Welcome to the Ray's Gigs website!

Here's the latest - updated 20th January 2021

Sunday 17 January 2021.

Sunday 17 January 2021.
Happy Birthday to MICK TAYLOR ( ex Rolling Stones ) who is 72 today.
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Legendary music producer PHIL SPECTOR has died aged 81 , of Covid while in prison.
He was an American former record producer, musician, and songwriter who developed the Wall of Sound, a music production formula he described as a Wagnerian approach to rock and roll. Spector is regarded to be among the most influential figures in pop music history and as the first auteur of the music industry for the unprecedented control he had over every phase of the recording process.After spending three decades in semi-retirement, in 2009, he was convicted for the 2003 murder of the actress Lana Clarkson.At the time of his death, he was serving a prison sentence of 19 years to life.
The Ramones recorded with him , and they had to deal with his erratic behaviour.
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Tuesday 19 January 2021.
Happy Birthday to DOLLY PARTON who is 75 today.
I saw Dolly live at Wembley Arena (2007) and The 02 Arena (2008)
In 2019 I went to the opening night party for Dollys musical " 9 to 5" at The Savoy Hotel Ballroom.
A very lavish event, and Dolly was there for an hour or so.
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Wednesday 20 January 2021.
JOHN LYDON will appear on todays edition of Loose Women on ITV.
ITV, Loose Women, Wednesday, January 20th 2021 12:30pm - 1:30pm UK.
John was one of the few musicians that supported Donald Trump.
I presume it will be via video as John lives in America.
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Happy Birthday to NICKY WIRE (Manic Street Preachers) who is 52 today.
I have seen the Manics around 20 times since an early club show at The Hibernian Club, Fulham in 1991.
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Joe Biden takes over from Trump today in America.
Musicians will come out to support him at the main event and tv specials including
Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Bon Jovi, Lady Gaga, Cher, James Taylor and Barbra Streisand.
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Happy Birthday to PAUL STANLEY of KISS who is 69 today.
I have seen KISS over 30 times since their debut London shows in May 1976 at Hammersmith Odeon.
Includes five overseas shows...
Sept 1979 - Chicago , USA.
June 1997 - Ghent , Belgium.
March 1999 - Paris , France.
June 2008 - Milan, Italy.
June 2010 - Madrid, Spain ( see my photos page below to see me with KISS from this show).
See my Facebook page for a couple of KISS photos, including a flyer i picked up in 1979.
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Thursday 21 January 2021.
Artists not getting proper monies from streaming is a total scandal
Sky News spoke to Gary Numan about artist revenue from streaming as a Parliamentary inquiry looks into the economics. Gary Numan has told Sky News he received just £37 for a hit that had been streamed more than a million times, as an inquiry into the economics of digital music services continues.
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Rod Stewart usually kicks out 20 or so signed footballs at every show.
Rod Stewart said he will not be kicking signed footballs out anymore as too many
fights have broken out as fans fight over them.Rod said "sometimes it's like a Rangers v Celtic brawl".
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Friday 22 January 2021...Tonight , BBC4 tv have an evening dedicated to Neil Diamond
The legendary Neil Diamond in the week of his 80th birthday with Neil Diamond at the BBC - a brand new compilation film which looks back at some of Diamond’s best BBC moments. That same evening, audiences will have another chance to view his set from Glastonbury 2008 as well as from the Electric Proms, which took place at London's Roundhouse in 2010....Neil is 80 on Sunday.
I have seen Neil Diamond three times in concert.
1999 - Wembley Arena.
2005 - Earls Court Arena.
2008 - 02 Arena.
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Saturday 23 Jan and Sunday 24 Jan is FA Cup 4th Round games.
Three live games on BBC1 over the weekend.

Updated 17th January 2021 Permalink

Thursday 14 January 2021.

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

Updated 14th January 2021 Permalink

Sunday 10 January 2021.

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

Updated 10th January 2021 Permalink

Thursday 07 January 2021.

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

Updated 7th January 2021 Permalink

Saturday 02 January 2021.

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

Updated 2nd January 2021 Permalink

Friday 01 January 2021.

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

Updated 24th December 2020 Permalink

Thursday 17 December 2020.

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

Updated 17th December 2020 Permalink

Monday 14 December 2020.

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

Updated 14th December 2020 Permalink

Saturday 12 December 2020.

Saturday 12 December 2020.
December is usually a great time to see bands where we have a multi-choice every day
of the week, but not this year.
I went to see some great gigs 40 years ago in Dec 1980.
A new band called U2 were supporting Talking Heads.
I was also playing drums in my own band Gun Control.
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Gen X Suma Studios , Chelsea, London 28.11.1980 private invite only gig with new line-up
after Generation X split.
Talking Heads,U2 Hammersmith Odeon, London 02.12.1980 bono climbing all over the pa system
Damned,Strapps Hammersmith Odeon, London 03.12.1980 fast , short and chaotic show
Gun Control Acton White Hart, London W3 04.12.1980
Queen,Straight 8 Wembley Arena , London 09.12.1980 freddie and band in top form
Al Stewart Hammersmith Odeon, London 10.12.1980
Gun Control Acton White Hart, London W3 11.12.1980
Ultravox,Fatal Charm Hammersmith Odeon, London 13.12.1980
Yes Hammersmith Odeon, London 15.12.1980 now include members of Buggles
Undertones,Orange Juice Hammersmith Palais , London 16.12.1980
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark,Fatal Charm Hammersmith Odeon, London 17.12.1980
Gun Control Clarendon ,Hammersmith,London 19.12.1980 our bass player faints after 3 songs
Ian Dury And The Blockheads,Selecter Sobell Centre , Islington, London 22.12.1980
Madness,Ten Pole Tudor Hammersmith Odeon, London 23.12.1980
Spandau Ballet Heaven Nightclub, London 29.12.1980 party gig to celebrate first hit single
Siouxsie And The Banshees,Altered Images Hammersmith Palais , London 30.12.1980
Stray Cats,Bette Brights Madness Venue , Victoria , London 31.12.1980 Johnsons Clothing NYE Party

Updated 12th December 2020 Permalink

Friday 11 December 2020.

COQBULL restaurant & bar is opening at 17- 19 Denham Street, Soho, London W1.
Coqbull have taken over the former Jamie’s Italian site near Piccadilly Circus.
Coqbull Restaurant is a chicken and burger concept with a mouth-watering menu of delicious rotisserie chicken and gourmet beef burgers as well as an array of tantalising coqtails and local craft beers, focusing on casual dining.
To celebrate their opening they are giving out 100 FREE BURGERS with fries each day this week,
Monday 07 Dec to Saturday 12 Dec , between 5pm and 6pm only , and that includes dining indoors too.
Just add their app to your smart phone and follow them to get the offer.
This includes their full range of burgers , which includes beef, chicken and veggie.
These pairings would normally cost between £12.95 and £14.95.
I will test drive it to see if it is as good as it sounds, and report back here.
www.coqbullsoho.com Visit their website here for more info.
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I checked out this new venue on Monday and Wednesday this week, before i went to other events.
Monday 07 December 5pm to 6pm
This visit was with my two friends at the start of our annual Christmas reunion drinks evening.
We checked in at the desk and they took my info for track and trace but no mention of Instagram.
We all had the Smokin' Bull (double beef patty, smoked Applewood Cheese, Crispy Bacon,
Smoked BBQ Mayo , Tobacco Onions) with fries and a glass of tap water.
The burger was huge and tasted great...all complimentary and we left £2 each tip and departed happy.
We then headed for much cheaper drinks at Montagu Pyke in Charing Cross Road which was a
1911 cinema and former Marquee Club (when it moved from Wardour Street) venue, now a Wetherspoons pub with 2 bars and a huge TV screen.
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Wednesday 09 December 5pm to 6pm
I went back on my own for a second visit before i went to Proud Cabaret at Embankment.
This time was a bit different as the girl at the desk asked to see I had liked their Instagram page.
Sat down and ordered the same meal as before, waitress said I need to buy some sort of paid drink.
Didn't question that too much , and ordered a cuppaccino.
The Smokin Bull' Burger and fries was again really nice and asked for the bill.
Looked at the bill and it said £3.95 for cuppaccino....and they had charged me £4 for tap water...WTF?
Called over a supervisor and pointed out the error and she was very apologetic and
said my cuppaccino would be complimentary to make up for the error...no tip this time.
So it is a good deal overall but they may or may not asked to see your smart phone to
check you have liked their Instagram page and they may or may not asked you to buy
some kind of drink....so head there just after 5pm, and there was no queue either day I went.

Updated 11th December 2020 Permalink

Thursday 10 December 2020.

Wednesday 09 December 2020.
CABARET at PROUD , Victoria Embankment, London WC2 re-opens in December.
Back open again this month with their Christmas Cabaret All Stars show, hosted by the UK’s
TV personality Denise Van Outen and pop sensations Duncan James and Rachel Stevens.
Duncan James was a member of Blue who had three number one singles around 20 years ago.
Rachel Stevens was a member of S Club 7 who had four number one singles around 20 years ago.
Rachel Stevens is there Tuesday's and Wednesday's.
Duncan James is there Thursday's and Friday's.
Denise Van Outen is there Saturday's.
The stars will both perform in and host the sensational show, accompanied by some of the world’s best cabaret and circus performers, giving audiences the glitzy Christmas celebration they deserve.
Other acts include Cirque du Soleil aerialist Katherine Would, international and award-winning cabaret star Pi the Mime, Darlings of the Moulin Rouge J’Adore La Vie and the infamous international burlesque show ghoul, horror diva and Brazilian bombshell Marie Devilreux.
Zoe Marshall will leave audiences stunned with her rare mouth balancing act and aerial hair hanging, whilst multi-talented Katrina Louise will be showcasing her many talents, including aerial silks, hoop and chains, fire breathing and contortion and burlesque.
Attendees will also be able to enjoy incredible food from world class head chef, Antonio Vacca, along with fabulous cocktails and first class service.
www.proudcabaret.com - Visit their website here.
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The evening was over 4 hours - 6.30pm to 10.30pm....press review...
Another venue that I have been to , when it was under different name and ownership.
Alex Proud has moved from Camden down to this plush venue down by The River Thames.
Alex is here and goes on stage to thank the crowd for coming out and supporting live events.
Supper clubs like this with seating and waiter service are fully geared up for covid rules.
The show was on for 2 hours 10 mins over four sets of 30 mins, 30 mins, 40 mins, 30 mins.
Around 70 tables here, with maybe around 90% per cent sold.
Tables of 2, 4 and 6 are positioned nicely around the stage with the nearest tables reserved
for those having dinner and the other tables that are having drinks only.
Most of the female staff are all wearing raunchy outfits of corsets with stockings and suspenders.
We had a great cabaret show where most artists came on stage two or three times.
RACHEL STEVENS performed five songs including S Club 7 hit "LAX".
Rachel still looks great, she won FHM's Sexiest Woman Of All Time in 2014.
Rachel also introduced a few of the acts.
Compère Joanna Woodward did a good job of on-stage entertaining banter between acts,
which included two fun bouts of audience participation.
We had a couple of female singers sing a few songs / a few burlesque girls including one
setting fire to her tassels and giving them a twirl, and another bathing in a giant champers glass/
a mime artist/ a couple of drag acts/ a pair of dancing sisters/ silks-rope girl/
mouth balancing girl / aerial hoop girl / trapeze girl/ acrobat girl.
It is not a cheap night out as cocktails here are £15 each and dinner is also pricey.
They kindly gave a few complimentary glasses of prosecco to each of us on the press table.
Really great to see some live entertainment again.

Updated 10th December 2020 Permalink

Monday 07 December 2020.

Monday 07 December 2020...5pm to 10pm...
Today I went up to the West End for the first time in over a month.
Some big crowds were shown on tv over the past weekend, but not too busy tonight.
I met a couple of friends for some food and drinks as our usual big Christmas reunion
that normally attracts 15 to 20 cannot be held this year due to Tier 2 lockdown restrictions.
The West End stores would all be having a nice Christmas drinks party around now.
Bond Street stores including Dior, Fendi and others would be awash with champers.
I have been to many of them over the past 15 years or so.
None of those events are on as they are all standing and social distancing is impossible.
I popped into THE ROLLING STONES merch tour in Carnaby Street for the first time.
It is over two floors and looks nice in its red and black decor.
I was in there 15 mins, and nobody else came in during that time.
Loads of overpriced t-shirts(current and retro) and various merch including a Stones sofa.
Fancy a Rolling Stones water bottle?...a snip at £30...jokers.
The assistant said Ronnie Wood was the only member of the band to visit the store,
and he has signed a couple of the larger items that are on display.
Just along from The Stones store, Liam Gallaghers " Pretty Green" store has been closed awhile
due to big debts. It is now a Free Bike Store , which must be very handy for all the cyclists.
The nice Christmas Lights displays are up everywhere on the main streets.
Lots of theatres are open again , so a nice time to mix that in with seeing the Christmas Lights.
London is slowly getting back to life again...until the next total lockdown.

Updated 7th December 2020 Permalink

Sunday 06 December 2020....news for this week.

Sunday 06 December 2020.
Happy Birthday to cricketer and tv presenter FREDDIE FLINTOFF who is 43 today.
See my Facebook page for a nice photo of him and me together.
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Monday 07 December 2020.
Happy Birthday to singer-songwriter TOM WAITS who is 71 today.
Tom does not come to the UK that often , but i did see him at Hammersmith Odeon in 1987.
-------------------
Tuesday 08 December 2020.
JOHN LENNON was murdered 40 years ago today in New York.
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And just when you thought 2020 couldn’t throw up any more surprises Bob Dylan has become a complete sell-out. Dylan has sold the publishing rights to his songwriting catalogue in a deal said to be worth around $300 million to Universal Music.
-------------------
Wednesday 09 December 2020.
Happy Birthday to JOAN ARMATRADING who is 70 today.
I have seen Joan perform around a dozen times with the first time back in 1975,
when she supported Supertramp at Hammersmith Odeon.

Updated 6th December 2020 Permalink

Sunday 29 November 2020...news for this week...

Sunday 29 November 2020.
BBC Radio 2 3pm to 5pm - The Johnnie Walker 70s Show.
The only radio show I listen to these days...a great mix of classic rock, punk, soul, disco etc.
-----------
GEORGE HARRISON sadly passed away 19 years ago today - 29 November 2001.
------------------
Monday 30 November 2020.
Happy Birthday to BILLY IDOL who is 65 today.
I have seen him on stage many times, both with Generation X and solo.
Happy Birthday to Deep Purple's ROGER GLOVER who is 75 today.
I have Deep Purple around 15 times since 1975.
SKY ARTS 2am - Frank Sinatra live at The Royal Festival Hall 1970.
I saw Frank live just the once, Royal Albert Hall 1980.
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Tuesday 01 December 2020.
Happy Birthday to BETTE MIDLER who is 75 today.
I saw her headline The 02 Arena in July 2015.
Happy Birthday to GILBERT O'SULLIVAN who is 74 today.
Gilbert has not toured that often since his 1970s heyday , but I have seen him live twice.
Happy Birthday to Blue Oyster Cult's ERIC BLOOM who is 76 today.
I have seen Blue Oyster Cult live around 20 times since 1975.
------------------
Wednesday 02 December 2020.
Promoters AEG are to open a new live music venue at Olympia...but not until 2024.
4400-capacity purpose-built live music venue as part of the £1.3 billion regeneration of Olympia London.
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SKY ARTS 10.30pm - Oasis live at Barrowlands, Glasgow in 2001.
I have seen Oasis live several times and Liam G solo and Noel G solo.
SKY ARTS 11.45pm - Paul Weller live at The Royal Festival Hall in 2018.
This was a special semi-acoustic show with full orchestra.
I saw Paul with The Jam several times back in the day, and have seen him several times solo.
-------------------
Thursday 03 December 2020.
PRINCE CHARLES and CAMILLA visited The 100 Club today to support live music venues.
They watched Emily Capell perform a couple of acoustic songs, and signed the dressing room wall.
---------
Happy Birthday to rock legend OZZY OSBOURNE who is 72 today.
Let's hope his health gets better for his planned 2022 European Tour.
I have seen Ozzy many times on stage with Black Sabbath and solo since 1974.
---------
After nearly 9 months the first premier league club to have a crowd allowed in to watch them.
Europa Cup - Arsenal play Rapid Vienna...2000 tickets will be made available.
-------------------
Friday 04 December 2020.
SKY ARTS 7pm - Madchester documentary.
SKY ARTS 8pm - Def Leppard classic album.
I have seen Def Leppard around 20 times since 1979 (when they supported AC/DC)
SKY ARTS 9pm - Brian Johnson meets Joe Elliot.
SKY ARTS 10pm - rock photographers - episode five - limited edition prints going for big bucks.
-------------------
Saturday 05 December 2020.
SKY ARTS 4pm - The Pretenders live in Austin, Texas.
SKY ARTS 5.15pm - Oasis live at Barrowlands, Glasgow in 2001.
Oasis were massive in 2001, and they played a short UK tour of small venues.
I had seen both their Wembley Stadium headlining shows the year before.
I saw Oasis play Shepherds Bush Empire on this tour.
Oasis Shepherds Bush Empire, London 07.10.2001 First of 2 London small venue shows as part of the 10 Years Of Noise And Confusion Tour .The only way to get tickets was to camp out for them but luckily I got to review it for local paper and got a guest ticket .Fantastic atmosphere for the 1 hour 50 mins set .
They mixed greatest hits with a few lesser known songs and tonight Paul Weller came on for a stunning Champagne Supernova .
SKY ARTS 6.15pm - John Lennons Last Weekend.
SKY ARTS 8pm - Pulp Live.
---------------------
Sunday 06 December 2020.
Buzzcocks singer-songwriter PETE SHELLEY sadly passed away two years ago today.
I have seen The Buzzcocks around 30 times since 1977 , including twice in America.
New York Sept 1979 at The Diplomat Hotel. We were staying at this famous hotel that I chose as
KISS and New York Dolls had played there a few years earlier.
California Sept 2002 at a huge punk festival where The Buzzcocks supported The Sex Pistols.

Updated 29th November 2020 Permalink

Wednesday 25 November 2020......news for this week...

Monday 23 November 2020.
PIERS MORGAN and co-host Susanna Reid today celebrate 5 years on "Good Morning Britain" breakfast tv.
Love him or loathe him, he is certainly always very entertaining.
Go to my Facebook page to see a picture of Piers and myself.
---------
John Lennon signed album is being sold at auction for mega bucks.
A signed copy of John Lennon’s ‘Double Fantasy’, signed by Lennon for murderer Mark Chapman just hours before Chapman killed Lennon, is up for auction.
Lennon signed the record hours before being murdered by Chapman outside The Dakota apartment building in New York City in December 1980.
The historic copy of ‘Double Fantasy’, his collaboration album with Yoko Ono, was actually submitted as evidence in the New York Police Department’s investigation into Lennon’s murder.
And according to Goldin Auctions, the police markings from the investigation still appear on the record.
The auction house has confirmed that bidding on the record will open on Monday (23.11.20), with bids set to begin at $400,000.
----------------------
Tuesday 24 November 2020.
Happy Birthday to Blondie drummer CLEM BURKE who is 66 today.
Happy Birthday to cricket legend IAN BOTHAM who is 65 today.
----------------------
Wednesday 25 November 2020.
Football legend GEORGE BEST sadly passed away 15 years ago today.
Sad news that Argentinian football legend DIEGO MARADONA has passed away age 60.
The same day as George Best , but exactly 15 years apart.
Maradona was best known to British audiences for his handball goal, which he dubbed the “Hand of God”, against England at the 1986 World Cup....Argentina won that World Cup.
Having said that,the second goal he scored against England in that game was incredible.
He battled a series of health problems and earlier this month needed surgery for a blood clot on his brain.
Maradona was then sent straight to a rehabilitation centre to be treated for alcohol dependency.
His life after football mirrored the troubles that George Best also had.
Diego had also dabbled with cocaine in the past.
----------
BBC Red Button all this week - Kylie Minogue live at The BBC Theatre, London.
SKY ARTS 10am - the making of 80s American Hair Metal videos.
SKY ARTS 10.30am - the making of Blondie videos.
SKY ARTS 4.30pm - the making of R.E.M. videos.
SKY ARTS 11pm - Queen live at The Rainbow.
---------------------
Thursday 26 November 2020.
Happy Birthday to TINA TURNER who is 81 today.
I have seen Tina several times , with the first time back in 1974 when she was with Ike Turner.
SKY ARTS 4.30pm - the making of Guns N Roses videos.
SKY ARTS 12pm - Brian Johnson meets Nick Mason (repeat from Friday)
---------------------
Friday 27 November 2020.
SKY ARTS 4.30pm - the making of Metallica videos.
SKY ARTS 9pm - Brian Johnson meets Sting.
SKY ARTS 10pm - rock photographers - episode 4 - magazine covers
---------------------
Saturday 28 November 2020.
Happy Birthday to Motown Records founder BERRY GORDY who is 91 today.
SKY ARTS 5.15pm - Joe Cocker "Mad Dog With Soul " documentary.
I saw Joe Cocker live half a dozen times , with the first being in 1982.
SKY ARTS 7pm - Dire Straits " Live July 1983".
Filmed during their two-night gig at the Hammersmith Odeon. The climax of their Love Over Gold tour. I was at both these shows...I saw Dire Straits fourteen times into total.
The first time I saw them was an early gig in 1978, when they supported Talking Heads.
Phillips launched a brand new product invention here....it was called the CD player and compact disc.
SKY ARTS 9pm - Eric Clapton " Crossroads Guitar Festival 2019".
I have seen Eric Clapton around 30 times since 1976, with most of them at The Royal Albert Hall.
SKY ARTS 11.15pm - Ronnie Wood "Somebody Up There Likes Me" documentary.
SKY ARTS 12.30pm - Carl Perkins & Friends - live in London 1985.
Great tv special featuring Carl and friends including George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton,
Rosanne Cash, Dave Edmunds, Slim Jim Phantom, Earl Slick, Lee Rocker and others.

Updated 23rd November 2020 Permalink

Tuesday 17 November 2020...Music news this week.

Tuesday 17 November 2020
Sad news that colourful music pr and football agent ERIC HALL has passed away aged 73.
Eric Hall was a show business and football agent famous for his flamboyant public persona, outlandish fashion sense and catchphrase "Monster, monster ..."
After an early career as a singer (he sang backing vocals for Tiny Tim) and actor, he became a publicist for EMI Records in the 1970s. Where he met Freddie Mercury, even claiming Killer Queen was written about him. He arranged the SEX PISTOLS ' notorious, expletive-filled appearance on the Today show in 1976 presented by Bill Grundy (after fellow EMI act Queen pulled out). He also worked with Cockney Rebel to have some hits.
Hall grew up in Bethnal Green in the East End of London and was a friend of MARC BOLAN(also on EMI) , He had been with him on the night of Bolan's death in 1977.
In 1986, a chance meeting with Steve Perryman led to him becoming a football agent, and he built up a roster of clients, which included Leon Cort, Robbie Savage, Tim Sherwood, John Scales, Neil Ruddock, Terry Venables, Paul Walsh and Dennis Wise.
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MORRISSEY confirms he has been dropped from BMG and is now in search of a new record deal.
----------------
Wednesday 18 November 2020.
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND....it was 45 years ago this week that I saw both their
legendary debut London shows at Hammersmith Odeon on 18 Nov 1975 and 24 Nov 1975.
I have seen Bruce on stage around 20 times...He is one of the best live performers out there...
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Happy Birthday to singer-songwriter GRAHAM PARKER who is 70 today.
I have seen him a dozen times live , including 1976 supporting Thin Lizzy at Hammersmith Odeon and
five shows at Hammersmith Odeon in 1991 when he supported Bob Dylan.
Been looking back recently on all the great shows at Hammersmith when I got paid to watch bands.
I was front stage security all through the 1980s until 1992, when it became Hammersmith Apollo.
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BBC4 10pm film " Sex and Drugs and Rock n Roll" biopic.....Andy Serkis is great as Ian Dury.
I saw Ian Dury & The Blockheads 13 times including three shows at Hammersmith Odeon in 1979.
That year they were massive as they played several shows at Hammersmith Odeon.
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Thurs 19 November 2020.
SKY ARTS 10pm - I am Johnny Cash - documentary (repeated on Saturday)
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Friday 20 November 2020.
As expected AC/DC new album "Power Up" went straight in at number one in today's charts.
SKY ARTS 9pm - Brian Johnson meets Nick Mason
SKY ARTS 10pm - rock photographers - episode 3 - album covers
SKY ARTS 11.15pm - Bob Dylan "No Direction Home"
Happy Birthday to JOE WALSH who is 73 today.
I have seen him on stage several times with The Eagles including last year at Wembley Stadium.
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Saturday 21 November 2020.
21 Nov 1995 - 25 years ago legendary music manager PETER GRANT passed away.
Peter Grant (5 April 1935 – 21 November 1995) was the manager of Led Zeppelin from their creation in 1968 to their break up in 1980.With his intimidating size (6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) and 300 lb (140 kg))(at his peak weight) and confrontational manner, combined with his knowledge and experience, he drove strong deals for his band, and is widely credited with improving pay and conditions for all musicians in dealings with concert promoters.Grant has been described as "one of the shrewdest and most ruthless managers in rock history".
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SKY ARTS 5pm - Cyndi Lauper live in Austin, Texas, USA.
SKY ARTS 8pm - Pink Floyd "Delicate Sound Of Thunder" live 1988 USA in 4K vision/sound.
SKY ARTS 10pm - NICK MASON and the Saucerful of Secrets live at The Roundhouse May 2019.
I was at both those shows at The Roundhouse on that tour.
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Sunday 22 November 2020
SKY ARTS 9pm - Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium.
Happy Birthday to STEVEN VAN ZANDT who is 70 today.
I have seen him solo a few times as well as many times with Bruce Springsteen.

Updated 17th November 2020 Permalink

Saturday 14 November 2020...Music news this week...

Thursday 12 November 2020.
Happy Birthday to NEIL YOUNG who is 75 today.
I have seen him on stage around ten times with the first time being two shows in 1976,
Neil Young & Crazy Horse at Hammersmith Odeon.
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Friday 13 November 2020.
AC/DC release their new album " Power Up" today.
I have seen AC/DC live many times with all three vocalists they have had.
BBC Radio interview this afternoon included...
Matt Everitt asked " These are strange times but - you will go out on tour again? As soon as you can and it’s safe you’re going to go out aren’t you - obviously?
Brian Johnson: Yes we’re going to do some shows. I hate to use the word tour now because it sounds like two years and I think we’ve all got a little tired of that. But doing gigs - if we can just start doing gigs and cherry picking them - that’s fun. As they come along - booking them just two or three months ahead and not committing yourself.
--------
SKY ARTS 8pm - Meat Loaf "Bat Out Of Hell" album documentary.
This superb album has sold over 40 million copies.
It was released in 1977 and I saw his debut London show at Hammersmith Odeon in 1978.
I have seen Meat Loaf live over 15 times and seen the musical twice, including the
opening night and party in 2017.
SKY ARTS 9pm - Brian Johnson meets Lars Ulrich
I have seen Metallica around 15 times since 1986.
SKY ARTS 10pm - Rock photographers - episode 2 (features the first 3 songs rule)
The photographers on the programme have many crazy stories about how artists behave regards this.
One told me about a Download Festival when Korn played.
They were only allowed to photograph the first 60 seconds of the first three songs and for
the rest of the three songs they had to face the audience and put their cameras down.
SKY ARTS 11.15pm Laurel Canyon documentary - episode 1 of 2 (part 2 Saturday night)
feat The Doors, The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Frank Zappa, Alice Cooper, The Monkess, Love ,
The Mamas & Papas, The Turtles, Joni Mitchell , CSNY....music managers Elliot Roberts and David Geffen.
SKY ARTS 1am - Alice Cooper "Super Duper " documentary.
I have seen Alice Cooper live over 15 times with the first time back in 1975 at Wembley Arena.
Those interviewed for the documentary include John Lydon and Iggy Pop.
--------------------
Saturday 14 November 2020.
After a full week of tv and radio promo appearances KYLIE MINOGUE new album "Disco",
has gone straight in at number one.
She joins Bruce Springsteen as the only artist to have had a number one album
in the UK in each of the past five decades.
SKY ARTS 5.30pm - The Bee Gees live in Melbourne in Nov 1989
I saw The Bee Gees at Madison Square Garden in 1979 on my first visit to America.
SKY ARTS 9pm - David Crosby "Remember My Name" documentary.
In 2015 I saw Crosby and Nash join David Gilmour for three songs at The Royal Albert Hall.
In 2005 I saw Crosby and Nash play The Royal Festival Hall.
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Sunday 15 November 2020
15 Nov 1976 - it was 44 years ago that I attended this legendary SEX PISTOLS show.
Notre Dame Hall, Leicester Square , London.
It's the one where Janet Street Porter introduced punk on tv for The London Weekend Show.
Clips of it are shown regularly on tv, with me jumping around down the front.
I am in stills that were used for the "Dance to The Sex Pistols - Pretty Vacant" single poster.
One of the stills , with me in it , was the front cover of " Pretty Vacant" in New Zealand.
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Happy Birthday to PETULA CLARK who is 88 today.
I have seen her a couple of times in concert.
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SKY ARTS 9pm - The Who perform "Tommy" at The Royal Albert Hall, April 2017 ( I was there)
SKY ARTS 10.30pm - U2 live in Berlin Nov 2018 (I was at The 02 Arena show on this tour)
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Sad news that singer, comedian and tv presenter DES O'CONNOR has passed away , at age 88.
He had a 60 year career ,singing in the 1960s and always on the tv in the 1970s and 1980s.
He recorded 36 albums and had four top-ten singles, including a number-one hit with "I Pretend",
with global sales of more than sixteen million records.
He had his fifth child to his fourth wife at the age of 72...yes 72!
-----
Sad news that legendary goalkeeper RAY CLEMENCE has passed away , aged 72.
Former Liverpool, Tottenham and England goalkeeper Ray Clemence has died, aged 72. Clemence made 61 appearances for the Three Lions between 1972 and 1983. At club level, he won many trophies.

Updated 12th November 2020 Permalink

Monday 09 November 2020....Music news this week...

Monday 09 November 2020.
These amazing figures confirm how popular boy band New Direction were back in the day,
as their loyal fans still support the solo careers of the five members.
Ticketed livestream concert provider Driift said fans from 151 countries purchased more than 125,000 tickets to Niall Horan’s performance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday, 7 November.
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The world's number one concert promoter Live Nation are a bit happier today as shares have soared over 22% today following the news that a COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed by pharma firms Pfizer and BioNTech has been found to be more than 90% effective.
Live Nation have said 90% of punters worldwide have kept their tickets for their rescheduled shows.
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Tuesday 10 November 2020.
It was two years ago today on 10 Nov 2018.
GUN CONTROL - My band from the early 1980s played their first gig for over 35 years at
The George & Dragon Pub, Acton, London W3.
It was a great night as I drummed along to our original songs and a couple of cover versions.
We ended up playing every six months (3 times) and hopefully there's another one after Covid fucks off.
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Did you know that DJ and music producer Mark Ronson is the stepson of Mick Jones from Foreigner?
Mark Daniel Ronson was born 4 September 1975 in Notting Hill, London,to Laurence Ronson, a real-estate speculator and music manager, and writer/socialite Ann Dexter-Jones.His Jewish ancestors emigrated from Austria, Lithuania, and Russia. He was brought up in a Conservative Jewish household and celebrated his Bar Mitzvah.
The Ronsons had been one of Britain's wealthiest families in the 1980s, but they lost $1 billion of their wealth in the property crash of the early 1990s.He is the nephew of businessman Gerald Ronson. Through his mother, he is also related to British Conservative politicians Sir Malcolm Rifkind and the late Leon Brittan,and Odeon Cinemas founder Oscar Deutsch.
He is not related to the late English guitarist Mick Ronson.
After his parents' divorce, his mother married Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones,who contributed to a childhood surrounded by music.

Updated 9th November 2020 Permalink

Tuesday 03 November 2020....THE PRINCE OF WALES TOWNHOUSE

This press visit happened over a week ago but my tekky guy advised me to not to put it up while he was tweaking my website.
The Prince Of Wales Townhouse....press showcase...7pm to 9.30pm...
73 Dalling Road, Hammersmith , London W6.
Esher-based brewery operating a small chain of pubs in the south-east. The pub has been renamed from Rook's Nest to Prince of Wales Townhouse.
The venue has up to seven cask ales available plus 20+ keg beers and 3 ciders. Their other Big Smoke sites have a good CAMRA reputation so it is hoped in the course of time that this venue will also succeed.
The pub has an open kitchen, open brickwork, white tiling, and wood panelling painted green.
This used to be a pretty basic working class pub , but the new owners have given it a very nice facelift.
The previous customers would mainly be from the nearby Flora Gardens council estate so i presume the
new owners would like to keep them and attract a few more of the affluent local flat/house owners.
It is by the Ravenscourt Park end of King Street, just two mins from that main drag.
Hammersmith Apollo is maybe several minutes walk away and Shepherds Bush Empire is twice that.
They also have bed & breakfast accommodation upstairs.
We had a very nice three course meal each....this was mine.
Starters - Chilli & Garlic King Prawns
Mains - House Smoked Baby-Back Pork Ribs with fries & coleslaw
Dessert - Sticky Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream
We had wines and cocktails including espresso martinis and negronis.
Well worth a visit if you are in the area.
www.princeofwales-townhouse.co.uk
Visit their website here for more info.

Updated 4th November 2020 Permalink

Thursday 05 November 2020...Music news this week...

Thursday 05 November 2020.
Ken Hensley, ex-Uriah Heep, dead at 75. Ken Hensley, best known as Uriah Heep's keyboard player from 1970 to 1980, has died. He was 75. The sad news was delivered today by his brother.
I saw Ken with Uriah Heep seven times in the 1970s.
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Happy Birthday to BRYAN ADAMS who is 61 today.
I have seen Bryan Adams live over 20 times.
I will be seeing him again at The Royal Albert Hall in 2021.
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Happy Birthday to ART GARFUNKEL who is 79 today.
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Friday 06 November 2020
06 Nov 1975 - It was 45 years ago today that The Sex Pistols played their debut show.
St Martin's College of Art, London
On 06 Nov 2005 I went to a 30th anniversary celebration at the same venue where Glen Matlock
unveiled the blue plague and The Paddingtons played a live set where Glen Matlock
joined them for "Pretty Vacant" , and 500 guests enjoyed free booze.
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It was 50 years ago today - 06 Nov 1970
AEROSMITH played their debut show in Boston, Mass, USA.
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SKY Arts 9pm - Brian Johnson meets Roger Daltrey
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SKY Arts 10pm - Music Through The Lens (Rock Photographers ) - part 1 of 6
Just some of the photographers interviewed alongside Gered Mankowitz about their work in music include: Jill Furmanovsky, Kevin Westenberg, Terry O’Neill, Kevin Cummins, Bob Gruen, Rachel Wright, Deborah Feingold, Baron Wolman (sadly passed away this week), Neal Preston, Roger Sargent, Dean Chalkley, Tom Sheehan, Pooneh Ghana, Michael Zagaris, Mick Rock, Danny Clinch, Christie Goodwin, Albert Watson, Lynn Goldsmith and Rankin to name but a few. Sharing eye-opening insights from a musician’s viewpoint are Alice Cooper, Craig David, Nick Mason (Pink Floyd), Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), Ziggy Marley, Lars Ulrich, (Metallica), Zara Larsson, Stefflon Don, Julian Lennon and Dizzee Rascal and many others.
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BBC4 9pm to 11pm - Punk & New Wave Anthems
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Saturday 07 November 2020.
SKY Arts 7.30pm to 9pm - The Who live in Kilburn, London 1977
I have seen The Who live around 30 times including three times with Keith Moon in 1975/1976
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LEONARD COHEN sadly died four years ago today....07 Nov 2016...
I saw him in 1985 at Hammersmith Odeon then a few of his stunning comeback
shows in the decade before he passed away.
Lots of great clips up on YouTube from his official DVD that was recorded at The 02 Arena.
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Happy Birthday to JONI MITCHELL who is 77 today
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The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductions are held in America tonight.
Pretty great that T.Rex are one of the the inductees.
Hopefully some YouTube clips of the evening will appear over the next few days.
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Sunday 08 November 2020
SKY Arts 9pm - The Rolling Stones live in Hyde Park, London 2013 ( I went to both their Hyde Park shows)
SKY Arts 10.15pm - David Bowie "Serious Moonlight " 1983 tour , Vancouver, Canada
I did not go to the Milton Keynes Bowl show on this tour but I did go to a special charity show at
Hammersmith Odeon on the same tour....the first and only time he came back there after his famous
Ziggy Stardust show at that venue in 1973.
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Happy Birthday to ROY WOOD who is 74 today.
Roy was a member of The Move and then eventually formed Wizzard.
Wizzard at Hammersmith Palais in Sept 1973 was my first ever proper live gig.
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08 Nov 2007...13 years ago today...
THE SEX PISTOLS played their first of five shows at Brixton Academy...I was at all five shows.

Updated 4th November 2020 Permalink

Sunday 18 October 2020

Channel 5 tv at 9pm - QUEEN documentary
Channel 5 tv at 11pm - QUEEN live at Hammersmith Odeon 24 Dec 1975.

Queen played five shows at this venue for their winter UK tour, I went to the four shows before this one but on 24 Dec 1975 I went to see The Sensational Alex Harvey Bank at The New Victoria Theatre, London.

Updated 18th October 2020 Permalink

Saturday 17 October 2020

THE STRUTS released their third album "Strange Days " yesterday.
Derby glam-rock revivalists The Struts seem to be suffering from the kind of love them / hate them that The Darkness suffered around 20 years ago.
Dave Grohl says "they were the best live band ever to have supported The Foo Fighters" to the mainstream press saying "do we really need a glam-metal album in 2020?".
Their singer Luke certainly is full of Freddie Mercury type charisma.
The album includes a cover of the KISS classic "Do You Love Me".
Looking forward to seeing them live next year.

Updated 17th October 2020 Permalink

Friday 16 October 2020

THE SEX PISTOLS are on SKY ARTS just after midnight tonight.
THE SEX PISTOLS "They'll Always Be An England".
Their great live DVD from their five shows at Brixton Academy in 2007....I was at all five shows.

Tonight - BBC4 tv are having an evening of programmes dedicated to Cliff Richard for his 80th birthday.
It starts with his film "Summer Holiday"....Steve Jones of The Sex Pistols said this was one of his fave films.

It is the USA presidential campaign at the moment across the pond.
A great time to play this 1970s classic by Alice Cooper on YouTube.
There is also a new lyric video out for it this month.

Updated 16th October 2020 Permalink

Thursday 15 October 2020

Happy Birthday to TITO JACKSON who is 67 today.
Check my Facebook page to see a photo of us together.

Updated 15th October 2020 Permalink

Wednesday 14 October 2020.

Check this very nice (and very rare) interview with EDDIE VAN HALEN on YouTube - 55 mins.
Interview with Eddie Van Halen: Is Rock 'n' Roll All About Reinvention?
It has been viewed over 6 million times.

Updated 14th October 2020 Permalink

Tuesday 13th October 2020

Some of England’s best-known grassroots music venues, including the 100 Club (cap, 350), Bush Hall (425)
in London and Liverpool’s The Cavern Club (250), together with an array of independent festivals,
will benefit from a share of the £257 million Cultural Recovery Fund announced on Monday.
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Happy Birthday to American singer-songwriter rocker SAMMY HAGAR who is 73 today.
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Wednesday 14 October 2020.
Happy Birthday to CLIFF RICHARD who is 80 today.

Updated 13th October 2020 Permalink

Tuesday 13 October 2020...THE WHITE HORSE, WEMBLEY.

7pm to 10pm...
THE WHITE HORSE - launch event.
The White Horse, 4 Wembley Park Boulevard, Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 0HP
Fullers have opened a new pub and the location is pretty incredible for live music and sports fans.
It is next to the steps that lead up to Wembley Stadium and DIRECTLY OPPOSITE WEMBLEY ARENA.
My first of hundreds of shows at Wembley Arena was Alice Copper + Heavy Metal Kids in 1975.
My first of many visits to Wembley Stadium was The Who,Stranglers,AC/DC,Nils Lofgren in 1979.
I can remember the old days of Wembley when all it had was a Sunday market and a couple of dodgy pubs.
Now it has a proper shopping centre , and is a full on food & drinks destination with everything catered for.
Influenced by Wembley Park’s legendary past, the name The White Horse derives from the first-ever FA Cup Final match to be played in the stadium in 1923 when vast crowds surged onto the pitch. Mounted policemen were brought in to clear the crowds and allow the final to take place, including one on a light-coloured horse, which became the defining image of the day.
Situated in the heart of Wembley Park, The White Horse is both contemporary and homely in its design, with elegant interior, comfortable lounge furniture, plenty of plants and two central square-shaped bars on two levels. The new space caters to all tastes, from the traditional pub-goer to the millennial remote worker, making it an attractive destination for local residents, as well as nearby workers and visitors from further afield.
We had a lovely three course meal with drinks which included Guinness.
My starters was a very nice Crispy King Prawns & Squid and the mains was a yummy 8oz Rib-Eye Steak
with Triple-Cooked Chips & Mushrooms.
Our Waitress Tyler was great.
No doubt they will be very busy on event days in Wembley.
The entrance is just 50 yards from the front doors of Wembley Arena , so perfect for a meal and drinks before a gig.
Meanwhile while we wait for events to come back on, the locals should take full advantage.
www.whitehorsewembley.co.ukVisit their website here for more info.
Tel: 020 8237 8037 to reserve your table.

Updated 13th October 2020 Permalink

12th October 2020

Happy Birthday to THE DAMNED singer Dave Vanian who is 64 today.
A bit mad to think that all the original young UK punk rockers are now in their 60s.

Updated 12th October 2020 Permalink

October 11th

I watched the great TEDDY PENDERGRASS documentary on BBCiPlayer this morning.
He certainly seems to have been under appreciated over the years.
I saw him three times at Hammersmith Odeon in Feb 1982, just a month before his serious car crash.
His comeback appearance was in a wheelchair for Live Aid Philadelphia in 1985.
Amazingly when he left Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes his solo career was managed by
Alice Coopers long term manager Shep Gordon.
Teddy Pendergrass (March 26, 1950 – January 13, 2010) was an American singer. Born in Philadelphia, PA at Thomas Jefferson Hospital. Pendergrass was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He initially rose to musical fame as the lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. After leaving the group over monetary disputes in 1976, Pendergrass launched a successful solo career under the Philadelphia International label, releasing five consecutive platinum albums, a record at the time for an African-American R&B artist. Pendergrass's career was suspended after a March 1982 car crash that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. Pendergrass continued his successful solo career until announcing his retirement in 2007. Pendergrass died from respiratory failure in January 2010.
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After the sad death of Eddie Van Halen, i have been playing Van Halen's stunning debut album again.
Back then in 1978 , nobody played guitar like Eddie Van Halen and looked like David Lee Roth.
No wonder they totally upstaged the mighty Black Sabbath on that UK tour.
The full album is up on YouTube, so give it a listen.
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This website will be having a bit of an overhaul in the coming week.
Mainly to make it easier to read on mobile devices etc.
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SKY ARTS 10.45pm tonight - Queen Rock Monteal 1981.

Updated 11th October 2020 Permalink

Birthdays and Charts: 10th October 2020

10 Oct 2005 - It was 15 years ago that I went to this intimate gig by rock legends DEEP PURPLE.
It was at The Hard Rock Cafe ,London for just 150 people.
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Happy Birthday to DAVID LEE ROTH who is 66 today.
Happy Birthday to MIDGE URE who is 67 today.
Happy Birthday to MURRAY WALKER who hits the grand old age of 97 today.
Murray Walker, OBE is an English semi-retired motorsport commentator and journalist. He provided television commentary of live Formula 1 coverage for the BBC between 1976 and 1996, and for ITV between 1997 and 2001.
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Some good artists in this weeks album charts.
1 LIVE AROUND THE WORLD - QUEEN & ADAM LAMBERT
2. THE ALBUM - BLACKPINK
3. WHAT'S THE STORY MORNING GLORY - OASIS
4 SONGS FROM MY HEART - AMANDA HOLDEN
5 2020 - BON JOVI
6. SHOOT FOR THE STARS AIM FOR THE MOON - POP SMOKE
7 DIVINELY UNINSPIRED TO A HELLISH EXTENT - LEWIS CAPALDI
8 MELANIE C - MELANIE C
9 US + THEM - ROGER WATERS
10 SAVAGE MODE II - 21 SAVAGE & METRO BOOMIN
11 CMFT - COREY TAYLOR

Updated 10th October 2020 Permalink