Welcome to the Ray's Gigs website!

Here's the latest - updated 12th August 2026

Sunday 17 August 2036.

Fri 14 Aug , Sat 15 Aug , Sun 16 Aug , Tues 18 Aug , Wed 19 Aug 2026.
THE WEEKND plays FIVE huge shows at Wembley Stadium.
The Weeknd continues to make history with his record-breaking “After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour.” The global megastar became the first artist to sell out six nights at Stade de France in Paris on a single tour, and he has drawn more than half a million fans across France just this summer. Throughout his run, The Weeknd has sold out 13 stadium concerts throughout France, cementing his connection with fans from l’Hexagone.
For the UK and European shows, PLAYBOI CARTI is bringing his distinct rage-rap style and high-energy performance as the exclusive opening act.
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Wednesday 12 August 2026.
Today , London is experiencing a historic deep partial solar eclipse, with the Moon obscuring roughly 90% of the Sun. This marks the city's most significant eclipse event since 1999.
The best viewing time , will be between 6.30pm and 7.30pm..

Updated 12th August 2026 Permalink

Friday 07 August 2026.

Wishing my punk rock chums a fab time at Rebellion Festival , Blackpool , but this year I will be at LAKEFEST .
Wednesday 05 August to Sunday 09 August 2026.
LAKEFEST is held near Ledbury , Hertfordshire.
RAYSGIGS exclusive discount code for 25% off Lakefest tickets is: RGLF25
With the scenic backdrop of Eastnor Castle, Lakefest blends performances from world-class music artists, award-winning cuisine, and a vibrant mix of family-friendly activities. Set in the beautiful Eastnor Deer Park, the festival delivers an unforgettable weekend packed with live entertainment, delicious food, and fun for all ages.
Nearest town and train station is Ledbury, lying east of Hereford, and west of the Malvern Hills.
Easy to get there by train from Paddington ( with changes around 3 hours).
In total, there would be more than 300 acts performing on 12 stages across the four days, including comedy , BMX displays and djs...and a full size funfair .
Over 20 top quality food vendors will be there , along with many bars.
It will be my first time camping since Wilderness Festival (2021) .
Early arrivals evening warm up ...Wednesday 05th = Flash : A tribute to Queen + The Jam UK.
Thursday 06th = Charlatans + EMF + Utah Saints + Bluetones and many more.
Friday 07th = Example + Soul II Soul + Undertones + David Rodigan plus many more.
Saturday 08th = Madness + Scouting For Girls + Reef plus many more.
Friday 09th = Bananarama + Lightning Seeds + Elvana + East 17 + Chesney Hawkes plus many more.
www.lakefest.co.uk - Visit their website here for the full line-up and to buy tickets.
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THURSDAY...
Really nice to be in proper countryside.
A hilly location , but that makes for great views.
Very family orientated , as lots of children and dogs are here inside.
Lovely sunny weather, but thankfully not that scorching heat, we recently had.
All the bands had use of the big screens , and a very nice light show.
BLUETONES ..I catch 30 mins of their 60 mins set .
They had 13 x Top 40 hits in the UK.
Good to hear ' Slight Return' and ' Marblehead Johnson' again.
FEROCIOUS DOG on stage at 7pm for their 60 mins set.
Very lively set with , with obvious hints of The Pogues.
The singer said this is their last year as a band after 33 years .
EMF on stage at 8.35pm for their 60 mins set.
They played a lively dance based set featuring hits ' I Believe' and ' Children' and the entire crowd are singing their mega hit ' Unbelievable' which hit number 3 in the UK , but actually made number 1 in USA.
CHARLATANS on stage at 10.10pm for their 75 mins set .
The Charlatans have had 22 Top 40 hits singles and three number one albums in the UK.
Tim Burgess is all in white as they play their signature swirling, psychedelic organ and keyboard sounds.
The hits included. 'North Country Boy', 'Oh So Pretty,' 'One to Another', and 'The Only One I Know'.
Always good to see The Charlatans live.
UTAH SAINTS on stage at 11.30pm and I catch their first 45 mins.
The Mixmasters duo had 9 Top 40 hits and played a lively dance set in the big tent.
FRIDAY ....
Noon to 1.30pm was a reception backstage for the media at press HQ .
Country artist VINCE FREEMAN performed a couple of good acoustic songs.
Had a nice chat with him , and his love of performing live was obvious to see.
Also good to see one of The Chuckle Brothers for a chat.
Had a nice chat with a couple from Swindon Radio 105.5 who were here.
Have a listen to their Saturday night radio show , that is Reggae based.
Complimentary alcoholic drinks , coffee and snacks and a goodie bag with Xerjoff fragrance samples and the book by Lakefest festival organiser Lee Martin book ' Festival of Love and Pain'.
LAKEFEST organiser LEE MARTIN is here.
Special mention to JAM SHED WINES who supplied here. The cola and wine mix was nicer than expected.
Also handy wi-fi here to update bits for my website and emails, each day .
From 3.15pm to 5pm I was at the Jam Shed Wines area, enjoying their wines , as I sat on a very comfy bean bag, reading the great book i got earlier, and listening to the music in the background .
A brutally honest read of the ups and downs of taking over venues , including Lakefest , while surviving robberies , bankruptcy and COVID.
HARLEY MOON KEMP on stage at 5pm.
I saw 45 mins of her planned 60 mins set.
Harley is the daughter of Matin Kemp and wife Shirlie .
Plenty of nice country tracks played, and a couple of covers.
THE UNDERTONES on stage at 6.30pm for their 55 mins set .
Feargal of course is not here on vocals, but they have four original members on stage.
They whizz through their many gems including ' Jimmy Jimmy', ' Here Comes The Summer', ' Get Over You' , ' My Perfect Cousin' and their perfect single ' Teenage Kicks'.
Then a quick nip across to see the legend that is DAVID RODIGAN in one of the tents .
He is now aged 75, and still as enthusiastic as ever of the music he loves.
I saw 45 mins of his planned 60 mins set.
His DJ set included ska , reggae , jungle and dancehall.
SOUL II SOUL on stage at 8.15pm for their 75 mins set.
They bring the full big band with female singers sharing vocals with Jazzie B.
Highlights as usual were ' Keep On Movin' and 'Back to Life'.
EXAMPLE on stage at 10.15pm for his 75 mins set .
Just him and his DJ mate looking after the turntable .
A rowdy mixture of his own hits and cover versions .
He hyped the crowd up continuously by asking them to ' scream and bounce'.
SATURDAY...
A couple of hours checking emails and updating reviews at lunchtime , then a wander around the festival site.
At 4pm I came across the OUTDOOR FOAM PARTY which was in full swing , and the kids were loving it.
There was a cutely named ' Busk Stop' cabin.
DUB CATALYST on stage at 4.30pm for their 60 mins set.
Dub Catalyst are an eleven piece Reggae/Hip Hop band from the South West of England.
They include a three person brass section.
Three different male singers, with their own style.
Never heard of them before ,but they were superb.
Hints of UB40 but with more diverse and great lyrics .
Someone should get them on the Jools Holland TV show.
THE ENTITLED SONS on at 6.15pm for their 55 mins set
I saw this band headline at Shepherds Bush Empire in April 2026.
The Entitled Sons are rapidly carving out their place in the alternative rock scene. The group is made up of four brothers Billy, Charlie, Raffey, and Laurie are joined by Graham Swift on the bass. It is a family affair as the band are all the family of tv property presenter Sarah Beeny who is looking after their merch stand.
Her husband on bass and their FOUR sons...amazing. Their set featured tracks from their debut album , which was released November 2025. The four brothers in the band look very young. Frontman, Charlie, had the young female fans swooning , and Rafferty on guitar was pulling every rock guitar pose going – he was clearly ‘at one’ with his guitar and loved being in the limelight during his many solos. He seemed comfortable owning the stage when it was his turn, and for the entire show he was a bundle of energy.
Every afternoon I would catch a couple of the artists in the unsigned Yamaha tent.
Easily the best were a band called THE FIGURINES .
Top notch songs of their own , and a nifty covers medley encore .
Someone needs to sign them up soon.
SCOUTING FOR GIRLS on at 8pm for their 60 mins set.
They played a really good set , as the singer knew how to work a festival crowd.
Roy Stride, frontman of Scouting for Girls, is a high-energy, remarkably humble, and engaging live performer.
His infectious boyish charm, strong piano and guitar skills.
Catchy pop hits included 'Heartbeat ', 'This Ain't A Love Song' , 'Elvis Ain't Dead' and 'She's So Lovely'.
Then a dash over to the big tent to see REEF play 45 mins of their planned 60 mins set.
Some great vocals and some hits including ' Higher Vibration ' , ' Come Back Brighter' and their anthem ' Place Your Hands '...a really good set.
I caught 10 mins of the Mountain / BMX bikes display which was good .
MADNESS on stage at 10.05pm for their 85 mins set.
Easily the biggest draw of the weekend, and they pull a huge crowd.
I have seen Madness over 20 times since 1979, when their debut album came out.
Around 30 years ago I won a competition on Virgin Radio, a dinner for four in Soho with Suggs.
They have a three man brass with them, and it's a fantastic show by them as usual.
Suggs and his dry stage banter was very entertaining.
Those great hits got everyone singing and dancing.
Full MADNESS setlist tonight...
One Step Beyond (Prince Buster cover)
Embarrassment
The Prince
NW5
My Girl
The Sun and the Rain
Return of the Los Palmas 7
Wings of a Dove
Grey Day
Lovestruck
Shut Up
Mr. Apples
Bed and Breakfast Man
House of Fun
Baggy Trousers
Our House
It Must Be Love (Labi Siffre cover)
Encore:
Madness ( Prince Buster cover)
Night Boat to Cairo
Then i watched DJ legend TODD TERRY for 30 mins in the DJ tent.
He had loads of lights and lasers .
SUNDAY...
I - SING CHOIRS on at noon for 35 mins .
This 50 + strong all female rock choir were really good .
Covers sung included David Bowie's ' Lets Dance' and an incredible version of Elbow's ' One Day Like This' .
Like the stage MC said "What a beautiful way to start the day".
i-Sing Choirs are all about singing in a safe and friendly environment. No experience is necessary or the ability to read music. We believe that everyone has a voice and should have the opportunity to find it and use it.
Whether you’ve been in choirs before, or only ever sung in the car; i-Sing Choirs allow you to embrace your voice and have lots of fun singing a variety of feel-good songs.
CHESNEY HAWKES on stage 3.30pm for his 60 mins set.
I saw him headline Hammersmith Odeon in 1991 with THAT song .
He still.looks so youthful.
Lots of crowd pleasing covers to pad out his set.
' The One and Only' hit was played second to last , and the crowd sang along loudly to it.
Over to the big tent second stage for EAST 17 who were on at 5.05pm for 55 mins.
Only Terry Coldwell remains from the original lineup of East 17, who is still performing their 90s hits alongside new members Robbie Craig and Joe Livermore, to backing tapes.
There was some nifty dance moves from a couple of them.
East 17 scored 12 x Top 10 hits on the UK Singles Chart during the 1990s, led by their 1994 Christmas number-one single "Stay Another Day", alongside major fan favorites like "House of Love", "It's Alright".
' Stay Another Day' is such a great song that has everyone singing loudly. In the original video they were wearing huge white furry coats, but tonight they make do with putting three white towels over their shoulders
LIGHTNING SEEDS on stage at 6.45pm for their 60 mins
Lightning Seeds are another band here at this festival with loads of hits .
Highlight was ' Three Lions' with everyone singing along loudly.
Full LIGHTNING SEEDS setlist played tonight...
Life's Too Short
Change
Sense
Ready or Not
What If...
Sugar Coated Iceberg
Marvellous
Feeling Lazy
Perfect
Waiting for Today to Happen
You Showed Me (The Byrds cover)
Lucky You
Three Lions ( Baddiel, Skinner & Lightning Seeds song)
Pure
The Life of Riley
BANANARAMA on stage at 8.45pm for their 65 mins set .
The two best friends who had loads of hits back in the 1980s, and tonight we got ' I Heard A Rumour', 'Really Saying Something', ' Robert De Niro's Waiting ', ' Love in the First Degree' , a cover of ' You Spin Me Round', ' Venus' and ' Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye'.....very enjoyable .
The main stage finished early as it was Sunday , but loads of folks stayed behind dancing all around the site with headphones on for the silent disco.
LakeFest was really enjoyable , with a stunning location, perfect weather , a well behaved crowd, great security and plenty of fab acts from different genres to suit everyone .
The use of the reusable £2.50 event plastic pint mug was a great move as at the end of the night there was not much rubbish left, by this responsible crowd.
See my Facebook page for some photos and videos of LakeFest .
Also visit their website now for early bird discount tickets for August 2027.

Updated 5th August 2026 Permalink

Tuesday 04 August 2026.

Tuesday 04 August 2026...6pm to 10pm...
BACK HEATHROW - supporters summer party - The Indian Gymkhana Club, Thornbury Avenue , Osterley , Middlesex.
An apt choice of venue as we are on the direct flight path of planes landing at Heathrow every two minutes.
You can hear the roar of the engines above , and you can clearly see which carrier it is.
Must be 300 folks here.
This is their 10th year of campaigning to get a third runway at Heathrow Airport.
They have over 100,000 on their supporters mailing list
We are all seated at 6.50pm for the two speeches lasting 40 mins.
One of the speakers was Heathrow Airport CEO Thomas Woldbye.
He talked about how busy Heathrow is and the need for a third runway.
He said planes are much quieter now than they were 30 years ago.
Complimentary prosecco and beers until 7.30pm , then after the speeches the staff quickly set up 30 tables for the full Indian buffet with ice-cream , and the main bar opens for more complimentary drinks including spirits n mixers , wines , Guinness etc
What they say ..
Heathrow is at the heart of the local West London and Thames Valley community. Supporting over 100,000 jobs directly and indirectly related to the airport within 25 miles - we want that community to continue to thrive!
So what do we campaign for? Back Heathrow represents the views of over 100,000 local people and businesses who want growth in jobs and trade at the UK's only hub international airport. We campaign for local and national prosperity alongside a greener future for Heathrow Airport, in line with the Paris Agreement on carbon reduction.
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Sunday 02 August 2026.
COLEEN NOLAN live at Bush Hall, Shepherds Bush , London W12.
Coleen Nolan is hitting the road for a joyous celebration of life, love, and laughter with her brand new live show ‘This Is Me’.
She was the girl next door who, with her sisters, had the big hit ‘I'm In the Mood For Dancing’ .
Between 1979 and 1982, The Nolan's enjoyed a string of hit singles, including "I'm in the Mood for Dancing", "Gotta Pull Myself Together", "Who's Gonna Rock You", "Attention to Me" and "Chemistry". The Nolans became one of the world’s best-selling girl groups and found particular success in Japan.
Coleen is currently a regular on ITV1 lunchtime show ' Loose Women'.
The last time i was at this lovely venue was August 2024, when I saw all three Sex Pistols with Frank Carter shows .
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It is stalls seated tonight, and the venue looks full, mainly with middle aged females and couples.
SHANE NOLAN arrived on stage at 8.15pm for his 35 mins set.
Coleen's son does a great job of warming the the crowd up, first with some witty stage banter , then singing a few songs to backing tapes , including a boy bands medley.
Shane is a regular on stage, so has got a very good singing voice.
Shane introduced his mum COLEEN NOLAN ,who arrived on stage at 8.50pm and was on for 1 hour 40 mins , over two sets of 40 mins and 60 mins, as the two of them sat chatting in comfy armchairs .
Coleen looks great in a different outfit for each set.
A big screen is showing photos and videos from all aspects of her life and career.
Early footage of her singing with The Nolan's , with a dodgy haircut , brought laughs and Coleen said ' I was one of eight kids , and we didn't have any money , so my dad cut my hair".
Coleen has had an incredible 26 years on Loose Women, and said " despite what the gossip in the papers say , we all get on".. ....and mentioned Ruth was her fave Loose Woman.
There were some a Q & A session from the audience , and celebrity friends on the big screen , that had some funny questions, and hilarious answers.
Coleen won an International Emmy Award in 2019 for her participation in the television special ' The Real Full Monty: Ladies Night' , and she said how much she enjoyed doing it.
Four Nolan sisters —Bernie, Linda, Maureen, and Coleen—reformed the group for a successful UK arena to in 2009 and for the album ' I'm in the Mood Again' .Coleen was over the moon this happened then as sadly two sisters have since passed away ( Bernie in 2013 and Linda 2025).
The first set ended with a song.' This Is Me' from The Greatest Showman .
The second set ended with a few Nolan's hits as everyone got up for a little dance,
that ended with ' Who's Gonna Rock You ' and of course ' I'm In The Mood For Dancing '.
Coleen was obviously really enjoying singing again.
And if that was not enough, Shane had one more surprise up his sleeve.
“I know you are disappointed that you’ve never been asked to be on Strictly”, he announced. “Well, right now we are going to put that right”. Dressed in a sequinned purple shirt, he and mum Coleen strutted the stage with relaxed ease and aplomb, and the audience lapped it up.
“Save every moment and don’t care what anybody thinks”, Coleen announced at the close as the audience let up a big cheer.
Coleen and son Shane made it fun in a way that may have been more difficult if someone else had asked the questions. Their love for each other shone through, and with Shane’s baby son, Cruz, making a guest appearance earlier in the evening, it seems the Nolans’ future is in safe hands.
Overall a very entertaining and enjoyable evening.

Updated 2nd August 2026 Permalink

Friday 31 July 2026.

Friday 31 July 2026.
THE MEMBERS live at The 100 Club.
The Members play “At the Chelsea Nightclub” .
It was released on Virgin Records in 1979.
It was produced by Steve Lillywhite.
The Members play their classic debut album in its entirety.
It will the debut gig with new drummer Chris Musto who has played with Johnny Thunders and Glen Matlock and many others .
I have seen The Members around 20 times since 1978.
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Good to see several punk rockin' chums here , and the venue looks full.
Gaye Advert was here
BONES OF THE CITY arrived on stage at 8.25pm for their 35 mins set .
The band include Cadiz Records head honcho Richard England and Leigh Heggarty from Ruts DC.
The South London five piece had a nice punky set of tracks , that included a neat cover of the Johnny Thunders track ' M.I.A.' .
THE MEMBERS arrived on stage at 9.20pm for their 85 mins set.
JC has been leading The Members for many years now.
All the tracks from their debut album were played, but not 100% in order.
New boy on drums Chris Musto was top notch.
Lots of cracking songs in a great set .
Full Members setlist played tonight...
Electricity
Sally
Soho-A-Go-Go
Don't Push
Offshore Banking Business
Solitary Confinement
Frustrated, Bagshot
Stand Up And Spit
Phone-In Show
Love In A Lift
Chelsea Nightclub
Encore :
Working Girl
The Model ( Kraftwerk cover)
Police Car
The Sound Of The Suburbs
I Ain't Gonna Be Your Bitch No More
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Thursday 30 July 2026...5.15pm to 10.45pm...
COPPA CLUB launch party at 2 More London Place , London Bridge ,London SE1.
A brand new Coppa Club is opening at London Bridge . it sits between Tower Bridge and The Shard. The new two-story venue features a wraparound riverside terrace and evolves from a workspace into a lively bar and restaurant.If you are looking for their sister location across the river (Coppa Club Tower Bridge) or trying to book private dining at the new one, here is what you need to know.
The original venue is located by Tower Millennium Pier (near the Tower of London). The new London Bridge venue overlooks HMS Belfast.Igloos & Private Dining: You can book private heated igloos year-round. They require no booking fee, but a minimum spend does apply. Breakfast (9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) has no minimum spend.Menu: They serve European-Mediterranean dishes, sourdough pizza, pasta, and afternoon tea.
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Over 200 guests here down by the River Thames , with stunning views of HMS Belfast ,Tower Bridge , The Tower of London etc.
There was a DJ playing tunes, and for 30 mins we had a duo playing percussion and sax instrumentals.
We were originally told it was an 8pm finish, but it actually went on for much longer .
Complimentary drinks and food included seven different Spritz cocktails , prosecco, wines, lagers ,ciders , Guinness and the canapes included some nice calamari .
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Thursday 30 July 2026.
It was 60 years ago on 30 July 1966 , that England won The World Cup Football Final at Wembley Stadium.
England 4 West Germany 2 .
I think hat - trick hero Geoff Hurst is the only player still alive from the team.
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Wednesday 29 July 2026.
Sad news that Irish singer - songwriter GLEN HANSARD has died in a motorcycle accident in Dublin , aged 56.
His agency has said the following...
With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard in the early hours of this morning.
We are still dealing with the shock of it all, so we kindly ask that the privacy of Glen’s family, colleagues and friends is respected at this difficult time.
I saw him live a couple of times, including when he supported Eddie Vedder ( Pearl Jam) at Hammersmith Apollo in 2017.

Updated 29th July 2026 Permalink

Tuesday 28 July 2026.

Tuesday 28 July 2026.
BRUNO MARS live at Wembley Stadium.
Bruno Mars plays his sixth and final massive show here.
It is the last of his 20 stadium shows on his European Tour .
Support again comes from Victoria Monet and DJ Pee. Wee.
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My third time seeing the Bruno Mars show at Wembley Stadium.
Pretty incredible he is playing six sold out nights here
Various reports saying it was 80,000 or 90,000 a night, but my chum from promoters Live Nation said it was 82,000 for each of his shows here.....nearly half a million tickets sold...wow!
His fans do seem a very polite bunch.
Both the support acts played their usual 30 mins sets.
It was pretty much the same Bruno Mars show as the other two I have seen .
Possible that one or two tracks were changed.
Another enjoyable show from this proper showman.
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Monday 27 July 2026.
24 years ago today on 27 July 2002.
SEX PISTOLS played Crystal Palace Sports Centre ,London.
I was at this show , which was their first since the 1996 ' Filthy Lucre' reunion tour.
Not the greatest venue, but it was the longest show the band have ever played.
I have a nice poster of the gig signed by all four members.
Later that year , they would play a one off American show in California...I was there.
A massive outdoor show with support from 16 UK and USA punk bands over two stages
Sex Pistols + Offspring + Social Distortion + Bad Religion + Buzzcocks + Blink 182 + New Found Glory + X + Damned at The Glen Helen Blockbuster Pavillion,Devore , California , USA. 14 Sept 2002
65,000 capacity sold out , in the scorching desert heat.
The bands listed above , were the ones we watched.
It was so hot we had to miss some bands to take shade in our 7 seater people carrier.
These were the only two Sex Pistols shows that year.
Aftershow update for that Crystal Palace show...
Sex Pistols - Crystal Palace Sports Arena - 27.07.2002
A nice turn out including Rat Scabies , Mike Peters , James Stevenson, Mike Rossi , Steve English, John Tiberi. At the venue after the show there were 2 huge fridges full of free beer from Carling the sponsors. A great atmosphere with loads of friends and family from all four members of the band . This latest until 1am then we moved on to a private party held by John Lydon in Wandsworth . John kindly paid for all of it and I called it a night at 4am . John was still there at 6am.
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Sunday 26 July 2026.
Madison Square Garden in New York has always been a major world famous arena venue.
I went there just the once in 1979 , when The Bee Gees played at the height of their fame.
Billy Joel has played there 150 times .
Elton John has played there 74 times.
Many other bands have played , but some American acts are massive in USA ,but not that popular in the UK.
A band called PHISH have just played their 92nd show there ...incredible.
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Friday 24 July 2026 and Saturday 25 July 2026.
BRUNO MARS live at Wembley Stadium.
Bruno ( now aged 40) plays shows number four and five of his SIX nights at Wembley Stadium.
Global superstar Bruno Mars announced The Romantic Tour will be visiting Wembley as part of his first full headline world tour in nearly a decade.
An incredible SIX sold out nights at Wembley Stadium.....wow!
Bruno has sold over 100 million records worldwide, including ten number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and Guinness World Records: First male artist to achieve three 10-million-selling singles worldwide ("Just the Way You Are", "Grenade", and "Uptown Funk!").
Special guests are VICTORIA MONÉT and DJ PEE. WEE.
Victoria Monét won three awards at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards on February 4, 2024: Best New Artist, Best R&B Album for Jaguar II, and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. She also received seven total nominations.
DJ Pee . Wee is the vinyl-focused alter ego of Grammy-winning artist Anderson .Paak, known for playing energetic all-vinyl sets blending soul, funk, and R&B.
I will be attending both these shows.
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Both shows were completely sold out.
Both shows had exactly the same running times.
All three acts had use of the big screens .
DJ PEE. WEE arrived on stage at 6.40pm for his 30 mins set.
DJ Pee .Wee—the vibrant DJ alter ego of Grammy-winning artist Anderson .Paak—delivered high-energy, eclectic live set, featuring infectious charisma, genre-blending vinyl tracks, and massive crowd engagement.
Mixing Abba , Oasis, Queen, Amy Winehouse etc with dance party anthems .
Crazy outfits and dancing, that was very entertaining, and the crowd loved it.
VICTORIA MONET arrived on stage at 7.15pm for her 30 mins set.
Victoria was joined by four female dancers , all five onstage dressed in raunchy black.
Some great dance routines to backing tapes.
Mixing tracks from her Grammy Award winning debut album , and her upcoming second album.
A good set with hints of Beyonce and Janet Jackson .
BRUNO MARS arrived on stage at 8.15pm for his two hour set.
Many of the crowd are dressed up in ' Romantic' red .
There is no stage catwalk extension , but we had lots of lights, lasers, pyros , flames ,ticker tape .
He has a five man brass section , that got really funky , and the bass player and guitarist joined in for some great dance routines, like an old school soul revue.
Bruno Mars channels legendary funk and soul icons. He matches the explosive stage presence of James Brown, the sensual R&B grooves of Prince, and the precise pop showmanship of Michael Jackson.
After 60 mins Bruno was joined by Anderson Park for a few songs from the album they recorded together as Silk Sonic.
Bruno sang on the bonnet of a red low rider Chevrolet after around 45 mins.
Anderson Paak joined Bruno for the five Silk Sonic tracks.
A medley of songs near the end with just Bruno at the piano got the crowd singing.
I knew a few of his tracks , including 'Marry You' , ' Just The Way You Are' and a fantastic ' Uptown Funk' that was played at the very end.
Bruno is like an an old school showman , and very enjoyable to watch .
Full BRUNO MARS setlist played...
Intro tape - Nothin' on You (B.o.B song) (Intro)
Risk It All
Cha Cha Cha
On My Soul
24K Magic
Treasure
God Was Showing Off
I Just Might
Perm
Why You Wanna Fight?
Oh Girl / Let's Get It On ( Marvyn Gaye cover) / Please Me
That's What I Like
Something Serious
Blast Off (Silk Sonic song)
777 (Silk Sonic song)
Fly as Me (Silk Sonic song)
Smokin Out the Window (Silk Sonic song)
Leave the Door Open (Silk Sonic song)
Marry You
Die With a Smile (Lady Gaga cover)
It Will Rain / Talking to the Moon / Grenade / When I Was Your Man
Versace on the Floor ( Instrumental)
Locked Out of Heaven
Just the Way You Are
Uptown Funk (Mark Ronson / Bruno Mars cover)

Updated 24th July 2026 Permalink

Thursday 23 July 2026.

Thursday 23 July 2026...5.15pm to 8pm...
Showcase - THE BACK ROOM at HARD ROCK CAFE , 148 Old Park Lane , Mayfair, London W1.
The Back Room Bar at the Hard Rock Cafe London features a maximum capacity of 50 people standing or 25 people seated. This intimate space houses the iconic, autographed door from the Beatles' former Apple Studios at 3 Savile Row...you can hire the room out for office Christmas parties etc
Maybe just 30 guests are here in their private space around to the side of the main entrance.
This original HRC is celebrating 55 years...it opened in 1971.
There is a DJ playing tunes and a female plays some acoustic covers.
At 6.30pm we all went to their Hard Rock Vault 50 yards away for a 15 mins talk about the memorabilia.
Always great to look at the music memorabilia.
Sex Pistol GLEN MATLOCK documentary has been on SKY Arts several times recently , and in it Glen talks about his first acoustic guitar that his parents bought him.
Well , it is here , nicely displayed on one of the safes.
See the three photos on my Facebook page.
The venue used to be a bank , and all the safes have memorabilia in them.
Complimentary drinks and food , included Vodka Martinis, Sangria , Guinness , lagers, ciders ,burgers , canapes and desserts .
All guests got a goodie bag with Hard Rock Cafe merch items and drinks vouchers .
The main part of The Hard Rock Cafe used to have lots of invite only special gigs from the likes of Q Mag , Absolute Radio and when they used to sponsor Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park.
The capacity is only around 150/200.
Four of the best ones I went to were...
2005 - Deep Purple ( venue re-opening party after a fire)
2007 - Aerosmith - ( to announce their Hard Rock Calling Hyde Park show)
2009 - Bad Company ( to announce their first UK tour for some 25 years )
2011 - Manic Street Preachers ( for Absolute Radio)
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Wednesday 22 July 2026....7pm press / VIP opening night...
TRAINSPOTTING - THE MUSICAL - The Theatre Royal , Haymarket , London SW1.
Thirty years on from the film that changed everything, Trainspotting: The Musical has its world premiere. Written by Irvine Welsh with Music & Lyrics by Stephen McGuinness & Irvine Welsh and Directed & Developed by Caroline Jay Ranger.
Renton, Sick Boy, Begbie, Spud, Tommy, and Kelly, the industrial drug-crazed working-class heroes, are back.
In 1996, CHOOSE LIFE sounded like a challenge. Thirty years on, the landscape has shifted, but the hunger hasn't. Addiction hasn't disappeared - it's shifted. It's quieter now, more embedded. Less needle, more screen. Less escape, more repetition. The same restless search for something to fill the space.
Remember that great soundtrack from 30 years ago?.
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A good idea to get there 30 mins before the start as a proper buzz outside the venue as a dozen photographers are taking snaps of the celebrity arrivals on the ORANGE carpet.
The laminates and aftershow wristbands were also in trademark Trainspotting ORANGE.
As expected lots of well known names here tonight, including ...IRVINE WALSH , RUSTY EGAN, KEVIN ROWLAND, BOBBY GILLESPIE, PAUL WHITEHOUSE, ALAN DAVIES, GAIL PORTER, MEL GIEDROYC, SAFFRON (Republica) , ROWETTA ( ex Happy Mondays) , MARK MOORE, ARABELLA WEIR, NICK MORAN,
CASS PENNANT ( ex football hooligan leader of West Hams ICF), DOUGRAY SCOTT , ELAINE PAIGE , NICK REYNOLDS and no doubt a few more.
A nice surprise to see DOMINIC MOHAN who edited The Sun Newspaper Bizarre Entertainment page in the late 1990s ( he told me he now has four children).
The show was on for 2 hours 30 mins , including a 25 mins interval.
Two sets of 70 mins and 55 mins
Great to see all the characters we know and love from the film.
My faves tonight were Spud the twitching dork and Begbie the alarmingly loud psychopath with a moustache.
The new songs written for the musical were a bit average .
Classic older tracks sung included ' Lust for Life', ' Perfect Day', ' Drop Dead Gorgeous ' , 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' , ' Temptation' were all good , but Underworld would not let them use ' Born Slippy'.
The script was a bit mixed up and during the interval I chatted to a few people , and they thought like me that the strong Scottish accents were a bit hard to make out sometimes.
Not sure all the swearing and squalid drug taking will appeal to the usual West End theatre goer.
Overall it was enjoyable enough, but should have been better
The early reviews have been mainly negative.
The Guardian gave the show just the one star.
The Standard gave the show just the one star.
It is on here until 05 September 2026, then tours the UK.
9.45pm to 12pm.....
Post show party at O'Neills , Wardour Street , London W1.
Another nice touch from the organisers , as this used to be cool hangout The Wag Club back in the 1990s.
I went there several times back in the day.
They sometimes had live bands .
I first saw The Godfathers there in 1987 , as a showcase when they signed to EPIC.
Their original line-up blew me away that night, and I would see them around 20 times after.
All the cast are here.
Most of the well known faces from the main event went to the party .
I had a nice long chat with Rusty Egan , and got a photo with Kevin Rowland.
Complimentary spirits n mixers including JD and cokes , prosecco, wines, Guinness, lagers , ciders but oddly no food.
We left at midnight , but still very lively as a 1am finish .
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Tuesday 21 July 2026.
THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF CAMPING - press night - at The Theatre Royal ,Windsor.
One family. One weekend. Everything changes.
Starring EastEnders favourite, Queen of the Jungle and Strictly Come Dancing Christmas winner Charlie Brooks alongside Max Brown (Downton Abbey, The Tudors, The Sister Boniface Mysteries), The Hidden Dangers of Camping is a gripping, emotional drama about family, secrets, and growing up too soon.
When Casey’s life is shaken by her daughter’s choices, she’s pulled back to a childhood camping trip that wasn’t as perfect as it seemed. As past and present collide, long buried truths surface. Funny, honest, and quietly heartbreaking.
No silly West End ticket prices here , as they are from a bargain £15 until Tuesday , and from £19.50 for the last four days
www.threatreroyal.co.uk - Visit their website here for more info and to buy tickets.
It is on here from Friday 17 July to Saturday 25 July 2026.
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Always nice to be at this 633 capacity historic theatre.
Mainly theatre shows here, but it does have well known tribute acts too.
A couple of hours in Windsor in the afternoon sunshine was a great prelude to the theatre.
The theatre is actually opposite the famous Windsor Castle.
The show was on for 2 hours 10 mins , including a 20 mins interval.
The Hidden Dangers of Camping is a stage play by Liesl Wilke. It jumps between the present day and a past childhood camping trip set in the 1970s.The story follows the character Casey and her therapy sessions.
She is forced to confront her past after dealing with her own daughter's life choices.
The narrative uses the 1970s setting to explore nostalgic family road trips in older, unmodified vans.The lasting impact of family secrets and generational trauma.
The emotional complexities of the parents' open marriage.
How children grow up too soon when dealing with adult situations.
There are ten actors in total for the show.
All the cast did a great job with the American accents.
Charlie Brooks is superb as Ruby , both as a flirty younger, and in the second half as a glamorous Grandma, when three generations come together .
Packed with warmth, humour and emotional honesty, this new play is very enjoyable.
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There was no big opening night party like the big West End productions have , but we are given two vouchers each for a pint of beer or a wine, along with a programme.

Updated 21st July 2026 Permalink

Monday 20 July 2026.

Monday 20 July 2026.
Very sad news that football legend KEVIN KEEGAN aged 75 , due to cancer .
An incredible player from that all conquering Liverpool super team of the 1970s.
One of the greatest players of his generation, Keegan was a force of nature on the pitch and as a manager. He made almost 750 club appearances, winning the League title three times at Liverpool.
He managed a few clubs , as well as managing England, as well as getting 63 caps as a player with them.
Kevin Keegan's transfer to Hamburg in 1977 was a record-breaking deal. Hamburg paid Liverpool £500,000 for him. This smashed the British transfer record and almost twice the previous German transfer fee, that
solidified his status as a European star. Keegan's individual brilliance was recognised with two consecutive Ballon d'Or awards in 1978 and 1979, a rare achievement for any player.
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Monday 20 July 2026.
Happy Birthday to SEX PISTOLS drummer PAUL COOK who is 70 today .
On this day the band are playing Budapest , with support from The Damned .
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Sunday 19 July 2026.
WORLD CUP FOOTBALL FINAL.
Spain play Argentina .
As the final is in the USA , they are having an extended half time show , like The Superbowl.
Expect a few big names to perform......also performances before the match .
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Saturday 18 July 2026.
STEEL PANTHER live at The Forum.
I have seen them several times before , with the first time in 2009 at Wembley Arena as support to ZZ Top.
American sleaze rockers are always very entertaining.
Steel Panther is the ultimate time machine for 1980s hair metal. Formed in Los Angeles, the comedic glam-metal band flawlessly channels the Sunset Strip era through over-the-top antics, skintight spandex, massive guitar solos, and razor-sharp satire.
They tour mainland Europe then tour the UK.
They have brought out a guitar effects pedal called ' The Pussy Melter'.
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The show was not sold out , as plenty of space behind the VIP tables upstairs.
Plenty of females here , despite the tongue in cheek smutty stage banter.
The PA is playing the perfect tunes to warm up the crowd , including Def Leopard ,Motley Crue, Skid Row etc.
BLACK SONIC PEARLS arrived on stage at 7.55pm for their 30 mins set.
Black Sonic Pearls: is a modern rock band, formed in late 2020, BSP steps equally confident on both Alternative/Hard Rock and Metal grounds, taking inspiration from everything from the Seattle Grunge scene of the '90s like Chris Cornell and Soundgarden to Alternative Metal of the 00s .
A good set of tracks from their debut album and a random, but good grungy cover of Michael Jackson's ' Earth Song'.
STEEL PANTHER arrived on stage at 8.55pm for their 95 mins set.
There are two pole dancing podiums either side of the drums , and two scantily lap dancers perform during the first three songs , and then a few songs later on.
The band are very entertaining even though some think their whole ‘excessively crude’ schtick is a bit tired now.
Audience participation is great , as they love getting girls on stage.
There is more crowd surfing than expected.
Their older songs go down the best.
Look at the song titles , to get some idea of the lyrics.
Overall a fantastic show.
Full STEEL PANTHER setlist played tonight...
Eyes of a Panther
Tomorrow Night
Shout at the Devil ( Mötley Crüe cover) (Played half)
Asian Hooker ( two Asian girl fans on stage) (preceded by band introductions)
Just Like Tiger Woods
Friends With Benefits
Guitar Solo
Death to All but Metal
The Mother's Day Song
1987
Impromptu Song for a Girl ( female fan serenaded on stage for this song and the next one)
Girl From Oklahoma
17 Girls in a Row ( around 40 female fans on stage for this song and the next one)
Party Like Tomorrow Is the End of the World
Encore :
Community Property
Gloryhole
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Saturday 18 July 2026.
WORLD CUP FOOTBALL Third place play off .
England 6 France 4.
What a bonkers game that was.
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Updated 18th July 2026 Permalink

Friday 17 July 2026.

Friday 17 July 2026.
DECEMBER 10 live at Shepherds Bush Empire .
Simon Cowell's new boy band are playing a UK tour.
This is the first of their two sold out shows at this venue.
Seven months on (December 10) from their reveal on Netflix’s global series Simon Cowell: The Next Act, and newly signed to EMI Records.
I saw their showcase gig at the same venue in April 2026.
They are touring the UK to promote their debut 10 track EP, which includes all their singles released so far.
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Like last time the venue is rammed full of very excitable teenage girls, and many with their mum's.
Some have been waiting in queues since before lunchtime.
DJ WILL MANNING did an hour of just the right tracks to get the crowd singing loudly along to,including a couple of Harry Styles.
DECEMBER 10 arrived on stage at 8.30pm for their 70 mins set .
They are usually seven members , but one member is taking time out , for mental health.
Lots of singing and screaming throughout the show from the females.
Most of the songs are acoustic guitar based , but a few tracks had electric guitar and drums. They have personal security in each corner of the pit ,along with lots of venue security . Lots of loud singing and screaming throughout the show. Most songs had a dance routine .
Like last time there is a cover of ' Dancing in the Dark' , and for ' Angel' they get a female on stage to serenade .
Encore included a cover of ' I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight'.
The Rolling Stones new album went straight to number one in the charts today, and during the encore their manager came on to say the December 10 debut EP has gone in at number 5 in the UK , and number 3 in Ireland in the charts that came out today.
Hopefully these young females will all turn into regular gig goers as they get older .
Simple , catchy songs and enjoyable enough show.
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Friday 17 July 2026...
17 July 1996.....30 years ago today
SEX PISTOLS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
One of the greatest gigs ever.
The band were on fire for this Filthy Lucre tour indoor show.
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Thursday 16 July 2026....6pm to 10pm...
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL - press launch - Acres , 12 Acklam Road , Ladbroke Grove , London W10.
Good to back at this venue that used to be Acklam Hall , then Subterania, amongst others.
I saw a couple of punk gigs here in the 1979 when it was Acklam Hall .
Raped with support from The Pack (Kirk Brandon on vocals) .
Kleenex with support from The Raincoats.
then loads of gigs in the 1990s when it was called Subterania including Killing Joke,Alanis Morissette(with Taylor Hawkins on drums), A-ha,Ice-T,Snoop Dogg and many others.
I have been to most Carnivals over the past 50 years.
I can remember the many times I went to The Reading Festival on the Friday, Saturday , Sunday and come back Monday morning have a quick shower , then off to Carnival on The Bank Holiday Monday.
Europe's biggest street festival returns at the end of August ,and this year is celebrating its 60th anniversary .
A million visitors each day are expected as usual.
For the first hour here , we are all outside the as there is a mini street carnival going on .
Around 50 dancers in full colourful dress are dancing to the sound system and steel band.
They are being filmed for an upcoming TV documentary .
At 7pm we go into the venue, which still looks pretty much the same.
Maybe 300 guests are here, and very lively .
There is a big screen showing carnival images from over the years.
Tonight's host is Radio 1Xtra DJ Richie Brave .
There are a few speeches, including Janet Evans (Kensington and Chelsea Mayor) .
The steel band played a couple of tracks , then a female singer sang a couple of tracks..
For the final hour , the DJ turns the volume up to 10 and many of the carnival dancers , still in full dress , get on the floor to shake their stuff.
Complimentary drinks and food included four different Hennessy cocktails , Jamaican patties, Mac n cheese and BBQ chicken wings .
All guests got a goodie bag on departure that included a 20cl m bottle of Hennessy and some snacks and drinks from Jamaican food supplier Grace.

Updated 16th July 2026 Permalink

Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Wednesday 15 July 2026...5.30pm to 11pm .....
67 PALL MALL - summer party - The Walks , Grays Inn, Chancery Lane London WC1.
67 Pall Mall, an exclusive private members' club founded in London in 2015 by wine enthusiasts, specifically tailored for wine lovers.
Gray's Inn is one of London's four historic Inns of Court, serving as a professional hub and education center for barristers and judges in England and Wales. Located in Central London (near Holborn/Chancery Lane), it contains barristers' chambers, legal offices, event spaces, and "The Walks," one of the largest private gardens in the city, set in five acres .
A massive event as must be 800/1000 guests here .
A jazz trio on stilts are welcoming us .
Thankfully they are showing the football on two big screens in the main marquee.
I watch all of the second half.
England scored first goal after 55 mins , but Argentina managed to score twice.
England went too defensive after they scored, and it all backfired.
England 1 Argentina 2.
After the game , there was a popular silent disco.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food , including Henriot champers, six different cocktails, a few dozen different wines on various stands, beers , full size cheeseburgers and hot dogs, BBQ, ,pizza, pasta , paella, sushi, caviar, oysters, canapes, churros and an ice cream cart .
A really great event.
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,Thursday 14 July 2026.
ROCK CANDY magazine has ceased.
Rock Candy Magazine is a bi-monthly publication. However, the magazine produced by British rock journalists and focused on the sights and sounds of the '70s and '80s rock era.has ceased publication and will not be producing any more issues beyond the current issue 56.
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Monday 13 July 2026.
SYSTEM OF A DOWN + QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE live at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, North London.
SOAD play the first of two massive sold out shows at this stadium.
SOAD play their first UK shows in nine years.
SOAD are celebrating 25 years since the 2001 release of their classic second album 'Toxicity' , that sold over six million copies in the USA, and went to number one in the Billboard Chart.
I have seen both bands a few times before.
The first time I saw QOTSA was supporting The Foo Fighters at The Rex, Stratford, East London in 2000, then the following year I saw both bands play at The Reading Festival.
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Today there was news of Heritage Live ( see below for their statement) cancelling all three of their multi day events of big names due to higher production costs and lack of advance ticket sales , but some bands can certainly still shift more tickets than I would expect.
My Chemical Romance headlined a very impressive THREE shows at Wembley Stadium last week, and SOAD can sell out two shows at Tottenham.
ACID BATH arrived on stage at 6pm for their 30 mins set .
All three bands have use of the big screens for live footage .
They played a noisy 90s heavy rock set.
Acid Bath is an American sludge metal band from Houma, Louisiana, that was active from 1991 to 1997. Regarded as one of the first and most influential sludge metal bands, they combined a doom metal foundation with elements of hardcore punk, death metal, gothic rock, blues, grunge, and Southern rock to create their sound.The band released two albums, When the Kite String Pops and Paegan Terrorism Tactics, in 1994 and 1996, respectively, but broke up following the death of bassist Audie Pitre in a January 1997 traffic collision. They announced a reunion in October 2024.
QOTSA arrived on stage at 7pm for their 60 mins set.
Pretty much all the crowd have arrived in time to see them.
They have an odd backdrop of 100 ropes.
They play a really good greatest hits set.
QOTSA full setlist played...
Tape intro track - Afternoon Delight (Starland Vocal Band song)
Regular John
The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret
Do It Again
Sick, Sick, Sick
The Fun Machine Took a Shit and Died
Paper Machete
My God Is the Sun
Run, Pig, Run (Not on the printed setlist, replaced I Appear Missing)
Little Sister
Go With the Flow
No One Knows
A Song for the Dead
SOAD arrived on stage at 8.30pm for their 1 hour 45 mins set
SOAD have a full light show , but don't bother with any stadium pyros.
A full barrage of fast ,heavy sounds , with an Incredible 30 tracks played.
Their crowd is very lively , to say the least, with non stop missing, crowd surfing and several circle pits around the pitch , in the gold circle and the general standing.
A really good show.
Highlights included...
B.Y.O.B.
Aerials
Chop Suey
Lonely Day
Toxicity
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This means Eric Clapton with Ronnie Wood as support in August is not happening.
ANNOUNCEMENT
We're devastated to report the heartbreaking news that we have no choice but to cancel this summer's Heritage Live festivals at the Englefield Estate, the Audley End Estate and the Sandringham Estate.
We'd been working desperately hard behind the scenes to conclude an investment and equity package to ease the burden of an extraordinarily tough year, but this last beacon of hope has fallen through at the 11th hour, making it impossible to go ahead...a total of 13 shows are cancelled
As one of the few remaining British independent promoters, it's become almost impossible to compete in what has become an increasingly saturated festival market.
The might of huge multi-nationals has had the adverse effect of driving up supplier, artist and staffing costs and whilst it's still just about manageable during a normal year, the cost- of-living crisis combined with general financial uncertainty, has resulted in several shows having far lower than average ticket sales, making it impossible to survive in such a competitive industry, with so many rising costs.
It would therefore be irresponsible and wrong of us to proceed without the certainty that we'd be able to meet all of our supplier, artist and crew costs.
The whole Heritage Live team is absolutely devastated. It would have been the most amazing summer with such an extraordinary array of supreme talent and we're all so very sorry to let everyone down.

Updated 13th July 2026 Permalink

Sunday 12 July 2026.

Sunday 12 July 2026.
SAMMY HAGAR + JAYLER live at The British Airways ARC at Olympia, West Kensington.
Sammy plays the last of his three London shows at The ARC.
Looks like Sammy changes the setlist by a couple of songs each night.
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Some artist tours are certainly worth going to two or three times, like this one.
A few less folks here than last night , with none of Sammy's three nights here selling out.
Tickets costing over £100 in the stalls seating area may have put some off.
I have another great view , just 10 rows from the stage in the stalls.
JAYLER arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 30 mins set.
Again all four members are bare chested, under their 70s style threads
Again the singer gets stuck into his Robert Plant type screams.
SAMMY HAGAR and his all star band arrived on at stage at 8.30pm, and played for 1 hour 50 mins , which was 10 mins less than the previous night.
The setlist was changed around slightly by three or four songs , and a different intro tape song was used.
Sammy and the band were on fire again.
Another excellent show.
Intro tape song - London Calling ( The Clash)
Why Can't This Be Love (Van Halen song)
Top of the World (Van Halen song)
Panama (Van Halen song)
Best of Both Worlds ( Van Halen song)
Rock Candy ( Montrose song)
Bad Motor Scooter (Montrose song)
5150 (Van Halen song)
Love Walks In (Van Halen song)
Cabo Wabo (Van Halen song) (Sammy poured glasses of Tequila for the front row) ; (>)
Mas Tequila (Sammy Hagar and the Wabos song)
There's Only One Way to Rock
Right Now (Van Halen song)
Ain't Talkin' 'bout Love (Van Halen song) (w/o Sammy ; sung by Michael Anthony)
Satch Boogie (Joe Satriani cover) (w/o Sammy)
Good Enough ( Van Halen song) (the middle section included the rhythm pattern to Yes' "Owner of a Lonely Heart")
Heavy Metal (Sammy on additional guitar)
I Can't Drive 55 (Sammy on additional guitar ; last verse sung by Michael Anthony)
Eagles Fly
Encore, Thank You, Goodnight
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Saturday 11 July 2026.
SAMMY HAGAR + JAYLER live at The British Airways ARC at Olympia, West Kensington.
Sammy ( now aged 78) plays the second of his three London shows at The Arc.
It's been a long time....Really looking forward to this gig as it is Sammy's first UK tour as a solo artist since I saw him in the early 1980s.
For this show Sammy Hagar will be coming on stage early , and finish by 9.30pm , as the England v Norway World Cup game is a 10pm start.
The Arc is a brand new hi-tec 3800 capacity venue, that I attended the opening gig there last month.
The Red Rocker will be joined by his supergroup THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS BAND, including legendary guitarist Joe Satriani, fellow Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer and longtime VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony, and powerhouse drummer Kenny Aronoff.
Sammy says the setlist will be celebrating his legendary 50-plus-year career.
I have seen Sammy Hagar solo and with Van Halen.
I saw Van Halen with Sammy in 1995 , when they supported Bon Jovi at Wembley Stadium.
Sammy said in a recent interview....
It’s gonna be the same mix of songs as the North American dates – very Van Halen-heavy, because Joe can do it,” says Hagar. “I’m playing 10 Van Halen songs from my period in the band , seven or eight Sammy songs, a couple of Chickenfoot songs, a couple of Montrose songs".
The shows will mark Hagar’s first full UK appearances since playing two dates with his supergroup Chickenfoot in 2012 ( I was at the Brixton Academy show ), although I did see Sammy play a couple of tracks at the Ozzy Osbourne / Black Sabbath all dayer at Villa Park , Birmingham in 2025.
I saw Sammy Hagar a few times before he joined Van Halen.
1980 - two shows at Hammersmith Odeon with support from Riot.
1982 - two shows at Hammersmith Odeon with support from Grand Prix.
Support comes from up and coming Brit rockers JAYLER , who recently released their debut album.
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It is stalls seated tonight as mainly an older male crowd.
I have a perfect view , nine rows centre from the front .
Everyone in the seats stands up when Sammy Hagar arrived on stage.
Not sold out tonight , so.maybe 2000 folks are here.
I must admit I really do like this new venue , but charging three quid for a 40g bag of crisps is a pisstake.
The merch is doing well , and I spot a nice SAMMY HALEN t-shirt for £40.
JAYLER arrived on stage at 6.30pm for their 30 mins set.
The UK rock quartet Jayler has rapidly built a nice following by channeling the swagger, heavy riffs, and vocal style of Led Zeppelin.Formed in the Midlands, the band consists of James Bartholomew (vocals), Tyler Arrowsmith (guitar), Ed Evans (drums), and Ricky Hodgkiss (bass). Their soaring classic-rock image and raw sound have drawn comparisons to legends like Led Zeppelin, with some fans pointing out Bartholomew's uncanny resemblance to a young Robert Plant.
All four members are wearing 70s type rocker clobber, and all have their chests exposed.
The drummer even wears a waistcoat like John Bonham, and has a huge gong behind him, just like John Bonham.....they played a good set of songs.
SAMMY HAGAR and his all star band arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their two hour set.
Despite his age , Sammy is in great shape and full of energy.
Sammy brings the "red rocker" Cabo Wabo party vibes to London.
Sammy gives out cans of lager and Tequila shots to the crowd at the front.
There is a big screen showing pre recorded images and some vintage Sammy videos.
Needless to say , Joe Satriani and the all star band sound fantastic.
Their fifth member on keyboards said he comes from Willesden Green.
Drums and keyboards on a raised platform at the rear .
The setlist was as expected full of his era of Van Halen .
Versions of ' Panama' and the Montrose classic ' Bad Motor Scooter' were superb.
See my Facebook page for a nice video of ' Panama'.
The only downer was Sammy didn't play my fave solo track of his ' I've Done Everything For You'.
An excellent rock show.
Full SAMMY HAGAR setlist played tonight...
Intro tape - Rock Candy (Montrose song)
Why Can't This Be Love (Van Halen song)
Top of the World (Van Halen song)
Poundcake (Van Halen song) (First appearance on UK tour)
Runaround (Van Halen song) (Best of both worlds was on the setlist - Joe started the wrong song)
Summer Nights ( Van Halen song)
Bad Motor Scooter (Montrose song)
5150 (Van Halen song)
Love Walks In (Van Halen song)
Cabo Wabo (Van Halen song)
Mas Tequila (Sammy Hagar and the Wabos song)
There's Only One Way to Rock
Right Now (Van Halen song)
Somebody Get Me a Doctor ( Van Halen song) (Micheal Anthony on vocals)
Surfing With the Alien (Joe Satriani cover)
Panama (Van Halen song) (Good enough was on the set list - audience request)
Heavy Metal
I Can't Drive 55
Eagles Fly
Encore ( but they didn't actually leave the stage)
Thank You, Goodnight ( dedicated to Eddie Van Halen )
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I had a lovely afternoon in Windsor, before the Sammy Hagar show.
From 1.15pm to 2.30pm I was at the gallery.
SIMON KENNY - private view - Clarendon Fine Art , Windsor , Berkshire.
Simon Kenny is and is showcasing his paintings that are inspired by light, movement , skies and the cosmos.
Complimentary prosecco and bottles of Peroni .
Then a stroll around the castle and the town centre.
Then down to the waterfront to see the tourist boats, swans, ducks, and a walk over the bridge to Eton.
The tourists still love Windsor , as they are everywhere .
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Friday 10 July 2026.
SKY ARTS at 10.45pm
The Roling Stones live at The Marquee Club in 1971.
At the time they were promoting their new album ' Sticky Fingers'.
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Thursday 09 July 2026....6pm to 10.15pm...
QUEEN ELIZABETH II CENTRE - 40th anniversary party - Westminster, London SW1.
World-renowned conference, events and exhibition centre, The QEII Centre, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month, marking five decades at the heart of London’s thriving events industry. The milestone comes as the venue reports exceptional sales growth for the third consecutive year, with revenue nearly £1 million ahead of the same period last year.
Since being opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 24 June 1986, The QEII Centre has welcomed more than eight million visitors from around the world and hosted over 14,000 national and international events, securing its position as one of the foremost destinations for business events.
Positioned in the historic core of Westminster with magnificent views over Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben, The QEII Centre was designed to host major international government conferences and meet the needs of commercial event organisers.
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Over 200 guests up in their 5th floor entertainment space.
It is all nicely decked out with a 1980s theme.
There are retro gaming machines dotted around the space.
The DJ is playing mainly 1980s hits .
There is a four woman dance troupe in 1980s dance wear .
They danced to three songs during the evening .
We have a welcome speech , as the organiser said that back in the 1980s , the invites all went out by post, until the internet arrived .
Lots of complimentary drinks and food including four different cocktails , prosecco, wines, beers , different food stations , including seafood , and desserts .
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Thursday 09 July 2026.
Very sad news that BONNIE TYLER has passed away , aged 75.
I saw her perform three times..
1988 - Hammersmith Odeon .
2012 - supporting Status Quo at The 02 Arena .
2019 - London Palladium .
Bonnie performed at The Shepherds Bush Empire just a few months ago , and was due to play a big home country gig in Cardiff this December.
Maybe they can put on a tribute event for her on that date.

Updated 9th July 2026 Permalink

Wednesday 08;July 2026.

Wednesday 08 July 2026.
JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS live at The British Airways ARC at Olympia , West Kensington, London.
Joans first UK headline tour for 16 years.
I have seen Joan Jett four times with The Runaways and a few times with her own band.
1976 - The Runaways and Surburban Studs at The Roundhouse - two shows.
1977 - The Runaways and 999 - Hammersmith Odeon.
1978 - The Runaways and The Dickies - Lyceum .
I saw Joan Jett headline Hammersmith Odeon in 1982
One of the other times I saw Joan Jett was a very nice three band package where I saw Joan Jett as the first band on supporting Alice Cooper and Motorhead in 2007.
Support band tonight is THE MEFFS.
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This lovely new air conditioned 3800 capacity venue is not sold out , but looks pretty full.
Great to see several friends throughout the evening.
KIRK BRANDON was here.
THE MEFFS arrived on stage at 7.45pm for their 30 mins set.
This m/f duo from Colchester played a lively punky influenced set.
They have released two albums, but their six song set still included two nice cover versions.
Stamp It Out
Business
Breathe (The Prodigy cover)
Broken Britain, Broken Brains
Identity ( X‐Ray Spex cover)
Clowns
JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS arrived on stage at 8.45pm for their 90 mins set.
Joan is backed by an all.msle band.
There is a nice big digital screen showing pre recorded images .
Joan is now aged 67...Joan was aged only 17 when she was in The Runaways .
A great mix of songs from her 50 years career.
Really good to hear those Runaways classics again.
Joan still.plays a Gary Glitter track , as it was a hit for her .
The overall sound could have been a bit louder.
A few tracks in the middle were a bit average but overall a great show .
Tape intro track - Rebel Girl (Bikini Kill song) and vintage videos of Joan on the big screen.
Victim of Circumstance
Cherry Bomb (The Runaways song)
Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah) (Gary Glitter cover)
You Drive Me Wild (The Runaways song)
(I'm Gonna) Run Away
The French Song
Light of Day (Bruce Springsteen cover)
(Make the Music Go) Boom
Fake Friends
Androgynous (The Replacements cover)
Oh Woe Is Me
Lie to Me
Love Is Pain
Long Time
If You're Blue
Everyday People ( Sly & the Family Stone cover)
I Love Rock 'n' Roll ( The Arrows cover)
Crimson & Clover (Tommy James & the Shondells cover)
I Hate Myself for Loving You
Bad Reputation (Joan Jett song)
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Tuesday 07 July 2026.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR - press/VIP night - London Palladium, London W1.
The award-winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar comes to the iconic London Palladium.
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar follows the events of the last days of the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and the iconic title number ‘Superstar’.
It is on at The Palladium from 20 June to 05 September 2026.
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SAM RYDER is really good as Jesus in the lead role.
The camped-up Herod (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) brings a Drag Race aesthetic.
Later performances feature different Herods (Richard Armitage, Boy George, Layton Williams and Julian Clary) and the show moves to Theatre Royal Drury Lane and then on tour after its performances at the Palladium
Boy George watched the show, but did not bother with the party after .
The show was on for 1 hour 40 mins over two sets , that seemed a bit short compared to other musicals these days , but was very enjoyable to watch.
We were given a nice big complimentary programme of the show.
then
10pm to 12pm
Was the opening night party at The Ham Yard Hotel , London W1.
Must be over 300 guests here
A few well known faces are here , including , Andrew Lloyd Webber , Sam Ryder , Christopher Higgins, Leslie Joseph, , Brian Conley, Kathy Lette, Anneka Rice, Jonathan Shalit and no doubt a few more I missed.
The two lanes of ten pin bowling are open and is popular with guests.
This venue has a cinema , and they are showing the original Jesus Christ Superstar film, but only a dozen are watching it when i pop my head in a couple of times.
Complimentary wines,beers, soft drinks, canapes , desserts.
We left at midnight, but it was on until 1am.

Updated 6th July 2026 Permalink

Monday 06 July 2026.

Monday 06 July 2026...2am to 4am..
Made it back in time to watch it all live after Metallica
Mexico 2 England 3
What a fantastic game...what a superb win...
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Sunday 05 July 2026.
METALLICA + PANTERA + AVATAR live at London Stadium , Stratford ,East London.
Metallica play the second of their two London shows here.
They are promising a ' no repeat ' completely different setlist to Friday.
Also both support bands are different to Fridays show.
I saw Pantera supporting Megadeth at Hammersmith Odeon back in the day , and their short set at The Ozzy Osbourne tribute show at Villa Park exactly a year ago today.
I saw Avatar at Shepherds Bush Empire in 2019.
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Another 80,000 capacity sold out show.
I am on the pitch again, but not into the Snake Pit centre.
You gotta love this stunning in the round doughnut production.
All the bands move around the different areas of the stage .
AVATAR arrived on stage at 5pm for their 40 mins.
Black eye make up and black clothing as usual , for their good metal set.
PANTERA arrived on stage at 6pm for their 60.mins.
The crowd are certainly looking forward to Pantera.
Nice to see Zak Wylde on guitar.
A really good crunching metal set.
Full PANTERA setlist played...
A New Level
Mouth for War
Strength Beyond Strength
Becoming
I'm Broken
5 Minutes Alone (With Cemetery Gates Tease and Abbott brothers tribute video)
This Love
Fucking Hostile
Walk ((Followed by first verse and chorus of ‘Fairies Wear Boots’ by Black Sabbath)
Fairies Wear Boots (Black Sabbath cover) (Snippet)
Domination / Hollow ( Domination was Breakdown Only)
Cowboys From Hell
METALLICA stage times.
7.45pm - tape intros.
7.50pm - band arrived on stage and play for two hours.
9.50pm - band give out hundreds of guitar picks and a few drum sticks.
Metallica have a small army of road crew , making sure everything runs smoothly.
Band members all move around the outer snaking pit , shaking hands with fans.
Different stage positions for every song.
Some big songs played tonight that were not played on Friday , including ' Wherever I May Roam', ' One' and 'Enter Sandman'.
Three covers played ,including The Sex Pistols ' Holidays in The Sun'
They paid tribute to Ozzy , as it was exactly a year ago , that the tribute show was held at Villa Park.
Metallica were there and so was I...what a mega gig that was...
Again I managed to get the main guitar pick - theme picture was fish n chips.
Another superb show , but Cardiff had the edge of the three I saw ,mainly for to the roof being closed .
Tape intro - It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)(AC/DC song)
Tape intro - The Ecstasy of Gold (Ennio Morricone song)
Whiplash
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Ride the Lightning
The Memory Remains
72 Seasons
Screaming Suicide
Kirk and Rob Doodle (Black Sabbath's "Electric Funeral“ and Sex Pistols' "Holiday In the Sun")
The Day That Never Comes
Wherever I May Roam
The Call of Ktulu
The Unforgiven
Whiskey in the Jar ([traditional] cover) (preceded by "...And Justice For All" tease)
Blackened
Moth Into Flame
One
Enter Sandman ( around 50 black and yellow giant beach balls dropped'.
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Saturday 04 July 2026.
50 years ago today I was at The Ramones debut UK show , and a few days later I would see The Sex Pistols for the first time.
It was a great time to be a 17 year old.
Discotex And The Sexolettes Hammersmith Palais, London 01.07.1976
Flamin' Groovies,Ramones,Stranglers Roundhouse, London 04.07.1976 first ever uk show by The Ramones
AC/DC Lyceum Theatre, London 07.07.1976
Eddie And The Hot Rods Marquee Club, London 09.07.1976 Hot Rods and AC/DC loved the Marquee in 1976 , and both were setting attendance records .
Sex Pistols ( venue later was called the LA2 Mean Fiddler) Sundown Club, London 10.07.1976 first time I saw the Sex Pistols
Heavy Metal Kids,Stray,Dirty Tricks Roundhou e, London 11.07.1976
Pride Of Texas Nashville Pub, London 13.07.1976
Strife,Soho Jets Marquee Club, London 21.07.1976
Meal Ticket Nashville Pub, London 22.07.1976
AC/DC Marquee Club, London 26.07.1976
Weather Report Hammersmith Odeon, London 28.07.1976
Eric Clapton,Freddie King Crystal Palace Bowl, London 31.07.1976 big lake in front of the stage
Widowmaker Marquee Club, London 01.08.1976
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Friday 03 July 2026.
METALLICA + GOJIRA + KNOCKED LOOSE live at London Stadium , Stratford, East London.
The metal icons have confirmed a few shows across the UK, including two (almost) consecutive nights at the London Stadium, where they'll play unique sets.
Hard to believe it is seven years since they last played in the the London area - Twickenham Stadium ( I was there).
I have seen Metallica over a dozen times , with the first times in 1986 at Hammersmith Odeon with Anthrax supporting, and three times at the same venue in 1988 , with Danzig supporting.
I also went to the launch event for their Black album at Hammersmith Odeon.
These two London shows are the final dates on their UK & European Tour.
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Local staff said it was 80,000 capacity sold out tonight.
The three bands tonight, are the same three I saw in Cardiff five days ago.
The in the round doughnut stage production again looks fantastic.
KNOCKED LOOSE arrived on stage at 5.30pm for their 40 mins set.
S good set of heavy rock tracks.
GOJIRA arrived on stage at 6.30pm for their 60 mins set.
Plenty of heavy metal tunes from.these French rockers......they had a great drummer.
They were joined by female opera singer Marina Viotti on a couple of tracks.
It was another great show by METALLICA , but NOT as good as Cardiff.
I was on the pitch floor again but opposite to where I was on Sunday.
I think I preferred the Sunday position more - where Lars uses his kit first.
Cardiff was more a greatest hits show and they were on stage 10/15 mins longer .
Also the roof in Cardiff was closed , which made the lights and production better there , as London was still in daylight at 9pm .
A couple of big tracks like 'One' and ' Enter Sandman' were not played tonight, but no doubt they will be included in Sunday's setlist.
On the plus side I did get a nice London theme and gig date guitar pic and a pass sheet.
Full METALLICA setlist played tonight...
8.15pm - intro tape .
8.20pm - Metallica arrived on stage for a two hour set.
Tape intro - It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll) (AC/DC song)
Tape intro - The Ecstasy of Gold (Ennio Morricone song)
Creeping Death
Harvester of Sorrow
Holier Than Thou
Of Wolf and Man
Lux Æterna
If Darkness Had a Son
Kirk and Rob Doodle (Ian Dury's "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" and The Clash’s “Guns of Brixton”)
Fade to Black
Cyanide
Orion
Nothing Else Matt
Sad but True
Hardwired
Fuel
Seek & Destroy ( around 50 giant yellow and black beach boys dropped).
Master of Puppets

Updated 4th July 2026 Permalink

Thursday 02 July 2026.

Thursday 02 July 2026...I went to two events tonight...
6pm to 7.15pm .
MINI COOPER - showcase - Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1.
Around 100 guests here.
They are celebrating the last 25 years of the Mini car.
Several special editions are on display including one dressed as a cow and a rugged one designed by Dsquared .
S male sax player is performing well.known covers.
Complimentary drinks and food including three different cocktails , wines, beers , canapes and popcorn.
then
7.30pm to 9.30pm.
CONVEX SUMMER PARTY - Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly London W1.
Founded in 2019, Convex Insurance is a rapidly growing international specialty insurer and reinsurer. With operations across London, Bermuda, and the US, the firm underwrites complex and non-standard risks—such as aerospace, marine, and energy and is on track to surpass $4 billion in gross written premium.
A massive crowd of 700 or 800 guests here at least.
Very similar to the RAA summer party , but without the celebrities.
Over 1000 paintings and drawings and sculptures on display across the rooms.
A female DJ is playing tracks in the background.
Complimentary drinks and food included Paul Bara champers, three different cocktails , wines, beers, a seafood and sushi station including lobster and oysters , bowl foods canapes and desserts.
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Wednesday 01 July 2026...3pm to 9pm...
IGB LIVE London at Excel , London E14.
A massive event as there must be a couple of thousand here.
Over 100 companies that are gambling related are showcasing.
Lots of vibrant colours from some amazingly designed stands.
Lots of pretty promo girls, mainly from mainland Europe.
Many stands are giving out promo items like t-shirts, note books , key rings etc .
Every other stand has a complimentary bar set up , and some also have a DJ.
Complimentary cocktails , spirits n mixers, wines , beers , coffees and a little bit of food and desserts .
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At 6pm we went to The Fox pub nearby for the after event.
They had the big screens on.
We watched the second half live....England v Congo...
Harry Kane two goals saved us from an early embarrassing exit.
A big crowd of 300 or 400 here.
A DJ played tunes in the background.
Complimentary Aperol Spritz , wines, lagers , ciders , Guinness , canapes and Brownies .
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Tuesday 30 June 2026...5.15pm to 9.30pm...
IGB LIVE London - launch party - Big Easy Bar BBQ & Crabshack ,Canary Wharf , London E14.
IGB London is held at Excel , East London on 01 July and 02 July 2026.
iGB L!VE London is the must-attend event for iGaming professionals, bringing together operators, affiliates, tech vendors, game providers and innovators to forge trust-based partnerships that drive business growth.
The event delivers high-quality networking, showcases cutting-edge innovations, and provides market insights to help businesses thrive in a dynamic, competitive industry.
Must be around 300 guests here.
This venue has a nice large rooftop terrace , that holds 150.
We have a three piece band who are playing nice Blues and Americana type covers.
They played three sets of 30 mins each....tracks played included ..
Black Magic Woman
Do It Again
How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You
Route 66
Have You Ever Seen The Rain?
Complimentary Passion Fruit cocktails , prosecco , wines ,lagers ,Guinness and a full BBQ buffet of ribs, burgers , spicy chicken wings , king prawn rolls , onion rings, chips etc

Updated 30th June 2026 Permalink

Monday 29 June 2026.

Monday 29 June 2026.
FAOUZIA live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Faouzia ( aged 25), is a Canadian singer, songwriter and musician. Born in Casablanca, Morocco, she moved with her family to Canada at a young age. During that time she learned how to play various instruments, and began composing her first songs. She has released many singles from her EPs and the one album.
Shepherds Bush is the last date on her six city European Tour.
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The venue is rammed solid sold out.
The crowd is pretty much 75% females under the age 35.
Many young Arabian women here.
FAOUZIA and band on at 8.35pm for her 90 mins set.
Faouzia has long black hair , and a flowing white dress.
Some very nice vocals , mixing pop and a bit operatic.
Her fans are singing all the lyrics , and adore her.
Lyrics were mainly in French and English , but a couple were in Moroccan .
The only cover was an interesting version of Sting ' Desert Rose'.
She played piano on a couple of tracks.
Lots of graceful hand and arm twirling movements throughout .
An enjoyable show.
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Sunday 28 June 2026.
METALLICA live at Principality Stadium, Cardiff Wales
Metallica will continue their M72 World Tour in 2026 playing in-the-round with a 360° stage and central Snake Pit at all stadium shows. The tour returns to Europe and the UK for 16 dates across May, June, and July 2026, including stops in London, Dublin, and Cardiff.The stage is in the center of the field, allowing for a 360° view of the band and featuring the signature "Snake Pit".
Metallica 2026 European Tour will have an incredible 71 trucks production.
I have seen Metallica over a dozen times with the first times when they played Hammersmith Odeon in 1986 and 1988. I was also at the launch event for their Black album which was also at Hammersmith Odeon.
In May 2026 Metallica played to 88,000 at a stadium in Poland.
They are breaking stadium attendance records in other countries too.
The capacity for this concert at this Cardiff venue is 75,000.
Cardiff is their first full UK performance since they headlined the Download Festival in June 2023.
Additionally, the June 28, 2026 show at the Principality Stadium is historically significant for fans in Wales: it is their first-ever performance at the venue and their first time playing in Cardiff in 30 years, dating back to 1996
I saw Metallica play a few tracks at the Ozzy Osbourne Farewell Show at Villa Park in July 2025.
I have seen Metallica around a dozen times.
The first time was 40 years ago
1986 - Hammersmith Odeon with Anthrax supporting.
1988 - Hammersmith Odeon three shows with Danzig supporting.
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It is a massive 76,000 sold out show here for these rock legends.
Record breaking as it is the biggest attendance for a live music show in Wales .
The venue roof is closed tonight , which makes it feel like an arena .
Local staff told me " if it is a loud rock band , they close the roof, but if it is a pop band like Take That , the roof is open"....All down to noise levels.
The stage is a stunning in the round production, with The Snake Pit fans in the middle.
There are eight lighting / video towers dotted around the stage.
All the bands have use of the circular walkway and video screens.
KNOCKED LOOSE arrived on stage at 5pm for their 40 mins set
They played a good set of fast and heavy rock tracks.
GOJIRA arrived on stage at 6pm for their 60 mins set.
They played a good set of fast and heavy rock tracks.
They had more of a light show than Knocked Loose.
METALLICA arrived on stage at 7.45pm for their 2 hours 15 mins set.
Sooo many crunching rock gems played by them, especially in the second half.
Their traditional local song was Tom Jones ' Delilah'.
The four members make great use of the circular walkway, as they move positions .
Lars on drums had his drums in three different locations.
Metallica had fire and pyros a few times during the show.
James Hetfield and his usual banter " You Want Heavy? - Metallica gives you Heavy".
Around 50 large black and yellow beach balls dropped during ' Seek and Destroy'.
A fantastic show , and I will see them again in a London at the coming weekend.
Full Metallica setlist played tonight...
Tape - It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll) (AC/DC song)
Tape - The Ecstasy of Gold (Ennio Morricone song)
Creeping Death
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Cyanide
The Memory Remains
72 Seasons
The Unforgiven
Fuel
Kirk and Rob Doodle (cover of Tom Jones' "Delilah")
The Day That Never Comes
Wherever I May Roam
Nothing Else Matters
Sad but True
One
Seek & Destroy
Master of Puppets
Enter Sandman
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Friday 26 June 2026.
Very sad news that Chris O'Donnell has passed away aged 76 .
He was co-manager of Thin Lizzy as part of the Morrison - O'Donnell team.
Later in the 1980s , Morrison - O'Donnell would manage Ultravox.
More recently , he was working for Live Nation after Clear Channel rebranded their live music department.
Two of the great shows i attended thanks to Chris.
Chris worked with Carling Live and spearheaded their live music programme to promote the exclusive ' Pistols at The Palace ' at Crystal Palace in 2002 , and another exclusive when AC/DC played Hammersmith , to celebrate the renaming of the venue as The Carling Apollo in 2003..
When The Sex Pistols played Crystal Palace , he got me a poster of the event signed by all four members.
The day before the AC/DC show , we were with 50 other lucky guests to watch a four song AC/DC rehearsal at the venue.
Thanks for all the guest lists Chris...R.I.P.
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Thursday 25 June 2026..I went to two events tonight..
4.30pm to 9pm.
FESTIVAL OF BRANDS - summer showcase - Hilton Hotel , Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1.
Around 300 guests in the ballroom of this famous five star hotel.i
Maybe 80% females here .
Over 60 hotels from across Hilton's global portfolio have stands here showcasing.
There is some live entertainment.
We have a young female dance troupe.
A great female display from KIMMYBEATBOX
A black guy with full length dreads , sang some nice operatic tracks.
There was a F1 car simulator.
A DJ played some tracks in the background.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food as there are two bars and five food stations.
Five different cocktails , any spirits n mixers , Baileys etc , prosecco ,wines , beers , teas and coffees .
Lovely food including cheeseburgers, chicken curry , grilled pork chops , fish n chips , different bowl foods canapes and desserts .
then....
10.15pm to 12pm.
CYRANO DE BERGERAC - press/VIP night party - The Londoner Hotel ,Leicester Square ,London WC2.
The main event was held earlier at The Noel Coward Theatre.
It stars Adrian Lester .
Always nice to be in the ballroom of this five star hotel.
Around 300 guests are here.
Adrian Lester and the cast turn up.
David Tennant was was one of the guests.
A female DJ was playing tunes.
Complimentary wines , beers and cokes with ice and slice of lemon went down nicely.
Also canapes and desserts.

Updated 26th June 2026 Permalink

Wednesday 24 June 2026.

Wednesday 24 June 2026.
4 NON BLONDES live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
4 Non Blondes's debut album, Bigger, Better, Faster, More! (1992), spent 59 weeks on the US Billboard 200 and sold over six million copies worldwide.Its single "What's Up?" reached number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped twelve international charts, becoming the band's signature song. They reformed for a one-off gig in 2014, and announced a long-term reunion with four original members and new music in 2025.
' What's Up? ' reached number two in the UK singles charts in 1983.
The official video for it has passed two billion views on YouTube.
This show will be their first UK gig since 1994.
Their singer Linda Perry has written hits for many other artists.
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Level 3 is closed and space elsewhere , so maybe 1000 folks are here.
Support band Lucia & The Best Boys arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins set.
They are a Scottish indie rock band formed in Glasgow by lead vocalist and songwriter Lucia Fairfull.
They played a good set.
4 NON BLONDES arrived on stage at 9pm for their 85 mins set .
Linda Perry is wearing a large brimmed Boy George type hat.
Linda is joined by four musicians.
Half a dozen lighting poles are dotted around behind the stage.
Lots of good catchy pop rock tracks played
The highlight of the show was easily the first encore , which was their massive hit ,' What's Up? ' that was extended as Linda shook hands with fans from the pit area and got the crowd to sing the lyrics on their own.
An enjoyable show.
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Tuesday 23 June 2026...7.30pm to 10.45pm...
THE SERPENTINE GALLERY SUMMER PARTY - Kensington Gardens , London W2.
Salma Hayek Pinault, Alfonso Cuarón, Alejandro González Iñárritu, are all the co-hosts this year.
Salma Hayek married French billionaire businessman François-Henri Pinault in 2009.
This years architect is LANZA atelier.
One of the ' big three ' London celebrity social gatherings.
I was at the other two - The Royal Academy and V & A summer parties earlier this month.
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Must be over 20 photographers outside snapping the arrivals , and three or four of the main celebrity photographers like Dave Benett and Richard Young have inside access.
A big crowd of some 700 or 800 here. One of the major London summer parties as lots of big names here , or as The Standard paper that calls it " the London society event of the summer". Lots of women in very glamorous summer dresses .
Special guest Salma Hayek Pinault is co-host proceedings , so she was the main target of the photographers . Also here were Tico Torres ( Bon Jovi drummer), Jeff Goldblum, Richard E Grant , Daniel Lismore, Rebel Wilson, Lord Frederick Windsor, Lennie James, Jessie Ware, Pixie Geldof, Nicky Hilton Rothschild , Oliver Cheshire, Anish Kapoor, Grayson Perry , Pixie Lott, Zara Martin, Sienna Miller, Georgia May Jagger ,Isla Fisher , Alexander Chung , Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jenna Coleman, Ellie Goulding, Naomie Harris , Michael B. Jordan, Simon de Pury , Lady Ruth Rogers , Kyle MacLachlan, Celia Imrie , Maya Jama, Jackie St Clair, Ozwald Boateng, Richard Caring, Mark Strong and many more.
We have an Indian drummers display , a mariachi band and a couple of djs playing tunes.
Waiters everywhere topping up drinks and serving the food.
Complimentary Ruinart champers , three different cocktails , Whispering Angel wines , different bowl foods , canapes , desserts and a chocolate bricks station.
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Monday 22 June 2026.
Very sad news that music industry legend CLIVE DAVIS has died aged 94.
Davis was named President of Columbia Records in 1967, where he signed artists including Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Santana and Aerosmith.
He founded Arista Records in 1974, and the label went on to release music by Aretha Franklin, Barry Manilow, Patti Smith and the Grateful Dead.
In 1989, Davis co-founded LaFace Records with Babyface and L.A. Reid, the home of OutKast, TLC, Usher, Pink and Toni Braxton.
He later launched Bad Boy Records with Sean Combs, which released music by The Notorious B.I.G. and Faith Evans.
In 2000, he left Arista to launch J Records, which signed and developed Alicia Keys.
Between 2002 and 2008, Davis served as Chairman and CEO of the RCA Music Group.
He later became Chief Creative Officer of Sony Music Entertainment, a title he held until his death.
No artist became more closely associated with Davis than Whitney Houston, whom he signed to Arista in 1983.
Clive Davis is famously credited with orchestrating a massive, career-defining comeback for Rod Stewart in the early 2000s. Davis signed Stewart to his label, J Records, and encouraged him to pivot to a repertoire of classic American pop and jazz standards. All five albums were big sellers.

Updated 22nd June 2026 Permalink

Sunday 21 June 2026

Sunday 21 June 2026.
KANY GARCIA live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Kany García (now aged 43 ) is a Puerto Rican singer and songwriter.
She has released several albums over the past 20 years .
In 2006, García signed a recording contract with Sony BMG, releasing her debut album Cualquier Día (2007), which was a commercial success, spawning four top 40 singles on the Billboard Latin Tracks. She has won six Latin Grammy Awards out of twenty nominations and has been nominated for three Grammy Awards.
Fellow Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny plays stadium's worldwide .
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Level 1 and 2 seats are full, but stalls standing has plenty of space , and Level 3 is closed, so maybe 1000 tickets sold .
Must 80 per cent ' Señoritas" from Puerto Rica here.
KANY GARCIA arrived on stage at 8.30 pm for her 1 hour 50 mins set.
Kany was backed by six musicians.
Kany performed one track playing electric violin, and another playing piano.
Kany looks nice and slender in her sparkly black trousers.
A few words are spoken in English , but otherwise it is all in Spanish.
Lots of "Kany , Kany, Kany" throughout the evening.
Ticker tape cannons were used during the encore.
It ticked over ok and the crowd sang along and loved it.
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Saturday 20 June 2026.
ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS live at Shepherds Bush Empire .
His band will include Charlie Sexton on guitar.
The support act will be CHRIS DIFFORD from Squeeze.
I have seen both Elvis Costello and Squeeze around 20 times.
The first time for both was back in 1978.
I saw this nice pairing just a few days ago at The Royal Albert Hall.
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The venue is totally rammed sold out.
Lots of middle aged folks here .
CHRIS DIFFORD arrived on stage at 7.30pm for his 45 mins set.
Chris played the same songs as the Monday RAH show.
Several classic Squeeze gems in the set.
Exactly the same hilarious stage banter that the crowd loved.
ELVIS COSTELLO and THE IMPOSTERS arrived on stage at 8.45pm for their 2 hours 5 mins set.
I have seen a couple of dodgy Elvis reviews from this tour , and they mention that Elvis voice and overall sound is not what it should be , but overall it still sounds pretty good to me.
Elvis has a huge digital clock by his guitar foot pedals.
Elvis mentioned he was at this venue in the 1980s to do The Wogan Show.
The set is the same length as The Royal Albert Hall , but a couple of songs are dropped and added.
Most of his classics are again in the second half.
Maybe The Royal Albert Hall , was slightly better but still a great show here.

Updated 21st June 2026 Permalink

Friday 19 June 2026.

Friday 19 June 2026.
HARRY STYLES + SHANIA TWAIN live at Wembley Stadium.
Harry and Shania play show 4 of their 12 massive shows at Wembley.
I will be going back to see this great pairing for a third time.
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Another massive 80,000 or 90,000 sold out stadium show by Harry.
It is much hotter than the two shows I saw here last weekend.
I am in one the four premium viewing areas within the walkways.
Still cannot get over how much the mainly young female fans here are paying.
£800 - complimentary drinks and food all day , along with a goodie bag and first entry to this area.
£400 - second entry to this area.
£300 - entry here after the other two .
SHANIA TWAIN performs the same set , and is wearing another age defying outfit of black boots , long black gloves , and a short red satin dress , that's so short you can nearly see Colorado.
A really good set , with her two biggest hits at the end, ' That Don't Impress Me Much' and ' Man, I Feel Like a Woman', which get the crowd singing and dancing.
HARRY STYLES performs the same setlist, but it's a few minutes longer as a track is stopped halfway through as a female fan was in distress , so they replayed the track from the start.
Harry arrives on stage wearing short shorts , that send his fans wild.
Another time he notices a confusing fan sign that says ' I missed the Dog Bus for this concert ' which he got the female to explain in detail how it worked.
His band are all in nice pastel blue outfits.
Harry is very fit as he constantly dances and runs around the walkways.
He had two personal security chaps following his every move on the floor ,along with a female on phone film recording for his social.media purposes.
Halfway through the show , dusk appears and the light show goes full monty, and becomes a real spectacle as you look around the enormous crowd .
The encore is a real treat with fireworks and lasers for ' Sign of The Times' and 'As It Was' , with Harry running a couple of complete laps of the walkways blowing kisses to the fans.
A great show from a performer at the top of his game.
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Thursday 18 June 2026....I went to two events tonight...
6pm to 8pm .
Modern & Contemporary Art Evening & Afternoon Sale - preview - Phillips Gallery , 30 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1.
Only 50 or 60 guests here, compared to the usual 200 plus.
95 lots are on display, including by some big names like Tracey Emin.
The auction is held next week on 26 June 2026.
All guests got a complimentary sketch book and pencil on departure.
Complimentary Ruinart champers for the guests.
then nearby ...
8.05pm to 9.30pm .
MIU MIU - showcase - 150 New Bond Street , Mayfair London W 1.
The Miu Miu London flagship is located on the corner of New Bond Street and Bruton Street. The expansive 700-square-meter boutique over two floors offers the brand's full collections, blending a modern industrial aesthetic with warm, vintage design touches.
Around 100 guests here , with most upstairs where the female DJ is playing dance tracks.
A mainly younger crowd.
Not sure why this store always has a dozen security guys for their events.
Must be worried about their expensive items being stolen.
They have a dozen male models handing out the drinks and food .
Complimentary Laurent Perrier champers ,two different cocktails and canapes for the guests.
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Wednesday 17 June 2026. ...7.30pm to 10.15pm.
V & A Summer Party, South Kensington, London SW7.
One of the big three summer party celebrity events in London.
The Royal Academy , The V and A and The Serpentine Gallery.
A big crowd of around 800 guests here at this well known museum.
Held in their outside garden space , by the water feature. A high fashion event , with some stunning outfits. Lots of well known names here with a highlight being MICK JAGGER and girlfriend having a good chin wag with BOB GELDOF and MARIELLA FROSTRUP....even though it is a private event Mick has still brought his personal security guy ....they stay for an hour then nip off.
Music pr legend ALAN EDWARDS who told me he has just signed up Nickelback for their next album and tour
Nice surprise to see PETER SAVILLE ( English art director and graphic designer. He designed many record sleeves( including Joy Division and New Order) for Factory Records , which he co-founded in 1978 alongside Tony Wilson and Alan Erasmus.
Also here RISHI SUNAK, DAVID FURNISH, DAVID HAREWOOD , STEPHEN WEBSTER, DANIEL LISMORE, LADY VICTORIA HERVEY , JACKIE ST CLAIR, BASIA BRIGGS, HARRIS REED, MAYA JAMA, EMILY MAITLIS, ELLIE GOULDING , GRAYSON PERRY and PHILIPPA PERRY , OLLY ALEXANDER , GRACE DENT , MARY CHARTERIS,
ANAIS GALLAGHER, PIXIE LOTT, VICK HOPE , FAT TONY , JODIE HARSH, and many more.
A DJ surrounded by flowers on a podium in the middle of the water feature area , played tracks before and after the live act....JESSIE WARE performed at 8.40pm for a five song 20 mins set.
She was backed by two male dancers and backing tapes.
Complimentary Nyetimber English Sparkling Wines and two different cocktails along with different bowl foods and canapes.
This event is always a top notch evening

Updated 18th June 2026 Permalink

Tuesday 16 June 2026

Tuesday 16 June 2026....opening night gig for this new venue...
SELF ESTEEM live at The Arc , Olympia, West Kensington, London.
AEG Presents has revealed the first wave of artists performing at London’s most anticipated new venue, British Airways ARC. The 3,800-capacity state-of-the-art, purpose-built live music and events venue is located above the existing west exhibition hall in Olympia, a site steeped in musical history.
The first wave of artists performing at British Airways ARC includes Self Esteem on two nights, including the June 16, 2026 opening night, followed by McFly on June 18.
Sammy Hagar and Joan Jett play separate shows there in July.
Van Morrison and The Damned are also booked in.
I saw some big names play here in the late 1970s , including Status Quo ,Thin Lizzy , Bad Company and six shows by Rod Stewart (1976 to 1978).
Self Esteem has just finished a theatre stint in The West End.
Pop star and actress Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem) and screen legend Phil Daniels starred in the 50th-anniversary revival of David Hare's play Teeth 'n' Smiles.The production enjoyed a 12-week run at the Duke of York's Theatre in London's West End, which finished on 06 June 2026.
Self Esteem has released three albums ,with the last two reaching 11 and 5 in the UK charts.
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This was the long awaited opening night gig for this new venue.
The exhibition halls are open as usual for their events , so i did wonder where the new venue would be.
We go up escalator / lift and it looks like the venue and a couple of the restaurants have been built on top of the Olympia.
The venue is very full , but not sold out as their website was still selling tickets on the day.
I was expecting a bit of razzle dazzle or red carpet tonight ,but it's pretty much low-key , like a normal gig.
Inside it reminds me mostly of Indigo at The O2 Arena complex.
There is a long bar at the back of the stalls , and those self serve lager/cider machines.
The stalls standing are tiered at the back , and the sound quality is perfect .
Lovely plush seats upstairs.
£8.50 for a pint of decent lager/cider or £8.30 for that Carlsberg stuff.
JOSHUA IDEHEN arrived on stage at 7.30pm for his 30 mins set.
He was backed by a DJ playing the backing tracks, for his lively set.
SELF ESTEEM arrived on stage at 8.30pm for her 80 mins set .
Her backing musicians were a drummer and percussionist.
Self Esteem was joined by seven female dancers/ backing singers.
The first couple of tracks the eight of them were dressed as nuns.
Lots of great dance routines, and they sounded great when all sang as a choir.
A big screen showing pre-recorded images.
In the middle of the show a couple of inflatables appeared along with a giant disco ball.
It was a visually arresting, confessional experience that perfectly balanced theatre and gig energy.
A really good show.
Full SELF ESTEEM setlist played tonight...
I Do and I Don't Care
Mother
Lies ( with Nadine Shah)
69
You Forever
Logic, Bitch!
Prioritise Pleasure
Fucking Wizardry
The Curse
In Plain Sight (with Moonchild Sanelly)
What Now
The 345
Cheers to Me
If Not Now, It’s Soon
The Deep Blue Okay
Encore:
I Do This All the Time
Focus Is Power
then
10pm to 12pm
was the aftershow in the venues VIP bar.
Around 60 or 70 folks here .
A couple of Self Esteems dancers turned up.
It is a proper gig aftershow ( i.e. free booze).
For most bands it is a pay bar these days.
Complimentary Nyetimber English Sparkling Wines , different cocktails, spirits n mixers , wines and beers.
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Monday 15 June 2026.
ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS live at The Royal Albert Hall.
His band will include Charlie Sexton on guitar.
The support act will be CHRIS DIFFORD from Squeeze.
I have seen both Elvis Costello and Squeeze around 20 times each.
The first time for both was back in 1978.
His UK tour also includes....
Thursday 18 June at Hampton Court Palace.
Saturday 20 June at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Both Elvis Costello and Chris Difford are now aged 71.
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The venue looks full with the middle aged older folks.
They can afford the expensive tickets.
Gallery standing up in the gods is £60, seats downstairs and seats in boxes are £160 and £140 each.
CHRIS DIFFORD arrived on stage at 7.30pm for his 45 mins set.
Just the two musicians on stage.
Chris on vocals and acoustic guitar.
With Melvyn Duffy (electric guitar & pedal steel).
Chris did a great set , that included several Squeeze gems , that was mixed in with some hilarious stage chat.
He was a perfect support act for Elvis Costello , as the crowd sang the words to all the Squeeze hits
The crowd gave him a full standing ovation at the end.
Full CHRIS DIFFORD setlist played tonight...
Take Me I'm Yours (Squeeze song)
Deptford
Up the Junction (Squeeze song)
Lamas Fayre
Pulling Mussels (From the Shell) (Squeeze song)
Freddie and the Dreamers
Is That Love (Squeeze song)
Cowboys Are My Weakness
Labelled With Love (Squeeze song)
Tempted (Squeeze song)
Cool for Cats (Squeeze song)
ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS arrived on stage at 8.45pm for their 2 hours 5 mins set.
Elvis is wearing some gold shoes.
Nice to see Charlie Sexton on guitar , and other musicians include long time chums from The Attractions ,
Steve Nieve on keyboards and Pete Thomas on drums.
A perfect setlist that had all his best known songs on it.
Elvis mixes the setlist around a bit each night .
It was a great show.
Full ELVIS COSTELLO setlist played tonight...
This Year's Girl / You Can't Do That (Elvis Costello & The Attractions cover)
Mystery Dance ( Elvis Costello & The Attraction cover)
Watching the Detectives ( Elvis Costello song )
Little Triggers (Elvis Costello & The Attractions cover)
Watch Your Step (Elvis Costello & The Attractions cover)
Look Out For the Leaver Man (Solo acoustic, early song with elements of Accidents Will Happen)
Opportunity ( Elvis Costello & The Attractions cover)
Lovers Walk (Elvis Costello & The Attractions cover)
Everyday I Write the Book ( Elvis Costello & The Attractions cover)
Almost Blue / All or Nothing at All ( Elvis Costello & The Attractions cover)
Who Will the Next Fool Be (Charlie Rich cover)
A Good Year for the Roses (George Jones cover)
Lovable (Elvis Costello & The Attractions cover)
Alison ( Elvis Costello song)
Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind? (Elvis Costello & The Attractions cover)
I Can't Stand Up for Falling Down (Sam & Dave cover)
High Fidelity (Elvis Costello & The Attractions cover)
Wonder Woman ( Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint cover)
Radio Radio (Elvis Costello & The Attractions cover)
Less Than Zero (Elvis Costello song)
Shipbuilding (Elvis Costello & The Attractions cover)
Oliver's Army (Elvis Costello & The Attractions cover)
Clubland (Elvis Costello & The Attractions cover)
(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea (Elvis Costello & The Attractions cover) (with band introductions and solos)
Pump It Up ( Elvis Costello & The Attractions cover)
(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding (Brinsley Schwarz cover)
Outro Song Tape - Donald Where's Your Troosers (Andy Stewart song)

Updated 16th June 2026 Permalink

Saturday 13 June 2026.

Saturday 13 June 2026.
HARRY STYLES + SHANIA TWAIN live at Wembley Stadium.
I am back to see show number 2 of his 12 massive shows here.
I saw three reviews from the opening night.
The Telegraph gave it five stars , and the Standard and Independent both gave it four stars .
The Gold Circle area or known tonight as Premium Enclosure Standing Areas (Kiss, Disco, Circle, Square):
are a whopping £280 plus vat is £315 a ticket.
I have a perfect view as I am in Square , within the three stage extension walkways .
SHANIA TWAIN is in a silver mini dress and boots, and is really great.
I thought it was a surprise booking to see her as the support act , when it was announced, but Shania was a perfect choice and went down great both nights with Harry's fans.
Both acts performed the same setlist as the night before.
HARRY STYLES really knows how to keep his female fans happy.
Pretty much the same stage chat between songs.
I only know 3 or 4 Harry Styles tracks but you gotta appreciate the joy he brings to all the females here.
Again lots of handmade signs in the crowd, as Harry again picks a couple out.
Tonight a chosen one was " At Wembley , to celebrate my divorce".
" Respect Your Mother " t- shirts dotted around.
A funny sight was 20 females dancing around a 12 inch Harry doll.
Another sold out show , and another cracking visual treat.
You can check some great video footage on YouTube.
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Friday 12 June 2026.
HARRY STYLES + SHANIA TWAIN live at Wembley Stadium.
Harry is playing a massive world tour, that includes a record breaking TWELVE nights at Wembley Stadium.
He beats the previous Wembley Stadium record set by Coldplay of ten nights .
That means around a million tickets sold for Wembley.
Support at Wembley comes from SHANIA TWAIN.
Country pop superstar Shania Twain has sold over 100 million albums worldwide.
She played a celebratory legend’s slot performance at Glastonbury Festival in 2024, that included her big hits 'That Don’t Impress Me Much ' and ' Man! I Feel Like A Woman!'.
Harry's tour includes 30 , yes 30 shows at Madison Square Garden.
With the domestic sports season now complete, Wembley Stadium is gearing up for “its biggest summer of music ever,” according to a press release from the iconic stadium. Between June and September, Wembley will host a record-breaking 34 concerts featuring some of the world’s biggest artists, many of whom will perform multiple shows back to back, making for the highest number of music events staged at the venue in a single year to date.
I saw Harry Styles headline Wembley Stadium in 2022.
I have seen Shania Twain at Wembley Arena in 2004.
Cheapest tickets on the pitch are £140.
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The stadium tonight is a 80,000 or 90,000 capacity sold out.
As expected it is mainly females here, with many dressed up.
Great to have a big name support .
SHANIA TWAIN arrived on stage at 6.55pm for her 55 mins set.
Shania is fully glammed up, and it's hard to believe she is aged 60.
Shania has plenty of her own fans here .
A huge production with three catwalk stage extensions.
Both Harry and Shania have female drummers.
Shania had full use of the walkways and the big screens.
Her band played on silver podiums in the two corners .
Her biggest two tracks at the end ( That Don't Impress Me Much
and Man! I Feel Like a Woman) got everyone on their feet singing and dancing.
Her simple country pop tracks were really great.
Full SHANIA TWAIN setlist played...
Don't Be Stupid (You Know I Love You)
Up!
I'm Gonna Getcha Good!
Giddy Up!
Any Man of Mine
Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?
You're Still the One
Dirty Rosie
(If You're Not in It for Love) I'm Outta Here!
That Don't Impress Me Much
Man! I Feel Like a Woman
HARRY STYLES arrived on stage at 8.20pm for his 1 hour 55 mins set.
Harry has four types of gold circle rectangular area wristbands.
Early bangers included ' Golden' and 'Watermelon Sugar'.
Harry has a string section for several songs.
Midway through the show, Harry and band play a couple of tracks in the middle of the stage extensions.
There are lasers for a couple of songs , and a very nice firework display on top of the roof for the encore
Harry is dancing lots around the three interconnecting walkways.
He recently ran the Berlin Marathon in just under three hours.
He is exposing his white socks , with short trousers just like Michael Jackson did.
Watching the crowd hang on to his every word at this big shows is great.
The atmosphere inside the stadium tonight was totally fantastic.
Lots of stage chat from Harry ,including reminiscing about his audition for The X Factor, 16 years ago.
"Just outside of this building, just next door in Wembley Arena, my sister brought me to London for the very first time," said the star, who was born in Redditch and raised in Cheshire.
"It was… in that building that I was put in a band. We were called One Direction," he recalled, prompting screams.
Before a show-stealing rendition of 'Aperture' , Styles pays tribute on the big screens to artist David Hockney ( who passed away the day before ) – whom he sat for a portrait with in 2022 – displaying a quote about the importance of communal experiences in art.
Harry certainly wants to be taken as a serious artist , rather than ex boy band member.
Final song was his biggest hit ' As It Was' with him running around the entire stage walkways blowing kisses to the fans.
It was a very enjoyable show, and a full on stadium spectacle.
Full HARRY STYLES setlist played tonight....
Tape intro song - Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon & Garfunkel song) (Elvis Presley version)
Act I
Are You Listening Yet?
Golden
Adore You ( Extended outro)
Watermelon Sugar
Music for a Sushi Restaurant
Taste Back (Contains elements of Underworld's "Born Slippy")
Coming Up Roses (With string section)
Fine Line (With string section, teased “Night Changes” and “Falling”)
Night Changes / Falling / History (Instrumental cover by the string section)
Act II
Italian Girls ( Instrumental interlude, put a bell on your bicycle)
American Girls
Keep Driving (Shortened outro)
X-Stage in the centre
Ready, Steady, Go!
Dance No More (With band introductions)
Treat People With Kindness (Contains elements of Talking Heads' "This Must Be the Place" and Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al")
Pop
A-Stage
Season 2 Weight Loss (Saxophone outro)
Carla's Song (Contains elements of "Satellite")
Aperture
Encore:
Little Freak (Tour debut)
Sign of the Times (With string section)
As It Was (Alternate, extended version; Grammy 2023 reprise)
Tape outro song - Souvenir ( Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark song)

Updated 13th June 2026 Permalink

Thursday 11 June 2026.

Thursday 11 June 2026...6.30pm to 10pm....
Private view at 180 Studios, 180 Strand , London WC2.
The current major art show at 180 The Strand is GENER8ION: VISIONS OF 2034, an immersive audiovisual exhibition by filmmaker Romain Gavras and musician Surkin.The exhibition—running through July 31—transforms the underground spaces of the brutalist building into a fictional, skewed world of 2034.
It features ten multimedia works, including seven new short films and an immersive sound installation that explores "peripheral dystopias".Collaborators: The project features appearances by Yung Lean, 070 Shake, Foals' Yannis Philippakis, and Charlize Theron.
Admission is £15 ...and concessions get in for £10.
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If feels a bit like Spinal Tap as you walk through the different rooms , with many in near darkness.
A big crowd of maybe 200 or 300 here ....a DJ is playing the main space.
Complimentary drinks and food , including two different cocktails ,prosecco ,wines , beers ,
Ham, cheese, salumi, charcuterie and three different flavour donuts and French desserts.
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Wednesday 10 June 2026....7pm to 10pm...
ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS - Summer Exhibition Preview Party , Piccadilly, London W1.
Over 1500 works of art on display in the dozen rooms.
Must be over 800 guests at this glamorous art event.
Over a dozen photographers here in the courtyard for the celebrity arrivals.
Lots of well known faces here.
Nice to see LILY ALLEN and LUKE MORLEY from Thunder .
Also Grayson Perry , Claudia Winkleman ,Kelly Hoppen, Henry Holland , Fat Tony , Munroe Bergdorf, Vick Hope, Lennon Gallagher , Grace Dent , Alex Jones , Brian Cox , Elle Eyre , Jessie Ware ,
Clara Amfo, Jackie St Clair, Basis Briggs , Daisy Lowe , Jonathan Shalit and many more .
Three DJs spin tunes for 45 mins each.
At 9.30pm we have the live act .
If the weather is nice they play outside in the courtyard , but tonight it is indoors .
SASHA KEABLE arrived on stage at 9.30pm for her 30 mins set.
A white female and a soulful r n b set , with hints of Adele .
She was backed by keyboards and drums .
Sasha has released singles and EPs over the past couple of years and has been nominated for a BRIT Award and MOBO Award.
Lots of nice complimentary drinks and food , including Fortnums champers , four different cocktails and wines.
A seafood buffet including oysters along with bowl foods , canapes and tubs of ice cream.
Then the after party for around 150 guests at Fortnum & Mason 3rd floor bar.
10pm to 12.30pm
Tonight's performer Sasha Keable was here , and a couple of other celebs.
The DJ got the folks dancing.
Complimentary Fortnums champers , seven different cocktails , wines and canapes.
All guests got a three item goodie bag of Fortnums chocolates, a 200ml bottle of Fortnums champers and cocktail voucher cards to use in their bar.

Updated 11th June 2026 Permalink

Tuesday 09 June 2026.

Tuesday 09 June 2026.
A very sad day as i went to a funeral of an ex work colleague.
The dreaded cancer claimed him at the young age of 61.
North East Surrey Crematorium , Morden then the wake at The Oaks Golf Club, Carshalton .
Good to several ex work mates again.
then the train back into town...
7pm to 8pm
South Asian Modern Art - private view - Grosvenor Gallery, 35 Bury Street , St James's, London SW1.
Around 50 guests at this gallery around the corner from Christies.
Complimentary prosecco and white wines.
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Monday 08 June 2026...6pm to 11.45pm...
NATIONAL RESTAURANT AWARDS at Magazine, North Greenwich , London SE10 .
Around 500 guests here tonight .
The venue has outdoor space and views by the river . Plenty of seating indoors and outdoors .
At 8.15pm we are all seated for an hour in the room next door to the bars and food trucks for the awards.
We have the Top 100 restaurants in the UK countdown.
Nice to see I have been to a couple of them .
The Ritz was number one last year , but this year it was number two.
A DJ was playing tunes in the background before and after the awards .
Lots of complimentary drinks and food for all. Piper Heidsieck Champagne, four different cocktails, wines, Estrella Damm lagers , ciders and the five different food trucks who were all located outside.
The Top 10 were ...
1.Bouchon Racine
2.Osip/The Ritz
3.Dorian
4.The Ledbury
5.Moor Hall
6.Ynyshir
7.Mountain
8.Trinity
9.Woven by Adam Smith
10.Legado
Check www.nationalrestaurantawards.co.uk for the full 100 list.
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Sunday 07 June 2026....6pm show...
ABBA VOYAGE show at The Abba Arena, Stratford, East London.
Pudding Mill Lane Station DLR is actually much nearer than Stratford Station to the venue.
First there was the comeback album, and now are the live shows...sort of.
The ‘immersive theatre’ is the purpose-built 3,000-capacity ABBA Arena where audiences will be able to watch a special concert that mixes a live ten-piece band ( including three female backing singers), with an ultra-high-tech pre-recorded motion-capture performance from the four members of ABBA:
The show is the first music offering from George Lucas’s Industrial Light & Magic special effects company.
Floor standing or reserved seating available.
The show will feature hits and a couple of tracks from their 2021:' Voyage' album, which was their first new material for over 40 years.
They have sold over a staggering FOUR MILLION tickets for this show....despite the location .
They recently celebrated their fourth birthday anniversary in May 2026.
It has been a huge success ,despite high ticket prices that start at £40 and go well over £100. and is now booking to January 2027.
I saw the real Abba at The Royal Albert Hall in 1977.
Their last shows in London were six nights at Wembley Arena in 1979.
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This show has just celebrated its fourth birthday , but somehow it's my first time seeing it.
Amazingly it is still selling out , as tonight the 3000 capacity venue is very full.
Lots of folks in Abba type glam outfits.
Strictly no photos or filming of the show allowed.
Needless to say , visually it is fantastic.
Amazing light show, superb sound quality and the big screens are great .
The avatars are very clever and impressive.
A very enjoyable show.
The last five tracks were ...
Waterloo
Money Money, Money
Thank You For The Music
Dancing Queen
Encore :
Winner Takes It All
Then the original four members appeared on the big screens from the opening night in 2022.

Updated 7th June 2026 Permalink

Saturday 06 June 2026.

Saturday 06 June 2026.
STEVE DIOR live at The Stewart Arms , London W11....8pm...free entry gig...
The pub is 3 mins walk from Shepherds Bush Central Line .
Steve Dior is a British singer, guitarist and songwriter best known for being in bands such as The London Cowboys,Filthy Lucre , The Idols and other musical projects over the past 50 years.
He played guitar in the band that backed Sid Vicious in New York in 1978.
I saw The London Cowboys in 1982 and 1983.
Steve has survived heroin addiction.
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Maybe 50 or 60 folks here at this pub, and good to see many that I know.
STEVE DIOR was joined by two other musicians on electric guitar and stand up double bass.
Steve Dior is on vocals and acoustic guitar .
They played or 90 mins over two sets of 40 mins and 50 mins.
As expected it was a bit casual and loose .
There was an hour gap between the two sets .
A nice mix of tracks by Steve Dior Band , London Cowboys and covers from the likes of Johnny Thunders and David Johansen .
Setlist included...
Jones Way - Steve Dior Band
Song For The Wicked - Steve Dior Band
Three great Johnny Thunders related tracks , Pipeline, Take a Chance with Me and You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory
Heart of Gold - David Johansen
California Rain - Steve Dior Band
Hook , Line and Dinker - The London Cowboys
We even had a raffle for signed vinyl in the second set.
A fun night.
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Friday 05 June 2026.
THE STREETS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
The Streets (Mike Skinner) have released six albums.
They had a few hit singles which reached the Top 40 on the UK Singles chart – including "Has It Come to This?", "Fit but You Know It", "Dry Your Eyes" (their only number-one single), "When You Wasn't Famous" and "Prangin' Out". After disbanding The Streets in 2011, Skinner pursued several other musical projects.
I have seen The Streets a few times , with the first time supporting Muse at Wembley Stadium in 2007.
This show sold out very quickly , as it's a smallish gig for them......As part of a UK and European Tour.
The Streets will play two massive outdoor shows at ⁠Alexandra Palace Park on 16 July and 18 July 2026.
That's 15,000 capacity each show.
Mike Skinner and his band are performing their landmark 2004 album ' A Grand Don't Come For Free ' in full.
The album has sold over a million copies .
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The venue is rammed solid by the time The Streets hit the stage .
A rowdy loud crowd who are drinking the bars dry.
Another mixed crowd , with folks ages ranging from 20's to 60's
GOOD HEALTH GOOD WEALTH arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins set.
Two white guys on stage , with an electric guitar and backing tapes..
They were an ideal support act for The Streets .
Playing tracks from their debut album ' For Once In Our Lives'.
A distinctly British debut — drawing from The Streets, Gorillaz and Ian Dury to build something entirely unique.
The duo are about ethics not politics, and want to spread positivity and unity.
Their own headline tour includes a London show at Islington Assembly Hall on 27 Nov 2026.
THE STREETS arrived on stage at 9pm for their 1 hour 40 mins set.
Mike is joined by a four piece band and two backing singers (M and F).
For the first half of the set. ‘A Grand Don’t Come For Free’ is an unabashed classic, and it’s perfect for the ‘album in full’ celebration treatment. Front to back it follows a clear narrative, and about half of the songs make no sense out of context (there’s a reason he’d never played four of them live before this tour). This allows Mike Skinner to lean into his theatrical side. The bus stop from the album artwork sits in the middle of the stage and gives him something to work with as he wanders forlornly (‘Such A Twat’ and ‘Dry Your Eyes’) or gets into an argument with Simone (‘Get Out Of My House’), who’s “played” by one of the back-up vocalists.
Along with the two singers, there’s also live bass, guitar, drums and keys. This works beautifully on high-tempo numbers like ‘Fit But You Know It’ . But overall the sound has clearly been carefully considered and it’s performed well, with Skinner’s vocals running the gamut from glee to anger to despair to hungover.
But for those here for the party-starting piss-up, the second half of the set has you covered. There’s a choice selection from the equally landmark ‘Original Pirate Material’; ‘Has it Come To This?’ is garage perfection and ‘Don’t Mug Yourself’ is lively to make sure everyone is going appropriately bonkers.
As you’d expect, there’s a smattering of newer songs that may not be cherished favourites, but they’re chosen mostly for their bass lines and shout-a-long choruses so there’s never a dull moment. Skinner is down in the pit for a good chunk of this half, chatting shit with the crowd and having a whale of a time. He upturns a monitor to balance precariously for ‘Wrong Answers Only’ and then crowd surfs front stalls standing for the closing ‘Take Me As I Am’.
Mike Skinner is quite a unique artist in many ways.
A very enjoyable show.
Full setlist played by The Streets tonight...
Main set was A Grand Don't Come For Free album in full.
It Was Supposed to Be So Easy
Could Well Be In (!with Roo Savill)
Not Addicted
Blinded by the Lights
Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way
Get Out of My House (with Roo Savill)
Fit but You Know It
Such a Twat
What Is He Thinking?
Dry Your Eyes
Empty Cans (!with Roo Savill)
Encore
Turn the Page
Who's Got the Bag (Mike performs part of song in the crowd)
Let's Push Things Forward
Don't Mug Yourself
Never Went to Church
Utopia
The Escapist
Has It Come to This
Weak Become Heroes
Wrong Answers Only
Take Me as I Am (Mike crowd surfs)

Updated 5th June 2026 Permalink

Thursday 04 June 2026.

Thursday 04 June 2026...6.30pm to 10pm...
MIMOSA - cocktail bar launch party - 64 Clapham High Street , London SW4.
Mimosa is a massive, multi-space cocktail bar and restaurant on Clapham High Street ⁠Best of Clapham Instagram. Replacing the former Sixty Four Cocktail Bar and adjoining Brazilian restaurant, the venue features elevated sharing plates, resident DJs, and a lush rooftop garden .
We are sat on a nice cosy sofa up in the mezzanine press/VIP area.
There is a DJ spinning tunes, and a live sax player wandering around the crowd, and a female fire breathing act at 9pm .
Good to see a few proper security guys here , with full on muscles.
Nice complimentary drinks and food included three different cocktails, prosecco , wines, beers ,canapes and desserts .
A very enjoyable evening, and travel went well , despite the tube strike, as the venue is near to Clapham High Street station on the Windrush Line , which was not part of the tube strike.
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Thursday 04 June 2026.
50 years ago today i saw AC/DC at The Marquee .
It was the fourth time I had seen them , even though they only arrived in London only six weeks earlier.
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Wednesday 03 June 2026.
RILO KILEY live at Shepherds Bush Empire .
Rilo Kiley are returning to the UK for their first performances in 19 years, playing two headlining shows in London as part of a highly-anticipated reunion.
Rilo Kiley are an American indie rock band based in Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1998, the band are fronted by Jenny Lewis on lead vocals , who has also released solo albums and acted in films.
RILO KILEY have released a few albums.
This is their second London show , as they play The Roundhouse the day before this show.
Shepherds Bush Empire sold out in advance.
Support comes from Matthew Caws , who is the lead singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter for the alternative rock band Nada Surf.
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A nice range of ages here , with folks in their 20's up to folks in their 60's.
MATTHEW CAWS arrived on stage at 8pm for his 30 mins set
Just him and his acoustic guitar ticked along nicely.
RILO KILEY arrived on stage at 9pm for their 1 hour 40 mins set.
Five of them on stage, with Jenny Lewis singing most of the lead vocals.
Very nice jangly guitars from the two guitarists.
Rows of lights at the rear lower half of the stage, looked good.
Jenny Lewis effortlessly balances sultry, soulful vocals with the vulnerable, stark songwriting that defined the band's catalog.
Guitarist Blake Sennett generally looks completely thrilled to be back on stage, often taking lead vocal duties on tracks like "Dreamworld" and "Ripchord".
A superb highlight was final song of the main set 'Portions for Foxes'.
This live experience feels less like a traditional concert and more like a collective exhale for audiences who thought a reunion might never happen.
Jenny Lewis said " great to be back in this room , where we played in 2007".
Their loyal crowd loved this very enjoyable show.
Full RILO KILEY setlist played tonight...
The Execution of All Things
Spectacular Views
Paint's Peeling
The Moneymaker
Dreamworld
I Never
Close Call
It's a Hit
Does He Love You?
Ripchord
The Good That Won't Come Out
Breakin' Up
Silver Lining
With Arms Outstretched
A Better Son/Daughter
Portions for Foxes
Encore:
Let Me Back In
Frug
Pictures
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Tuesday 02 June 2026....6.30pm to 9.15pm...
THE OLIVE OIL BAR - launch party - 6 Monmouth Street ,Covent Garden, London WC2.
Last year, an olive oil pop-up arrived in Notting Hill and proved to be a big hit. So much so that it's back for another year, but this time heading to central London, popping up at Covent Garden.
From 03 June to 29 June 2026.
Coming once again from Citizens of Soil, The Olive Oil bar will be a month-long pop-up devoted to all things olive oil. There will be walk-in tastings at all times, where you can try all their olive oils, but if you're more organised, you can book one of their masterclasses. On offer will be 90-minute masterclasses (starting at £15), which will cover everything from cooking with the oils to pairing with food and wine (they'll be teaming up with Naked Wines for those wine tastings).
So if you really love all things olive oil, this will be worth heading down to.
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The store is full , with maybe 60 or 70 guests.
There are olive oil tastings and demonstrations.
An entertaining welcome speech at 7pm.
Complimentary English Sparkling Rose , Olive Oil Vodka Martinis , cans of beers , canapes infused with olive oil and ice cream scoops drizzled with olive oil.

Updated 31st May 2026 Permalink

Saturday 30 May 2026.

Saturday 30 May 2026.
Champions League Final in Budapest...5pm kick off...
Arsenal play PSG.
It is live via TNT , but not on any free to view channel.
You can watch it in pubs and other venues if they have TNT.
It will be live on the radio , and highlights on Match Of The Day at 10.30pm.
John Lydon is a big fan and will be watching the game in Spain before he comes on stage.
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Thursday 28 May 2026....I went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 9pm.
Flannels , 167 Oxford Street , London W1.
PALM ANGELS X Hï IBIZA launch party
Club culture meets Ibiza's boundless spirit. Ft. custom-designed tie-dyed pieces inspired by Mediterranean sunsets and nocturnal euphoria. They were on display on the ground floor.
The party is held in their downstairs space.
The usual huge digital images along three of the walls.
A female DJ then a male DJ playing lively tunes in the middle of the venue.
Folks were dancing for the last hour or so.
Amazingly it was an older woman who started the dancing off .
See my Facebook page for a video of her dancing skills.
Complimentary spirits n mixers , prosecco , wines and beers for all the guests.
then ....
10pm to 12pm
BEETLEJUICE - press night after-party - The Crypt , Trafalgar Square , London WC2..
The show was on earlier at The Prince Edward Theatre .
It is on there until 17 April 2027.
A very big crowd as must be over 500 guests here.
The cast are here , but no familiar names that i know.
Complimentary prosecco , wines , beers , cans of Orangina , different bowl foods and canapes .
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Wednesday 27 May 2026....I went to two events today...
JIMMY TARBUCK live at The Beck Theatre, Hayes, Middlesex.
2.30pm to 4.30pm afternoon show...as part of his Farewell Tour.
Early start early finish , so us seniors can get home for dinner time.
Jimmy Tarbuck (now aged 86 ) is an English comedian, singer, actor, entertainer and game show host.
British entertainment legend celebrates 60 years in show business.
Born in Liverpool , he was friends with The Beatles and Cilla Black back in the 1960s.
Jimmy went to school with John Lennon from 1945-1951.
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Not sold out , so maybe 400 tickets sold out of the 600 capacity .
As expected it is mainly an older crowd , as some well into collecting their pensions.
JIMMY TARBUCK performed for 80 mins over two sets of 40 mins.
He is standing up for most of the show and looks in good health.
There is a big screen showing some of his video clips , including when he scored a penalty at Wembley Stadium in 1988 in a showbiz football game.
His stories from the early days in Liverpool to the bright lights of the London Palladium are delivered with a mixture of pride, humility and that trademark Liverpudlian sparkle.
The evening unfolded like a guided tour through British entertainment history.
Tarbuck’s memories of working alongside Bruce Forsyth, Des O’Connor, Tommy Cooper, Kenny Lynch , Ronnie Corbett and the immense variety stars of the 1960s and 70s were told with affection rather than self-importance.
Playing golf with Bob Hope , and meeting Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra.
There was a Q n A session with the audience.
Tarbuck shares the spotlight with the people who shaped him, colleagues who inspired him and audiences who kept him going.
There is no bitterness nor cynicism, just gratitude and a genuine love for the craft.
Jimmy signed his autobiography and tour programme for folks after the show in the foyer.
then
7pm to 11pm.
POWER BALLAD - film launch party - Guinness Vaults , Guinness Brewery , 5 Langley Street , Covent Garden, London WC2.
My first visit to the huge Guinness complex that opened in Dec 2025.
The Guinness Open Gate Brewery London in Covent Garden is a sprawling, £73 million micro-brewery and visitor experience spanning multiple historic buildings in Old Brewers Yard. Officially opened in December 2025 by King Charles III, the site features a micro-brewery, tasting rooms, dining spaces, and event venues.Site Features & Experiences .The Brewery & Tours: Led by Master Brewer Hollie Stephenson, the facility brews 11 limited-edition craft brews and seasonal specials alongside classic favorites. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the brewing process and pour their own pints.The Store: Located on Neal Street, this retail space offers custom experiences, exclusive fashion/art collaborations, and limited-edition merchandise.The Guinness Vaults: An underground, multifunctional event space located on Langley Street for private hires and community/consumer cultural events.
Around 200 guests are in their Vaults space downstairs.
The film ' Power Ballad ' stars Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas.
There are images and posters of the film dotted around.
The film is in cinemas from 29 May 2026.
At 8pm we had four live music performances of 15 mins each.
Richard Fairlie
Bryony Dunn & The Forest
Sherika Sherard
SOFIA GOBBI and her band was the last act on and the best of the four acts.
Lively indie pop tracks from her debut album ' Better Man'.
Complimentary Guinness, lagers, wines , beef & Guinness pies , chicken pies and canapes .
All guests got a goodie bag with a t-shirt of the film.
About the film...
Rick Power, wedding singer, meets washed up former boy band singer Danny Wilson at a wedding one night, and they bond over a jam session. After the jam session, Danny steals one of Rick's songs, and it becomes a number one hit. This brings Danny back into popularity, leading to Rick seeking out revenge and recognition.
Paul Rudd as Rick Power
Nick Jonas as Danny Wilson
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Wednesday 27 May 2026.
THE SEX PISTOLS classic anthem ' God Save The Queen ' was released this day 49 years ago in 1977.
It came out on the exact date of my 18th birthday .
Happy Birthday to SIOUXSIE SIOUX who is 69 today.

Updated 26th May 2026 Permalink

Monday 25 May 2026

Monday 25 May 2026.
MIDGE URE live at The Barbican.
Midge ( now aged 72) is playing a full UK tour .
A curated live experience that reimagines Midge Ure's career as one flowing narrative. Celebrating over 40 years of innovation, from glam and punk to synth pop and orchestral textures.
This bold new live concept offers a rare and deeply personal concert experience. For the first time, Midge Ure will seamlessly blend his iconic hits and fan favourites with the atmospheric instrumentals that have long featured on his solo albums — many of which have never been performed live. The result is a rich, immersive show designed to take the audience on an emotional journey, both visually and sonically.
From his early days with Slik and The Rich Kids( with Glen Matlock) , to defining the sound of the '80s with Ultravox and co-creating the global charity single Do They Know It’s Christmas?, Midge Ure has always challenged musical expectations. With Ivor Novello, GRAMMY and ASCAP awards to his name, he continues to push boundaries with this ambitious new show.
Midge Ure played with Thin Lizzy from July 1979 to early 1980. He stepped in as an emergency guitarist after Gary Moore abruptly quit midway through a US tour, and Midge was flown out on Concorde at very short notice.
I saw Midge with Ultravox over a dozen times , including at Live Aid in 1985 , and three times with The Rich Kids back in 1978.
Rich Kids Nashville Pub, London 26.01.1978 feat Glen Matlock -debut London show
Rich Kids,White Cats feat Rat Scabies Lyceum Theatre, London 26.04.1978
Mink DeVille,Rich Kids Hammersmith Odeon, London 22.06.1978
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The venue is full apart from a couple of rows at the back of the upper circle.
The alternative electronic duo Scenius are the support act.
The Anglo-French, dark synth-pop duo (formed by UK producer Steve Whitfield and French musician Fabrice Bellanger) is accompanying Ure on his 21-date "A Man Of Two Worlds" tour.
They arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 30 mins set
The synth-pop duo were a bit quiet and not very exciting to watch.
The bemused crowd gave them some polite applause .
MIDGE URE and his band on stage at 8.20pm for their 90 mins set.
The band members were synth , drums and bass/synth.
A lovely light show and there were digital images behind Midge too.
Midge said he had a bit of a sore throat , and he did sound a bit rough when he talked.
The first half ticked along ok with no words from Midge , then the second half shifted up a couple of years as the crowd got up and danced to the well known tracks.
The 20 songs played included 11 Ultravox and 2 Visage , but sadly no Rich Kids.
A really good show.
Full MIDGE URE setlist played tonight ....
A Different View
Again We Love (Visage song)
Call of the Wild
Accent on Youth (Ultravox song)
The Ascent (Ultravox song)
Your Name (Has Slipped My Mind Again) ( Ultravox song)
Astradyne (Ultravox song)
Wastelands
Man of Two Worlds (Ultravox song)
Lament (Ultravox song)
Monster
Vienna (Ultravox song)
Reap the Wild Wind ( Ultravox song)
If I Was
The Voice (Ultravox song)
Fade to Grey (Visage song)
Dancing With Tears in My Eyes (Ultravox song)
Encore: ( did not actually leave the stage )
Yellow Pearl (Phil Lynott cover)
Hymn (Ultravox song)
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Sunday 24 May 2026.
The Artists Defining Spotify’s Streaming Era
Spotify’s all-time leaderboard shows how dramatically music consumption has shifted in the streaming age. Nearly every album in the top 20 was released after 2015, reflecting how streaming platforms accelerated global reach, playlist discovery, and repeat listening at massive scale.
Latin pop, hip hop, and crossover R&B dominate the rankings, with artists like Bad Bunny, Drake, and The Weeknd building audiences measured not in album sales, but in tens of billions of streams.
The data table below lists the highest-streamed albums in Spotify history as of late April 2026.
Look who has sneaked in at Number 10, with 15 billion streams...pretty amazing.
1 Un Verano Sin Ti 22.79 Bad Bunny 2022
2 Starboy 20.97 The Weeknd 2016
3 ÷ 18.99 Ed Sheeran 2017
4 SOUR 17.96 Olivia Rodrigo 2021
5 Future Nostalgia 17.74 Dua Lipa 2020
6 SOS 17.62 SZA 2022
7 Hollywood's Bleeding 16.37 Post Malone 2019
8 Lover 16.36 Taylor Swift 2019
9 After Hours 16.10 The Weeknd 2020
10 AM 15.22 Arctic Monkeys 2013
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Saturday 23 May 2026...I went to two events today...
1pm to 5pm.
NAMMOS - restaurant preview - 15 Berkeley Street , Mayfair, London W1.
They have a prime Mayfair location , just up the road from Sexy Fish.
Their other locations included Dubai , but this their first UK site.
No need to visit Greece , as they have transported Mykonos to Mayfair.
They have even flown in some staff from their Mykonos restaurant to help with the opening days.
Nammos Mayfair reimagines the iconic Mykonos beach-club aesthetic for an upscale, urban environment on Berkeley Street. The decor blends timeless Aegean elegance with coastal-inspired luxury, featuring bespoke hand-layered textured white finishes, curved architectural forms, and illuminated niches that evoke sunlit sand and stone.
Lots of staff fussing over the guests.
Some food we shared and some we had our own plates .
Homemade Arabic Pitta
Two plates of Prawn Tempura with four on each plate.
Grilled Octopus
Spicy Crab Tartare
Greek Salad
Lobster Linguine
Plate of four lamb cutlets to share with sides.
Desserts were..
White Chocolate & Strawberry Cheesecake each and a classic chocolate mouse to share.
They had an extensive drinks list and we each had five glasses of Ruinart champers and five cocktails.
It was a totally excellent four hours here , but it is expensive due to the prime location.
What they say about the restaurant ...
They'll be taking over from Il Borro on Berkeley Street and are planning something subtly different to their Mykonos venture, more suited to their new Mayfair location, an "urban expression" of the beach clubs they've become known for. The London opening will be the template for the brand rolling out in cities all over the world.
As for what to expect, the food will be hitting that current trend of Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on seafood and sushi. We also hear that Black Angus steaks will be fresh off the Josper Grill, alongside signature dishes like aubergine mille-feuille with feta mousse and the spicy crab tartare finished with yuzu truffle.
If you've been in the building before, you'll know it's a two-storey affair. The main restaurant will be on the ground floor with a space for private events upstairs.
then
SOOSHI MANGO live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
I saw this Australian comedy trio at this same venue two years ago in 2024.
The trio consists of two brothers, Joe and Carlo Salanitri, and their best friend, Andrew Manfre. Sooshi Mango is best known for their comedy skits, acts, videos, series and live shows, paying homage to their experiences growing up in an Italian family, and around Italians, Greeks, Croats, and other ethnic cultures living in Australia. The comedic influences of the group include Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, the Marx Brothers, Laurel and Hardy, Benny Hill and many more. Being most strongly inspired by their European ancestry, their content is commonly rooted in humorously depicting the Italian and Greek ethnic and cultural diaspora and their role in Australian society, and its racial prejudice and social mechanisms of the modern-day world. This is the first of two shows at this venue.
They can headline big arenas back home in Australia, like renowned venues like Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne and Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
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It is stalls seated tonight .Levels 2 and 3 are closed tomight.Maybe only 400 tix sold out of the 1000 capacity. Mainly Aussies here, but also Italians and English . The show was on for 85 mins over two sets. There is a big screen to show some of their video clips. Brothers Joe and Carlo Salanitri along with best friend, Andrew Manfre created Sooshi Mango to honour and keep the memory alive of their parents as well as the European immigrants of the 50’s and 60’s. Coming to a new country not knowing the language and trying to establish a new life makes for lots of challenging and funny stories. The lads from Sooshi Mango have taken all those and rolled them into one funny comedy show in Off The Boat! All the well-loved characters made an appearance. How can you not love Sam, Vince and Johnny? We go back in time, forty years ago to learn how the three paesano’s met and became friends. Going back in time to also meet the young Greeks Stavros, Tasso and Kosta and the three ‘bella’s’ Carmela, Angela and Guiseppina was also hilarious.
The animated black and white silent films have all the comedy vibes of a Laurel and Hardy or Charlie Chaplin skit. Sooshi Mango have perfected the art of slapstick comedy and it highlights their comedic timing and abilities. The show takes us from yester-year to today where we find out what the characters, after a lifetime in Australia, are up to in 2026. There are court room dramas, crazy fiss and tsip shop (Fish and Chip Shop) antics as well as trying to get a bird cage up a tree. Oh, and tomatoes. There’s always an argument about who has the biggest tomatoes in their garden! The highlights for me were their two comedy lyrics and dance routines for AC/DC ' Thunderstruck' to the words 'Bring Cash Back' and some messing about for ' I Wanna Dance With Somebody '.
They’ve taken their life experiences and turned them into hilarious sketches. An enjoyable show.

Updated 24th May 2026 Permalink

Friday 22 May 2026.

Friday 22 May 2026.
RAYSGIGS exclusive discount code for 25% off Lakefest tickets is: RGLF25
It is held in early August , see the list of bands playing on my front page.
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Friday 22 May 2026.
A double bill from South Africa live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Fokofpolisiekar are back.
The band has been embroiled in controversy since inception around 20 years ago ,over their name and personal views. Initially radio stations were hesitant to play the band's tracks because of the profanity "Fokof" ("fuck off") in the band's name. The nicknames Polisiekar ("police car"), "FPK", and "Die Bende" ("The Band / Gang") was soon adopted by mainstream media who did not want to pronounce the full name in fear of objection from the public.
They are bringing their Cape Town friends, Die Heuwels Fantasties as support.
There is no better live combo showcasing the best of Afrikaans rock and Afrikaans alternative music than these two acts.
It is going to be energetic, melodic, and full of nostalgia as these two legendary groups bring their A-game.
I can remember seeing South African music legend Johnny Clegg ( RIP 2019) at Hammersmith Odeon a couple of times back in 1990.
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Levels 2 and 3 are closed tonight , and maybe only 500 or 600 tickets sold .
A rowdy crowd of mainly ex pat South Africans .
It is pretty much a co - headline gig.
A basic stage production for both bands.
Die Heuwels Fantasties arrived on stage at 8.15pm for their 60 mins set.
They played a good set of pop rock tunes.
The up for it crowd know the words to both the bands tunes.
FOKOFPOLISIEKAR ( Fuck Off Police Car ) arrived on stage at 9.20pm for their 65 mins set.
A very quick five mins changeover as they are using the same drumkit and amps as the first band , and one of the guitarist's is playing in both bands.
They have a more punkier feel than the first band.
The singer is swinging the mic like Roger Daltrey , and he along with the lively bass player are touching hands with those at the front many times.
Both the singers tonight came on during the other bands set.
Their notorious track ' Fokofpolisiekar' ends the main set as 15 fans are invited on stage to help them song it , which is the highlight of their set.
An enjoyable evening
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Thursday 21 May 2026.
THOMAS DOLBY live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
GRAMMY nominated English musician, producer and composer Thomas Dolby ( now aged 67) , heads out on his ‘Iconic 80’s Recollections Tour’, showcasing his wide range of musical styles.
He has had a few Top 40 singles and albums. As an early MTV icon he blazed a trail for electronic music with his imaginative videos. His synth playing and production have graced the recordings of Foreigner, Def Leppard and Joni Mitchell. Thomas Dolby was in David Bowie's band at Live Aid.
Dolby came to prominence in the 1980s, releasing international hit singles including "She Blinded Me with Science" (1982) and "Hyperactive!" (1984). He has also worked as a producer and as a session musician.
I saw him perform at this same venue in 2024.
With Support from: Martin McAloon (playing the songs of Prefab Sprout).
Their best known track is ' The King of Rock n Roll' which was a number 7 chart hit in 1988.
Which famously features the chorus, "Hot dog, jumping frog, Albuquerque,"
Other hits include ' Cars & Girls' and 'When Love Breaks Down'.
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Level 3 is closed , so maybe around 1000 are here.
Legendary producer TREVOR HORN is in the Level 1 VIP seats
Most seem to be age 40 and over and who remember Thomas Dolby from back in the day.
MARTIN McALOON arrived on stage at 7.50pm for his 45 mins .
Always good to see a support act , that actually has hit singles .
Martin is solo tonight , with an electric guitar and acoustic guitar .
He performed 10 Prefab Sprouts tracks , and finished with the big three as above.
A good set included some wry humour from Martin.
THOMAS DOLBY arrived on stage at 9pm for his 1 hour 50 mins set.
There is a big screen showing images and video clips.
The first 30 mins is Thomas solo with his keyboards.
He is then joined by his band , but due to immigration problems his female bass player from Ukraine is performing along on the big screen , as not allowed in the UK.
I was a bit surprised that three quarters of the show was made up of medleys of cover versions , but they were reworked versions that really sounded great.
A reworked ' Heroes' with Thomas Dolby performing with David Bowie at Live Aid on the big screen was excellent .
His two big hits were played near the end.
A very enjoyable show
Full THOMAS DOLBY setlist played tonight...
The Flat Earth (with snippet of “Lovesong” by The Cure)
Evil Twin Brother (with snippet of “Bring on the Night” by The Police)
One of Our Submarines ( with snippet of “Cars” by Gary Numan)
"Heroes" (David Bowie cover) (with video of Live Aid performance)
Iconic '80s Symphony, 2nd Movement / Comfortably Numb / Here Comes the Rain Again / Red Rain / Sign Your Name / Little Red Corvette / Billie Jean / This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) / I Love You Goodbye / With or Without You (with snippets of “Hounds of Love”, “The James Bond Theme” and “Thriller”)
Iconic '80s Symphony, 3rd Movement / Bonnie / Libertango / New Years Day / The Killing Moon / The Things That Dreams Are Made Of / Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) / Ordinary World / Roam / All Around The World
(with Martin McAloon for Bonnie, snippet of “Smalltown Boy”)
Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun / How Soon Is Now? / Head Over Heels / Shout
(with snippet of “Coming in the Air Tonight”)
Don't Give Up (Peter Gabriel cover)
Iconic '80s Symphony, 4th Movement / Woke Up This Morning / White Wedding / Love Will Tear Us Apart / Dancing with Tears in My Eyes / Vienna / Don't Dream It's Over
My Brain Is Like a Sieve ( with Jason Mraz on video)
Europa and the Pirate Twins
She Blinded Me With Science
Encore:
Hyperactive! (with Martin McAloon)
Airwaves

Updated 21st May 2026 Permalink

Wednesday 20 May 2026.

Wednesday 20 May 2026.
THE LEMON TWIGS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
The Lemon Twigs, the New York City rock band fronted by brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario, have been steadily capturing attention with their unique blend of youthful energy and seasoned songwriting.
Drawing on nearly a decade of experience since their debut as teenagers, they combine rock, California harmony, power pop, and baroque pop into a distinctive, joyously inventive sound. Their work is marked by intricate arrangements, multilayered harmonies, and adventurous instrumentation.
I saw them headline The Roundhouse in 2019.
They are promoting their sixth studio album 'Look For Your Mind'.
Their most widely known songs include the radiant pop anthem "My Golden Years", the upbeat "A Dream Is All I Know", and the breakout single "I Wanna Prove to You".
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Level 3 is closed but all the other levels are rammed solid .
A nice touch before the support band and during the interval were male and female djs in 1960s clobber playing cool 1960s vinyl singles .
THE STONES arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins set.
This New York band are not to be confused with The Rolling Stones .
They played a loud set , with the singer playing some wacky keyboards .
THE LEMON TWIGS arrived on stage at 9pm for their 80 mins set.
They have basic images projected on to the rear curtain .
Brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario, sported heeled boots and shag haircuts à la The Ramones. Bassist/ keyboardist Danny Ayala and drummer Reza Matin — who join the D’Addario duo for their live performances — donned oh-so-stylish bell bottom jeans. Everything old is new again.
Hailing from the suburbs of Long Island, Brian and Michael grew up idolizing The Beatles, The Beach Boys, David Bowie, and countless other music legends of the 60s and 70s. The brothers’ shared adoration of classic rock.
Their cool retro look and sound was top notch.
24 songs with great harmonies whizzed through in 80 mins.
Many tracks sounded like The Beach Boys
A really good show.
Full Lemon Twigs setlist played tonight...
Look for Your Mind
My Golden Years
I've Got a Broken Hear
What You Were Doing
The One
In My Head
I Just Can't Get Over Losing You
2 or 3
You're Still My Girl
Church Bells
Any Time of Day
They Don't Know How to Fall in Place
In the Eyes of the Girl
Bring You Down
Nothin’ but You
Fire and Gold
Rock On (Over and Over)
Encore:
Joy (Brian solo acoustic)
Corner of My Eye (Brian solo acoustic)
How Can I Love Her More?
No Matter What You Don (Love cover
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Tuesday 19 May 2026...I went to two good events tonight ...
A restaurant launch party , then David Sinclair Four at The 100 Club.
7pm to 9pm....
MA/NA - launch party - 30 Upper Grosvenor Street , Mayfair, London W1.
MA/NA Mayfair is a luxury Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar opening in May 2026 at 30 Upper Grosvenor Street, London, created by Markus Thesleff (Los Mochis). It features a "three-act" experience with curated dining and late-night drinks, featuring dishes like Wagyu Ishiyaki and Kani Tartare.
MA/NA brings a refined interpretation of modern Japanese dining to Mayfair, rooted in craftsmanship and guided by pristine ingredients from across the world. The menu is designed by Executive Chef Leonard Tanyag and showcases elite technique across an evolution of dishes that have previously not been seen in London.
As the evening unfolds, MA/NA transitions into a late-night venue with a contemporary cocktail bar inspired by the storied Japanese bartending tradition, set to the sounds of a resident DJ.
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We went to a preview of this superb venue a fortnight ago , but tonight is the full on launch party.
We had a cosy table last time , but this time all the tables have been taken away , as twice as many people have been invited, so must be around 300 folks here ,and it soon gets very busy and lively. We arrived early so got nice sofa seating.
Guests here included ALISTAIR GUY and STEPHEN WEBSTER.
At 8.30pm we had a speech from the owner, then a Japanese drumming display.
There was a card magician , who was really impressive.
Lots of staff fussing over the customers.
Lots of lovely complimentary drinks and food , including Henriot champers, four different cocktails , wines , sake and a dozen different hot and cold Japanese canapes including my fave Black Cod .
An excellent event.
It was due to finish at 11pm , so still very lively , but I had to leave for some live rock n roll.
then
DAVID SINCLAIR FOUR live at The 100 Club, London.
Their first headline show at this iconic club venue.
Single ' Then ...Good Night' released Dec 2025..
New single ' Sonia's Late ' released April 2026.
They will be playing the best tracks from their albums.
Top notch British Americana with roots-rock storytelling.
David Sinclair was one of the main rock and pop critics at The Times newspaper for 30 years, serving from 1985 to 2015, and has contributed to Rolling Stone, Billboard, Classic Rock, Q magazine, Kerrang! and others. He began writing in the 1970s for technical magazines such as One Two Testing, while playing drums in London Zoo with the late Robert Sandall. He later joined TV Smith's Explorers, playing drums on their 1981 album The Last Words of the Great Explorer.
At the BBC, he worked on The Rock & Roll Years and the Wogan show before joining The Times. He has also published books on ZZ Top and the Spice Girls.
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Good to see regular gig going chums Andy Rawll and David Stark .
DAVID SINCLAIR FOUR arrived on stage at 9.30pm and played for 80 mins.
Tonight they are joined by a nifty harmonica player and two female backing singers in cowboy hats.
David Sinclair Four (DS4) deliver a storytelling-driven blend of blues, roots, and Americana. Fronted by Sinclair’s empathetic phrasing and warm, characteristically English vocals, the band live lean into a tight, mid-70s rock groove, with hints of Dire Straits/ Allman Brothers in many of the tracks.
The band sounded great , and it was a really enjoyable show with a setlist that included...
Sick of Being Good
World Turns Around
Perfect in Every Way
Southern State
Sonia's Late
Life Gone Cold
Eight Rounds Later

Updated 20th May 2026 Permalink

Monday 18 May 2026.

Monday 18 May 2026...7pm to 11pm...
VIP / PRESS DAY - THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW at The Royal Hospital , Chelsea , London.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London, set on the banks of the River Thames, is the world’s most famous flower show and aims to inspire, educate and excite visitors about horticulture.
Preparations for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show are an intense mix of meticulous planning, sustainable material sourcing, and precision timing to ensure plants bloom exactly for the event. The entire process spans almost a year and transforms the Royal Hospital Chelsea grounds into the pinnacle of the horticultural world.
It is held on the 11 acre showground at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
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A couple of friends were at the lunchtime session where Royalty and many celebs attended, including
King Charles and Queen Camilla , Princess Anne , David Beckham, Brian May, Cate Blanchett, Sadiq Khan, Alan Titchmarsh and over a dozen others.
We are at the evening session.
Pretty amazing the amount of work that goes into getting everything ready for this event.
The flower displays are just incredible .
A massive crowd here as must be at least 2000 guests here.
Lots of suits here as all the banks, and big names like Range Rover and Boodles have their own private entertaining areas.
Politicians Jacob Rees-Mogg and Jeremy Hunt were here.
Also Nick Ferrari and Fred Dune ( owner of gambling giant Bet Fred ) .
There are several acts performing , including a couple of good trios.
At 9.30pm we are in the UBS hospitality area.
All guests here got a bunch of flowers on the way out.
Complimentary Pommery champers , seafood counter ,cheese counter , oysters, canapes and desserts throughout the evening.
The show is on all this week , but it is all sold out in advance.
See my Facebook page for a few videos and photos.
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Sunday 17 May 2026.
50 years ago in May 1976 , I saw some incredible gigs in this one month.
Four Rolling Stones ( the 4th time was my 17th birthday ) , Two KISS , Two Elton John , Three AC/DC with Bon ,
David Bowie, Patti Smith , The Who with Keith Moon, Two Nils Lofgren , Alex Harvey Band and more.
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Neil Sedaka,Barbara Dickson Hammersmith Odeon, London 02.05.1976
Strife Marquee Club, London 05.05.1976
David Bowie Wembley Arena, London 06.05.1976 first time I saw David Bowie
Nils Lofgren,Unicorn New Victoria Theatre, London 09.05.1976
Nils Lofgren,Unicorn New Victoria Theatre, London 10.05.1976
Elton John Earls Court Arena, London 11.05.1976
AC/DC,Back Street Crawler Marquee Club, London 12.05.1976
Elton John Earls Court Arena, London 13.05.1976
KISS,Stray Hammersmith Odeon, London 15.05.1976 debut uk tour
KISS,Stray Hammersmith Odeon, London 16.05.1976 tonight I had front row centre seats
Patti Smith,Stranglers Roundhouse, London 17.05.1976 debut Patti Smith London show
Rolling Stones,Meters Earls Court Arena, London 21.05.1976 my first Rolling Stones show
AC/DC Fulham Greyhound Pub, London 23.05.1976 played to about 100 people .
Rolling Stones,Meters Earls Court Arena, London 25.05.1976 I got down the front for 2 of the shows
Rolling Stones,Meters Earls Court Arena, London 26.05.1976 I went to 4 of the 6 Stones shows .
Rolling Stones,Meters Earls Court Arena, London 27.05.1976 my 17th birthday
The Who,Alex Harvey Band,Little Feat Charlton F.C. , London 31.05.1976
AC/DC Marquee Club, London 04.06.1976

Updated 17th May 2026 Permalink

Saturday 16 May 2026

Saturday 16 May 2026.
MADDOX BATSON live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Maddox Batson (he is aged a mere 16 ) is an American singer and songwriter from Nashville.
He went viral on TikTok in 2022, and caught the eye of record labels.
His debut single "Tears in the River" entered the top-twenty on Spotify's US Viral 50 chart and the song had approximately twelve million global streams by the end of 2024. He has released two EPs and and a dozen singles....despite his young age , he is on a world tour....USA /Canada/UK / mainland Europe .
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Not sold out tonight , but an impressive 1000/1200 are here.
Lots of teenage girls and under here , many are with parents .
For many of them it would certainly be their first ever gig.
HANNAH JANE LEWIS and band arrived on stage at 8pm for their decent 25 mins set.
MADDOX BATSON and band arrived on stage at 8.45 and played for 85 mins.
His set included his own material and a couple of cover versions.
He certainly gives the impression of someone a few years older by the way he talks, sings , dresses etc.
Batson sang with a poise and confidence not often seen in teenagers. He commanded the stage like a seasoned pro.
He wore a baseball cap with wing tips spreading beneath it, a haircut that recalls a young Justin Bieber. He strutted back and forth, occasionally reaching out to touch the outstretched hands of the teenage girls who showed up to admire him.
Most of his songs are about longing for some unnamed sweetheart. One gets the sense that, while listening to the high-pitched screams that erupt throughout his songs, many young girls wish his songs were about them.
A decent enough show , and will be interesting to see how his career developes.
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Friday 15 May 2026.
ALI WOODS live at Shepherds Bush Empire
Join Ali Woods, viral comedy sensation as he returns with his latest stand-up comedy show ‘Basher’.
Online, Ali has gained hundreds of millions of views and likes for his relatable and satirical sketches. With his unique blend of sharp wit and relatable humour, his performances are a must-see.
In 2024, Ali starred on Comedy Central Live and Stand Up Sketch Show. He also had a third sold out Edinburgh run with his show ‘At the Moment’ .
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Not sold out tonight, and stalls seated, so maybe 800 tickets sold.
Support acts Hamish Shepherd and Katie Buckingham did a decent 15 mins each.
ALI WOODS arrived on stage at 8.45pm for his 80 mins.
No production, just him standing by a stool.
There was a wide range of ages in the audience , and for the most part, the jokes landed across the board, getting big laughs throughout. Subjects covered included his parents, older folks habits , Ed Sheeran, Harry Potter, relationships and sex.
There were a few darker or more controversial moments that did not quite hit with everyone, but overall, it made for a really enjoyable evening.
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Thursday 14 May 2026...6.30pm to 11pm...
ARCADE COVENT GARDEN - launch party - 6 Bedford Street , London WC2.
This location used to be the first TFI Fridays in London , that opened back in 1987.
A big crowd of 300 or 400 guests here.
The main room is full , but we find a table in a side space by MANNA burgers.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food.
There was Pommery champers served until 8.30pm.
Four different cocktails, including Pina Colada Old Fashioned.
Sparling wines, wines and beers.
Very yummy full size cheeseburgers and waffle fries from MANNA.
Steak strips and fries, canapes and plates of desserts from SOLIO.
What they say about it ....
London-based food hall operator Arcade has revealed further details of its third outpost ahead of its launch in Covent Garden.
Opening in May, the 12,000 sq ft, 385-cover site on Bedford Street will feature two standalone restaurants, a central dining area showcasing several Arcade brands, as well as a listening bar and café.
The latest outpost will offer a mix of F&B outlets, including a chef-led Greek-Cypriot taverna, a Mexican taqueria and New York and New Haven pizza joint Gracey’s from Grace Surman and James Woodley.
In addition, it will host a number of brands from its in-house incubator, Arcade Create, which includes south American chicken and steak grill Solis, North Indian fast food brand Hero, smashburger concept Manna and its first Studio Coffee site, which serves drinks such as black sesame latte, gochujang hot chocolate and chocolate orange negroni.
Luke Farrell’s third Plaza Khao Gaeng will also be located within Arcade Covent Gardem.

Updated 14th May 2026 Permalink

Wednesday 13 May 2026.

Wednesday 13 May 2026...6.30pm to 9.30pm...
POLO IN THE PARK - launch party - Bluebird , 350 Kings Road, Chelsea, London SW3.
Around 150 guests at well known restaurant & bar.
Plenty of Sloane Ranger types here.
At 7.45pm , we had the speeches and a member of each team unveiled team colours.
Also the draw for the matches next month.
We were told some interesting facts..
Around 300 horses will be used over the weekend.
Matches are 3 a side.
Polo can only be played right handed.
Lots of nice complimentary drinks and food here , including Pommery champers , Margaritas, vodka n tonic , gin n tonic , wines, beers , bowl food, canapes and desserts .
What they say about it...
Friday 05 June , Saturday 06 June ,Sunday 07 June 2026.
The world’s biggest three-day polo and lifestyle event is held at Hurlingham Park , Fulham, London SW6.
There is something for everyone at Chestertons Polo in the Park.
Join us for all the amazing things to do at Chestertons Polo in the Park. Enjoy access to the Grandstand to watch the world’s best polo, The Fulham Food Festival for restaurants and street food, Champagne Pommery Garden, Polo Bar, Pimm’s Bus, gardens and bars, Luxury Shopping Village, The Kids Club and Pitch Invasion (Sunday only) and much more.
www.polointheparklondon.com - Visit their website here for more info and to buy tickets.
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Tuesday 12 May 2026....I went to two events tonight....
5pm to 8.30pm .
LA-YAM ROOFTOP BAR - showcase - 8th Floor, Kingsbourne House, 229-231 High Holborn London WC1.
I was at the launch of this venue in June 2025.
La-Yam is a hidden rooftop bar in London, created to offer an escape from the everyday. To capture the laid-back essence of a beach bar on the other side of the world, right in the heart of central London.
With warm wooden textures and a coastal-inspired design, they bring a tranquil, getaway feel to a hidden rooftop in Holborn, sitting right above the station.
A hidden doorway entrance opposite McDonalds and you take the lift up.
Around 150 folks here , with many faces i know.
A nice party atmosphere.
They have large table umbrellas and blankets in case of bad weather.
Complimentary drinks and food included , three different cocktails , wines , beers , ciders , bowl food, canapes and Baklava desserts .
then
9pm to 11.30pm .
1536 - press night party - Louie , 13-15 West Street , London WC2.
My first time at this French restaurant next to The Ivy.
There are three levels, so maybe around 300 guests.
BAZ LUHRMAN and MARGOT ROBBIE are here
QUENTIN TARANTINO was at the show , but not the party.
Maybe they were in town , on their way to The Cannes Film Festival.
The 1536 production was held nearby at The Ambassadors Theatre .
Set in Tudor England - hence the year 1536.
Complimentary wines, beers, bowl food, canapes and desserts.
Plenty of nice funky dance sounds playing over the pa.
The third floor was still lively when we left.
A dozen photographers outside the venue waiting , so maybe Margot Robbie still there.

Updated 12th May 2026 Permalink