Welcome to the Ray's Gigs website!

Here's the latest - updated 12th July 2025

Monday 14 Uly 2025.

Saturday 12 July 2025.
6pm to 1am.
On the 40th anniversary weekend of Live Aid BBC2 is showing seven hours of highlights from that amazing day in 1985.
The actual event was 11 hours long.
Live Aid is my number one gig I have been to , out of the 7800 gigs I have been to since 1973.
An incredible line-up with many still performing.
Sadly a few of them have passed away.
Queen,U2,Who,Paul McCartney,David Bowie,Status Quo,Boomtown Rats,Style Council,Adam Ant,Bryan Ferry,Spandau Ballet,Howard Jones,Phil Collins,Sting,Elton John,Kiki Dee,Wham,Dire Straits,Paul Young,Alison Moyet,Ultravox,Elvis Costello,Nik Kershaw,Sade.

Updated 12th July 2025 Permalink

Friday 11 July 2025.

Thursday 10 July 2025...I went to two events tonight...
6pm to 7.40pm.
Private View - Flannels , 161-167 Oxford Street ,London W1.
W1 Curates presents "Rooted Data" by Annibale Siconolfi .
Annibale Siconolfi presents a selection of recent works alongside key pieces that have marked significant stages in his artistic journey.
We are in the basement of this clothes store.
Nice and cool , away from the scorching heat outside.
It is a digital art space, similar to Outernet.
PHILIP SALLON was here.
There is a DJ playing instrumental dance beats .
Complimentary spirits with mixers, wines and beers so i had a few JD & cokes here .
then
7.50pm to 9.30pm.
CORK STREET 100th ANNIVERSARY PARTY - Cork Street, Mayfair , London W1.
Cork Street, a London art destination, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025 with a year-long program of exhibitions and events. The celebration includes a group exhibition called "Fear Gives Wings to Courage" spread across all 15 galleries on the street, and special commissions like the Cork Street Banners Commission. The Mayor Gallery, the first gallery to open on Cork Street, is also celebrating its centenary in its new location.
Cork Street is all closed off to cars, so there must be 300 or 400 guests in the street and in the galleries
Complimentary drinks from two bars in the street , included vodka cocktails , prosecco, wines and beers.
There is a DJ playing tracks.

Updated 11th July 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 09 July 2025.

Wednesday 09 July 2025...I went to two events tonight....
6.45pm to 9pm .
'Tjukurrpa: The Dreaming' Private View At UNIT Gallery, 3 Hanover Square , Mayfair, London W1.
A group show featuring nine aboriginal artists.
Around 150 guests here
A cool looking crowd with lots of glamorous females .
Complimentary drinks were two different cocktails.
See Getty Images for some nice photos of the event.
then
9.45pm to 11.30pm .
TILL THE STARS COME DOWN - press/VIP opening night party at The Haymarket Hotel, London SW1.
The play was held at the nearby Theatre Royal .
I just read a five star review in The Times.
Around 300 guests here , including SALLY WOOD ( Ronnie's wife), ALISON STEADMAN, TAZMIN OUTHWAITE ,ANNEKA RICE .
Others seen leaving the theatre but not going to the party were
Vanessa Feltz, Twiggy , Sue Perkins , Alex Horne and Jane Moore who i saw at Black Sabbath Birmingham , as she is a close friend of Sharon Osbourne.
Complimentary wines , beers , fish n chips, scallops and canapes.
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Tuesday 08 July 2025...5.45pm to 10.15pm..
CONVENE - launch party - 200 Aldersgate , St Paul's, London EC1.
Welcome to the next chapter of this iconic building: newly refurbished offices perfectly positioned where two prime neighbourhoods intersect.
A huge modern venue, with fourteen different size spaces, over the two floors of 26,000 square feet .
A big crowd of over 200 guests here.
We got here early , so got a nice table.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food , including prosecco, three different cocktails, gin n tonics , wines, beers and food including a sushi station , cheese and hams station , chicken sliders, mini lobster rolls, canapes and ice-cream.
We were actually the last ones to leave.

Updated 9th July 2025 Permalink

Monday 07 July 2025

Monday 07 July 2025.
FUJII KAZE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Japanese singer and songwriter Fujii Kaze heads out on his ‘Europe Tour 2025’ . This is the second of his two sold out shows at this venue ...his only shows in the UK.
As part of seven shows in Europe , with The Olympia in Paris next stop on the tour .
He sells out arenas back home in Japan.
-----------
The venue is fully rammed sold out.
A 90% female crowd , with most of them Japanese .
My security chums , said the first fans in the queue arrived at the venue at 2am.
The merch is doing great business, but the bar staff are twiddling their fingers , as this crowd don't drink alcohol.
FUJII KAZE on at 8.30pm for 85 mins.
He is backed by a three piece band.
He has dyed his hair blonde and has an effeminate vibe.
His music style is a bit pop jazz , and laid back.
He has a cool stage presence and the crowd respectably listen.
He performs some nice dance moves in the second half.
The lyrics are 80% Japanese,, and 20% English
A trio of songs in the middle were a highlight .
Love Is a Losing Game (Amy Winehouse cover)
Love Like This
Grace
It was better and more interesting than expected.
---------------------------------
----------------------------------
Sunday 06 July 2025....1.30pm to 7pm...
JACKIE ST CLAIR's summer garden party, Holland Park, London W14.
Former model who dated Prince and her husband Carl , host their annual party at their stunning home. We had a couple of rain showers , but the crowd were fully covered. Around 300 glamorous guests are here on the guest list, including some well known faces as usual.....
I had my photo taken with MARLON JACKSON and BETTY BOO.
Also here were ED BICKNELL ( was Dire Straits long time manager) , MICHELLE HEATON , PATTIE BOYD and husband RON WESTON , DON BLACK ( legendary songwriter) , ROBERT POWELL and wife BARBARA LORD ( Babs in Pans People TOTP dance troupe) , OZWALD BOATENG, ROCCO BUONVINO, NEIL FOX, ANGELA RIPPON, CHRISTIAN VIT, JONATHAN SHALIT, AMIE TRUE ( Harpist from Windsor who has played some nice venues, including recently at Windsor Castle in front of Royal Family members) , LORRAINE CHASE, PHILIP SALLON, LIZZIE CUNDY , BRUNO TONIOLI, ARLENE PHILLIPS, ELAINE PAIGE , ELIZABETH EMANUEL, BASIA BRIGGS, ALISON JACKSON , FRANCOIS PINEAAR, MICA PARIS, SONIQUE, FRANK ARNESEN and no doubt a few more i missed .
Celebrity photographer RICHARD YOUNG was here taking the official photos.
At 5.30pm we had a few acts performing live...first we had a Gypsy Kings type duo (NIMA LEON and MICHELE CEA) play a nice few songs that got the crowd dancing ...then SU BLACK sang a Edith Piaf classic....then
TONY MOORE performed his 1987 Cutting Crew hit ' I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight' and then a medley of over 20 British number ones from the 1960s.
Violinist ANALIZA CHUNG was enjoyable to watch....then
PAUL ENDACOTT ( London Music Heritage Tours) performed tracks including ' Sweet Caroline' that had everyone singing and swaying along to.
Complimentary champagne , Pimm's, wines, beers , a full barbeque with different meats and sides , and a ice-cream cart. A small army of chefs , bar staff , cleaners and security helping things tick along ...portaloos too... Needless to say , an excellent event. See my Facebook page for some photos .
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Saturday 05 July 2025.
BLACK SABBATH live at Villa Park Stadium , Birmingham.
The four original members reform for the first time in 20 years.
It will surely be their last ever show together.
Due to Ozzy's ill-health , he will only sing a few tracks .
The all day event is titled ..'Back to the Beginning'....
The all-star event will celebrate the true creators of heavy metal and will see Ozzy Osbourne play his own short set before joining with Black Sabbath for his final bow.
Many special guests will be appearing on this all day event.
Back to the Beginning will feature sets from Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb Of God, Anthrax and Mastodon.
The all-day event will also feature a supergroup of musicians. Artists announced so far include Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), David Draiman (Disturbed), Duff McKagan & Slash (Guns ‘n Roses), Frank Bello (Anthrax), Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), Jake E Lee, Jonathan Davis (Korn), KK Downing, Lzzy Hale (Halestorm), Mike Bordin (Faith No More), Rudy Sarzo, Sammy Hagar, Scott Ian (Anthrax), Sleep Token ii (Sleep Token), Papa V Perpetua (Ghost), Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine), and Zakk Wylde.
Artists subject to change .
I have seen Black Sabbath and Ozzy solo many times.
I have seen Black Sabbath over 30 times with various singers and line-ups , since seeing them with Ozzy in 1974 at Hammersmith Odeon.
Expensive tickets for this special one-off gig...
£395 - gold circle front pitch standing
£395 - best seats
£250 - pitch general standing
£275 + £195 + £175 - general seats
Plus five types of hospitality...plus booking fees too.
This mega line-up show sold out a couple of months in advance. On Friday 06 June it was announced that the full show will be available on pay per view TV.
I will be leaving Euston Friday evening on the CRAZY TRAIN up to Birmingham to attend this special event.
---------
This was a pretty incredible day, as we had probably the best ever bill assembled of heavy metal bands .
Doors opened at 11am , and the main event was 1pm to 10.30pm , with a revolving stage for quick changeovers .
The official figures were 41,000 tix sold out of 42,000.
The first few band played three songs each, then later on the bands played four to six tracks .Most played at least one Black Sabbath track.
All the bands had use of the big video screens.
MASTODON
RIVAL SONS
ANTHRAX
HALESTORM
LAMB OF GOD
Supergroup A
Great to see SAMMY HAGAR on UK soil.
He sung two , including the Montrose classic ' Rock Candy'.
ALICE IN CHAINS
GORIJA
Drum off battle
Supergroup B
Great to see STEVEN TYLER sing three tracks.
The first was with Ronnie Wood ,and the second was the Aerosmith classic ' Walk This Way '.
PANTERA
TOOL
SLAYER
GUNS N ROSES
Never Say Die (Black Sabbath cover)
Junior’s Eyes (Black Sabbath cover)
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Black Sabbath cover)
Welcome to the Jungle
Paradise City
METALLICA
Hole in the Sky (Black Sabbath cover)
Creeping Death
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Johnny Blade (Black Sabbath cover)
Battery
Master of Puppets
OZZY OSBOURNE BAND
I Don’t Know
Mr. Crowley
Suicide Solution
Mama, I’m Coming Home
Crazy Train
BLACK SABBATH
War Pigs
N.I.B.
Iron Man
Paranoid
Ozzy was sat in his throne chair for all nine songs.
I was in the gold circle so got some Ozzy Osbourne confetti with his name on it at the end of his set , and the same with Black Sabbath at the end of their set.
I also got a Black Sabbath guitar pic.
An excellent 10/10 day.

Updated 4th July 2025 Permalink

Thursday 03 July 2025.

Thursday 03 July 2025...2pm to 10.30pm...
SOHO HOUSE - 30th anniversary party - Gunnersbury Park, London W3.
A full on party as over EIGHT HOURS of complimentary food and drinks and live bands .
Soho House opened its first venue at 40 Greek Street, Soho, London in 1995, and now have 45 houses around the world.
Must be over 5000 folks here in the sunshine.
Two stages...the main stage for the more well known acts. Alternating, with just five mins between acts. There was also a third stage for comedy. Eleven acts , we hear all, but just watch three, as there is complimentary food and drink everywhere , as there are a dozen bars including Laurent Perrier champers , five different cocktails , prosecco, wines, beers, Woodford Reserve Whiskey had a bar, Guinness had a bar, and maybe 20 different food outlets,including lobster, fish n chips, Dirty Burger, Chicken Shop, Cecconi's Pizza , Mr Whippy ice-cream van, churros , cheesecake , Crosstown Donuts and many more The girls can get their hair and nails done, which was very popular , as the whole days slots got booked up. There are complimentary funfair rides too.
Djs here playing sets included Trevor Nelson and Fat Tony.
CRAIG DAVID TS5 arrived on stage at 5.45pm for his 50 mins.
He is in semi DJ mode as he sings his own hits and cover versions to backing tracks .He knows exactly how to work and entertain the crowd.
TEXAS arrived on stage at 7.25pm for their 55 mins set
Plenty of friendly stage banter from Sharleen.
They played a really good set full of their hits, including...
I Don't Want a Lover
Halo
Summer Son
Let's Work It Out
Black Eyed Boy
Say What You Want
Inner Smile
THE STREETS arrived on stage at 9.15pm for his 60 mins set.
Would have thought Texas should be headliners as many folks started drifting home halfway through his set
He played his hits and other tracks , but that talking style of hip-hop, garage and grime music didn't really excite those here.
On the plus side , he had the full light show as dark, and nice fireworks at the end.
An excellent day overall.
---------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
Wednesday 02 July 2025.
DIANA ROSS live at The 02 Arena.
Diana will be aged 81 when she plays this show.
Motown Legend Diana Ross has announced that she will be bringing ‘One Legendary Voice. Decades of Hits’ tour to the UK for several shows , performing live with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra & Band.
I have seen here live a couple of times before
-------------
Level 4 is only 50% sold , but there is still 12,000 here.
8pm - we had a 10 mins video montage of her career .
8.10pm - DIANA ROSS on stage for two hours.
We have some nice big screens.
A band and big orchestra , and also a choir on several songs.
We are certainly in the presence of music royalty , as Diana comes on stage to a standing ovation, wearing the first of three lavish gowns.
She still looks and sounds fab for her age of 81.
So many great songs performed from her incredible 60 year career , with some Supremes classics at the start of the show.
Diana brought her grandkids on during ' Upside Down'.
An excellent show.
Full DIANA ROSS settlist played tonight...
Overture
I'm Coming Out
More Today Than Yesterday (Spiral Starecase cover)
Baby Love ( The Supremes song)
You Can't Hurry Love (The Supremes song)
Come See About Me ( The Supremes song)
Stop! In the Name of Love ( The Supremes song)
If We Hold on Together
Touch Me in the Morning
I'm Still Waiting
Chain Reaction
He Lives in You (Lebo M cover)
Don't Explain ( Billie Holiday cover)
Tomorrow
Love Hangover
Take Me Higher
Home ( Charlie Smalls cover)
Ease on Down the Road ( Diana Ross and Michael Jackson song)
The Boss
Endless Love ( Diana Ross & Lionel Richie song)
Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)
Amazing Grace ( John Newton cover)
Upside Down
Count on Me
If the World Just Danced
Why Do Fools Fall in Love (Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers cover)
Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)
Ain't No Mountain High Enough (Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell cover)
The Best Years of My Life
Thank You

Updated 3rd July 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 01 July 2025.

Tuesday 01 July 2025.
STEVEN WILSON JR live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Hailing from the hollers of southern Indiana, Stephen Wilson Jr. has taken a winding path to his musical career, making stops as a boxing finalist, scientist, and indie rock band member before finding his voice as a solo artist.
His songwriting prowess and distinctive voice have positioned him as a leading voice in the evolving country music landscape.
This show is the last date on his UK and European Tour which includes playing this years Glastonbury Festival.
This show sold out in advance.
------------
The venue is rammed solid sold out tonight .
SCARLETT LORAN on stage at 8pm for 25 mins.
Scarlett and her guitar, along with a keyboard player played some mellow folk songs .
STEVEN WILSON JR on stage at 8.50pm for 2 hours 5 mins.
Stephen Wilson Jr. is backed by three musicians , including some nice pedal steel playing.
Steven has plenty energy as he darts Wilko style across the stage during many songs It is a mix of musical performance and heartfelt storytelling, with a focus on creating a sincere connection with the audience, with relatable lyrics and powerful vocals.
The band were nice and loud, but they drowned out his vocals a bit too much . Also his storytelling between tracks took up a bit too much time for me, but the crowd loved it .
His set included a cover of ' Stand By Me'.
An enjoyable enough show
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Monday 30 June 2025...6.30pm to 9pm...
OLD MASTERS - sale preview - Christie's , 8 King Street, St James's, London SW1.
Around 300 guests here at this well known big gallery space.
Many great paintings on display.
Many have a guide price of over £1m for the auction sale , which is held the following day.
Complimentary Nyetimber English Sparkling Wines, Negronis , Peach Bellini's and canapes .

Updated 1st July 2025 Permalink

Sunday 29 June 2025.

Sunday 29 June 2025.
VICTOR MANUELLE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Víctor Manuelle( now aged 56), is a Puerto Rican salsa singer, known to his fans as El Sonero de la Juventud ("The Singer Of Youths"). He is identified primarily with salsa romántica or "salsa monga". Víctor Manuelle has neither recorded in English, nor made a Latin pop album, nor (with rare exceptions) ventured into acting, preferring to remain a musician grounded within salsa music.
He has released over 20 albums over the past 35 years.
----------
I have always got stuck in to different genres , so this week after just seeing three classic rock band events, i am now at .......a salsa gig.
All levels are open, but there is space on each.
Maybe 1200 ex pats here , with 75% of them females .
It is a lively atmosphere as folks are singing and dancing to the DJ support and the main artist.
VICTOR MANUELLE is on at 8.35pm for his 95 mins set.
He is backed by a nice big band, as 12 musicians on stage , including a 5 man brass section and 2 backing singers.
There is a big screen showing some of his videos, and some old TV recordings.
The show ticked along ok, and the crowd loved it.
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Saturday 28 June 2025.
IRON MAIDEN live at London Stadium , Stratford, East London
The band performing at the London Stadium, which is home to West Ham FC, the team that founder Steve Harris supports
As part of a 50th anniversary UK & European Tour .
Iron Maidens early gigs were at venues like including The Cart & Horses , Stratford, East London , which is now full of Iron Maiden memorabilia , as Maiden fans flock there to visit .
Drummer Nicko has been replaced by Simon Dawson.
I have seen Iron Maiden over 30 times since 1980 , when they supported Judas Priest at Hammersmith Odeon.
Iron Maiden would play multi-nights at Hammersmith Odeon during the 1980s on their UK tours
-----------
It is a totally sold out 80,000 capacity show tonight.
As expected, it looks like around 90 % male crowd.
The merch stands are doing a roaring trade.
I have seen both support acts before, back in 2022.
THE RAVEN AGE are on at 6pm for their 30 mins set.
The Raven Age are an English heavy metal band formed in London in 2009 by guitarists George Harris and Dan Wright. Harris is the son of Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris.
They played good tracks from their three albums.
HALESTORM are on at 7pm for their 45 mins set.
The band are massive back home in America where their albums have done well in the Billboard 200 charts.
Female singer Lizzy Hale oozes glamour in her black thigh high boots and leotard , and is a great front person.
A really good set from them.
At 8.15pm - Their intro track UFO 'Doctor, Doctor' got the crowd singing loudly and bouncing along .
IRON MAIDEN arrived on stage at 8.20pm for 2 hours 10 mins.
They have the big screens , flames and pyros but there is no stage extension or b stage.
The gold circle standing is much livelier , than Guns N Roses a couple of days before as we have proper moshing and crowd surfers.
The settlist is perfect as they pull out material from their first nine albums, 1980’s Iron Maiden to 1992’s Fear Of The Dark.
Their huge mascot Eddie , made a couple of appearances , as he moved crazily around the stage
The three guitars and bass player Steve Harris pull out every cliche rock & roll stage pose , as they run around and swop stage sides .
It was a totally excellent show , that has to be a 10/10 gig.
Full IRON MAIDEN settlist played...
Tape - Doctor Doctor (UFO song)
Tape - The Ides of March
Murders in the Rue Morgue
Wrathchild
Killers
Phantom of the Opera
The Number of the Beast
The Clairvoyant
Powerslave
2 Minutes to Midnight
Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Run to the Hills
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son
The Trooper
Hallowed Be Thy Name
Iron Maiden
Encore:
Tape - Churchill's Speech
Aces High
Fear of the Dark
Wasted Years

Updated 29th June 2025 Permalink

Friday 27 June 2025.

Friday 27 June 2025.
LIVEWIRE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
LIVEWIRE bring - The AC/DC show to the Bush.
I have seen the real Bon Scott 19 times with AC/DC.
Also many times with Brian Johnson and the once with Axl Rose .
--------------
Another tribute band , who know they cannot fill the venue, but just want to say ' we have played this iconic venue'.
Levels 2 and 3 are closed tonight, and plenty of space in stalls and Level 1, so maybe 600 max here tonight .
Lots of AC/DC tour shirts and several Devils horns being worn.
LIVEWIRE on stage at 8.10pm for 2 hours 15 mins .
From the moment the band took the stage, it was evident that LIVEWIRE take pride in delivering an authentic and high-quality performance. The singer did a remarkable job at delivering what everyone was no doubt anxious to hear, Brian Johnson’s unique sound, and nearby Angus is in full school uniform.
The rest of the band have their stance down perfect.
Brian was even able to mimic his speaking voice exceptionally well. Their attention to detail, from the vocals to the instruments, was pleasing to say the least, paying homage by using Marshall cabinet stacks and a Gibson SG just like Angus. They even had six cannons ,just like AC/DC.
All the classics played, and a few lesser known tracks.
I think the Brian stole the show from the Angus tonight, as he really was like Brian Johnson in every way.
A great show.
The biggies came in the second half...
Back in Black
Thunderstruck
Highway to Hell
Whole Lotta Rosie
Angus on Brians shoulders to walk through stalls standing.
Let There Be Rock
Angus striptease and guitar solo writhing on the floor .
Encore ...
TNT
For Those About To Rock (We Salute You) ( the cannons were used ,but didn't actually bang, just some smoke came out)
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Thursday 26 June 2025.
GUNS N ROSES live at Wembley Stadium.
I have seen them around a dozen times before, with the first time at Hammersmith Odeon in 1987, when their classic album 'Appetite for Destruction' took off.
I saw both their shows at Tottenham's ground in 2022, on their previous European Tour
-------------
People were arriving , even when G N R had started.
Not sold out, but a very impressive 75,000 out of 80,000 tickets sold , despite some mad stadium prices , as Gold Circle early entry was £225 , and Gold Circle normal was £175.
I have great view half a dozen rows back in the Gold Circle.
RIVAL SONS on at 5.30pm for their 45 mins set.
American blues rockers did a good set .They played tracks from the several albums that they have released .
GUNS N ROSES on stage at 7pm and played a mammoth set lasting 3 hours 15 mins.
Guns N Roses still as popular as ever
They have the big screens .
Axl, Slash and Duff looking as cool as ever.
Axl doing his funny walking backwards stage wanderings.
Even down the front, the sound could have been better .
The first hour felt like it wasn't loud enough, and the drums seemed low in the mix and the vocals were a bit muffled.
However, the quality of the songs pushed all that aside
Great to see Slash in full guitar solo mode.
Maybe the set could be trimmed by 30 mins but the bottom line was there were loads of great G N R classics played , along with some nice covers .
The final two songs , when it was dark ' Nightrain' and 'Paradise City' finished off a fantastic show.
GUNS N ROSES full set list played tonight...
Welcome to the Jungle
Bad Obsession
It's So Easy
Chinese Democracy
Live and Let Die ( Wings cover)
Mr. Brownstone
Slither ( Velvet Revolver cover)
Coma
You Could Be Mine
Hard Skool
Estranged
Reckless Life
Knockin' on Heaven's Door (Bob Dylan cover)
Double Talkin' Jive
Catcher in the Rye
Thunder and Lightning ( Thin Lizzy cover) (Duff on lead vocals)
Anything Goes ( Tour debut)
Down on the Farm ( UK Subs cover)
Civil War ( followed by band intros)
Slash Guitar Solo
Sweet Child o' Mine
Perhaps
Absurd
November Rain
Wichita Lineman ( Jimmy Webb cover)
Patience
Rocket Queen
Dead Horse ( Tour debut)
Human Being ( New York Dolls cover)
Nightrain
Paradise City

Updated 26th June 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 25 June 2025.

Tuesday 24 June 2025.... 7.30pm to 11pm.
SERPENTINE GALLERY SUMMER PARTY - Kensington Gardens, London. A big crowd of some 700 or 800 here.
One of the major London summer parties as lots of big names here , or as The Standard paper that calls it " the London society event of the summer".
Lots of women in very glamorous summer dresses
I got my photo with BETH DITTO, WILL.I.AM, BIANCA JAGGER and got a couple of super imposed AI photos .
To celebrate its 25th anniversary the Serpentine Galleries enlisted special guest Cate Blanchett to co-host proceedings , so she was the main target of the many photographers .
Also here were Sadiq Khan, Georgia May Jagger , Lily Allen,
Jordan Dunn, Dina Asher - Smith , Sir Grayson Perry , Sir Paul Smith , Jackie St Clair, Michael Bloomberg,
Ozwald Boateng, Richard Caring , Joy Crookes, Celia Imrie, Minnie Driver, Kelly Osbourne, Skepta , Edward Enninful, Rebel Wilson, La Roux, Harris Reed, Mary McCartney, Lord Frederick Windsor, Lady Amelia Windsor, Lady Elizabeth Spencer, Lady Kitty Spencer and many more.
There was an AI fun photo booth.
We had three djs doing stints , including the third one from 9pm who played lots of 1980s and 1990s classics to get folks dancing .
Check out Getty Images for some great photos . Complimentary Ruinart champers, three different cocktails , wines, bowl foods , canapes, a desserts table.
The Aubrey Knightsbridge were giving out invites for future complimentary sushi and drinks at their venue .

Updated 25th June 2025 Permalink

Monday 23 June 2025.

Sunday 22 June 2025.
FOREVER NOW FESTIVAL is live at Milton Keynes Bowl.
A mega collection of bands over two main stages.
Kraftwerk, The The, Billy Idol, Death Cult, Johnny Marr, Psychedelic Furs, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Happy Mondays, The Damned, Public Image Ltd, Berlin, Theatre of Hate, She Wants Revenge, Chameleons, The Motels , John McKay's Reactor and UK Decay.
Have been to Milton Keynes Bowl many times in the past although not so many bands playing there these days .
My first three gigs at MK Bowl.
Michael Jackson - 1988
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band - 1993
Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne Band -1998
All the bands will be playing shorter than usual festival sets.
--------------
The weather forecast said it would be scorching hot today, but thankfully they got it wrong , as it's just a decent enough day.
Nice to bump into several friends during the day.
Two main stages in meant some clashes and misses etc.
JOHN MCKAYS REACTOR on at 2pm for 20 mins.
Looking forward to seeing this lot as John McKay played stunning jagged guitar on the first two Siouxsie & The Banshees albums , but has had a low profile since then.
On vocals is Jenny Drag from The Priscilla's , who always looks the perfect goth rock chick.
Due to some technical problems on stage their 30 mins set is cut to 20 mins, and the sound was still a bit messy.
A six song set ...three from Johns solo album and three Siouxsie classics , included a mega ' Hong Kong Garden'.
Many of the bands later , including The Damned , on the second stage had their set cut by 10 mins , as they also technical issues etc.
THE CHAMELEONS arrived on stage at 2.55pm for their 35 mins set.
They were on the main stage which had big screens.
A really good set of their indie guitar songs.
PSYCHEDELIC FURS arrived on stage at 3.55pm for their 45 mins set....I get near the front for them...
Richard Butler all cool hand gestures and mime.
A great set, that was my fave of the day
Full FURS setlist....
President Gas
Heaven
Wrong Train
The Ghost in You
Mr. Jones
The Boy That Invented Rock & Roll
Love My Way
Pretty in Pink
India
Then a dash to see five of the seven song PiL set.
The Sex Pistols with FC are headlining big shows , but PiL
were halfway down the bill on the second stage here.
John Lydon is still a punk legend, who is full of attitude.
Home
Know Now
World Destruction (Time Zone cover )
Warrior
Open Up ( Leftfield cover)
Rise
Chant
BILLY IDOL arrived on stage at 6.30pm for his 55 mins set.
Billy Idol still rocking the bleach blonde hair style.
LIke last them, there were a few costume changes .
Lots of hits played in his very good set.
A bit different to many years ago, when Billy supported Bon Jovi here and was promoting his 'Cyberpunk ' album by wearing his hair in dreads.
Still Dancing
Flesh for Fantasy
Eyes Without a Face
77
Mony Mony ( Tommy James & the Shondells cover)
Too Much Fun
Blue Highway / Top Gun Anthem
Rebel Yell
White Wedding
THE THE arrived on stage at 7.55pm for their 60 mins set.
The sound and Matt's vocal quality was top notch.
The band are all totally excellent musicians.
They were joined by Johnny Marr for a couple of songs.
A really good set.
Full THE THE setlist...
Cognitive Dissident
Sweet Bird of Truth
Armageddon Days Are Here (Again)
The Beat(en) Generation (with Johnny Marr)
Dogs of Lust ( with Johnny Marr)
Icing Up
Slow Emotion Replay
This Is the Day
I've Been Waitin' for Tomorrow (All of My Life)
Infected
Uncertain Smile
KRAFTWERK arrived on stage at 9.20pm for their 70 mins set.
I watched the first 60 mins.
As expected , they have fantastic visuals on the big screen with the four band membes standing behind their keyboards.
They played all their big songs , in a very good set.
Full KRAFTWORK settlist.
Numbers / Computer World / Computer World 2
Home Computer / It's More Fun to Compute
Spacelab
The Man-Machine
Autobahn
The Model
Geiger Counter
Radioactivity
Tour de France / Tour de France Étape 3 / Chrono / Tour de France Étape 2
Trans-Europe Express / Metal on Metal / Abzug
The Robots
Boing Boom Tschak / Musique Non Stop
A dash over to the other stage to see DEATH CULT play a great version of 'She Sells Sanctuary'.
It was a great day of quality live music.

Updated 23rd June 2025 Permalink

Saturday 21 June 2025.

Saturday 21 June 2025.
DETHKLOK live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
DETHKLOK, an extreme metal band.
Live, they are a multi-media powerhouse that showcases animation, comedy and brutality, excellently recreating the popular albums and animated visuals in a live atmosphere.
It is their debut European Tour. Just four shows. London is show three then they have a mad dash to Hellfest in France .
This show sold out in advance.
----------
Pretty amazing how popular DETHKLOK are
The venue is a rowdy , super excited full house tonight.
The crowd are keeping the merch stands busy.
PARTY CANNON are on at 7.30pm for their 40 mins.
They are a Scottish thrash band , who add a bit of comedy , as they have a sixth member who joins them on air guitar, playing a giant penis and a chainsaw.
The vocal style was not really my cup of tea.
DETHKLOK on at 8.50pm for their 65 mins.
Dethklok's live performance is a powerful and entertaining experience, blending brutal metal with the humour of the Metalocalypse series. Brendon Small, the band's creator, leads the live band, providing vocals and guitar, while legendary drummer Gene Hoglan and other talented musicians bring the music to life. A high-energy show with accompanying animations and video clips from the show, creating an immersive experience that blurs the line between cartoon and reality.
There is plenty of head banging , moshing and crowd surfing.
The band's faces are not seen until the end of the show , as the barrage of lights and strobes are all behind them.
Some lyrics were up on the big screen.
A bit too trashy for me,but the crowd loved it.
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
Friday 20 June 2025.
DUA LIPA live at Wembley Stadium .
DUA LIPA plays the first of two massive Wembley's.
Both shows sold out, at 80,000 folks per show.
As part of her 80 date ' Radical Optimism' world tour.
In 2024 Dua Lipa was the most played artist across UK radio, TV and public places.
In 2024 i saw her perform a ITV special at The Royal Albert Hall.
------------
More older folks here than i expected.
The gold circle is as big as the general standing area .
ALESSI ROSE on at 6.15pm for her 30 mins.
22 year old UK female singer-songwriter.
Very girly pop sound , as she danced around the stage in a short skirt flashing her knickers.
DOVE CAMERON on at 7.10pm for her 35 mins.
American singer-songwriter
She is singing to backing tapes , but has four male dancers , who help with props etc.
Another decent enough pop sound as she flashed her knickers and stockings .
DUA LIPA on stage at 8.30pm for two hours.
Dual Lipa has a lovely stage production , although not to the same very high level as Beyonce. There are three big screens, a stage extension, a b - stage, pyros , streamers , confetti and lasers in the second half of the show ....and a few raunchy costume changes
DUA LIPA has a very sultry look , with her long black hair.
She is working very hard, and she gets involved with all the hi - energy routines with her dozen dancers (6 x m and 6 x f) .
DUA LIPA went into the pit to chat with her excited fans.
We get a nice surprise as Jay Kay from Jamiroquai joins her for one of his hits ' Virtual Insanity' .
Highlights included ' One Kiss', 'Levitating ' and the four song encore of ' New Rules', 'Dance the Night', 'Dont Start Now ' and 'Houdini'.
Plenty of uptempo dance pop songs.
A very enjoyable show

Updated 21st June 2025 Permalink

Thursday 19 June 2025.

Thursday 19 June 2025.
SPARKS live at Hammersmith Apollo.
This is the second of their two shows here.
Art pop rock legends are playing two London shows on their UK and European Tour to promote their new album 'MAD!'
I have seen Sparks over a dozen times since 1974 and 1975 when i saw them headline Hammersmith Odeon.
I think this is the first time that they have played this venue since those shows 50 years ago.
--------------
Sparks seem to be more popular than ever these days.
The venue looks very full, and it's stalls standing.
Good to see several friends here included David Sinclair , who was music critic for The Times for many years, and he brought me along to many great shows .
SPARKS on stage at 8.30pm for their 1 hour 45 mins set.
The stage production is fantastic, as there are squares and horizontal lighting poles all across the rear of the stage.
Ron and Russell at the front, and the four band members on a raised platform behind them.
Russell is so youthful , as he easily moves around the stage .
Lots of new album tracks played, and the crowd love it all.
They are as quirky and interesting as ever.
A highlight was a trio of older classics ending with ' This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us'.
Always an act to look forward , rather than nostalgia , so a few older gems like ' Amatuer Hour' are not played.
It was a fantastic show.
Full SPARKS setlist played tonight...
So May We Start
Do Things My Own Way
Reinforcements
Academy Award Performance
Goofing Off
Beat the Clock
Please Don’t Fuck Up My World
Running Up a Tab at the Hotel for the Fab
Suburban Homeboy ( “with the vocal stylings of Mr Ron Mael”)
All You Ever Think About Is Sex
Drowned in a Sea of Tears
JanSport Backpack
Music That You Can Dance To
When Do I Get to Sing "My Way"
The Number One Song in Heaven
This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us
Whippings and Apologies
Lord Have Mercy
Encore:
The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte ( with band introductions)
All That ( Followed by their docu producer Edgar Wright appearing on stage and taking a photo of the band and audience)
-----------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
Wednesday 18 June 2025...I went to two events tonight...
6.15pm to 7.45pm .
LA YAM ROOFTOP BAR - press launch party - Kingsbourne House, 229 - 231 High Holborn, London WC1.
A beach bar above Holborn tube station ? Yep that's what it is.
Outside , there are no see signs saying there is a bar upstairs .
You go in the entrance to the office block , take the lift to the 7th floor , then walk up stairs to the 8th floor .
La-Yam was created to offer an escape from the everyday London establishment—capturing the laid-back essence of a beach bar on the other side of the world. With warm wooden textures and a coastal-inspired design, it brings a tranquil, getaway feel to a rooftop space right above Holborn station.
We have a lovely sunny evening , with some nice views.
There is space for up to 200 people here .
A DJ was playing tunes in the background
Complimentary drinks and food included five different cocktails, prosecco , wines, beers and trays of sliced water melons , canapes, olives and dips.
then
8.15pm to 11.15pm .
BARBARELLA - launch party - YY Building, 30 South Colonade, Canary Wharf, London E14.
A very lively party as must be 500 guests here.
The two levels were very busy .
Ground floor has a DJ playing loud tunes , as folks danced.
Upstairs was another DJ , but a bit quieter .
Big Mamma Group unveils Barbarella restaurant in London, its sixth venue in the city. They are bringing a lavish slice of 1970s Roman cinema to Canary Wharf. Located in the waterfront YY Building, Barbarella promises an immersive dining experience that combines theatrical design, indulgent Italian cuisine, and a touch of retro glamour.
Known for their opulent trattorias like Gloria and Circolo Popolare, Big Mamma Group continues its tradition of creating dining destinations that are as visually stunning as they are gastronomically satisfying. Barbarella is inspired by the golden age of 70s Roman cinema. It aims to transport guests to a world of vintage elegance and cinematic flair.
The restaurant’s interiors are a feast for the senses. The first-floor dining area features jungle-themed decor with chocolate-brown walls, a three-meter-wide amber chandelier, and a long mirrored glass bar serving cocktails and wines. Upstairs, a 70s-inspired lounge boasts a golden-framed open kitchen, vintage Ferragamo silk furnishings, and reflective chrome accents. Silver curtains lead to a waterside terrace offering stunning views of the River Thames and the Canary Wharf skyline.
Lots complimentary Italian drinks and food , including Negronis,Limoncello, prosecco , wines, beers , various bowl foods , pizza slices , canapes and desserts including tiramisu .
It was still in full swing , when we departed for the tube.

Updated 18th June 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 17 June 2025.

Tuesday 17 June 2025....6.30pm to 9pm....
LONDON WATCH WEEK - pre auction preview - Bonham's , New Bond Street , Mayfair, London W1.
Around 150 guests are here.
75 watches are on display from all the prime names.
Lots of security , and the watches are under glass cabinets,
until you ask an assistant for a closer look.
The main auction is on Thursday 19 June .
Complimentary Telmont champers, Negronis, Mojitos and canapes for all the guests .
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
Monday 16 June 2025.
SAVATAGE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
The 40 year career discography of Savatage, an American heavy metal band, consists of eleven studio albums, two live albums, five compilation albums, two video albums, three EPs, nine music videos, and nineteen singles.
This is the only UK show on their European Tour.
It's their first show in London for 24 years ,as they been on hiatus for 20 years.
Don't think any original members are in the band now.
------------------------------------
Level 3 is half empty, but the rest of the venue looks packed.
Hardcore metal fans have come from all the place to be here.
I spoke to a guy who came down from Nottingham.
Lots of foreign voices were heard too.
The merch stands are doing a roaring trade .
INDUCTION arrived on stage at 7.50pm for their 45 mins.
Induction is a German power metal band formed in 2010. The band, known for its symphonic and progressive elements.
They had a singer with a great , powerful voice as they played tracks from their three albums, and a cover of 'Final Countdown'. The two guitarists were pulling every cliche rock pose throughout the show.
The band went down well with the crowd.
SAVATAGE arrived on stage at 9pm for their 1 hour 55 mins.
The atmosphere was top notch for their arrival.
A big screen plays excellent pre-recorded images.
Seven of them on stage , including two guitars, two keyboards and an enormous drum kit .
Loads of great riff heavy tracks .
A highlight is when the band play their power ballad ' Believe' where they show video on the big screen , with their original singer ( illness made him miss the tour) .
It was a great show
Full SAVATAGE setlist played tonight....
The Ocean (with 'City Beneath the Surface' excerpt)
Welcome
Jesus Saves
Power of the Night
Another Way
The Wake of Magellan
This Is the Time (1990)
Strange Wings
The Storm
Turns to Me
Handful of Rain
Chance
Starlight / I Am / Mozart and Madness
Dead Winter Dead
The Hourglass
Believe ( Jon Oliva on piano and vocals on screen)
Gutter Ballet
Edge of Thorns
Encore:
Nothing's Going On
Hall of the Mountain King

Updated 17th June 2025 Permalink

Sunday 15 June 2025

Sunday 15 June 2025.
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM live at Brixton Academy.
LCD return to London for an EIGHT-date residency at Brixton Academy. They played six nights there in 2022.
The James Murphy-fronted group will arrive in Britain for the set of performances in June. They will perform at the famous venue in Brixton from June 12th until June 15th. The following week, they will return for four more shows from June 19th until June 22nd.
They equal the EiGHT Brixton shows record that The Prodigy played on the same tour in 2009.
The two Sunday shows are early start early finish.
Looks like it will be a two hour show .
------------
This was show number four of their eight shows here.
The rammed stalls standing is hot , humid and sweaty .
The circle has some empty seats so maybe 4500 of out 5000 here, the other three shows so far were sold out
FRIEDBERG arrived on stage at 5.45pm for their 30 mins set .
Anna Friedberg grew up learning guitar and writing songs in her bedroom in Austria, then evolved into solo artist Anna F, supported by her side hustle as a sports journalist. Tiring of working alone, five years ago she formed London-based dance-punk outfit Friedberg with guitarist Emily Linden, bassist Cheryl Pinero and drummer Fifi Dewey.
They played a really good bunch of tracks from their album.
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM arrived on stage at 6.45pm and played for 2 hours 5 mins
James Murphy is leading nine musicians, and backed by a mountain of gear, including multi-keyboards and percussion .
There is a big screen showing live footage for some tracks , otherwise it was part of their light show..
We have a giant disco mirror ball for a few tracks .
They attract younger fans , as well as middle aged fans
All are keen to put a hands in the air dance rave vibe.
James Murphy proved in a playful mood, prowling the stage in a neon green tee, shimmying on the spot and pausing to straddle the monitors. At the climax of ' Get Innocuous' he could be found pounding the floor toms, supplementing what was already a powerhouse performance from drummer Pat Mahoney.
As ever, it was the band’s more anthemic moments like 'New York , I Love You ' that delivered the biggest emotional sucker punches. Taken from 2017-album American Dream, a glitterball-powered rendition of 'Oh Baby' combined slow-burning synths with portentous bass to devastating effect. ' Someone Great ' saw multi-instrumentalist Al Doyle mirroring Murphy’s vocal melody on glockenspiel, over layers of throbbing synths, while a rapturously-received outing of their anthem 'All My Friends ' as the final encore sent the crowd home happy .
It was an enjoyable show.
Quite nice to be on the way home at 9pm.
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Saturday 14 June 2025.
BEYONCE live at Tottenham Hotspur Ground.
Beyonce plays her 5th of 6 massive shows here.
I went to the second show here - Saturday 07 June.
The reviews have been five stars, including The Standard.
---------------
I am back to see Beyonce for a second time.
It is another 45,000 capacity sold out show.
Raining last Saturday , but perfect weather today.
Last week , i was on the pitch in gold circle Area B , and tonight i am gold circle area A..
Some amazing outfits here from the hardcore Cowboys and Cowgirls who have paid silly money to be up close by the walkway.
They sing loudly along to all her lyrics .
There is a huge lyrics teleprompter at the opposite end of the
pitch , and the lyrics to ' If I Were a Boy' were amazing.
We have our own saloon bar on the pitch serving Sir Davis American Whisky .
The show is the same glorious 2 hours 40 mins spectacle.
The overall sound is perfect , maybe there is vocal trickery ?
After 90 mins the show really goes into gig heaven , as it gets darker and the hits come out as the LED wristbands flicker , and we have Beyonce flying around the stadium atop a Horseshoe and the finale of her flying around in an open top Cadillac.
The enormous screen here is fantastic and Beyonce spends a lot of time on the stage extension catwalk area.
It was another excellent show.

Updated 15th June 2025 Permalink

Friday 13:June 2025.

Saturday 14 June 2025.
About time too.
ROGER DALTREY has been awarded a Knighthood in King Charles III's Birthday Honours list. The frontman been recognised for his services to charity and music, having co-founded The Who in 1964 and been a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust for more than two decades.
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
Friday 13 June 2025.
RHYS DARBY live at Shepherds Bush Empire
Kiwi icon Rhys Darby ( aged 51) returns with his latest stand-up show, in a world full of AI and Robot tech can a simple dad with slightly tight jeans stay relevant?
Rhys hopes to prove that right now a touch of very human silliness is more important than ever.
------------
Levels 2 and 3 are closed tonight , and it's stalls seated , so maybe only 600 are here.
Folks are saying he was very popular a decade ago, but not so much now.
All three acts are " from down under".
Up first was a female comedian who did 10 mins.
Then a male comedian who did 20 mins.
RHYS DARBY arrived on stage at 9.10pm for his 75 mins set.
Some routines were funnier than others.
Enjoyable enough , but nothing that special.
------------------------------------
-------------------------------------
Thursday 12 June 2025...I went to three events tonight...
6.30pm to 7.15pm.
Private view - JD Malat Gallery , 30 Davies Street , Mayfair , London W1.
JD Malat Gallery is thrilled to present Odradek by French-Iranian artist Sepand Danesh.
Now on view on the ground floor of JD Malat Gallery London, the exhibition features ten paintings that explore fragmented identity, psychological space, and the limits of perception. Through pixelated figures and architectural corners, Danesh constructs complex inner worlds that hover between order and disintegration.
Complimentary gin & tonics and wines for all the guests.
then
7.45pm to 9.45pm.
Casamigos x Blood Orange Bar Takeover With DJ Nikki Beatnik,
Basement of The Orange Pub , 37-39 Pimlico Road, London SW1.
We are in this upmarket road behind Sloane Square , where all the top interior design stores are .
We have a cosy corner table in this low lit bar.
Complimentary drinks and food included a choice of five very nice Casamigos tequila cocktails and Mexican themed food including tacos , nachos and canapes.
then
10.15pm to 12pm.
Theatre post show party for STEREOPHONIC press/VIP evening at Browns , 82 -84 St Martins Lane, London WC2.
Stereophonic was on earlier at The Duke of Yorks Theatre.
Stereophonic" is a play about a fictional rock band recording their second album in a 1970s recording studio, focusing on the creative process, interpersonal relationships, and the pressures of fame.
The cast turn up , and they all look like rock stars.
A big crowd of around 300 guests
Was expecting a few musicians here , but oddly didn't see anyone , but we did see Jimmy Page daughter SCARLET PAGE.
Complimentary drinks and food included spirits n mixers prosecco , wines , beers downstairs and upstairs is the cocktail bar for three different cocktails , including old fashioned ...food was cheeseburgers , chicken skewers , king prawns on sticks and canapes.

Updated 13th June 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 11 June 2025

Wednesday 11 June 2025.
Summer Exhibition Preview Party 2025.
ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS, Piccadilly, London W1.
7pm to 10pm.
Must be over 800 guests at this glamorous art event.
Over a dozen photographers here for the arrivals.
Lots of well known faces here including...
I got my photo with JERRY HALL , GRAYSON PERRY, LUKE MORLEY from Thunder and tonights performer OBONGJAYAR.
Also here were Helena Bonham Carter , Paloma Faith, Alexa Chung, Ben Hardy, Munroe Bergdorf, Anouk Jagger, Ranvir Singh, Claudia Winkleman, James Norton, Ron Arad, Jay Jopling, Kelly Hoppen, Trinny Woodall , Henry Holland ,
Jonathan Shalit and wife were with Jacket St Clair and husband Carl...and many others.
Fat Tony was one of the djs playing tunes.
Tracey Emin ' Jesus' art is getting lots of attention.
9.25pm - Nigerian born London based singer OBONGJAYAR performed a few good songs from his two albums with his band in the courtyard.
This coming Sunday night he is on Jools Holland BBC2 TV .
Lots of complimentary drinks and food , including Fortnum & Mason champers,three different cocktails,, a seafood buffet, bowl food and canapes
then...
10pm to 11.30pm.
The after -party was at The Fortnum & Mason store across the road for around 150 guests .
A nice clubby vibe , as a female DJ here .
Complimentary food and drinks ,included Fortnum & Mason champers , several different cocktails , bowl foods, cartons of fish & chips and canapes .
Didn't see any of the big names from the party here.
All guests got a nice goodie bag from the main party sponsors Fortnum & Mason and Creed fragrances
--------------------------------------
--------------------------------------
Tuesday 10 June 2025....I went to two events tonight...
6.15pm to 9pm.
BLACKSTONE EUROPE - 25th anniversary party - Spencer House , 27 St James's Place, London SW1.
Really nice to be in this historic building..
Spencer House is a rare survivor of the great aristocratic palaces that once adorned London. Built in 1756-66 for the First Lord and Lady Spencer in a prime location overlooking Green Park, the house immediately became an important architectural landmark whilst the spectacular suite of State Rooms has played host to the social, political and cultural elite of each generation. Every room has stunning paintings and furniture.
Around 200 mainly males in smart suits and ties are here on the terrace overlooking their impressive large garden.
Ex UK Prime Minister RISHI SUNAK was here for an hour .
BLACKSTONE is the world’s largest alternative asset manager, with more than $1 trillion in AUM. They serve institutional and individual investors by building strong businesses that deliver lasting value. The scale – with 12,500+ real estate assets and 250+ portfolio companies – enables us to invest in dynamic sectors positioned for long-term growth.
An American company , but 650 employed in London.
At 7pm we have a couple of speeches inside from their head guys , Jonathan Gray (President and COO) and Steve Schwarzman (Chairman and CEO) .
There is also a video message from the UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves .
At 8pm a covers band played a 45 mins set in the garden, although this crowd are not bothered about them at all.
Complimentary Pol Roger champers, Negronis , Paloma Cocktails, Wines , bowl foods , canapes, sushi bar and desserts.
All guests got a loose tea gift set box.
then
9.05pm to 10.15pm.
OUTRAGEOUS film after-party at Dear Darling , 91 Jermyn Street , St Janes,s , London SW1 .
The premiere was shown earlier at Picturehouse Central.
Around 70 or 80 guests here, including the main talent.
It is available to stream on U & Drama.
At 10pm , we had a nice burlesque routine performance.
Complimentary prosecco, wines, beers and bowl foods.
Check my Facebook page for some photos and videos.

Updated 11th June 2025 Permalink

Monday 09 June 2025.

Monday 09 June 2025...6.15pm to 12pm...
NATIONAL RESTAURANT AWARDS at Magazine, North Greenwich , London SE10 .
Around 500 guests here tonight .
The venue has outdoor space and views by the river .
Plenty of seating indoors and outdoors .
At 8.15pm we are all seated for an hour in the room next door to the bars and food trucks for the awards.
We have the Top 100 restaurants countdown, and a few special achievement awards.
Great to see the iconic The Ritz in Piccadilly beat off all the trendy newcomers to make the top spot.
Seven of the Top 10 were in London.
LONDON ESSENCE drinks had a stand inside and there was caviar tasting as well on another stand inside.
A DJ was playing tunes after the awards .
Lots of complimentary drinks and food for all. Piper Heidsieck Champagne, four different cocktails, wines, beers , ciders and the four different food trucks who were all located outside.
Guests got a goodie bag of cosmetics from RITUALS.
www.nationalrestaurantawards.co.uk - Visit their website here for the Top 100 list.
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Sunday 08 June 2025.
For the first time in it's history , it will be held outside London .
In 2026 and 2027 The BRIT AWARDS will be held in Manchester at their newish Co-Op Arena.
-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------
Saturday 07 June 2025.
BEYONCE live at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Beyonce plays the second of her six massive shows here
Beyonce brings her ' Cowboy Carter' world tour to London.
I saw Beyonce at this same venue in 2023, when she played five shows here , so she breaks her own record for the artist playing the most shows at this stadium on the same tour.
The ' Cowboy Carter ' album won big at the 2025 Grammy Awards, scooping Album Of The Year, Best Country Album, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for ‘II Most Wanted’ with Miley Cyrus, making Beyoncé the most-nominated and most-awarded artist in Grammy history with 35 wins.
-------------
Some gigs and festivals have low tickets , and are being cancelled , but Beyonce has no trouble selling 45,000 tickets for tonights sold out show , even with the high ticket prices .
The cheapest pitch standing ticket was over £200.
Although the weekday shows have not sold out.
Her fans seem to love this 'Cowboy Carter' country music , as there are Cowboys and Cowgirls dressed up everywhere .
Stetsons and shorts with boots galore.
We had some rain showers at the start of the set.
Everyone is up and dancing from the start .
BEYONCE arrived on stage at 7.45pm for a nice long show lasting 2 hours 40 mins.
The staging as you would expect is stunning.
A huge screen that covers all the rear of the stage, along with an extended catwalk and b - stage.
Videos are played for the several OTT costume changes.
She has 20 dancers that are used off and on.
The crowd have been given those wristbands that flash to the music...and there were plenty of pyros.
In the second half we had the big hits including ' Crazy in Love', 'Single Ladies ( Put a Ring On It ), ' Irreplaceable ' and ' If I Were A Boy'.
There were cover versions including ' Blackbird' and 'Jolene'.
Lots of visual treats including Beyonce riding a gold Bucking Bronco , and Beyonce floating around the stadium atop a giant Horseshoe and near the end, an open top Pink Cadillac .
Beyonce daughters joined her on stage.
A glorious spectacle that was really great to watch.

Updated 8th June 2025 Permalink

Friday 06 June 2025.

Friday 06 June 2025....I went to two events tonight..
6.15pm to 7.15pm.
BERNAR VENET - private view - Waddington Custot Gallery , 11 Cork Street , Mayfair , London W1.
French artist Bernar Venet has a long association with Waddington Custot.. Waddington Custot has represented him for several solo exhibitions, including "Hypotheses" in 2022 and a new show, "When Steel Dreams of Code," which opens June , 2025. ...It is on here until 19 July 2025.
BERNAR VENET is here and chatty and friendly to all.
He looks very youthful for his 84 years ago.
Over 100 guests here.
Complimentary prosecco wines and beers for the guests
then
7.20pm to 9.20pm.
DUKES ALL STARS - launch party - Champion Store ,48-50 Brewer Street , Soho , London W1.
A very busy and lively event,as there are as many people outside the store as inside it.
A mainly young crowd who are loving the urban music sounds of the DJ .. . we must be the oldest ones here...LOL.
A rapper called BRUZA does a really good 20 mins set .
Complimentary drinks and food included a choice of three different Hennessy cocktails and cartons of chicken wings and chips.
It was at a similar event to this back in 2014 ,where I was impressed by a 15 mins set by a female rapper...her name LITTLE SIMZ.
-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------
Thursday 05 June 2025...7pm to 11.15pm...
TEMPLETON GARDEN HOTEL - launch party - 1- 15 Templeton Place, Earls Court , London SW5.
Over 200 guests at this four star boutique hotel that used to be several houses. It has 156 rooms.
A massive outdoor terrace garden space out the back.
Lots of male and female models and other creatives here.
LADY VICTORIA HERVEY was here.
A DJ was playing tunes in the background.
At 9.30pm MABEL performed a six song 25 mins set.
It included her Top 10 hits ' Finders Keepers', ' Don't Call Me Up' , ' West Ten' and 'Boyfriend'.
Mabel is the daughter of Nenah Cherry.
From 10pm onwards MELANIE BLATT and JAMIE WINSTONE were the djs and got the crowd dancing.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food all evening , including Gusbourne English Sparking Wines , four different cocktails, wines, beers, bowl foods , canapes and a desserts table.
We left at 11.15pm ,but still lively as due to finish at midnight.

Updated 6th June 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 04 June 3025.

Wednesday 04 June 2025...5.30pm to 9pm...
London showcase for hotels, venues and experiences in the Windsor , Maidenhead and surrounding areas.
at Leonardo London City Hotel, 8 - 14 Coopers Row, Tower Hill, London EC3.
Around 50 mainly female guests here.
Around 20 hotels, venues and experiences are showcasing, so we get handed a sheet and from 5.30pm to 7pm we get each stand ticked off , as we speak to each venue rep. Some fantastic hotels with stunning large grounds and views etc.
The Windsor area is always nice to visit .
Our prosecco glasses are topped up as we walk around .
The completed sheet is then handed to the organiser .
From 7pm to 9pm we are sat down in their terrace restaurant and bar for more complimentary prosecco, wines, coffees , bowl foods, canapes and desserts.
At 7.45pm was around a dozen prizes in the draw .
Several nice hotels are offering overnight stays .
How did the three of us get on?
Good odds of 1 in 4 to get a prize of some sort.
I won a tour of Royal Holloway College Egham.
Historic venue used to host big bands back in the day.
My two guests with me...one won an overnight stay in one of the Windsor hotels and the other didn't win anything
-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------
Tuesday 03 June 2025...I went to two events tonight...
6.15pm to 7.30pm .
SERPENTINE GALLERY PAVILLION - launch party - Kensington Gardens, London W2.
Around 300 guests here
Marina Tabassum has built emergency homes for the delta-dwellers of the Ganges using grass and bamboo. Her Serpentine pavilion is part tropical glasshouse, part 70s office block.
It's capsule-like form with a central court that aligns with Serpentine South's bell tower.
Indian music being played in the background.
Complimentary Ruinart champers , two cocktails, wines, ciders.
It is open to the public 06 June to 26 Oct 2025.
then
7.45pm to 9pm.
GIVENCHY presents the opening party for Rex Southwick's exhibition at Unit Gallery , 3 Hanover Square , Mayfair, London W1.
Over 100 guests here including DAMIAN HURLEY ,JOE JONAS , JESSICA MADSEN ( Bridgerton etc) .
ROBIN KATZ TRIO played a few tracks in the corner.
Rex Southwick's latest solo exhibition, To Distraction, journeys along the Côte d'Azur in search of escape. Offering a behind-the-scenes perspective into some of the Riveria's most revered architectural masterpieces, the exhibition looks beyond their modernist façades to consider the truth of life behind luxury.
Complimentary Moet champers , beers and canapes for guests.
All guests got a very nice goodie bag.

Updated 3rd June 2025 Permalink

Monday 02 June 2025.

Monday 02 June 2025.
Radio 2 in the Park 2025 will be heading to Hylands Park in Chelmsford, Essex, from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th September and, as announced on today's Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, Bryan Adams will headline Saturday night and Def Leppard - with an exclusive UK performance for 2025 – will headline Sunday night at this year's event. The weekend line-up is below...
Plus, back by popular demand and following its debut at Radio 2 in the Park in Preston last year, there will be a Friday night DJ party to kick things off - featuring sets from Radio 2 presenters Vernon Kay, Scott Mills, Rylan, DJ Spoony and Michelle Visage - ahead of a weekend packed with stellar live performances.
Radio 2 in the Park, the station's annual flagship live music festival, is a three-day music juggernaut featuring performances from some of the world's biggest pop stars alongside DJ sets on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday from the station's much-loved presenters.
Tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday 4th June, at 8.30am at www.bbc.co.uk/radio2inthepark (along with full terms and conditions). Tickets to the Radio 2 in the Park Pre-Party on Friday are £32 (plus booking fee). Tickets for the Saturday and Sunday are priced from £63 (plus booking fee). Listeners and viewers will be able to catch all the action live throughout the weekend on Radio 2, BBC Sounds and iPlayer.
The line-up is:
Saturday 6th September
· Bryan Adams
· Belinda Carlisle
· Ronan Keating
· Jessie J
· Kid Creole & The Coconuts
· Marti Pellow
· Ella Henderson
· Stereophonics
Sunday 7th September
· Def Leppard
· Anastacia
· Soul II Soul
· Suede
· Louise
· David Gray
· Sophie Ellis-Bextor
The festival is held on the site where i went to several V Festival events in the past.
----------------------------------
----------------------------------
Sunday 01 June 2025.
THE WATERBOYS live at The Roundhouse.
They play their second show here, as the Saturday show sold out....As part of their UK tour to promote their sixteenth studio album,' Life, Death And Dennis Hopper' , which was released on 4 April 2025.
I have seen them several times before , with the first time in 1984 when they supported U2 at Brixton Academy.
-------------
I catch a couple of songs by support act SUGARFOOT.
They had some nice harmonies, and you could see why Mike Scott brought them on for a few songs with The Waterboys.
THE WATERBOYS arrived on stage at 8.30pm and played for 2 hours 5 mins.
For the first two tracks , we have a nice surprise of NEAL X rockin' out with them , with his usual guitar moves.
The overall sound is fantastic , as Mikes guitar and the two keyboard players (including Keytar) make a glorious big sound that sounds amazing when played at full tilt .
We get some big tacks at the start then the middle section is around a dozen tracks from their recent Dennis Hopper album , and then the lots of biggies for the last 30 mins.
The band are bonkers but brilliant.
Yep, it’s pretty crazy to pen 25 songs about the Easy Rider icon,
( including one that features a certain Mr Springsteen),
but this is a band that boasts a melting pot of soul, funk, rock and folk and aren’t afraid to go a little crazy. For the middle hour or so, the gig becomes more of a musical with informative interludes as Scott navigates the story of Hopper’s interesting and surprisingly ingrained involvement at a tipping point in popular culture, along with Dennis Hopper images on screen.
While sadly there are no songs about Hopper’s stint on 24 or his guest appearance on a Gorillaz album, seemingly everything else is covered. His friendship with countercultural polymath Andy Warhol is documented in the lilting Bacharach bossa nova of A Guy Like You (Andy). The gentle, piano-led saunter Michelle (Always Stay) laments Hopper’s eight-day marriage to Mamas & Papas singer Michelle Phillips. Golf, They Say begins with the sweetly satisfying thwack of a golf ball before a brisk melody details Hopper’s time teeing off with country legend and ardent linksman Willie Nelson.
Things get even sillier when Scott adopts a Pathe News-esque British dialect for the propulsive, rock-drenched groove of Transcendental Peruvian Blues (yes, really). Equally as eccentric is Blues For Terry Southern (again, yes really), a swaying ode to the man who co-wrote Easy Rider but never saw a dime from the profits.
It was a great show.
Highlights included . ..
Glastonbury Song
Medicine Bow
This is the Sea
Dont Bang The Drum
A Girl Called Johnny
The Pan Within
Encore :
The Whole of The Moon ( which was mega)
Fisherman's Blues

Updated 2nd June 2025 Permalink

Saturday 31 May 2025.

Saturday 31 May 2025.
HARRY HILL live at Shepherds Bush Empire
Harry Hill (now aged 60), is an English comedian, presenter and writer. He pursued a career in stand-up following years working as a medical doctor, developing an off-beat, energetic performance style that fused elements of surrealism, observational comedy, slapstick, satire and music. When performing, he usually wears browline glasses and a dress shirt with a distinctive oversized collar and cuffs.
Part of his UK tour.
I saw him perform at this venue in 2022.
---------
It is a stalls seated sold out show tonight .
HARRY HILL arrived on stage at 7.30 pm and played for 1 hour 40 mins , over two sets of 50 mins.
The big collared one arrives on stage in oversize trainers.
He is squirting late comers with water .
Those down the front are the audience participation members, which was very entertaining..
Men with bald heads were picked on.
Plenty of Harry and his wacky dance moves .
There are various props and some ventriloquism.
A huge inflatable sausage was thrown into the audience at the end , as all of Harry's helpers have a dance in their costumes .
Harry Hill is as joyful and daft as ever.
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
Friday 30 May 2025...6.30pm to 9.30pm...
HARRY'S - press preview - 3 Kings Boulevard , Kings Cross , London N1.
This area has had a complete re-generation.
Harry's King's Cross opens to the public on June 3, 2025. The new restaurant is an addition to the Harry's family, known for its blend of timeless Italian charm and contemporary elegance. It is located in the heart of King's Cross, offering a modern twist on Italy's glamorous 1950s style and a taste of "la dolce vita". Bookings are now open, and the restaurant promises all-day dining, a large terrace, and Venetian-inspired interiors.
Pictures of legends like Sophia Loren adorn the walls.
We choose a covered table outside on the terrace.
Lots of lovely complimentary food and a couple of bottles of water ( no alcohol for the preview) , with the staff making a typical lovely Italian hospitality fuss of everybody.
My food ...
Starters....Truffle Arancini and Spicy Prawns with Flatbread.
Mac n Cheese that we shared .
Mains...Steak with chips and sides .
Dessert....Tiramisu .

Updated 31st May 2025 Permalink

Thursday 29 May 2025.

Thursday 29 May 2925.
ALEXANDRA KAY live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
American country music artist Alexandra Kay released her Debut Album titled All I’ve Ever Known Oct 26, 2023, as well as announced another major headline tour, All I’ve Ever Known The Tour: Chapter Two.
Tonight is the last show on her 21 date UK and European Tour.
---------
Level 3 is half empty , but otherwise the venue is pretty full.
At least 75% are females.
British females love country music , and many are wearing cowboy hats and cowboy boots etc.
CHANEL YATES arrived on stage at 8pm for her 35 mins.
A country singer , who played some songs on acoustic guitar , and some some songs to backing tape.
She did a nifty country cover of 'Umbrella'.
ALEXANDRA KAY arrived on stage at 9pm for her 80 mins.
Alexandra Kay is now aged 33.
She has a three piece band , and a good production of lights.
The Waterloo Illinois native started writing songs at the age of 15. AK has a dedicated fan base of 8+ million across social media like Tik Tok, and is signed to BMG Nashville.
She said " I am over the moon to be played this iconic venue , which is my biggest show ever outside the USA".
The songs all have a nice catchy country pop rock feel to them and Alexandra has plenty of smiley chatty stage banter.
An enjoyable show.
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Wednesday 28 May 2025.
5.30pm to 8pm .
CATALONIA - showcase - The Westworks, 195 Wood Lane, Shepherds Bush , London W12.
This newish area was where The White City stadium was.
At 6pm we were seated for a full hour presentation on Catalonia , with different speakers and graphics on the big screen.
Mainly focused on promoting of their creative industries like TV and film production and AI.
Also the Sonar Electronic Music Festival.
The BBC were also here , and they were showcasing their Live Immersive Concerts .
Complimentary Cava , soft drinks and Spanish canapes before and after the presentation.
then
8.20pm to 11.30pm .
Birthday drinks at Wetherspoons, Hammersmith.
Seven of us here to celebrate my birthday (27 May) and a friend's (26 May).

Updated 29th May 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 27 May 2025.

Tuesday 27 May 2025....8pm to 10.30pm...
Very handy that this was the evening of my birthday.
BROTHER MARCUS - press preview - Reuters Plaza, YY Building, Canary Wharf , London E14.
East Med All Day Dining here.
They started with a a food truck , and this is their sixth location.
Founded the best part of a decade ago by three school friends – Tasos Gaitanos, Alex Large and Arthur Campbell – the incoming brand now operates across six sites with other branches in Spitalfields, South Kensington, Borough, Angel and Covent Garden.
Lots of complimentary food and a couple of drinks.
We shared the devious plates....
STARTERS.
Three dips with olives and toasted fluffy pitos.
MAINS.
Prawn Pasta with sauce.
Grilled whole bream .
Lamb saddle
Steak onglet .
DESSERTS .
Baklava sandwich , pistachio ice-cream & honey cream .
One of the best desserts I have ever tasted.
The drinks were a couple of mini gin cocktails and water.
The food was delicious and the staff were really great here .
From 28 May is the soft launch with reduced prices.
Full normal service from 03 June.
www.brothermarcus.co.uk - Visit their website here for us info and to book.
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
Monday 26 May 2025.
HAWKWIND live at The Barbican.
Legendary space rock pioneers Hawkwind are touring the UK in support of their current studio album ‘Stories From Time And Space' out on Cherry Red Records. Their 36th studio album stands as an outstanding progression to the space-age, trademark Hawkwind sound and a superb addition to their varied and celebrated catalogue.
Famed for their spellbinding live concerts and laser shows, the group will perform tracks from their over 50 year career, alongside new material. From Dave Brock’s trademark vocals and chugging guitar riffs to roaming solos, gradual melancholic crescendos and rapturous peaks, the shows promise to deliver an intense concentrated fusion of musical styles.
I have seen them around 20 times since 1976; when they headlined Hammersmith Odeon, and including their 50th anniversary London show which was at The Royal Albert Hall in September 2023.
-----------
Music fashions have come and gone over the last 50 years , but Hawkwind just do their own thing.
A mainly crowd older here as expected.
HAWKWIND arrived on stage at 8.25pm for their two hour set .
They have great lasers throughout the show, along with nice images on the big screen behind. Space rockers ticked along nicely and some of their tracks have surprisingly catchy chorus singalongs.
During the encore Cherry Red records presented them with
an award.....a really good Hawkwind show as usual.
Full HAWKWIND setlist played tonight....
There is Still Danger There
Changes (Burning Suns and Frozen Waste)
Traveller of Time & Space
Paradox
The Co-pilot
Lost Chances
Second Chance
Wastelands of Sleep
Psi Power ( Hawklords cover)
Underwater City
Assault and Battery
The Golden Void
Steppenwolf
The Outer Region of the Universe
The Awakening
Spirit of the Age
Encore:
Urban Guerilla
Peace
Right to Decide

Updated 27th May 2025 Permalink

Sunday 25 May 2025.

Sunday 25 May 2025.
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE - THE FINAL RECKONING
Ethan Hunt and the IMF team race against time to find the Entity, a rogue artificial intelligence that can destroy mankind.
Tom Cruise returns for Mission Impossible 8.
Simon Pegg has one of the main support roles.
I was kinda dragged along to see this big budget movie.
These big action movies are not really my cup of tea.
The plot was totally ridiculous , but the film ticked along ok, without giving me the wow factor...pretty average really .
The credits at the end, wete enormous , and must be the most i have ever seen.No wonder big films like this cost so much to make.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
Saturday 24 May 2025.
ERIC CLAPTON live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Eric Clapton plays the final night of his three RAH shows.
I am going back for my second time.
The venue is again totally rammed solid sold out.
ANDY FAIRWEATHER-LOW and the Low Riders arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 50 mins set .
It is the same setlist as the day before, with many covers from the 1950s and 1960s, and he goes down well with the crowd.
ERIC CLAPTON arrived on stage at 9pm and played for 1 hour 45 mins .
Eric really playing and sounding better than ever.
We get a couple of changes to the setlist as tonight we get a stunning version of 'Badge'.
The big screens certainly were a great addition.
Another really great show, and i think it was better than last year's RAH shows .
Full ERIC CLAPTON settlist played tonight...
ELECTRIC
White Room ( Cream song)
Key to the Highway ( Charles Segar cover)
I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man (Willie Dixon cover)
Sunshine of Your Love ( Cream song)
ACOUSTIC with band
Kind Hearted Woman Blues (Robert Johnson cover)
Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out ( Jimmy Cox cover)
Golden Ring
Can't Find My Way Home ( Blind Faith song)
Tears in Heaven
ELECTRIC
Badge ( Cream song)
Old Love
Cross Road Blues (Robert Johnson cover)
Little Queen of Spades ( Robert Johnson cover)
Cocaine ( J.J. Cale cover)
Encore:
Before You Accuse Me ( Bo Diddley cover)
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
Friday 23 May 2025.
ERIC CLAPTON live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Guitar legend Eric Clapton will return to play the Royal Albert Hall in spring 2025, to play three sold out shows .
Tonight is show number two.
As part of his Japan/ Europe/ North America tour.
Once a member of such seminal bands as the Yardbirds, Blind Faith and Cream, Clapton has carved out an unrivalled career, garnering countless awards and accolades and playing sold-out performances all over the world.
Eric Clapton will again be joined by special guest Andy Fairweather-Low and the Low Riders.
Eric Clapton will be aged 80 when he plays these shows.
Eric Clapton has played around 220 shows at The Royal Albert hall, with around 190 as a solo artist ....I must have seen him 30 times at least, with the first time in July 1976 at The Crystal Palace Bowl .
I also saw all four CREAM RAH reunion shows in 2005.
--------------
The venue is totally rammed sold out ,even though arena floor and stall seats are a whopping £200 a pop.
Even upstairs in the gallery standing is £75.
£40 a t-shirt inside, but only £10 for decent bootleg ones after.
ANDY FAIRWEATHER-LOW AND THE LOW RIDERS arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 50 mins set .
When he supported Eric last year at this venue , he played a few hits from his long career ,including Amen Corner , but tonight it sounds like all lesser known covers from the 1950s and 1960s and his solo material .
He has use of the big screens , and his band go down well with their sax and trombone based sound .
ERIC CLAPTON arrived on stage at 9pm and played for 1 hour 45 mins.
His top notch backing band include two keyboard players and two female backing singers....they all had solos in the show.
The big screens tonight are great for Eric close-ups.
Don't think he had big screens last year.
Eric has his posh rug to stand on as usual.
Eric's guitar playing is still superb , and after the acoustic set , he brings out his Fender in Palestine Flag colours , and some of the guitar solos were even more mesmerising.
Eric is changing the settlist by one or two songs each night.
At Nottingham he played ' Wonderful Tonight'.
As usual ,the rushed to the front for ' Cocaine' near the end.
A great show.
Full ERIC CLAPTON settlist played tonight....
ELECTRIC set with band
White Room ( Cream song)
Key to the Highway (Charles Segar cover)
I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man ( Willie Dixon cover)
Sunshine of Your Love ( Cream song)
ACOUSTIC set with band
Let It Grow ( First time since 1978)
Kind Hearted Woman Blues (Robert Johnson cover)
Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out (Jimmy Cox cover)
Can't Find My Way Home (Blind Faith song) (with Nathan East on vocals )
Golden Ring
Tears in Heaven
ELECTRIC set with band
Tell the Truth ( Derek and the Dominos song)
Old Love
Cross Road Blues ( Robert Johnson cover)
Little Queen of Spades ( Robert Johnson cover)
Cocaine (J.J. Cale cover)
Encore:
Before You Accuse Me (Bo Diddley cover)

Updated 22nd May 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 21 May 2025.

Wednesday 21 May 2025.
ROBIN TROWER live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Robin Trower will be aged 80 when this show happens.He is an English rock guitarist who achieved success with Procol Harum throughout 1967–1971, and then again as the bandleader of his own power trio known as the Robin Trower Band.
I saw him headline Hammersmith Odeon twice in 1976 and 1980. Many at the time called him the British Jimi Hendrix.
Robin Trower will be 80 when he plays this show .
Robin Trower releases his new album ' Come and Find Me' , via Provogue , to coincide with his tour.
Now in his eighth decade, with a lifetime of accolades and a seminal body of music behind him, Robin Trower is still chasing the biggest high he knows. It always starts the same way, with a road-scuffed Fender Stratocaster and a revved-up Marshall amplifier, those skilful fingers exploring the fretboard until a riff sticks and a new song ignites.
Robin is in London as the same time as that other legendary 80 year old British guitarist , Eric Clapton.
---------
Levels 2 and 3 are closed tonight, which is no surprise as last year he played the smaller Islington Assembly Hall.
Maybe a 1000 folks here max .
No surprise that half the audience are older than me.
DOM MARTIN arrives on stage at 7.50pm for his 40 mins.
Just him and his acoustic guitars
Some nice guitar playing, including bottleneck use.
ROBIN TROWER arrived on stage at 9pm for 80 mins.
Robin is looking very healthy for the grand old age of 80, despite his recent health problems.
He was joined by a bass player and drummer .
Robin Trower made a typically understated entry- a big smile creased his face as he was handed his trusty Stratocaster by a roadie and he opened with ‘The Razor’s Edge’, before instantly familiar one in ‘Too Rolling Stoned’, inverting rock tropes with a first part that rocks hard before the second slower section where he played with great delicacy. The older songs were generally delivered note perfect to the originals with little improvisation, presumably on the basis they cannot be improved upon.
Pretty much every song , had a great guitar blues guitar solo , with plenty of use from his wah-wah pedals.
He played a couple of tracks he co-wrote with Jack Bruce.
His songs are not as well known as say Eric Clapton.
With so many legendary British guitar players having passed away, it was great to see Robin Trower still sound as good as ever.
Full ROBIN TROWER settlist played tonight....
The Razor’s Edge
Too Rolling Stoned
Wither on the Vine
Somebody Calling
Distant Places of the Heart ( Robin Trower & Jack Bruce song)
One Go Round
It's Too Late (Robin Trower & Jack Bruce song)
Day of the Eagle
Bridge of Sighs
No More Worlds to Conquer
Daydream
Little Bit of Sympathy
Encore:
Rise Up Like the Sun
Birdsong
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
Tuesday 20 May 2025....6.45pm to 11.30pm...
TERRACE LAUNCH PARTY , Nobu Hotel , 22 Portman Square, London W1.
Stylish five star hotel launches it's terrace bar
Around 150 guests here , ncluding VERNON KAY and his wife TESS DALY and PETE WICKS.
A DJ is playing tunes in the background.
Lots of lovely complimentary drinks and food as five different cocktails, beers , Nobu sushi and canapes.
We were pretty much the last ones to leave.

Updated 21st May 2025 Permalink

Monday 19 May 2025.

Monday 19 May 2025.
DARYL HALL + GLENN TILBROOK live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Daryl Hall from Hall & Oates.
Glenn Tilbrook from Squeeze .
I have seen Hall & Oates several times since 1980.
I have seen Squeeze around 20 times since 1978, when they were a support band to Eddie & The Hot Rods.
Including twice in 2024, when they supported The Who at The Royal Albert Hall TCT shows .
Both Hall & Oates and Squeeze were very popular in the 1970s and 1980s, as both had many hit singles and albums on both sides of the Atlantic.
D is the sixth solo album by American singer-songwriter Daryl Hall. Hall's first studio solo album after 11 years, it was released on June 21, 2024. Hall co-produced the album with former Eurythmics frontman Dave Stewart, who co-wrote seven of the nine songs. The album takes its name from Hall's nickname.
--------------
Another show at this venue where it is £100 a ticket in the floor and the stalls, but the show is at least 95% tickets sold .
An older crowd who remember the Hall & Oates glory days .
GLENN TILBROOK is on stage at 7.35pm for his 40 mins.
I was expecting a solo acoustic set, but a nice surprise that he is backed by a full six piece band , who are actually the backing band for Daryl Hall .
A very nice mix of solo tracks and some Squeeze hits.
Full GLENN TILBROOK setlist played tonight...
Parallel World
Little Ships (Glenn Tilbrook and the Fluffers song)
Black Coffee in Bed (Squeeze song)
You Get the Feeling
Still (Glenn Tilbrook and the Fluffers song)
Love's Crashing Waves (Difford & Tilbrook song)
Happy Disposition
Through the Net ( Glenn Tilbrook and the Fluffers song)
Tempted (Squeeze song)
Hourglass ( Squeeze song)
DARYL HALL on stage at 8.40pm for his 1 hour 45 mins set.
One half of Hall & Oates can’t quite hit the high notes of the soul-poppers’ heyday, but is helped by talented sidemen.
Daryl Hall is 78. The partnership with John Oates, 77, has reached a messy end, with lawyers involved. Now he is on the road, under his own name, playing the songs of his gilded youth in a more tarnished age.
He strolls on to the London stage in a broad-brimmed hat and spends much of the set seated at a grand piano. His voice is not what it was . Where once his singing was a wonder of clarity, stamina and control, he now struggles. Sometimes, trying for high notes, he places a hand at the top of his chest, as if the effort is a strain. His slick six-piece band do a lot of heavy lifting on backing vocals.
His long time sax player was great with his solos .
All the Hall & Oates big hits were played, and there was a lot of love for him in the house tonight for Daryl.
Also played was a neat 'Everytime You Go Away' which was a Hall & Oates song that Paul Young had a big hit with.
A nice touch was that for the encore Glenn Tilbrook joined him for three songs if the four song encore , including a Squeeze hit.
Overall a really good show , that could have been great.
Maybe Daryl has to re-work the songs to suit his current vocals.
Full DARYL HALL settlist played tonight...
The Whole World's Better
Maneater (Daryl Hall & John Oates song)
Dreamtime
Can't Say No to You
Kiss on My List (Daryl Hall & John Oates song)
Private Eyes ( Daryl Hall & John Oates song)
Rich Girl (Daryl Hall & John Oates song)
Walking in Between Raindrops
I'm in a Philly Mood
Too Much Information
Everytime You Go Away ( Daryl Hall & John Oates song)
Rather Be a Fool
Sara Smile ( Daryl Hall & John Oates song)
I Can't Go for That (No Can Do) ( Daryl Hall & John Oates song)
Encore:
One on One ( Daryl Hall & John Oates song) (with Glenn Tilbrook)
Pulling Mussels (From the Shell) ( Squeeze cover) (with Glenn Tilbrook)
Bad Luck (Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes cover) (with Glenn Tilbrook)
You Make My Dreams (Daryl Hall & John Oates song
----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
Sunday 18 May 2025.
TREXTASY live at The Beck Theatre, Hayes.
Top notch T.Rex tribute always put on a great show.
I have seen them over twenty times over the past 30 years.
I recently saw them play a superb show supporting Sweet at Shepherds Bush Empire on 05 April 2025.
I was lucky to have seen Marc Bolan's last London show at The Rainbow in 1977, where the support act were The Damned.
----------
I love this cosy all seated and tiered venue.
I wish more decent bands would play here
Around 450 tickets sold out of the 600 capacity crowd.
A mainly older crowd who remember the great glam rock days .
TREXTASY on stage at 7.30pm for 1 hour 55 mins over two sets off 55 mins and 60 mins .
Danielz on vocals is still the spitting image of Marc Bolan in every way .
24 songs played, including a few lesser known tracks , and loads of those fantastic T.Rex classics.
A great show, with everyone up and dancing for the encore of 'Hot Love'.
Highlights included .....
Telegram Sam
Debora
Solid Gold Easy Action
Children of the Revolution
Jeepster
Metal Guru
Rida a White Swan
20th Century Boy
I Love to Boogie
Get It On
Encore :
Hot Love ( extended version )

Updated 17th May 2025 Permalink

Friday 16 May 2025.

Friday 16 May 2025
ERIC CHURCH live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Eric Church plays the first of two RAH shows as part of
Highways festival, showcasing Country and Americana’s brightest stars. This year, ten-time GRAMMY nominee ERIC CHURCH will headline both nights of the Festival with his acclaimed residency show, To Beat The Devil. Previously only ever performed at his Nashville venue Chief’s, these performances will be a European exclusive.
Eric is a massive star in USA , as all eight of his albums have made the Billboard Top 40 , and two have reached the top spot.
Lots of big hit singles too.
---------------
The arena and stalls seats are pretty full, even though tickets are £100 a pop. The circle was 90% unsold.
MOLLY TUTTLE arrived on stage at 7.45pm for her 45 mins set.
Molly was joined by two other musicians , and played tracks from her two Grammy Award winning Best Bluegrass albums.
Also a nifty cover of The Rolling Stones' She's A Rainbow'.
We are transported to proper Nashville Bluegrass territory as the trio sounded really good.
ERIC CHURCH arrived on stage at 9.15pm for two hours 15 mins, so the 11pm curfew here , was blown out the window .
Just Eric and a few of his acoustic guitars on stage.
Two big screens are showing live footage .
Eric Church always wears shades .
I'm gonna take you back in time to the year 2000,” Church promised, “back to my hometown of Granite Falls, North Carolina…….. and I was the shit!' he chuckled before weaving a spellbinding tale of a small town boy with big town dreams that didn't work out at first as we find our hero down on his uppers.
Plenty of storytelling , which was pretty much HALF the show .
Year by year around his life and career.
Moving to Nashville and eventually getting signed.
About getting thrown off the Rascal Flatts arena tour in 2006.
His fond memories of his first proper tour bus.
His serious health problems.
He was on the festival bill in 2017 in Las Vegas when a shooter killed 59 fans , and how sad he felt over that .
Some songs between the chat too.
This crowd don't like late finishes, so come 10.30pm, every song had a few leavers, but they missed the highlight of the evening , as for the last three songs Eric was joined by a 40 piece choir, which was really good.
A very interesting kinda different show.
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
A funny sight during the second song was security having a word with SPIZZ , as he got a bit over excited near the front .
-----------------------------------
Thursday 15 May 2025.
HOLY HOLY featuring Tony Visconti and Woody Woodmansey live at Shepherds Bush Empire
A David Bowie celebration show.
They were his producer and Spiders From Mars band member.
I was lucky to have seen David Bowie perform around 15 times, including at Shepherds Bush Empire in 1997 , which i reviewed for The Shepherds Bush Gazette.
Heaven 17's Glenn Gregory will be on vocal duties.
Also in the band is guitarist James Stevenson.
--------------
All levels open tonight , and the venue looks very full.
DAPHNE GUINNESS was in the Level 1 VIP seats.
HOLY HOLY on stage at 8.40pm for 1 hour 55 mins.
Eigh musicians on stage , including female backing vocals.
The first three tracks were lesser known tracks .
Then it was pretty much non stop the best of David Bowie .
The band sounded great , even though Glenn Gregory said it was the first night of the tour , and they only had two days rehearsals.
Woody on drums is now aged 75 , and still doing the business.
It was a really great show.
Highlights of the 20 song setlist were.....
Ziggy Stardust
Time
Changes
Ashes to Ashes
Panic In Detroit
Drive in Saturday
Space Oddity
The Man Who Sold the World
Five Years
Starman
Heroes
Rock n Roll Suicide
Life on Mars?
Moonage Daydream
Encore:
Where Are We Now?
Rebel Rebel

Updated 16th May 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 14 May 2025.

Wednesday 14 May 2025...i went to three events tonight...
6pm to 6.50pm.
JD MALAT GALLERY - group show private view - 30 Davies Street , Mayfair, London W1.
Two or three artists are showcasing.
Complimentary wines for the guests.
then
7pm to 8.45pm.
CHARMING BAKER - private view - Bang & Olufsen, 72 New Bond Street , Mayfair, London W1.
My first time at this top of the range electronics store.
Charming Baker is showcasing his art .
A cool crowd here, and great to hear the sounds of The Cure , Joy Division , Roxy Music , David Bowie etc though the top quality sounding speakers here .
Complimentary wines , beers and coffees for the guests.
then
9.45pm to 11.45pm.
THE DEEP BLUE SEA - press/VIP opening night party - Haymarket Hotel, Haymarket London SW1.
The main event was held earlier at The Theatre Royal Haymarket.
A big crowd here of around 300 guests.
TASMIN GREIG is here, as she has the lead role in the play.
Her Channel 4 TV Friday Night Dinner cast member TRACY-ANN OBERMAN is also here.
Complimentary wines beers , juices and cartons of fish & chips and canapes.
----------------------------------
----------------------------------
Tuesday 13 May 2025....I went to two events tonight...
7pm to 9.15pm .
HANDEL HENDRIX HOUSE - showcase - 23 Brook Street , Mayfair London W1.
My second time here after attending their relaunch party two years ago, when they took over the ground floor.
George Frideric Handel lived at 25 Brook Street in Mayfair from 1723 until his death in 1759. It was here that Handel wrote and rehearsed his greatest works, including Messiah and the coronation anthem Zadok the Priest, which was performed at the coronation of King Charles III. In 1968, Jimi Hendrix moved into an adjoining flat at number 23. Here, in the only place he said he felt truly at home, and where Hendrix entertained, inspired and collaborated with other icons of British 60s rock music.
The first three floors are dedicated to Handel.
There is a female piano player playing Handel and others.
The top floor flat is where Jimi Hendrix actually lived.
There are replicas of all the things he liked in the flat.
There is a wall of all his fave record covers and a great list of all the UK gigs and jams he did in the UK , including when he played places like Slough and Hounslow.
There is a male guitarist playing Hendrix tracks .
The venue can be hired for up to 100 guests.
Complimentary white wines , canapes and desserts .
then
10pm to 12pm.
THE COMEDY ABOUT SPIES - press/VIP opening night party -
Browns, St Martins Lane , London WC2.
The theatre show is on nearby at The Noel Coward Theatre.
A big crowd of around 300 guests here.
The cast turned up , but didn't recognise any big names.
VANESSA FELTZ and PAUL MERTON were here.
Complimentary prosecco , wines, beers ,but i stuck to some lovely Rekorderlig strawberry & lime ciders, cheeseburgers , chicken skewers and various canapes and desserts

Updated 14th May 2025 Permalink

Monday 12 May 2025.

Monday 12 May 2025.
GARY BARLOW live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Take That singer plays the first of two RAH shows on his massive ' Songbook' UK tour.
I have seen Take That a couple of times when they played Wembley Stadium....with Robbie and without Robbie.
Expect solo material mixed in with several Take That hits.
----------
As expected, it is mainly females and couples here tonight.
BRAD KELLA arrives on stage at 7.30pm for his 30 mins set.
Just Brad and his piano in front of Gary's huge stage curtain.
Coming through early adversity, being fostered and ending up living on the streets, he went on to win Channel 4's The Piano. Kella says: 'After seeing a teacher play piano in high school, I went home and asked my foster parents if I could have a piano, which just seemed like a pipe dream. I had no training, no lessons.
Some superb piano instrumentals where he mixed his own material and cover versions. His friendly Scouse stage banter with the crowd , helped him get a good reception.
GARY BARLOW arrives in stage at 8.15pm for his 1 hour 45 mins set.
Gary was backed by eleven musicians , including a three man brass and two female backing singers.
A full stage production , with loads of lights.
Gary certainly knows how to work the crowd well.
The vocals are nice and clear , and the females here are really enjoying the mix of solo material and Take That hits.
The ticker-tape cannons were used three times .
A few of his solo songs plodded a bit ,but you can't deny the great melodies and big choruses of the Take That hits ,made it a really great show.
Full GARY BARLOW setlist played tonight...
Open Road
Greatest Day (Take That song)
These Days ( Take That song)
Let Me Go
Incredible (with band introduction)
Medley - Sure / Everything Changes / Whatever You Do to Me
A Million Love Songs (Take That song) (with Brad Kella)
Pray ( Take That song)
Medley - The Flood / Since I Saw You Last / Reach Out
Patience (Take That song)
If There's Not a Song About It
Forever Love
6th Avenue
Love Ain't Here Anymore (Take That song)
Said It All ( Take That song)
The Garden (Take That song)
Shine ( Take That song)
Relight My Fire (Dan Hartman cover)
Back for Good (Take That song)
Rule the World ( Take That song)
Never Forget (Take That song)
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
Sunday 11 May 2025.
Hard to believe it is 20 years ago since CREAM reunited.
I was at all four Royal Albert Hall shows.
Twenty years ago, on May 2, 2005, Cream—one of rock’s most influential bands—reunited for the first of four landmark concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall
The line-up featured all three original members,
Eric Clapton , Jack Bruce , Ginger Baker.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
Saturday 10 May 2025.
Happy Birthday to SALLY JAMES who is 75 today.
If you are old enough , she was on Tiswas TV in the 1970s.
Heavenly Birthday to SID VICIOUS who would be 68 today.
-------------------------------
--------------------------------
Friday 09 May 2025....6.30pm to 9.45pm...
JIKONI - launch party - 3rd Floor , Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly London W1.
Marylebone restaurant JIKONI celebrate their ten day residence at this historic venue, that dates back over 300 years.
From Friday 9th May until Sunday 18th May, chef and food writer Ravinder Bhogal and Nadeem Lalani Nanjuwany, co-founders of Jikoni, will join forces with Fortnum & Mason to bring their warm, joyful hospitality and unique expression of maternal, cross-border cooking to the Piccadilly Flagship.
Around 150 guests are here, including PROFESSOR GREEN and MEERA SYAL with SANJEEV BHASKAR .
At 7pm we have a couple of speeches
At 7.10pm we have two piano instrumentals and a 40 mins DJ set from multi-award-winning producer, composer and musician NITIN SAWHNEY.
Complimentary drinks and food , included Fortnum & Mason sparkling wines , gin cocktails and lots of tasty bowl food , canapes ( including Jikoni's take on the Fortnum & Mason classic scotch egg) and desserts from the JIKONI menu.
All guests got a copy of the JIKONI cook book which is published via Bloomsbury .

Updated 10th May 2025 Permalink

Thursday 08 May 2025.

Thursday 08 May 2025....7.15pm to 10.30pm.
THE NATIONAL GALLERY SAINSBURYS WING - re-opening party - Trafalgar Square , London WC2.
A massive crowd as around 2000 have been invited.
A huge queue at 7pm , meant a wait to get in.
Guests included SIR GRAYSON PERRY ,TRINNY WOODALL and DAVID ARMSTRONG -JONES.
The Sainsbury's Wing re-opens after a two year refurbishment .
Over 1000 works of art on display , from many famous artists, from the 13th century to early 20th century.
There is also a plush 200 seater theatre
Several acts are playing short sets in different rooms , and two djs played 45 mins sets each at the end of the night in the main foyer .
Complimentary Nyetimber English Sparkling Wines , white wines, beers and table snacks for all the guests .
---------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
Wednesday 07 May 2025....I went to three events tonight...
5pm to 6pm.
JODIE CAREY ' Earthen ' - private view - The Artists Garden, on the roof of Temple tube station, London WC2.
Very interesting huge outdoor space of artists installations above the tube station.
Nice views of the river, although still a bit chilly .
Complimentary Mezcal Plasma cocktails and beers.
then
6.30pm to 7.45pm.
PATRICK CAULFIELD - private view - Bernard Jacobson Gallery , 8 Golden Square, London W1.
Patrick Caulfield was an English painter and printmaker known for his bold canvases. Born in Acton in 1936, Caulfield studied at Chelsea School of Art from 1956 to 1960 and at the Royal College of Art from 1960 to 1963. In 1964, he exhibited at the New Generation show at London's Whitechapel Gallery and became associated with the nascent pop art movement.
Complimentary Gin & Cucumber drinks for al the guests
then
8.15pm to 10pm.
CINE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL - launch party -
Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel , 20 Warwick Street , London W1.
A very lively and buzzy event.
A few well known folks here including LAURA WHITMORE, SADIE FROST, JO WOOD, NICK KNOWLES, DANIEL LISMORE , STEPHEN WEBSTER, TAMER HASSAN and MARK FULLER (the main owner of the hotel).
The DJ was playing sone cool dance re-mixes.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food as five different cocktails and food including king prawn tempura and cheeseburgers .
It was a bit too busy here , so the bar tab finished at 10pm, which is when we departed.

Updated 8th May 2025 Permalink