruts DC,Books Hammersmith Odeon, London 21.10.1980
Skids Hope And Anchor Pub, London 01.11.1980
Skids Venue , Victoria , London 10.02.1981
They had five Top 40 hits in the UK including one Top 10 which was 'Into The Valley' in 1979
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Nice to see a few friends here...including one who was filming the entire show.
THE SKIDS arrived on stage at 9pm and played for 80 mins.
The band, originally hailing from Dunfermline in Scotland put together some of the most memorable and recognisable tunes of the late 70s. Stuart Adamson, sadly, took his own life in 2001 which Richard Jobson reminded us of with a brief moment of reflection and a warm smile and humour.
Bruce Watson and his son are now on guitar duties.
Back in the day singer Richard Jobson would do his energetic dancing , and he is still doing it.
Sweating buckets with a big smile, but these days he has a rest between songs for some charismatic banter,
including rants on Leo Sayer keeping The Skids off the top of the charts, the age of the crowd tonight,
the dodgy clothing he wore on TOTP back then, being 20 years clean....off drinking IRN-BRU.
All the classic hits got the crowd dancing , and 'Into The Valley' sent the crowd into overdrive.
When the band appears to have enjoyed it as much as the audience you know you’ve witnessed something special. An excellent show.
Full SKIDS setlist played tonight...
Charade
Of One Skin
Charles
Destination Dusseldorf (track from upcoming new album)
The Saints Are Coming
Working for the Yankee Dollar
Melancholy Soldiers
Out of Town
Masquerade
Hurry On Boys
Circus Games
Into the Valley
A Woman in Winter
The Olympian
TV Stars
Complete Control (The Clash cover)

Updated 19th March 2023 Permalink

Friday 17 March 2023

Friday 17 March 2023.
TURIN BRAKES live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Turin Brakes are an English band.They had a UK top 5 hit in 2003 with their song "Painkiller (Summer Rain)". Since starting out in 1999, the band have sold around one million records worldwide. They are currently signed to Cooking Vinyl. They have released several studio albums.
Their ninth studio album 'Wide-Eyed Nowhere' was released in 2022.
They had seven Top 40 hits in the UK, including one Top 10.
I saw Turin Brakes supporting Travis at The Royal Festival Hall in 2018.
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Level 3 is closed and there is space on all other levels so maybe only 700 or 800 folks here.
UNE arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins set.
UNE are BBC 6music and Radio 2 broadcaster, musician and author Mark Radcliffe and electronica tech head Paul S Langley (Robs Records/Yeti-MusicMan/SonyBMG) ​ UNE is electronic music spanning many styles with a plaintive lonely voice at its heart. A happy accidental collision of man and machines.
A decent 1980s style synth-pop sound with their keyboard, electric guitar and backing tapes.
TURIN BRAKES arrived on stage at 9pm for their 1 hour 40 mins set.
The band's sound is very much like the acoustic rock of Travis and Starsailor that was very popular
around 20 years ago....they played new album tracks along with the hit singles from their two debut albums.
'The Optimist' released 2001 - reached number 27 in the UK - nominated for the Mercury Album Prize.
'Ether Song' released 2003 - reached number 4 in the UK.
An enjoyable show.
Full TURIN BRAKES setlist played tonight...
Isolation
Up For Grabs
The Door
Future Boy
Lost In The Woods
Dark on Fire
Into The Sun
Keep Me Around
We Were Here
World Like That
Long Distance
Last Chance
Pain Killer (Summer Rain)
Fishing for a Dream
Black Rabbit
Encore:
Something in My Eye
No Rainbow
Underdog (Save Me)
Encore 2:
Feeling Oblivion
Slack
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Thursday 16 March 2023...I went to two events tonight...
6.15pm to 7.45pm.
Zheng Lu 'Liquid Narratives' - private view - The House Of Fine Art, 11 Bruton Street, Mayfair, London W1.
Zheng Lu's latest solo show, featuring a never before seen selection of works by the exciting emerging artist.
Around 70 or 80 smartly dressed guests here to look at the steel sculptures and installations.
Several of them had too many sharp points sticking out for my liking.
Complimentary Charles de Fere sparking wine for all the guests.
It is on here from 17 March to 29 March.
then
8pm to 9.15pm.
W1 Curates presents Constellations by Rewind Collective - Launch Night.
Flannels , 161-167 Oxford Street , London W1.
Around 150 guests in this gallery space , in the basement of this store.
It is on the dark side, and with the DJ sounds, it feels more like a nightclub.
Philip Sallon (now aged 71) was here..He is a British club promoter, event organiser, socialite, style innovator, impresario, and clothing designer.He was born in London, England.He is particularly known for being a prominent member of the Punk sub-cultural and New Romantic pop cultural movements during the 1970s and 1980s.
Complimentary sprits with mixers, wines and beers for all the guests.

Updated 17th March 2023 Permalink

Wednesday 15 March 2023.

Wednesday 15 March 2023.
SLEEPING WITH SIRENS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
American rock band from Florida are promoting their seventh studio albums 'Complete Collapse',
which was released on 14 October 2022.
They have sold over a million albums during their career.
This show is part of a European Tour.
Two of their albums have made the UK Top 40 charts....'Feel' in 2013...and 'Madness' in 2015.
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The venue is not sold out tonight, but it looks very full.
Loads of interesting looking female emo rock fans here tonight.
CHARMING LIARS arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 30 mins set.
A British band who have an American singer.
Some decent rock songs played by them.
STATIC DRESS arrived on stage at 8.15pm for their 30 mins set.
Static Dress is an English rock band from Leeds, West Yorkshire. The band formed in 2018 and currently consists of vocalist Olli Appleyard, drummer Sam Ogden, bassist George Holding, and anonymous masked guitarist Contrast. They have released one full length studio album alongside various standalone singles and an EP.
They were much heavier than the first band, and this created some moshing and crowd-surfing.
Their sound was a bit too hardcore for me, but the crowd liked them.
The interval was non-stop ABBA classics over the pa, that had the girls here all singing along to.
SLEEPING WITH SIRENS arrived on stage at 9.10pm for their 80 mins set.
They certainly put on a great stage show, as there were loads of lights and the first song had streamers,
and every other song after had smoke plumes and pyros and ticker-tape.
As with the second support band there was plenty of moshing and crowd-surfing.
The vocals seemed to get lost a bit in the mix from my seat upstairs, or maybe it sounded ok from the floor.
There were a couple of acoustic tracks played including 'Iris' by Goo Goo Dolls.
There was a small film crew , filming all the headline band tonight.
A decent enough show.
Full SLEEPING WITH SIRENS setlist played tonight...
Break Me Down
Kick Me
Leave It All Behind
Never Enough
Talking to Myself
Do It Now Remember It Later
Crosses
Agree to Disagree
Go Go Go
Better Off Dead
Scene Five: With Ears to See, and Eyes to Hear
Iris (The Goo Goo Dolls cover)
Bloody Knuckles
Ctrl + Alt + Del (Live Debut + Music Video Recorded)
If I'm James Dean, You're Audrey Hepburn
Encore:
If You Can't Hang
OUTRO SONG OVER THE PA I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
(by Whitney Houston played as they exited stage)
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Tuesday 14 March 2023.
LADY BLACKBIRD live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
' Black Acid Soul' is the tiitle of the debut album from LA musician Marley Munroe’s as Lady Blackbird.
Upon its 2021 release, The Guardian gave it a glowing five star review.
This show is part of a European Tour.
Lady Blackbird has already got some good tv exposure by singing a tune on The Graham Norton Show,
and the following day after this show, she records a track for The Jonathan Ross Show, which will be
aired on Saturday 18 March 2023.
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It does not say sold out , but the venue is very full.
The cool older jazz/soul crowd look like they would be more at home watching this show at
Ronnie Scott's rather than squashed together in the floor standing area here.
LADY BIRTHDAY arrived on stage at 9.05pm for a 1 hour 40 mins set.
She arrives on stage , and you think straight away - Grace Jones - as she has a huge cone headwear,
and a tight black leotard showing off her bum cheeks and boobs.
She is backed by a four piece band including double bass, and has some nice stage banter.
She has got an amazing jazz/soul voice and the respectful crowd are listening quietly to it all.
Some great covers that were all jazzed up , which went down well with the crowd.
A drum and bass improv section was played as she nipped off stage to add a huge silver neck collar.
A really good show.
Full LADY BLACKBIRD setlist played tonight...
Black Acid Soul
Walk With Me
Blackbird (Nina Simone cover)
Collage
It's Not That Easy (Reuben Bell cover)
Five Feet Tall
Fix It (aka Peace Piece) (Bill Evans cover)
Did Somebody Make a Fool Out of You (Tony Joe White cover)
Baby I Just Don't
Drum & Bass Improvisation
Come Together (The Beatles cover)
Woman
Feel It Comin'
It'll Never Happen Again (Tim Hardin cover)
Encore:
I Am What I Am (Jerry Herman cover)
Life on Mars ( David Bowie cover)

Updated 15th March 2023 Permalink

Monday 13 March 2023.

Sunday 12 March 2023.
The 95th Academy Awards (The Oscars) are held in Los Angeles, USA.
Live on SKY tv in the UK....Arrivals from 11pm...Ceremony from around midnight...
Monday morning tv will be full of the award winners and highlights.
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Sunday 12 March 2023....8.15pm to 3.45am...
THE 95th ACADEMY AWRDS (THE OSCARS) LIVE SCREENING , London W1.
Around 200 invited guests over the four floors and many rooms of this private members club.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food all night including...
Champers , wines, beers, Espresso Martinis and Bloody Mary's throughout the event.
The champers here is Brad Pitts brand, Fleur de Miraval, which took over from classic champers
Piper-Heidsieck for the first time last year, and it was the first ever celebrity fizz to be served at the famous film event.
The rosé sparkler was served during the 2023 ceremony, which took place at Hollywood’s famous Dolby Theatre, as well as at the official afterparty, the Governors Ball, and other star-studded Oscar-adjacent events across LA, New York and London. Selfridges sell it for £340 a bottle....some do it a bit cheaper.
We had a very nice three course meal from 9pm before moving to view the 11pm arrivals on the big screens.
Comfy sofas and chairs are in all the rooms with a big screen or two in each room.
The staff are fussing over everyone and nobody needs to leave their seat for food or drinks.
After midnight there are cheeseburgers, bacon rolls,mac n cheese bowls, brownies and Krispy creme donuts.
The big winner was Everything Everywhere All At Once as it capped its triumphant awards season with seven Oscars – including best picture, best directors and three acting prizes.
An excellent event.
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Sat 11 March and Sun 12 March - LUST FOR LIFE to be performed live at The Lexington, Islington.
Two extra London shows added, as their 100 Club show on 01 March was sold out.
A UK tour to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Iggy Pops classic album 'Lust For Life' (1977).
It will actually be 46 years.
Glen Matlock steps up at the last minute to replace Tony Fox Sales.
Glen Matlock: “It will be a bit of a challenge stepping into the top player and gentleman Tony Sales’ shoes at the last minute but challenges put hairs on your chest and are not to be shirked. To be on stage with these fellow like-minded guys and gals and celebrate our collective musical ancestries should be a pleasure, so come on down and let’s all hit the roof together.”
Clem Burke: “Due to Tony’s unfortunate last minute unavailability we’ve decided to soldier on with my mate and current Blondie bass player Glen Matlock . Everyone in the group is looking forward to a great night of Rock ‘n’ Roll with a few extra surprises in store .”
Three of the band members, Glen Matlock, Clem Burke and Kevin Armstrong have toured with Iggy Pop and each has made an album with him: Glen Matlock (Soldier) in 1980, Clem Burke (Zombie Birdhouse) in 1982 and Kevin Armstrong (Blah Blah Blah) in 1986.
On vocals will be Katie Puckrik.
They will play the album in full , plus some classics from The Sex Pistols, Blondie and David Bowie.
I was due to go on the Sunday....but then the OSCARS screening event above came up.

Updated 13th March 2023 Permalink

Saturday 11 March 2023.

Saturday 11 March 2023
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE live at The Roundhouse.
Welsh heavy metal band are tonight playing the final show of their massive six week
UK & European Tour to promote their self-titled seventh studio album.
The band have sold over 3 million albums worldwide.
Formed in 1998, Bullet for My Valentine won Kerrang!‘s ‘Best British Band’ three times consecutively in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The band has stated that their music is influenced by classic metal acts such as Metallica, Iron Maiden and Slayer. They blend “muscular riffs and emo harmonies” and also “take cues from ’80s metal bands and punk-infused metal to make melodic, metallic, dark rock songs.”
The band released a deluxe version of their current, self-titled album on July 8th 2022 via Spinefarm/ Search and Destroy. This extended release features 4 brand new tracks, plus “Stitches”, a song previously only available as a Japanese exclusive. Following the CD & digital releases, a vinyl pressing will launch on November 11th 2022. Bullet For My Valentine’s seventh studio record sees the band at their heaviest and most visceral, and these additional tracks are no different.
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It was sold out tonight , with lots of folks in black clothing , but i miss the first band.
Second band JINJER (from Ukraine) arrived on stage at 8.10pm for their 45 mins set.
Never heard of them before tonight , but they had many fans wearing their t-shirts in the crowd.
They start in a slow, atmospheric way but it’s not long until things are brutal and in-yer-face. Singer Tatiana growls (in a very manly way) during several songs. The music is hard and fast and performed with note-perfect precision. Tatiana can sing clean as well as yell, and she has good stage presence too.
A good set, but the growling spoilt it a bit for me.
BULLIT FOR MY VALENTINE arrived on stage at 9.25pm for their 90 mins set.
BFMV come on stage to a huge production of lights including strobes that dazzle throughout.
They certainly know what to play and say , as their loyal fans mosh and crowd-surf away.
Make no mistake this is slick, its polished, and its expertly planned, paced and done. There’s nothing off the cuff here, Bullet For My Valentine are as well oiled a machine as any out there. For much of the last decade, they’ve flitted between arena tours and these sold out theatre shows. What is clear, however, is that wherever they play, the ambitions are always the same, this is a band who’s never been shy of sounding huge. Consequently, this is an arena rock show, it just wasn’t played in one. It will be again.
A really good show.
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Friday 10 March 2023.
REX ORANGE COUNTY live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Alexander James O'Connor is his real name.
Male performer now aged 24, known professionally as Rex Orange County, is an English singer,
multi-instrumentalist and songwriter.
To celebrate one year since Rex Orange County released his Number 1-selling, fourth album Who Cares?, he will play this one-off show at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. The record includes stand-out songs such as “Amazing,” “The Shade,” “Keep It Up,” and “Open A Window” featuring Tyler, The Creator.
Tickets for this show only went on sale a week before the show, and sold out pronto.
No surprise really, as on a previous tour he sold out three nights at Brixton Academy, and
last summer he headlined to 20,000 at Gunnersbury Park, West London.
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Most of the crowd appear to be under the age 30, and 75% are excitable females.
REX ORANGE COUNTY arrived on stage at 8.30pm for his 80 mins set.
His band included a two man brass section.
The stage production included four disco mirror balls.
He bounds on stage wearing a pink and white hoodie , and from the start the females
are screaming and singing along loudly to every song.
In the middle he slows it down, on his own with a keyboard or guitar.
There seemed to be too many lyrics about relationships and girly lovey stuff for my liking.
A highlight of the evening , was the final track of the night , 'Best Friend' where he got everyone to crouch down, then bounce up and burst into dancing as the track was built up higher and higher and higher, until the confetti cannons exploded over the entire venue.
Another show that was filmed by a few hand held film cameras.
A decent show, and the females here loved it.

Updated 11th March 2023 Permalink

Thursday 09 March 2023.

Thursday 09 March 2023...I went to two events tonight...
5.30pm to 7.45pm.
MARUGAME UDON - launch party - 449 The Strand, London WC2.
A great location near Trafalgar Square, and opposite the McDonalds in The Strand.
Very popular value for money Japanese noodles and tempura restaurant open its 10th location.
Starters - were various tempura , including chicken & veg.....I do love all tempura.
Mains - A large Chicken Katsu Curry Bowl ( rrp £ 9.95 ) which was lovely and a generous portion.
Dessert - Pull your own ice-cream and Mochi balls
We had a couple of cocktails each , that come in cans, plus soft drinks.
All guests got a goodie bag of Japanese several snacks and sweets.
Very enjoyable and tasty, and well worth a visit.
then
KILLING JOKE live at The 100 Club.
Killing Joke play an intimate warm-up club show for their Royal Albert Show three days later.
One of a few club shows that they are playing around the UK , before the big RAH show.
Needless to say, this 350 capacity show sold out pronto...even though tickets cost £50 plus booking fee.
Killing Joke is very much music as ritual – raw, uncompromising and precisely-targeted lyrically; proof that Jaz Coleman, Geordie, Youth & Big Paul, the original Killing Joke personnel, are currently delivering.
I have seen them several times over the past 40 odd years , including their most recent London
show when they supported Billy Idol at Wembley Arena in 2022.
My first two times seeing them was back in 1980 when they supported JOY DIVISION.
20 Feb 1980 - Town Hall , High Wycombe.
29 Feb 1980 - Lyceum Theatre, London.
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Another gig where there are lots of people here i know.
Great to see my old mucker Darrin , who has recently moved from up from Portsmouth to West Drayton.
KILLING JOKE arrived on stage at 8.30pm and played for 1 hour 40 mins.
Lots of equipment squeezed on to the small stage.
Famously, this bunch are a band of disparate influences and subgenres, so it makes perfect sense, when they march onstage, that they have a varied aesthetic as well. While Jaz arrives with a wide-eyed intensity, clad in face-paint and a black boiler suit, bassist Martin “Youth” Glover is all smiles in his denim jacket and light-up golf visor.
Guitarist Geordie Walker and drummer Paul Ferguson, on the other hand, are far more casual, simply taking their spots in what’s probably their street clothes. Touring keyboardist Roi Robertson, meanwhile – donning an aptly ‘80s, goth-rock haircut – elicits the first cheer from the crammed-in crowd, his mechanised notes marking the start of Killing Joke opener ‘Requiem’.
The opening two tracks 'Requiem' and 'Wardance', are fantastic.
The band are focusing on tracks from their first two albums and singles and b-sides from them.
A great show.
Full Killing Joke setlist played tonight...
Requiem
Wardance
Tomorrow's World
Bloodsport
The Wait
Complications
S.O.36
Primitive
The Fall of Because
Tension
Unspeakable
Butcher
Follow the Leaders
Madness
Who Told You How?
Exit
Encore:
Change
Are You Receiving?
Turn to Red
Pssyche
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Wednesday 08 March 2023.
FATHER JOHN MISTY (Joshua Tillman) live at Hammersmith Apollo.
Former Fleet Foxes drummer (2008 to 2012) is promoting his recent album 'Chloe And The Next 20th Century'....This was another show that has been moved from Brixton Academy.
He has played this venue before.
He has completed the mainland Europe shows, and is now touring the UK.
Hopefully he has not been hit by the bad weather, as the night before he performed in Paris.
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It does not say sold out , but the circle is full and the stalls standing is certainly very rammed full.
There is no support band tonight.
FATHER JOHN MISTY arrived on stage at 8.50pm and played for 1 hour 55 mins.
A nice big band , as nine musicians join the main man on stage including a three man brass section.
They created a great overall sound...and the vocals were nice and clear.
There’s a proper loved-up atmosphere to the whole gig. It might just be Tillman’s rugged good looks getting the females here hot under the collar.
Some songs are folk-rock , and some up more uptempo , with some nifty guitar.
The first encore was a cover of 'Oh, Pretty Woman' by Roy Orbison.
An enjoyable show.
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Tuesday 07 March 2023...6.15pm to 9.30pm...
DOG DAY AFTERNOON - press event - The 100 Club, London W1.
THE BUZZCOCKS have been officially added to the bill.
Around 100 Guests here at this iconic venue...50 seats have been put out for the talk.
There are punk posters all around, and punk footage on the big screen before the talk on stage.
Just after 7pm we the discussion for around 50 mins.
The panel are introduced by legendary pr Alan Edwards who worked with The Stranglers and others
during the punk heyday, and later with David Bowie and The Sex Pistols re-reunions.
On stage we have The Sex Pistol's and current Blondie member Glen Matlock, Blondie’s Clem Burke, The Buzzcocks Steve Diggle ,Generation Sex Tony James and legendary promoter and live music booking agent John Giddings who were joined by host Claire Sturgess from Absolute Radio to talk about the big event on 01 July 2023 and punk history, UK vs US.
It’s all to celebrate Dog Day Afternoon - July 1st at Crystal Palace Park - the South London festival headlined by Iggy Pop with Blondie and Generation Sex (= Generation X’s Billy Idol and Tony James, plus Steve and Paul from Sex Pistols). It’s probably the last time all these people will be on the same bill - godparents of punk from both sides of the Atlantic.
The main three bands have already been announced a couple of months ago but today two more support bands have today been officially added to the bill - THE BUZZCOCKS and LAMBRINI GIRLS.
Lots of people here that i know.
Guests here included....
Dave Hogan (photographer for The Sun , so should be pictures in the paper Wed or Thurs).
The following day www.nme.com used his picture of The Lambrini Girls with their review of the event.
Julien Temple ( film maker and music video director including The Sex Pistols 'The Great Rock n Roll Swindle', 'The Filth and the Fury' and 'There'll Always Be An England' and many more.
Dylan Jones (was editor of GQ UK men's magazine from 1999 to 2021).
Andrew Czezowski and Susan Carrington ( they started the legendary Roxy Punk Club in 1976).
Phil Alexander ( Kerrang and Mojo music magazines) .
Barry Cain (music journalist for punk at Record Mirror in the 1970s).
Eugene Butcher ( editor of Vive Le Rock punk magazine and singer in Desperate Measures).
Lambrini Girls ( female garage/punk trio from Brighton who have been added to the 01 July 2023 bill).
I took a few photos that will be on my Facebook page....and www.sex-pistols.net
It was filmed...so hopefully that becomes easily available soon.
Complimentary drinks for all the guests.

Updated 8th March 2023 Permalink

Monday 06 March 2023.

Monday 06 March 2023...7.15pm to 10.15pm...
THE AUCTION at Christies, King Street, St James's, London SW1.
Celebrate 40 years of Terrence Higgins Trust (AIDS Charity) as they showcase world-class auction lots by artists including Tracey Emin, Sir Antony Gormley, Kate Malone and many more.
You'll also have the opportunity to bid on some amazing holidays and celebrity experiences.
Terrence Higgins was the first named person to die of AIDS in the UK in 1982.
I have been to this very nice event several times over the past decade.
Most of the 400 guests have paid £100 to be here.
A few celebrity faces are here , including LEEE JOHN from 1980s band Imagination,
RANJ SINGH (Doctor from ITV This Morning) , MARK-FRANCIS VANDELLI (Made In Chelsea TV),
and PANDEMONIA who is a 6' 6" head to toe in latex performance artist & painter.
We we were sat for the auction from 8.15pm to 9.15pm.
Complimentary prosecco, Mezcal cocktails, Gin & Tonics, canapes and a Mexican Buffet.
A very nice goodie for all guests as they were leaving.
ACQUA DI PARMA gift box-set...
100ml cologne
75ml shower gel
50ml deodorant
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Monday 06 March 2023.
A massive Live Aid-style benefit gig is to be held to help victims of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Should have some big names performing as many of them will be playing in the UK at that time.
Rumours that Guns N Roses, U2, The Rolling Stones, The Killers, and Pink have been asked to perform at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 24 June in support of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
It will be the same weekend as The Glastonbury Festival and televised worldwide.
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Sunday 05 March 2023.
GOK WAN plays a DJ set at The Roundhouse.
What started as a series of live streams to lift the spirits during lockdown, has quickly grown into one of the most in demand party series today. From sold out shows across the country to over one million streams online for his hit single ‘Let Me Be Your Fantasy’, the renowned fashion-guru, much loved DJ and all-round national treasure gets set to scale things up with a very special return to London. Expect full scale, immersive production soundtracked by your favourite club classics and plenty of surprises as Gok Wan presents the critically acclaimed Isolation Nation.
The event is a touted as a DAY RAVE as the event time is 2pm to 8pm.
2pm to 3pm - Adam White
3pm to 4pm - Angel Lee
4pm to 5pm - Leroy Fish
5pm to 6pm - Roscoe Bros
6pm to 8pm - GOK WAN
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The venue is pretty full with a 75 % per cent female crowd.
Lots of females here in their 40s , 50s and 60s dancing to rave music was good to see.
The entire venue including the upstairs are dancing for the entire duration of the event.
We catch two of the support djs and the headline set by GOK WAN.
All the djs have have two male dancers, two female dancers and two drag queen dancers on stage.
GOK WAN made an appearance with both the support acts.
The tracks from all the djs were mainly house music re-mixes with a bit of disco and funk.
There was even re-mixes of Nirvana 'Come As You Are' and Pink Floyd ' Another Brick in The Wall'.
GOK WAN as the headliner had the biggest lightshow.
Another highlight was when he played Faithless 'Insomnia'.
All the djs joined GOK for the final 20 mins of this enjoyable event.
GOK WAN said he planning to bring the event to other locations on a full UK tour.
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Saturday 04 March 2023.
HUNDRED REASONS live at Hammersmith Apollo.
Rock band Hundred Reasons are still ticking over ok.
Hundred Reasons have had 6 top 40 hit singles, 2 top 20 hit albums,and have been nominated for several Awards, winning three Kerrang! awards for: "Best New Band" (2000), "Best Album" (2002) and "Best Unsigned Act" (2004)( when they dropped by SONY despite good previous album sales).
They are on tour to promote their fifth studio album.
I saw Hundred Reasons as a support act in 2002 (Reading Festival) and 2004 (Hammersmith Apollo).
This show will be the final date on their UK tour.
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A third of the circle is unsold so maybe that is why 200 guests are on the list to fill up the seats there.
A good idea from the promoters as both the UK support bands also had success around 20 years ago.
I wonder how many of the crowd are still reading Kerrang magazine.
MY VITRIOL arrived on stage at 7.20pm for their 45 mins set.
Their debut album made number 24 in the UK chart back in 2001.
Three lots of rock band equipment on stage so My Vitriol have a tiny space at the front of stage,
with the four of them in a line including the drummer for their decent set of rock tunes.
HELL IS FOR HEROES arrived on stage at 8.25pm for their 45 mins set.
Their debut album made number 15 in the UK chart back in 2003.
They were a bit heavier than the first band, with some nice crunching tunes.
The singer crowd surfed over the front stalls standing fans.
HUNDRED REASONS arrived on stage at 9.30pm for their 80 mins set.
Their entrance onstage sees the group greeted like heroes. An already palpable atmosphere is ramped up further as the lights dim and the circular motif of the bands new album is draped behind the band. ' Glorious Sunset ', the first track from the bands first new LP in 15 years, starts the show very nicely.
Like the other bands tonight, there is a fair amount of strobe lighting used.
The five band members on stage, soon get the front stalls standing moshing away.
Some nice and catchy rock songs played , including 'Stories With Unhappy Endings',
'The Old School Way' and first song of the encore 'Replicate'.
A really good evening of UK rock bands.
I had a green wristband for the afterparty in the circle bar but did not bother going to it.
Saw the big crowd of around 200, so obviously a pay bar and nobody interesting there.
Aftershows are simply not as good as they used to be.
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Friday 03 March 2023.
THE BLACK ANGELS life at Shepherds Bush Empire.
The Black Angels are an American psychedelic rock band from Austin, Texas. Formed in May 2004, they took their name from the Velvet Underground's "The Black Angel's Death Song." They have released six studio albums and one compilation album.
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Tonight was gig number 7400 for me since 1973.
63 days in the year gone so far...and i have done 28 gig reviews already.
Level 3 is closed tonight , and Level 2 is half empty.
TAMAR APHEX arrived on stage at 7.45pm for their 40 mins set.
Tamar Aphek grew up in Tel Aviv, Israel as a classical musician before falling in love with rock bands like Fugazi and the Jesus Lizard. She played in rock bands in the underground Israeli rock scene before going solo in 2014.Tonight she is fronting her scuzzy sounding band, with some nice Lemmy type bass.
THE BLACK ANGELS arrived on stage at 9pm for their 1 hour 50 mins set.
A nice stage production with half a dozen vertical lighting poles and a big screen showing
psychedelic images as the crowd nodded along and a several down the front danced away.
As with most psychedelic bands the vocal mix could be have been a bit clearer , but the overall
wall of sound was great, as sometimes there were three guitarists riffing away together.
A really good show.

Updated 4th March 2023 Permalink

Thursday 02 March 2023.

Thursday 02 March 2023...I went to two events today...
3pm matinee show.
MAMMA MIA! live at The Novello Theatre,Aldwych, London WC2.
I first saw this great musical based on the music of Abba over 10 years ago.
The crowd is pretty much 75% female as expected, and the theatre looks pretty full.
The show is on for around 2 hours 15 mins over two sets of 65 mins and 70 mins.
All those great Abba songs are woven into the storyline.
It really is a totally excellent show, and you can see why it has been running for so many years.
The musical includes such hits as "Super Trouper", "Lay All Your Love on Me", "Dancing Queen", "Knowing Me, Knowing You", "Take a Chance on Me", "Thank You for the Music", "Money, Money, Money", "The Winner Takes It All", "Voulez-Vous", "SOS" and "Mamma Mia". Over 65 million people have seen the show, which has grossed $4 billion worldwide since its 1999 debut.A film adaptation starring Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski, Stellan Skarsgård and Julie Walters was released in 2008.
As of 2020, the show has productions in London's West End, where it is the sixth longest-running show in West End history,as well as various foreign productions. Its Broadway incarnation closed on September 12, 2015, after a 14-year run, making it the ninth longest-running show in Broadway history.
then
6.30pm to 8.30pm....private view...
A HARD MAN IS HARD TO FIND! at The Photographers Gallery, 16-18 Ramillies Street, London W1.
A Hard Man is Good to Find! celebrates a clandestine visual culture of gay men’s bodies that emerged in the post-war period, during a time when making and distributing such images was a criminal offence.
Including work by John S. Barrington, Cecil Beaton, Guy Burch, Basil Clavering, Rotimi Fani-Kayode, Bill Green, David Gwinnutt, Angus McBean, Patrick Procktor, Ajamu X and many more.
This exhibition highlights key areas of London which were a focus for men seeking out men to photograph. It maps out a territory of risk and possibility across Highgate, between Chelsea and Wellington Barracks, in Soho, Brixton, Portobello and Euston.
From 03 March to 11 June it is a paid ticket as there are three exhibitions here on different floors.
Handy to find some stools here to sit on as the venue has a full time cafe and basic bar.
Over 100 guests for complimentary white wines and bottles of Vedett lagers.
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Wednesday 01 March 2023...5.15pm to 9.15pm...
LUCKY VOICE - press showcase - 1 The Avenue, Devonshire Square, London EC2.
Lucky Voice has welcomed a brand spanking new venue just a 3 minute walk from Liverpool Street station.
From nights out with friends to work dos, Lucky Voice is the perfect place to visit if you’re after something a little bit different. With 9 pods in total, each private karaoke room fits between 6-20 singers and provides touch screen technology, access to the ever growing catalogue of an impressive 11,000 songs (which include 11 languages), and of course the famous Lucky Voice “Thirsty” button for food and drink service.
The bar area is open every night until late, with live DJs on the weekend and even London’s biggest Wrecking Ball for you to get your ultimate Miley selfie on. Enjoy a cocktail (or mocktail) from the extensive drinks menu, plus draught beer, wine and soft drinks galore. Even better, choose from a selection of small dishes, sharing plates, pizzas and desserts to ensure tummies remain full during your karaoke session.
The venue can be hired out by small groups, and is open 3pm to 2.30am.
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We were early arrivals , so we got seats and a table which was handy , as we were here for four hours.
The venue holds around 200 over all it's rooms , and tonight has a nice full buzzy atmosphere.
The DJ is playing tunes loudly and folks are singing and dancing along, including the bar staff.
The karaoke rooms are private so if you feel a bit shy , it is in front of your friends and not strangers.
We had a stint in there and i was signing singing Bon Jovi, The Killers, The Sex Pistols etc.
One of the girls I am with wins the first prize in the raffle, which was a cocktail making evening for six.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food including...three different cocktails(gin, vodka, Bacardi), prosecco,
wines, beers, various pizza slices, calamari rings, canapes and brownies.
Everyone got a goodie bag with a few items in on departure.
A very enjoyable evening.

Updated 1st March 2023 Permalink

Tuesday 28 February 2023.

Tuesday 28 February 2023.
JESSIE J live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Back again to see Jessie J at this venue.
Another totally rammed sold out show.
This was my SIXTH show in SIX days ( five different headline acts) at this venue.
JESSIE J was again on stage for the same 2 hours 30 mins...8.30pm to 11pm...
Again all the crowd are in the venue early by 8pm, eagerly waiting.
Jessie is wearing the same black outfit that shows off her very pregnant tummy.
Her hair was loose last night, but tonight was tightly tied.
Again, all the hits were played, but I think a couple different songs were played tonight including,
Claude Kelly staying on stage to sing a second song as Jessie nipped off to the toilet.
Again ,she had a fan sing a song with her, who had a great voice....tonight the song was 'Queen'.
Again, the first and last songs performed in the Level 1 seats were top notch.
She sang Happy Birthday to a fan, and freestyled a track about the venue being cold on stage.
Again, there were three film cameras filming the show.
She was signing stuff and posing for photos, and again eating snacks on stage between songs.
Again , lots of jokey chat with the crowd, including a conversation with a chap up in Level 2.
Tonight there are several pregnant females allowed to sit in the photographers pit at the front.
Near the end Jessie said " I have no management these days, I do it all myself".
In Level 1 seats was BRENDA EDWARDS (singer and Loose Woman tv and mother to JAMAL R.I.P).
Another great show, lots of chat again, but she does that all so entertainingly good.
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Monday 27 February 2023.
JESSIE J live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Jessie J plays the first of two exclusive London shows at this venue.
At smallish venue for her, as she headlined The 02 Arena a few years ago.
I have seen her once before...in 2011 at a Blackberry Collection Launch Party at Sketch, Mayfair.
Jessie J has been a bit quiet since her big breakthrough success around a decade ago.
For a couple of years Jessie had health issues and writers block.
She has recently had a stint of living and working in North America.
She had two number ones in the UK that were released in 2011...'Price Tag' and 'Domino'.
Looks like these shows will be in acoustic mode.
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The crowd all turn up early , and the venue is totally rammed solid sold out tonight.
Jessie J still has plenty of loyal female fans, and during her set Jessie would ask
who down the front queued outside the venue from during the night...several hands went up.
JESSIE J arrived on stage and played a lengthy 2 hours 30 mins.
It is an acoustic show as Jessie is backed by acoustic guitar and a piano player.
She is performing in front of a huge ruffled curtain.
You may think 2 hours 30 mins on stage is an error but yes it's true.
Jessie was chatting soooooo much between songs. I would certainly say A THIRD
OF THE ENTIRE SHOW was Jessie casually chatting to the crowd between every song.
It is a 75% female crowd who hang on to her every word.
She has a lovely connection with her fans, but it was a bit too much overall.
Amazingly the start and end of the show was held in Level 1 as Jessie sang the first song from
up there , and for the encore a choir of three females on each side of Level 1 VIP side seats
stood up as the conductor in the centre of Level 1 guided them through the gospel tinged song.
That was a pretty amazing ending to the show.
Her mega hit 'Price Tag' was played early on, with all the crowd singing loudly along.
Jessie still has that great powerful voice, and she proudly showed off her baby bump.
'Domino' was also very good , and Jessie got a fan with a great voice on stage to sing 'Flashlight'.
A few new songs were performed for the first time.
Jessie asked how many pregnant women were in the crowd, and several hands went up.
Two women down the front were brought into the photographers pit to sit down there.
Jessie was genuinely concerned for the welfare of all her fans throughout the show.
Great versions of 'Masterpiece' and 'Bang Bang' were performed later in the set.
Overall a great show, even though some of the chat should be cut out.
Full Jessie J setlist played tonight....
I Don't Care (Live debut) (Jessie sang it from Level 1 seats)
Do It Like a Dude
Price Tag
Nobody's Perfect
Who You Are
Domino
Flashlight
Sunflower (Live debut)
Wild
I Miss Her (Live debut)
Thunder
Living My Best Life
Masterpiece
Burnin' Up
Bang Bang
Heaven Bound (Live debut) ( with co-writer Claude Kelly)
Queen
Not My Ex
I Want Love
Encore :
The Award Goes To (Live debut) ( with a six strong female choir singing from Level 1 seats)

Updated 28th February 2023 Permalink

Sunday 26 February 2033.

Sunday 26 February 2023.
BLACK STAR RIDERS + MICHAEL MONROE + PHIL CAMPBELL & THE BASTARD SONS
A great three band rock package plays Shepherds Bush Empire as part of their UK tour.
I have seen all three bands live before.
Must admit , i am more looking forward to seeing Michael Monroe more than Black Star Riders.
The ex Hanoi Rocks singer really is a force of nature , and looks and performs like early David Lee Roth.
Last time i saw Michael Monroe was summer 2022, when he supported Guns N Roses.
Black Star Riders current album 'Wrong Side Of Paradise' entered the UK charts at number six on 27 Jan.
Black Star Riders started off as ex members of Thin Lizzy.
I saw THIN LIZZY 23 times between 1975 and 1983 when Phil Lynott fronted the band.
They will probably play a couple of Thin Lizzy classics.
Ex Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell will be playing two or three Motorhead classics in his set.
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Needless to say, i was really looking forward to this evening of rock bands.
90% of the crowd have arrived early to catch all three bands, as all have well known members.
Level 3 is closed as unsold but stalls, Level 1, Level 2 all look pretty full.
Nice to see so many people here that i know.
Also spotted were TOM SPENCER (The Professionals) and BEKI BONDAGE (Vice Squad).
Beki Bondage is compère for the Vive Le Rock Awards at this venue on 06 April 2023, which looks great.
All three bands were nice and loud.
PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS arrived on stage at 7.20pm and play for 40 mins.
They have a huge curtain with the band's name behind them, which is always a good idea.
Phil Campbell alternates between playing a Gibson Les Paul and Flying V guitar.
They played three Motorhead classics, and Micheal Monroe comes on stage for one of them.
A really good set.
Full Phil Campbell setlist played tonight...
We're the Bastards
Bite My Tongue
Going to Brazil (Motörhead cover)
High Rule
Born to Raise Hell (Motörhead cover) (with Michael Monroe)
Get on Your Knees
Freak Show
Dark Days
Ace of Spades (Motörhead cover)
MICHAEL MONROE & band arrived on stage at 8.20pm and play for 45 mins.
His band include Sami Yaffa and Steve Conti who played with The New York Dolls.
They play a great set of uptempo garage rock & roll, that included Hanoi Rocks classics.
Michael Monroe is a total bundle of energy, and jumps on to the pit barrier a couple of times.
Full Michael Monroe setlist tonight...
One Man Gang
I Live Too Fast to Die Young
Murder the Summer of Love
'78
Ballad of the Lower East Side
Don't You Ever Leave Me (Hanoi Rocks song)
Nothin's Alright (Demolition 23. song)
Motorvatin' (Hanoi Rocks song)
Malibu Beach Nightmare (Hanoi Rocks song)
Dead, Jail or Rock 'n' Roll
Up Around the Bend (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
BLACK STAR RIDERS arrived on stage at 9.30pm and play for 90 mins.
It totally escaped my mind that Thin Lizzy legend SCOTT GORHAM had recently left the band,
but he comes on stage tonight for the last two thirds of the show.
Oddly enough his replacement in BSR has long straight hair just like Scott had in the 70s and 80s.
Black Star Riders play a good set of solid rock covers, but the highlights of their set were a great cover
of 'Crazy Horses' and a couple of Thin Lizzy covers with the support acts joining them on stage.
Overall a great evening of rock.
Full Black Star Riders setlist played tonight...
Pay Dirt
Another State of Grace
Better Than Saturday Night
When the Night Comes In
Riding Out the Storm
Wrong Side of Paradise
Crazy Horses ( The Osmonds cover)
All Hell Breaks Loose ( Scott Gorham joined them on stage from this song onwards)
Bloodshot
Soldierstown
Don't Believe a Word ( Thin Lizzy cover) (with Phil Campbell)
Blindsided
The Killer Instinct
Before the War
Testify or Say Goodbye
Tonight the Moonlight Let Me Down (with Michael Monroe)
Kingdom of the Lost
Bound for Glory
Jailbreak (Thin Lizzy cover)
Finest Hour
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Saturday 25 February 2023.
KELSEA BALLERINI live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
29 year old American female country pop singer-songwriter, who has won many Country Music Awards
back home in America , is touring to promote her fourth studio album, titled 'Subject to Change'.
This show sold out in advance.
This show was the last of her four dates in the UK.
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One of those shows were 99 % of the crowd were in early to see all of both the acts.
It is pretty much an 80 % female crowd tonight, ranging from 16 to 70 in age.
GEORGIA WEBSTER arrived on stage at 8.10pm for her 30 mins set.
Singer-songwriter from Nashville played some decent country music songs from her debut album.
Georgia was backed by an electric guitarist and a drummer.
Some had a nice rockier sound as she bounced around the stage.
KELSEA BALLERINI arrived on stage at 9pm for her 95 mins set.
Taking the stage after the most perfect country music gig introduction song ever (Shania Twain’s ‘Man, I Feel Like A Woman’), Kelsea Ballerini was all grace, smiles and energy. A spoken word introduction to ‘Subject to Change’ set the tone for the evening, an evening of empowerment, self love, fun and passion.
Kelsea looks great ,with her blonde locks, tight clothing and knee length boots.
Kelsea was backed tonight by a five-piece band.
There is a nice big screen that mixes her images & videos along with pre-recorded footage
Ballerini is a natural born performer who acts out the lyrics to her songs with her body and her facial gestures. This draws you into the narrative of her songs and creates a feeling of intimacy between the crowd and the artist. As is common when Nashville artists come over to the UK and play smaller venues than they do ‘back home’, Ballerini was blown away by the reception from the crowd, the singing and the engagement on every single song. There was a lot of love in the room , and Ballerini lapped up and bathed in every moment of it.
A couple of times she goes into the front pit to get near the fans there, shaking hands and posing for selfies.
A couple of acoustic songs in the middle of the show, and Georgia Webster joined her for one of them.
Kelsey halted the show near the end, when security had to help out a woman who had fainted.
Again here, there was a film camera documenting it all.
For the encore there is a full costume change.
A very enjoyable and very polished show.

Updated 26th February 2023 Permalink

Friday 24 February 2023.

Friday 24 February 2023....I went to two events today...
LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW is held at Olympia,West London.
Friday 24th February: 12pm – 7pm
Saturday 25th February: 10am – 7pm
Sunday 26th February: 10am – 5pm
Over 300 stunning cars will be on display.
THE BEATLES fans info....their three remaining Mini-Cooper Cars to reunite here.
Mini-Cooper will be celebrate 60 years here, along with 60 years of the Porsche 911.
The Corvette will be celebrating 70 years, with each generation here on display.
For a band so popular that fans have seemingly recorded every moment of its members' lives, it's odd that a number of mysteries still revolve around the four coachbuilt Mini Coopers built for The Beatles. Most notably, how has the one that belonged to John Lennon seemingly gone so irretrievably missing that it won't be able to join the other three when they reunite at the London Classic Car Show for the first time in decades?
In fact, it's not entirely known why the band's manager, Brian Epstein, decided to gift the cars to the four young men from Liverpool. Some have suggested that Epstein intended the cars as Christmas presents, given that he registered the cars around the holidays in 1966. Beatles fan and collector Michael Hough suggested the Minis could have been bought for Epstein to celebrate the EMI record contract he finalized for the band in January 1967 or possibly as an apology for putting the band in harm's way when he refused an invite from Imelda Marcos and subsequently caused riots in the Philippines in July 1966. Yet another theory posits that Epstein bought the cars because he was delighted after Queen Elizabeth II appointed all four members of the band to the Order of the British Empire. Or it could be that Epstein didn't give the cars to the four Beatles after all and that they were actually gifts from EMI.
www.theclassiccarshowuk.com - Visit their website here for more info and to buy tickets.
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I popped along here for a couple of hours before THE ACADEMIC gig at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Pretty amazing that just four days ago, the massive MONCLER fashion party was in the same two spaces.
As usual with car shows, it is mainly older gents here, that love these stunning looking cars.
All the top names and their dream cars are all here...there is an auction too , if you fancy buying one.
There are also barn finds and part completed projects,
I get some photos of the three Beatles Mini-Cooper Cars here, that i will put on my Facebook page.
Nice to bump into music chum David Stark who told me that Olivia Harrison still owns the George car,
but the Paul and Ringo cars are owned by Christian Horner - Team Principal at Red Bull Racing F1.
The last time I saw the George car was at a car show at Windsor Castle a few years ago , and
Olivia Harrison turned up at the opening day.
then....
THE ACADEMIC live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Irish indie-rock band are playing the final night of their UK tour to promote their second album.
Their debut studio album, Tales from the Backseat, was released in January 2018, entering the Irish Albums Chart at number one. The album was nominated for Album of the Year at the Choice Music Prize in January 2019. Their second studio album, 'Sitting Pretty' , was released on February 10, 2023 via Capital Records.
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Like the show here the night before, Levels 2 and 3 are closed as unsold , but the stalls standing
and Level 1 seats are rammed full , so maybe 1300/1400 folks here.
OLIVER KEANE & his band arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 30 mins set
A decent enough set of indie tunes.
All three acts were filmed tonight.
THE ROYSTON CLUB arrived on stage at 8.15pm for their 30 mins set.
The Royston Club come from Wrexham, North Wales and were much livelier than the first band,
and played some good uptempo guitar based indie songs.
THE ACADEMIC arrived on stage at 9.15pm for their 85 mins set.
There is a proper Friday night gig atmosphere for all The Academic show.
There is moshing and pit circles, and the crowd are singing are all the lyrics loudly.
They are wearing some cool looking stage clothes.
Their set boasts so many feel good indie-pop anthems and guitar driven tracks that it’s hard not to dance too.
The singer jumps into the pit a couple of times to sing while shaking hands with the fans.
The singer got emotional during the encore and said " we are just four kids from the middle of Ireland,
who never thought they would ever play outside of their local venues, and now we are playing
this legendary venue".
They may not be the next U2, but they played a really good set.
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Thursday 23 February 2023.
WHITNEY live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Chicago band Whitney are playing a UK tour to promote their fourth album 'Spark'.
Their third album 'Candid' was all cover versions.
Female support act UWADE is a Nigerian born singer/songwriter, based in New York, NY.
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After the news that folks bought Dylan tickets thinking they were Bob Dylan tickets,
my security chums here told me that for this show a couple had complained as they
bought tickets expecting a Whitney Houston hologram show...you can't make it up.
Levels 2 and 3 are closed tonight but the stalls and Level 1 are rammed full.
The support act UWADE arrived onstage at 8.10pm for her 30 mins set.
Just her and her electric guitar playing some very quiet, gentle songs.
A bit too quiet, as you could easily hear all the rear stalls folks chatting loudly away.
WHITNEY arrived on stage at 9.05pm for their 90 mins set.
There are six musicians on stage , and great to see the drums front centre stage.
The lead singer with the nice falsetto voice spends most of his time behind the drum kit, and for
a couple of songs each, he got behind the keyboards or played the guitar.
Whitney’s indie-folk has filled out with strains of soft rock, smooth jazz, country rock, and feel-good soul.
Everything ticked along nicely , but nothing really exciting happened.
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Fri 24 Feb - Multi-platinum selling English supergroup ASIA announce they are to release for the first time ever on vinyl ASIA ‘FANTASIA, LIVE IN TOKYO 2007’ as a 3LP set. Recorded on Asia’s 25th anniversary 2007 world tour, and featuring the reformed original line-up, FANTASIA, LIVE IN TOKYO 2007 is to be issued as a three album set with booklet, including band photos, and sleeve notes through BMG Records on 24th February 2023.
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of ASIA’s formation, this exciting 18-track live show from their 2007 world tour features the reformed original line-up pooling the talents of lead vocalist/bassist John Wetton (King Crimson), Steve Howe (guitars, Yes), Geoff Downes (keyboards, Yes and Buggles) and drummer Carl Palmer from Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

Updated 24th February 2023 Permalink

Tuesday 21 February 2023.

Tuesday 21 February 2023.
DYLAN live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Female singer Dylan is playing the second sold out night at this London venue, on her UK tour.
Dylan real name is Natasha Woods....took off via TikTok.
DYLAN (now aged 23) is a hotly tipped for big things English musician, singer and songwriter. She released her debut mixtape "The Greatest Thing I’ll Never Learn" on Island Records in October 2022, which peaked at No. 19 on the UK album charts.
These are the last two shows on her UK tour, before Dylan plays a few shows in mainland Europe.
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I was talking to my security chums at this venue, and amazingly they told me that both nights
a few people (plonkers) had turned up expecting to see BOB DYLAN.
As if the real Bob Dylan would be selling tickets for only £20...DOH!
The crowd is pretty much 75% females under the age of 30.
For some good reason all the tracks played over the pa during the intervals is 80s American rock.
HUMBLE THE GREAT arrived on stage at 7.20pm for their 30 mins set.
A duo with male singer and a pretty nifty guitarist, for some decent songs.
NIEVE ELLA arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 30 mins set.
Female fronted four piece played a decent set.
DYLAN arrived on stage at 9pm and played for 60 mins.
Lots of lights at the back of the stage , including a giant heart-shaped installation.
Dylan looks a proper rock chick , with her long hair, short skirt and boots.
The females here are excitingly singing along loudly to every song.
Some good songs performed including 'Home Is Where The Heart Is', 'You're Not Harry Styles',
'Nothing Lasts Forever' and a cheeky cover version of Bob Dylan's 'Knockin' On Heavens Door'
A really good show, and she will certainly play bigger venues next time.
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Monday 20 February 2023...MONCLER : THE ART OF GENIUS.
Fri 17 Feb to Tues 21 Feb - LONDON FASHION WEEK.
Lots of fashion shows during the days at different venues, and drinks events in the evenings.
Mon 20 Feb - I will be attending the biggest event of London Fashion Week....fashion & music.
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This massive event at Olympia really was a lavish budget no object affair.
The event was 8pm to 1am , and we were there 8.30pm to 12pm.
Around 10,000 folks have got free tickets via the MONCLER website.
They are a massive Italian fashion name, who have put on big events in Milan Fashion Week.
They are most well known for their very expensive puffa jackets.
These 10,000 all get a full free bar (except champers)...yes all 10,000 get free drinks.
Some just preferred to queue for the several fashion installations in the one big room ,
as Alicia Keys played in the other big room.
Lots of photographers and film crews at the entrance and all around the venue.
Also drones flying around the venue at one point.
Another 1000 guests in the VIP and VVIP areas upstairs get champers and various bowl food as well.
Hundreds of security and catering and others working here.
The cost of the event certainly was a few million quid.
I didn't see them as the crowd was so big and busy, but there were several celebs here ,
as the photos came out including PHARREL WILLIAMS, JUSTIN BEIBER, SERENA WILLIAMS ,
CHARLIE XCX, FKA TWIGS and no doubt a few others.
Having taken to the runway for London Fashion Week, the French label previewed a slew of partnerships with global brands and personalities, while also pushing the boundaries of a combination of art, design, entertainment, music, sport, and culture. Taking place at London’s Olympia venue, the event welcomed an extensive line-up that featured the likes of Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams, Mercedes-Benz, Palm Angels, FRGMT, adidas Originals, Salehe Bembury, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, and Rick Owens, who presented an independent collaboration with Moncler.
Musically, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Alicia Keys, performed a set of her most famous anthems, while also choosing to share the stage with BRIT Award and Mercury Prize-winning musicians Little Simz and Cleo Sol. The performance was called “The Art of Dreaming” and was a projection of intimacy and strength, as Keys was joined by a crew of choreographed dancers — all of which were spotted wearing designs from the upcoming Moncler x Alicia Keys collection.
Additionally, Pharrell Williams’ “The Art of Terrain” show saw Louis Vuittons’ new Men’s Creative Director take his vision to the surreal outdoors. Revolving around the idea of camping — or “glamping” — his set was complemented by glowing green grass and it strived to inspire the world to take in the great outdoors while allowing it to inspire and create beauty.
A stand-out moment from the show came in the form of Mercedes Benz’s “The Art of Imagination.” It welcomed dancers to the stage who performed in a low-gravity chamber whilst frozen visuals flowed across transparent LED screens. Eventually, an artistic interpretation of its new “ultimate discovery machine” was unveiled — this was a new Mercedes art piece titled “PROJECT MONDO G” — and it was the classic Mercedes-Benz off-roader G-Class, covered in a Moncler puffer jacket.
Alicia Keys came on stage just after 10pm for her 45 mins set.
She had the full band,with a big screen and lasers and dancers for some songs.
A really good set, and djs played before and after her set....tonight was quite a mad event.
Full ALICIA KEYS setlist played tonight...
Girl on Fire
No One
You Don't Know My Name
Woman (Little Simz cover)
A Woman's Worth (with Cleo Sol)
When I'm in Your Arms (Cleo Sol cover) (with Cleo Sol)
Stay
Fallin'
Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down
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Sunday 19 February 2023.
ANDREW BIRD live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Andrew Bird (aged 49) is an American indie rock multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. Since 1996, he has released 16 studio albums, as well as several live albums and EPs, spanning various genres including swing music, indie rock, and folk music. He is primarily known for his unique style of violin playing, accompanied by loop and effect pedals, whistling, and voice. In the 1990s, he sang and played violin in several jazz ensembles, including Squirrel Nut Zippers and Kevin O'Donnell's Quality Six. He went on to start his own swing ensemble, Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire, which released three albums between 1998 and 2001. Weather Systems (2003) was his first solo album after Bowl of Fire disbandment, and it marked a departure from jazz music into indie music. Bird's 2019 album My Finest Work Yet was nominated for "Best Folk Album" at the 2020 Grammy Awards.
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A few unsold seats up in Level 3, but otherwise it is pretty full tonight.
Lots of foreign accents here tonight, and a very polite crowd.
Support CHARLES WATSON from SLOW CLUB performs a 30 mins set from 8pm.
Charles is joined by another guy on acoustic guitar & steel guitar for some laid back songs.
ANDREW BIRD is on stage from 9pm and plays for 1 hour 40 mins.
Andrew is on violin & guitar, and is joined by a bass player and drummer.
A pretty basic stage production with all the equipment in the front half of the stage.
Andrew is a top musician as he mixes playing and plucking his violin , and many songs include his whistling.
The songs had a nice laid back Americana feel to them.
He uses floor pedal looping like Ed Sheeran does, on some tracks.
The crowd loved it , and Andrew got a full standing ovation at the end , from all the levels here.
A decent show.
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Saturday 18 February 2023....6.30pm to 9.30pm....restaurant & bar press preview...
CAVO - 4th Floor, The Now Building @ Outernet, Denmark Street, London WC2H 0LA.
The Denmark Street area was looking a bit shabby , but The Outernet building complex is now here.
As you exit Tottenham Court Road there are the huge digital screens , that the tourists love.
The 2000 capacity venue, that replaces The Astoria which was across the road, is now open.
The 250 capacity smaller venue The Lower Third that replaces The 12 Bar Club, is now open.
I went to see GLEN MATLOCK BAND play the opening launch party.
Now the restaurants are one by one one, finally opening.
CAVO has some nice views from the 4th Floor, of the bustling area below.
The restaurant itself is huge as it is over 10,000 square foot with room for 240 diners (about the same size as Quaglinos) and that's before you take their massive rooftop gardens into account. There'll also be a private dining room with room for 25 guests.
Open all day from brunch through to dinner, Cavo will serve up Mediterranean dishes, have a raw fish and carpaccio bar and a wine list that "spans the Mediterranean old and the new – the traditional wine regions of Italy, France and Spain with delicious new wines from the Middle East and Israel".
A lovely cool ambience up here, and all the staff are fussing over us and the other diners.
We had several dishes to share , which included the two mains.
Our mains were Rib-Eye steak (£48) and Black Cod (£28).
Washed down by a couple of glasses each of Louis Roederer champers.
A very nice evening.

Updated 19th February 2023 Permalink

Saturday. 18 February 2023.

Friday 17 February 2023.
GLEN MATLOCK & HEAVY FRIENDS live at Nells, West Kensington.
I have seen Glen many times as a solo artist and many times with The Sex Pistols along with
his stints with The Rich Kids, The Faces and Blondie.
This 370 capacity venue is just up the road from The Nashville , where Glen played with The Sex Pistols nearly 50 years ago in 1976.
I have been here three times before to see....
Van Morrison - Sept 2017
The Tearaways feat Clem Burke - Aug 2018
The Hollywood Brats - Aug 2019
Glens new single "Head On A Stick" is released on 27 Jan 2023.
Glens new solo album 'Consequences Coming' is released on 28 April 2023 on Cooking Vinyl.
Consequences Coming will be made available in Digital and specially packaged CD format. The vinyl format is being made available with a limited edition signed artprint via www.glenmatlock.com
Glen says....
“The album was written and recorded in Britain over the last 18 months or so with a posse of seasoned but on point performers.” says Matlock. “All done during the debacle that is Brexit and the rise and fall of the turgid Trump episode in the US. These songs reflect my take on the whole sorry mess that has ensued.”
Matlock elaborates on the album, “Now the wheels of the music business can sometimes move at a lugubrious, glacial pace, and sometimes the moment might be lost but seeing no break in the clouds or clear light at the end of the tunnel, surely the only demand on people’s lips should be that there are ‘Consequences Coming’ for the fat headed oafs who have foisted their asinine warped sensibilities on us.”
“The tunes are pretty catchy too…”
'Consequences Coming' Album Track Listing:
Head On A Stick ( this track released as a single on 27 Jan 2023)
Consequences Coming
Magic Carpet Ride
Speaking In Tongues
Shine Off Your Shoes
Constant Craving (KD Lang cover)
Step In The Right Direction
Something ‘Bout The Weekend
This Empty Heart
Face In A Crowd
Tried To Tell You
Can’t Be Myself With You
This Ship
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Nice to see so many folks here I know, but the venue is so full that it becomes tricky to
get over to some of them to say hello, but i get a good view on the front floor with a trio of
chums who have driven from Bristol to be here.
A few faces here including.....Martin Chambers ( The Pretenders), JC Carroll (The Members)
and James Stevenson (various bands) and legendary owner of the venue VINCE POWER.
GLEN MATLOCK & HEAVY FRIENDS arrived stage on 9.15pm and played for 75 mins.
The band open the set with a cracking version of 'Rattle Your Cage'.
The band sound great, and the keyboards certainly add to the overall sound.
The usual mix of mainly solo material, and a few cover versions.
A few new songs from the upcoming album were played , including a cover of the fab
KD Lang track 'Constant Craving'.
The main set finishing with the gems 'Born Running' and the new single 'Head On A Stick'
before the singalong encores of two anthems 'Pretty Vacant' and 'All or Nothing'.
A great show, even though Glen didn't play any Rich Kids songs tonight.
Hopefully more shows will be played when the album comes out at the end of April.
Full Glen Matlock setlist played tonight...
Rattle Your Cage
Won't Put The Brakes on Me
Keep On Pushing
Who's Side Are You On ?
Hook In You
Montague Terrace (in Blue) (Scott Walker cover)
Constant Craving (KD Lang cover)
Magic Carpet Ride
Consequences Coming
On Something
Couldn't Give A Damn
Born Running
Head On A Stick
Encore:
Pretty Vacant (Sex Pistols song)
All or Nothing (Small Faces cover)

Updated 18th February 2023 Permalink

Thursday 16 February 2023.

Thursday 16 February 2023....6.45pm to 10.15pm...
BEYOND THE STREETS - opening launch party - Saatchi Gallery, Chelsea, London SW3.
A massive event as over 1000 folks on the guest list tonight.
Guests here included NICK RHODES, NATALIE IMBRUGLIA, FATBOY SLIM ,PATTI PALLADIN,
DANIEL LISMORE , New York photographer BOB GRUEN and many of the others who are exhibiting.
On the same day of Vivienne Westwoods memorial service there is an entire room dedicated to Viv and Malcolm and The Sex Pistols, along with lots of other punk rock memorabilia.
Over 100 artists from the world's of graffiti, street art, hip-hop, punk rock and photography.
There is a lot to see as the exhibition covers 13 rooms.
Djs playing tunes in a couple of the rooms.
Complimentary Pommery champers, Asahi beers and White Claw cans of spirits with flavoured water.
It is on here until 09 May 2023....paid ticket for admission.
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Wednesday 15 February 2023.
BRIAN JONES MASSACRE live at The Forum.
American psychedelic rockers play a London show that sold out a month in advance.
As part of a European Tour to promote their 20th studio album 'The Future Is Your Past'.
Their 2004 documentary 'Dig' is up on Youtube and well worth a look.
Features the bands early days of chaos, fights, drugs , booze and jealousy as their friends
The Dandy Warhols got a major record deal before them , and a 400,000 dollar budget for
the mega video for their great track 'Not If You Were the Last Junkie on Earth'.
Features The Dandy Warhols and their ups and downs with Capital Records.
Brian Jones Massacre joy at getting to play Japan before The Dandy Warhols play there.
This show will certainly come with the warning...anything could happen on the night.
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Really looking forward to this show, as i have never seen BJM play live before.
THE MAGIC MOD arrived on stage at 7.40pm for his 20 mins set.
His intro song was The Clash 'London Calling' which was a good start.
A magician supporting BJM seemed like a bad idea but it worked out ok.
The merch is selling a t-shirt "Who The Fuck is The Magic Mod".
He looks and acts like a magic version of Liam Gallagher.
He has actually just joined an Oasis tribute band as 'Liam'.
He has played some gigs supporting his heroes Paul Weller and The Libertines.
He won the crowd over with his cockney geezer banter and some sweary jokey magic.
His said hello to his mum & dad in the VIP tables upstairs.
THE SOUNDCARRIERS arrived on stage at 8.15pm for their 30 mins set.
Nottingham based band with female vocalist & keyboard player , who was backed on some
nice West Coast 60s psychedelia harmonies by the two guitarists.
Anton Newcombe came on at the end of their set, to tell the crowd what a great band they were.
There are BJM t-shirts with the words EAT SHIT. on sale.
BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE arrived on stage at 9.05pm for their two hour set.
Singer and main man Anton Newcombe looks cool, with his slender tall frame and cowboy hat.
He is actually standing sideways with his lyric book and lecturn in front of him, and spends more time
looking at his band members for their competence, instead of looking at the crowd.
Anton looks frazzled and mutters away during tracks , and his guitar tech is helping him often.
There are seven musicians on stage , with three guitarists for most songs, but a few songs
have four guitarists ,to create a nice wall of sound 60s pyschedelia.
Anton is no stranger to provocation and on-stage dramatics but tonight only long-time
tambourine player Joel Gion throws his maracas up in the air to big cheers from the crowd.
The bands style is a bit ramshackle and there are overlong delays between many songs.
Creation Records boss Alan McGee came on stage for an introduction.
Highlights of the set included 'Anemone', 'Servo' and 'Abandon Ship'.
For the finale BJM are joined on stage by the support bands and guitar techs.
A really good show.

Updated 16th February 2023 Permalink

Monday 13 February 2023.

Monday 13 February 2023.
JAACKMAATE : Happy Hour Live - The Round Sheep Tour live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Happy Hour is the most popular British podcast on Spotify.
The show will feature plenty of shenanigans and a Q & A session.
From his home in Norwich, Jack Dean has been able to leave his job , due to the success of his podcast.
It is their debut UK tour.
Pretty amazing how popular some of these podcasts are.
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It is stalls seated again tonight, maybe 800 or 900 folks here tonight.
The music over the pa before the show started was a bit of an odd choice, or maybe it's one of their 'in' jokes.
It featured lots of Michael Jackson, along with Gary Glitter, R Kelly and Rolf Harris.
All of course...are child molesters.
The show was on for two sets of 40 mins and 60 mins.
Just the three of them , with microphones, sat behind a desk.
They have another mate Alfie , who appears halfway through the first set by walking through the crowd,
and jokes about not being invited on the tour.
The sound was nice and clear, and the blokes chatted rubbish and folks laughed.
The first set was mildly entertaining for me.
The interval was quite funny , as they said we are just normal blokes so you can what we get up
to during the interval...so we had video footage off them backstage...probably pre-recorded.
Showed their big yellow tour bus with their faces on, and in the dressing room they are joined by
two scantily clad females and start drinking champers and snorting cocaine.
The show’s second half centred on a large box, placed in the foyer ahead of showtime for attendees to write down their ‘confessions’ and drop them in. Some of these were read out by the presenters, with no apparent filter for vulgarity. For pretty much all the confessions they got the person to stand up in the audience and allowed us to put a face to the confession.
The Q & A session also got some good laughs, due to the ad-libs etc.
The show finished with all the crowd standing and singing along to
'The Stevie White Wank Song' (I think that was the title) as the ticker-tape came down over the stalls.
We left the venue and over 100 folks are waiting to meet them by the side of the venue.
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Sunday 12 February 2023.
LOVE & COMEDY live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
COMEDY WAREHOUSE present their annual Valentines comedy evening.
Six black (4 male & 2 female ) performers will be performing....and a white guy.
I have seen this very enjoyable show a couple of times before.
The audience is around 75% black as expected.
Stalls seated, but all levels full, so maybe 1000 folks here.
A 2 hour 45 mins show.....Two sets of 85 mins and 80 mins.
Again the host for the evening is black comedian KANE BROWN , who is always top notch.
He actually has the most time on stage , as he performs between each act.
His act is mainly about interacting with the audience , with some hilarious results.
The other six acts have around 20 mins each on stage.
The only other act i knew was actor & comedian RICHARD BLACKWOOD.
He said he reached the age of 50 last year, but looks the same good condition as ever.
Lots of funny moments throughout the evening, but KANE BROWN was the best for me.
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Saturday 11 February 2023.
DAVID O'DOHERTY live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Irish comedian plays a London show on his UK tour.
It is stalls seated and level 3 is closed so maybe 800 folks are here.
David was on stage for 1 hour 40 mins over two sets of 40 mins and 60 mins.
The most basic of stage sets , with just a chair, microphone and his cheap laptop keyboard.
His is wearing his green (for Ireland) baseball cap, and there are lots of Irish folks here in the crowd.
The shows mixes stand up comedy,with his comedy tunes on the keyboard.
David likes portraying himself as more of a ‘hapless idiot’ and is hilariously self-deprecating about his career
that kicked off well around 20 years ago , and has accepted his current level of success.
He talked about accepting every gig offered , and describing some of the odd ones , when the covid rules were relaxed.
Plenty of routines about Ireland and his parents.
Like most live comedy , some of it was funny, and some of it was pretty average.
Overall an enjoyable show.

Updated 12th February 2023 Permalink

Friday 10 February 2023.

Thursday 09 February 2023.
FRANK TURNER & The Sleeping Souls live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Celebrating Xtra Mile Recordings 20th Anniversary - one of the gigs for The BRIT AWARDS week.
All proceeds go to WAR CHILD charity.
I have seen Frank Turner three times before, including headlining Wembley Arena in 2012.
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Another one of those shows with over 100 on the guest list.
Level 3 is closed tonight , but all the other levels are packed solid.
All three support acts also record for Xtra Mile Recordings.
There was a film crew , filming all the bands tonight.
GUISE arrived on stage at 7.20pm for her ok solo acoustic 25 mins set.
Guise is actually the wife of headliner Frank Turner.
BERRIES arrived on stage at 7.55pm for their 25 mins set.
A female trio who played a good set of catchy songs.
PET NEEDS arrived on stage at 8.30pm for their 30 mins set.
Pet Needs are a young band from Colchester and they were top notch.
Catchy uptempo punk inspired tunes that were really good.
FRANK TURNER & band arrived on stage at 9.25pm for their 90 mins set.
Frank Turner belts his punk-folk tunes out, and from the start the crowd are totally up for it,
as the venue is standing up, and singing along loudly.
It’s not long before we get moshing, circle pits and some crowd-surfing.
Franks high energy levels, soon get him sweating buckets on this cold outside evening.
Frank’s live show experience is a very different thing to listening to his records; there is an energy that’s not conveyed digitally. There’s no mistaking this for a punk show, but it’s got that edge to it. The songs are faster than they should be and all the better for it. Frank’s fans aren’t singing those overly catching choruses, they’re screaming them for all that they’re worth.
A really good show.
Full Frank Turner setlist played tonight...
TAPE DECK HEART album tracks were the first 12 songs played tonight...
Broken Piano (First in person performance since 2017, first performance full band since 2014)
Recovery
Plain Sailing Weather
Good & Gone
Polaroid Picture
Oh Brother
Losing Days (with Matt Nasir on mandolin)
The Fisher King Blues
Tell Tale Signs
Anymore (Frank solo; first in person performance since 2018)
The Way I Tend to Be
Four Simple Words (with band introductions)
The Ballad of Me and My Friends
Non Serviam
Haven't Been Doing So Well
1933
Get Better
Photosynthesis
If Ever I Stray
The Next Storm
Try This at Home
Play Vide
I Still Believe (with Jess Guise)
Note: Show #2740: Tape Deck Heart 10th Anniversary set for BRITs Week War Child 2023
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Very sad to hear of the death of legendary songwriter BURT BACHARACH aged 94.
He and Hal David made so many classic songs on the 1960s and 1970s for other people.
Even The Stranglers covered 'Walk On By'.
He stayed in the background for many years, then around 20 years ago he started
playing concerts where he was singing the hits that he wrote for others.
I was lucky to have seen him perform three times...
Dionne Warwick + Elvis Costello + Bob Geldof + Brian Kennedy Royal Albert Hall , London 30.06.2000 They wrote so many classic songs together that were performed tonight over the 2 hours . Burt Bacharach and Hal David both were here on stage tonight.
July 2014 - Burt Bacharach with orchestra at The Royal Festival Hall.
July 2018 - Burt Bacharach with orchestra at The Royal Festival Hall.

Updated 10th February 2023 Permalink

Wednesday 08 February 2023.

Wednesday 08 February 2023....6.45pm to 9.15pm...
DONATELLO : Sculpting the Renaissance - private view - Victoria & Albert Museum, London SW7.
Arguably the first blockbuster of the year, this is the first major UK exhibition to look at the talents of
the Renaissance master Donatello...."the greatest sculptor of all time".
We spend around 30 mins looking at the exhibition, which includes around 130 pieces.
The exhibition examines the Florentine artist's 'innovations, collaborations and inspirations' within
15th century Italy.
On the same day , The Standard newspaper gave it a five star review.
Around 400 to 500 guests here tonight, including politician GRANT SHAPPS.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has appointed Grant Shapps as the new energy and net zero secretary in a shake-up of government departments.
At 7.15pm we get a welcome speech.
A female DJ is playing chill-out tunes in the background.
Complimentary drinks and food , including two different cocktails, sparking white wines, wines
and several different canapes.
The show is open to the public from Feb 11 to June 11 , and is a paid ticket.
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Tuesday 07 February 2023...2.15pm to 11.45pm...
Tues 07 Feb to Thurs 09 Feb - ICE GAMING is held at Excel, East London.
ICE is bringing together the entire gaming industry over three days of networking and education.
A massive event with up to 10,000 visitors a day expected , with gaming companies worldwide exhibiting.
All the big names here will include Clarion Gaming, Novomatic, Aristocrat, Synergy, Fantasy Sports Interactive, Playtech, BetConstruct, EGT, Comtrade Gaming, Stakelogic, Amatic, Realistic Games,Pronetgaming, BET365 , Paddy Power , and many more from around the world.
During the Feb 2020 event here, i had a random meeting here with a rock legend.
Pretty soon after arriving i come across a stand playing Twisted Sister , nice and loud.
The stand is PlaynGo.
A very nice random surprise to see rock legend DEE SNIDER from TWISTED SISTER was actually here.
Dee is here as there will be a Twisted Sister game being developed with PlaynGo.
At first i go up to the VIp/press area upstairs then Dee comes downstairs to greet the public.
I have a lovely chat to him about seeing Twisted Sister at Hammersmith Odeon and we talked
about the sadness of Motörhead members and Ronnie James Dio not being around anymore.
Dee forthcoming projects include producing a film.
Dee said he was in London just for a couple days then flying back to America.
A massive plus here was the swag that they were giving away so i managed to get...
Twisted Sister "Stay Hungry" album from 1984 and that has been licensed by Music On Vinyl...signed by Dee.
Dee Snider photo from the 1980s and a more recent photo of Dee...both signed to me.
A Dee Snider t-shirt and of course i got a photo with him...Dee was so nice and friendly.
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At Excel from 2.15pm to 8pm.
As we get nearer to the venue, there are people everywhere.
Inside think two football sized pitches, full of gaming and casino and betting related companies.
Lots of colourful neon everywhere, and loud music in some places...think a giant Las Vegas casino.
It is a 90% male crowd , with half the females here being promotions girls on the various stands.
You can test and play around with all the gaming machines etc.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food on many of the stands, so a shout out to...
SPORTINGTECH - a nicely designed full bar including spirits, beers, Guinness etc.
EGT DIGITAL - also had a nice bar and we managed to get some seats.
AMUSENET - had four different cocktails , along with the above...also some cold buffet food.
Excel closed at 6.30pm then there was complimentary wines, beers and canapes at pub nearby.
Then 8pm to 11.45pm.
THE LONDON BABY party at The Natural History Museum, South Kensington, London SW7.
Like last year at the same venue, this was a massive event for around 800 guests from ICE GAMING.
Lots of side rooms open so you can see the museum exhibits.
There was a female DJ, a fun photo booth and a fun roulette area.
Main sponsors of the event were...
FASTEX, AMUSNET INTERACTIVE and 1XBET.
We get invited into the 1XBET lounge where they had their own seating and their own cocktails.
They gave us a goodie bag of a branded ruck sack goodie bag with half a dozen items inside.
Lots of complimentary spirits with mixers, wines, beers and bowl food throughout the venue.
We left at 11.45pm, but hundreds still here , and very lively, as the event was on until 1am.

Updated 8th February 2023 Permalink

Monday 06 February 2023.

Monday 06 February 2023.
The amazing rise and rise of HARRY STYLES who started life in a manufactured boy band by
Simon Cowell and has just won the main Grammy Award in Los Angeles for
Album of The Year for his third solo album 'Harry's House'.
His musical career began in 2010 as a solo contestant on the British music competition series The X Factor. Following his elimination, he was brought back to join the boy band One Direction, which went on to become one of the best-selling boy groups of all time before going on an indefinite hiatus in 2016.
As a solo artist he now plays arenas and stadiums all around the world.
His singles and albums have sold multi-millions, and the awards are rolling in.
Not forgetting how he is also one top fashionistas worldwide too.
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Sunday 05 February 2023.
Even the most loyal of fans can end up saying "enough is enough".
A leading BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN fanzine has announced that it will close after 43 years, citing among other reasons unchecked ticket price hikes the editors say many fans can no longer afford.
Springsteen tickets are going for big bucks – what else are we paying dynamic prices for?
In a letter to readers, Christopher Phillips, publisher and editor-in-chief of Backstreets magazine, said staff had been “dispirited, downhearted, and, yes, disillusioned” since tickets for 2023 shows by Springsteen, a singer known for his loyalty to his blue collar roots in New Jersey, went on sale last summer.
“It’s not a feeling we’re at all accustomed to while anticipating a new Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band tour,” Phillips wrote.
He went on to say that readers and fans felt equally let down as ticket prices went super high owing to “dynamic pricing”, a Ticketmaster policy that allows prices to change in response to demand.
Last July, Backstreets said in an editorial fans had been “thrown to the wolves, pushed aside in a way that seems as unfathomable as it was avoidable”.
It added: “This so-called premium, algorithm-driven model violates an implicit contract between Bruce Springsteen and his fans, one in which the audience side of the equation appeared to truly matter – and in fact was crucial.”
Since then, the disappointment has only increased.
“These are concerts that we can hardly afford; that many of our readers cannot afford; and that a good portion of our readership has lost interest in as a result,” Phillips wrote in his editorial announcing the Backstreets closure.
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Saturday 04 February 2023.
APOCALYPTICA live at The Roundhouse.
APOCALYPTICA are a Finnish symphonic metal band.
They have released nine studio albums.
Their debut album was an full album of Metallica cover versions.
Looks like they still play a couple of Metallica covers in the set.
I have seen them a few times before , with the first time in 2005 when they supported
Rammstein at Brixton Academy.
Support comes from...
EPICA - Dutch symphonic metal band (female singer).
They have released eight studio albums, with the most recent titled 'Omega'.
Both bands are touring Europe together.
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This show was a 3000 sold out in advance capacity crowd.
It is actually a co-headline show as both bands play sets of 80 mins.
EPICA arrived on stage at 7.50pm.
The band have a big screen with great digital images, and the keyboards and drums are on a huge raised platform, where the digital screens are used on the front of it.
Singer Simone Simons stunning soprano voice really suits their style of symphonic rock.
The keyboard player is a bit of a comedy jester , as he leaves the raised to platform to
play a curved keyboard that is hanging around his neck, at the front of stage.
They have neat looking arc-shaped lit-up microphone stands all across the front of the stage.
It’s 'Beyond The Matrix' that really gets the crowd bouncing, with an extended and heavy workout showing that Epica live can really flex their Metal muscles. They finish with 'Consign To Oblivion' before taking an inordinate amount of time to depart, their backing music and a huge ‘thank you!’ on the main screen complementing the broad smiles of both band and audience. It’s a job well done.
There were more Epica t-shirts worn by the audience, than Apocalyptica ones.
Maybe that would explain why my security chums said over 100 folks left the venue straight after their set,
and over 100 folks left the venue after watching the first 15 mins of Apocalyptica.
They are both symphonic rock, but still different, and i thought Epica were better than Apocalyptica.
APOCALYPTICA arrived on stage at 9.40pm.
The big screen was used again, and had some very nice digital images.
The huge raised platform that Epica which had used has surprisingly gone, and it is basic at the rear.
Apocalyptica have an unusual set-up of three lively electric cello players , along with a drummer.
Some songs had vocals so a vocalist joined them and some songs were instrumentals.
Epica singer Simone Simons joined them to sing 'Rise Again'.
Lots of strobe lighting used during their set.
A couple of Metallica covers near the end of the set , 'Nothing Else Matters' and 'Seek and Destroy'.
A good set , but i preferred Epica tonight.

Updated 5th February 2023 Permalink

Friday 03 February 2023.

Friday 03 February 2023.
Celebrities and rock royalty have turned out in their droves to pay their final respects to guitar legend
JEFF BECK.
The virtuoso was laid to rest at St Mary’s Church in Beddington, South London, today...Friday.
Beck died January 11 aged 78 of bacterial meningitis.
Stars in attendance included Johnny Depp, Sir Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood.
Also at the heart-breaking farewell was Sir Tom Jones, Robert Plant, Chrissie Hynde, Eric Clapton ,
David Gilmour, Jimmy Page ,Kate Bush, Joss Stone, Imelda May, Kirk Hammett, Roger Taylor (Queen)
and Live Aid legend Sir Bob Geldof.
Edward Scissor hands filmmaker Tim Burton and comedians Harry Enfield and Vic Reeves were also spotted at the church.
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Thursday 02 February 2023....I went to two events tonight..
6pm to 7.45pm
UNIT GALLERY - private view , 3 Hanover Square, Mayfair, London W1.
MAURO C. MARTINEZ'S latest solo exhibition with Unit London examines our relationship to technology. The artist’s latest body of work expands on the principal image of his previous exhibition, The Last Man, delving deeper into the idea of the gamer setup.
Inspired by the online subreddit thread, RateMySetup, where users post images of their gaming systems, Martinez’s exhibition of the same name explores the lengths that people will go to in order to stay online. While always maintaining a characteristic sense of humour, RateMySetup uncovers our dependence on convenience and our capacity to innovate, allowing space for both criticism and reflection. Martinez presents a series of works that depict gaming setups, both in the home and in the outside world. Exploring contemporary ideas of hyper-convenience, these artworks comment on our increasing intolerance of any disruption to our comfort and needs.
Around 100 guests here enjoying three different complimentary cocktails and beers.
I had one each of the cocktails.
Then a dash to Waterloo Train Station for my journey to Twickenham.
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SLIM CHANCE live at The Eel Pie Club, 67 London Road, Twickenham.
The 180 capacity venue is located upstairs at The Cabbage Patch pub & restaurant.
Three members of Ronnie Lane's band play tribute to the sadly passed Ronnie.
Ronnie Lane passed away on 04 June 1997, as he succumbed to pneumonia and multiple sclerosis.
Mick Jagger and Chris Jagger turned up at their most recent London show at The Half Moon, Putney.
I have been to loads of big shows at Twickenham Stadium , but have never been to The Eel Pie Club.
They hold live music events every two weeks , on a Thursday.
The next gig after Slim Chance is Dana Gillespie & The London Blues Band on 16 Feb.
www.eelpieclub.com - Visit their website here to buy tickets.
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Really good to finally get along to the home of Richmond & Twickenham Rhythm & Blues.
The venue is full, with the early arrivals nabbing the seats at the front and the sides.
An older crowd here who lovingly remember Ronnie Lane from the early 1970s.
SLIM CHANCE arrived on stage at 9.10pm for their 90 mins set.
Six musicians on stage including keyboards, sax and accordion.
Folks are soon dancing down the front, and many of the crowd are mouthing the lyrics.
We get both the Ronnie Lane & Slim Chance Top 40 hits from 1974 'The Poacher' and 'How Come?'
which were both really great.
The highlight was the three classic tracks from The Faces played at the end of the set.
A spine-tingling version of 'Debris' was superb , as were 'You're So Rude' and 'Ooh La La'.
A really good set, in a nice intimate venue.
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Wednesday 01 February 2023.
Teenager SHANE HAWKINS has won big at The Drummer Of The Year Awards.
Drum Performance Of The Year: Shane Hawkins
The winner of this award put on a legendary, must-watch performance during 2022, either with a full band at an event or in a solo studio video.
16-year-old Shane Hawkins did just that (watch the full video on youtube), pouring his heart and soul into a live performance of “My Hero” at a tribute concert dedicated to his late father and Foo Fighters drummer, Taylor Hawkins. It touched millions of people and showed how much love, energy, and spirit can come out on the drum kit.
I was at the Wembley show, and it was pretty amazing how good Shane was given the circumstances.
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Tuesday 31 January 2023....press/VIP opening night...
THE CHER SHOW live at The New Wimbledon Theatre, London.
This musical is on all this week at Wimbledon - Tues 31 Jan to Sat 04 Feb
The Cher Show tells the incredible story of Cher’s meteoric rise to fame, flying in the face of convention at every turn. This HUGE new production features a fresh take on her show-stopping costumes which earned her the title of "the ruler of outré reinvention" (VOGUE).
In a dazzling glitter fest sparkling with Cher’s signature wit and style to the sounds of her biggest hits, including If I Could Turn Back Time, Strong Enough, Gypsies Tramps and Thieves, The Shoop Shoop Song, I Got You Babe, and Believe....35 songs will be performed in total.
This week of shows are part of a year long UK tour.
I have seen the real CHER just the twice in concert...for one of those shows we had backstage passes,
and next to her backing bands dressing room, was a sign on a door that said "CHER'S WIG ROOM".
www.newwimbledontheatre.net - Visit their website here for more info and to buy tickets ,which start at a mere £13.
www.cheronstage.com - Visit their website here for tour dates.
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This large 1670 capacity theatre is a rammed solid full house tonight.
There is a full red carpet outside the venue with half a dozen photographers , and we have several well known faces arrive, including ARLENE PHILLIPS and NINA WADIA.
The show was on for around 2 hours 10 mins , over two sets of 65 mins each.
The Cher Show tells the amazing story of Cher’s incredible career to date , year by year.
Told with not just one Cher but three . One portraying her in the 1950s and 60s (nicknamed “Babe”), one for the 1970s (nicknamed “Lady”), and one for the 1980s and 90s (nicknamed “Star”). The three interact with each other and help each other out at various points.
Cher has had major success in music, film and tv over her six decade career.
Goddess warrior of pop turned Hollywood royalty, the Grammy,Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning Queen of re-invention has conquered it all.
The three Cher's all look and sound like Cher, and have some fantastic sparkly costumes.
So many classic Cher songs are performed throughout this part biopic , part jukebox musical show.
Cher gained popularity in 1965 as one-half of the folk rock husband-wife duo Sonny & Cher after their song "I Got You Babe" peaked at number one on the US and UK charts. Together they sold 40 million records worldwide. Her solo career was established during the same time, with the top-ten singles "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" and "You Better Sit Down Kids". She became a television personality in the 1970s with her CBS shows; first The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, watched by over 30 million viewers weekly during its three-year run, and then the namesake Cher. She emerged as a fashion trendsetter by wearing elaborate outfits on her television shows. While working on television, Cher released the US Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves", "Half-Breed", and "Dark Lady", becoming the female artist with the most number-one singles in United States history at the time. After her divorce from Sonny Bono in 1975, she released the disco album Take Me Home (1979) and earned a very nice $300,000 a week for her 1979–1982 concert residency in Las Vegas.
The second set included her relationship and second marriage in 1975 to drug abusing rocker Gregg Allman, who looked the spitting image of Sam Ryder tonight with his long hair and rhinestone outfit.
The finale of the show had everyone up and dancing for some of her much loved songs such as ‘Believe ' and ‘If I Could Turn Back Time'.
A really enjoyable show, and well worth getting a ticket for.
10.30pm to 11.30pm was the aftershow party in the circle bar.
All the cast eventually turned up
Around 100 guests here enjoying complimentary wines, beers and cup cakes.
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Tuesday 31 January 2023.
Happy Birthday to punk legend JOHN LYDON who is 67 today.
Today at 10.30am John was interviewed on ITV live from Dublin,
where he is rehearsing for his Irish entry 'Hawaii' for Eurovision Song Contest on Friday.
John got very emotional when talking about his wife Nora illness.
Looks like it is Sex Pistols overkill day as GLEN MATLOCK was on BBC1 at 9am,
talking about his single 'Head On A Stick' , his new album, and slagging off The Tories and Brexit.

Updated 31st January 2023 Permalink

Saturday 28 January 2023.

Saturday 28 January 2023.
BLACK FLAG live at The Forum.
Black Flag is an American punk rock band formed in 1976 in Hermosa Beach, California. Initially called Panic, the band was established by GREG GINN, the guitarist, primary songwriter, and sole continuous member through multiple personnel changes in the band. They are widely considered to be one of the first hardcore punk bands, as well as one of the pioneers of post-hardcore. After breaking up in 1986, Black Flag reunited in 2003 and again in 2013.The second reunion lasted well over a year, during which they released their first studio album in nearly three decades, What The... (2013). The band announced their third reunion in January 2019.Brandon Pertzborn was replaced by Isaias Gil on drums and Tyler Smith was replaced by Joseph Noval on bass....they have released seven studio albums.
Support comes from fellow Californian hardcore punk band TOTAL CHAOS.
They have released ten studio albums over the past 30 odd years.
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The balcony is closed tonight, and maybe only 700 or 800 tix sold on the floor standing.
TOTAL CHAOS arrived on stage at 7.45pm for their 50 mins set.
Total Chaos lyrics deal with themes of rebellion, social injustice, and working-class struggle.
Some 16 songs played in a non-stop 50 mins set is pretty good going , including 'Babylon',
'Pledge of Defiance' and 'Nation of War'. The band sound decent enough and there was some moshing
but the rough and raw hardcore vocals was not really to my liking.
BLACK FLAG arrived on stage at 9.15pm for their 80 mins set.
From the opening song to the final track , band members are thrashing around in a ramshackle way.
Greg Ginn’s frantic and distorted guitar playing driving the songs forward.
Highlight for me tonight , was how clear the vocals were, as you clearly hear every word,
that was delivered with ferocious intensity, and not much chat between the tracks.
Lots of moshing , but maybe only a dozen crowd-surfers as this was mainly the older punk crowd.
A neat cover of ' Louie Louie' ended a really good show.
Full Black Flag website played tonight....
Can't Decide
Nervous Breakdown
No Values
I've Had It
Annihilate This Week
Fix Me
Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie
Loose Nut
Six Pack
Depression
Slip It In
I Can See You
Room 13
Jealous Again
Black Coffee
Revenge
TV Party
Rise Above
Louie Louie (Richard Berry cover)
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Saturday 28 January 2023.
Sad news that TOM VERLAINE from TELEVISION has died aged 73.
New York punk legends who released the classic album 'Marquee Moon'.
I saw him on stage a few times including a couple of times in the late 1970s when the album came out.
Television , Blondie Hammersmith Odeon, London 28.05.1977 punk double bill from new york
Television,Only Ones Hammersmith Odeon, London 17.04.1978
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Friday 27 January 2023.
KANG DANIEL live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Another K-Pop act plays London.
Kang Daniel age 26 , is a South Korean singer-songwriter, actor, and businessman who rose to fame in early 2017 as the first-place winner of the second season of reality competition series Produce 101. He is a former member of the show's resulting boy group Wanna One and is currently active as a solo artist.
Fellow K-pop singer JACKSON WANG got a good four star review review from non other than NME,
a week ago from his Hammersmith Apollo show, and some folks are asking why are K-pop acts
not featured on UK Festival bills?
Maybe best that they can just stick to having their own festivals.
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Level 3 is closed and Level 2 is half empty , so maybe 1000 out of 2000 capacity here.
No surprise that the crowd is 90% female under the age of 30, from The Far East and the U.K.
The bar staff are hardly selling any booze at all to this crowd.
No support act, and the show is over early as he has a paid meet & greet after the show.
KANG DANIEL arrived on stage at 8pm and performed for 90 mins.
There is a nice big digital screen , showing pre-recorded images.
There is no band , so he is singing/miming to the backing tracks.
He has six energetic and very slick male dancers, for half the tracks in the show.
The dance routines are actually the highlight of the evening for me.
KANG DANIEL would chat between many songs to give himself a breather.
His English is not perfect , and he ends up saying " he loves Harry Potter" twice.
He liked visiting the famous sights of London including Big Ben and The London Eye.
Lots of screaming from the fans, for the entire evening.
The music was pretty average , but the top notch dance routines were really good.

Updated 28th January 2023 Permalink

Friday 27 January 2023.

Thursday 26 January 2023....6.15pm to 9.15pm...
Venue showcase.
ST JOHNS CHURCH, 73 Waterloo Road,Waterloo, London SE1.
This church dates back nearly 200 years.
It is situated on the roundabout opposite the huge IMAX.
Like the bigger church in Hackney with the same St Johns name , that i have been to gigs at ,
it has had a major refurbishment...this one costing a whopping £5.5 million.
One of the things they worked to improve is something you can’t see but can hear, and that is the acoustics, as they were less than ideal for a large space. The ceiling panels are now filled with 5cm of acoustic padding to reduce echoes, and they even ensured that the chairs in the hall are covered entirely in fabric to add further sound dampening.
What’s particularly impressive is how closing the glass doors to the outer reception area manages to collapse the outside noise to barely noticeable levels.
The improvement will be a boon for the church’s finances, as they can now hire the space out for concerts and events. Indeed, the Southbank Symphonia have now taken up space in the undercroft for rehearsals.
The church’s aspiration is that roughly a third of the time the church will be used for religious purposes, a third for free for use by community groups, and a third for commercial purposes to pay the bills.
Part of the commercial use will be hiring out the main hall, but they’ve also upgraded the undercroft and converted a bit of a warren of rooms into a series of much more inviting meeting rooms and spaces, with a much better basement reception area.
One space, right underneath the main portico stairs was being used for storage back in 2011, but has now been cleared and restored. Currently used for an art gallery space, it can be hired out for atmospheric dinners and receptions.
The main space can seat 150 at tables , or 300 seated, or 500 standing, plus many smaller spaces.
Around 100 guests here who enjoyed lots of complimentary food and drinks.
Complimentary Chapel Down English Sparking wines, two different cocktails, and different beers.
We were standing for the various canapes, and seated at tables for the various bowl foods, and
various desserts.
There was two females (violin and cello) playing in the background.
Very enjoyable here, and will be interesting to see what live music events get booked here.
www.stjohnswaterloo.org - Visit their website here.
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Thursday 26 January 2023.
Free weekly ES magazine has a five page article with pictures titled
'When Hip Hop Came To London' to coincide with the BB2 four part docu series
'Fight The Power : How Hip Hop Changed The World'.
Three shows at Hammersmith Odeon 01/02/03 November 1987.
LL Cool J + Public Enemy + Erik B + Rakim.
I worked all three shows on front stage security for these very lively great atmosphere shows.
That was when the venue was all seated...folks danced by their seats...no trouble.
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Wednesday 25 January 2023.
Sky Arts 10pm to 12pm
Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage
2021 ‧ Documentary
Unfolding over three blazing hot days and nights of nonstop performances and heaving mosh pits, a July 1999 music festival promoted to echo the counterculture idealism of the 1969 original instead devolves into riots, looting and sexual assaults.
Initial release: 23 July 2021

Updated 25th January 2023 Permalink

Monday 23 January 2023.

Monday 23 January 2023....6.15pm to 8.45pm...
Burns Week celebration & venue showcase.
THE CALEDONIAN CLUB, 9 Halkin Street, Belgravia, London SW1.
The last time I was at this venue for an event was June 2017.
A great location , as it is only a short walk to Buckingham Palace, Knightsbridge and Mayfair.
This historic members club was founded back in 1891.
A little piece of Scotland in the Heart of London for Scotsman living in London was its original purpose.
The building is one of those magnificent Grade II listed buildings in this Embassy heavy area.
Many old boys from Scotland are working here.
It is freezing outside, but we have a lovely open fire here , to give a nice cosy feel.
We get a quick show round of the several different spaces, which included the outdoor garden terrace ,
the ballroom, one of the 39 bedrooms, and the bar that stocks over 200 different whiskeys.
It is a popular venue to hold a wedding.
Throughout the evening there is complimentary wines and three different whiskies...no mixers allowed.
A bagpiper is playing as the haggis is brought into the room, and the Burns poem "To a haggis" is recited, and the haggis is cut open.
We had a traditional Burns Night Supper, haggis, neeps and tatties (haggis, mashed turnips and mashed potatoes ) are served as the main course.
Followed by the Burns Night dessert - Cranachan is a very traditional Scottish dessert. It's made with oatmeal, raspberries, whisky, honey and cream.
A very enjoyable evening.
All guests got a goodie bag on departure.
www.caledonianclub.com - Visit their website here.
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Sunday 22 January 2023.
SLEEP TOKEN live at Hammersmith Apollo.
This is another show that has been moved over from Brixton Academy.
I saw Sleep Token play a really good show at Shepherds Bush Empire in Nov 2021.
The members of Sleep Token are a masked, anonymous collective of musicians said to be united in their worship of an ancient deity identified by them as "Sleep", who appeared to the band's lead singer, "Vessel", in a dream.
Sleep Token's style has been described as alternative, post-metal, ambient, progressive metal and electronic.
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In my Shepherds Bush Empire review i mentioned that Sleep Token are well on the way to
playing arenas in the UK, and that is ringing true as tonight's show is 5000 capacity sold out,
so next time could easily be Ally Pally or Wembley Arena for them.
Support band NORTHLANE arrived on stage at 8pm tor their 45 mins set.
Northlane are an Australian heavy metal band from Sydney, formed in 2009.
Northlane have released six studio albums.
They are massive back in Australia, where Sleep Token actually supported them in 2022.
A very lively set for a support band ,with lots of moshing and crowd-surfing.
Their singer was a bundle of energy , as the strobe lights were used often.
They rolled out more and more of the recent album tracks from 'Obsidian' that mixes crunching
rock tunes with some EDM beats ....the crowd loved them.
They could easily be headlining Shepherds Bush Empire on their next visit to the UK.
SLEEP TOKEN arrived on stage at 9.15pm for their 80 mins set.
From their arrival on stage, all wearing masks and hooded robes, you know this will be interesting. Like a dark messiah, Vessel – the band’s masked singer – floated onto stage with hands aloft to the sound of his followers screaming his name. He was joined by a trio of black-robed choir singers, stoic and immovable throughout the entire performance. Heavy power guitar riffs are the order of the day, which results in massive headbanging and moshing, and some 100 plus bodies crowd-surfed over the stalls standing heads into the stage pit. The lightshow is all behind them, and never on the faces.
The setlist included a couple of tracks from their upcoming third album on Spinefarm Records.
Head of Spinefarm Records - Dante Bonutto - was sitting near me in the front circle seating.
Sleep Token proved they have the musicianship, skill and presence to be a top level metal/prog band .
A really good show.
Full SLEEP TOKEN setlist played tonight....
Chokehold
The Summoning
Hypnosis
Mine
Dark Signs
Nazareth
Like That
Aqua Regia
Atlantic
Alkaline
Granite
Higher
The Love You Want
Encore:
The Night Does Not Belong to God
The Offering
Outro music - Avril 14th (Aphex Twin)
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Saturday 21 January 2023.
THE DELGADOS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Scottish indie-rock band released five studio albums, in the late 1990s/early 2000s.
The Delgados first single "Monica Webster"/"Brand New Car" was released in 1995.The single caught the attention of BBC Radio 1 disc jockey (DJ) John Peel,and the band quickly became one of his favourites, going on to record several sessions for him, but they never had any full mainstream success.
Many think that The Delgados are one of Scottish music’s most important bands. Not only did they release five albums of timeless guitar pop that ranged from lo-fi to orchestral, but they were also the brains behind Chemikal Underground Records – the iconic label that introduced the world to Mogwai, Arab Strap, Bis, Aereogramme and many more.
Djs including Steve Lamacq and Jo Whiley also championed the band.
In June 2022, the band announced that they had reformed and would play together for the first time in 17 years. A UK tour of five gigs, ending in their home city of Glasgow, is scheduled for January 2023.
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Level 3 is closed tonight, and Level 2 is only half sold.
Support act ANDREW WASYLYK & band arrived on stage at 7.45pm and played for 40 mins.
Andrew Wasylyk is the alias of Scottish writer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Andrew Mitchell.
Six musicians on stage including trumpet and electric flute.
All instrumentals, that felt like soundtracks to a film etc.
THE DELGADOS arrived on stage at 9pm and played for 1 hour 50 mins.
All the middle-aged indie folks are out in force tonight.
For many songs , the band are joined by a four member mini-orchestra , who sounded great.
Male and female are sharing the vocals.
The tracks nearer the end got the biggest applause , a good show.
Full setlist played by THE DELGADOS tonight....
Everything Goes Around the Water
Accused of Stealing
The Arcane Model
The Actress
I Fought the Angels
Aye Today
Child Killers
Pull the Wires From the Wall
Come Undone
Under Canvas Under Wraps
American Trilogy
Make Your Move
The Light Before We Land
The Past That Suits You Best
Everybody Come Down
The Drowning Years
All You Need Is Hate
If This Is a Plan
Encore:
Monica Webster
Coming in From the Cold
No Danger
Thirteen Gliding Principles

Updated 22nd January 2023 Permalink

Friday 20 January 2023.

Friday 20 January 2023.
Happy Birthday to PAUL STANLEY from KISS who is 71 today.
Paul is an American musician who is the co-founder, frontman, rhythm guitarist and co-lead vocalist of the hard rock band Kiss. He is the writer or co-writer of many of the band's most popular songs. Stanley established The Starchild character for his Kiss persona. Stanley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 as a member of Kiss.
KISS are playing a full European Tour to celebrate their 50th anniversary this summer.
Hopefully i will getting to see them in the UK and in mainland Europe.
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Thursday 19 January 2023.
Sad news that another music legend has passed away.
DAVID CROSBY is dead at 81: Singer-songwriter - founding member of influential '60s rock bands The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash - passes away after a 'long illness'.
Singer's wife Jan Dance confirmed he died following illness Thursday.
She said: 'Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us'.
Crosby was a singer and guitarist for The Byrds from 1964-1967.
The band had notable hits such as Turn! Turn! Turn! and Mr. Tambourine Man.
I saw him three times on stage....
26 Feb 2005 - CROSBY & NASH live at The Royal Festival Hall.
27 June 2010 - PAUL McCARTNEY live in Hyde Park.
Support act were CROSBY , STILLS & NASH.
03 Oct 2015 - DAVID GILMOUR live at The Royal Albert Hall.
CROSBY & NASH came on stage to sing three songs with DG.

Updated 19th January 2023 Permalink

Wednesday 18 January 2023.

Wednesday 18 January 2023.
WALLOWS live at Hammersmith Apollo.
On 06 Jan , Wallows have decided to move their Brixton Academy show to Hammersmith Apollo,
on the same day as they are not risking The Brixton Academy having their license revoked
when the venue goes under review on 16 Jan.
American band Wallows are on a UK tour to promote their second album.
Hammersmith is the last night of their UK tour, before they head into mainland Europe.
Wallows second album "Tell Me That It's Over", was released on Atlantic Records on March 25, 2022.
Both their albums have made The Billboard Top 100 chart in USA.
Their most popular track "Are You Bored Yet?" has had over 72 million views on YouTube.
Wallows have cited Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, The Libertines, Arcade Fire, Kanye West, and The Smiths as influences.
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The venue does not say sold out at the front, but the venue looks very full.
Most of the crowd appear to be females under the age of 30.
The queues for the merch tonight were very busy...anyone for a £65 Wallows hoodie?
They did a good job of getting t-shirts and gig-posters done with the new venue.
Luckily for them , their main t-shirt with tour dates just had London , UK, rather than the venue.
MAY-A and her band arrived on stage at 8pm for their 35 mins set.
Australian singer-songwriter played a good set of pop rock songs.
Her set included a nice cover of Cheap Trick's " I Want You To Want Me".
WALLOWS arrrived on stage at 9pm and played for 85 mins.
Wallows are a trio on record but a six-piece onstage.
The stage production featured six lampshades and some striped lighting poles.
There is plenty of screaming and singing along from the females here tonight.
They have a nice catchy dreamy sound, with guitar and keyboard indie-pop tunes.
Confetti cannons were used after around 70 mins.
Overall, it was a good show.
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Tuesday 17 January 2023.
CLAYS are to open at Unit 1b, 1 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London E14
Clays is a stunning bar serving fantastic food, creative cocktails and a high-tech interactive clay shooting experience. Having opened their first venue in November 2021 in Moorgate, London they are now going to open their second site in Canary Wharf this December.
Clays is a vibe and will fit gloriously into the bustling nightlife of West India Quay. Upon arrival you’ll be struck by the stylish décor. With a rose gold and blush pink colour palette, large trees blooming in delicate blossom and plenty of foliage, you’ll experience the glamour of a modern English country estate.
Once inside Clays Canary Wharf you’ll discover eight pegs – semi-private shooting areas. Each giving a generous amount of space for groups of up to 20 people to enjoy their game play whilst supping on cocktails.
www.clays.bar - Visit their website here.
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Tonight was the opening launch party from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.
A lively vibe as pop & dance hits are played over the speakers.
Just the right amount of guests here so there are no long waits to have a go on the shooting pegs.
Everything is well organised regards the shooting on the digital screens, as whose turn is next etc.
The rifles are quite heavy, and need a little bit of co-ordination regards the trigger and re-load , but
practice makes perfect, and it soon gets very addictive, and you move on to levels with harder targets.
The many office staff and workers in the area will love this place for group fun.
There was a fun photo big screen.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food including five different cocktails (JD whiskey with toffee was my fave),
prosecco, wines, beers...along with several different small plates including Truffle Parmesan Chips,
Crispy Chicken Silders, Beef Croquettes, British Calamari and Sweetcorn Ribs...and mini-desserts.
A very enjoyable evening.

Updated 18th January 2023 Permalink

Monday 16 January 2023.

Monday 16 January 2023.
BRIXTON ACADEMY enquiry today about their live music license.
Looks like the venue will remain closed for at least another three months, until 17 April at least.
This means there are 44 shows not happening at that venue during that period.
No doubt, many of the shows will move to the similiar sized Hammersmith Apollo if it is available.
A whistleblower has told the BBC that the front door security staff took bribes to let people in.
This was certainly one of the reasons for the crush inside, as i know the regular touts at that venue,
and they mentioned to me many times over the years , that it certainly went on.
The street ticket tout has been badly hit by the fact that most gig tickets are now on phones,
so you rarely see touts outside venues like Hammersmith Apollo and Shepherds Bush Empire.
However, you would always find touts at Brixton Academy as they had their own ways to get folks in.
The tout would takes the cash and tell the punter to go to a certain security guard or two on the doors,
who would pretend to scan a ticket , and security would share the spoils later with the touts.
The whistleblower also said that security staff would let in local drug dealers , for a backhander.
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Sunday 15 January 2023.
WRONG JOVI live at THE THEATRE ROYAL, WINDSOR.
Lovely 600 capacity theatre has a week of top notch tribute acts in their cosy all seated venue.
Wrong Jovi are widely considered to be the best Bon Jovi tribute band in the world by those that see them. So much so, that even the former Bon Jovi guitarist, Richie Sambora, has personally thanked the band for their hard work and unforgettable performances. In their many years of touring, the band have performed across the world and featured on the BBC prime-time TV show, ‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’. Performing a set of Bon Jovi’s biggest songs, live favourites and rarities, the band ensure that there is something for the casual follower and even the most die hard of Bon Jovi fans.
They were even voted ‘Tribute Artist of the Year’ at the 2022 National Entertainment Awards.
I have seen the real Bon Jovi over 30 times , with the first times in 1984 when they twice supported KISS.
Also in New Jersey, USA in 2000 and most recent at Wembley Stadium in 2019.
www.wrongjovi.com - Visit their website here for tour dates.
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Always nice to be at this historic theatre every now and then.
It is mainly used for theatre shows, but has a week of live music every so often.
The real Bon Jovi attract plenty of female fans, and they have turned out in force tonight.
A nice long show of around 2 hours 10 mins over two sets of 60 mins and 70 mins.
You have to be fairly confident to call yourself a Jon Bon Jovi lookalike but he looks the part ,
acts and sings like Jon Bon Jovi, and the women scream when he wiggles his bum.
The real Bon Jovi have lost Richie Sambora , but he is here tonight, playing some nifty guitar,
including the voice box, and wearing the trademark cowboy hat.
It was pretty much a greatest hits set, along with a few less known tracks.
They open up with a couple of biggies "You Give Love A Bad Name" and "Raise Your Hands" so
it is not long before folks are leaving their seats, to dance in the side aisles.
Final encore was "Livin' On A Prayer" with the entire crowd up dancing and singing loudly along.
Richie Sambora was now shirtless, and playing the guitar with his teeth.
A nice ending to a really good show.
Setlist included...
You Give Love A Bad Name
Raise Your Hands
Born To Be My Baby
Runaway
Blaze of Glory ( Jon Bon Jovi solo track)
In These Arms
It's My Life
Bed of Roses
Have a Nice Day
Lay Your Hands On Me
Someday I'll Be Saturday Night
I'll Be There For You
Always
Bad Medicine
Encore :
Wanted Dead or Alive
Keep The Faith
Livin' On A Prayer
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Saturday 14 January 2023.
DANCE GAVIN DANCE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Dance Gavin Dance are on tour to promote their tenth studio album.
Their last four albums have all gone in the USA Top 20 charts.
The American post-hardcore rock band Dance Gavin Dance was formed in Sacramento, California in 2005.
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Level 3 is half empty tonight, but otherwise the venue is pretty full.
A younger rock crowd, who probably read Kerrang rather than Classic Rock
Tonight we have three North American bands from the post-hardcore scene over there.
Up first we have EIDOLA from 7.30pm for 30 mins....EIDOLA is from Salt Lake City, Utah, formed in 2011. The band have released four studio albums.
The vocals were too rough for me, but they had a great guitarist who couldn't keep still,
and darted around the stage non-stop.
RAIN CITY DRIVE arrived on stage at 8.15pm tor their 45 mins set.
RCD is an American post-hardcore band from Sacramento, California, United States, formed in 2014 under the name Slaves....they released albums under Slaves but like the UK Slaves they thought it best to change the band's name as many found it offensive.
They were a bit better as the vocals were a bit clearer.
DANCE GAVIN DANCE arrived on stage at 9.20pm and played for 60 mins.
Seemed a very short set for a band with a few successful albums back in North America.
Lots of moshing in the front stalls, and around 20 crowd surfers.
Dance Gavin Dance have two male vocalists, one that has the powerful voice for high notes,
and the other who has the rough vocals of hardcore.
The crowd knew all the songs, but it was a bit too hardcore for me.
Decent enough i suppose.
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Friday 13 January 2023.
Love him or loathe him, PRINCE HARRY'S book is doing big business.
Prince Harry’s memoir ' Spare' has sold over 1.4 million English-language copies in all formats in the U.S., the U.K. and Canada on its first day of release, and is already in its second run, publisher Penguin Random House announced Wednesday, just one day after the controversial and explosive tell-all memoir was released.

Updated 13th January 2023 Permalink

Thursday 12 January 2023

Wednesday 11 January 2023...2.30pm matinee show.....
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK.
The cast of Jack and the Beanstalk at Panto The London Palladium has been confirmed.
London’s best-loved panto will feature the previously-announced comedy superstars Dawn French and Julian Clary, with Alexandra Burke making her Palladium pantomime debut, along with returning favourites Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Gary Wilmot.
Joining the star cast are West End favourites Rob Madge, Natalie McQueen and Louis Gaunt, fresh from his success in Mary Poppins, in the title role of Jack.
This is the panto you’ve bean waiting for. Book today with tickets from £20.
Last year i saw DONNY OSMOND in the main role in the Palladium Panto.
It is on until Saturday 14 Jan 2023.
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This iconic venue is packed solid sold out on all levels.
Older folks from the outskirts of London and further , love an afternoon matinee.
There are many pantos on around London and the UK, but this is the biggest and best.
The biggest production, the biggest celebrity names, the biggest and most OTT costumes.
The show was on for around 2 hours 5 mins over two sets of 75 mins and 50 mins.
Director Michael Harrison is the man behind another festive Palladium production packed with star names of a certain vintage and punchlines with a similarly antique tinge.
Panto regular Julian Clary dominates every scene he pops up in, as various incarnations of the Spirit of the Beans. The veteran comedian boasts a withering, waspish put down for every occasion and showstopping dozen over the top different costumes designed by Hugh Durrant.
Clary is a tough act to follow but “budget Miriam Margolyes” (joked Julian ) Dawn French makes a good fist of Devonian Dame Trot. A fright-wigged ALEXANDRA BURKE channels Tina Turner and the Wicked Witch of the West as villainous Mrs Blunderbore,and sings a couple of her number one hits in the UK , with
"Bad Boys" from 2009 and "Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen cover) from 2008.
Gary Wilmot as Queen Nigella makes merry with some marvellous tongue twisters, self-mocking posho Nigel Havers as King Nigel of Old Compton in the Turn references our new monarch with lines about his “blasted pen” and the totally excellent ventriloquist Paul Zerdin delivers as milkman Silly Simon.
His routines included a neat stunt where he got four children up on stage, one at the end was a
little know it all from South Kensington. At the end Paul Zerdin picked him up and dropped him
into the orchestra pit, to gasps from the audience....but that was a actor who was actually part of the show.
Plenty of cheesy and saucy banter throughout the show, especially from Julian Clary.
The tradition of topical humour peppering proceedings is maintained with jokes about Liz Truss, Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock.
A fantastic stunt happened at the end of the first half, as a huge inflatable beanstalk rose from the stalls to the venue ceiling , then Jack climbed it and during the second half, a jolly green giant inflatable appeared.
It was an excellent show, with lots of laughter throughout.
then
LIGABUE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
62 year old male singer-songwriter who is one of Italy's biggest rock stars.
He has played the massive San Siro football stadium many times.
I saw him headline The Royal Albert Hall in 2013.
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The Italian community in London are out in force as the show is fully sold out.
TOM BRIGHT arrived on stage at 7.30pm for his decent enough 25 mins acoustic set.
LIGABUE and his five piece band arrived on stage at 8.30pm and played for 1 hour 50 mins.
Ligabue arrives on stage rockin' his David Ginola/Jon Bon Jovi silver fox good looks.
He still attracts many female fans half his age, who are up and dancing & singing along from the start.
It is a bit like French superstar Johnny Hallyday who plays stadiums back home, but smaller venues here.
The crowd atmosphere is great.
Only half a dozen words are in English as the chat is mainly in Italian and all the lyrics are in Italian.
He has had over a dozen hit albums in the last 30 years or so.
His band are really good with hints of Bon Jovi/Bryan Adams/ Bruce Springsteen as they are mainly uptempo catchy simple singalong rock tunes.
You did not really need to know what he was singing about to make it a good rock show.
I mean Rammstein singing all in German ,has not stopped them from headlining stadiums everywhere.
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Shock news that guitar legend JEFF BECK has died aged 78.
I saw Jeff on stage around a dozen times since 1981.
Oddly i saw him recently on stage in May 2022 when he played The Royal Albert Hall,
when JOHNNY DEPP joined him for a few songs.

Updated 12th January 2023 Permalink

Tuesday 10 January 2023.

Tuesday 10 January 2023.
CHASE ATLANTIC live at Hammersmith Apollo.
Australian act play the second of three sold out shows at Hammersmith Apollo.
These shows were moved from Brixton Academy, due to their venue license being suspended.
Chase Atlantic return to the UK in August 2023 to play Reading and Leeds Festivals.
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January is always the quietest month of the year for live gigs so sometimes in end i up at a gig
like this that I wouldn't touch if it happened in one of the busier months.
Three nights sold out here to 5000 fans a show is impressive , so they must be worth investigating.
The crowd is pretty much all under 30, with 90% of them excitable females.
CHASE ATLANTIC arrived on stage at 9.05pm and played for 85 mins.
Five members on stage with a very nice stage production featuring a huge screen mixing pre-recorded
footage and live gig footage, lots of lights and strobes , bursts of dry ice and raised platforms.
The crowd are screaming at every song, and hundreds of mobile phones record each song.
The music is a bit tame r n b , but the crowd are loving it.
The energetic singer soon gets shirtless to more screams.
Overall i suppose the music was not my cup of tea, but they put on an visually entertaining show.
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Monday 09 January 2023.
ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES -THE MUSICAL at The Theatre Royal Haymarket , London SW1.
It originally opened in 2019 but closed during the covid period.
This theatre show is celebrating 40 years of the much loved tv show.
The best loved cockneys of the entertainment halls of fame, Del Boy and Rodney take to the stage for West End show Only Fools and Horses the Musical. Written by the series’ writer John Sullivan’s son, Jim Sullivan, alongside comedy icon Paul Whitehouse, the musical features music by Chas and Dave. Witness the dodgy deals, the markets and the hilarious japes in this heart-warming show at London's Theatre Royal Haymarket.
This theatre is one of London's oldest, as its first production was back in 1720.
I went to the opening night when it originally opened, and the afterparty nearby at The Haymarket Hotel.
Les Dennis took over from Paul Whitehouse as Grandad from 3 October 2022 to 07 Jan 2023.
PAUL WHITEHOUSE will return as Grandad from Monday 09 Jan 2023.
It is now extended well into 2023.
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I am back to see it again...over three years since i last saw it.
It is on for 2 hour 15 mins over two sets of 70 mins and 65 mins.
All your favourite characters from the iconic tv series are here.
PAUL WHITEHOSE returns tonight , after his short break.
No doubt he was doing some filming for his BBC tv fishing/comedy series with Bob Mortimer.
For most of the show he is Grandad, but he does a nice turn as Uncle Albert in the second half.
There is a revolving stage that mainly focuses on the Trotters front room and the Nags Head.
Lots of musical numbers mixed in with that Peckham comedy banter and all the catchphrases.
We even get a version of that iconic Del Boy moment where he falls through the bar.
Their three wheeler Reliant Robin makes a showing too.
I actually had a Reliant Robin for a year , as you could drive one on a full motorbike licence.
It actually saved me a small fortune on driving lessons at the time, as it helped me later pass my test.
The furthest it went was to High Wycombe in Feb 1980, when i drove to see this great gig,
JOY DIVISION + KILLING JOKE + A CERTAIN RATIO.
The show is great...

Updated 10th January 2023 Permalink

Monday 09 January 2023.

Monday 09 January 2023.
John Lydons PUBLIC IMAGE LIMITED (PIL) make an announcement today.
This is certainly an odd one.
PIL be competing to represent Ireland at Eurovision 2023 with their new single "Hawaii" - which is available on all digital platforms from today, Monday, January 9th.
Download or Stream "Hawaii" now! A PiL song like no other.
PiL will perform "Hawaii " on The Late Late Show from 9.30pm on 3rd February 2023 in order to complete for Eurovision.
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Sunday 08 January 2023.
DAVID BOWIE would have been 76 today.
I was lucky to have seen him over 20 times since May 1976 when he played Wembley Arena.
I reviewed his Shepherds Bush Empire show for the local paper in August 1997.
I got his autograph and a handshake when he did a signing at HMV in Oxford Street in Sept 2002.
The photo of the signed cd is up on my Facebook page.
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Saturday 07 January 2023.
Great to see ROD STEWART at Olympia in 1976 on BBC2 tonight to celebrate his 78th birthday on Tuesday.
I just missed seeing The Faces in the early 1970s , but saw plenty of great shows by Rod at Olympia.
Rod Stewart , Liverpool Express Kensington Olympia,London 21.12.1976
Rod Stewart, Liverpool Express Kensington Olympia,London 22.12.1976
Rod Stewart Kensington Olympia, London 15.01.1977
Rod Stewart Kensington Olympia, London 21.12.1978
Rod Stewart Kensington Olympia, London 28.12.1978
Rod Stewart Kensington Olympia, London 30.12.1978
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Friday 06 January 2023.
From being a Sex Pistols fan from Bromley to a star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
On Thursday BILLY IDOL really confirmed that " The American Dream" can be had for some.
The full 35 mins ceremony is now up on YouTube.
Henry Rollins gave the introduction.
Billy's solo band were there, and posed with him for photos at the end.
Sex Pistol guitarist STEVE JONES was there, and posed with him for photos at the end.
Really looking forward to the debut shows by Generation Sex in the summer of 2023.
The band include Billy Idol, Steve Jones, Paul Cook and Tony James.
Only dates confirmed so far are...
15 June - HELLFEST in France where they are supporting KISS.
01 July - Crystal Palace , London where they are supporting Iggy Pop and Blondie.
Bound to be a few more, hopefully including some headline shows.
A gig at Shepherds Bush Empire would be perfect.
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Thursday 05 January 2023.
MADONNA is planning a "Greatest Hits" tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her debut album.
Multiple dates at The 02 Arena have already been booked....full details to be confirmed soon.
The dates will start at the end of the year, rather than in the summer.
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Thoughts are with IAN PAICE , the quiet drummer who has been with Deep Purple since they formed.
He remains the only member of Deep Purple who has served in every line-up since the band’s inception in 1968, as well as having played on every album and at every live appearance.
His wife of 40 years recently passed away, and he gave a touching mention on how he would always
be away on long tours , but his wife would look after the ship at home.
His wife was the twin sister of fellow band member JON LORDS wife.

Updated 5th January 2023 Permalink

Tuesday 03 January 2023.

Tuesday 03 January 2023.
Happy New Year to everybody.
2022 was a great year for live music after it bounced back from that awful covid mess.
I went to 187 live music events in 2022.
Brings my gig total to 7372 since Sept 1973.
Here are my fave gigs of the year.
Gig of the year..
TAYLOR HAWKINS Tribute Show at Wembley Stadium - 04 Sept 2022.
Featuring 80 mins greatest hits set from The Foo Fighters + Paul McCartney + Queen +
Rush + Liam Gallagher plus several other acts.
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Next best in no particular order...
SIR PETER BLAKE 90th Birthday Tribute Show at Royal Festival Hall - 02 Dec 2022.
Madness + The Who + Noel Gallagher + Paul Weller + Chrissie Hynde.
ROBBIE WILLIAMS at The Royal Albert Hall - 07 Nov 2022.
COLPLAY live at Wembley Stadium -17 Aug 2022.
REBELLION PUNK FESTIVAL - Blackpool Aug 2022.
Over 20 bands over the four days including Sham 69 + Gary Numan + Peter Hook & The Light.
GUNS N ROSES at Tottenham Hotspur Football Ground - 02 July 2022.
SAXON + URIAH HEEP at Hammersmith Apollo - 29 Jan 2022.
ROLLING STONES at Hyde Park - 03 July 2022.
STIFF LITTLE FINGERS + NEVILLE STAPLE BAND + PROFESSIONALS + TV SMITH
at The Roundhouse - 27 March 2022.
BLONDIE at The 02 Arena - 26 April 2022.
GLEN MATLOCK BAND at The 100 Club - 16 Sept 2022.
ROXY MUSIC at The 02 Arena - 14 Oct 2022.
BILLY IDOL + KILLING JOKE + TOYAH WILLCOX at Wembley Arena - 19 Oct 2022.
DAMNED + SKIDS + TV SMITH at Hammersmith Apolllo - 28 Oct 2022.
WHITESNAKE + FOREIGNER + EUROPE at The 02 Arena - 16 May 2022.
ALICE COOPER + THE CULT at The 02 Arena - 25 May 2022.
FLAMING LIPS at The Forum - 02 June 2022.
HUMAN LEAGUE + MIDGE URE plus others at Henley Rewind Festival - 21 Aug 2022.
CULTURE CLUB + BANANARAMA + LULU at Kenwood -17 June 2022.
ABC with orchestra at Royal Albert Hall - 23 June 2022.
PYSCHEDELIC FURS at Royal Albert Hall - 05 April 2022.
SPARKS at The Roundhouse - 17 April 2022.
THE VACCINES at Hammersmith Apollo - 21 April 2022.
TOM MEIGHAN at Shepherds Bush Empire - 04 May 2022.
ERIC CLAPTON at Royal Albert Hall - 08 May 2022.
POWERWOLF at The Roundhouse - 29 Nov 2022.
THE PROFESSIONALS at 229 Great Portland Street - 19 Dec 2022.
BRYAN ADAMS at The Royal Albert Hall - 09 May 2022.
MUSE + RAZORLIGHT at Hammersmith Apollo - 10 May 2022.
ADAM ANT at The Roundhouse - 13 May 2022.
PET SHOP BOYS at The 02 Arena - 22 May 2022.
BEACH BOYS at The Royal Albert Hall - 24 June 2022.
LADY GAGA at Tottenham Hotspur Football Ground - 30 July 2022.
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2023 is already looking good for another great year of live music.

Updated 4th January 2023 Permalink

Monday 02 January 2023.

Monday 02 January 2023.
Congratulations to BRIAN MAY who has been knighted as a Sir.
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PRINTWORKS NYEVE and NYDAY DANCE EVENTS, Canada Water, East London.
PRINTWORKS and sister venue BEAMS are two of the two prime large dance venues in London.
PRINTWORKS capacity is 6000....BEAMS capacity is 5000.
Looks like PRINTWORKS will be closing for good around May Bank Holiday in 2023.
PRINTWORKS gets its name as the Evening Standard used to be printed here.
I ended up going to two PRINTWORKS events on the trot, spending a few hours at each.
New Years Eve at PRINTWORKS was "Defected"....8pm to 4am...6000 sold out.
Defected returns to Printworks for another unparalleled NYE takeover.
What is already considered a cherished Printworks tradition, house music’s most in-demand label Defected takes over the Press Halls and Inkwells for another unparalleled NYE celebration.
House heads can expect a mixture of forward-thinking sounds and all-time classics from the seminal imprint’s renowned roster of up-and-coming artists and dance music mainstays including special guest Nic Fanciulli alongside Ferreck Dawn, Mike Dunn, Paige Tomlinson and many more.
Lots of security here, including drug sniffer dogs at the entrance.
This was pretty much house music for the hardcore house crowd.
At midnight the main room was packed solid for the countdown.
Huge slogans around saying things like "Love Is The Message" on a double decker bus,
and "In Our House, We Are All Equal"...which folks used for selfie opportunities.
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New Years Day at PRINTWORKS was "Glitterbox"....1pm to 11pm...6000 sold out.
The legendary Glitterbox crew will light up the Press Halls and Inkwells for the ultimate NYD extravaganza with their iconic performers, disco anthems, non-stop party energy and, of course, no shortage of glitter.
An unmatched party brand that champions the values of inclusivity and diversity at its core, Glitterbox’s NYD celebration has become a cherished Printworks tradition. Highlights from this year’s edition include a special b2b between Breakbot and Irfane, NYC legend Danny Tenaglia, Krystal Klear, DJ Holographic, Nightmares on Wax and many more.
A dozen djs playing tunes over the large main press halls room and the smaller INKWELLS room.
We ended up in Inkwells for the end part of the evening.
Nightmares on Wax played around 90 mins and Melon Bomb played the same.
Both had a dozen or so of their mates on the dance platform behind their DJ decks.
A more LGBT+ crowd tonight, and much livelier overall.
There is glitter face painting and lots of the crowd in their glittery dance outfits.
There are dance podiums for their own dancers, and punters would get up as well.
A very friendly crowd here, who openly chat when they dance near you...really nice vibes.
Plenty of strobes and very loud, so not for the faint-hearted.
Final track of the night was a great choice..."Insomnia" by Faithless.

Updated 31st December 2022 Permalink