Welcome to the Ray's Gigs website!

Here's the latest - updated 21st April 2026

Thursday 23 April 2026.

Tuesday 21 April 2026.
COOPER ALAN live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
This is the first of his two shows at this venue on his UK tour.
Rising American country star, Cooper Alan ( aged 30) embarks on his ‘To The Pub Tour‘, following the release of his debut album 'Winston-Salem' , which was released November 2025.
Praised for his energetic live performances, Cooper Alan bridges country storytelling with rock energy and a signature down-home charm with a modern twist, fans can expect a night that reflects his journey from his small-town roots to becoming one of country music’s most electric new voices.
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Updated 21st April 2026 Permalink

Monday 20 April 2026

Monday 20 April 2026.
MAGGIE LINDEMANN live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Maggie Lindemann ( aged 27 ) is an American singer-songwriter. She is best known for her 2016 breakout single "Pretty Girl", which peaked at number 8 in the UK.
Maggie is touring to promote her second album ' I Feel Everything '- released in 2025.
Her tour covers North America then UK then mainland Europe then Australia .
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Level 3 is 90% unsold , so maybe around 1400 here.
Many of the crowd have an Emo look to them, especially the females.
All three bands did really good sets tonight.
THE RUNAWAY CLUB arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 30 mins set.
This new band hail from Glastonbury .
A lively female singer in sparkly bra and tiny shorts with very provocative posing.
The sounded good and were very enjoyable to watch .
AFTERDRIVE arrived on stage at 8.15pm for their 30 mins set.
This four piece must have good music biz connections , as I saw them supporting at this same venue just eight days ago. A lively male singer who kept moving around the stage.
Good songs played in their enjoyable set.
MAGGIE LINDEMANN arrived on stage at 9.10pm for her 80 mins set.
Maggie has long black hair , and a slim body and model girl looks.
Not much chat as she whizzed through her set , with 26 tracks in 80 mins .
The band had a nice crunching emo rock sound to many of the tracks.
Maggie got singer Julia Wolf from the front row on stage to sing a track with her .
A really good show.
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Sunday 19 April 2026.
CAT BURNS live at Brixton Academy.
Multi-BRIT and 2024 Mercury Prize nominee Cat Burns is playing a UK tour.
Following her greatly received top ten debut album 'Early Twenties', Cat returns with her second album, ' How To Be Human'.Spanning 16 tracks including singles “All This Love” and sapphic anthem “GIRLS!”,.
Both her albums made the UK Top 10.
Her breakthrough hit single ' Go' reached number 2 .
Cat Burns was an original Traitor in the first series of The Celebrity Traitors UK, which aired in October and November 2025. She reached the final episode, which aired on November 6, 2025, before being banished at the final round table, ultimately placing 5th.
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Nice surprise to see this 5000 capacity venue is fully sold out.
Lots of under 30's females here.
Her fellow traitor ALAN CARR was sitting a couple of rows in front of me.
NXDIA and her two member band arrived on stage at 8pm for their 35 mins set.
Nxdia is dressed in a full shiny silver outfit and oozes pop star quality .
Performing with a "riotous" confidence, the Manchester-based artist frequently engages directly with the crowd, engaging in banter, sharing personal stories, and performing hits like "Boy Clothes" with raw emotion.
Nxdia released the EP In the Flesh (2023); the single "She Likes a Boy" charted at No. 74 on the UK Singles Sales Chart. Nxdia next released their debut LP ' I Promise No One's Watching ' in June 2025 and by August it had amassed over 100 million streams on Spotify.
CAT BURNS and band arrived on stage at 9pm for their 75 mins set.
A nice stage production , with plenty of lights and lots of plants , trees , lampshades dotted around the stage and a cosy armchair where Cat sings a couple of tracks from .
Her voice and warm stage banter are great and the band sound is perfect.
The main set is her 16 track second album with highlights ' GIRLS' and 'Something About Her'.
Encores include ' People Pleaser ' and 'Go' which sent the crowd home happy.
A really good confident show by Cat Burns.
Full CAT BURNS setlist played...
Main set of 16 tracks was the ' How To Be Human' album in full.
Come Home
Can Time Move Faster?
I Hope It’s Me
Small Talk
Sad Forever
All This Love
I Love You, But
Today
Gemini
GIRLS!
There’s Just Something About Her
Lavender
Please Don’t Hate Me
I Wish You Well
When I’m With You
How to Be Human
Encore:
Ghosting
People Pleaser
Is It That Deep (Unreleased)
Go

Updated 19th April 2026 Permalink

Saturday 18 April 2026.

Saturday 18 April 2026.
ROBERT JON & THE WRECK live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Southern blues rockers from Southern California , are playing a UK tour.
They will be promoting their 10th studio album 'Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes'.
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Levels 2:and 3 are closed , and maybe just 700 or 800 are here.
A mainly middle aged crowd .
SAM MORROW and his band arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins.set.
The Texan quartet played a good blues rock set
ROBERT JON & THE WRECK arrived on stage at 9pm for their 95 mins set.
Five of them on stage, playing a very nice set of Southern blues rock tracks.
I was bowled over by the talents of lead guitarist Henry James (or Henry James Schneekluth to give him his full name)and this impression was reinforced. On his Gibson Explorer his solos had the same fire that Allen Collins brought to the original Lynyrd Skynyrd, allied to the slide prowess of Duane Allman. With such jaw-dropping talent it would be easy to be arrogant but he was an endearing character with a cool seventies- inspired Afro and a youthful, modest smile.
Highlights came near the end as big cheer greeted the country rock style verses to ‘Oh Miss Carolina’, which resulted in a lusty chorus sing-along withe audience, and am extended jam for 'Cold Night'.which was great.
For the encore they were joined by the support band and a couple of friends for another extended jam.
Robert Jon & The Wreck evoke the sounds of the South, as fifty years on from their heyday, the spirits of The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd etc are kept alive for lovers of classic American Southern Rock.
A really good enjoyable show.
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Friday 17 April 2026.
Very sad news.
BBC radio DJ ANDY KERSHAW has died aged 66.
DJ spent almost three decades working for corporation and was best known for Radio 1 show from 1985 to 2000.
His long career working for the BBC began in 1984 as host of the rock music show The Old Grey Whistle Test. He co-presented the corporation’s television coverage of Live Aid.
He revealed in January that he was undergoing cancer treatment after tumours that had been severely limiting his mobility were discovered in his spine last August.
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Thursday 16 April 2026....I went to two events tonight...
1.45pm to 5.15pm
SALON PRIVE CHELSEA at The Royal Hospital , Chelsea.
From Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 April 2026, the heart of Chelsea will once again be transformed into the most spectacular motoring occasion. Salon Privé London at the historic Royal Hospital Chelsea promises a three-day celebration of automotive style and sophisticated living.
Picture immaculate lawns, stately architecture, and a luxury automotive brand showcase, alongside an extraordinary line-up of the world’s finest cars. Expect global premieres, captivating daily displays, luxury brands, chilled Pommery Champagne, and Salon Privé’s signature hospitality throughout this unforgettable springtime event.
Expect to see an incredible array of super and hypercars including Aston Martin Valhalla, Koenigsegg Jesko, Koenigsegg Regera, Koenigsegg Agera N, Pagani Huayra, Maserati MC12, Maserati MC20, Ferrari Enzo, Bugatti Veyron and Bugatti Chiron.
Also showcasing...
Austin Motor Company, with an advanced development phase of the Austin Seven.
Analogue Automotive, showcase of the VHPK
Clive Sutton, showcase of the first Chevrolet Suburban and Cadillac Escalade V supercharged .
Encor Design, presenting the Series 1, a remastered evolution of the Lotus Esprit .
Fiat, displaying the all-electric Fiat Topolino.
On Thursday 16 April, Salon Privé London opens with a special one-day-only celebration of Porsche Club GB's 65th anniversary. Spanning over six decades of design and performance, the display will feature an exceptional line-up of Porsche models from 1960 through to 2025. From rare early air-cooled examples to more contemporary icons, each car has been carefully selected and presented by passionate owners
More than a car show, this is the capital’s ultimate automotive garden party, where luxury lifestyle meets motoring excellence in the most elegant of settings.
Friday is ladies day.
www.salonprivelondon.com - Visit their website here.
for more info and to buy tickets.
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We have a lovely sunny Spring day for my first outdoor event of the year.
Over 100 stunning cars are on display, all are in immaculate condition.
All the legendary marques are here.
Over 1000 smartly dressed folks are admiring the cars.
At 2.30pm for an hour , we have a parade of around 25 cars that are all for sale.
Mainly super cars , but also a couple of older classics.
The purring of the engines sound fantastic.
A Rolls Royce from 1912 and a Bentley from 1928.
A Jaguar owned by Clark Gable for over 20 years.
A BMW owned by John Surtees for over 30 years.
Our press badges are valid for the afternoon tea in the hospitality tent from 3.30pm to 5.15pm.
Complimentary Pommery champers , spirits n mixers , wines, beers , finger sandwiches , deluxe sausage rolls , scones with jam and clotted cream.
It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
then
6.30pm to 9.30pm
HARROW SCHOOL - re-launch party - High Street , Harrow - on - the - Hill , Middlesex.
Around 150 guests at this very famous boys school.
Several well known folks have attended here including James Blunt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Curtis.
The school dates back to 1572, yes 1572.
The reception is held on their new outdoor terrace , with it's stunning views,
then we go inside and check out the new dining area and the older parts.
Harrow School is relaunching its venue hire, featuring a new dining complex and a "huge roof terrace" offering views of London. Part of a "A Year in the Making" relaunch, the space aims to host events, including corporate bookings and weddings, alongside a new dining complex.
Roof Terrace: Designed for high-end events, the terrace boasts views overlooking London.
Dining Complex: Part of a substantial refurbishment of the school’s facilities.
They are showcasing the space, which includes access to historic areas like the classrooms used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
The venue is intended for corporate events, weddings, and commercial filming, often supporting the school's charitable and community efforts.
At 7.15pm we had the welcome speeches.
A proper DJ and system was playing disco classics for the last hour.
Complimentary prosecco , wines , beers , canapes and cup cakes .

Updated 17th April 2026 Permalink

Wednesday 15 April 2026.

Wednesday 15 April 2026.
SUZI QUATRO live at The Palladium.
Glam Rock legend ( now aged 75), returns to play this venue again on another UK tour.
Suzi will.play all her classic hits and some tracks from her new album.
Suzi Quatro 18th studio album, ' Freedom', was released on March 27, 2026. Produced by her son L.R. Tuckey for Chrysalis Records, the album features a collaboration with Alice Cooper on a cover of MC5's "Kick Out The Jams". The 12-track project marks a return to her Detroit rock roots.
Suzi Quatro has sold over 55 million records worldwide throughout her five-decade career, which includes 18 studio albums and over 60 singles. Known as a pioneer female rocker, her major hits, including "Can the Can" and "Devil Gate Drive," which were number one UK hits in 1973 and 1974 respectively .
' Can the Can" alone sold 2.5 million copies worldwide .
' 48 Crash," "Daytona Demon," and "Devil Gate Drive" were also million-sellers.
I have seen Suzi Q several times before including The Royal Albert Hall in 2022, and at The Palladium in 2023 , when Glen Matlock and Boy George joined her for a track in the 2 hour 10 mins show .
Looks like this tour will be similar - two sets over two hours.
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Not sold out tonight , but the venue is very full.
Lots of older folks here my age , who remember those great glam rock days of the 1970s, and seeing Suzi Quatro on Top Of The Pops in her leather jumpsuit.
SUZI QUATRO was on stage for a nice long 2 hours 15 mins over two sets of 60 mins and 75 mins.
Suzi had eight musicians on stage with her , including a three man brass section and two female backing singers/dancers.
Suzi is around a tiny 5 foot tall these days , and her bass is nearly the same size as her.
For the second half , Suzi wore her black leather jumpsuit .
There is a big screen showing images of Suzi career at the start of both sets , which she has shown at previous shows. Suzi has plenty of nice stage banter , and tells us she played this venue in 1999 when Michael Aspel surprised her with the 'This Is Your Life' red book, and how Mickie Most took her to London back in 1971. Suzi said she had put out eight books, and mentioned her acting career , including Happy Days and that great Suzi Q documentary.
Suzi introduced BRUCE WELSH from the stage as he was in the crowd.
Suzi said she has now been in the music biz for 62 years, and is still rockin'.
All the crowd were up and dancing from Can the Can onwards.
A great show as usual from Suzi Quatro.
Full SUZI QUATRO setlist played tonight....
FIRST SET
The Wild One
I May Be Too Young
Daytona Demon
Tear Me Apart
Mama's Boy
I Bit Off More Than I Could Chew
Stumblin' In
48 Crash
Slow Down ( Larry Williams cover)
Rockin' in the Free World (Neil Young cover)
Can I Be Your Girl?
SECOND SET
Freedom
Little Miss Lovely
Bad Moon Rising (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
She's in Love With You
Shine a Light ( Suzi Quatro & KT Tunstall song)
Too Big
Bass Solo & Drum Duet & band introductions
Can the Can
Devil Gate Drive
If You Can't Give Me Love
Sweet Little Rock & Roller (Chuck Berry cover)
Singing With Angels
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Tuesday 14 April 2026.
KIM GORDON live at Shepherds Bush Empire
Kim Gordon is an American musician, singer and songwriter best known as the bassist, guitarist, and vocalist of alternative rock band Sonic Youth.
Kim Deal will be 64 when she plays this show .
This is her only UK show on her six date UK & European tour to promote her latest solo album ' Play Me'.
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Level 3 is closed tonight, but other levels look pretty full.
A cool looking crowd are here for these two art rock bands.
Lots of accents from mainland Europe are here.
LONNIE GUNN arrived on stage at 8pm for her 30 mins set.
Five musicians on stage, with some nice vocals from Lonnie.
KIM GORDON arrived on stage at 9.05 for her 70 mins set.
Four musicians on stage , and a big screen showing pre-recorded images.
Kim is a seminal figure in art rock and alternative music, blurring lines between noise music, fashion, and visual art. Her career spans decades, characterised by an avant-garde approach and experimental industrial noise.
The best tracks were the loud ones , with a nifty distorted and fuzzy guitar noise.
20 tracks played with many under three minutes long.
The first 12 tracks were the new album , a highlight from it was ' Dirty Tech'.
Later on an oldie ' Paprika Pony' was good.
Not much stage chat from Kim , apart from a couple of thank you's.
No Sonic Youth tracks were played.
Too cool to do an encore , even though on stage for only 70 mins.
A good show.

Updated 14th April 2026 Permalink

Sunday 12 April 2026.

Sunday 12 April 2026.
THE ENTITLED SONS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
The Entitled Sons are rapidly carving out their place in the alternative rock scene. The group is made up of four brothers Billy, Charlie, Raffey, and Laurie are joined by Graham Swift on the bass.
It is a family affair as the band are all the family of tv property presenter Sarah Beeny.
Her husband on bass and their FOUR sons...amazing.
Their set will feature tracks from their debut album , which was released November 2025.
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Level 3 is closed tonight , but must be over 1000 folks here.
Another show where it's around 75% excitable screaming females under the age of 25.
Lots of adults here with their teenage children .
I was speaking to a woman , and I asked her how come so many families here.
She said the band have been touring secondary schools , and gained fans from that .
She said they perform indie rock sets combined with Q&A sessions focusing on mental health, bullying, neurodiversity (ADHD/dyslexia), and social media impacts.
Their mum TV presenter SARAH BEENY is in the Level VIP seats.
AFTERDRIVE arrived on stage at 7.45pm and played for 40 mins.
Their set went down well with the crowd..
Oddly the singer moves around the stage like The Damned Dave Vanian.
THE ENTITLED SONS arrived on stage at 8.45pm and played for 75 mins.
The four brothers in the band look very young.
Frontman, Charlie, was great to watch and did a fantastic job of whipping the crowd up into a frenzy – most of whom knew the songs and sang them back to the band, which must have been an incredible feeling for the young lads, especially such a new band.
Rafferty on guitar was pulling every rock guitar pose going – he was clearly ‘at one’ with his guitar and loved being in the limelight during his many solos. He seemed comfortable owning the stage when it was his turn, and for the entire show he was a bundle of energy.
The singer jumped into stalls standing to bounce with the fans, and the guitarist played a solo on the bar .
It was a decent enough set , although their appeal is more to McFly an Busted fans.
Near the end of the show they said they would be a meet and greet in the stalls after .
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Saturday 11 April 2026.
THE DAMNED live at Wembley Arena.
Original punk legends The Damned play a special 50th Anniversary show with support acts THE LOVELESS featuring MARC ALMOND, PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT, The Courettes.
The Damned most recent release was an album of covers.
I have seen The Damned over 40 times since 1976.
Including 10 times in their 1977 punk heyday.
Hard to believe 10 years has flown past since i saw their great 40th anniversary show at The Royal Albert Hall....and another great show in 2019 at The Palladium.
Also i was at both the Hammersmith Apollo shows in 2022, where all four original members reunited.
Like The Sex Pistols, they currently have three original members.
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Needless to say really looking forward to this gig.
Lots of pink rockin' chums are here.
Footie legend and punk rock loving STUART PEARCE was here.
We have a perfect view in guest list Block N6, looking at the stage on the right.
JAMES McCARTNEY( son of Paul) is sitting in the row in front of us.
The rear blocks are unsold , and have the black curtains up.
It is stalls standing , so maybe 10,000 tickets sold out of the 12,500 capacity.
I ended up missing the first band on , The Courettes.
PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT arrived on stage at 6.55pm for their 40 mins set.
Just 40 mins for them as they play for over two hours when they headline .
Hooky as cool as ever , with his low slung bass.
A superb set , that was all Joy Division gems and was dedicated to Ian Curtis .
Full setlist played tonight....
Dead Souls
Digital
Isolation
Disorder
She's Lost Control
Shadowplay
Transmission
Ceremony
Love Will Tear Us Apart
THE LOVELESS arrived on stage at 7.50pm and played for 40 mins.
Six musicians on stage , including Marc Almond and Neal X.
The set was pretty much split into three parts.
First few songs were lesser known covers.
Second few songs was their material.
Third was well known covers.
A really good set.
Full setlist played tonight......
Wild in the Streets (Garland Jeffreys cover)
Putty in Your Hands (The Yardbirds cover)
You're Gonna Miss Me (The Spades cover)
Hot Hard and Ready ( Smokey cover)
Teenage Wildlife
Dark Side
Nothing At All
Under My Wheels (Alice Cooper
Love Missile F1-11 (Sigue Sigue Sputnik)
Hell Raiser (Sweet cover)
Tainted Love (Gloria Jones cover)
Heat (Soft Cell cover)
THE DAMNED arrived on stage at 9pm , and it was a two hour show , with a 10 mins intermission showing 1970s TV commercials.
They have three big screens screens mixing live footage with pre-recorded images.
They sounded great , and were very professional like, no fooling around.
All their classic tracks played in the nice long set.
We even had a punk gig with a drum solo.
An excellent show.
See my Facebook page for a couple of videos from the show.
Full setlist played by The Damned tonight...
FIRST SET
Street of Dreams
Wait for the Blackout
The History of the World (Part 1)
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Stranger on the Town
Under the Floor Again
Eloise ( Barry Ryan cover)
Wake the Dead
I Just Can't Be Happy Today
Life Goes On
Is It a Dream
Smash It Up (Part 1)
Smash It Up (Part 2)
SECOND SET
Nasty
Love Song
Machine Gun Etiquette
Fan Club
Disco Man
Neat Neat Neat
Curtain Call
Drum Solo
New Rose
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Thursday 09 April 2026...I went to two events tonight...
7pm to 9pm .
WEEZIES - opening launch party - Eccleston Yards, Eccleston Place, London SW1.
Weezie's has taken over the old Biscuiteers site in Eccleston Yards, just around the corner from Victoria Station. The people behind it, Will and Abbie Sandbach, run the Amie Wine Studio, which is right next door in the Belgravia development. They're describing Weezie's, which is named after Abbie's grandmother, as a pizza-focused restaurant and wine bar.
On the menu will be a range of thin-crust pizzas in the London/New Haven-style, along with various small plates.
Around 100 guests in the complex of cool eateries and stores in Eccleston Yards.
Complimentary drinks and food included four different cocktails , prosecco , wines ,beers and different slices of their very nice pizza.
then
9.30pm to 11pm.
ENISH - opening launch party - 187b Wardour Street, Soho London W1.
Authentic Nigerian restaurant and bar open add another location to their impressive UK roster.
A small doorway leads us down to the basement area.
Around 50 or 60 folks here . Another couple and us are the only white folks here.
It is very lively as we arrived late , and loud Nigerian music is bring played over the pa.
Several Nigerian artists including WizKid and Bad Bunny have headlined The 02 Arena and Wembley Arena
They manage to find us a table for complimentary prosecco and a very nice Nigerian meal of Jollof Rice and Fried Chicken with Fried Plantains.

Updated 10th April 2026 Permalink

Wednesday 08 April 2026

Wednesday 08 April 2026.
DECEMBER 10 live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Simon Cowell's new boy band play an invite only via free ballot gig.
Just four months on from their reveal on Netflix’s global series Simon Cowell: The Next Act, and newly signed to EMI Records, December 10 are moving at a relentless pace. They’ve performed 13 sold-out live shows across the UK and Ireland and racked up millions of followers across socials and over half a million monthly listeners on Spotify. While the official music video for their debut single “Run My Way” (2.4m views) and their stripped-back take on NSYNC’s “Bye, Bye, Bye” (1.9m views) have tipped past 1.9 million and 1.8 million organic YouTube views respectively.
Their two singles have not really set the world on fire as ' Run My Way ' only got to 68, and ' Angel' didn't make the Top 75.
Simon Cowell is hoping they can get sone of the incredible success that One Direction received.
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No surprise it is sold out tonight, as it's well over subscribed free tickets via the ballot.
It is an early start early finish tonight ,as the 90% female fans under the age of 25 have been queuing a long time as no school or college due to Easter break....but plenty of mums and dads here with their kids.
I have never seen Simon Cowell at a live music event , and even though they are his protégées , he is not here .
Over 100 folks on the guest list in the Level 1 seats.
A DJ warmed the crowd up with tracks the crowd sang along to.
DECEMBER 10 arrived on stage at 7.35pm for their 60 mins set.
There is seven of them , including four white , two black and a Brazilian.
Most of the songs are acoustic guitar based , but a few tracks had electric guitar and drums.
They have personal security in each corner of the pit ,along with lots of venue security .
Lots of loud singing and screaming throughout the show.
The songs are simple and catchy enough , and they throw in some dance routines .
Midway they stop for a Q n A with each other for a few mins.
Multi cameras are filming all the show.
They certainly seem to be using some backing tapes as well.
' Angel' is played early on, and ' Run My Way ' is at the end.
There are covers of NSYNCs 'Bye Bye Bye ' and Bruce Springsteen's 'Dancing In The Dark'.
A decent enough show.
Will be interesting to see how popular they get , over the next couple of years.
Their UK tour this coming July includes two shows at Shepherds Bush Empire, but this time you gotta pay .
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Tuesday 07 April 2026.
6.45pm to 7.45pm
MOUTH FULL OF GOLDS - book launch - Patta, 6 Silver Place , Soho, London W1.
The new IDEA book is Mouth Full Of Golds, written by director Lyle Lindgren and Eddie Plein. A book of caps, fronts, slugs and grills — even diamonds and pearls. This is the illustrated history of New York’s ‘Famous’ Eddie Plein, the golden era of dentistry he ushered in, and the great big glittering smile he left on the face of hip hop.
A$AP Ferg provides the introduction in an extraordinary piece of writing — placing golds and grills in his personal history and the context of black creative culture. Also telling their own stories are, amongst many others, Va$htie, Goldie, A$AP Rocky, Just-Ice, Janette Beckman and, new for this second edition, Marc Jacobs.
Around 40 guests are here in this tiny streetwear store, with half of them outside.
GOLDIE is here as he is featured in the book.
He said he still lives in Thailand but is over here as he is going into hospital on Monday .
Complimentary rum n cokes and cans of lager.
then
8pm to 8.45pm .
Football on the big screens at The Hippodrome Casino .
We watched the first half here.
This is a pretty amazing place to watch football on the big screens.
It is in their basement area.
Free to get in , but ID will have to be shown to security if you look young.
Over 20 screen's are showing four games live , including both the Champions League games.
They are also showing some live cricket .
Around 40 or 50 cosy seats and you can order food and drinks from the waitress who will bring it to your seat.
then
9pm to 11.45pm .
INTER ALIA - press / VIP opening night party - St Martins Lane Hotel, St Martins Lane, London WC2.
The main event was held earlier at The Wyndham's Theatre nearby.
Following an acclaimed, sold-out run at the National Theatre, Rosamund Pike brings her Olivier Award-nominated ‘tour-de-force’ (Metro) performance to the West End in a ‘searing legal drama’ (Guardian) from the writer and director of the global phenomenon Prima Facie.
Around 300 guests at this very nice five star hotel, we get cosy seats .
All the cast , including Rosamund Pike eventually turn up.
Others here included, Sir Derek Jacobi ( by coincidence his comedy skit in Frasier was repeated on TV that morning, so i had to tell him how good it was , he replied " Bless you , thank you)..
Also Bianca Jagger, Brian Cox , Ruby Wax , Andrew Marr and Kathy Letts.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food , including Negronis , Americanos, spirits n mixers , prosecco, wines , beers , pulled pork burgers and canapes.

Updated 8th April 2026 Permalink

Monday 06 April 2026.

Monday 06 April 2026.
Most mornings when i am writing reviews and updates , I have Channel 4 TV on in the background , as i love watching the repeats of American sitcoms Everybody Loves Raymond and Frasier.
Everybody Loves Raymond was on for nine years ...1996 to 2005...
On YouTube there is a great 66 mins of Everybody Loves Raymond - The 30 Years Anniversary Reunion.
All the cast talking about their fave episodes , as they show classic clips.
Really enjoyable.
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Sunday 05 April 2026...2.40pm to 5pm...
CREAM documentary on SKY Arts TV.
The definitive story of 60s rock supergroup Cream, featuring concert footage and interviews with Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce.
Starts with the band members previous groups and career from 1963/64 leading up to the Royal Albert Hall shows in 2005.
I was at all four of those legendary shows.
Only Eric Clapton is still alive, as the other two members have sadly passed away since.
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Saturday 04 April 2026.
Happy Birthday to glam rock legend DAVE HILL who is 80 today.
A good excuse to blast out some Slade classics today .
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Friday 03 April 2026.
MUSE live at Brixton Academy .
Muse play an intimate one off show, as they usually play arenas and big outdoor venues these days.
I have seen them around a dozen times before.
The first time was supporting Bush at Shepherds Bush Empire in 2000.
The first band i ever saw using drones on stage were Muse at The 02 Arena in 2016 .
I was at one of their five shows there on their ' Drones ' world tour.
A pretty amazing show that was , as the stage was in the round,and it rotated slowly during the show and a few times drones flew around the stage , and then disappeared down a hole in the middle of the stage .
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This was certainly a hot ticket gig , that sold out pronto.
My security mates telling me fans were camping out by the venue the night before the gig.
BITTER PEARL arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins set.
The four piece played an ok set , but were not really that exciting.
MUSE arrived on stage at 9.20pm for their 90 mins set.
The three members of Muse are joined by a keyboard player.
All four of them are very casually dressed in t shirts .
Lots of lights , including strobes.
A big screen showing pre-recorded digital images.
There was flames, streamers and confetti cannons.
For three blokes to make this much noise (with a little assistance from the keyboards chap) is impressive.
Top notch musicians and Matt is offering up soaring falsettos and incendiary guitar licks.
They are mixing rock , prog and funk which creates an awesome crunching sound.
Only two new songs played, and they played all their biggest tracks which sent the crowd into raptures.
Only a little bit of chat from Matt, who put on a space jacket for the encore.
An excellent show.
Full MUSE setlist played tonight...
Interlude ( First time ever as opening song)
Hysteria
Map of the Problematique
Cryogen ( world premiere)
Resistance
Unravelling (extended intro)
[Drill Sergeant]
Psycho
Kill or Be Killed
Be With You ( live debut)
New Born (with Deftones' "Headup" riff outro)
Plug In Baby
Unintended ( Matt and Dan only; Cryosleep acoustic version)
United States of Eurasia (extended intro)
Supermassive Black Hole
Uprising
Knights of Cydonia
Encore:
The 2nd Law: Isolated System
Undisclosed Desires (with band introductions)
Prelude
Starlight
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Tuesday 31 March 2026.....I went to two events tonight...
7pm to 9.45pm.
NAPAPIJRI x VINNIE JONES - showcase - Flannels , 161 - 167 Oxford Street , London W1.
Vinnie Jones is featured in Napapijri's Spring/Summer 2026 "Who Are You?" campaign, highlighting the brand's iconic Rainforest jacket. The collaboration emphasizes grit and urban style, specifically showcasing the new Rainforest Next anorak and packable summer smocks as versatile, durable, and stylish outerwear suitable for both terrace culture and urban environments.
They are an Italian fashion company with a Danish name.
Around 150 to 200 guests are here in Flannels basement area.
There are lots of tables and chairs, which was handy.
Football legend and actor VINNIE JONES was hosting tonight.
He chatted for 20 mins before the match and posed for selfies and signed autographs after.
We thought the match would be England v Japan , but as Vinnie Jones played for Wales they were hoping it was Wales playing , but they got knocked out, so we are watching Bosnia v Italy on the three big screens .
Bosnia won it on penalties.
Guests got a goodie bag , with a bucket hat with the company logo and a Vinnie Jones poster .
Complimentary prosecco , wines, beers and cheese & tomato pizza slices for the guests.
then
10.15pm to 12pm .
Press night party - QUAGLINO'S - Bury Street , St James's, London SW1.
This was the opening night party for Romeo & Juliet.
Starring Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) as Juliet and Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place, Hamnet) as Romeo in their West End debuts. Robert Icke (Oedipus) directs Shakespeare’s electrifying and timeless tragic tale of love and innocence, Romeo & Juliet, at the intimate Harold Pinter Theatre.
A big crowd of over 300 or 400 here.
The cast all eventually turned up.
A few faces here , including Ian McKellen, Will Young, Mark Strong and Bill Patterson.
Complimentary prosecco, wines , beers and canapes for the guests.
We left at midnight, but it was due to finish at 1am.

Updated 1st April 2026 Permalink

Monday 30 March 2026.

Monday 30 March 2026.
Very sad news that a legendary music pr has passed away
Keith Altham R.I.P.....age 84...
A successful rock and roll scarred author, broadcaster, and New Musical Express features editor, Keith Altham interviewed the likes of the Beatles, the Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Rod Stewart, Tom Jones, Frank Zappa, the Small Faces, Cliff Richard, Dusty, Cilla, Scott Walker, Ray Davies, Jim Morrison and The Beach Boys on innumerable occasions. In the early ‘60s he wrote for the legendary fan magazine Fabulous from its inception. Subsequently he became England’s most successful independent rock press agent for three decades from the early ‘70s representing most of those he had previously interviewed.
On radio, Altham was a major contributor as news reader and interviewer for three years on BBC 2’s "Scene and Heard" which was "the music paper of radio" during the ‘60s and early ‘70s, More recently he contributed to BBC Radio 2’s programme on "The Changing Styles of Music Journalism" "Music Hype" and Virgin FMs "Tribute to Jimi Hendrix."
Altham is also accountable for giving Hendrix the idea of setting fire to his guitar, and is recorded as being the last person to interview him before his death; for saddling Reg Presley of the Troggs with his surname and turning Slade into skinheads for publicity purpose in the early ‘70s.
His first book The PR Strikes Back in the form of open letters to his famous clients over many years including The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Van Morrison, Sting, The Beach Boys, Status Quo, Phil Collins and The Who revealing his true feelings about them was printed by Blake Publishing and serialised in the Daily Mail in 2002.
K.A. Publicity, which he founded in 1971, represented the cream of British rock music over two decades including for several years, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Beach Boys, Police, Slade, Status Quo, The Animals, Van Morrison, Rod Stewart, The Kinks, Scott Walker, Eddy Grant, Genesis, Ozzy Osbourne, AC/DC, The Jam, The Stranglers, Marc Bolan, The Moody Blues, Steve Marriott, Carole King, Joan Armatrading, Elkie Brooks, and Manfred Mann. Altham retired his Press Agency and in 1993 BBC Radio 4 made Altham the subject of a tribute programme "The Godfather of Music PR" on which Sting, Roger Daltrey and Jagger testified to his skill.
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Saturday 28 March 2026.
GARBAGE live at The Royal Albert Hall.
plus special guests PLACEBO (rare, stripped back performance).
This is show number 6 of the 7 TCT RAH shows.
I have seen Placebo more times than Garbage , so would prefer if they were the headliners.
Placebo are however down to play a 75 mins set.
2026 sees the 30th anniversary of the Placebo excellent debut album.
Oddly, even though they are headlining tonight ,later this year Garbage are headlining The Roundhouse , but tonight's support act Placebo are playing the much bigger Wembley Arena.
I first saw Garbage headlining The Reading Festival in 1998.
I first saw Placebo supporting Prodigy at Battersea Power Station in 1997.
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Everyone has come in early as Placebo are the support act.
The venue is rammed solid sold out.
There is arena floor standing again.
Again, the cameras are here , so Placebo are shown on the big screen , but Garbage are not.
PLACEBO arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 60 mins.
The venue said they down to play for 75 mins , but it was actually 60 mins.
Placebo brought a “stripped back” set which still saw a 6 piece band (!including violin and keyboards) reimagine their acclaimed back catalogue. Singer Brian Molko “admitted to feeling a flutter of nerves" . But they launched into a good set that began with their cover of Sinead O’Connor’s ‘Jackie’ before hits including ‘Special Needs’, ‘Pure Morning’ ,‘Taste In Men’ and ' Special K'.
Several of their big songs not played as they played lesser known and rarely played tracks , and most tracks were reworked, so more slow paced laid back rather than their usual full tilt.
A good set , but not as mega as expected.
Full Placebo setlist played tonight....
Jackie (Sinéad O’Connor cover) (First time live since 2015)
Special Needs
Begin the End (!First time live since 2015)
Pure Morning (First time live since 2018)
Taste In Men
Blind
Follow the Cops Back Home (First time live since 2011)
Beautiful James
Slave to the Wage
Special K
Post Blue
Meds
Centrefolds ( First time live since 2004)
As usual during the interval , we had the videos of the TCT teenagers and around 20 took to the stage to great applause from the crowd.
GARBAGE arrived on stage at 9.15pm for their 1 hour 40 mins set.
Five of them on stage , all of them are dressed in black.
Shirley Manson is loud on vocals , and the band are nice and very loud , and overall they make a great noise.
Lots of lights , including strobes.
Shirley Manson was talking and swearing a lot.
She walked into the stalls seats a couple of times.
She gave thanks to Placebo for joining them tonight, when they could have headlined themselves.
All the songs rocked along nicely and the encore was their two biggest hits.
Before tonight , I thought Placebo may steal the show , but Garbage held their own as headliners , and
they were great.
Full Garbage setlist played tonight...
There’s No Future in Optimism
Hold
Fix Me Now
I Think I'm Paranoid
Vow
Run Baby Run
The Trick Is to Keep Breathing
Not My Idea
The Men Who Rule the World
Wolves
Lovesong ( The Cure cover) (Live debut)
Chinese Fire Horse
Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!)
When I Grow Up
Push It
The Day That I Met God
Encore:
Stupid Girl
Only Happy When It Rains

Updated 28th March 2026 Permalink

Friday 27 March 2026.

Friday 27 March 2026.
SEX PISTOLS EXPOSE live at The 100 Club.
Top notch Pistols tribute band...with support from Latchicos, Healthy Junkies and Phobics.
Jeffrey Munday will playing some top punk and glam rock tunes.
Nathan as Johnny , i must have seen around 20 times when he was fronting The Sex Pistols Experience.
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Good to see several punk rockin' chums here.
PHOBICS arrived on stage at 7.25pm for their 30 mins set.
PHOBICS formed in Deptford in 1999 , and have played loads of gigs in London's punk venues.
They played some good tracks from their albums.
HEALTHY JUNKIES arrived on stage at 8.05pm for their 35 mins set .
They played some good tracks , including ' Bad Reputation' .
They had a lively foxy female who jumped around a lot and crawled on the floor.
LATCHICOS arrived on stage at 8.55pm for their 35 mins set .
They played a very enjoyable set of classic punk and new covers and a T.Rex gem.
Including Buzzcocks, Ramones , Clash , Only Ones , Magazine, Undertones etc.
SEX PISTOLS EXPOSE arrived on stage at 9.45pm for their 80 mins set.
They played a top notch set of Pistols classics , and tracks that the real Pistols never play
Nathan as Johnny has the look and all the mannerisms.
The Sid looks the part and acts the fool.
The Steve has the Les Paul Gibson and knotted handkerchief for some tracks.
Like last year , Nathan gave me shout out from the stage.
All the tracks from NMTB are played , along with a four song Sid sings segment.
Highlights included ' EMI', ' Pretty Vacant', 'God Save The Queen', and the final three classics 'Holidays in the Sun', ' Bodies ' and ' Anarchy in the UK'.
They really are a top notch Pistols tribute.
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Thursday 26 March 2026.
MANIC STREET PREACHERS plus special guests The Joy Formidable.
Teenage Cancer Trust Shows continue at The Royal Albert Hall.
This was show number 4 of 7 this week.
Tonight was the 150th Teenage Cancer Trust show at the Royal Albert Hall show since the first week of shows in 2000....I have been to around 50 of them.
I have seen The Manics over a dozen times , including a very early gig in August 1991 at The Hibernian Club in Fulham when Richie Edwards was still alive.
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The venue looks very full tonight.
It is floor standing again.
The show is being filmed again tonight , but oddly there is live footage of the support band on the big screen , but for The Manics , they are filmed , but it is not used as the band have their own pre recorded images and slogans on the big screen.
THE JOY FORMIDABLE arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 40 mins set.
Like The Manics , this indie rock three piece come from Wales.
The male and female are sharing lead vocals.
They played some food rockin' tracks from their five albums.
Again we had the videos and parade of teenagers with cancer who have been helped by TCT.
A mention to Aldi we hi have donated over £13m to TCT overtime the years.
MANIC STREET PREACHERS arrived on stage at 8.55pm for their 1 hour 45 mins set.
The three main members are joined by two other musicians for all the show.
James Dean Bradfield playing some very nifty guitar on his white Les Paul Gibson.
Plenty of their big tunes played, along with rarely played tracks.
We even get a cover by The Cure.
See my Facebook.page for videos of ' A Design for Life' and ' You Love Us'.
The Manics always put on a great show.
Full setlist played tonight....
Motorcycle Emptiness
Futurology ( First time since 2014)
Roses in the Hospital ( First time since 2016)
You Stole the Sun From My Heart
Decline & Fall
Ocean Spray
Close to Me (The Cure cover) (First time live by Manic Street Preachers)
La tristesse durera (Scream to a Sigh)
This Is Yesterday
Hiding in Plain Sight (with Echo and the Bunnymen 'Bring On the Dancing Horses' intro)
The Secret He Had Missed
A Design for Life
This Sullen Welsh Heart (James Dean Bradfield acoustic solo)
Everything Must Go ( James Dean Bradfield acoustic solo)
The Everlasting (James Dean Bradfield solo into full band)
Condemned to Rock 'n' Roll (First time since 2015)
Your Love Alone Is Not Enough
This Is the Day (The The cover) (First time since 2017)
From Despair to Where
My Little Empire (preceded by band introductions, first time since 2019)
You Love Us ( Dedicated to Richey Edwards)
If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next ( ticker tape over the crowd)

Updated 26th March 2026 Permalink

Wednesday 25 March 2026.

Wednesday 25 March 2026...7pm to 9.30pm...
SCHIAPARELLI - Fashion Becomes Art - private view - V & A Museum , South Kensington , London .
Elsa Schiaparelli (1890–1973) was an influential Italian-born fashion designer famous for her surrealist designs and collaborations with artists like Salvador Dalí. She was born in Rome, Italy, on September 10, 1890, into a cultured and intellectual family before launching her avant-garde couture house in Paris in the 1920s.
Elsa Schiaparelli instilled a creative spirit in 20th-century fashion with her inventive imagination and revolutionary vision on sportswear, Haute Couture, art, fragrance, and ordinary elements turned into elaborate creations. Her iconic collaborations with artists like Dalí, Cocteau, Man Ray, and Giacometti became legendary.
Nowadays, the Maison Schiaparelli cultivates this incredible heritage, offering women of the 21st-century the essence of a bold style and timeless allure.
The UK’s first exhibition on Elsa Schiaparelli spans the 1920s to today, celebrating the innovative designer's influence. It traces the fashion house’s groundbreaking origins and its evolution under current creative director Daniel Roseberry.
At 7.40pm , we had a couple of speeches.
We had a 20 mins wander around the exhibition.
Loads of stunning dresses, including some that have been worn to the by well known names,
including Arianda Grande, Dua Lipa , Lady Gaga, Beyonce and others.
A big crowd here , as must be 700 or 800 guests.
A few faces here ,including Nick Rhodes , Andrew Logan, Dame Zandra Rhodes , Minnie Driver , Pixie Lott , Stephen Jones , Emily Maitlis , Marc Quinn , Jackie St Clair, Basis Briggs and lots of very nicely dressed females.
A female DJ s playing well known 70s and 80s dance tracks.
Complimentary Louie Roederer champers , three different cocktails and canapes .
It is on until 01 December 2026, and is a paid ticket for entry
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Teenage Cancer Trust Shows at The Royal Albert Hall.
This was the first show of seven.
Obviously not as lively as this time last year , when the opening TCT show on the Monday was The Sex Pistols with Frank Carter who played a stunning show .
Monday 23 March 2026
ELBOW live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Fans can expect performances of classic tracks such as 'One Day Like This' , ' Grounds For Divorce ' and ' Lippy Kids ' as well as tracks from their most recent studio album 'Audio Vertigo' from 2024.
I have seen Elbow a few times before.
Four of their albums have hit the number one spot in the UK.
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The venue is rammed solid sold out tonight.
A mainly middle aged crowd here tonight.
Support comes from MRCY.
I caught the last 15 mins of their 30 mins set.
A nice laid back soulful set .
Guy Garvey bigged them up a couple of times during the Elbow set.
In the interval was the videos of teenagers with cancer , and around 20 of them came on stage to big applause from the crowd ...must be terrible to get cancer as a teenager .
ELBOW arrived on stage at 8.40pm for their two hour set.
Ten on stage including three female brass and backing vocals, and two females violins and backing vocals .
A nice big light show, and a disco glitter ball , and it's floor standing tonight.
Cameras are filming the show , but no screens are here tonight to show it.
Guy Garvey is like your mate down the pub.
All their best tracks played , with highlights including ' The Seldom See Kid', ' Grounds for Divorce' and a stunning encore of the anthem ' One Day Like This ' which really is a corker of a tune.
A really good show.
Full ELBOW setlist played tonight...
Things I've Been Telling Myself for Years
Lovers' Leap
The Bones of You
Mirrorball
Empires
Fly Boy Blue / Lunette
Kindling
Her to the Earth
Balu
Great Expectations
The Seldom Seen Kid
The Birds
Lippy Kids
My Sad Captains
Magnificent (She Says)
Grounds for Divorce
Encore:
Station Approach
One Day Like This ( see my video on my Facebook page )

Updated 24th March 2026 Permalink

Sunday 15 March 2026.

Saturday 14 March 2026.
A pretty crap day to hear of two musicians passing away.
Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell has died age 64.
I was lucky to have seen all the Motorhead line ups since one of their earliest gigs in 1975 , at Hammersmith Odeon , supporting Blue Oyster Cult, and saw many great shows with Phil at the same venue.
I also saw him a couple of times with The Bastard Sons after Lemmy passed away.
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Nigel (Sid Vicious in The Sex Pistols Experience) has sadly passed away.
They really were a top notch outfit.
They even got to USA where they played a venue that the real Pistols played in Jan 1978.
Must have seen them over 20 times over the years, including a few of their superb Jubilee Boat Gigs down The River Thames .
R.I.P. to both of them.
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Tuesday 03 March 2026.
I have just come out of hospital after a fortnight's stay , due to a five hour operation on my colon.
Now is the recovery period of a fortnight or so.
Hopefully i can be back to normal late March / early April.
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Friday 13 February 2026.
Happy Birthday to PETER GABRIEL who is 75 today .
Happy Birthday to PETER HOOK who is 70 today.
Happy Birthday to ROBBIE WILLIAMS who is 52 today.
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Thursday 12 February 2026.
Happy Birthday to SHERYL CROW who is 64 today.

Updated 12th February 2026 Permalink

Sunday 08 February 2026.

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

Updated 7th February 2026 Permalink

Friday 06 February 2026

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

Updated 5th February 2026 Permalink

Tuesday 03 February 2026.

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

Updated 2nd February 2026 Permalink

Saturday 31 January 2026.

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

Updated 29th January 2026 Permalink

Wednesday 28 January 2026.

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

Updated 26th January 2026 Permalink

Friday 23 January 2026.

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

Updated 22nd January 2026 Permalink

Monday 19 January 2026.

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

Updated 17th January 2026 Permalink

Friday 16 January 2026.

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

Wednesday 14 January 2026.

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

Updated 13th January 2026 Permalink

Sunday 11 January 2026.

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

Updated 10th January 2026 Permalink

Wednesday 07 January 2026.

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

Updated 6th January 2026 Permalink

Sunday 04 January 2026.

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

Updated 1st January 2026 Permalink

Wednesday 31 December 2025.

Wednesday 31 December 2025...HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY....
LONDON NEW YEARS EVE FIREWORKS DISPLAY along The River Thames.
Entry to the annual spectacle for Londoners remains at £20 and £35, depending on the viewing area. Tickets for people who live outside the capital will be £40 and £55, an increase of 10 per cent from last year.
Why have legitimate ticket prices gone up this year?
The price attendees pay depends on their viewing spot and if they live inside or outside the capital. City Hall has said this is to help cover the increasing costs across the events industry.
Over 100,000 people line the banks of the River Thames every New Year's Eve to take in the world-famous display. The city's skies will light up in colour as Big Ben chimes in 2026
I have been there the last few years , and will be up there again this year.
The last few years have been pretty mild but looks like much colder this year.
Usually a DJ playing tunes before midnight , and fireworks for 10 to 12 mins at midnight.
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A great atmosphere down by the river, with people everywhere.
All the bars , pubs and venues nearby are buzzing.
We popped into a couple of bars for drinks , then 10pm to 12.30pm we were in the Red Zone for the fireworks.
I am fully layered up for the cold evening.
Always great to see the buildings along The River Thames all lit up.
The boats and disco boat charters and yachts all get in a nice position.
The DJ played tunes before and after the fireworks .
The excellent fireworks display at midnight lasted for around 12 mins.
There were other fireworks displays going off nearby at the same time .
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Monday 29 December 2025.
Look at these four mega gigs I went to in the gap between Christmas Day and New Years Day back on 1979 .
Charity Concerts for Kampuchea .
Queen Hammersmith Odeon, London 26.12.1979
Ian Dury And The Blockheads, The Clash, Mutumbi Hammersmith Odeon, London 27.12.1979
The Who,Specials,Pretenders Hammersmith Odeon, London 28.12.1979
Wings,Elvis Costello,Rockpile Hammersmith Odeon, London 29.12.1979
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Saturday 27 December 2025.
PUBLIC IMAGE LIMITED (PiL) live at The Forum.
I have seen them live around 20 times.
At various London venues , and a few outside of London .
I saw PiL debut show at The Rainbow, North London on 25 Dec 1978.
Yes... It was actually on Christmas Day.
Support comes from THE DUALERS , who are popular in their own right.
They return to headline Indigo at The 02 Arena complex in November 2026.
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Not sold out tonight , and maybe just 1200 tickets sold.
PAUL WHITEHOUSE and ALAN McGEE are here .
I am second row of the balcony with a nice seated view.
THE DUALERS arrived on stage at 8.05pm for their 40 mins set.
They are an eight piece ska and reggae band of black and white members .
A great lively sound , including sax and trombone , reminded me of The Specials .
They ended with ' Monkey Man' which The Specials also covered.
A really good show , and i look forward to seeing a headline show to their own crowd.
PiL arrived on stage at 9.15pm for their 1 hour 40 mins set.
My first time seeing their new band logo , and new drummer .
It is the first night of their Winter Tour , but still sound fantastic .
The guitar sound that Lu makes is pretty incredible.
John is on top form , even though he says he has new contact lenses fitted .
A superb wall of sound noise.
An excellent show .
Full PiL setlist played tonight...
Religion II
Home
Know Now
Corporate
World Destruction (Time Zone cover)
This Is Not a Love Song
Poptones
Death Disco
Corporate
Warrior
Shoom
Encore 1 : FAG BREAK
Public Image
Open Up (Leftfield cover)
Rise
Encore 2 : FAG BREAK
Annalisa
Attack
Chant
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Saturday 27 December 2025.
Happy Birthday to JANET STREET PORTER who is 79 today.
She did some of the earliest TV interviews with The Sex Pistols in 1976, and a bit later when John Lydon formed Public Image Limited.
See my Facebook page for a nice photo of us together

Updated 27th December 2025 Permalink

Thursday 25 December 2025.

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

Updated 22nd December 2025 Permalink

Saturday 20 December 2025.

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

Updated 19th December 2025 Permalink

Thursday 18 December 2025.

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

Updated 17th December 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 16 December 2025.

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

Updated 14th December 2025 Permalink

Saturday 13 December 2025.

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

Updated 12th December 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 10 December 2025.

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

Updated 7th December 2025 Permalink