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Here's the latest - updated 26th November 2022

Saturday 26 November 2022

Friday 25 November 2022.
FONTAINES DC live at Hammersmith Apollo.
Irish indie-rockers play the second of three nights at Hammersmith Apollo on their UK tour.
They are promoting their third studio album "Skinty Fia" , which was number one in the UK.
All three of their albums have made the Top 10 in the UK.
A speedy rise to success for them, where they can headline three nights at this 5000 capacity venue.
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Not a good idea to have a gig , when England are playing a 7pm kick-off World Cup footie game.
Even though the show is sold out, the venue is less than half full for the support act,
and the headliners delay coming on stage by 15 mins to help those watching the game nearby.
Support act WUNDERHORSE arrived on stage at 7.55pm for their 35 mins set.
They played some good indie-rock tracks from their debut album "Cub".
FONTAINES DC arrived on stage at 9.15pm for their 85 mins set.
Singer LEWIS CAPALDI is sitting front circle, just a couple of rows away from me.
Lots of strobe lights used during their set , with horizontal stripped lighting bars behind them.
They have a string quartet with them for a few songs.
The stalls standing is lively, with folks dancing lots.
They change and rotate their set each night, which is always good to see.
They had some confetti over the stalls standing near the end.
They open up with "Nabokov" with its great instrumental intro.
They whizzed through their songs, with not much stage chat.
A good show.
Full FONTAINES DC setlist played tonight.
Nabokov (With string quartet)
A Lucid Dream (With string quartet)
In ár gCroíthe go (With string quartet)
Sha Sha Sha
Hurricane Laughter
Skinty Fia
You Said
I Don't Belong
Big Shot
Big
Televised Mind
Jackie Down The Line
Roman Holiday
A Hero's Death
The Couple Across the Way (With string quartet)
Encore:
Too Real
Boys in the Better Land
I Love You

Updated 26th November 2022 Permalink

Thursday 24 November 2022.

Thursday 24 November 2022...6.15pm to 10pm...
Showcase - BISHOP'S PALACE, Hatfield House, Herts.
Closer than you would think ,as only 30 mins from Kings Cross train station.
It started off with a great 15 mins talk by their guide Eric on the incredible history of the venue.
Hatfield House was completed in 1611. It was built by Robert Cecil, first Earl of Salisbury and son of Lord Burghley, the chief minister of Elizabeth I. The deer park surrounding the house and the older building of the Old Palace had been owned by Elizabeth’s father, Henry VIII, who had used it as a home for his children, Edward, Elizabeth and Mary. It was while she was living in the Old Palace, in 1558, that Elizabeth learned of her accession to the throne.
There are are 120 guests here, 12 tables of 10 , with 75% females.
We had a very nice three course meal...
Starters - various canapes
Mains - slow cooked beef sirloin, with potatos and veg
Dessert - chocolate & pistachio tart
We had a guy on acoustic guitar play covers for two sets of 15 mins and 30 mins.
Also a female stilt-walker with huge butterfly wings, full of light bulbs.
Four different cocktails throughout the evening, along with wines and tea/coffee.
A great evening, and well worth the trek out of London.
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Very sad news that guitar legend WILKO JOHNSON has died aged 75.
I was lucky to have seen him with Dr Feelgood in the 1970s, and more than a dozen times after.
Amazingly i was at his Shepherds Bush Empire show just five weeks ago on 18 Oct 2022,
which has ended up being his last show ever.
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Wednesday 23 November 2022....I went to three events today...
1pm to 3pm
TURTLE BAY - press preview - 7a The Brewery ,Romford, Essex.
This restaurant & bar is just 3 mins from Romford Station, which is on the Elizabeth line.
Turtle Bay has grown to over 40 restaurants nationwide , making it the UKs leading Caribbean
restaurant chain.
Turtle Bay’s success is based on providing a uniquely Caribbean experience, with a centralised island bar serving rum-based cocktails both day and night, a menu that combines Caribbean spices with fragrant marinades, hot sauces, cooling chutneys and fresh fruit, with its signature jerk chicken grill at the heart of the restaurant. All to the gentle beat of a reggae soundtrack.
Special opening offers...
Any two courses £19 or any three courses £24...2-4-1 cocktails happy hour daily.
I had a very tasty three course lunch...
Starters - Jerk Pit Ribs with mango BBQ sauce.
Mains - Fish Fry Platter (crispy salmon, coconut fried squid , colslaw and spiced fries.
Desserts - Banana Toffee Cheesecake.
We had a couple of cocktails each.
Well worth a visit if you are in the area.
Afterwards we had a stroll and coffee in Romford Market and came across a fantastic
Italian Vintage Style shop selling loads of cool vinyl , clothing items , memorabilia , record players,
cameras, cassette players etc...a must for any Elvis fans.
then
6pm to 7pm
UNIT GALLERY - private view - 3 Hanover Square, Mayfair, London W1.
Private view ‪for the opening of solo exhibitions by Stacey Gillian Abe and Stephen Wong.
Choice of three complimentary cocktails and beers for the 200 odd guests.
Fashionista PHILIP SALLON was here in full military attire.
then
7.05pm to 9.30pm.
CLARIDGES - Christmas Tree Unveiling Party - Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1.
Around 200 glammed up guests at this famous five star luxury hotel.
SANDRA CHOI designed the Christmas Tree in the hotel foyer.
She is the creative director of J. Choo Limited. She is the niece of Jimmy Choo's wife, Rebecca.
Sandra is here...with her personal bodyguard close by throughout....not really needed here I thought.
I got a nice photo with ERIN O'CONOR which will be on my Facebook page at lunchtime.
Erin O'Connor is an English fashion model, who was also the muse of Haute Couture designer Alexander McQueen due to her height and androgynous look.
Also here were AMBER LE BON and tv presenter RICHARD ARNOLD.
We had a small choir sing a couple and a female singer sang a couple of tracks.
Complimentary Laurent Perrier champers, vodka martini cocktails, beers, canapes, desserts.
A very nice event.
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Tuesday 22 November 2022.
CHRISTINE & THE QUEENS present Redcar live at The Royal Festival.
Just two live shows in Paris, France and this one in the UK, to promote the Redcar album project release.
He (recently came out as Trans) plays a sold out 2600 capacity show.
The artist was again on the Later with Jools Holland tv show recently.
Christine and the Queens has always made music about trying to embrace an awkward sense of belonging, and trying to appreciate your own unique self; this appears to be the ultimate idea of Redcar as both the project and the person. The two are and always will be entwined.
And at the end of the day, there’s no denying that anything thevartist creates will be nothing short of incredible and fantastical; be it as Christine and the Queens, as Chris, as Redcar, or as whomever they become next.
Christine & The Queens recent single titled 'Je te vois enfin' was alongside a suave and sophisticated persona he/she calls Redcar.
Christine/Chris has been confirmed as curator for The RFHall Meltdown Festival here in June 2023.
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A very cool looking arty crowd here tonight.
No support act tonight.
As expected the 75 mins show (8.35pm to 9.50pm) is very theatrical.
The artist is sauve, and certainly pushes the boundaries of both theatre and musical performance.
A bit bonkers at times, but very interesting, as we watch the surreal world of Redcar.
Christine/Chris sings to a backing tape , as there is no band or dancers.
A stunning stage production which had around 100 objects around the stage, including religious statues.
Also around 200 light bulbs dotted around the stage.
A moon from which Redcar swings on, and robot-controlled camera that looms over and around the artist.
There are four stage hands to help move the objects around for each song.
No merch, and no photos or videos to be taken during the show, which the crowd duly respected.
Most tracks are in French, but most of the monologue is in English.
The new album lyrics focus on love and poetry , along to the synth-pop backing.
For a few songs, the artist is topless, and has black tape over the nipples.
The artist also wore angel wings for one track.
Near the end, the artist walks around the stalls seats, and even flirts with the venue security.
Also for the final track , the artist wore an angel-winged strap-on red dildo.
An enjoyable show, and a pretty unique event.
Full setlist played tonight....
Ma bien aimée bye bye
Tu sais ce qu'il me faut
La chanson du chevalier
Rien dire
La clairefontaine
Les étoiles
Mémoire des ailes
Looking for Love
My Birdman
Combien de temps
Je te vois enfin
Angelus
Les âmes amantes

Updated 23rd November 2022 Permalink

Monday 21 November 2022.

Sunday 20 November 2022.
BRET McKENSIE live at Shepherds Bush Empire...no support act at this show.
Bret McKenzie (age 46 ) is a New Zealand musician, comedian, music supervisor, and former actor. He is best known as one half of musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords along with Jemaine Clement. In the 2000s, the duo's comedy and music became the basis of a BBC radio series and then an oft-lauded American television series, which aired for two seasons on HBO.
He released his debut album "Songs Without Jokes" in August 2022.
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Stalls seated tonight, and Level 3 closed as unsold.
BRET McKENSIE & band on stage for 1 hour 50 mins over two sets of 60 mins and 50 mins.
Nine on stage including trumpet, sax and two female backing singers.
As expected it was some decent laid back piano and horn based tunes, along with dashes of comedy.
A highlight was in the second half when he asked the audience "who has just started a relationship?".
A guy named Joe was picked to talk about his girlfriend Nora from Sweden / Albania.
Pretty neat that Bret took the info and wrote a full funky song on the spot.
Conchords gem "The Most Beautiful Girl (in the room) " was good.
The encore included a girl picked from the audience, to play some tamborine.
For a tour named "Songs Without Jokes", there were plenty of laughs had and in the relaxed atmosphere of London town, it’s pretty safe to say that the audience left feeling they’d had a lot of fun.
A decent enough good show.
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Saturday 19 November 2022.
Manchester Legends Tribute Band Evening live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Levels 2 and 3 are closed tonight, but must be still around 1200 folks here.
This was a very lively drinking crowd evening , just like when i saw this package a few years ago.
Some folks hate the idea of going to see tribute bands, but some tributes are top notch.
There really are plenty of good tribute bands playing out there.
So many great songs played by the three acts tonight, made it a top night.
THE SMITHS LTD arrived on stage at 7pm and played for 50 mins.
The singer looks, acts and sings a bit like Morrissey , and they play all those gems like
"Panic", "How Soon Is Now" and "What Difference Does It Make".
OASISH arrived on stage at 8.15pm and played for 60 mins.
A greatest hits set , that had all the crowd singing along loudly.
Full OASISH setlist played tonight...
Rock 'n' Roll Star
Some Might Say
Cigarettes & Alcohol
Little by Little
Half the World Away
Stop Crying Your Heart Out
Morning Glory
Don't Look Back in Anger
Wonderwall
Live Forever
Champagne Supernova
THE CLONE ROSES arrived on stage at 9.40pm and played for 80 mins.
Compared to Oasis, you kinda forget how many great songs that The Stone Roses have.
The crowd soon got much livelier than the other bands as the dance rock of The Stone Roses
got the crowd dancing and moshing wildly by the last few songs came along.
Full CLONE ROSES setlist played tonight...
I Wanna Be Adored
Elephant Stone
Mersey Paradise
Sally Cinnamon
(Song for My) Sugar Spun Sister
Ten Storey Love Song
Where Angels Play
Shoot You Down
Bye Bye Bad Man
Waterfall
Fools gold
Love Spreads
Made of Stone
She Bangs the Drums
This Is the One
I Am the Resurrection

Updated 21st November 2022 Permalink

Friday 18 November 2022.

Friday 18 November 2022...5.15pm to 1am.
BARRIO COVENT GARDEN - launch party - Parker Street, Covent Garden, London.
Barrio Bars presents the newest (their fifth) member of the familia BARRIO COVENT GARDEN.
Barrio Covent Garden is the newest Barrio and set to be bigger and better than ever, being their largest bar to hold 600 amigos at any given time. Believed to be the largest tequila bar in the world, Barrio Covent Garden is guaranteed to offer a full-colour, full-flavour experience, serving Latin-inspired cocktails, Mexican street food, live entertainment, and of course, plenty of tequila. Bringing feel-good vibes through the vibrant concept and interiors, Barrio aims to give guests’ the best Latino party on the London scene. Expect cracking party music including everything from Latino, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Funk, Soul and Old Skool Party Classics. Plus added entertainment for the extra WOW factor, incredible packages and party sharers, the biggest Barrio dancefloor and a happy hour that includes 2-4-1 cocktails and £3 tacos. Not to mention the newly crafted cocktail menu and authentic food creations. There will be no fiesta quite like it.
Barrio Covent Garden is also the perfect venue for corporate hire and Christmas bookings with full bespoke catering and drinks packages available, full venue hire and two semi-exclusive spaces that can hold up to 200 people.
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The venue used to be The Tropicana, and inside it looks pretty much the same look and vibe.
A massive event as there must be 400 or 500 folks here at the 7pmish time.
We are greeted by four female carnival dancers in full attire, who also perform later.
We have VIP/press wristbands for a reserved table.
This gets us Moët champers all night, while non-wristbands have to settle with prosecco.
Half a dozen nice cocktails on offer including espresso martinis.
Also wines, beers and lots of tasty food, including crispy chicken burgers.
Churros for dessert.
Lots of folks dancing on the floor once the DJ started spinning mainly Latin dance tracks.
Half a dozen toned males in their shorts, for the ladies.
There was a fun photo booth.
An excellent party, much better than expected.
www.barriobars.com - Visit Barrio Bars website here.
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Thursday 17 November 2022.
5.30pm to 7pm
MOUNT STREET Christmas Tree Lights Switch-On, Mount Street, Mayfair, London W1.
Several hundred folks are here in this street that is full of very upmarket stores.
Many are giving out complimentary drinks and snacks including...
Malone Souliers (Taittinger champers and mince pies)
The Audley Pub & Restaurant (very tasty pork & cranberry sausage rolls)
Others are handing out mulled wines, hot chocolate, crepes, mince pies etc.
There are Carol singers and ballet dancers and the lights are switched on at 6.30pm.
Then 7pm to 8pm at...
MATCHESFASHION at 5 Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1.
They have a nice garden space out the back.
Complimentary Ruinart champers and Kracken Spiced Rum Cocktails.
then a 30 mins walk to...
PAUL SIMONON DJ set in a West London pub.
Clash bass legend playing his usual Thursday night stint to help out his mate , who runs the pub.
Nice to see so many friends here.
Packed inside when Paul is spinning tunes.
Folks on the pavements outside, but getting chillier in the evenings now.

Updated 18th November 2022 Permalink

Wednesday 16 November 2022.

Wednesday 16 November 2022...5.15pm to 10pm...
PARADISE GREEN - launch party - 100 Bishopsgate, London EC2.
It's been a busy few weeks for Aussie-inspired cafe group Daisy Green. Hard on the heels of their opening in St John's Wood they unveil their largest restaurant to date in the City.
It is a massive 10,000 square foot over two levels.
Paradise Green is a huge space in the 100 Bishopsgate development at Liverpool Street. They're describing it as an art gallery style restaurant where the art is as important as the food. The new opening is taking inspiration from Surfers Paradise on Queensland's Gold Coast where co-founder, Prue Freeman, went to uni.
Open all day, it'll be a handy place to grab juices and coffees in their 'sunrise' room, while the 'sunset' bar and restaurant is going to be more of a place for dinners and late night drinks.
In addition to the brunches the group has become best known for, there'll be dishes like Chicken Parmigiana and Timmy’s Cheeseburger alongside more meaty offerings like a Flaming Tomahawk and Aussie BBQ meat board.
City workers looking for a new private dining room to book for client dinners or team meetings will want to check out the 40-seat private dining room here which has as its centrepiece artist Lucy Sparrow’s felt piece The Billion Dollar Robbery, which was on show at the Saatchi Gallery last year.
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This restaurant & bar is located near to Liverpool Street train station and Sushisamba.
It is an early start to accommodate the city workers who finish work at 5pm.
We get a nice table by the huge window.
Must be over 150 guests here, some seated and some standing.
There was a female sax player playing well known tunes to a backing tape.
Upstairs was a girl pouring champagne from a suspended hoop.
A DJ played tunes in the background.
The staff were great, as they kept the drinks coming without us having to go to the bar.
Lots of complimentary food & drinks.
Starters were various canapes and tasty lamb cutlets.
Mains for us was the yummy Timmys Cheesebuger (patty, cheese, bacon, special sauce ) and sides.
Oddly no desserts offered.
A full bar including Collet champers, Espresso Martinis, Negronis and many more.
Well worth a visit if you are in the area.
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Tuesday 15 November 2022...6.45pm to 9.30pm...
SKATE - VIP/press night - Somerset House, Strand, London WC2.
The magnificent ice rink, now with bigger skate space, transforms the neoclassical courtyard into the essential winter destination, complete with a glorious 40ft Christmas tree, with specially curated decorations from Moët & Chandon, providing perfect picture moments.
Hailed as one of the capital’s favourite winter experiences, Skate at Somerset House signals the start of the festive period with unrivalled skating, contemporary music, the perfect gift selection from Hotel Chocolat, and delicious food and drink. From skating lessons with Skate School, to the ultimate nightlife sets from trailblazing DJs on rink-side decks at Skate Lates with UNIQLO, there is something for everyone across the Skate season. Gourmet dining also returns at Chalet Suisse by Jimmy Garcia, providing the perfect post-skate treat at the pop-up alpine restaurant. For the ultimate rink-side seat, enjoy champagne and cocktails in the Skate Lounge by Moët & Chandon.
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I have been to this event several times before, which is always a good event.
Around 300 guests here tonight, including a few celebrity faces such as Katherine Ryan & Family,
DJ Fat Tony, Julien Macdonald, Eric Underwood, Gene & Lennon Gallagher (Liam's two sons).
There was a DJ playing dance tunes as you skate and at 7.30pm there was a huge Moët & Chandon
hot air balloon raised up with a female trapeze artist display.
Complimentary Moët champers, Espresso Martini's, Moscow Mule Cocktails and other drinks.
Also some nice tasty food.
All guests got a goodie bag with a couple of items inside.

Updated 16th November 2022 Permalink

Monday 14 November 2022.

Monday 14 November 2022.
Tonight was my first evening indoors for three weeks.
Normal service will resume Tuesday.
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Sunday 13 November 2022.
BRETT YOUNG live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
America country-pop singer plays a sold out London show.
He has released three studio albums.
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Lots of females here in cowboy boots/boots, and several wearing cowboy hats.
Support act CALISSTA CLARK is an American singer-sonwriter aged just 19
She signed with Big Machine Records at the very young age of 15.
She played decent tracks from her debut album, in her 30 mins set.
BRETT YOUNG & band arrived on stage at 8.50pm for a 90 mins set.
The first third of the show had some good catchy country-pop songs.
The second third of the show was just a bit too Westlife , as he went semi-acoustic and acoustic,
with a bunch of lovey dovey songs that just lowered the atmosphere.
Even Brett said " this is when we have a nap during the show".
The rest of the show didn't really get back up to speed , and for the final encore the vocals cut out,
and the show finished on a bit of a damp squid.
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Saturday 12 November 2022.
SNOG live at The Cart & Horses, Stratford , London E15.
What a great name for a KISS tribute band...tix only £8 in advance.
During covid , the venue has built a 80 capacity live music venue in the basement.
This pub upstairs has Iron Maiden memorabilia all around ,as the band played many shows
here in 1976 when they first started with their original singer.
Support comes from THE EDIT.
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Nice to be at this proper rock music pub...we could do with a few more like this.
Needless to say they sell Iron Maiden trooper beer here.
In the basement , is the new stage with its own very nice lightshow.
THE EDIT arrived on stage at 8.05pm and played for 45 mins.
The played a good set of rock, new wave and a bit of reggae too.
Highlights were a great track called "Dodgy People" and a cover of Ozzys "Crazy Train".
SNOG arrived on stage at 9pm and played for 1 hour 50 mins.
They played a fantastic set full of non-stop KISS classics.
They have the costumes, make-up , ticker-tape and smoke machine's but no pyros as health & safety
regulations would not allow that in an enclosed basement area space.
The singer has his Paul Stanley type stage banter down perfect.
The overall sound was amazing throughout.
At the end of the show, the singer said "Tonight you have been thoroughly SNOGGED".
An excellent show, and is a must see for all KISS fans.
I have put a few photos from the gig up on my Facebook page.
They play The Cavern, Raynes Park on 03 Dec 2022.
Full SNOG setlist played tonight...
Deuce
Crazy Crazy Nights
Shout It Out Loud
Strutter
Tears Are Falling
Shock Me
Heaven's On Fire
Firehouse
100,000 Years
Detroit Rock City
Cold Gin
Love Gun
God Of Thunder
Black Diamond
Lick It Up ( singer walks through the crowd while still playing guitar)
Let Me Go, Rock N Roll
I Was Made For Lovin' You
Rock and Roll All Nite
God Gave Rock N Roll To You
Encore :
Calling Dr Love
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Friday 11 November 2022.
AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW live at Hammersmith Apollo.
Top notch Pink Floyd tribute show are playing an extensive 31 date UK tour.
I have seen them several times before...they have great quality sound and visuals.
I first saw them back in 1993, and i have even seen them headline The Royal Albert Hall.
Since forming in 1988, they have sold over 4 million tickets in 35 countries.
I saw the real Pink Floyd at Wembley Arena in 1977, but wasn't really a big fan then.
I saw them at Earls Court Arena in 1994 , which was excellent.
I also went to their legendary mega four song reunion show at Hyde Park in 2005,
along with the four song rehearsal the day before along with Madonna , for just 300 people.
I have also seen solo project shows by David Gilmour, Roger Waters and Nick Mason.
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Outside the venue the band had two beautiful double decker tour buses from Phoenix-Bussing.
The show is stalls seated and is a near sell-out ,so over 3000 tickets sold, so it's a good indication
how much in high regard the Pink Floyd hardcore fans think of them.
The show is on for 2 hours 10 mins over two sets of 60 mins and 70 mins.
It was a fantastic show of Pink Floyd greatest hits.
As a tribute band, there is no better. They take painstaking care to ensure that every detail from Floyd's recordings is revived and relived. Their attention to detail and reproduction of each track was meticulous.
They had all the elements of a Floyd show, with the big circular screen playing images, superb lights and lasers, top notch sound, inflatables and fantastic female backing singers.
A great show.
Full setlist played tonight...
SET ONE
Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts I-V)
Learning to Fly
Time
Breathe (Reprise)
The Great Gig in the Sky
Money
Welcome to the Machine
On the Turning Away
The Happiest Days of Our Lives
Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2
SET TWO
In the Flesh
See Emily Play
Pigs (Three Different Ones)
Mother
Wish You Were Here
Coming Back to Life
High Hopes
One of These Days
Run Like Hell
Encore:
Comfortably Numb

Updated 12th November 2022 Permalink

Thursday 10 November 2022.

Thursday 10 November 2022....I went to three events tonight...
6pm to 7.30pm
ADAM DOBBY - private view - D Contemporary Gallery , 23 Grafton Street , Mayfair, London W1.
Photographer ADAM DOBBY is showcasing his "Created In Conflict" war photos.
Adam gives a speech , along with Channel 4 tv news reporter Lindsay Hilton.
Complimentary wines, beers and several different hot & cold canapes for all the guests.
then
7.35pm to 9pm
HOFA GALLERY - 10th anniversary party - 11 Bruton Place, Mayfair, London W1.
HOFA Gallery celebrates its tenth anniversary on 11 November 2022 by
launching HOFA DAO - London's first-ever decentralized,
blockchain-powered community of contemporary art collectors, aiming to
make global art investment more accessible.
To mark the occasion HOFA will also launch HOFAVERSE, a new
interactive multi-user Metaverse experience at their Mayfair flagship gallery space.
Complimentary Charles de Fere champers and wines for all the guests.
then
9.30pm to 11pm
The Royal Exchange Pub , Sale Place, Paddington, London W2.
The Clash bass playing legend PAUL SIMONON is playing his regular Thursday DJ stint.
We have three legendary bass players in attendance tonight.
GLEN MATLOCK
PAUL SIMONON
NORMAN WATT-ROY
I get a nice photo of myself with the three of them, which will be up on my Facebook page Friday.
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Wednesday 09 November 2022....6.15pm to 10.15pm...
OLD SESSIONS HOUSE - showcase - 23 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1.
This magnificent eighteenth-century former courthouse is easily one of Clerkenwell’s most remarkable landmarks. The stone exterior is grand and the building retains a lot of its original structure, adding to its aesthetic raw character.
The Grade II listed Old Sessions House has multiple floors, grandiose mezzanine areas, a restored eighteenth-century glass atrium, as well as a resplendent dome roof.
The venue has been bought and refurbished by a couple of Swedish brothers.
There was a Maserati party here last week.
The brothers are showcasing it as a private members club for the many office workers nearby.
A smartly dressed crowd here tonight.
They have many different spaces here, including a couple of very nice bars.
Lots of comfy seats dotted around the venue, so we found a couple by one of the bars ,
and the barman (from Bulgaria) kept us nicely topped up with champers.
A DJ is playing in one of the rooms.
There were a couple of other events nearby but we stayed here as nice and cosy.
Complimentary Pommery champers and Budweiser beers throughout the evening.

Updated 10th November 2022 Permalink

Tuesday 08 November 2022.

Tuesday 08 November 2022...I went to two events tonight...
2.45pm to 6.15pm
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET 2022 is held at Excel, East London.
This was Day 2 of the 3 days here for this event, and my first time at this years event.
Over 100 countries are showcasing why we should visit them in the future.
A massive event as there must be a few thousand visiting Excel every day.
Some countries have stunning stands with huge digital screens and staff in national costumes.
Many countries are hosting hospitality sessions for an hour throughout the day.
We stopped off at...
Peru - Pisco Sour drinks and Peruvian food.
Philippines - Tropical cocktails and Pineapple cakes.
Press / Buyers Club - Gin & Tonics, wines, beers, canapes.
Paris - Pannier champers and macaroons.
Nice woman on Bateaux Mouches (boat trips along The Seine) gave me her card ,
to use for two free trips when i am next in Paris.
Zimbabwe - wines and a great live four piece band playing South African rhythms.
A nice afternoon, and it certainly makes me look into going overseas in Jan 2023.
then...
PETER FRAMPTON live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Rock legend Peter Frampton , now aged 72, is playing his farewell UK tour due to ill-health.
The current edition of Classic Rock has a multi-page article on Peter Frampton.
Back in 2019, Frampton announced his retirement from touring after revealing that he had been diagnosed with a degenerative muscle disease called Inclusion-Body Myositis, which will eventually hamper his ability to play the guitar.
His classic live album "Frampton Comes Alive" from 1976, eventually spent a total of 10 non-consecutive weeks in the top spot in America.It was the best-selling album of 1976 in USA selling over 8 million copies in the US and becoming one of the best-selling live albums to date, with estimated sales of 11 million worldwide.
I have seen him a few times live, with the first back in 1974 when he was a support act.
Uriah Heep + Peter Frampton Hammersmith Odeon, London 27.10.1974 Peter Frampton was still a support act and " Show Me The Way " would take off mega over a year later from this gig.
Peter Frampton,Gary Wright Wembley Arena, London 22.10.1976 his double live album was now huge.
Support comes from rock band CARDINAL BLACK who I have seen twice before, and whose singer has a fantastic powerful and soulful rock voice.
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Very nice to see the venue at full capacity tonight.
I had a perfect view tonight, right of stage in Block M ,row 4, sitting next to rock journo Dave Ling.
CARDINAL BLACK arrived on stage at 7.30pm and played for 35 mins.
The band feature Tom Hollister on vocals and Chris Buck on guitar who really are both top notch.
They were recommended to Peter Frampton by his friend, and was suitably impressed to book them.
Tom has an incredible vocal style that always wins over the crowd they are playing to.
With a mix of soul, rock, gospel and blues, it has hints of legends like Joe Cocker.
The crowd gave them a deserved standing ovation.
PETER FRAMPTON & BAND arrived on stage at 8.30pm and played for a nice long 2 hours 25 mins.
We have a video montage of Peter Framptons career on the big screen at the start.
Peter needs help as arrives on stage to a standing ovation, then remains seated for the show.
There is clearly a lot of love for him, on this emotional farewell London show.
It certainly reminded me of when i saw Phil Collins at this same venue a few years ago,
who also had to sit down for the entire show due to his health issues.
There are cameras all around , so look out for that release in the future.
Pretty much every song had a nice story about how it came about, as Peter smiled throughout.
Pretty much every song got a standing ovation, from this mainly older crowd.
Those classic songs from his "Frampton Comes Alive" double live album were a highlight.
His guitar playing is still great.
Big cheers from the crowd , every time Frampton's signature effect, the talkbox was used.
At the very end, Peter said "Never Say Never" about touring the UK again, so we can only hope he can.
A great show.
Full PETER FRAMPTON setlist played tonight...
Video intro on the big screen of Peter Framptons career highlights...
Baby (Somethin's Happening)
Lying
Lines on My Face
Show Me the Way
The Lodger
It's a Plain Shame
Georgia (On My Mind) (Hoagy Carmichael and His Orchestra cover)
All I Wanna Be (Is by Your Side)
Breaking All the Rules
Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden cover) (instrumental version)o
(I'll Give You) Money
Baby, I Love Your Way
Do You Feel Like We Do
Encore:
Four Day Creep (Ida Cox cover)
I Don't Need No Doctor (Nickolas Ashford cover)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (The Beatles cover)
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Monday 07 November 2022
ROBBIE WILLIAMS live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Robbie plays the second of two sold out pronto shows at this iconic venue.
Robbie Williams has announced that he will perform two special shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall this November which will be filmed for a major scene in the upcoming Robbie Williams film, ‘Better Man’.
The concerts will take place on 6th and 7th November for two sensational nights of music at the iconic venue, where Robbie will perform a mixture of swing classics and some of his biggest hits.
I have seen Robbie with Take That a few times and several times as a solo artist ,
including two of his three massive Knebworth shows in 2003.
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The shows are a glamourous black tie event, so the men have their dickie bows on display,
and the women are wearing their finiest gowns and outfits...the venue is rammed solid sold out.
There is hospitality everywhere tonight, with this well heeled crowd.
ROBBIE WILLIAMS was on stage for 2 hours 15 mins over two sets of 60 mins and 75 mins.
Robbie was backed by a band (including Guy Chambers), brass section and three female backing vocals.
A stunning opening of "Let Me Entertain You" with his six female dancers was fantastic.
32 years into his musical career – and 25 years since going solo – there’s rarely been a better time to be Robbie Williams. Sober, happily settled and soon to be the subject of a Netflix docuseries as well as a cinematic biopic entitled Better Man, last month the 48-year-old singer scored his 14th UK number one album with reorchestrated greatest hits compilation XXV, smashing Elvis Presley’s record.
A heavyweight set strewn with now-classic pop singles, plus a running commentary of his "32 year musical odyssey , from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows" that oscillated between the usual tongue-in-cheek silliness and glimpses of startling sincerity.
Even though it was a black tie crowd, they were standing from the start and ready to dance & party.
They were also very complient , when the film director shot two lots of crowd scenes for the film.
Not the usual thing that happens at a gig, but everyone really enjoyed playing their part.
Robbie was flirting and shaking hands with his adoring female fans throughout the show.
Thankfully only three swing songs were in the set.
He mentioned he has sold 87 million albums as a solo artist.
So many big solo hits and Take That hits combined with Robbie's cheeky stage banter between every song,
and a crowd up for a good time , made the show a fantastic evening.
A totally excellent show.
Full ROBBIE WILLIAMS setlist played tonight...
FIRST SET
Intro video The National Anthem of Robbie
Let Me Entertain You
Land of 1000 Dances (Chris Kenner cover)
Strong
Everything Changes (Take That song)
Don't Look Back in Anger (Oasis cover)
The Flood (Take That song)
Better Man
Candy (Robbie threw out some t-shirts)
Kids
SECOND SET
Two playbacks of "My Way" without Robbie to film crowd scenes for the film.
Puttin' On the Ritz (Irving Berlin cover)
Creep (Radiohead cover) (swing version)
Ain't That a Kick in the Head (Dean Martin cover)
Love My Life
Go Gentle
Feel
Rock DJ
She's the One (World Party cover)
Angels
My Way (Claude François cover)
My Way reprise where Robbie sung it from the floor seating area , for the film.

Updated 8th November 2022 Permalink

Monday 07 November 2022.

Sunday 06 November 2022.
UGLY KID JOE + MASSIVE WAGONS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Rock is alive and well, as Ugly Kid Joe and Massive Wagons have just announced a huge co-headline UK tour including a night at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire. Ugly Kid Joe will be hitting the road in support of their upcoming album," Rad Wings of Destiny" , whilst Massive Wagons are touring the release of their latest LP,
'TRIGGERED!', out 28th October 2022 via Earache Records.
Two days before this show the album went in at a very impressive number 6 in the charts.
Massive Wagons are one of my fave new rock bands from the past few years.
I saw them at The Ramblin' Man Festival in Maidstone, Kent a few years ago.
Their hard work has finally paid off for them.
I have seen Ugly Kid Joe three times times before...
Twice at Wembley Stadium on a mega bill in 1995 when they they were upport to Bon Jovi,
Van Halen (with Sammy Hagar) and Thunder...and in 2012 supporting Alice Cooper at Wembley Arena.
They had 2 x Top 10 singles in the UK...."Everything About You" (1992) and "Cats In The Cradle" (1993).
-------------------
Levels 2 and 2 are closed tonight , so maybe 1000 tix max sold tonight.
A surprise opening act tonight is CHRIS CATALYST who was on at 7.15pm for 25 mins.
Chris is currently the guitarist in The Professionals with Sex Pistol Paul Cook.
He played half a dozen tracks (just him and his electric guitar) which included a couple of
cover versions - Chas n Dave "Ain't No Pleasing You" and A-Ha "Take On Me".
The Professionals bass player Toshi is one of the road crew tonight for all three acts.
MASSIVE WAGONS arrived on stage at 7.50pm and played for 65 mins.
Needless to say that i was really looking forward to seeing Massive Wagons again at last.
The band capture the excitement of seeing the greats in their prime, because they themselves are firing on all four cylinders. They may be fuelled by the legends of a bygone era, but they very much their own band, carving their own path. A dollop of playfulness, a scoop of sing-along ability and pinch of self-deprecation. The Wagons have this in spades.
The singer is wearing shorts and a dodgy tache, but is full of energy as he bounces around the stage,
and the band are totally on fire with their uptempo rock n roll gems.
A great set.
My mates on security told me 39 fans left the venue after Massive Wagons played.
Full MASSIVE WAGONS setlist played tonight...
Pressure
Triggered
Bangin in Your Stereo
Back to the Stack
A.S.S.H.O.L.E.
Fee Fi Fo Fum
Germ
Fuck the Haters
China Plates
Please Stay Calm
Skateboard
Generation Prime
Ratio
Nails
In It Together
During the interval it was all AC/DC tracks over the house PA system.
UGLY KID JOE arrived on stage at 9.35pm and played for 70 mins.
Not an easy job to follow Massive Wagons, but Ugly Kid Joe do a good job.
Like Massive Wagons they also have a nice AC/DC / The Cult type of rock sound.
They dedicate a couple of songs to the guitarist mum and the producer of their massive selling
debut album "Americas Least Wanted" , who both take a bow from the Level 1 VIP seats.
They played a great pair of songs for the pretend encore, as they actually didn't leave the stage.
Like Massive a Wagons there was a fair amount of moshing in the front stalls.
A great pairing of old school rock bands tonight.
Full UGLY KID JOE setlist played tonight...
That Ain't Livin'
V.I.P.
Neighbor
Panhandlin' Prince
No One Survives
Devil's Paradise
So Damn Cool
Cat's in the Cradle ( Harry Chapin cover)
I'm Alright
Failure
Milkman's Son
Goddamn Devil
Lola (The Kinks cover)
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (AC/DC cover) (see below for special guests on this track)
Everything About You
Note: for AC/DC cover they were joined by tennis player Pat Cash and Massive Wagons singer Baz Mills
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Saturday 05 November 2022.
CARPENTER BRUT live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Franck Hueso, better known by his stage name CARPENTER BRUT, is a French darksynth artist from Poitiers, France....he has released four albums.
He has also contributed original music to a variety of soundtracks, both for film and video games.
This European Tour followed a North American tour.
-------------------
Level 3 is half unsold , but the rest of the venue is full.
Up first tonight is French female DJ SIERRA from 7.55pm to 8.30pm - 35 mins.
She said it was her first visit to London.
Her EDM (electronic dance music) and Darkwave tones set the vibe perfectly for this moody dance night. She also was the sole vocalist performing live at this show. Armed with her DJ rig, drum pads, and hypnotic beats. She went down well with the crowd.
Who are fuck is CARPENTER BRUT you may ask?
A couple of friends said i would be surprised how good a good it was , and they were right.
The songs on the pa are all classic rock songs, and there are plenty of rock band t-shirts in the crowd.
CARPENTER BRUT arrived on stage at 9pm and played for 80 mins.
The main man has his DJ rig / keyboards and is joined by a guitarist and a drummer.
A great stage show, with three big screens showing digital images and loads of lights.
It was a stunning visual and sonic assault of metal electronica.
Plenty of moshing and pit circles during the liveliest tracks.
There is no microphone in sight for the few songs with vocals to get played like “Lipstick Masquerade.” It doesn’t seem out of place at all, the crowd and the sound system did all the work. With the pre-finale of “Turbo Killer,” you know the crowd wanted more. The only way to end this night was with their cover of Michael Sembello’s 1980s classic “Maniac.” The crowd went bonkers.
Loads of sweaty bodies everywhere at the end of the show.
Like The Prodigy and Pendulum , you can easily see them playing rock or dance festivals.
A really good show.

Updated 7th November 2022 Permalink

Saturday 05 November 2022.

Friday 04 November 2022.
LIGHTNING SEEDS + BADLY DRAWN BOY play Shepherds Bush Empire.
Lightning Seeds had 14 x Top 40 hits in the UK , including a number one with "Three Lions".
Lightning Seeds release their first album in 13 years, ‘See You In The Stars’...new single ‘Sunshine’
Due for release on October 14, the album coincides with a new 14-date tour for the Autumn.
Although Lightning Seeds’ 1996 football anthem ‘Three Lions’ with comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner has revisited the Top 40 singles chart four times in the last 13 years – reaching Number One in 2018 – ‘Sunshine’ is the first new Lightning Seeds song since their sixth album ‘Four Winds’ was released in 2009.
I have seen Lightning Seeds a few times since 1997, when they headlined The Astoria.
I have seen Badly Drawn Boy a few times since 2001 , when he headlined The Royal Albert Hall,
after winning The Mercury Album Prize and NME voting him Best Solo Artist.
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Level 3 is closed tonight, but all other levels look full.
Another show here with at least 100 folks on the guest list.
The only face I saw was legendary music pr BARBARA CHARONE from MBC PR.
MBC was born on November 1, 2000. Within six months it became one of the country’s top music PR firms. The company was founded by joint directors Moira Bellas and Barbara Charone.
Before that Barbara Charone was with WEA for 25 years.
The current client roster includes: Madonna, Mark Ronson, Foo Fighters,
Jake Bugg, Keith Richards, Rod Stewart, Dido, Tom Walker, Jack Savoretti, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith, Metallica, Imagine Dragons, Kasabian, Depeche Mode, Rag’n’Bone Man, Pearl Jam, Tom Chaplin, Ray Davies, Simply Red, Robert Plant, Elvis Costello, Rufus Wainwright, The Divine Comedy, OMD and Cage the Elephant.
BADLY DRAWN BOY arrived on stage at 7.45pm for his 45 mins set.
Badly Drawn Boy (aka Damon Gough) is still wearing his trademark beanie woolly hat.
He sung his good songs , alternating him playing guitar and playing keyboards.
He has gone off the radar recently , compared to how popular he was 20 years ago.
Full BADLY DRAWN BOY setlist played tonight...
A Journey From A to B
This Is That New Song
The Shining
Something to Talk About
All Possibilities (with snippet of Thinking of You by Sister Sledge)
A Minor Incident
Born in the U.K.
You Were Right
Once Around the Block
Silent Sigh
LIGHTNING SEEDS arrived on stage at 9pm for their 95 mins set.
The band have eight rectangular screens showing digital images behind them.
Liverpudlian Ian Broudie certainly knows how to write really good catchy pop tunes.
Gems like "Lucky You" and "Perfect" were played in the first half of the set , and the
last six songs of the evening starting with a cover of "Whole Wide World" and finishing with
the mass singalong to football anthem "Three Lions" were excellent.
A great show.
Full LIGHTNING SEEDS setlist played tonight...
Sunshine
Ready or Not
Change
All I Want
Lucky You
Perfect
Great To Be Alive
Feeling Lazy
Sense
What If...
Waiting for Today to Happen
You Showed Me (The Byrds cover)
Telling Tales
Losing You
Emily Smiles
Whole Wide World (Wreckless Eric cover)
Sugar Coated Iceberg
Pure
The Life of Riley
Encore:
Marvellous
Three Lions
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COMPETITION TIME...
Legendary metal band GWAR are releasing a 120 mins film on 24 Oct 2022.
Contains a mixture of live footage and interviews....DVD (£15.99) and Blu-Ray (£19.99).
They have been described as "there is no band like GWAR" , "shock rock legends" and
" one of the sickest bands in the world".
Gwar has been nominated for two Grammy Awards, but lost to Annie Lennox and Nine Inch Nails.
I have two DVD or Blu-Ray's to give away.
Question - in what year did GWAR release their debut album?
Send your answer to ray@raysgigs.com before 26 Oct 2022.
With your name and address and preferred choice of DVD or Blu-Ray.
COMPETITION NOW CLOSED.
Blu-Ray's on the way to...Ian in Wallington and John in Sunbury-on-Thames.

Updated 5th November 2022 Permalink

Thursday 03 November 2022.

Thursday 03 November 2022.
THE RASMUS live at The Forum.
Finnish rock band who have released 10 studio albums.
I saw them play the once before back in 2004.
They had their two biggest hits in 2004, in the UK.
"In The Shadows" reached number 3, and "Guilty" reached number 15.
Their album from 2004, "Dead Letters" reached number 10 in the UK.
They have gone off the radar a bit since then.
This show is the last one on their UK & European Tour.
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Not sold out, but pretty full here tonight.
Lots of Finnish accents in the crowd.
THE RASMUS arrived on stage at 9pm for their 95 mins set.
They were never as cool as other Finnish acts, like Hanoi Rocks or Michael Monroe.
Lots of lights , including lots of strobe lighting.
The fans seems to know all the songs played tonight.
Highlights included the two hit singles, but other tracks felt a bit average and a cover of
"Ghostbusters" theme seemed pointless.
A pretty average show overall.
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Thursday 03 November 2022.
My GLEN MATLOCK BAND review from Tuesday is now up on www.sex-pistols.net
It has also a couple of the photos i took on the night.
www.sex-pistols.net has now passed 14 million views.
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Wednesday 02 November 2022.
SUGABABES live at Hammersmith Apollo.
Mutya, Keisha and Siobhan reunite for their first headline tour in over 10 years.
SUGABABES had 18 x Top 10 hits in the UK, including 6 number ones.
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Their UK tour comes three years after the pop trio finally reclaimed their original name and almost ten years after releasing new music under MKS, back in 2013. Over the last 21 years, there have been four iterations of the Sugababes, but this latest reunion just feels right.
You kinda sometimes forgot how popular some acts were.
Tonight is totally rammed sold out, and there is a fantastic atmosphere from a crowd
made up of mainly from the LGBT+ community and groups of females.
SUGABABES arrived on stage at 9.10pm for their 80 mins set.
Straight into a mega "Push The Button" and it's full on pop party , as the hits rolled in.
A dazzling light show and a disco ball were here, even though the dance routines were a bit basic.
So many catchy hits had the crowd in raptures , throughout the show.
Tracks "Ugly" and "Stronger" were top notch, even though they never topped the charts.
The Gary Numan sample throughout "Freak Like Me" was superb.
We had some ticker-tape confetti near the end of the show.
Last three songs of the evening were all number ones, and sent the crowd home very happy.
A great show, that was much better than expected.
Full SUGABABES setlist played tonight....
Push the Button (number one in 2002)
Red Dress
Hole in the Head (number one in 2003)
Too Lost in You
Flatline (Mutya Keisha Siobhan cover)
2 Hearts
Today (Mutya Keisha Siobhan cover)
Ugly
Love Me Hard ( Keisha Siobhan cover)
Stronger
Overload
Flowers (Sweet Female Attitude cover)
Round Round (number one in 2002)
Freak Like Me (Adina Howard cover) (number one in 2002)
Encore:
About You Now (number one in 2007)
__________________________________________________________________________
Wed 02 Nov -- Prog legend KIETH EMERSON book release...via www.keithemersonbook.com
The lavish, fully illustrated book in which family, friends, colleagues, and fans talk about the life, work and legacy of Keith Emerson will be widely available on what would have been Keith’s 78th birthday.
There are two deluxe editions – the Classic, and the Signature which is signed by author Chris Welch and Aaron Emerson and comes with an exclusive art print portrait of Keith, a CD of an unheard interview, and sheet music of the very first piece of music composed by the then twelve-year-old Keith, titled “Quatermass Boogie Woogie.
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Tuesday 01 November 2022...I went to two events tonight...
6pm to 7pm
IF ONLY THESE WALLS CAN TALK - private view - 27 Cork Street Gallery , Mayfair, London W1.
A very upmarket art crowd here , with many of the women in very glamourous outfits.
The Standard showbiz photographer DAVE BENETT is here taking photos.
Performance artist PANDEMONIA was here - 6' 6" tall head to toe , in bright latex.
As usual many of the crowd wanted a photo with her.
One room is full of erotic images on the walls, with ladies in lingerie.
Complimentary Nicolas Courtin champers,wines and macaroons for the guests.
then
7.15pm to 11pm
THE LOWER THIRD - launch party - 26 Denmark Street, London WC2.
London’s 12 Bar Club opens under a new name, The Lower Third, in The Outernet complex.
The landmark venue on Denmark Street, which closed for redevelopment in 2015, was renowned for hosting early shows for acts who went on to reach stardom including Adele, Regina Spektor and Jeff Buckley.
Its location in the nicknamed “Tin Pan Alley” of London was at the heart of much British musical history. David Bowie famously hung out on Denmark Street in the ’60s, and The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, the Sex Pistols and Elton John all recorded or rehearsed their early works at recording studios on the street. NME‘s offices were formerly located there.
The venue has a capacity of 250 , and maybe 150 are here tonight including RUSTY EGAN and
MICK TALBOT.
It is quite fitting that a Sex Pistol is performing at the launch event.
At 7.40pm GLEN MATLOCK BAND played a great 60 mins set.
First show for years that i have seen a keyboard player in Glens band, which sounded really good.
Easy to get a nice close-up position near the stage, to take a few photos.
An excellent set as the band were all on top form.
Full GLEN MATLOCK setlist played tonight...
Rattle Your Cage
Who's Side Are You On ?
Magic Carpet Ride
Hook In You
Ghosts of Princes in Towers (Rich Kids song)
Blank Generation (Richard Hell & the Voidoids cover)
Consequences Coming
Couldn't Give A Damn
Head On A Stick
Can't Be Myself
Born Running (Glen Matlock & the Philistines song)
Pretty Vacant (Sex Pistols song)
Encore:
All or Nothing (Small Faces cover)
Complimentary bar all night (except champers) so a good time to get stuck into some JD & cokes.
A great band , in a great new Central London club venue, supporting emerging talent.
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THE CURLING CLUB @ The Southbank.
I couldn't get along for the launch of this venue, as it clashed with the above events.
Try a weird, wonderful winter sport in an awesome alpine setting.
Gather your friends and loved ones to find out whose curling skills are on point, and power your night with wintery cocktails and delicious food.
This alpine-themed curling pop-up is a seriously slick way to glide into the spirit of winter.
Combining casual curling with seasonal cocktails, indulgent food and festive music, The Curling Club delivers fun après ski vibes with a light dusting of competition. See you on the ice!
Book now
Opening times
Tuesday 1 November 2022 – Tuesday 3 January 2023
Monday – Sunday, 11am – 11pm
Location
The Builder’s Yard, under Hungerford Bridge

Updated 2nd November 2022 Permalink

Monday 31 October 2022.

Monday 31 October 2022....I went to two events tonight.
6pm to 7.30pm.
THE ART OF MOTORING - private view - Sotheby's , 34 New Bond Street, Mayfair, London W1.
First held in 2015 the annual Art of Motoring Exhibition is organised and curated by Andrew Marriott of Pitlane Productions and Rupert Whyte of Historic Car Art in association with the Royal Automobile Club and Sotheby’s. The show will be held from 31st October to 5th November 2022 at the Conduit Gallery, Sotheby’s, Bond St., London....free admission daily 9.30am to 4.30pm
All artworks are available to buy in person at the exhibition or online through the gallery section on this website during and after the live exhibition.
We had a speech at 6.45pm to introduce the various artists attending here tonight.
Complimentary Forget-Brimont champers , wines and canapes for all the guests here.
then
7.40pm to 9.30pm.
MACABRE - private view - Christie's , 8 King Street, St James's, London SW1.
All the art on display is related to the Macabre.
A cool younger crowd here, with many in ghoulish Halloween outfits.
Fashionista DANIEL LISMORE was here.
The gallery is nice and darkened to give it a scary Halloween vibe.
A DJ is playing tunes to keep it lively.
Complimentary Perrier Jouet champers , two different gin cocktails from Seventy One Gin
and a Halloween Sweets stand in one of the rooms.
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Sunday 30 October 2022.
KIEFER SUTHERLAND live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Famous American actor releases his third album of country music titled "Bloor Street".
He is playing a European and UK tour to promote it.
Kiefer Sutherland (now aged 55) is a British-Canadian actor. He was born in Paddington, London.
He is best known for his starring role as Jack Bauer in the Fox drama series "24" , (2001 to 2010, 2014), for which he won an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
He has starred in many films over the past 30 odd years.
His father is the legendary actor Donald Sutherland.
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Level 3 is closed , and Level 2 is half empty so maybe 1000 folks here max.
Nearly all the crowd are in early , as if it's a West End theatre show.
Support band FINE LINES arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins set.
They played a decent set of country tinged Americana tracks from their three albums.
Mostly male lead vocals, but the female backing singer also had her own lead vocal for one song.
KIEFER SUTHERLAND arrived on stage at 9pm and played for 85 mins.
Sutherland took the stage , which was cosily set up like a living room with rug, table lamp, hat stand, chair and glass of whisky. His band were nicely spread out around the stage.
Sutherland’s third album "Bloor Street" came out earlier this year, and is another slice of Americana with but with some additional influences in the mix such as country and R&B. It also reinforces his prowess as a down to earth and engaging storyteller, something apparent throughout the evening as he often introduced songs with a little back story about them.
He told us about his teenage years in Toronto, Canada, along with his stint as a rodeo rider touring
North America in the 1990s, and tales of drinking even though he has spent 48 days in jail for
drink driving.
He performed two lesser known Tom Petty tracks, and Kiefer really enjoyed himself tonight.
For the two song encore, he ditched his guitar , and did some energetic dancing on stage.
A vey enjoyable show.
Full KIEFER SUTHERLAND setlist played tonight...
Ole' lonely life
Can't Stay Away
Chasing the Rain
Going Down
Going Home
Something You Love
Reckless & Me
Two Stepping in Time
Blame It on Your Heart (Patty Loveless cover)
Bloor Street
County Jail Gate
Ways to Be Wicked (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers cover)
So Full of Love
Set Me Free
This Is How It's Done
Honey Bee (Tom Petty cover)
Down in a Hole
Encore:
Friday Night
Agave

Updated 31st October 2022 Permalink

Saturday 29 October 2022.

Saturday 29 October 2022.
THE DAMNED live at Hammersmith Apollo.
Saturday: Special guests - Rezillos + TV Smith & The Bored Teenagers + Smalltown Tigers.
The atmosphere didn't seem as good as the opening first night of the tour last night.
Last night was full, but a couple of rear corner blocks in the balcony were unsold tonight.
Again, nice to see so many punk rock chums here that i know.
Hardcore Damned fan Kevin Shepherd (has seen The Damned over 600 times) is collecting
signatures for a petition for the band to appear on The Graham Norton Show.
GLEN MATLOCK was here...also GAYE BLACK ex The Adverts.
Also Jenny the lead singer in cool girl band THE PRISCILLAS.
Again , the march stands selling t-shirts are doing a roaring trade.
SMALLTOWN TIGERS arrived on stage at 6.30pm for a short 20 mins set.
Italian female trio playing some catchy pop punk tunes.
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TV SMITH & THE BORED TEENAGERS on at 7.10pm for his 30 mins set.
He played the same set as last night, so always good to hear those gems from The Adverts
including "No Time to Be 21" , "Gary Gilmores Eyes" , "Bored Teenagers" and "One Chord Wonders".
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THE REZILLOS arrived on stage at 8pm for their 45 mins set.
Really good to see The Rezillos play a nice best of set.
Having said that, I did prefer The Skids yesterday to The Rezillos.
Full REZILLOS setlist played tonight...
Destination Venus
Flying Saucer Attack
Do the Mutilation (The Revillos cover)
Sorry About Tomorrow
Top of the Pops
(My Baby Does) Good Sculptures
Somebody's Gonna Get Their Head Kicked in Tonight
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THE DAMNED again arrived on stage at 9.20pm for their 70 mins set.
The same setlist and pretty much everything the same.
The Guardian gave the first show a tame three star review and Captain Sensible read some
of the review on stage " gloriously amateurish "....and he totally was happy with that.
Guitarist Brian James is reminding me of the current situation with Mick Mars from Motley
Crue who due to ill-health will not be touring with them anymore.
Brian plays the guitar well, but is stationary and wooden throughout the set.
Captain Sensible has that great bass sound as he plays the bass like a lead guitar.
A fan jumped on stage near the end, the security wrestled him to the ground, but
Dave Vanian told security to let him go, and the fan did some wild dancing with the band.
Classics like "Neat , Neat, Neat" and "New Rose" are the obvious highlights, but
it was again great to see them playing all the old songs like in 1976 /1977 when I first saw them.
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Friday 28 October 2022.
THE DAMNED live at Hammersmith Apollo.
This will be the punk event of the decade...since The Sex Pistols last reunion tour in 2007/2008.
By coincidence Sex Pistols NMTB album was released 45 years ago , on The Damned first night.
THE DAMNED original line-up has reunited for a short UK tour featuring all four founding members
Dave Vanian, Rat Scabies, Captain Sensible and Brian James.
They will be joined on tour by the following guests:
Friday : Special guests - Skids + TV Smith & The Bored Teenagers + Small Town Tigers
The greatest surviving British punk band THE DAMNED formed in 1976, releasing the first ever UK punk single ‘New Rose’ over forty years ago. Considered one of the greatest songs from this period, THE DAMNED’s ‘New Rose’ brought focus on the burgeoning punk scene but efore any other group.
On their up-coming tour they will celebrate the iconic single’s 45th anniversary, as well as perform tracks from the first two albums, B-sides and covers that the original line-up played.
I have seen The Damned around 50 times since 1976 when they played The 100 Club Punk Rock Festival.
I also saw them 10 times in 1977 alone, during the heyday year of punk rock.
I have seen them three times at this venue when it was called Hammersmith Odeon (1980,1982,1986).
SPECIAL REDUCED PRICE TICKET OFFER FROM VIVE LE ROCK MAGAZINE.
From 10 Oct buy tix for only £19.76 via www.vivelerock.net and use the code newrose
You can buy a live cd of the show from merch straight after the band finish their set, on both nights.
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The venue looks pretty full tonight, so around 5000 folks here, which includes stalls standing.
Great to see and chat to so many of my punk rock chums here.
PAUL COOK from SEX PISTOLS /THE PROFESSIONALS was here but left after 30 mins of The Damned.
QUIREBOYS singer SPIKE was here.
It was an excellent evening with all three bands playing great sets.
TV SMITH & THE BORED TEENAGERS arrived on stage at 7.10pm for their 30 mins set.
The lead singer of original punk band The Adverts whizzed through a great set their greatest hits.
Full TV SMITH setlist played tonight...
No Time to Be 21 (The Adverts cover)
Safety in Numbers (The Adverts cover)
We Who Wait (The Adverts cover)
Newboys (The Adverts cover)
On the Roof (The Adverts cover)
On Wheels (The Adverts cover)
My Place (The Adverts cover)
Bombsite Boy (The Adverts cover)
Great British Mistake (The Adverts cover)
Gary Gilmore's Eyes (The Adverts cover)
Bored Teenagers (The Adverts cover)
One Chord Wonders (The Adverts cover)
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THE SKIDS arrived on stage at 8pm and played for 45 mins.
Singer Richard Jobson is still doing his great energetic dancing style as he sings.
Scottish punk legends played all greatest hits tonight as well as a Clash classic from
their covers album that they released last year.
Full SKIDS setlist played tonight...
Of One Skin
The Saints Are Coming
Charade
Working for the Yankee Dollar
Out of Town
Masquerade
Circus Games
Into the Valley
TV Stars
Complete Control (The Clash cover)
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THE DAMNED arrived on stage at 9.20pm and played for 70 mins.
There are over 15 photographers in the pit as it is the first night of their reunion tour.
Lots of lights but no big screen or any type of backdrop.
Singer Dave Vanian looks gothly ghoulish as usual, and Rat Scabies has a nice big drum kit.
The overall sound is nice and loud and there is lots of moshing & pogoing at front of stage.
Guitarist Brian James still looks to be suffering from his health problem, as he is much
more static on stage , compared to Captain Sensible on bass.
Their first two singles "New Rose" and "Neat Neat Neat" still sound as mega as usual.
"Smash It Up" and "Love Song" among tracks not played as not part of the original line-up.
A couple of the album tracks were a bit average, but overall a great show.
Full DAMNED setlist playing tonight...
I Feel Alright (The Stooges cover)
You Take My Money
Help! (The Beatles cover)
Born to Kill
Stretcher Case Baby
Feel the Pain
I Fall
Fan Club
Alone
Fish
1 of the 2
Problem Child
Neat Neat Neat
Stab Yor Back
Sick of Being Sick
See Her Tonite
You Know
So Messed Up
Encore:
New Rose
Pills (Bo Diddley cover)
The Last Time (The Rolling Stones cover)

Updated 29th October 2022 Permalink

Thursday 27 October 2022.

Thursday 27 October 2022....I went to two events tonight...
6pm to 7.45pm
ICELANDAIR "AROUND THE CORNER" - private view - Phonica Records, 51 Poland Street , London W1.
We are in the large basement area of this cool vinyl dance record store in Soho.
Iceland (the country) is coming to London!
Icelandair has partnered with Inspired by Iceland, Blue Lagoon, and 66°North to create an unforgettable one-off experience in the middle of Soho.
A series of free events will bring the best of Iceland to you.
From 28 to 30 October, Iceland (the country) will literally be around the corner – and everyone’s invited!
When: Friday 28 to Sunday 30 October 2022. Check out our program for all the details
How to get around the corner: The nearest tube is Oxford Circus
Price: Free tickets, timed entry. Register for tickets via Eventbrite
Duration: We recommend that visits take around 1 hour
Age requirements: All ages are welcome, with Sunday a dedicated family day
Accessibility: The event is wheelchair accessible
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They have done a stunning job of transforming the basement area , as if you were in Iceland.
Spread over three areas Ice---Land---Air
All the staff , including the bar staff have been flown over by Icelandair.
There are headphones for each of the areas.
We have videos of Iceland showing The Blue Lagoon and The Northern Lights and an introduction from DAMON ALBARN on the big screen.
Damon Albarn has been coming to Iceland for nearly 30 years. What started as a quest to find the country he once saw in a dream has morphed into an extended affair.
We have a DJ playing cool tunes.
We have a display from the only Lava Show In The World
A female singer-songwriter from Iceland performed.
Complimentary vodka cocktails, gin cocktails , lagers and eight types of canapes from Iceland.
There were five spin the wheel prizes, including a pair of return flights to Iceland.
Well worth a visit to give you a taste of Iceland , as your next holiday location.
I have never been to Iceland, but it is certainly on my list to visit.
then
8.15pm to 10pm
THE NEW BLACK VANGUARD - private view - Saatchi Gallery , Kings Road, Chelsea , London SW3.
You know this event will be good , as the sponsors are BURBERRY.
Around 300 guests here with half the crowd from Caribbean /African communities as all the
photos on the walls are black folks from modelling, music, fashion, film and street normal.
The photos have been taken by 15 international black photographers.
Complimentary Pommery champers, Negronis and lots of different canapes and desserts.
A female DJ is playing tunes in the background.
It is on here until 22 Jan 2023.
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Wednesday 26 October 2022...I went to two events tonight...
6.45pm to 8.55pm.
THE HORROR SHOW! - private view - Somerset House, Strand, London WC2.
This exhibition celebrates 50 years of creative rebellion through three sections - Monster, Ghost and Witch.
An intriguing trawl through the nightmares of youth culture from over the decades.
Featuring art from Spitting Image to Siouxsie Sioux, this new Somerset House exhibition is as fun, anarchic and disturbing as punk itself.
The punk section items and photographers showing here included Jamie Reid, Jordan, Dennis Morris,
Ray Stevenson, Poly Styrene etc.
A lively big crowd of maybe 300 guests including a nice surprise to see NICK CAVE.
Many of the guests are dressed in goth and ghoulish attire.
Also PHILIP SALLON , SPIZZ ENERGI , PAM HOGG and 6' 6" head to toe latex artist PANDEMONIA.
Complimentary wines, beers and nibbles for all guests.
It is on from 27 Oct to 19 Feb - book via their website - £16.50 or £12 for concessions.
then a few minutes across the road to...
9pm to 11.30pm.
RAINDANCE FILM FESTIVAL - opening gala party - Waldorf Hotel, Aldwych, London WC2.
They are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year - 26 Oct to 05 Nov.
This party was held after the showing of the opening film nearby "Corner Office".
They are showing classic films along with some exclusive premieres at their venues.
Also interviews and QnAs with the directors and actors etc.
Curzon Mayfair
Curzon Soho
Genesis Mile End
The Garden Cinema, London WC2
Rio Cinema, London E8
Over 300 smartly dressed folks here, and always nice to see the girls in their posh frocks.
Folks love their selfies on the pretend red carpet with the Raindance Billboard behind.
Always nice to be in the ballroom at this historic five star hotel.
We have a nice 1920s swing band playing live and there is a DJ after the band.
A few actors here including VANESSA REDGRAVE and JONATHAN PRYCE.
Complimentary prosecco , wines and canapes for all the guests.
Not as good as last year , when we had champers, vodka cocktails and bowl food at The Dorchester.
A nice buzzy party , and a nice friendly crowd.
All guests got a goodie bag on departure.

Updated 27th October 2022 Permalink

Tuesday 25 October 2022.

Tuesday 25 October 2022.
PAVEMENT live at The Roundhouse.
PAVEMENT play the last of their four sold out shows at The Roundhouse.
This was my second time seeing them here.
No surprise that NME.COM gave the Pavement opening night at this venue a glowing five star review.
The Guardian gave the show a nice four review , and said the band have rehearsed 50 songs for this
European Tour and pick 25 to 30 tracks for each show.
We are lucky that London has got multi-nights on the tour just like major American cities got, so
they can change many songs each night, and i see plenty of folks that were also here Sunday.
I saw BRIX SMITH and THURSTON MOORE here tonight.
Also ITB booking agent STEVE ( Biffy Clyro etc ) ZAPP who told me he had come from a book launch party
by Simon Williams "Pandimonium - How Not To Run A Record Company " ( about Fierce Panda Records).
The merch stand was doing a roaring trade again.
PAVEMENT arrived on stage at 9.05pm and played for 1 hour 45 mins.
This was 5 mins less on stage than their Sunday show.
I enjoyed the show more tonight, as was much nearer the stage, as Sunday i watched from the rear bar.
Lots of different songs played tonight compared to Sunday..."Stereo" was an early highlight, and later on
"Here" and "Gold Soundz" were great.
You rarely heard them on tv or radio but Pavement are just one of those bands, just doing their own thing.
An enjoyable show.
Full PAVEMENT setlist played tonight...
Major Leagues
Stereo
Spizzle Trunk
Starlings of the Slipstream
Fight This Generation
Shoot the Singer (1 Sick Verse)
Embassy Row
Heckler Spray
Trigger Cut
Two States
Grave Architecture
Father to a Sister of Thought
Serpentine Pad
Grounded
Type Slowly
Here
Gold Soundz
Silence Kid
Kennel District
Heaven Is a Truck
Shady Lane
Encore:
Range Life
Spit on a Stranger
Conduit for Sale!
Stop Breathin'
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Sunday 23 October 2022.
PAVEMENT live at The Roundhouse.
Pavement play the second of four sold out nights at this venue.
American indie rock band, Pavement will let the lo-fi beats commence, for their first tour in 12 years.
The entire edition of the early October 2022 copy of Uncut magazine features them.
Emerging out of the American underground in the early ‘90s with their off-kilter arrangements and winding melodies, Pavement quickly became known as one of the most influential and distinctive bands to lead the lo-fi movement that dominated US indie rock during this era. Boasting five full-length albums and several international tours, the band will be gracing the Roundhouse stage for four nights. Expect punk-derived sonic textures and free-flowing poetic lyrics from these legendary lo-fi rockers.
Joining Pavement for these performances will be Richard Dawson (Sat 22nd), The Bug Club (Sun 23rd), Los Bitchos (Mon 24th) and Beak (Tue 25th).
I have seen Pavement just the once before, in 1999 supporting Blur at The Reading Festival.
Looks like they rotate and change songs on the setlist, so each night is a bit different.
NME and DJ John Peel loved them back in the day.
---–-----------
I must admit i only really know a couple of Pavement songs, but four nights sold out at The Roundhouse
at £45 a pop is pretty amazing, so here i am to see what all the fuss is about.
The merch stand in the foyer is doing a roaring trade.
THE BUG CLUB arrived on stage at 8pm and played for 40 mins.
The trio did a good set of indie garage pop.
Pavement have let them use their big screen, showing some images that Pavement would use later.
The Bug Club play The Scala on 26 October.
PAVEMENT arrived on stage at 9.05pm and played for 1 hour 50 mins.
They have a nice big screen that is showing arty and scribbly pre-recorded images.
Six musicians on stage.
Highlights for me included "Frontwards" , "Here" and "Cut Your Hair"....but the rest???
Oddly tonight they didn't play the main sing I know them for titled "Gold Soundz" ,
although they did play it on the first night here.
Their style is a bit ramshackle , abrasive and loose, but it didn't really grab me.
Just one of those shows, where all the crowd enjoyed it more than me.
It was interesting enough, but just not as good as i had hoped for.
Maybe I just need to listen to them a bit more.
Full setlist played by PAVEMENT tonight...
Our Singer
Stereo
Frontwards
Cream of Gold
Silence Kid
Pueblo
Heckler Spray
In the Mouth a Desert
Shoot the Singer (1 Sick Verse)
Debris Slide
Fight This Generation
Kennel District
Here
Perfume-V
Type Slowly
Gangsters & Pranksters
Range Life
Serpentine Pad
Harness Your Hopes
Give It a Day
Stop Breathin
Encore:
Father to a Sister of Thought
Spit on a Stranger
Two States
Grave Architecture
Cut Your Hair
Fillmore Jive

Updated 24th October 2022 Permalink

Sunday 23 October 2022.

Saturday 22 October 2022.
CHRISTONE "KINGFISH" INGRAM live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Christone is a 23 year old rising blues guitarist from America.
On July 23, 2021 Ingram released his second record, an album called "662". Ingram is from Clarksdale, Mississippi and, says Ingram, "662 is the area code. It represents the whole north Mississippi Delta."On April 3, 2022, Kingfish won the Grammy award for "Best Contemporary Blues Album" for 662 at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.
On September 18, 2022 Fender released a new Telecaster Deluxe specially dedicated to Kingfish. This guitar is called Kingfish Telecaster Deluxe.
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Level 3 is closed tonight, but all other levels are full.
Singer-songwriter MAX POPE arrived on stage at 8pm for his 30 mins set.
Mainly him and his electric guitar, and a couple of songs with an acoustic guitar.
His set included a really good cover version of "I'd Rather Go Blind".
CHRISTONE "KINGFISH" INGRAM arrived on stage at 9pm and played for 1 hour 50 mins.
Christone is short and chubby , but plays a mean blues guitar.
His is backed by a three piece piece, including some nice keyboards that compliment his guitar.
Maybe only a dozen tracks played in the set ,as pretty every song was several mins plus long,
as each had a stunning guitar solo in it.
Tracks played included "Another Life Goes By" and "Not Gonna Lie".
After 45 mins he performed a great stunt as he played a solo in the stalls standing crowd,
and then an even longer solo up in the Level 1 seats, and finished it by playing the guitar with his teeth........the crowd loved it.
Encore included an extended cover of "Hey Joe".
This really was blues guitar at its best...a really enjoyable show.
During the encore he said he would be signing and meeting folks at the merch stand after his set.
On our way out, there was already a long queue to meet him.
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Friday 21 October 2022.
COUNTING CROWS live at Hammersmith Apollo.
Counting Crows play the second of two shows at this venue, as part of their UK & European tour.
I have seen them play three times before including in 2002 when i saw the them supporting
The Who at The Greek Theatre,Los Angeles, USA.
My fave track of theirs is "The Long December", which was released back in 1996.
Lawrence Carroll directed the music video for "A Long December", which features American actress Courteney Cox, whom singer Adam Duritz was dating at the time....over 23 million YouTube views...
They were signed to Geffen Records by the same guy that signed Nirvana.
Counting Crows gained popularity following the release of its first album, "August and Everything After "(1993). With the breakthrough hit single "Mr. Jones" (1993), the album sold more than 7 million copies in the United States. The band received two Grammy Awards nominations in 1994, one for "Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal" (for "Round Here") and one for "Best New Artist". The follow-up album, "Recovering the Satellites", reached number one on the US Billboard 200 album chart and reached number one in several other countries. All but one of their subsequent albums was top 10 on the Billboard 200 list.
They have sold over 20 million albums worldwide.
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Not sold out tonight , but very full...maybe 4500 sold out of 5000 capacity...stalls standing...
DAVID KEENAN arrived on stage at 8pm for his 30 mins set.
Irish singer-songwriter with his acoustic guitar performed a few decent tracks.
COUNTING CROWS arrived on stage at 9pm and played for two hours.
Seven musicians on stage , including a very nice keyboard sound.
Some nice soulful alt-rock tracks with the highlights for me including "Mr Jones",
"Round Here" and "A Long December".
A very enjoyable show.
Full COUNTING CROWS setlist played tonight...
Lullaby
St. Robinson in His Cadillac Dream (with Crimson and Clover tag)
Mr. Jones
Colorblind
Butterfly in Reverse
If I Could Give All My Love
Mercy
Miami
God of Ocean Tides
Start Again (Teenage Fanclub cover)
Washington Square
Catapult
Round Here
The Tall Grass
Elevator Boots
Angel of 14th Street
Bobby and the Rat‐Kings
Rain King
A Long December
Encore:
Omaha
Hanginaround
Holiday In Spain
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Thursday 20 October 2022.
MARK OWEN live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Take That member is touring the UK to promote his solo album "Land of Dreams".
Take That reunion tour with Robbie Williams holds the record for most shows played at
Wembley Stadium on the same tour - eight.
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Level 3 is closed tonight , but all the other levels are full.
No surprise that it is a 90% female crowd here tonight.
Lots of overseas fans here, judging by the flags and accents overheard tonight.
His loyal fans gather tightly at the front half of the stalls standing.
No support act tonight, and Mark Owen is on stage at 8pm for an impressive , lengthy
set that started at 8pm and finished at 10.10pm after 2 hours 10 mins.
Wilko Johnson stage show here two days before was dreadfully minimal but Mark Owen
has a lovely big production, where the bands are on all raised platforms and we have a big screen
showing live footage and pre-recorded images, along with a couple of neon signs.
A few costumes changes for Mark Owen tonight.
The band are all dressed in the same brown and white clothing.
There were a few Take That classics performed including "Shine", "The Flood" and
"Rule The World" that had all the fans swaying and singling loudly.
Mark is nice and friendly and smiley when he chats to the fans between songs.
A very enjoyable show.
Full MARK OWEN played tonight....
Superpower (performed from the backstage area)
You Only Want Me
Shine (Take That song)
Rio
Are You Looking for Billy?
Boy
Clementine
Four Minute Warning
The Flood (Take That song)
Ask Him To
Makin' Out
Us and Ours
Green Man
Come Back
Starwoman
Last of the Heroes
Gone, Gone, Gone
My Love
Rule the World (Take That song)
Hold Up a Light (Take That song)
Encore:
Stars
Child
Magic (ticker-tape fell over the stalls standing)
These Days (Take That song)
World
Being Human

Updated 21st October 2022 Permalink

Thursday 20 October 2022.

A great triple bill of BILLY IDOL + KILLING JOKE + TOYAH are touring the UK in October.
All three acts that have all been around for over 40 years.
I have seen all three of them many times.
Television have pulled out as main support due to illness , and have been replaced by KILLING JOKE.
Manchester Arena – Thu 13th
Cardiff Motorpoint Arena – Mon 17th
London OVO Arena, Wembley – Wed 19th
Note ---- Toyah will be on stage at 7pm
Glasgow OVO Hydro – Fri 21st
Birmingham Resorts World Arena – Sun 23rd
Leeds First Direct Arena – Tue 25th
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Wednesday 19 August 2022.
TOYAH WILLCOX arrived on stage at 7pm for her 30 mins set.
Toyah plays a great short set featuring all her hits.
Still looking very youthful at age 64 , as she bounces around the stage.
No big screens showing live footage for any of the acts tonight.
Full setlist played by TOYAH & her band tonight...
Thunder in the Mountains
Echo Beach (Martha and the Muffins cover)
Good Morning Universe
It's a Mystery
Neon Womb
Space Dance
I Want to Be Free
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KILLING JOKE arrived on stage at 7.50pm for their 45 mins set.
I was thinking Killing Joke would be a bit too hardcore for a Billy Idol crowd , but they
went down well by playing a best of set, and the sound was much better than their far too loud
recent show i saw at Hammersmith Apollo.
Full setlist played by KILLING JOKE tonight...
Unspeakable
Wardance
The Fall of Because
Requiem
Butcher
Eighties
Change
Loose Cannon
The Wait
Pssyche
Pandemonium
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For Billy Idol I went down the front to get a nice front row right close-up view.
BILLY IDOL arrived on stage at 9.10pm for his 95 mins set.
Billy arrives on stage with his trademark spiked-up blonde hair and all black clothing.
Looking in amazing shape for age 66 , and the females scream when he changes his shirts.
The big screen has nice pre-recorded images throughout the evening.
The show is filmed tonight , but not for the big screen here.
Billy and his guitarist Steve Stevens are on top form.
Not an obvious hits set as "Hot In The City" and "Sweet Sixteen" and others not played.
The opening of "Dancing With Myself" was fantastic, and the first of many gems.
Billy talked about his drug period in the 1980s and how he wrote "White Wedding" for his sister.
An excellent show.
Full setlist played by BILLY IDOL tonight...
Dancing With Myself (Gen X song)
Cradle of Love
Flesh for Fantasy
Cage
Speed
Bitter Taste
Eyes Without a Face
Guitar solo from Steve Stevens
Mony Mony (Tommy James & the Shondells cover)
Runnin' From the Ghost
One Hundred Punks (Generation X song)
Blue Highway
Rebel Yell
Encore:
Rebel Like You
Born to Lose (The Heartbreakers cover)
White Wedding
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I got a Billy Idol setlist of the show, which i have put on my Facebook page.
Nice to see lots of folks here i know.
Those attending included...
PAUL COOK
RUSTY EGAN
IAN BROUDIE
RICHARD ENGLAND ( who runs the wonderful Cadiz Records...Killing Joke etc)
GLEN MATLOCK was due to go but ended up watching QPR win and go to the top of the table.

Updated 20th October 2022 Permalink

Tuesday 17 October 2022.

Tuesday 17 October 2022.
WILKO JOHNSON BAND live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Blues rock guitar legend Wilko , has survived his cancer scare , and is still playing at age 75.
I was lucky to see Dr Feelgood with and without Wilko Johnson in their late 1970s heyday.
I have seen Wilko Johnson several times before with his own band.
Legendary long-time bass player Norman Watt-Roy is still here...insaw himwith Ian Dury & The Blockheads
in their heyday period...and he has done session work for The Clash and many others.
On drums is Dylan Howe ( son of Steve Howe from Yes).
The evening is promoted by Planet Rock Radio.
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Levels 2 and 3 are closed tonight and plenty of space in stalls and level 1...maybe only 500 max tix sold.
Mainly older folks are here, and no doubt some collecting government pensions.
WHEN RIVERS MEET arrived on stage at 7pm for their 45 mins set.
When Rivers Meet is an English blues / rock band formed in 2016 in Essex, England by husband and wife duo, Grace (very nice vocals) and Aaron Bond.
In May 2021, they won four UK Blues Awards, for: Emerging Blues Artist of the Year; Blues Band of the Year; Blues Album of the Year; and Most Inspirational Online Performance of the Year.
Their current album "Saving Grace" made no 84 in the UK charts....they played a good set.
KING KING arrived on stage at 8.05pm for their 60 mins set.
I saw King King supporting Europe at The Royal Albert Hall in 2018.
They played some nice blues tracks from their five albums, that featured some
very nifty blues guitar solos.
WILKO JOHNSON BAND arrived on stage at 9.40pm for their 65 mins.
They must have the least equipment of any headline band i have seen at this venue.
It was more like a set-up for playing on a small pub stage.
All three members are dressed all in black.
Wilko and his choppin' guitar as he darts around the stage is still great to see.
Norman Watt-Roy funky bass is still very prominent.
Some of his solo tracks seemed a bit ramshackle in places with overlong solos.
The setlist was pretty much exactly the same as I saw in Ealing in the summer.
Again four Dr Feelgood classics were the highlights "Going Back Home", "Roxette",
"Back In The Night" and "She Does It Right"...an enjoyable evening of blues rock acts.
For whatever reason , the older folks here started to leave in droves from halfway through the set.
Level 1 had 100 folks at the start of the Wilko set, but by the last two songs , only 20 were here.
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Tuesday 17 October 2022.
Fancy seeing THE DAMNED re-union tour at punk rockin 1976 prices of £19.76?
Vive Le Rock magazine have these less than half price tickets offer.
The five UK dates include two at Hammersmith Apollo on 28 Oct and 29 Oct.
Plus great support bands too.
Visit www.vivelerock.net and enter the code newrose
Vive Le Rock current magazine features 12 pages on The Damned, along with
The Buzzcocks, The Godfathers, Rusty Egan and many more.

Updated 18th October 2022 Permalink

Sunday 16 October 2022.

Sunday 16 October 2022.
DINOSAUR JR live at The Forum.
They have released a dozen albums since 1985.
They influenced many grunge rock bands back in the late 1980s.
They are led by J Mascis, who is the singer-songwriter and a pretty nifty guitar player.
I have seen them a few times before including in Northern Spain when they were on the
same bill as The Sex Pistols at The Azkena Festival, 2008.
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A sold out show tonight.
GARCIA PEOPLES arrived on stage at 7.50pm for their 40 mins set.
Support band were New Jersey psychedelic rock band Garcia Peoples who belted out their cosmic rock.
DINOSAUR JR arrived on stage at 9pm for their 1 hour 45 mins set.
The three band members and equipment are to the front of the the stage, to be close to the crowd.
This means the drummer is centre stage, where a singer would normally stand in other bands.
J Mascis has six Marshall Amps and has plenty of great guitar sounds, with hefty amounts of wah-wah.
The bass player has an aggressive stance and playing style that was great.
Overall the vocals should have been a bit clearer.
A fair amount of moshing in the stalls, but nothing compared to The Enemy the previous night here.
A nice story about why they play a neat cover of The Cure's "Just Like Heaven" as an encore.
A good show.
Full setlist played by DINOSAUR JR tonight...
The Lung
I Ain't
Garden
Little Fury Things
Out There
Crumble
Pieces
I Expect It Always
I Met the Stones
The Wagon
Been There All the Time
Start Choppin
Feel the Pain
Mountain Man
Freak Scene
Gargoyle
Encore:
Get Me
In a Jar
Just Like Heaven (The Cure cover)
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Saturday 15 October 2022.
THE ENEMY live at The Forum.
The Enemy play their second of two shows at this venue on their UK reunion tour.
The Enemy are an English indie rock band formed in Coventry in 2006. The band's debut album We'll Live and Die in These Towns (2007) went straight to Number 1 in the UK Albums Chart on release. Their second album Music for the People (2008) went to Number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. Streets in the Sky, their third studio album, was released on 21 May 2012 and was also their third UK top 10 album. Their fourth studio album, It's Automatic, was released on 9 October 2015. After disbanding in 2016, the band are due to reunite in 2022 for a reunion show in their hometown of Coventry, and a UK tour to follow.
In their heyday I saw them play a show at the sadly missed Astoria , Tottenham Court Road.
That was one of FIVE ahows at The Astoria they played on that tour.
The Enemy had five Top 40 hit singles in the UK.
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The first night was sold out, but the second night tonight is full, but not sold out.
LITTLE MAN TATE arrived on stage at 8.15pm for their 45 mins set.
Indie-rockers from Sheffield played a really good set.
They had albums out in 2007 and 2008 then went on hiatus for 12 years.
The crowd knew several of their songs.
During the interval the pa played perfect singalong indie classics that got the crowd singing.
The crowd atmosphere was fantastic tonight, as this drinking crowd swamped the bars.
The Enemy's intro song was "Baba O'Riley" , which was a perfect choice.
THE ENEMY arrived on stage at 9.30pm for their 65 mins set.
Blimey, i had forgot what a great live band The Enemy were.
Hi-energy indie gems with a blaze of lighting and perfect sound had the entire boozed up "lads crowd "
throwing pints in the air and moshing madly in the stalls.
After a blistering opening quartet of songs, the horns which introduce the title-track from "We’ll Live And Die In These Towns" are greeted rapturously, with the stomping percussion and yearning melancholia reminding us that there was more to The Enemy than solid guitar rock, a surprising maturity of observation from ones so young. The singer had comparisons to Paul Weller when their debut album was released.
Another big highlight later on was "This Song" with all the crowd singing loudly.
You may have thought that The Enemy were part of the indie-landfill dumping grounds ,
but on this showing the band still have plenty of fire in their bellies.
A fantastic show.
Full setlist played by THE ENEMY tonight...
Intro song Baba O'Riley (The Who song)
Aggro
Away From Here
Pressure
Had Enough
We'll Live and Die in These Towns
You're Not Alone
It's Not OK
Technodanceaphobic
40 Days & 40 Nights (Snippet of The Specials "Ghost Town")
This Song
Happy Birthday Jane
Encore:
Be Somebody
Gimme the Sign / Saturday
No Time for Tears
This Song [Reprise]

Updated 16th October 2022 Permalink

Saturday 15 October 2022.

Friday 14 October 2022...3.30pm to 5pm...
BATTERSEA POWER STATION - official opening day - London SW8.
I spent five great years (1993 to 1998) working in Nine Elms and used to drive past Battersea
Power Staion all the time when the site was unloved , and there was nothing in the area,
so quite keen to see how things have finally come together.
The space was hired out for several special events over the years.
I saw Morrisssey and The Prodigy play gigs here in 1997, and i saw Jungle and Alice Cooper play
at special invite only launch events.
After a £9bn investment by Malaysia-backed developers and more than a decade of restoration, the doors to the almost century-old decommissioned power station opened on Friday for the first time in 40 years.
The space has been transformed into a glitzy shopping centre of 250 stores, alongside mostly luxury flats, office spaces and an upcoming cinema and ice rink. After the grand opening, a five-day free festival of live music & entertainment will take place on the site.
It is nice and brand new but so many expensive flats have taken the soul out of the area.
Plenty of pricey food trucks but you won't find a McDonalds or KFC here.
Lots of the stores are similiar to Westfield, White City....no Poundland stores here...
There are circus performers dotted all around the area, and a DJ and stage area.
It was my first first visit to the new specially built BPS tube station ,think Canary Wharf station.
In a way , the current layout of stores & eateries is like Westfield, White City within four chimneys.
The location is right next to the river, and there is a pontoon to catch a boat up the river.
There is a playground for kids, and plenty of open space, well worth a visit.
then
I bumped into tv presenter JOSIE GIBSON walking along by The River Thames.
Her lovely Bristolian banter for ITV This Morning cheers me up when writing reviews in the morning.
She told me she had been at The National TV Awards at The 02 Arena , the night before.
I took a selfie with her.
then
Friday 14 October 2022.
ROXY MUSIC live at The 02 Arena.
ROXY MUSIC play three just UK dates following their September tour of North America.
Their first shows for over a decade in 2011.
The reviews from the North American tour have been great.
Roxy Music are playing a 50th anniversary tour to celebrate the 1972 release of their debut album.
Roxy Music had four number one albums in the UK, and several Top 10 hit singles,
including a number one with "Jealous Guy" in 1981.
Looks like the setlist will feature tracks from all their eight studio albums - 1972 to 1982.
Bryan Ferry will be aged 77 when they play these shows.
Roxy Music still have four original members in their line-up.
I have seen Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry solo several times each in the past.
I first saw ROXY MUSIC in 1979 headlining Hammersmith Odeon.
I first saw BRYAN FERRY in 1977 headlining The Royal Albert Hall.
Support comes from Nilufer Yanya, who is a 27 year old female singer-songwriter.
Roxy Music are hotly tipped to play the Legends slot at Glastonbury Festival June 2023.
-------------------
Needless to say I was really looking forward to this show.
I end up avoiding the unknown support act, and wonder how on earth did she get this nice support gig.
Some expensive tickets prices, but we still have a nice full house tonight.
Lots of cool older folks here in tonight, in smart threads.
Our seats are Block D on the floor near the mixing desks.
ROXY MUSIC arrived on stage at 8.50pm and played for 1 hour 40 mins.
Thirteen musicians on stage including three backing vocals.
A massive screen across the rear is mixing arty pre-recorded images and live footage.
Bryan Ferry glides on stage and looks amazing for his 77 years of age.
He has three backing vocalists to help him out with any tricky vocal parts.
Phil Manzernera plays some nifty guitar bits, and great to see sax player Andy Mackay upfront on "Tara".
Certainly not an obvious greatest hits set, as the first half of the set had some deep cut tracks for the hardcore, but the second half had most of the big hits that folks know.
So many great songs including "Oh Yeah" had everyone swaying along.
Roxy smooth gems followed including "Dance Away", "More Than This" and "Avalon" ,
then some livelier classics "Love Is The Drug", "Virginia Plain" and "Do The Strand".
Needless to say it was a fantastic show.
Full ROXY MUSIC setlist played tonight...
Re-Make/Re-Model
Out of the Blue
The Bogus Man (Short version)
Ladytron
While My Heart Is Still Beating
Oh Yeah
If There Is Something
In Every Dream Home a Heartache
Tara
The Main Thing
My Only Love
To Turn You On
Dance Away
More Than This
Avalon (with band introductions at the end)
Love Is the Drug
Editions of You
Virginia Plain
Jealous Guy ( John Lennon cover)
Do the Strand
then
I was at the ROXY MUSIC aftershow party from 10.45pm to 11.45pm.
As it was just the one big London arena show, there must be at least 200 guests here.
A pay bar.
The crowd seemed more family and friends related , as they was nobody from all the
bands that Roxy Music have influenced...like the Punk and New Romantic bands.
All the four original members of Roxy Music turn up.
Odd sighting was Cheap Trick guitarist RiCK NIELSON talking to Phil Manzernera.
Odd because Cheap Trick cancelled their UK tour planned for this month , which was due
to include a show at Shepherds Bush Empire on 06 October 2022.
Jewellery designer STEPHEN WEBSTER is here...Bryan Ferry has performed at his store launches.
I left early to get the tube back, but most were still here.

Updated 15th October 2022 Permalink

Thursday 13 October 2022.

Thursday 13 October 2022....I went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 9pm...private view...
MONEYGAME by ELIZABETH WATERMAN at Boogie Wall Gallery, 193 Piccadilly, London W1.
There are 11 black and white blown up photographs adorning the walls.
This new gallery next to BAFTA is dimly lit, just like it would be somewhere in like Stringfellows etc.
At 7pm we had a speech from the photographer.
"the photos were taken over the past four years," says American fine art photographer Elizabeth Waterman, "I have spent most of my Saturday nights in strip clubs, photographing and building a rapport with the dancers who make their livelihoods there".
In the middle of the room is a pole for two dancers from the legendary STRINGFELLOWS club.
The stunning Roxy and her friend both did top notch pole-dancing routines at 7.15pm and 8pm.
It was really great that for once a gallery put on a great piece of entertainment.
I will put up a couple of photos on my Facebook page Friday lunchtime.
Complimentary prosecco, wines and beers for all the guests here.
then
10pm to 11.15pm
The Royal Exchange Pub , Paddington, London W2.
The Clash bass playing legend PAUL SIMONON is the DJ again here tonight.
Paul is helping out his mate ,who runs the pub, get some extra revenue in.
I walk past this small pub every so often and there is a dozen folks in there max.
Tonight like every Thursday ,there are 100 folks here, with most outside on the pavements.
CHRIS MUSTO was here again...he told us he is working with PAUL SIMONON on a new
range of shoes with Dr Martens.
CHRIS MUSTO's Johnny Thunders tribute album is re-released by Cadiz next week.
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Thursday 13 October 2022.
The organisers of an event i went to last month have put up a nice 3 mins professional video
of the event that was held at The Design Centre, Islington.
Type in the search - The Big Christmas Press Show Highlights 2022
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Wednesday 12 October 2022.
NATALIE IMBRUGLIA live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Australian singer who now lives in Windsor, is playing a 25th anniversary UK tour.
Her massive hit from 1997 "Torn" is still a staple on UK commercial radio.
The official video for "Torn" has had over 250 million views on YouTube.
"Torn" is best known as Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia's 1997 debut single. Her version peaked at number one on the singles charts of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Spain, and Sweden, as well as the US Billboard charts. Imbruglia's version sold over four million copies worldwide.
"Torn " went Top 10 in over 20 countries.
Natalie had 5 x Top 10 hits in her heyday, but has not troubled the charts for 15 years, which was
mainly due to having writers block for several years.
"Torn" is the opening track on her "Left of the Middle" album which was Top 10 in UK and USA in 1997.
For the 25th anniversary the album will be released on blue vinyl.
Natalie Imbruglia won The UK Masked Singer in Feb 2022.
----------
Tonight is half empty in Level 3 but all others levels are full.
Another show with 100 folks on the guest list.
Support comes from MARCUS McCOAN & band, who arrive on stage at 7.30pm for their 25 mins.
Marcus McCoan is a Cornish singer-songwriter who as performed at Glastonbury Festival
and has collaborated on songs for K-pop band BTS, the world’s biggest boy band.
Marcus and his band ticked along ok, but were far too loud for this type of crowd.
NATALIE IMBRUGLIA & band arrived on stage at 8.35pm and played for 95 mins.
Natalie looks pretty amazing and ageless for her 47 years of age, as she bounces around the stage.
Highlights included "Shiver" ," Smoke" , "Big Mistake " and her mega hit "Torn".
Nice encore encore session ended with a great "Build It Better"
A very enjoyable show.
Full NATALIE IMBRUGLIA setlist played tonight...
What It Feels Like
Wrong Impression
Wishing I Was There
Nothing Missing
Shiver
City
Smoke
Pigeons and Crumbs
Firebird
One More Addiction
Leave Me Alone
Impressed
Just Like Old Times
Big Mistake
Torn (Ednaswap cover) (with Phil on bass who co-wrote the track)
Encore:
Something Better
Left of the Middle
Build It Better

Updated 13th October 2022 Permalink

Wednesday 12 October 2022.

Wednesday 12 October 2022.
In celebration of National Album Day, they have released a nice list of the Top Selling UK Debut Albums.
1.Bat Out Of Hell - Meat Loaf (1977)
2.Back To Bedlam - James Blunt (2004)
3.Spirit - Leona Lewis (2007)
4.The Fame - Lady Gaga (2008)
5.No Angel - Dido (1999)
6.Spice - Spice Girls (1996)
7.Hopes And Fears - Keane (2004)
8.Jagged Little Pill - Alanis Morissette (1994)
9.In The Lonely Hour - Sam Smith (2014)
10.Parachutes - Coldplay (2000)
11.Tubular Bells - Mike Oldfield (1973)
12.Scissor Sisters - Scissor Sisters (2004)
13.Tracy Chapman - Tracy Chapman (1988)
14.+ - Ed Sheeran (2011)
15.Come Away With Me - Norah Jones (2002)
16.19 - Adele (2008)
17.Appetite for Destruction - Guns N’ Roses (1987)
18.Our Version of Events - Emeli Sandé (2012)
19.Definitely Maybe - Oasis (1994)
20.Hot Fuss - The Killers (2004)
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Tuesday 11 October 2022.
GODSMACK + THE RAVEN AGE live at The Roundhouse.
Heavy Rock band GODSMACK are a massive act back home in America.
They have released eight albums since 1997, and three of those were number-one albums (Faceless, IV, and The Oracle) on the Billboard 200 chart....Godsmack have sold over 12 million albums worldwide...
Oddly, none of their albums have made it into the UK Top 40 charts.
I saw them back in 1999, when they supported MEGADETH at The Forum.
On Saturday 01 Oct i noticed a huge billboard poster for this one show.
It is on the wall between Camden Road tube station and The Electric Ballroom.
Support band THE RAVEN AGE are an English heavy metal band formed in London in 2009 by guitarists Dan Wright and George Harris (son of Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris).
They have released two albums and two extended plays.
-------------------
Not sold out tonight, but the venue is pretty full.
Easy to get near the front of stage side standing tonight, so looking at stage left,
i saw a guy in the front row in a wheelchair with his Mrs, and he stayed there the entire night.
THE RAVEN AGE arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins set.
A decent set of more metal than classic rock tracks.
During the interval Godsmack put up a huge curtain that hangs over the stage pit,
and covers their huge amount of stage equipment they have brought over from the States.
GODSMACK arrived on stage at 9.05pm for their 1 hour 40 mins set.
"We Will Rock You" is their intro song as their images come up on the stage curtain.
Multi-platinum, record-breaking rockers from Boston. The band are one of the biggest rock acts in the US, delivering a series of number one, platinum and gold certified albums, dominating radio airwaves and selling out arenas across the States.
The band are meticulously rehearsed and the singer says all the right things to the crowd.
Getting wasted on Tequila seemed his drink of choice, as he kept talking about it.
You can hear all the lyrics as the sound was perfect , and the crowd sing loudly along to them.
A highlight during the show was a stunning drum solo battle that went on for several minutes.
A second drum kit comes out of nowhere , that is hidden by black curtains side of stage.
Then by magic, or remote control the main drum kit and the second drum kit move on their own
to the centre of the stage and turn around 360 degrees while the drummers are playing.
The two drumming were the drummer and the singer...worth look at this on YouTube from previous gigs...
A very enjoyable show.
Full GODSMACK setlist played tonight....
Intro song Queen "We Will Rock You" (Queen song) (Mega mix)
When Legends Rise
Keep Away
Cryin' Like a Bitch!!
Unforgettable
Awake
1000hp
Something Different
Speak
Voodoo
Batalla de los tambores ( drum battle)
Surrender
Whatever
Encore:
Under Your Scars
Bulletproof
I Stand Alone
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Monday 10 October 2022...7pm to 10pm...
PHILLIPS - FRIEZE ART PARTY - 30 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1.
Phillips are showcasing their 20th Century & Contemporary Art.
Around 200 guests at this huge gallery space,that is over two levels.
A female DJ is playing tunes gently at the start, then got louder later.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food throughout the evening,
including two different cocktails, wines, beers, hot & canapes including
BBQ chicken skewers, sushi, along with vanilla and chocolate Mochi ice-cream rolls.
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SEX PISTOLS items from their 1970s punk heyday are still attracting very high prices.
Sotheby's are holding an online auction from 10 Oct to 21 Oct for this amazing collection.
The Sex Pistols: The Stolper-Wilson Collection
All the very rare items can be viewed via their website along with guide prices.
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Prog rock legends YES - The UK Relayer Tour dates for 2023 are as follows:
Saturday 10 June Birmingham Symphony Hall
Sunday 11 June Southend Cliffs Pavilion
Monday 12 June York Barbican
Wednesday 14 June Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Thursday 15 June Gateshead The Sage
Friday 16 June Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Saturday 18 June Manchester Bridgewater Hall
Tuesday 20 June London Eventim Apollo
Tickets from Yesworld.com, Bookingsdirect.com and all usual outlets.
About YES....
Steve Howe: guitars, backing vocals (1970 –1981, 1990–1992, 1995–present)
Geoff Downes: keyboards (1980–1981, 2011–present)
Jon Davison: lead vocals, acoustic guitar (2012–present)
Billy Sherwood: guitar, backing vocals ((1994, 1997–2000), bass guitar, backing vocals (2015–present)
Jay Schellen: drums and percussion

Updated 11th October 2022 Permalink

Saturday 08 October 2022.

Friday 07 October 2022.
MAXIMO PARK live at The Roundhouse.
Maxïmo Park are an English alternative rock band, formed in 2000 in Newcastle upon Tyne. The band consists of Paul Smith (vocals), Duncan Lloyd (guitar), and Tom English (drums). The band have released seven studio albums: A Certain Trigger (2005), Our Earthly Pleasures (2007), Quicken The Heart (2009), The National Health (2012), Too Much Information (2014), Risk to Exist (2017) and Nature Always Wins (2021). The first two albums went gold in the UK and their debut was nominated for the Mercury Prize.
I saw Maximo Park in 2006 when they supported New Order at Wembley Arena.
Maximo Park have had 4 x Top 10 albums in the UK.
Maximo Park have had 8 x Top 40 singles in the UK, including a Top 10.
------------------
Not sold out tonight, but the venue is pretty full.
PIP BLOM arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins set.
They played some decent indie tunes , with female vocals.
MAXIMO PARK arrived on stage at 9.05pm for their 90 mins set.
Singer Paul Smith is wearing his trademark bowler hat as usual.
His friendly Geordie stage banter went down well with the crowd.
One of those bands that have ticked along nicely, mainly due to their student following.
A well paced set of uptempo indie-rock tunes, that gradually got the crowd dancing more and more.
They said it was " a singles show" , even though they have only had the one Top 10 single.
Highlights included "Our Velocity" , "Apply Some Pressure" and "Girls Who Play Guitars".
A really good show.
Full MAXIMO PARK setlist played tonight....
All of Me
The Night I Lost My Head
Leave This Island
Hips and Lips
Baby, Sleep
The National Health
Karaoke Plays (London online poll selection)
I Want You to Stay
Questing, Not Coasting
Great Art
Get High (No, I Don't)
Our Velocity
What Equals Love?
The Kids Are Sick Again
Going Missing
Books from Boxes
Versions of You
Apply Some Pressure
Encore:
The Undercurrents
Girls Who Play Guitars
Graffiti
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Thursday 06 October 2022....I went to three events tonight...
6pm to 6.45pm
UKTV PLAY PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION - private view - 40 Earlham Street, London WC2.
The BBC owned network behind channels such as Gold and Dave - has announced a photography exhibition to take place in October.
Over the weekend of Friday 7th -Sunday 9th October 2022, the broadcaster will host the free exhibition near Covent Garden in central London.
At The Stables, 40 Earlham Street, they will display a range of original props from Dave, W, Yesterday and Drama programmes, alongside more than 170 photographs commissioned for original series.
Promoting the broadcasters catch-up platform UKTV Play, it aims to encourage users to sign-up to and discover the free service.
UKTV explain: "The pop-up exhibition celebrates commissioned photography for UKTV's Original programming over the last seven years. From Big Zuu's Big Eats ( Big Zuu was here) to Bangers And Cash to Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over, the space will host artwork from a variety of UKTV's much loved programming, all available to stream for free on UKTV Play.
"Attendees will also see a range of props displayed from Dave, W, Yesterday and Drama content and guests will easily be able to access information about their favourite programmes and props through scanning the adjacent QR code via their smart phone. The link will take them directly to the UKTV Play site."
Complimentary wines, beers and canapes for all guests.
then
7pm to 9.30pm
THE BAR AT 12 HAY HILL - launch party - 12 Hay Hill, Mayfair, London W1.
Luxurious Mayfair private members club open their new bar, in the basement.
A great location as it is between Berkeley Square and Dover Street.
Before arriving here , we saw SIMON LE BON go in the nearby Sexy Fish restaurant & bar.
We had a piano player named Ben Noke play two sets of cover versions.
Complimentary drinks including three different cocktails, wines, beers and canapes.
My fave was an exquisite combination of whiskey and coffee with Frangelico Foam.
As it is Mayfair, the cocktails would normally cost £15 a pop.
then
10pm to 11pm
The Royal Exchange Pub , Paddington, London W2.
The Clash bass playing legend PAUL SIMONON is the DJ again here tonight.
Paul is helping his friend out who owns the pub every Thursday , get some extra revenue in.
Pub only holds around 20, but there must be 100 folks outside on the pavements.
CHRIS MUSTO , the current drummer in The Glen Matlock Band was here.

Updated 7th October 2022 Permalink

Wednesday 05 October 2022.

Tuesday 04 October 2022...I went to two events in South Kensinton tonight...
6.15pm to 7pm.
MULTI-ARTIST - private view - 4 Cromwell Place Gallery, South Kensington, London SW7.
This huge gallery space always has a few different exhibitions on at the same time.
Complimentary prosecco and beers for all guests.
then
THE SOUND OF 007 IN CONCERT at The Royal Albert Hall.
Celebrate 60 years of the James Bond film franchise with a charity concert that will showcase the iconic music of Bond, headlined by the legendary Dame Shirley Bassey, and featuring several guest singers.
Curated by five-time Bond composer David Arnold and produced by EON Productions, the concert will feature Bond soundtrack artists including Garbage, as well as special guests including Celeste, putting their own interpretation on classic theme songs, backed by the 50+ member Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Dodd.
The date marks the anniversary of the world premiere of the first 007 film, Dr. No held on 5 October 1962.
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The venue is totally sold out, with many in black ties as a tribute to James Bond.
The bars are even serving Martinis which they never usually do here.
The show was on for 2 hours 10 mins over two sets of 60 mins and 70 mins.
The 50+ member orchestra backed every singer, and sounded fantastic.
Pretty much every song , got a standing ovation from the crowd.
The big screen showing Bond film clips and Bond related images.
The Royal Box is empty and covered by black curtains.
All the show was filmed by multi-cameras.
FIRST SET
SHIRLEY BASSEY opened the show with great versions of "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Goldfinger".
The Queen of Bond themes was wearing a sparkly gold dress...looking fab at age 85.
RPO with DAVID ARNOLD.
JAMIE CULUM "From Russia with Love".
RPO with DAVID ARNOLD
LULU "The Man With The Golden Gun".
RPO with DAVID ARNOLD.
ELLA HENDERSON "Skyfall".
RPO with DAVID ARNOLD.
CELESTE " You Only Live Twice".
RPO with DAVID ARNOLD.
ELLA EYRE " License To Kill".
SECOND SET
GARBAGE "The World Is Not Enough".
DON BLACK tribute to JOHN BARRY.
HANS ZIMMER "No Time to Die".
SKIN from SKUNK ANANSIE "Live and Let Die".
RPO with DAVID ARNOLD.
RPO with DAVID ARNOLD "You Know My Name" (included tribute to Chris Cornell).
RPO with DAVID ARNOLD.
PALOMA FAITH "Golden Eye".
RPO with DAVID ARNOLD
ELLA EYRE "Nobody Does It Better".
RPO with DAVID ARNOLD.
JOHN GRANT "We Have All The Time In The World".
RPO with DAVID ARNOLD - classic Bond medley
Encore :
RPO with DAVID ARNOLD - classic Bond medley reprise, but a bit faster tempo.
Lots of hospitality until midnight at this show and there were two after-parties in Level 1 reception rooms.
Complimentary Lauent Perrier champers, Martinis, wines and beers and canapes for all the guests.
The only known face here I saw was celebrity chef PAUL HOLLYWOOD.
A great night.

Updated 5th October 2022 Permalink

Tuesday 04 October 2022.

Monday 03 October 2022.
BMI LONDON AWARDS at The Savoy Hotel, Strand, London WC2.
Always nice to be at this famous five star hotel.
ELLIE GOULDING received the BMI President’s Award and Nigerian singer TEMS received the BMI Impact Award at the 2022 BMI London Awards.
The prestigous event will be hosted by Mike O’Neill, BMI president and CEO.
I have been to these awards several times before with the main award going to....
2007 - Peter Gabriel
2008 - Bryan Ferry
2011 - Queen
2013 - John Lydon
2015 - Graham Gouldman (10cc)
2016 - Sting
2017 - Jay Kay (Jamiroquai )
2018 - Harry Gregson - Williams (film composer)
2019 - Noel Gallagher
The ceremony also pays tribute to the U.K. and European songwriters and publishers of the previous year’s most-performed songs on U.S. radio and television from BMI’s repertoire. The million-air awards, song of the year, and awards for pop, dance, film, television and cable television music will be handed out.
6pm to 7.15pm - red carpet arrivals reception for the press folks here.
Around a dozen photographers here including Dave Hogan from The Sun.
Also tv and radio interviewers.
Complimentary Laurent Perrier champers for all 300 guests.
Many of the songwriters getting recognition are not well known faces.
Songwriting legend DON BLACK is always here, and I see CORRINE BAILEY-RAE.
ELLIE GOULDING is last to arrive as she gets the main award this year.
We are not invited for the sit down three course meal, so we have our own elsewhere.
then
9.30pm to 11.45pm - back to Savoy Hotel so see some of the songwriting medals given out.
Ed Sheeran and Johnny McDaid win the European song of the year award for their global hit “Bad Habits” at the 2022 BMI London Awards.
The award is given to BMI’s most performed song of the previous year by U.K. or European writers. The single spent 11 consecutive weeks at the top of the Official U.K. Singles Chart.
Accepting the award via video message, Sheeran said, “We had so much fun making the song and it has been so much fun playing the song out on the road and seeing the reactions of people all around Europe and I can’t wait to go out and do some more.”
Ed Sheeran won a few other awards tonight for multi-million plays of his tracks.
Among the multiple Million-Air awards presented throughout the evening were Tom Barnes and Sam Roman for 4 million performances of “Someone You Loved” performed by Lewis Capaldi; and Sam Smith and Normani for “Dancing With a Stranger.” With 6 million performances, Stig Anderson, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus were honored for “Dancing Queen” as performed by ABBA. Elton John was honored with three BMI London Awards, honoring 7 million performances of “Rocket Man,” 6 million performances of “Tiny Dancer” and in the pop songs category with “Cold Heart (Pnau Remix),” co-written with Andrew Meecham and Dean Meredith.
Nice to see Dolores O'Riordan (RIP) The Cranberries get an award for 4 million plays of "Dreams".
At 10pm ELLIE GOULING gets her moment, showing all her videos on the big screen and speeches.
Ellie also sings two songs with the help of a piano player and two female backing singers.
She performed singles "Woman” and “New Heights,” from her 2020 album "Brightest Blue".
A full complimentary bar after including Laurent Perrier champers and different spirits, wines,beers etc.

Updated 4th October 2022 Permalink

Monday 03 October 2022.

Sunday 02 October 2022.
LUCKY DAYE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Lucky Daye is a 37 year old R & B singer-songwriter for America, who is touring the UK & Europe.
His second album," Candydrip " was released on RCA March 2022, and made no 69 in the American charts.
He cites his influences as Prince, Rick James and Stevie Wonder.
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The venue is totally rammed sold out tonight.
It is a 75 % females crowd under the age of 30, with most of them black.
A couple of weeks ago i had never heard of Lucky Daye but I am always intrigued by acts
who can sell out 2000 capacity venues like this one, with only their own fans knowing who they are.
DEBBIE arrived on stage at 7.30pm for her 20 mins set...nice vocals with a great backing band.
TAY IWAR arrived on stage at 8.05pm for his 30 mins set.
He performed to backing tapes, so for me not as good as the previous act.
A DJ over the pa played some perfect tunes to hype the crowd up before Lucky Daye appears.
LUCKY DAYE arrived on stage at 9.15pm and performed for 75 mins.
Tonight is a classic example of why I stick to Level 1 seats here as the downstairs is sooo rammed.
Word of advice for general admission/ stalls standing only for sold out shows here - go to the bathroom as soon as you get in the venue or sometime before the headliner comes on cause you’re not getting your spot back in the crowd. Speaking of crowd, it was very crowded. It looked very claustrophobic as all were piled up against each other, it was very much too close for comfort, from my view upstairs.
If you thought you were going to have space to dance around at that venue, think again!
However, that did create a great atmosphere.
It is very much smooth r & b soul , as the females scream at the intro to each song.
He certainly knows how to work the crowd, and the females know all the words to each track.
He got a couple of girls on stage to sing to, and took his shirt off after an hour, to massive screams.
The two girls front row centre stage stalls each got a signed vinyl copy of his album at the end.
An enjoyable show.
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Saturday 01 October 2022.
HARD-FI live at The Forum.
indie-rockers play a special re-union show with all four original members.
Just three gigs on this run --- Milton Keynes, Manchester and London.
They released three studio albums.
Stars of CCTV (2005) (went to number one in the UK)
Once Upon a Time in the West (2007) (went to number one in the UK)
Killer Sounds (2011)
They have had 7 X Top 40 hit singles in the UK, including 2 X Top 10s.
I have seen them live three times, including headlining Wembley Arena in Dec 2007.
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Another gig with over 100 on the guest list.
A great sold out buzzy atmosphere tonight as DJ WRONGTOM plays some cool tunes.
It is a drinking crowd so a good time for the venue to showcase their new lounge bar upstairs,
opposite the circle bar, in the space that was previously used as the merch stand.
HARD-FI arrived on stage at 9pm and they played for 95 mins.
The stage had 24 spotlights at head height around the stage, and plenty of strobe lighting.
They sound great and the singer Richard Archer has a cool working class from Staines swagger.
A neat cover of The White Stripes "Seven Nation Army" went down well.
Lots of great oldies played including "Cash Machine", "Hard to Beat" and the crowd singing
loudly for encores of "Stars of CCTV" and "Living for The Weekend".
A really good show.
Full HARD-FI setlist played tonight....
Middle Eastern Holiday
Gotta Reason
Can't Get Along (Without You)
Happy (Live debut)
You and Me
Seven Nation Army (The White Stripes cover)
Tied Up Too Tight
Better Do Better
Good for Nothing
I Shall Overcome
Fire in the House
Cash Machine
Looking For Fun (New song)
Suburban Knights
Hard to Beat
Encore:
Move on Now
Stars of CCTV
Living For The Weekend
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Friday 30 September 2022.
THE CORONAS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
The Coronas are an Irish rock band that originated in Dublin. They release their music by their own independent record label, 3ú Records, and are based between Dublin and London. They have released six studio albums, Heroes or Ghosts (2007), Tony Was an Ex-Con (2009), Closer to You (2011) The Long Way (2014), Trust The Wire (2017) & True Love Waits (2020).
They are massive selling recording and live act back home in Ireland.
This show was originally booked in for May 2020, just after the first coronavirus lockdown started.
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Levels 2 and 3 are closed tonight , but the stalls floor and Level 1 looked very full.
SEBASTIAN SCHUB arrived on stage at 7.20pm for his 30 mins set.
Just him and his guitar, along with some good songs.
He is very pleased to be playing here, as he said he lives just 2 mins walk away from the venue.
ROISIN O arrived on stage at 8pm for her 35 mins set.
Lots of Irish folks in the crowd tonight, to support the two main acts.
Róisín O is the daughter of Irish singer Mary Black,and the sister of Danny O'Reilly of The Coronas.
Her recently released second album got to number 3 in Ireland.
Roisin O sung and played guitar, and a chap plays the keyboard.
Some good songs that the crowd sang along to.
THE CORONAS arrived on stage at 9.05pm for their 1 hour 40 mins set.
Danny the singer asks "So how have the last two years been for you?"
"We are so unbelievably proud to be play this venue ," said Danny, his vocal arguably better live than in studio, visibly moved by the warmth of the reception.
"We want to thank you so much for hanging onto your tickets for over two years".
The band were joined by trumpet, sax and Roisin O throughout the show.
Oddly the guitarist is wearing a "tea cosy" on his head , just like fellow Irish guitarist The Edge.
Judging by the crowds big reaction, the band played all their most well known catchy pop rock songs.
They played a few new tracks from their new album out next week, on 07 Oct 2022.
A notable moment in the set was during ‘L.A at night’ when Danny took a stroll into the crowd in the stalls going right to the sound desk at the back and then up to the Level 1 seats...the crowd went wild.
When breaking into ‘ What a Love’ Danny asked the crowd to turn to the people they came with to the concert and give them a hug. Another lovely moment which showed the power of live music. Danny also discussed the struggles we all had during the pandemic before jokingly saying "you thought you had it bad? Imagine being in a band named after the virus causing the pandemic" a funny moment for all.
The rest of the set included other great Coronas songs including ‘How This Goes’, ‘Mark My Words’ and ‘We Write Our Own Soundtrack ‘.
Lots of chants of "Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole...Ole"....during their evening.
A very enjoyable show.

Updated 1st October 2022 Permalink

Thursday 29 September 2022.

Thursday 29 September 2022...I went to two events tonight...
6.15pm to 7.30pm.
BEAT LONDON - showcase - 48 Margaret Street, London W1.
This basement club is just a couple of minutes from Oxford Circus tube.
Before the internet and mobile phones this same venue back in the 1960s and 1970s
was a popular late night musicians hangout called THE SPEAKEASY.
The Speakeasy known as The Speak, was a club situated at 48 Margaret Street, London, England, and served as a late-night meeting place for the music industry from 1966 to June 1978.
I was lucky to have seen three midnight shows there just before it closed.
Johnny Thunders Allstars feat Hot Rods And Snatch members Speakeasy Club, London 31.01.1978
Depressions Speakeasy Club, London 22.03.1978
Johnny Thunders Allstars feat Steve Jones and Paul Cook Speakeasy Club, London 25.03.1978
Around 200 folks here and it is nice and buzzy as a DJ is playing tunes too.
Punk fan original and fashionista PHILIP SALLON was here.
The venue has a 250 capacity and is available for hire.
Complimentary Spicy Margaritas, Rum Cocktails, prosecco, wines,beers and canapes for all guests.
www.beat-london.com - Visit their website here.
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then
8pm to 10.15pm.
ALL STAR LANES - Christmas Showcase - Westfield, White City, London W12.
We are in their private space at the rear, which is available for Christmas office parties etc.
It can hold 120 and has two private bowling lanes and its own bar etc.
They have four branches in London - White City, Holborn, Stratford and Brick Lane.
Great fun to have a couple of games of bowling - won one and lost one.
Complimentary prosecco, wines, beers, cheese-burgers, chicken-burgers, hot and cold canapes.
Always very enjoyable at this bowling venue.
www.allstarlanes.co.uk - Visit their website here.
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Wednesday 28 September 2022.
THE BIG MOON play The Forum.
They are on a UK tour to promote their third album "Here Is Everything" released 14 Oct 2022.
The Big Moon are a London all female four-piece band formed in 2014 by Juliette Jackson.Their debut album, Love in the 4th Dimension, was released on 6 April 2017, containing a number of singles previously released on their EP, The Road. The album was shortlisted for the prestigious Mercury Prize in 2017.The band is signed to Fiction Records and have toured internationally. Fiction Records are best known for signing The Cure over 40 years ago.
The video for their track "Your Light" has had over 7 million views on YouTube.
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Another one of those shows with over 100 folks on the guest list.
It is full in the stalls, but the circle is half empty.
This year some acts have been complaining about venues taking 25% of their merch sales
for letting the act sell the merch inside the venue. The Big Moon have taken a stand against this
and there are signs saying we are not selling merch inside the venue and their merch is available at the nearby Abbey Tavern Pub in Kentish Town Road until midnight.
GENTLY TENDER arrived on stage at 7.25pm for their 30 mins set.
A five piece band who played songs just like their band name implies.
ART SCHOOL GIRLFRIEND arrived on stage at 8.15pm for their 30 mins set.
A four piece , with dreamy vocals from the female singer.
THE BIG MOON arrived on stage 9.15pm for their 75 mins set.
The four girls walk on stage , one by one, all wearing white trousers, and look great.
They have large circular screen behind them, showing the moon and other images.
Some nice stripped lighting too, along with a glitter ball.
The band swop instruments, and their harmonies are fantastic.
A cover of Fatboy Slim "Praise You" went down really well.
Final song "Your Light" got everyone dancing down the front.
Really good to see a confident all girl band playing their own material.
Full setlist played tonight...
It's Easy Then
Take a Piece
Don't Think
Barcelona
Cupid
2 Lines
Wide Eyes
Daydreaming
Formidable
Sucker
Why
Praise You (Fatboy Slim cover)
Bonfire (the singer sang the whole from in the pit)
Trouble
Encore:
Waves (the singer sang the whole song from in the pit)
Your Light

Updated 29th September 2022 Permalink

Tuesday 27 September 2022.

Tuesday 27 September 2022....I went to three events today...
3pm to 6pm
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY EXPO at Olympia, West London.
Bringing together all corners of the security industry, International Security Expo returns to Olympia London this September.
International Security Expo is the only flagship event bringing Government, industry, academia and the entire end-user community in charge of regulation & procurement together to debate current challenges, share knowledge and updates and to source the latest security technologies, products and services.
Around 200 stands from all areas of security.
A 90 % male crowd as expected.
Body Cams are getting cheaper ,so response teams at concert venues are starting to use them.
A security friend works at a job centre, and he says they certainly help defuse a situation.
HALO TECHNOLOGIES gave me a nice demonstration where they put a full police type body armour
kit on me including stab vest and body cam.
From 4pm to 5pm MIMECAST had complimentary wines, beers,coffees, canapes on their stand.
Mimecast named Market Leader for Email Security and Management
Mimecast has been named a Market Leader by Cyber Defense Magazine at the 2022 Global Infosec Awards in the category of Email Security and Management.
From 5pm to 6pm was the aftershow party at the venue with complimentary wines and beers
for at least 500 folks in the upstairs area.
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then 6.30pm to 7.30pm
MIKE McCARTNEY - private view - Atlas Gallery, 49 Dorset Street, London W1.
Mike McCartney is the younger brother of music legend PAUL McCARTNEY.
"McCartney's Early Liverpool" is Mike McCartney’s ‘definitive statement of a magic era,’ as revealed through his photography, illustrations and fascinating commentary.
In his recently published limited edition book, ‘Mike McCartney’s Early Liverpool’, Mike McCartney brought together all of his finest work including a wealth of previously unseen photographs and treasured drawings. To celebrate the publication of the book, Atlas Gallery will be presenting a selection of his photographs, including some of the earliest images of The Beatles, their rock ‘n’ roll idols and Mike’s own group, Scaffold, at an exhibition running from Saturday 24th September to Saturday 1st Oct
MIKE McCARTNEY was here, along with MARY McCARTNEY .
SIR PETER BLAKE and TERRY GILLIAM (Monty Python and film director) were also here.
Complimentary wines and beers for guests.
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then 8pm to 10.30pm
RADO DIASTAR ORIGINAL - 60th anniversary edition launch party -
Ochre at The National Gallery , Trafalgar Square, London WC2.
Around 100 folks here in this newly refurbished and renamed venue where i have been before.
A full London Fashion Week crowd are here with many male and female models.
One of the young females I spoke to was part of the Burberry catwalk show the day before.
Regular party-goers like ALISTAIR GUY and MASON MOUNT were here.
Actor NICHOLAS PINNOCK was also here.
Folks are looking and trying on the watches which are on display.
Rado DiaStar Original 60-Year Anniversary Edition created by internationally renowned, Zurich-based, Swiss-Argentinian product designer Alfredo Häberli. Known for his inventive and minimalist furniture and objet, Häberli – himself an owner of a mid-century DiaStar – became fascinated with 1960s watch design on his 18th birthday when his father bought him one.
A DJ is playing quietly in the background, then a bit louder after the speech by ALFREDO HABERLI.
Complimentary Nyetimber sparkling wines, Tequila cocktails, wines , beers and canapes for guests.
Everyone got a goodie bag on departure.
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ANTHRAX have said that the main reason that they cancelled their UK & European was related to
travel costs, as hiring a tour bus has more than doubled in price.
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Monday 26 September 2022...6.45pm to 10.15pm...
TRAVEL MEDIA AWARDS 2022 at The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London W1.
Always nice to be at this well known five star hotel, where many A-listers have stayed.
Famous names included Elizabeth Taylor, Alfred Hitchcock, Barbara Streisand, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, among others. Eisenhower actually stayed here during World War II when he was still a Five-Star General and made the suite of rooms in which he staid his headquarters.
Elizabeth Taylor stayed at The Dorchester for the first time with her mother as a 17-year-old, and returned to the hotel throughout her life. The hotel's penthouse Harlequin Suite became her home away from home.
Around 300 guests are standing in the hotels ballroom.
From 7.30pm for an hour we have speeches and around 20 awards.
Winners came from the big newspapers travel writers to freelance and online.
Travel legend SIMON CALDER won an award but sadly not here, so sent a jokey video from Germany.
Final award of the evening went to publishing entrepreneur and travel writer TONY WHEELER, co-founder of Lonely Planet, is the worthy recipient of the 2022 Special Contribution Award.
Complimentary Veuve Clicquot champers , wines and beers all through the event.
Also various canapes before the awards, and various bowl food after the awards.
A very enjoyable evening.

Updated 27th September 2022 Permalink

Sunday 25 September 2022.

Sunday 25 September 2022.
COMEDY WAREHOUSE SPECIAL live at Shepherd's Bush Empire.
Several black comedians will play short sets throughout the evening.
I have seen this event a couple of times before as it's an annual event, and a couple of
them performing were here last time, including the host.
It stalls seating and pretty full so maybe 800 or 900 here.
Around a 75 % black audience here tonight.
The DJ was on from 7pm to 8pm and was very playing tunes very (too) loudly.
The show was on for two sets of 95 mins and 75 mins - 2 hours 50 mins total.
Each act had around 15 to 20 mins on stage.
The host did a great job with banter and jokes when talking to the audience between the acts.
Lots of funny moments throughout.
Plenty of jokes relating to black folks, white folks and even The Royal Family and The Queens funeral.
Comedians were Kojo, Dizzle, Richard Blackwood, Kane Brown, Babatunde, Slim, Curtis Walker.
Special guest on the night was ALEX BLAKE who recently won Britain's Got Talent and plays
his own special headline comedy show at Hammersmith Apollo soon.
An enjoyable evening.
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Saturday 24 September 2022.
FU MANCHU live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
American stoner rock band are playing a 30th anniversary UK tour as a band.
They have released a dozen albums since 1994.
I have seen them twice before , in 1999 and 2000.
Support comes from ELECTRIC CITIZEN who have released three studio albums.
Electric Citizen are an American rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio formed in 2012.
The group's current line-up features Laura Busse on lead vocals.
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Levels 2 and 3 are closed , but stalls standing is very full, so maybe 1000 folks here.
ELECTRIC CITIZEN arrived on stage at 8pm for their 45 mins set.
The blonde female singer headbangs away as her great band play a crunching noise.
Guitar , drums and bass are all very Black Sabbath sounding and they rock good.
FU MANCHU arrived on stage at 9.15pm for their 80 mins set.
Support band had a tiny singer, and the Fu Manchu singer looks at least 6' 3" tall.
The atmosphere for the band is pretty amazing as the front half of the stalls is frantic moshing all night,
and crowd-surfing bodies continually end up in the pit.
Heavy swirling guitar riffs , with highlights including "California Crossing" , "King of The Road"
and encore of "Eating Dust".
Both bands were really good tonight.
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This is a good 15 mins video on YouTube.
A typical day in the life of a touring band set-up playing arenas in America.
If you are unfamiliar on the amount of work that's goes on behind the scenes during a tour, check this out.
Type in search....The Absurd Logisics of Concert Tours
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Friday 23 September 2022.
Not many megastars cross the Atlantic to plays shows in Dublin, and ignore England,
but that is what country music star GARTH BROOKS has just done.
He has just played five massive stadium shows at Croke Park , Dublin to 80,000 fans a show.
More than 400,000 tickets have been sold to see the country music superstar perform across the five nights.
Happy Birthday to BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN who is 73 today.
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Thursday 22 September 2022....I went to two events tonight...
London is back to normal as loads of events and gigs on tonight.
5pm to 9pm.
GALLIARD HOMES 30th ANNIVERSARY PARTY, 95 Dean Street, Soho, London W1.
Big name house builders are celebrating their 30th anniversary and showcasing their
new block of apartments - TCRW (Tottenham Court Road West).
Comprises 81 studio, 1 , 2, & 3 bedroom luxury apartments.
It was surprisingly a full on proper event for 200 guests, so we stayed here longer than planned.
They had a marquee in the courtyard.
At 7pm we had a speech and then a 15 mins drag act performed a few cover songs.
Then the DJ played tunes.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food as a full bar including Laurent Perrier champers along
with some very tasty food.
All guests got a goodie bag on departure.
www.galliardhomes.com - Visit their website here.
then
9.30pm to 11.15pm.
MARKET PLACE VAUXHALL - press launch - next to Vauxhall station, London SW8.
Boutique food hall group Market Place open their third location , after Peckham and Hounslow.
There are 12 food traders here alongside a bar, a DJ and seating for 200.
We arrive a bit late due to attending the previous event but we have a nice complimentary
meal from Rudies Jerk Shack and a couple of whiskey n cokes.
www.marketplacevauxhall.co.uk - Visit their website here for more info.

Updated 23rd September 2022 Permalink

Wednesday 21 September 2022.

Wednesday 21 September 2022...6.45pm to 9pm...
HALLYU! THE KOREAN WAVE - private view - The V & Museum , South Kensington, London SW7.
Around 500 guests are here, including many from Korea.
I have my photo taken with actor BILL NIGHY.
At 7.20pm we had a couple of speeches, then a DJ played tunes in the background.
At 8pm I tour the 200 exhibits for around 20 mins.
Remember that massive hit "Gangnam Style"...Gangnam is a wealthy district of Seoul.
Korea is now the world's 10th largest economy.
Hallyu! The Korean Wave will showcase the colourful and dynamic popular culture of South Korea, exploring the makings of the Korean Wave and its global impact on the creative industries of cinema, drama, music, fandom, beauty and fashion.
Highlights the history of K.Pop acts and how a few like BTS and Blackpink have had worldwide success.
There are costumes that have been worn on stage and in videos by K.Pop acts.
They all go through multi-auditions to become known as "Idols" in South Korea.
I saw BTS headline Wembley Stadium a few years ago.
The tech-savvy quick-quick smartphone younger generation of Koreans have certainly helped K.Pop acts.
Looking good and dance routines seem more important than actually playing an instrument.
Complimentary Korean sparkling wines, Korean cocktails and Korean canapes including fried chicken.
Tickets are £20...concessions are cheaper...it is on until June 2023.
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Tuesday 20 September 2022.
A1 live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Boy band from the late 1990s have still got all four original members for this current UK tour.
They had 8 x Top 10 hits in the UK, including 2 x number ones.
Levels 2 and 3 are closed off as unsold so maybe only 500 folks are here.
I have seen some impressive stage productions at this venue....but this wasn't one of them.
Keeping the show costs down to a minimum , there is no support act, just boy band hits over the pa.
Also A1 do not use a backing band , so there are backing tapes throughout the show.
They play keyboards and acoustic guitar on a few tracks to pad the sound out.
They arrived on stage at 8.40pm and play for 90 mins.
It is pretty much a 90% female crowd so, plenty of screaming.
Lots of folks from Philippines here as they were massive in that country...they love ballads there.
As there are plenty of ballads so they have to bring out the stools as well.
The many dance routines were good to watch.
The simple lyrics were nice and clear.
A nice touching medley of covers from boy / girl bands whose band members have died.
Final track of the night was their hit cover of Aha "Take On Me".
It was an ok show.
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Monday 19 September 2022....8am to 5pm...
QUEEN ELIZABETH II FUNERAL SERVICE at 11am.
A very sad day but it is a major historical event.
I can remember bringing my two young sons to lay flowers in Kensington Gardens for Princess Diana
25 years ago in 1997 then going to the funeral a few days later.
4000 military will be on parade, and the biggest amount of police ever seen on London's streets.
Thousands of security and stewards everywhere, who were looking after things, then an hour
before the funeral, the police take their place on the main route and security stewards mingle with the public.
Pall Mall and other places would be too busy with folks camping out all night.
We opted for somewhere that would be a bit quieter , but it was still very busy.
We end up at South Carriage Drive near Hyde Park Corner.
We are by The Mandarin Oriental Hotel and The Yacht Club.
Both of them had drinks events for their guests with a great higher up view.
We are near Knightsbridge Barracks so see many of the horse regiments go and come back.
We see a few motorbike police escorts and their VIP cars go past.
There is a big screen showing everything in the park , so we can hear the commentary and the gun salute.
At 1.40pm we see the Queens coffin and hearse go past.
We then visit The Park Rose Garden to see all the flowers that have been left.
It was pretty amazing how everything came together so well on the day.
I will have to watch the highlights on tv later.
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Friday 16 September 2022.
GLEN MATLOCK BAND live at The 100 Club.
Glens regular drummer Chris Musto will not be playing, as he has injured his arm.
His replacement will be his friend Matt Hector.
Neal X on guitar and Jim Lowe on bass duties will be there as usual.
With support from ED TUDORPOLE + THE FECKIN LATCHINOS with special guests.
Punk , garage and glam rock classics from DJ Jeffrey Munday.
Sex Pistols legend Glen is playing a gig at this iconic venue where i saw THE SEX PISTOLS in Sept 1976.
Glens career includes Sex Pistols, Rich Kids, Iggy Pop , The Faces and is a current Blondie member.
Glen is responsible for 90% of the music of THE best known punk band of all time, the Sex Pistols, writing iconic songs such as Anarchy In The UK, Pretty Vacant and God Save The Queen and since his stint in the Pistols has played with a who’s who of artists including Iggy Pop, The Faces and currently the one and only Blondie!
This show is one of only two UK gigs Glen is playing between his Blondie touring and recording commitments and will cover songs from right across his career from Pistols classics to solo gems.
With the success of the recent Danny Boyle Sex Pistols drama 'Pistol' and God Save The Queen being the years biggest selling vinyl single, there is sure to be great interest in this gig - we hope you enjoy the chance to see a UK music legend play live.
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So many folks here i know at this sold out gig in this iconic venue.
Great to see my old school chum Ronnie Evans, who recently brought out the book
on Wally Nightingale who played with Steve Jones and Paul Cook before The Sex Pistols.
THE FECKIN LATCHINOS arrived on stage at 9.15pm for their 30 mins set.
They played a great set of classic covers, with a couple of special guests joining them.
Full setlist played....
I Wanna Be Your Dog
Children Of The Revolution ( i got a name check from the stage)
Boredom
Neat Neat Neat (with Spizz Energi)
Did No You No Wrong (Sex Pistols track) ( with Ronnie Evans on guitar)
Another Girl, Another Planet
EMI ( a second name check to me from the stage)
ED TUDORPOLE arrived on stage at 9.50pm and played a 40 mins set.
Just zany Ed and his acoustic guitar.
A good set that finished with "Who Killed Bambi" and "Swords Of A Thousand Men".
GLEN MATLOCK BAND arrived on stage at 10.50pm and played for 65 mins.
A lot of bands on tonight, so Glen comes on much later than planned.
The rowdy crowd are certainly up for enjoying themselves tonight.
Stand-in drummer Matt Hector does a great job...and all the time he is wearing a three piece sit.
Glen plays a perfect mix of solo gems along with Sex Pistols & Rich Kids classics.
Solo tracks including "Rattle Your Cage" and "Born Running" sound as fab as ever ,
and the final song of Pistols anthem "Pretty Vacant" got everyone dancing front of stage.
An excellent show.
Full setlist played by GLEN MATLOCK BAND tonight...
Rattle Your Cage
Burning Sounds (Rich Kids song)
Magic Carpet Ride
Who's Side Are You On ?
God Save the Queen (Sex Pistols song) (dedicated to John Lydon)
Hook In You
Blank Generation (Richard Hell & the Voidoids cover)
Ghosts of Princes in Towers (Rich Kids song)
Consequences Coming
Can't Be Myself With You
Head On A Stick (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone (Paul Revere and the Raiders cover)
Born Running
Pretty Vacant (Sex Pistols song)
There was a midnight curfew, so no time for an encore of the planned "All or Nothing" as all the earlier bands earlier had delayed stage times.
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Friday 16 September 2022.
It has taken 50 years for the debut album by MISTY to finally be released.
The album is released on 16th September by Cherry Red Records on their Grapefruit label.
In October 1969, King Crimson released their debut, In The Court Of The Crimson King, Pink Floyd unleashed Ummagumma and Led Zeppelin put out their second LP. At the same time, Misty were in London’s Regent Sounds Studio recording what turned out to be the only album of their career with producer, Adrian Ibbetson, who had cut his teeth as an engineer working with everyone from the Beatles to the Equals.
After only a handful of gigs, Misty signed a deal with Parlophone and began to gather momentum with the release of their debut single Hot Cinnamon. Although they received a lot of airplay, the single failed to chart and the band’s hopes of releasing their debut album were dashed. Reluctantly, Misty went their separate ways and the Here Again album mastertapes sat gathering dust on a shelf until original keyboard player Michael Gelardi came across the original acetate and decided it was time for the album to finally see the light of day.
Bridging late psych and early prog, songs like Life Has Just Begun, Witness For The Prosecution and the title track were played with a perfect mix of high-flying experimentation and virtuosic musicianship. Blurring the fine lines between rock, jazz, classical and chamber pop, Here Again is a transcendent kaleidoscope of colour that is beyond definition.
Maybe you can tell an album is truly timeless when it takes half a century for it to be properly appreciated. Misty were a rare bird, a brilliant, truly original band who should have left an indelible mark instead of joining what now seems like the never- ending line of half-remembered and long-forgotten flotsam and jetsam of the psychedelic era.
The band duly went their separate ways and now after a brief hiatus of 52 years, Grapefruit is proud to host the first-ever release of the Misty album, a 13-track set that fuses classic three-minute songwriting with an organ-based late psychedelic/early progressive rock sound, firmly in the tradition of classically-informed bands like Procol Harum and The Nice.
Augmented by the audio content of that 15-minute television showcase, a 4000 word sleeve-note about Misty’s hitherto-undocumented existence together with photos, memorabilia and quotes from band members. Another dropped stitch in the tapestry of late 60s/early 70s British psychedelic and progressive rock.
www.cherryred.co.uk - Buy here for £12.99
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Updated 17th September 2022 Permalink