Welcome to the Ray's Gigs website!

Here's the latest - updated 15th February 2025

Friday 14 February 2025.

Friday 14 February 2025.
BEN BARNES live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Singer, songwriter and actor Ben Barnes ( now aged 43), heads out on his 2025 world tour in support of his debut album 'Where the Light Gets In' , a passionate and soulful release with an abundance of beautifully crafted storytelling and melody.
He has had many big film roles since starring in 'Stardust' in 2007.
He has completed his North American leg of the tour, and now plays UK shows then mainland Europe.
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A 75% crowd of females under the age of 30 here, who are swooning over Ben on Valentine's Day .
BEN BARNES and his band arrived on stage at 8.45pm and played for 1 hour 55 mins.
A very nice touch here was that in the front row corner are two deaf girls , and there is a female signing in the pit throughout the show in front of them.
It was a long show considering he only has had one album and one EP out but that's because there was lots of chat between songs that the fans loved , but a bit too much for my liking.
The songs were mid tempo , and some ballads in the middle.
A moment that brought a particular amount of laughter from those in attendance, talking about how, yes, most of his songs were love songs, “But not this song, this song is about sex.”
Cue more loud screams.
"Are their any movie buffs in the audience tonight?" also got big screams.
A couple of good covers were 'Jealous Guy' and ' Bennie and the Jets' .
The show ticked along ok , even though it was a bit girly .
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Thursday 13 February 2025.
KAWALA live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
A sprightly band from the Camden borough of London, Kawala found success in 2018 when their percussive indie folk-inflected single “Do It Like You Do” became a streaming hit. Thanks to their bright, melodic style, they have earned comparisons to bands like Bombay Bicycle Club and Glass Animals.
The are playing a full UK & European Tour.
After a decade together , this is billed as a Farewell Tour.
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Level 3 is half empty, but there must be at at least 1500 here.
Didn't realise that the five piece band were so popular .
A very polite crowd, with maybe more females than males .
TEENAGE DADS on stage at 7.45pm for their 30 mins set.
They are a four piece from Australia, who are promoting their second album ' Majordomo'..They played a really good set of indie rock tunes , with a nice cover of ' Video Killed The Radio Star'.
KAWALA arrived on stage at 8.45pm for their 95 mins set.
The crowd sang and swayed along to all of their songs .
Their sound was a kind of melodic folk tinged indie rock.
Their chemistry with their fanbase was evident when lead vocalists Jim Higson and Daniel McCarthy went into the stalls standing area to sing fan favourite ‘Mighty River’ with them. This was a beautiful moment that showcased everything KAWALA are about: community, love, and great music.
The band closed the show with hit track ‘Runaway’ that had the entire room bouncing.
Just before that , they read out an emotional message thanking the fans for their support over the past decade .
Their most well known song ‘Do It Like You Do’ and ‘Ticket To Ride’ were the songs chosen for the encore. If the band and crowd weren’t feeling the farewell blues before, they were after these ones. Both songs were performed expertly, and the crowd lapped them up. It was a beautiful way to bid farewell to their London audience....an enjoyable show....

Updated 14th February 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 12 February 2025.

Wednesday 12 February 2025...11.30am to 2.30pm...
FORDS GIN - brunch - Hawksmoor, 11 Langley Street , Seven Dials, Covent Garden, London WC2.
The invite for this lunchtime event was from last night's Top 50 Cocktail Bars as Fords Gin were one of the sponsors.
Around 40 or 50 folks are here from last night.
A DJ is playing tunes in the background.
We had a guitarist play 30 mins of cover songs.
Plenty of space as everyone had a table.
Complimentary drinks and food included two different FORDS
GIN cocktails , including Bloody Mary and soft drinks from Franklin & Sons Ltd and lovely food.
Steak & Fried Egg Sandwich
Bacon Sandwich
Sausage Sandwich
Hash Browns
All guests got a goodie bag with a FORDS GIN sweatshirt and
t-shirt.
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Tuesday 11 February 2025...6.45pm to 10.45pm...
TOP 50 COCKTAIL BARS at Underglobe at The Swan,
Bankside, London SE1.
Around 300 guests here from the various bars on the list.
There was a DJ playing tunes before and after the awards.
The awards countdown started at 8.30pm for 45 mins.
It got very lively as folks were cheering when their bar was called.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food here.
Over a dozen different cocktails from brands including Jack Daniels , Woodford Reserve, Monkey Shoulder, Fords Gin,
Courvoisier, Herradura Tequila , Vapoura Rum and Golden Egg Vodka....and beers....and different bowl food including Katsu Chicken Curry & Rice .
Top 5 Cccktail Bars were...
1. SATAN' S WHISKERS - Bethnal Green London.
2. PANDA AND SONS - Edinburgh .
3. SCHOFIELDS BAR - Manchester.
4. COUCH - Stirchley , West Midlands.
5. TAYER + ELEMENTARY - Shoreditch, London.
www.top50cocktailbarslist.com - Visit their website here for the Top 50 Cocktail Bars list.
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Monday 10 February 2025.
A downside of getting older is your fave musicians suffer ill health and even worse.
Welsh music legend MIKE PETERS has had a rough few years with his battling cancer, and now it's DAVID JOHANSEN, who is the sole surviving member of the legendary New York Dolls.
An update from his daughter...
My name is Leah Hennessey, and I’m David Johansen’s daughter. As some, but not many of you know, David has been in intensive treatment for stage 4 cancer for most of the past decade.
Five years ago at the beginning of the pandemic we discovered that David’s cancer had progressed and he had a brain tumor. There have been complications ever since. He’s never made his diagnosis public, as he and my mother Mara are generally very private people, but we feel compelled to share this now, due to the increasingly severe financial burden our family is facing.
To make matters worse, the day after Thanksgiving David fell down the stairs and broke his back in two places. ​
After a week in the hospital and a successful surgery David has been bedridden and incapacitated. Due to the trauma, David’s illness has progressed exponentially and my mother is caring for him around the clock.

Updated 11th February 2025 Permalink

Sunday 09 February 2025.

Sunday 09 February 2025.
WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS live at The Palladium.
My first time at this theatre awards since 2016.
A full on Red Carpet event as security everywhere , barriers, a press pen and dozens of gawping tourists are here.
The show was on for 3 hours over two sets of
1 hour 20 mins and 1 hour 40 mins.
Everyone had a free programme on their seat.
Hosts Mazz Murray and Gina Murray were very entertaining .
The 24 piece orchestra on stage sounded fantastic.
There were several songs from theatre shows , in-between the awards being given out.
MJ The Musical and Hadestown did a a good song each.
I saw Starlight Express back in the day, but the revived version at Wembley Troubadour Theatre won the most awards tonight , with seven, including Best Musical Revival.
,so must try and get along to see that.
Six won Best West End Show.
Mean Girls won Best New Musical .
Guest presenters included Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber , Dame Arlene Phillips , Tasmin Outhwaite and Mel Giedroyc.
A very enjoyable evening.
For a full list of nominees and winners.
www.whatsonstage.com - Visit their website here.
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Sunday 09 February 2025.
Happy Birthday to JIMMY PURSEY who is 70 today.
I have seen Sham 69 over 20 times , including three times in 1977, and two of those shows were supporting The Clash at The Rainbow in December 1977.
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Friday 07 February 2025.
THE REYTONS live at Brixton Academy .
Indie rock band from Rotherham are touring their third album.
All three of their albums have made the UK Top 20.
Kids off the Estate (2021) hit No 11 on the charts.
What's Rock and Roll (2023) hit No 1 on the charts.
Ballad of a Bystander (2024) hit No 2 on the charts.
The last big indie/rock pop band to break through to a mainstream audience was Sheffield band Arctic Monkeys, nearly twenty years ago. Since that time, it has been a barren period for groups in this genre. Thankfully, things seem to have turned around with the arrival of another south Yorkshire band, the Reytons.
With no support from a major record company and apparently no huge budget to support their ascendancy, the band toured solidly and played gigs across the country, in the process building up a robust fan base. The Reytons sold out the 12,000-capacity Sheffield Arena for a homecoming gig .
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With so many female and male singer-songwriters everywhere, it's great to see a newish English band selling out this 5000 capacity venue...Pretty much looks like a 90% male crowd.
FREDDIE HALKON and band on at 8.15pm for 30 mins.
A newcomer but it's handy he is good mates with the headliner , so gets a nice chance to play to a big crowd, despite only releasing his debut single last year. A good indie pop set.
He played his recent single ' Route 26'.
THE REYTONS arrived on stage at 9.20pm for their 75 mins .
It soon gets very lively front stalls with moshing.
They certainly do sound like The Arctic Monkeys, as they whizzed through their indie rock pop tunes.
Highlights included 'Kids off the Estate' and 'Broke Boys Cartel'.
A really good set.
Full REYTONS setlist played tonight...
Red Smoke
Adrenaline
Let Me Breathe
Harrison Lesser
Retro Emporium
Headache
Low Life
2006
Market Street
Knees Up
Cash In Hand & Fake IDs
Slice of Lime
On the Back Burner
Billy Big Bollocks
Kids Off the Estate
Uninvited
Broke Boys Cartel

Updated 8th February 2025 Permalink

Thursday 06 February 2025.

Thursday 06 February 2025....i went to two events tonight...
5.15pm to 9pm.
ALL BAR ONE - relaunch party - Leicester Square, London WC2.
This popular bar has a superb location , as it's on Leicester Square itself, next to the McDonalds and opposite the main cinema that hosts the film premieres.
We arrived at the entrance and there are two showgirls in wings and feathers strutting their stuff, and a female fire eater too.
Inside it is lively and buzzy as must be 200 or 300 guests here over the two floors.
A DJ is playing some tracks downstairs.
There is cocktail making classes every 30 mins upstairs .
Lots of food and drinks including four different cocktails, Monkey Shoulder Whiskey & Ginger , Prosecco , Wines, Beers ,
Guinness , Burgers , Bowl Food and canapes and desserts including Strawberry cheesecake.
All guests got a tote bag with a few items in on departure.
We had plenty of drinks and food here as much better than expected , but another event was calling nearby.
then
9.15pm to 11.30pm .
SOPHIES STEAKHOUSE - 42/44 Great Windmill Street , Soho, London W1.
This was the after-party for the press/VIP night of 'The Years ' at The Harold Pinter Theatre in Panton Street.
A massive crowd as must be 300 or 400 guests here.
All the cast turn up for the photographers.
Actor MARK STRONG is here.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food including any spirit n mixer, prosecco, wines , beers , bowl food and canapes.
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Wednesday 05 February 2025.
OMAR RUDBERG live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Stockholm-based and Venezuelan-born artist, actor and dancer Omar Rudberg (now aged 26 ) lets his attitude, confidence and spirit surge through his artistry at full blast, tailoring his Latin-infused, arena-ready pop for crowd singalongs in the process.
Before launching his solo career in 2018, he gained recognition and began his professional music career in 2013 as a member of the Swedish boy band FO&O. He is best known internationally for his starring role as Simon Eriksson in the Netflix series Young Royals (2021–2024).
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Level 3 is closed , and Level 2 is half empty .
Still over a 1000 folks here , with 90% females under 30.
SAY NOW arrived on stage at 8pm for their 25 mins set.
A girl trio in the vein of Sugababes / All Saints.
They have had a few singles out on Atlantic Records.
Their set included a Britney Spears medley.
OMAR RUDBERG arrived on stage at 9pm for his 65 mins set .
He has a band and two male dancers ,all in shiny tops , like Omar himself....Omar joins in with the dance routines
Lots of screaming from the excitable female crowd.
His set ticked along ok and included a cover of Rihanna 'Rude Boy'. For the final two songs he was shirtless much to the delight of his girl fans.

Updated 6th February 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 04 February 2025

Tuesday 04 February 2025....7pm...
OEDIPUS - press/VIP night - The Old Vic , Waterloo, London SE1.
It’s a cold case but, according to the Oracle, if the murderer of old King Laius is found and punished then all will be well. The people turn to their new King, Oedipus, the man who solved the riddle of the Sphinx, to hunt down the perpetrator and bring salvation. He vows to succeed whatever the cost and so begins an unstoppable pursuit of the truth through a harrowing labyrinth of fear and love.
Starring Academy Award winner RAMI MALEK (Bohemian Rhapsody, No Time To Die) in the lead role.
RAMI MALEK is excellent.
Rami Malek’s air of having dropped from another planet has served him well on film as a Bond villain or Freddie Mercury.
The show runs until 29 Match 2025.
then
9pm to 11.15pm.
OEDIPUS after-party at Skylon at The Royal Festival Hall, SE1.
A lavish party as must be 300 guests here.
RAMI MALEK and all the cast are here.
Rami Malek spends a lot of time chatting to everyone.
Several well known faces here including JOHN BISHOP,
DAME HARRIET WALTER, BEN HARDY and Creative Arts Minister CHRIS BRYANT .
A female DJ is playing tunes, and some folks are dancing.
My phone died , so couldn't take a couple of photos .
Lots of complimentary drinks and food, including Taittenger champers, two different gin cocktails , wines , beers and bowl food including rib-eye steak strips with chips , and cod and chips along with various canapes.
We left at 11.15pm , but still busy as it was a 12.30pm finish.
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Monday 03 February 2025.
LEE ROCKER live at 229 Great Portland Street, London W1.
His only UK show as part of a six city - six country European Tour.....expect Stray Cats classics mixed with his solo material .
I have seen The Stray Cats around a dozen times from when they first came over to the UK in 1980 , when they supported Elvis Costello at The Rainbow.
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My fourth gig at this venue in 2025.
Support act The TR5s arrived on stage at 8pm for 30 mins.
They are fronted by a female singer.
One of Surrey’s best-kept secrets, The TR5’s have been ripping up stages for over two years, capturing hearts and minds with their highly charged retro blend of 50’s Skiffle and early 60’s Rock ‘N’ Roll!.
They played a good set of tracks from their debut album 'A Triumph ' , including 'Everybody's Screaming ( Lord Sutch)' and a cover of Eddy Cochran's ' Twenty Flight Rock'.
They play The Mascara Bar , London N16 on 15 Feb 2025... £8.
LEE ROCKER arrived on stage at 9.05pm for his 80 mins.
He was backed by a nifty three piece band.
It was great to see his big double bass, front centre stage.
It sounded fantastic throughout, as he slapped away.
Plenty of really good foot tappin' rockabilly.
A couple of songs in the middle he switched to acoustic guitar.
Eight Stray Cats tracks played, including all the big hits .
A really good show.
Full LEE ROCKER setlist played tonight....
Runaway Boys (Stray Cats song)
Built for Speed (Stray Cats song)
Stray Cat Strut ( Stray Cats song)
That's All Right / Blue Moon of Kentucky / Night
Train
Your True Love
Honey Don't (Carl Perkins cover)
Miracle in Memphis
The Last Offline Lovers (dedicated to his wife)
Memphis Freeze
Ophelia (The Band cover)
Love Me Good
Bye Bye Johnny (Chuck Berry cover )
Graceland Auctions
Bring It Back Again ( Stray Cats song)
When Nothing's Going Right (Stray Cats song)
I Won't Stand in Your Way (Stray Cats song)
Bulletproof
Rumble in Brighton ( Stray Cats song)
Rock This Town ( Stray Cats song)
Encore:
Rockabilly Boogie

Updated 3rd February 2025 Permalink

Sunday 02 February 2025.

Sunday 02 February 2025.
SID VICIOUS died 46 years ago on 02 February 1979.
Exactly a year later on 02 February 1980 , there was an anniversary march starting in the Kings Road Chelsea , where I was one of 300 punk rock fans who gathered there.
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Saturday 01 February 2025...I went to two events today .
4pm to 6.30pm.
CAVIAR BAR - preview - Medici Courtyard, Hanover Square, Mayfair , London W1.
What they say...
An obsession, born from desire; a passion for the finest quality caviar, seafood & wine
This is the essence of The Caviar Bar, a luxurious and intimate bar located in Mayfair, London. We’ve spent years sourcing the finest caviar and seafood – together with our carefully curated wine list we will deliver an experience like no other.
They can cater for groups up to 50 people.
Their distribution HQ is in Park Royal.
TV series Made in Chelsea have recorded here.
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They are located opposite the Maine restaurant.
A very cool looking entrance .
Farhad , the owner was here to explain caviar and their concept.
We had..
Crab Salad
Smoked Salmon with crackers
Smoked Salmon Maki - eight pieces
A very nice tasting plate , that included 50g caviar, bilinis , sliced potatoes , creme fresh, gherkins and a sliced boiled egg.
Dessert was Dragon Fruit
We also had a couple of glasses of white wine.
A very enjoyable and tasty caviar experience.
www.caviarbaruk.com - Visit their website here for more info and special offers.
They also do takeaway .
then
BABYGIRL at The Vue Cinema, Leicester Square, London WC2.
This time of year , i always try to see a few films in the run up to The Baftas and the Oscars.
Nicole Kidman stars in this erotic thriller.
It is rated 18 due to all the sexual content in the film.
Nicole is a tech CEO who cannot have an orgasm with her husband , so has a steamy affair with a young intern.
She has inner feelings of wanting to be dominated ,
and be his ' babygirl'.
Nicole Kidman gets naked too, and looking good too.
The film certainly has a 'Fifty Shades' feel to it.
Her husband finds out about the affair , and after some angry moments , the couple make up , and the film ends with her having her first orgasm with her husband.
You could say a Happy Ending.
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Friday 31 January 2025...6.15pm to 10pm...
THE GEORGE & DRAGON - relaunch party -
155-159 High Street, Wanstead , London E11.
A great location across the road from Wanstead tube station.
This huge pub over two floors used to be a Wetherspoon's , but it closed down for a bit and was bought by new owners.
Around 150 guests here , and very buzzy.
Lots of comfy sofas and chairs.
They used to have the main bar down the one side, but i like the new interior and the placement of the bar in the centre of the pub. The George is now under the ownership of Urban Pubs and Bars, who recently acquired The Red Lion, Leytonstone ( I saw Glen Matlock play there) along with a number of other London pubs with a portfolio of over 50 establishments.
At 6.30pm were the speeches from the new owners.
At 8pm for 60 mins , we had a male singer and his acoustic guitar play a good set of well known cover songs
Complimentary drinks and food included different cocktails, prosecco, wines , beers and some canapes .
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Friday 31 January 2025.
Happy Birthday to punk icon JOHN LYDON who is 69 today .
I have seen him many times with The Sex Pistols and PiL.
I also have several photos of us together.
I have put a couple of my Facebook page.

Updated 31st January 2025 Permalink

Thursday 30 January 2025.

Thursday 30 January 2025.
Sad news that MARIANNE FAITHFULL has passed away.
She didn't tour much outside of London but I did see her .
1996 - Jazz Cafe
2009 - I chatted her to her at The Q Awards as she was sitting on the same table as me.
2011 - Barbican
2014 - Royal Festival Hall
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Thursday 30 January 2025...6.15pm to 10.15pm..
LIL' NASHVILLE - launch party - 11 Barley Mow Passage , Chiswick , London W4.
Good to see another live music venue opening in West London.
Country music is getting more and more popular in the UK.
Lil’ Nashville will be bringing the vibe of Nashville right to your doorstep. If you're a country music fan, then you'll understand the significance of Music City's honky-tonk scene, and Lil’Nashville Country Bar & Kitchen will be recreating the spirit and atmosphere of a honky-tonk right here in West London!
If country music is your thing, they will get your boots tapping and your head nodding with live bands at weekends and artists playing all the latest country hits and covers you’d find on Broadway, Nashville. And guaranteed to get you on the dancefloor is their incredible line-dancing team straight from the US! With their head-turning performance, The Country Roses will introduce and teach you some authentic Tennessee moves.
Around 100 guests here.
All the staff are in full country music outfits .
They have a full merch store.
There is a DJ playing tracks , and a big screen showing videos.
7.30pm - speeches from the owners.
7.45pm - line dancing class.
8.45pm - Nottingham born country singer KEZIA GILL performed a 60 mins set of tracks from her two albums and a couple of cover versions.
Complimentary Bourbon cocktails, wines beers and hot and cold Southern food tasters including Cajun Chicken.
All guests got a complimentary tote band with a few small items inside from their merch .
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Wednesday 29 January 2025.
8pm to 12pm.
LUCKY CAT - preview - 22 Bishopsgate , London EC2.
What they say about it...
Lucky Cat is just one of five restaurants that GORDON RAMSAY is opening at London’s 22 Bishopsgate. The skyscraper is London's tallest office building, and will no doubt enchant diners who are lucky enough to get a reservation. After successful openings in Mayfair, Miami and Manchester, Lucky Cat will become London's highest restaurant, offering an Asian-inspired menu with incredible views of the city. If you visit on a warm evening, and just don't want the fun to end, then head out to the Lucky Cat roof terrace for cocktails and entertainment until 3am.
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The venue is pretty full , with over 100 diners.
We have a window table, with incredible views of The City , including The Tower of London and Tower Bridge below and much more as we are 60 floors up.
GORDON RAMSAY and his wife are here.
They are overseeing this test evening for the staff and food,
before the paying customers arrive next week.
Stickers are put over our phones to say no photos or videos allowed of the food or restaurant , so I just take a photo of the amazing view.
I presume that was just for the preview evening only.
We have around a dozen plates to share , as they focus on a sharing concept here.
The food and service was as you can imagine top notch.
Plates included Baby Squid , Udon Noodles, Crispy Duck Bao Buns, Tempura Shrimp and veg , BBQ Lamb Chops, Steak,
Sea Bream....Dessert was a Baked Rum Baba
Washed down with four cocktails each and some sparking water.
A DJ plays tunes in the background.
We were one of the two last tables to leave.
An excellent evening .

Updated 30th January 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 28 January 2025.

Tuesday 28 January 2025.
Thanks to the internet and band websites, it is easier to find out about bands touring overseas, and what level they play to.
The likes of Coldplay and Ed Sheeran play massive stadiums all across the world.
Coldplay spent the weekend in India, continuing to set records with its “Music Of The Spheres World Tour.” The band’s Jan. 25-26 shows at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat hosted more than 111,000 fans each night, marking the biggest performances of the band’s career and two of the largest stadium concerts of the 21st century.
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Monday 27 January 2025.
Happy Birthday to NICK MASON who is 81 today.
See my Facebook page for a photo of us together.
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Sunday 26 January 2025.
The week of shows for Teenage Cancer Trust at The Royal Albert Hall has been announced for the end of March.
As usual The Who are playing two shows.
Who are playing the opening night on Monday 24 March ?
It's only THE SEX PISTOLS with Frank Carter.
A nice warm show for their Japan , NZ and Australia shows.
Tickets go on sale on Friday 31 January .
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Thursday 23 January 2025...6.15pm to 8.30pm...
Private view - Bonhams , New Bond Street , London W1.
Lee & LEE...A SKY original...
Surrealist and fashion photographer, model and pioneering war correspondent, Lee Miller (1907-1977) was a force of nature who had an exceptional career. Yet, for a long time, it remained hidden – even from her son – with all of her negatives and photographs stored away in the attic at her home, Farleys in East Sussex. Since her powerful images came to light, her son Antony Penrose and granddaughter Ami Bouhassane have worked to ensure her legacy lives on. Last year the first narrative movie about her life during the war, LEE starring Kate Winslet, who was also one of the producers on the film, was released by Sky, with Winslet recently being nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance.
Now Bonhams has collaborated with Farleys House & Gallery – Home of the Surrealists – to bring its exhibition 'Lee & LEE' to New Bond Street in January 2025. The exhibition, curated by Ami Bouhassane and producer of LEE Kate Solomon, pairs Lee Miller's iconic war photographs with their counterparts from the 2024 feature film. The exhibition will run from 13-24 January (10am-4pm including weekends) at Bonhams New Bond Street, London.
'Lee & LEE' showcases comparative images of Lee Miller's wartime reporting alongside photographs of meticulously researched scenes recreated for the film by official photographer for LEE, Kimberley French. The exhibition will also feature photographs by Kate Winslet taken on set using a Rolleiflex camera, built specially as a replica of Lee Miller's own camera at Farleys. Having been on view in the Lee Miller Gallery at Farleys in Sussex over the summer, this is the first time the exhibition will travel to London, and it will also include props from the film and items owned by Lee Miller. These will include Lee's own wartime uniform, as well as the uniform from the film and special stunt camera, costumes created by Michael O'Connor, a prop typewriter and WWII Jeep, amongst other objects.
Over 200 guests here , including rows of seats.
From 6.45pm to 7.30pm was on the interview with Lee's son and granddaughter, followed by a Q & A.
Complimentary Pol Roger champers for all the guests.
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Wednesday 22 January 2025.
THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS live at 229 Great Portland Street, London W1.
The band play the second of three shows at this venue.
They will be promoting their new album ' Live in Houston '.
The Fabulous Thunderbirds is an American blues band formed in 1974. Singer Kim Wilson is the only constant member through the band's entire history. Their 1986 album Tuff Enuff sold over a million copies, and spawned two minor hit singles: the title track and "Wrap It Up".
I have seen them twice before, including amazingly 45 years ago when they played The Hope n Anchor in Islington and then in 1995 at The Mean Fiddler in Harlesden.
These shows are part of The Blues Festival at this venue.
620 capacity venue, includes 20 side seats for early arrivals.
A great venue , with the stage at a perfect height , but the big promoters like Live Nation and SJM avoid using it.
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The venue looks pretty full.
THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS arrived on stage at 9pm and played for 1 hour 45 mins.
There were five of them on stage tonight.
The second guitarist also played some boogie-woogie piano.
A nice blues sound from the band.
Singer Kim Wilson plays a lot of nifty harmonica, and halfway through the show , he performs an extended five minute harmonica solo , where the band members actually leave the stage for it....and another solo at tge end of the show.
A good show that ticked along ok.
Full setlist played tonight by The Fabulous Thunderbirds....
Wrap It Up ( Sam & Dave cover)
I Ain't Lyin
Wait on Time
Can't Tear It Up Enuff
Early Every Morning ( B.B. King cover)
Why Get Up
Don't Make No Sense
Struck Down By the Blues
Give Me All Your Lovin'
Black Night ( Charles Brown cover)
Down at Antones
I Hear You Knockin' ( Lazy Lester cover)
Payback Time
Twist of the Knife
Tuff Enuff
Encore :
The Crawl ( Guitar Jr. cover)
Sugar Coated Love ( Lazy Lester cover)
Harmonica solo
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JEFF BECK auction update....
Jeff Beck: The Guitar Collection
At Christie's Totals £8,727,284
Over eight times the pre-sale estimate
Led by Jeff Beck's 1954 'Oxblood' Gibson Les Paul which realised £1,068,500
100% Sold, the sale welcomed registered bidders from 40 countries, setting a World Auction Record for a Gibson Les Paul.

Updated 22nd January 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 21 January 2025.

Tuesday 21 January 2025....11.45am to 1pm...
JEFF BECK - The Guitar Collection - preview -
Christie's ,King Street , St James's, London SW1.
The actual auction is 5pm start on Wednesday 22 January.
A celebration of the ultimate guitarist’s guitar hero, Christie’s is honoured to present Jeff Beck: The Guitar Collection, a live auction on 22 January 2025, in London. Spanning his almost six-decades-long career, from joining the Yardbirds in 1965 to his last tour in 2022, this unique auction presents over 130 guitars, amps, pedals, cases and ‘tools-of-the-trade’ used by the late, great guitar legend Jeff Beck (1944–2023).
I have seen Jeff Beck on stage around a dozen times, with the first time in 1981 when he headlined Hammersmith Odeon.
I saw his last ever London show at The Royal Albert Hall in 2022 , where he was joined by Johnny Depp for a few songs, and I was at both the tribute shows for him at the same venue a year later.
Johnny Depp has been to see the collection , a few days before the auction.
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A pretty amazing collection of guitars from this rock legend.
Most are hanging on the wall , with a full description.
Lots of amps, guitar cases and pedals etc.
A big screen is showing Jeff Beck live footage clips , via some very top notch quality Neumann sound system.
You forget how much he loved Hot Rod cars, as there are a couple of books here, with some fantastic photos.
then....
THE TOY FAIR at Olympia, West London....1.30pm to 5.15pm...
This the first day of this three day event.
The Toy Fair is the UK's largest dedicated toy, game and hobby trade show taking place annually at the end of January at Olympia. The toy industry's showcase welcomes more than 250 companies exhibiting thousands of products to visitors including retailers, buyers, media and the wider industry....www.toyfair.co.uk
Miko unveils AI robots for kids, Miko Mini and Miko 3, previews new Sparky, and expands into gaming with its Chess Grand AI interactive chessboard.
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A massive event as it takes over all of the main two halls.
You can see how the UK toy market is worth over £3 billion a year , as there is so much to choose from , including ...
Cuddly Toys, Action Figures , Collectables, Construction Toys ,
Games, Puzzles , Vehicles, Stickers and much more.
A mixture of big well known names, and smaller retailers , including Lego, Pokémon, Mr Men , Scrabble etc.
47% of 2024 sakes were under the £15 price point .
A few celebs on different stands..
STEPHEN MULHERN is doing some magic tricks.
Matt Edmondson is on Asmodee UK.
Touker Suleyman is on Hunter Price Limited .
Luke Robers (Yo-Yo Champion ) is on Bandai UK Ltd.
LUKE LITTLER is on the Target Darts stand on the Wednesday.
Lots of humans in character costumes walking around .
I have a media pass , so handy for the sanctuary of the press room, and when talking to the folks on the various stands .
Complimentary lunch in the press room included chicken and two veg carton, veggie wraps, cup cakes, crisps, prosecco , coffees ,teas and a pic n mix.
Hippychick had a great Tribike that can be used as a two wheeler or a three wheeler.
There was a children's DJ console by Tiësto.
I got several toys from various retailers ,but easily the best was from The Paddington stand where I got given a very cute 12" Paddington Bear cuddly toy.
An enjoyable colourful event.
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Monday 20 January 2025.
Happy Birthday to PAUL STANLEY who is 73 today.
A good time to.play some KISS final tour YouTube videos .
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Monday 20 January 2025.
Very sad news that JOHN SYKES has passed away.
Legendary English guitarist John Sykes (TYGERS OF PAN TANG, THIN LIZZY, WHITESNAKE, BLUE MURDER, SYKES) has died at the age of 65.
Earlier today (Monday, January 20),the following statement was posted on Sykes's social media: "It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer. He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent but for those who didn’t know him personally, he was a thoughtful, kind, and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room.
I first saw him on stage in1982 when Tygers of Pan Tang headlined Hammersmith Odeon....and then several times with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake.

Updated 20th January 2025 Permalink

Sunday 19 January 2025.

Friday 17 January 2025....7.30pm to 10.30pm...
FAULTY TOWERS - THE DINING EXPERIENCE in Bloomsbury .
The President Hotel, 56-60 Guilford Square, London WC1.
At last i get along to see this superb immersive show.
In the hotel bar next door , in the holding area the fun begins.
Basil and Manual arrived and Basil instructs Manuel to collect the glasses...so Manuel takes the spectacle wearers (glasses) off anyone that is wearing them (including me).
It is a full house of around 100 for the 10 tables of 10.
For the soup staters Basil and Manuel pretty much throw the bread rolls and butter at all the diners...Sybil then joins them.
From start to finish it was hilarious , as it was laughs galore non-stop as Basil , Sybil and Manual performed between the tables, with familiar scenes related to the TV series .
The characters are so spot on, and the interaction amongst the diners is brilliant and everyone is involved.
The three course meal for us was ( veggie option was available)
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with bread roll and butter.
Roasted Lemon & Oregano Chicken , with roasted rosemary potatoes , veg and gravy.
White Chocolate & Summer Berry Cheesecake.
Signs up saying no video or photography allowed , but I sneaked a video .
Tickets are a bit cheaper during the week, compared to the weekend, and all include the three course meal, but you pay for all your drinks.
It is now booking to December 2025.
An excellent 10/10 evening.
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Welcome to our Faulty Towers in London's West End.Come and see the greatest ever british comedy Fawlty Towers as you've never seen it before!.Checking in for its 13th year in London, the multi-award winning, 5 star global phenomenon, offers an experience like no other, set in the iconic Fawlty Towers hotel. With over 13 years of faultless service right in the heart of Bloomsbury, you’re in for a quintessentially British experience like no other as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up theatre and chaos alongside a 70s-style 3-course meal. Join us at the President Hotel, London, where the trio have spent over a decade setting West End records for longest running immersive experience, longest running show based on a TV series, and the longest running Fawlty Towers show of any kind worldwide! This is the show where you step inside the TV series and become part of the action itself. Highly improvised, highly interactive, and fully immersive, join the action for an unforgettable night where guests are not just audience members, but welcomed as highly esteemed guests of Torquay’s most aspirational hoteliers.
www.faultytowersdining.com - Visit their website here.for more info and to book tickets for this show.
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Updated 18th January 2025 Permalink

Thursday 16 January 2025.

Thursday 16 January 2025.
Happy Birthday to my dear mum , MARY , who is 91 today.
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Wednesday 15 January 2025.
Happy Birthday to Saxon singer BIFF BYFORD who is 74 today.
I have seen Saxon around 25 times since 1979 , when they supported Motorhead at Hammersmith Odeon.
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Wednesday 15 January 2025.
Channel 4 TV 10pm ....Marilyn Manson documentary part 2 .
The final part 3 is shown Thursday 16 January at 10pm.
I have seen Marilyn Manson several times , with the first times both supporting Metallica , Reading Festival in 1997 and Milton Keynes Bowl in 1999.
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Tuesday 14 January 2025.
On 14 January 1978 The Sex Pistols played their last ever gig with Sid Vicious.
On this day 47 years ago, Sex Pistols played their last gig in recorded history with the infamous line-up that included Sid Vicious. (Cook, Jones, Rotten and Vicious)
Finally released in full and correctly sequenced for the very first time. Those seminal shows from Sex Pistols tour back in ’78 in the US are being released on Red, White & Blue vinyl. A tour that ended like no other…
This tour went down in Rock and Roll history, even if it was short and definitely not sweet. Atlanta, Dallas and San Francisco are pressed on coloured vinyl for the first time, as well a 3CD package and digital download. John Rotten (aka Lydon), Paul Cook, Steve Jones and Sid Vicious were sent into venues primed for confrontation, police ready to clamp down on any signs of anarchy and religious protesters rallying to see off the unholy Brits.
The three shows will be released one by one ....end of Feb, end of March , end of April.
I saw The Sex Pistols with Sid just the once in 1977, but i also saw Sid Vicious solo at The Electric Ballroom.
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Sunday 12 January 2025.
999 and MENACE live at The 100 Club.
Punk rock legends 999 are still going strong.
I have seen them around 25 times since 1977.
I saw them five times in 1977 alone, which included at the legendary Nashville Pub , West Kensington and when they supported The Runaways at Hammersmith Odeon.
Support band are MENACE , who I have seen a few times.
Including in 1978 when they supported Sham 69 at The Roxy Theatre, Harlesden and when they headlined The White Hart, Acton where Raped where the support.
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Great to see a full house on this freezing Sunday evening.
MENACE arrived on stage at 8.10pm and played for 50 mins.
Original member Noel Martin on vocals, still fronts the band, at the grand age of 70.
The band whizzed through ditties like ' Screwed Up', 'Put The Blame on You' , ' Criminals in Uniform' , ' C & A' and near the end they invited a dozen friends on stage for their anthem ' G.L.C.'.
999 arrived on stage at 9.20pm and played for 65 mins.
Singer Nick Cash is still here , he is in his early 70s.
He is still full of enthusiasm as the band played a great set of older classics and newer tracks, with the likes of biggies 'Emergency' , 'Nasty , Nasty' , 'Homicide' and 'i'm Alive ' played near the end.
999 are always really great to watch.
Full 999 setlist played tonight ..
Black Flowers for the Bride
Inside Out
Hit Me
Feelin' Alright With the Crew
Shoot
Boys in the Gang
Titanic (My Over) Reaction
Li'l Red Riding Hood ( Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs cover)
Really Like You
My Dad Trashed My Submarine
Biggest Prize in Sport
Last Breath
Lie Lie Lie
No Pity
Emergency
Nasty Nasty
Homicide
Encore:
Let's Face It
I'm Alive
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Interesting photos on the wall by the merch stand.
By accident or deliberate ?
Photos of John Lydon and Frank Carter next to each other.

Updated 13th January 2025 Permalink

Saturday 11 January 2025.

Saturday 11 January 2025.
THE SMYTHS + BILLY BLAGG live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Two top tribute acts return to the same venue where I saw them this time last year.
It will be The Smyths 1000th show.
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Level 3 is closed and Level 2 is half empty , but the stalls standing and Level 1 seats areas are rammed full ,so must be around an impressive 1400 tickets sold.
Good to see folks of all ages here .
BILLY BLAGG arrived on stage at 8.15pm for his 45 mins set.
His manners and rants are just like the real Billy Bragg.
Highlights played in a good set included 'To Have and to Have Not', ' Sexuality', 'Between The Wars', ' The Milkman of Human Kindness' and he finished with a mega ' A New England'.
THE SMYTHS arrived on stage at 9.20pm and they played for 95 mins.
Everyone here is singing those great lyrics from The Smiths
The first 30 mins is pretty much lesser known tracks.
Lots of The Smiths classics played later in the set.
Included this time were a couple of Morrissey gems.
Sadly , they did not play ' Panic ' tonight.
A very enjoyable show.
Full SMYTHS setlist played tonight....
Meat Is Murder ( The Smiths cover)
Barbarism Begins at Home ( The Smiths cover)
The Headmaster Ritual ( The Smiths cover)
Rusholme Ruffians (The Smiths cover)
What She Said ( The Smiths cover)
I Want the One I Can't Have ( The Smiths cover)
Nowhere Fast ( The Smiths cover)
Suedehead (Morrissey cover)
The Last of the Famous International Playboys ( Morrissey cover)
William, It Was Really Nothing ( The Smiths cover)
There Is a Light That Never Goes Out ( The Smiths cover)
Sheila Take a Bow ( The Smiths cover)
Ask ( The Smiths cover )
Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now ( The Smiths cover)
This Charming Man (The Smiths cover)
Bigmouth Strikes Again ( The Smiths cover)
Encore:
That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore ( The Smiths cover)
How Soon Is Now? (The Smiths cover)
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Saturday 11 January 2025.
Very sad news that SAM MOORE has died aged 89 .
He was part of the legendary soul duo Sam & Dave.
I saw them in Sept 1979 on my first visit to USA .
As part of an amazing three act bill.
The Orpheum Theatre , Boston (2700 capacity )
The Clash
Sam & Dave
The Undertones
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Friday 10 January 2025.
LAURENCE JONES live at 229 Great Portland Street, London W1.
Liverpool born blues rock guitarist LAURENCE JONES is playing a massive 32 date UK tour in early 2025.
This London show is the second on the tour.
As part of The Blues Festival at this venue.
For Laurence, every performance matters due to his battle with Crohn's disease. Crohn's main symptoms include urgent visits to the toilet each day, as you have colon issues.
The worst cases will have a stoma bag procedure.
He channels his pain into the blues and it shows in his music.
www.agmp.co.uk - Visit their website here for full tour info and tickets.
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The venue looks pretty full on this freezing cold evening.
Support band Miguel Montalban and the Southern Vultures were formed in 2019 and were on stage for around 40 mins. Miguel certainly dresses like a rock star, and displayed soulful vocals paired with some nice guitar virtuosity.
Some good tracks played from their recent recordings.
LAURENCE JONES and band arrived on stage at 9.20pm and played for around 80 mins.
The trio sound tight and perfect all throughout their set.
The five string bass from Jack Alexander Timmis can be heard clearly all through the show, which is pretty rare.
Laurence may only just be in his 30s, but he has been playing all over the place for over a decade, so there’s a confident swagger about Jones which is impossible to dislike. His infectious smile, down-to-earth manner, and amenable personality get you beaming as he speaks between tracks.
Pretty much every song has got some superb blues guitar solo, whether it's with a guitar pick or finger pickin'.
He is promoting his recent album 'Bad Luck & The Blues'.
A really good show by this mesmerising blues guitarist.
Highlights included...
Don't You Leave Me This Way
Thunder In The Sky
Bad Luck & The Blues
Voodoo Child ( dedicated to his hero Jimi Hendrix)
Woman
Encore :
Foolin' Me ( dedicated to Francis Rossi , as he supported Status Quo at the end of 2024)
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Friday 10 January 2025.
Happy Birthday to ROD STEWART who is 80 today.
Lucky to have seen him live over 20 times since the 1970s.

Updated 9th January 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 08 January 2025.

Thursday 09 January 2025.
Happy Birthday to JIMMY PAGE who is 81 today.
Happy Birthday to DAVID JOHANSEN who is 75 today.
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Wednesday 08 January 2025.
DICK WHITTINGTON live at The Theatre Royal , Windsor.
Expect traditional pantomime comedy capers, dazzling dancers, colourful costumes and a sprinkling of Magic as we join Dick Whittington to see if the streets of London really are paved with Gold…
Starring Britain’s favourite fox Basil Brush, alongside Windsor’s calamitous comic Kevin Cruise and dame Steven Blakeley! Joining them this year is the hilarious Hilary O’Neil as Fairy Bowbells, and as Queen Rat, legendary singer of The New Seekers and acclaimed star of Blood Brothers, Lyn Paul!
It is on until Sunday 12 January 2025.
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The upstairs is closed so maybe 300 folks here.
The show is on for 1 hour 50 mins over two sets of 60 mins and 50 mins. It is certainly more of a family panto crowd compared to the smutty banter of The Palladium panto last week.
Kevin Cruise and Steven Blakeley are regulars here, and they said this show was their 90th in the past month, and they have reached 1000 pantos together during this stint.
Lots of singing and dancing from the six dancers.
Plenty of comedy slapstick , including political jokes.
A few innuendoes , but nothing too smutty.
There was a tribute medley to pop / dance acts of the 1990s.
Lyn Paul sang a nice cover of ' Bat Out Of Hell' , but didn't sing any of the hits she had back in the day with The New Seekers.
A good stunt was the giant turtle that flew over the front rows.
The 12 days of Christmas with props was good fun, as the folks got wet with the water pistols and guns.
There was another medley of some songs in the second half .
Always good to see Basil Brush.
Not a patch of the Palladium Panto I saw last week, but it still had plenty of enjoyable bits.
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Tuesday 07 January 2025...i went to two events tonight...
FAWLTY TOWERS - THE PLAY is live at The Apollo Theatre , Shaftesbury Avenue , London.
Nearly 50 years since it first hit our TV screens, the ‘greatest British sitcom of all time’ (Radio Times) is now a brand-new stage play, adapted by comedy legend John Cleese and directed by Caroline Jay Ranger.
It is on until March 2025 in London, then goes on a UK tour.
Fawlty Towers West End Cast
Basil – Adam Jackson-Smith
Sybil – Anna-Jane Casey
Manuel – Hemi Yeroham
Polly – Victoria Fox
The Major – Paul Nicholas ( now aged 80)
Mrs Richards – Rachel Izen
Mr Hutchinson – Steven Meo
Miss Tibbs – Kate Russell-Smith
Miss Gatsby – Nicola Sanderson
Mr Thurston – Greg Haiste
Mr Walt/Dr Finn – Danny Bayne
Taxi Driver/Mr Firkins/Mr Kerr/Mr Sharp – Neil Stuart
Hotel Guests – Dale Superville, Emma Fenney, Mia Austen, John Hasler, Ben Jacobson and Suzy Bloom.
The press/VIP night was back in May 2024, but I was at Hammersmith Apollo that night to see that great Black Crowes show, where Steven Tyler came on for the encore.
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The theatre looked pretty full
The play was on for 95 mins over two sets of 60 mins and 35 mins....fairly short as we left the venue at 9.25pm.
All your fave TV characters from the classic 50 years old series are here,and the Basil Fawlty is played superbly.
The mannerisms, the clipped speech patterns, the boiling frustration – they’re all instantly, uncannily identifiable. he even masters Cleese-alike physical humour, making a great comic virtue of his lanky body, prompting spontaneous applause when breaking out in a goose-step in front of his German hotel guests. Alongside him, Anna-Jane Casey is every inch the “tyrant queen” as Sybil, Victoria Fox the mid-Atlantic vocal double of Polly, and Hemi Yeroham mystified by it all as the put-upon busboy from Barcelona. Paul Nicholas, a sitcom doyen himself, is here too, a mite less confused, a little more twinkling, as senile old Major Gowen. He is very quiet in the first half of the show, but comes to life in the second half.
It’s all still more of a sitcom than a stage play. Cleese has woven three episodes (The Hotel Inspectors, Communication Problems and The Germans) into the 95 mins production.
Lots of laugh out loud moments, very enjoyable.
then
9.30pm to 11pm....press visit....
DAVE'S HOT CHICKEN - 40 Shaftesbury Avenue , London W1.
American quick-service restaurant brand Dave’s Hot Chicken has recently opened its UK debut in London’s West End.
The fried chicken chain will open in the London Trocadero building.
Founded in 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken operates over 200 sites globally, and recently signed a franchise agreement with Azzurri to open 60 sites in the UK.
The brand is backed by big celebrity names such as Drake, Samuel L Jackson, and Usher, and is one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the US and on social media.
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It is directly across the road from our earlier theatre show
This restaurant has certainly got popular very quickly as we saw massive queues with security doing one in one out at 7pm , so lucky we had a reserved table for 9.30pm , as still a queue .
We had a nice corner table downstairs.
I had a pair of crispy chicken burgers, with honey , fries, mac n cheese , a tub of salad, a coke and cinnamon milkshake.
This place looks certain to rival Five Guys in popularity.
Ideal for a visit before or after the theatre.

Updated 7th January 2025 Permalink

Sunday 05 January 2025.

Friday 03 January 2025....i went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 8.30pm...launch party...
BREADSTALL - 92 Berwick Street , Soho, London W1.
BREADSTALL open their second pizza site in London.
It is in the space next door to what was the original site for Sister Ray Records back in the day.
What sets Breadstall apart from other pizzerias is the dough – made from scratch, the bigga-style sourdough, fermented for 72 hours at the minimum, results in a lighter, crunchier dough. The pizzas are available with various toppings, from classics like pepperoni to all-out versions like beef ragu, mushrooms, aged mozzarella, and red onions.
Their huge 20" pizzas are served as quarter, half or full size.
We had various complimentary pizza slices along with Negronis, Whiskey Old Fashioned cocktails and pints of beer.
then
THE ANIMALS + GENO WASHINGTON & THE RAM JAM BAND live at 229 Great Portland Street, London W1.
Two legends from the 1960s play the first gig of the January Blues Festival at this venue.
With original founding member John Steel (now aged 83),
Having served as the Animals drummer at its inception in 1963, he is the only original band member playing in the current incarnation of the Animals. He was inducted with the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
The Animals perform the band’s greatest hits , including House of the Rising Sun, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, We’ve Gotta Get Out of This Place, Baby Let Me Take You Home, Bring It On Home To Me, It’s My Life and many more which helped make The Animals one of the biggest groups in the world during the 1960’s.
Geno Washington (now aged 81) is an American R&B singer who released five albums with the Ram Jam Band between 1966 and 1969, and eight solo albums beginning in 1976.
His status as one of the "Kings of Soul" was cemented forever by Kevin Rowland and Dexy's Midnight Runners in the 1980's with the World-wide No. 1 smash hit single "Geno", which paid homage to the great man himself.
I have seen both acts before.
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The 620 capacity venue looks pretty full.
I catch the last 15 mins of the GENO WASHINGTON and band set . He is still singing great for the age of 81.
THE ANIMALS arrived on stage at 9.30pm for their 70 mins set.
They played a nice mix of their big hits and cover versions.
Pretty amazing how John Steel can still play the drums at the grand age of 83. The band sound good , with nice keyboards .
Before the encore song , John Steel gave us a nice five mins story on the making of the encore hit song, that was recorded just up the road in Holborn in 1964 , and became a No 1 hit in the UK and USA.
A very enjoyable show.
Full set list played by The Animals tonight...
Baby, Let Me Take You Home
It's My Life
Bright Lights, Big City (Jimmy Reed cover)
I Believe to My Soul ( Ray Charles cover)
I'm Crying
Bring It On Home to Me ( Sam Cooke cover)
Don't Bring Me Down
Big Boss Man / High Heeled Sneakers
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (Nina Simone cover)
Night Time Is the Right Time ( Roosevelt Sykes cover)
We Gotta Get Out of This Place (Barry Mann cover)
Encore:
The House of the Rising Sun ( [traditional] cover)

Updated 3rd January 2025 Permalink

Thursday 02 January 2025.

Thursday 02 January 2025.
ROBIN HOOD panto live at The London Palladium.
Iconic venue holds the biggest and best celebrity panto.
Starring national treasure Jane McDonald as Maid Marion and Palladium panto royalty Julian Clary as Robin Hood, this spectacular show also sees the return of favourites Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Charlie Stemp and Rob Madge alongside West End stars Marisha Wallace and Tosh Wanogho-Maud who make their Palladium panto debut.
It is on until Sunday 12 Jan 2025.
I have been to see The Palladium Panto a few times before...it is always top notch.
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I always see this panto in the middle of the week , but it always still sells out this iconic 5000 capacity theatre .
Although there are some children about , it is mainly an adult crowd , due to the smutty words on stage and expensive tickets if you are going as a family.
The ratio of kids to adults here is much lower than the usual out of town panto that's aimed at families.
The show is on for two hours 10 mins over two sets of 80 mins and 50 mins .
The stage production is very lavish and Julien Clary has around a dozen over the top costumes.
Whether Clary is dressed as a maypole, an owl or even an entire fairytale castle, “less is more” is not the mantra here, regardless of whether they complement the plot or not. Speaking of which, has an extra effort been made to focus a little more on a narrative thread this time around? No. Do any of us really care? Absolutely not.
The chemistry between Clary and McDonald is panto gold, of course, as they both share a love for cruising (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) and her constant requests for him to “satisfy her womanly needs” are, alas, always met with a closeted hint of resistance.
In a show that boasts giant, fire-breathing dragons and flying fire engines, ghosts floating over the audience and even a 3D film section at the start of the second half , it’s simply the communal spirit of pantomime that brings the real festive fulfillment at the Palladium.
Nigel Havers is again the butt of old person jokes.
Ventriloquist Paul Zerdin has a couple of excellent solo spots.
There are male and female dancers
Jane McDonald arrived 40 mins into the show and sings a few good cover versions.
A few lines of topical banter too, including the cutting of the winter fuel allowance for pensioners and Greg Wallace.
Last year's Palladium star Jennifer Saunders made a surprise entrance on a chariot as King George. Not sure if this happens every night.
In the second half Paul Zerdin got four kids on stage , ages 6 to 8 for a sing song of " Jane McDonald had a farm" .
There was plenty of non stop jokey smut from Julan Clary and a couple of times it was downright crude , but it was an excellent entertaining evening to start off the new year.
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Tuesday 31 December 2024.
Happy New Year to all visitors to this website.
LONDON NEW YEARS EVE Fireworks Display in Central London.
100, 000 tickets priced from £20 are all sold out.
The event is 8pm to 12.30pm ...djs to warm the crowd up...
I have been a few times before.
The fireworks are shown live on BBC TV in the UK at midnight and other countries around the world.
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We were there 10pm to 12.30pm.
Edinburgh and Blackpool fireworks displays were cancelled due to very strong winds, but not too bad in London, a bit windy and no rain.
We are in the Red Zone
Half the crowd seems to be non-English.
We had a great view of the River Thames all lit up.
The djs warmed the crowd up nicely.
At 11pm a couple of dozen party boats came close to the fireworks...must get on one of them in the future.
The fireworks at midnight for 10 or 12 mins were superb.
The TV doesn't do justice to the sound of the thunderous noise that the fireworks make, when you watch it live .
A very enjoyable event.
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Very sad news that legendary DJ JOHNNIE WALKER has died at the age of 79....he had been ill for some time...
His current Sunday afternoon 70s show on BBC Radio 2 was the only radio show I consciously made an effort to listen to.
He had a great radio career lasting over 50 years.
Johnnie Walker began his radio career in 1966 on Swinging Radio England, an offshore pirate station, before moving to the legendary Radio Caroline where he became a household name by hosting a hugely popular night-time show.
Following Radio Caroline's closure he joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969.

Updated 30th December 2024 Permalink

Friday 27 December 2024.

Friday 27 December 2024.
There are lots of music specials on SKY ARTS TV and BBC TV on every evening over the Christmas period.
This is tonight's SKY ARTS selection...
7pm - Bryan Adams live at The Royal Albert Hall.
I was at this great show recorded in May 2024 , and it featured his classic album ' Reckless'.
8.45pm - Meat Loaf ' Bat Out Of Hell' documentary .
I saw Meat Loaf live over 15 times including his debut London show at Hammersmith Odeon in 1978 when ' Bat Out Of Hell ' was released .
9.45pm - AC/DC live at The River Plate Stadium , Argentina.
Check out the incredible bouncing crowd scenes.
I have seen them many times with three different vocalists.
12pm - Eric Clapton Crossroads.
I have seen Eric Clapton over 30 times.
4am - Bachman and Turner live at Roseland .
Fond memories of seeing Bachman Turner Overdrive at Hammersmith Odeon in the mid 1970s where Thin Lizzy were the support act
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I hope everyone had a nice Christmas.
45 years ago this week i attended all four of the Charity Concerts for Kampuchea at Hammersmith Odeon.
Queen , Hammersmith Odeon, London 26.12.1979 .
Ian Dury And The Blockheads,The Clash, Mutumbi Hammersmith Odeon, London 27.12.1979 .
The Who,Specials,Pretenders Hammersmith Odeon, London 28.12.1979 .
Wings,Elvis Costello,Rockpile Hammersmith Odeon, London 29.12.1979.
The newspapers were full of rumours that John Lennon and George Harrison would join Macca on stage , which resulted in over 200 folks outside looking for tickets and the touts were selling for big money....John and George did not show.
This would be the last ever Wings show.
It was my third time seeing Wings.
It was the only time The Clash played Hammersmith Odeon.
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Saturday 21 December 2024.
THE SHARON SHANNON BIG BAND play a
tribute to SHANE MacGOWAN live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
The Sharon Shannon Big Band are set to deliver a captivating tribute to the late Shane MacGowan, holding particular significance as Shane previously toured with the Big Band, leaving an indelible mark on their musical journey.
The Sharon Shannon Big Band will be accompanied by a lineup of special guests including Imelda May, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Camille O’ Sullivan and Mundy, for a showcase of not only traditional Irish music but a celebration of Shane's legendary songwriting.
I have seen Shane MacGowan on stage around a dozen times, with the first times in 1985 when The Pogues headlined both Hammersmith Palais and Hammersmith Odeon.
I saw Sharon Shannon when she supported The Hothouse Flowers at The Royal Albert Hall in 2000.
I have seen Imelda May on stage with Jeff Beck and Ronnie Wood.
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Level 3 is half empty tonight , but the venue looks pretty full,
A nice mix of Irish and English folks in the audience.
SEAN McGOWAN arrived on stage at 7.45pm for his 30 mins.
He wins me over immediately , as he arrives on stage wearing a QPR shirt , as he has come straight from their afternoon win home game. ..his good tracks had hints of Billy Bragg.
THE SHARON SHANNON BIG BAND on at 8.30pm for two hours 10 mins.
Eight musicians in the band and four guests meant twelve on stage for some songs, which were a mix of Pogues / Shane related songs and Irish classics .
Holding it all together is Sharon Shannon with her superb accordion playing , matching her big smile.
Camille O'Sullivan in her ripped tights was great , and she had some great dancing and duets with Imelda May.
All artists on stage for a superb encore of ' Fairytale of New York'.
A great show.
Full set list played tonight....
Neckbelly
(Unknown)
Dirty Old Town
The Irish Rover
Summer in Siam ( The Pogues cover) (with Liam Ó Maonlaí)
(Unknown) ( with Camille O’Sullivan)
A Pair of Brown Eyes ( The Pogues cover) (with Mundy)
Streams of Whiskey (The Pogues cover) (with Imelda May)
I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day (The Pogues cover) (with Cait O’Riordan)
(Unknown)
The Broad Majestic Shannon ( The Pogues cover) (with Camille O’Sullivan)
Lullaby of London ( The Pogues cover) (with Liam Ó Maonlaí)
Dark Streets of London ( The Pogues cover) (with Cait O’Riordan)
Cavan Potholes
The Sick Bed of Cúchulainn (The Pogues cover) (with Mundy)
Haunted (The Pogues cover) (with Camille O’Sullivan)
A Rainy Night in Soho (The Pogues cover) (with Imelda May)
(Unknown)
Galway Girl ( with Mundy)
Sally MacLennane ( The Pogues cover)
Fiesta ( The Pogues cover)
Encore :
Fairytale of New York ( The Pogues cover)

Updated 22nd December 2024 Permalink

Friday 20 December 2024.

Friday 20 December 2024.
THE WONDER STUFF live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
I have seen them a few times before including last year at the same venue.
The band scored one UK number 1 single, their release of "Dizzy" with comedian Vic Reeves, 17 x Top 20 single hits in the UK and three top-10 albums in the UK. The band also toured internationally, and achieved some success in the United States, where they had six songs on the Billboard Alternative Songs Chart.
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The billboard outside the venue says...sold out
Mainly middle aged blokes, who remember them from their heyday, who are out for a Christmas knees up.
JACK FRANCIS and band arrived on stage at 7.45pm for their 30 mins set , that ticked along nicely
THE WONDER STUFF arrived on stage at 8.40pm for their 1 hour 45 mins set.
Six musicians on stage, including a female on electric violin.
Three guitarists on most songs.
Miles Hunt and co are really on top form tonight.
A great set featuring all their best known tracks.
Their loyal fans down the front are singing and dancing madly.
Even better than last year...a really good show.
Full WONDER STUFF setliat played tonight....
30 Years in the Bathroom
Radio Ass Kiss
Them, Big Oak Trees
Golden Green
Cartoon Boyfriend
Unfaithful
Piece of Sky
Let's Be Other People
Don't Let Me Down, Gently
Can't Shape Up
Room 410
Good Night Though
FIVE MINUTES INTERVAL BREAK
Red Berry Joy Town
Ruby Horse
Tricks of the Trade
The Guy With the Gift
On the Ropes
Here Comes Everyone
Don't Anyone Dare Give a Damn
Mission Drive
Caught in My Shadow
The Size of a Cow
Give, Give, Give Me More, More, More
Encore :
Unbearable
Ten Trenches Deep
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Thursday 19 December 2024.
THE PRODIGY are playing a UK tour, including
three nights at their spiritual home of Brixton Academy , where one of the dressing rooms is named The Keith Flint room.
This is the first of their three Brixton shows .
I have seen them several times before.
The first times were back in 1997 and 1998.
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Tonights show is fully sold out.
Pretty amazing how many under 30s are here alongside the older crowd from the Prodigy's 1990s rave heyday.
JAGUAR SKILLS was on stage from 8.15pm for 60 mins.
Jaguar Skills is a British DJ who since 2002 has performed multi-genre, cut-n-paste style DJ mixes. He has released hundreds of mixtapes through various outlets.
He dropped in RATM, Linkin Park , Motorhead and The Specials.
THE PRODIGY were on stage at 9.30pm for their 80 mins set.
A short set as usual , as i have never seen them play for more than 90 mins, despite all the material they have released.
Their 80 mins though is pure quality , as eye popping visuals for each track has a barrage of light's , strobes , lasers and a set of big screens showing pre-recorded images.
Maxim now takes on the role of sole frontman duties, and hyped the crowd up by saying ' Brixtonian's in the house' and ' we are not for the faint hearted' wringing every last drop of energy from the crowd . Meanwhile producer / founder Liam Howlett remains walled behind a vast bank of synthesisers, laptops and equipment, darting between the flashing lights like a futuristic space captain flying his ship into another dimension.
What follows is 80 minutes of hardcore electronic dance classics with just enough distorted guitars to bless their sound with some counterculture punk attitude. The multi-generational crowd dance madly to each syncopated drum beat. All their classic tracks played . The main encore culminates in the offbeat reggae outlier, yet wildly popular, ' Out Of Space' . The insanely catchy 1976 Max Romeo vocal sample loop, ‘I’m gon’ send him to outer space, to find another race,” gives the crowd a joyful singalong .
A short , but superb show.
Full PRODIGY setliat played tonight....
Voodoo People
Omen
Fight!
Climbatize / Warrior's Dance
Light Up the Sky
Beyond the Deathray
Firestarter
Roadblox
Poison
No Good (Start the Dance)
Get Your Fight On
Their Law
Invaders Must Die
Breathe
Encore:
Smack My Bitch Up
Take Me to the Hospital
We Live Forever
Out of Space
Encore 2:
Diesel Power

Updated 20th December 2024 Permalink

Wednesday 18 December 2024.

Wednesday 18 December 2024.
THE DAMNED play the first of two nights at The Roundhouse.
THE DAMNED line-up from the 1980s play the UK.
David Vanian, Captain Sensible, Rat Scabies and Paul Gray will play shows across the UK, opening in Newcastle and finishing up for two nights at London’s Roundhouse, a significant venue in their long-standing career.
I saw The Damned at The 100 Club Punk Festival in Sept 1976.
I saw The Damned 10 times in 1977, including two shows at The Roundhouse where they were supported by The Dead Boys.
i have seen them over 40 times ...
Support comes from THE FLESHTONES who i saw at The Rainbow in 1981...and DOCTOR AND THE MEDICS who I have seen a couple of times.
The Damned released the first proper punk single ' New Rose' in 1976, which was just before any of the other punk bands.
It was covered by Guns N Roses in 1993.
Pretty amazing that 2026 will be the 50th anniversary of punk, and The Sex Pistols and The Damned are both still playing live gigs with three original members each .
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The venue looks pretty full tonight.
Good to see so many older punk rockin' lovin' folks here.
Tonight I have a seat in the guest block of the seated area.
Looking down on the floor , there are lots of bald heads.
THE FLESHTONES arrived on stage at 7.20pm for their 35 mins set. Pretty amazing to see them again after over 40 years.
They played CBGBs and Max's Kansas City punk clubs in the 1970s, but never had the big success of other New York punk bands ,but they played a good set of tracks including ' Way Of The World' and 'Remember The Ramones'.
DOCTOR AND THE MEDICS arrived on stage at 8.10pm for their 40 mins set. The Doctor is looking and acting just like he did back in the day, along with some entertaining banter.
He was joined by a great female co-singer.
They played ' No-One Loves You When You've Got No Shoes ' and they finished their good set with their UK Number 1 hit cover from 1986 ' Spirit in the Sky'.
THE DAMNED arrived on stage at 9.10pm for their 1 hour 40 mins set, and are sounding really good.
Punk classics played included 'Love Song' ,' I Just Can't Be Happy Today', 'Neat Neat Neat' , ' New Rose' and 'Smash It Up'.
Captain Sensible is joking around as usual .
A great show.
Full setlist played by THE DAMNED tonight....
Love Song
Machine Gun Etiquette
Wait for the Blackout
Lively Arts
The History of the World (Part 1)
Plan 9 Channel 7
Stranger on the Town
Limit Club
I Just Can't Be Happy Today
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Beware of the Clown
Eloise ( Barry Ryan cover)
Life Goes On
The Invisible Man
Ignite
Neat Neat Neat
Encore:
Curtain Call
Drum Solo (Rat Scabies)
New Rose
Encore 2:
There Ain't No Sanity Clause
Smash It Up (Part 1)
Smash It Up (Part 2)
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Monday 16 December 2024.
ELYANNA live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Palestinian-Chilean music artist Elyanna heads out on her WOLEDTO world tour in support of her debut album of the same name.
WOLEDTO sees Elyanna blends Arab pop with elements of EDM and jazz to create an energizing new sound with deep respect for tradition.
Elyanna has just completed a North American Tour.
This is the last date on her European Tour.
Looks like this show sold out in advance.
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Due to where she cones from, the outside of the venue is like Fort Knox , with barriers everywhere, and double the usual amount of front door security personnel.
The venue is rammed solid sold out.
Maybe a 75% excitable female crowd .
We have a female DJ , then a male DJ play 25 mins sets each of Arabic dance music.
ELYANNA arrived on stage at 9.10pm for her 75 mins set.
She certainly looks and dances like Shakira .
She joins in with her four female dancers routines .
There is a guitarist with her for some songs, but otherwise it is all backing tapes.
A nice big screen is showing live footage.
The Arabic tunes ticked along ok.
A few chants of " Free Palestine" during the evening.

Updated 16th December 2024 Permalink

Sunday 15 December 2024.

Sunday 15 December 2024.
Happy Birthday to PAUL SIMONON who is 69 today .
I was lucky to have seen The Clash 20 times between 1976 and 1984, including Boston , USA in Sept 1979 , when they were supported by Sam n Dave and The Undertones .
This weekend also sees the 45th anniversary of their album ' London Calling'.
Check my Facebook page of a photo of Paul and myself.
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Saturday 14 December 2024.
TRAVIS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Travis play the second of two sold out shows at this venue.
The venue is rammed solid sold out again.
HAMISH HAWK and his band played another really good 30 mins set of tracks, with an 80's vibe.
They are definitely a good band to keep an eye on.
TRAVIS arrived on stage at 9pm for their 1 hour 40 mins set .
The setlist was the same , but was five minutes longer as they showed a video at the start of the encore section , in tribute to a friend who recently died . (Video of Another Guy played in memory of Director Wolfgang Becker).
Again , they played a few tracks from their 10th album, 'L.A. Times' , and the big hits went down a storm.
Again, during the encore, Fran thanked the crowd for spending their money on gig tickets, and keeping live music going.
Another great show.
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Friday 13 December 2024.
TRAVIS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Travis play the first of two sold out Shepherds Bush shows.
Travis are playing a 48 date ' Raze The Bar' 2024/2025 world tour .... starting in mainland Europe , then South America, then this UK tour , then North America, which starts in the new year.
I have seen Travis a few times before, including headlining Glastonbury Festival in 2000 , and headlining Reading Festival in 2001.
Breaking through in 1999 with their second album ' The Man Who' , the band’s fortunes improved considerably and after a slow burn, the album spent 11 weeks at Number 1, sold over 2.6 million copies and won Best Album at the 2000 BRIT Awards as well as Best British Group, an award they’d also win again in 2002.
They have had six Top 10 hit singles in the UK.
------------------
A mainly middle aged crowd tonight , who remember how huge Travis were 20 odd years ago.
The bar is stocking cans of Travis beer.
HAMISH HAWK arrived on stage at 8pm for his 30 mins set.
I was expecting a pretty forgettable solo artist , but I got a great singer and band who were really good.
A pukka set of 1980s type post punk tunes, featuring tracks from his third album 'A Firmer Hand'.
They have a headline show at Koko on 16 Feb 2025.
TRAVIS arrived on stage at 9pm for their 95 mins set .
They have a great backdrop as a three sided curtain from floor to ceiling covers the entire space behind them, as it shows pre-recorded images .
Singer Fran Healy now sports a garish coloured hairstyle.
Lots of easy going stage banter from Fran during the songs.
Lots of catchy radio friendly hits. Some think they are a bit 'vanilla' , but Fran said " there are three fuck you songs in the set tonight".
The encore started with a cover of Britney Spears which they recorded for a BBC radio session in the past, which was then followed by a marriage proposal on stage ...she said "yes".
Lots of hits had the crowd singing along, in a great show.
Full TRAVIS setliat played tonight....
Bus
Driftwood
Love Will Come Through
Alive
Good Feeling
Writing to Reach You
Re-Offender
A Ghost
Side
Closer
Sing
Selfish Jean
Raze the Bar
Gaslight
Naked in New York City
Turn
Encore:
...Baby One More Time ( Britney Spears cover)
Flowers in the Window
Why Does It Always Rain on Me?

Updated 13th December 2024 Permalink

Thursday 12 December 2024.

Thursday 12 December 2024....6.15pm to 8pm...
UNIT GALLERY- private view - ,
3 Hanover Square , Mayfair , London W1.
Exhibition on from 11 December 2024 - 19 January 2025
Amy Hui Li’s first solo exhibition with Unit intersects painting, sculpture, and installation, exploring the body through an abstract visual language evoking veins and blood vessels as well as the emotional processes of healing and repair.
Complimentary wines and and beers.
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Wednesday 11 December 2024.
YANNIS & THE YAW live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Foals front man YANNIS and his side project.
In 2016, Foals frontman Yannis Philippakis was offered the opportunity of a lifetime: a two-day session working with the great drummer Tony Allen, who he admired intensely for his influential, multi-genre work with the likes of Fela Kuti, Sébastien Tellier and Jeff Mills.
Heading into a smoke-filled, ‘70s throwback studio in Paris, Yannis had expected them to make a nostalgic Afrobeat record. Yet something very different emerged. As the pair quickly established an intuitive telepathy, the music germinated from jams and loops, its varied touchpoints – rock, funk, jazz, dub and more – were complemented by a unique atmosphere of two cultures and creatives colliding, their expression liberated by making music in and for the moment itself.
Joined by Tony’s regular collaborators Vincent Taeger (percussion, marimba), Vincent Taurelle (keys) and Ludovic Bruni (bass, guitar) that first meeting resulted in a handful of near complete songs, which were further developed during a couple of subsequent sessions. But between scheduling issues and Covid restrictions, the recordings were never completed before Tony passed away in April 2020 at the age of 79.
Yannis felt a deep duty to complete the project, not only as a bittersweet way to honour and celebrate his friend, but also because Tony had been so eager to share these songs with the world. The result is the five-track EP, ‘Lagos Paris London’, under the Yannis & The Yaw umbrella – a project that he plans to return to in the future for further collaborations with inspiring musicians from across the globe.
I have seen YANNIS main band Foals a couple of times.
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Level 3 is closed tonight , and Level 2 is half empty , so maybe 1200 folks are here.
EBBB arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 30 mins set.
Elusive London trio Ebbb step boldly from the shadows to announce the release of their debut EP 'All At Once', out on Ninja Tune. Alongside the news, the band have also released their first official music in the form of double single 'Himmel' / 'Swarm'.
I loved the machine gun style fast hands drummer.
MISO EXTRA arrived on stage at 8.15pm for their 30 mins set.
Female singer and her backing musician , played tracks that have been released on Transgressive Records , who also release tonights headliners output.
YANNIS & THE YAW arrived on stage at 9.15pm for 65 mins.
Six musicians on stage.
They played all the tracks off their EP , which is mixing rock / afro beats / world music.
A short set as there were no Foals tracks played.
Lots of head nodding and swaying along in the crowd.
They played a tribute to Tony Allen by playing his track ' Afro Disco Beat'.
The last track of the main set and the encore song were both over 10 mins long, as they jammed along, as the drummer and percussion and guitar and keyboards had a nice workout.
An interesting show , but not that exciting.

Updated 12th December 2024 Permalink

Tuesday 10 December 2024.

Tuesday 10 December 2024.
THE GEORGE MICHAEL SINGERS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
This exclusive one-off night celebrating the musical journey of George Michael is brought to you by four of his original singers, Shirley Lewis, Jo Garland, Lucy Jules and Jay Henry alongside some of the original band members, crew and George’s musical director Steve Sidwell.
The show was an evening of his best-known hits with Shirley, Jo, Lucy and Jay sharing their untold stories that span over their 30 years of working with their friend, George Michael.
I saw Wham and George Michael a few times each in concert .
WHAM ...Three nights at Hammersmith Odeon in 1983 on their first UK tour....and Live Aid in 1985....and Brixton Academy in 1986 which was a warm up gig for their Wembley Stadium 'The Final' show.
I saw GEORGE MICHAEL..at Earls Court Arena and Wembley Arena in 2006 ....also 2007 when he was the first headline act to play the new Wembley Stadium...also Earls Court Arena in 2008 ....also The Royal Opera House in 2011...also The Royal Albert Hall in 2012 .
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It is stalls seated tonight, and sold out , so maybe 1200 here.
Over 100 on the guest list, and BEVERLEY KNIGHT is in the Level 1 VIP seats singing along to all the tracks performed.
We have a DJ support warming the crowd up.
THE GEORGE MICHAEL SINGERS arrived on stage at 8.30pm for their two hour set.
A huge photo of George Michael is hanging behind them.
The four singers are backed by a seven piece band.
They have four stools on stage , as every two or three songs they would each talk about how they met and worked with George Michael.
A nice mix of great tracks played, and the three song encore was a highlight ,in this very enjoyable show.
Setlist tonight included ...
I'm Your Man
Careless Whisper
Father Figure
Everything She Wants
Fast Love
Amazing
Praying For Time
Encore :
Faith
Last Christmas
Freedom 90
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10 December 2007.
This day 17 years ago.
I was at LED ZEPPELIN at The 02 Arena
A special one - off show...it was quite a night
A nice after party at Indigo afterwards....At the show
i saw Paul McCartney, Liam and Noel from Oasis,Marilyn Manson,Jeff Beck,Vic Reeves,John Sessions,Brian May,Chad from RHCP,Joe Elliot(Def Leppard),Bob Geldof,Juliette Lewis,Dave Mustaine(Megadeth),the singer from The Hives,Mike Rutherford(Genesis),Dave Grohl(Foo Fighters),David Gilmour(Pink Floyd)and there were a few more i did not see inc Mick Jagger,Priscilla Presley,Peter Gabriel,Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell etc...when the photos came out the following day.
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Monday 09 December 2024.
YVES live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
27 year female K- pop singer is now solo ,after departing the two K- Pop groups she was part of.
K- pop soloist Yves heads out on her ‘Apple Cinnamon Crunch Tour’, which sees the singer brings her signature charm, warmth, and energy to the stage, offering fans an unforgettable experience.
K-pop tickets always expensive.....this show...
Stalls standing and Level 1 seats are £100.
Level 2 seats are £80.
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Level 3 is closed tonight , so maybe 600 tickets sold.
It is a 90% female crowd under the age of 30.
Lots of screaming and singing along.
All colour races are represented.
Not sure how they can afford the pricey tickets.
Hardly anyone buying drinks...just here to watch the show.
Many have bought glow stick lanterns from the merch counter.
The show was on from 7.30pm and lasted two hours.
YVES was on stage singing for around 75 mins of that.
The music was backing tracks , not sure if vocals were live.
This crowd don't care about little facts like that.
The lyrics were in English , but some of the on stage chat by Yves had help from an interpreter .
The best tracks were the uptempo ones , where Yves joined in the nifty dance routines with her four female dancers.
At 8pm Yves got a Q n A board out on stage for 20 mins.
At 8.30pm a male singer sang five boring songs while Yves changed costumes.
Yves spent lots of time chatting between songs with her fans.
A mildly entertaining show.

Updated 10th December 2024 Permalink

Sunday 08 December 2024.

Sunday 08 December 2024.
WHITE YARDIE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
White Yardie presents Straight Outta Jamaica 2.
Harry Gregory, better known by his stage name White Yardie, is a WHITE British and Jamaican comedian, actor and social media personality. Born in the United Kingdom, he was raised in Jamaica.
He has been a stand up comedian for 11 years.
I have seen him a couple of times on a supporting bill , but now he has started to headline shows.
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Level 3 is closed tonight, and it's stalls seating, so maybe 600 tickets sold....pretty much a 75% black audience.
The DJ did a good job of playing the right tracks either side of the acts, to get the audience to sing loudly along to .
SMASH ENTERTAINZ arrived on stage at 8.15pm for his 20 mins set....some funny routines that went down well.
WHITE YARDIE arrived on stage at 9.15pm for his 80 mins set.
A white guy with a full Jamaican delivery , to a mainly black audience, certainly has a novelty aspect about it, but he had plenty of funny routines that got the crowd laughing.
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Saturday 07 December 2024.
THE CHAMELEONS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Formed in Greater Manchester in 1981 by singer and bassist Mark Burgess, Chameleons have remained one of the city’s most revered bands among musos ever since their inception. With notable fans including the likes of Noel Gallagher to Interpol, The Charlatans to Moby, their music has been passed down through the generations like an elixir of eternal inspiration.
With support from THE MEMBRANES and VISION VIDEO.
I have seen Chameleons and Membranes just once before.
The Chameleons have just played a North American tour.
This is show number two on their seven date UK tour.
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Levels 2 and 3 are closed but stalls and Level 1 look full.
Mainly middle aged folks, but there are many younger fans.
Comedian STUART LEE was in the Level 1 VIP seats.
VISION VIDEO arrived on stage at 7.15pm for their 30 mins.
The band are from Athens , Georgia , USA.
They played a good set of goth post punk tunes.
The singer is ex USA military and was keen to rant against worldwide governments.
They played a great cover of Joy Divisions ' Transmission'.
They went down well with the crowd.
MEMBRANES arrived on stage at 8.05pm for their 45 mins set.
John Robb is on vocals, and plays some lovely Peter Hook type high up the fretboard bass .
John writes for and runs the Louder Than War website and a monthly music magazine of the same name. He has written several books on music and occasionally makes media appearances as a music commentator.
CHAMELEONS arrived on stage at 9.20pm for their 1 hour 40 mins set.
Known for their atmospheric, guitar-based sound, the Chameleons are regarded as one of the most underrated Manchester bands of the 1980s.They did not attain the commercial success of other groups from the Manchester scene but developed a cult following.
They were one of John Peels favourite bands.
Non stop guitar based tracks were all good.
The encores got the crowd dancing lots.
Full CHAMELEONS setliat played tonight....
Mad Jack
Caution
The Fan and the Bellows
Everyday I'm Crucified
Looking Inwardly
Tears
In Answer
Soul in Isolation
Swamp Thing
Indiana
Ever After
Encore:
Where Are You?
In Shreds
Monkeyland
Second Skin
Don't Fall

Updated 8th December 2024 Permalink

Friday 06 December 2024.

Friday 06 December 2024.
FROM THE JAM + RUTS DC + LONDON CALLING live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
From The Jam are playing a massive UK tour .
Those classic songs by The Jam are still much loved.
The Ruts have great songs from their punk days.
London Calling are a top notch tribute to The Clash.
I saw the real Clash 20 times from 1976 to 1984.
Ex Jam bass player Bruce Foxton is usually in From The Jam, but is sitting this tour out, due to his health problems.
I was lucky to have seen the real Jam a few times.
The first time I saw them was in May 1977, when The Jam supported The Clash at their legendary show at The Rainbow.
I have seen all three bands playing tonight before.
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I was really looking forward to this triple bill to my liking.
Level 3 is closed and Level 2 is half empty , but the stalls standing and Level 1 are rammed with middle aged blokes .
The bars are doing a roaring trade tonight.
Nice quick 15 mins changeovers was good to see.
Classic punk , ska , new wave tunes played over the house PA .
LONDON CALLING are on at 7.30pm for their 45 mins.
They all appear in Clash type shirts.
The Joe Strummer does act and look a bit like Joe.
Really great to hear all these Clash classics again
Tommy Gun
London Calling
Guns of Brixton
Clash City Rockers
Should I Stay or Should I Go
(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais)
Stay Free
I Fought the Law
Remote Control
White Riot
RUTS DC are on at 8.30pm for their 45 mins.
They play a lovely set of punky reggae tunes.
Faces In The Sky
Something That I Said ( The Ruts cover)
West One (Shine on Me) (The Ruts cover)
Jah War ( The Ruts cover)
Kill The Pain
Staring at the Rude Boys (The Ruts cover)
Psychic Attack
In a Rut (The Ruts cover)
Babylon's Burning ( The Ruts cover)
FROM THE JAM on at 9.30pm for their 85 mins.
Those Paul Weller lyrics still sound fantastic...pure quality.
It gets very lively front stalls for the second half of the set.
The band whizz through the classic songs without much chat.
A great show.
Full FROM THE JAM setlist played tonight...
Little Boy Soldiers (The Jam cover)
Thick as Thieves ( The Jam cover)
Private Hell ( The Jam cover)
Girl on the Phone (The Jam cover)
Smithers-Jones (The Jam cover)
Heat Wave ( Martha Reeves and the Vandellas cover)
Wasteland (The Jam cover)
Saturday's Kids ( The Jam cover)
The Eton Rifles ( The Jam cover)
Lula
Window Shopping ( Bruce Foxton song)
Start! ( The Jam cover)
David Watts (The Kinks cover)
Town Called Malice ( The Jam cover)
Man in the Corner Shop (The Jam cover)
Beat Surrender ( The Jam cover)
In the City (The Jam cover)
Encore:
Down in the Tube Station at Midnight (The Jam cover)
That's Entertainment (The Jam cover)
Going Underground (The Jam cover)
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Thursday 05 December 2024.
Happy Birthday to JOHN CURD who is 78 today.
John is a legendary live music promoter who booked many of the best punk gigs in the 1970s and 1980s, including the
first shows in the UK by Patti Smith and The Ramones etc,
at venues including The Roundhouse, The Lyceum, The Clarendon, Hammersmith Odeon , Hammersmith Palais etc.
His autobiography is coming out next year.
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Thursday 05 December 2024.
SKY ARTS at midnight repeated the superb 2 hour AC/DC show.
Monsters of Rock Festival at Donington.Park.
17 August 1991 (attendance: 65,000)
I was there....great support bands too....
It was the 32nd time i had seen them since 1976.
AC/DC (their portion released as Live at Donington)
Metallica ( first time The Black Album tracks played in the UK)
Mötley Crüe
Queensrÿche
The Black Crowes
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Wednesday 04 December 2024.
HIPPO CAMPUS live at Shepherds Bush Empire
Hippo Campus is an American indie rock band from Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA.
They are touring to promote their fourth studio album 'Flood'.
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Level 3 is closed , but still must be an impressive 1400/1500 tickets sold , for a band I don't know at all.
The crowd seems to be mainly college / university folks.
SWIM DEEP arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins.
Swim Deep had some success with their first two albums, but have gone off the radar a bit. They are promoting their fourth album ' There's A Big Star Outside'.
The five piece played a decent set of indie rock tunes.
HIPPO CAMPUS arrived on stage at 9pm for their 1 hour 40 mins set.
Six of them on stage , including keyboards and trumpet.
They have a nice quirky indie-rock sound that sounds like they could be an English band.
Some songs sounded samey, but overall enjoyable.

Updated 5th December 2024 Permalink

Tuesday 03 December 2024.

Tuesday 03 December 2024.
DEL AMITRI live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Del Amitri is a Scottish alternative rock band formed in Glasgow in 1980. Best known for its 1990 single "Nothing Ever Happens" which reached No. 11 in the UK and its 1995 single "Roll to Me", which was a top 10 hit in Canada and the United States, it They have released seven studio albums, five of which have reached the UK top 10.They have sold over six million albums worldwide.
I have seen them several times before, including four headline shows on different tours at Hammersmith Odeon/Apollo.
They are on a UK & European Tour....
This show sold out in advance.
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The venue is rammed sold out, with a mainly older crowd.
MANDRAKE HANDSHAKE arrived on stage at 7.50pm for their 40 mins set.
They are named after a Brian Jonestown Massacre track.
Seven of them on stage , including a female singer.
Multi-dimensional Oxford/London collective Mandrake Handshake showcase a music they call ‘Flowerkraut’: a hedonistic, brain-frying feast of Krautrock, art-pop and psychedelia, spiced with enigmatic grooves and fearless improvisations.
DEL AMITRI arrived on stage at 9pm for their 95 mins set.
Five musicians on stage , including keyboards.
Justin Currie (now aged 59) still fronts the band.
Back in the day , bands like Del Amitri and The Stereophonics ,
were played all the time on Virgin Radio as they have plenty of radio friendly tracks.
Nice vocal and nice harmonies all through the evening.
Highlights included 'Kiss This Thing Goodbye', 'Always The Last
To Know', 'Stone Cold Sober' and 'Nothing Ever Happens'.
A very enjoyable show.
Full DEL AMITRI setlist played tonight...
Nation of Caners
Opposite View
Not Where It's At
Kiss This Thing Goodbye
Always the Last to Know
It's Never Too Late to Be Alone
Missing Person
Driving With the Brakes On
Buttons on My Clothes
Don't Cry, Don't Cry
Just Like a Man
The Ones That You Love Lead You Nowhere
Lonely
All Hail Blind Love
Move Away Jimmy Blue
Here and Now
Stone Cold Sober
Encore:
This City Loves You Back
Nothing Ever Happens
Be My Downfall
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Monday 02 December 2024...6.30pm to 8.45pm...
CHRISTIES - private view - 8 King Street, St James's , London SW1.
Always nice to be at this well known gallery space.
Over 200 upmarket art folks are here.
Their Old Masters auction is held 03 / 04 December .
The top lot of the sale is a rather fine Andalusian Horse by Van Dyck (pictured), estimated at £2m - £3m, a study which was executed for the artist's equestrian portrait of Charles V now in the Uffizi, Florence.
Amongst the other highlights of the sale are a commedia dell'arte scene by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo at £1m - £1.5m, a Semon of St John the Baptist by Pieter Brueghel II at £800k - £1.2m, and a pair of Venetian views by Michele Marieschi at £600k - £800k. The sale also contains several high-value nineteenth century works, including pictures by Francesco Hayez, Gustave Courbet and Michael Peter Ancher.
Complimentary Nyetimber English Sparkling Wines, Spiced Negronis and canapes for all the guests.

Updated 3rd December 2024 Permalink

Sunday 01 December 2024.

Sunday 01 December 2024.
A nice triple bill of punk tributes at The 100 Club.
THE SCOTTISH SEX PISTOLS
LIZZIE AND THE BANSHEES (Farewell Tour Show )
BUZZKOCKS
The Scottish Sex Pistols return with a new line-up.
They were the first proper Sex Pistols tribute act.
I saw them twice back on 1993, which was the year they formed.
I have seen all the original bands many times since the 1970s.
www.flagpromotions.co.uk - Visit their website here to buy tickets for this show and other shows that Flag are promoting around the UK.
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It is a Sunday night , but great to see this iconic venue so full.
All three bands played non stop classic punk gems.
BUZZKOCKS had a singer that did look a bit like Pete Shelley , as their set included the excellent 'Orgasm Addict', 'Boredom' and 'Ever Fallen in Love' .
LIZZIE AND THE BANSHEES on at 8.25pm for their 80 mins.
A long set for them as it is a co-headline show with SSP , and it's also a farewell show and they have more material than The Sex Pistols.
Lizzie is from Scotland and her look is the Siouxsie goth period...with big black hair and a black lacy dress.
She is great at dancing and twirling around the stage.
Highlights included 'Arabian Knights', 'Dear Prudence', 'Christine' ' , ' Night Shift', 'Jigsaw Feeling', 'Happy House', 'Hong Kong Garden' and ' Spellbound'.
Lizzie also rightly mentioned it was 48 years to the day , that The Sex Pistols Bill Grundy interviewed was aired , where Siouxsie was there in the TV studio standing behind the band .
THE SCOTTISH SEX PISTOLS on at 9.55pm for their 55 mins.
The John Lydon lookalike is a bit shorter than the real JL , but he does a great job of entertaining the crowd.
The dancing and moshing goes up a few gears , as it gets very lively front of stage.
One after another we get Sex Pistols anthems ...and a PiL classic during the encore.
Full SSP setlist played tonight...a great show...
Pretty Vacant
Bodies
No Feelings
I'm A Lazy Sod
Liar
Silly Thing
God Save The Queen
Did You No Wrong
Submission
Holidays in The Sun
Satellite
EMI
Anarchy in The UK
Encore :
Public Image
Steppin' Stone
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Saturday 30 November 2024.
MASSIVE WAGONS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
A great UK rock band, with a great singer.
I have seen them a couple of times before.
The first time was at The Ramblin' Man Festival in 2016.
They are touring to promote their hit new album ' Earth to Grace', which entered the UK charts at number 4 on 15 November 2024.
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Levels 2 and 3 are closed tonight , and maybe 800 tickets sold.
An older rock crowd here
CAM COLE arrived on stage at 7.30pm for 30 mins.
Tonight's opening act was a lovely surprise.
Cam Cole is a real life street musician, singer, songwriter, busker, and new age traveler from London, UK. Hailed as “the most impressive one-man band you will ever see” .He roams around Camden etc performing on streets and venues as his one man band show influenced by Folk, Delta Blues, Grunge and Rock N' Roll....lots of nice bottleneck blues guitar...
He was joined by his Steven Tyler lookalike friend on percussion.
The vocals were a bit hard to make out , but the pair were really great to watch.
FLORENCE BLACK arrived on stage at 8.30pm for 30 mins.
The band are a male rock trio , with no female at all.
Lots of good solid rock tracks played.
MASSIVE WAGONS arrived on stage at 9.30pm for 85 mins.
Five musicians on stage, including nice twin guitars.
Baz on vocals is non-stop bouncing and prowling around the stage, as the band play good time uptempo rock .
Hints of AC/DC in many of the songs.
Highlights included ' Back to the Stack', ' Fuck the Haters' and ' Bangin In Your Stereo' ...a great live rock band.
Full MASSIVE WAGONS setlist played tonight....
Missing on TV
Back to the Stack
A.S.S.H.O.L.E.
Hate Me
Sleep Forever
Fuck the Haters
Please Stay Calm
Fun While it Lasted
Night Skies
Changes
Generation Prime (Outro - No Woman No Cry)
The Good Die Young ( with Colin Doran)
Bangin in Your Stereo
In It Together ( Baz moshing with the fans in the stalls)
Encore:
Fun While it Lasted
Ratio
House of Noise

Updated 1st December 2024 Permalink

Friday 29 November 2024.

Friday 29 November 2024.
EMBRACE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Embrace have had three number one albums in the UK ,
and six Top 10 hit singles in the UK.
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their 2004 album 'Out of Nothing' which sold over 600, 000 copies.
I have seen them a few times before , including when they headlined The Royal Albert Hall in 2002.
Tonight's show sold out in advance.
After tonight's show, Embrace singer Danny McNamara goes on a ten date UK tour talking about his 30 years in Embrace.
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Older crowd here, who remember Embrace from their heyday.
ELLUR arrived on stage at 7.45pm for her ok 30 mins.
EMBRACE arrived on stage at 8.45pm and played for 1 hour 45 mins.
Five musicians on stage, including keyboards
They played their radio friendly indie rock tunes.
Around 20 years ago there were a host of bands all in the same vein..Embrace/Starsailor/Coldplay/Keane/Travis/The Feeling .
Some of the mid paced album tracks were a bit samey, but nice to hear the hits.
A good show.
Full EMBRACE set list played tonight....
All You Good Good People
Someday
Keeping ( restarted due to someone fainting in the crowd)
Wish 'Em All Away
Looking As You Are
Nature's Law
We Are It
No Use Crying
A Glorious Day
Out of Nothing
Refugees
Never ( with EEVAH)
Gravity ( Coldplay cover)
Ashes
Encore:
Protection
Come Back to What You Know
Near Life
The Good Will Out
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Thursday 28 November 2024.
BIG COUNTRY live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
I have seen them several times since the 1980s , when they were regulars at Hammersmith Odeon.
Celebrating 40 years of their ' Steeltown ' album.
Steeltown was the second studio album by Big Country released in 1984. Regarded by many as a classic, the multi-million selling record went straight to the Number 1 slot in the UK album charts.
Original member STUART ADAMSON sadly died in 2001.
Big Country will be performing songs from the album as well as the classic hits and live favourites including “Fields of Fire”, “In A Big Country”, “Chance”, “Wonderland” and many more.
Big Country will be supported by MIKE PETERS.
Mike Peters is known primarily as frontman of the internationally acclaimed Welsh band The Alarm. Achieving over 15 Top 40 UK singles and over 5 million album sales worldwide along the way, Mike Peters’ musical journey has seen him sing with some of history’s greatest performers such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, & Bono.
I have also seen him several times before.
The Alarm had loads of great anthemic songs.
A great double bill to my liking.
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Levels 2 and 3 are closed tonight as unsold , so maybe just 700 or 800 in the venue tonight.
Mainly a crowd of folks in their 50s and 60s here.
The house PA is playing non stop classics from the 1980s.
MIKE PETERS arrived on stage at 8pm for his 45 mins set.
Mike is a true Welsh music legend , who is still touring despite struggling with blood cancer .
Both acts tonight have all their equipment front of stage.
Just him and his guitar and a kick bass drum , as he has backing tapes for the band sounds.
Nine songs played including many great Alarm classics .
He has many of his own fans down the front.
A great show.
Full MIKE PETERS setliat played tonight...
Return (Big Country song)
Beautiful (The Alarm song)
The Stand ( The Alarm song)
Rain in the Summertime ( The Alarm song)
Transition (The Alarm song)
Strength ( The Alarm song)
68 Guns (The Alarm song)
Where Were You Hiding When the Storm Broke
(The Alarm song)
Spirit of '76 (The Alarm song)
BIG COUNTRY arrived on stage at 9.15pm and played for 95 mins.
Bruce Watson is one of the three guitarists on stage.
The first ten tracks are the 'Steeltown' album in track order,
then it was a batch of their greatest hits that had the crowd dancing and jigging along nicely.
A great evening with two acts I have history with.
Full BIG COUNTRY setliat played tonight...
Flame of the West
East of Eden
Steeltown
Where the Rose Is Sown
Come Back to Me
Tall Ships Go
Winter Sky
Rain Dance
The Great Divide
Just a Shadow
Look Away
Chance
In a Big Country
Encore :
Restless Natives
Wonderland
Fields of Fire / Whiskey in the Jar

Updated 29th November 2024 Permalink

Wednesday 27 November 2024.

Wednesday 27 November 2024....6.30pm to 11.30pm...
STICKS N SUSHI - launch party - Battersea Power Station, London SW11.
I worked up the road in Nine Elms for five great years 1993 to 1998 when Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station were pretty much nothing going on areas. Now they have tube stations and lots of new restaurants and expensive blocks of flats.
In December 1997 I want to a four gigs at Battersea Power Station ...Cast, Morrissey , Prodigy and Placebo.
Also several other events , when they hired it out.
Popular Sushi restaurant open their 15th location in the UK.
Around 200 guests in their massive space here.
The space features an open plan dining room, kitchen counter, lounge and bar, and outdoor terrace.
This popular restaurant serves a range of sushi dishes along with sashimi, tartare, grilled sticks and generous set menus to suit varied budgets and tastes, for both takeaway and dining in.
At 7.30pm we had speeches from the owners .
Lots of complementary food and drinks all night.
Collet champers prosecco, five different cocktails including Espresso Martinis , wines , beers , various sushi dishes along with the likes of black cod and tempura prawns .
An excellent event.
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Tuesday 26 November 2024.
One of the greatest singles of all time was released 48 years ago today in 1976....yes 48 years ago...
THE SEX PISTOLS 'Anarchy in the UK'.
I played it non-stop when it came out.
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Tuesday 26 November 2024.
PETER CAT RECORDING CO live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
PCRC is world travelled, and not just from touring. The band is based in Delhi, but has spent considerable time in both London and San Francisco. They blend elements of Gypsy Jazz, Lounge, Pop, Disco, and Folk. This cacophony of influences produces a lush and wonderful Western sound palette to compliment the almost crooning style of the lead vocals.
They are promoting their second album 'Beta'.
They were special guests for Khruangbin on their UK tour which last week included three nights at Hammersmith Apollo.
This show is sold out.
Should be an interesting gig.
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Who are this band with the strange band name ?
Someone knows, as the venue is totally rammed.
Lots of white hipster folks.
Also lots of brown hipster folks.
PETER CAT RECORDING CO arrived on stage at 9pm and played for a full two hours .
The band’s entrance, marked by fog machines and alternating spotlights, quickly revealed the psychedelia underlining their music. What stood out to me most was the band’s synergy– five musicians surrounded by over ten instruments, effortlessly sharing solos and switching instruments. Throughout the night, their sound evolved from indie-rock to soul and jazz, then synth and disco, while consistently embedded with Bollywood elements.
The seamless transitions between trumpet, saxophone, drum, harmonium, and guitar solos– embedded with their released tracks– exemplified the band’s versatility.
Folks are having a little sway and a little dance.
The show ticked along nicely , and the crowd loved it.
For me , I want something a bit more livelier .

Updated 26th November 2024 Permalink

Sunday 24 November 2024.

Sunday 24 November 2024.
THE HIGH KINGS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
I saw them at this venue last year, which was to celebrate their 15th anniversary .
The High Kings is an Irish folk group formed in Dublin in 2008. The band consists of Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Darren Holden, and Paul O'Brien. A few of their albums have gone Top 10, back home in Ireland.
Expect a set featuring their own songs and some well known Irish covers...and a couple of Rebel songs.
They are in their 'Step It Out' 2024/2025 World Tour.
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Level 3 is closed tonight, but all other levels look full.
As expected it's a London Irish crowd.
THE HIGH KINGS arrived on stage at 8.10pm and played for 1 hour 55 mins.
The four members are lined up across the front of the stage.
Guitar, accordion, banjo , hand drum etc.
There is no drum kit or bass . Lots of well known Irish songs in the setlist, that the crowd sing along to. Some songs are laid back , and some songs are lively , with the crowd up and dancing. All four members take it in turn for lead vocals, and lots of nice harmonies.
My parents are Irish, so it was nice to hear those Irish voices.
An enjoyable show.
At the end of their set, the band said they were doing a signing in the rear stalls at the end of the show.
Full HIGH KINGS setliat played tonight....
Leaving of Liverpool
Go Lassie Go
Spanish Lady
The Lonesome Boatman ( The Fureys cover)
Streets of London ( Ralph McTell cover)
The Fields of Athenry (Pete St. John cover)
Galway Girl ([traditional] cover)
Men of Aran
The Town I Loved So Well
Rocky Road to Dublin (D.K. Gavan cover)
Oh Maggie
Connemara Bay
Caledonia
1845
Red Is the Rose ( Tommy Makem cover)
The Rising of the Moon ( John Keegan Casey cover)
Ride On (Jimmy MacCarthy cover)
Step It Out Mary
Chasing Rainbows
Irish Pub Song
Whiskey in the Jar ([traditional] cover)
Encore:
Medley (including Finnegan's Wake)
The Parting Glass ([traditional] cover)
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Saturday 23 November 2024.
THE CLONE ROSES + OASISH + THE SMITHS LTD live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
I saw this great three band package of Mancunian music legends tribute bands at this venue last year and in 2022.
I have seen the real Stone Roses, Oasis and Morrissey several times each but never got round to seeing The Smiths.
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Level 3 is 75% unsold but the other levels are full, so must be an impressive 1500 tickets sold tonight.
Lots of folks under the age of 30 here tonight.
It was a very lively drinking crowd evening , just like when i saw this package before. Some folks hate the idea of going to see tribute bands, but some tributes are top notch. There really are plenty of good tribute bands playing out there. So many great songs played by the three acts tonight, made it a top night.
The three singers do look a bit like the real artist.
THE SMITHS LTD arrived on stage at 7pm and played for 45 mins. The singer looks, acts and sings a bit like Morrissey , and they play all those gems like "Panic", "How Soon Is Now" and "What Difference Does It Make".
OASISH arrived on stage at 8.15pm and played for 55 mins. A greatest hits set , that had all the crowd singing along loudly. Full OASISH setlist played tonight... Rock 'n' Roll Star , Some Might Say , Cigarettes & Alcohol, Little by Little, Half the World Away , Stop Crying Your Heart Out, Morning Glory , Don't Look Back in Anger , Wonderwall , Live Forever, Champagne Supernova .
THE CLONE ROSES arrived on stage at 9.35pm and played for 85 mins. Compared to Oasis, you kinda forget how many great songs that The Stone Roses have. The crowd soon got much livelier than the other bands as the dance rock of The Stone Roses got the crowd dancing and moshing wildly by the last few songs came along. Full CLONE ROSES setlist played tonight... I Wanna Be Adored Elephant Stone Mersey Paradise Sally Cinnamon (Song for My) Sugar Spun Sister Ten Storey Love Song Where Angels Play Shoot You Down Bye Bye Bad Man Waterfall Fools gold Love Spreads Made of Stone She Bangs the Drums This Is the One I Am the Resurrection
An enjoyable evening.

Updated 24th November 2024 Permalink

Friday 22 November 2024.

Friday 22 November 2024.
GALLIANO live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
British acid jazz band playing a UK tour to promote their fifth studio album 'Halfway Somewhere'.
Their third studio album 'The Plot Thickens' hit number eight in the UK charts in 1994.
I saw them live 30 years ago in 1994, at The Grand Clapham.
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Levels 2 and 3 are closed as unsold , but the stalls standing and Level 1 are rammed solid.
A mainly middle aged crowd who remember the acid jazz heyday of the 1990s.
There is a DJ support , but nobody knows his tunes ,so he just ends up being background music.
GALLIANO on stage at 9pm and played for 1 hour 40 mins.
Seven members in the band including Mick Talbot on keyboards, and a percussionist and female backing singer.
All seven members are wearing some kind of cap/hat.
They sound great and really tight too.
Lots of dancing , swaying and nodding along from the crowd.
The old school soul boys n girls were enjoying it.
They played a few tracks from the new album .
Highlights included ' Little Ghetto Boy' and ' Pleasure , Joy and Happiness' and near the end, it was good to hear a short chorus version of the Maze classic ' Joy and Pain'.
An enjoyable show.
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Thursday 21 November 2024.
SEASICK STEVE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Seasick Steve, the much celebrated American blues guitarist and singer who continues to serve up a hot mix of boogie, blues, rock, americana and folk music is hitting the road to play his tracks live!
His career did not take off until he was in his 60s.
He is now aged 73.
Seasick Steve has sold almost 2 million records Worldwide, earning three top ten albums in the official UK album chart.
I have seen him live a couple of times before.
This is the last show on his five week UK and European tour.
' A Trip a Stumble a Fall Down on Your Knees ' is the thirteenth studio album by American blues musician Seasick Steve. It was produced by Steve himself, and was released on June 7, 2024, through SO Recordings. It was preceded by four singles: "Backbone Slip", "Funky Music", "Let the Music Talk", and "Internet Cowboys".
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All the levels open tonight but the venue is not sold out.
JAMES DIXON was on at 7.45pm for his 45 mins set.
James went down well with the crowd , as his style of guitar playing was very like Seasick Steve and his right foot was used for his bass drum. He played a good cover of Greg Lakes
' I Believe in Father Christmas'
SEASICK STEVE arrived on stage at 9pm and played for a lengthy 2 hours 5 mins , as he did lots of chat between songs.
He still has that long grey beard and wearing his trademark cap.
With the release of his latest album, A Trip, A Stumble, A Fall Down On Your Knees, Seasick Steve was spinning his traditional bayou blues and playing them on guitar, banjo, harmonica, diddly bow and stomp box.
It’s been a number of years since he first appeared on Jools Holland’s Hootenanny television show, bashing wildly at a three string guitar and spinning yarns of his life busking, sleeping rough and jumping freight trains through the Mississippi Delta. But ten years later an unauthorised biography exposed his background for what it was, a session musician playing in funk groups and singing backing vocals. But this had no effect on the crowd because whatever his past, he remains a fantastically compelling and charismatic live performer.
Joined on stage by drummer Dan Magnusson, guitarist Luther Dickinson and harmonica player Richie Prynne on several tracks, Steve sat on a chair at the front of the no frills stage surrounded by old battered amplifiers and began the evening with the brilliant My Donny. Continuing an incredible evening of his own brand of blues rock, his rich weathered voice was put to good use on the likes of Diddley Bo, Good Morning Little Schoolgirl and Started out With Nothin’.
There were a number of songs from his new album like Backbone Slip which was pure groove, Move To The Country which certainly had the crowd’s attention whilst Funky Music had them swaying and singing along. But there were plenty of fans favourites too, such as Walkin’ Man and Dog House Boogie all played on a plethora of homemade battered guitars.
A really good show.

Updated 22nd November 2024 Permalink

Wednesday 20 November 2024.

Wednesday 20 November 2024...6.45pm to 10pm..
SUNDAY TIMES - Christmas Party -
Claridges Hotel , Brook Street, Mayfair , London W1.
Always nice to be at this famous five star hotel that has excelled at the finer things in life: glamorous design, inspiring dining, impeccable service, since the 1850s.
There are 400 on the guest list for the event in their ballroom.
At 7.30pm we have a couple of speeches , including one from new Conservative leader KEMI BADENOCH.
Guests included London Mayor SADIQ KHAN.
Complimentary Laurent Perrier champers, wines , canapes and desserts .
ALIX PARTNERS were one of the sponsors and they gave everyone a goodie bag that included a long umbrella and short umbrella .
Alix Partners is a financial advisory and global consulting firm best known for its work in the turnaround space.Jay Alix founded what became Alix Partners LLP in 1981.
They have over 2500 employees in over 20 cities worldwide.
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Tuesday 19 November 2024.
WILD RIVERS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Canadian folk-pop-rock band are on a world tour to promote their fourth studio album 'Better Now'.
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The venue is totally sold out tonight.
Another show with dozens on the guest list .
RILEY PEARCE is on at 8pm for his 30 mins set.
An ok bunch of songs with his acoustic guitar.
WILD RIVERS are on at 9pm for their 85 mins.
Five musicians on stage with the main trio at the front.
Two male and one female share the great vocals.
Also some very nice harmonies.
The female reminded me of Phoebe from Friends.
Sadly they was no version of her 'Smelly Cat'.
It was pretty much mid paced 70s style folk-pop-rock , but the last two songs of the main set ' What Kind of Song' and 'Stubborn Heart' were much more livelier.
An enjoyable show.

Updated 19th November 2024 Permalink