Welcome to the Ray's Gigs website!

Here's the latest - updated 5th October 2024

Saturday 05 October 2024.

Friday 04 October 2024.
WEDDING PRESENT live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Indie rock legends are playing another UK tour .
Celebrating the 35th anniversary of their second studio album BIZARRO (1989).
I have seen them a few times over the years.
The first time was at The Mean Fiddler in 1996, and including supporting PiL in 2012 at Rochester Castle Kent.
They were one of John Peels fave bands.
I saw them at this venue last year , and it is the same support act.
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Level 3 is closed and Level 2 is half empty , but the stalls floor standing and Level 1 are rammed solid
Lots of middle aged men here.
MIKI BERENYI TRIO arrived on stage at 7.50pm for their 45 mins. Miki used to be in the indie-rock band Lush. They are a trio as the drummer is a drum machine tape...some nice dreamy vocals.
THE WEDDING PRESENT arrived on stage at 9pm for their 95 mins set.
Lots of nifty guitar riffs though the evening. The last half a dozen tracks upped the tempo , and got the crowd dancing madly down the front. A really good show. At the end , singer Dave Gedge signed stuff by the merch stand in the foyer.
Full WEDDING PRESENT setlist played tonight...
Scream, If You Want to Go Faster ( Working Title)
This is the Girl ( Working Title)
A Million Miles
Don't Talk, Just Kiss
I Could Write a Book (Working Title)
Dalliance
Drive
Come Play With Me
BIZARRO ALBUM
Brassneck
Crushed
No
Thanks
Kennedy
What Have I Said Now?
Granadaland
Bewitched ( Extended Intro)
Take Me!
Be Honest
Crawl
My Favourite Dress

Updated 5th October 2024 Permalink

Thursday 03 October 2024.

Thursday 03 October 2024.
HAEVN live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Having captured the hearts of countless music fans with their 2018 debut Eyes Closed, HAEVN are back with their latest release, Wide Awake.
Renowned for their distinctive ambient sound, seamlessly blending indie-pop and cinematic elements with ethereal vocals, HAEVN promises an unforgettable experience filled with captivating arrangements, touching moments and instances of true musical vulnerability.
HAEVN are from Amsterdam, Holland.
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Not sold out tonight, but all levels are pretty full.
A middle aged crowd, with lots of Dutch folks.
HAEVN on stage at 8.05pm for their 1 hour 45 mins .
Six musicians on stage, all dressed in black.
The band are led by film composer Jorrit Kleijnen and singer/ songwriter Marijn van der Meer, the two have gained a large fan base with their music in recent years. Not only very popular in the Netherlands, but also other countries .
Their sound was mainly gentle and mellow .
In the middle of the set , a male African singer in full robes , helped with the vocals on a couple of tracks ,
which was really good ...a good show.
At the end of the show, the band announced they were doing a meet n greet at the back of the stalls ,after the show....a big queue soon formed.
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Wednesday 02 October 2024.
JXDN live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
LA- based singer and songwriter jxdn returns to the stage in support of his latest LP WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS. It marks jxdn’s long-awaited follow up to his celebrated debut album Tell Me About Tomorrow.
His current world tour of over 30 shows has seen him in North America, Mainland Europe and now the UK .
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Level 3 is closed , and Level 2 is half empty.
Maybe 1000/1200 here, and most are females.
The younger females are tightly packed at the front of the stage , ready to swoon and scream.
SACE 6 arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins set.
A nice set from this American trio , as they had hints of Linkin Park in their alt-rock sound.
JXDN arrived in stage at 9pm for their 80 mins set.
They played a good set of catchy pop punk.
Jxdn has the slim lean body like a Dave Gahan.
He took his shirt off halfway through for a
neat cover of ' Miss You' by The Rolling Stones .
The drummer was pretty amazing to watch.
Overall, two good bands tonight.

Updated 3rd October 2024 Permalink

Tuesday 01 October 2024

Tuesday 01 October 2024.
THE THE live at Brixton Academy .
THE THE, one of the most acclaimed and cherished bands of the last few decades, head out on their ‘Ensouled’ world tour, their first since the hugely successful ‘The Comeback Special’ world tour in 2018...i went to The Royal Albert Hall show on that tour, which has since come out on DVD
I also saw The The twice in 2000.
'Ensouled' is their first studio album for 24 years.
The band’s music inhabits a genre of its own: it is music of long shadows, high hopes, channelled anger, feverish passions and sweetly disturbing poignancy. It is pop and rock, blues and folk, soul and polemic. It spans alienated electronics to twisted cinematic soundtracks, guitar tumbling swing to crimson ballads, rants and prayers to diaries.
Looks like on stage for over two hours over two sets
The first set will be the new album in its entirety , and the second set with be their best of songs.
There will be a strict no phone recording in place .
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Tonight is not sold out, but looks pretty full.
THE THE are on stage for 2 hours 10 mins ,over two sets of 50 mins and 80 mins.
Singer Matt Johnson (now aged 63) , said the first set was for " Listening" and the second set was for "
Dancing".
The sound quality is perfect , and Matt's vocals are nice and clear .
Pretty amazing how popular The The still are.
They always had a niche, arty, creative , hipster kind of following, similar to Nick Cave.
Just proves if you make interesting music, people will always come back to support you.
There was a massive big screen curtain where they played pre-recorded images.
As expected the second set had their best tracks.
A really good show
Full THE THE setlist played tonight....
Ensoulment FIRST SET
Cognitive Dissident
Some Days I Drink My Coffee by the Grave of William Blake
Zen & the Art of Dating
Kissing the Ring of POTUS
Life After Life
I Want to Wake Up With You
Down by the Frozen River
Risin’ Above the Need
Linoleum Smooth to the Stockinged Foot
Where Do We Go When We Die?
I Hope You Remember (The Things I Can’t Forget)
A Rainy Day in May
Retrospect SECOND SET
Infected
Armageddon Days Are Here (Again)
The Sinking Feeling
Heartland
The Whisperers
Love Is Stronger Than Death
August & September
Slow Emotion Replay
This Is the Day
Icing Up
Dogs of Lust
Sweet Bird of Truth
Lonely Planet
Encore
Uncertain Smile
GIANT
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Sunday 29 September 2024.
COMEDY WAREHOUSE presents JAMAICA v THE WORLD live at Shepherds Bush Empire .
Several black comedians (and one white guy ) perform....
Line up - Richard Blackwood, Slim, Axel Blake, Kane Brown, Kevin J, Kyrah Gray, Toju, Jay Handley and Kayleigh Lewis
I have been to this good event a couple of times.
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As it is a comedy show, it is stalls seated tonight.
Levels 2 and 3 upstairs, are only half full.
It is at least a 75% per cent black audience
The show was on for 2 hours 45 mins , over two sets of 80 mins and 85 mins.
All the comedians had 15 to 20 mins each.
All had plenty of of funny bits ...Maybe my fave as usual was host Kane Brown , due to his audience participation about their relationships etc .
Kevin J was the token white comedian. He grew up in Tottenham on the Broadwater Farm Estate.
Always an enjoyable evening.

Updated 30th September 2024 Permalink

Saturday 28 September 2024.

Saturday 28 September 2024.
SKIPINNISH live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
One of Scotland's most beloved traditional music bands will play a milestone performance in London, marking the band's biggest ever gig outside of Scotland, a highlight of their year-long 25th anniversary celebrations.
They have headlined big gigs like Edinburgh Castle and Glasgow Barrowlands back home in Scotland.
They are pretty much unknown in England.
In the late 1990s / early 2000s there was a Scottish band called RUNRIG who were big in Scotland , but not so much in England.
I saw them four times at Hammersmith Odeon from 1989, when i worked front of stage security at Hammersmith Odeon
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Level 2 is half empty and Level 3 is closed tonight.
Maybe 1000/1200 tix sold.
A couple of kilts were spotted in this crowd , that would mostly I presume have Scottish connections .
JAMES STEWART came on at 7.50pm for 40 mins.
Scottish singer-songwriter and his guitar, struggled a bit with so many folks chatting loudly , but a nice cover of 'Dirty Old Town' quietened them down a bit.
SKIPINNISH were on at 9pm for 1 hour 45 mins.
They opened up with a bagpipes led song.
For some songs there are ten musicians on stage, including TWO bagpipers .
There’s something of The Pogues feel about them at their most poetic, the yearning for a mythical Celtic land, as whistle, fiddle, guitar , bagpipes and accordion join in the drum propelled Scottish folk anthems.
While the music ticked along nicely, the Scottish crowd were amazing , as the stalls are swaying and jigging away all the way back to the mixing desk.
Arms around each other, and on top of friends shoulders , and singing loudly along.
Even when the band finished , and the house lights went up, for a further 10 mins then crowd were singing Scottish anthems like ' The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond' until security had to get a loudhailer to get them to exit the venue.
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Friday 27 September 2024.
FURNACE AND THE FUNDAMENTALS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Lively Australian party covers band are back in London after selling out The Electric Ballroom .
Musical chameleons with a sense of humour, the band is tight, energetic and engaging. Furnace and the Fundamentals are guaranteed to live up to their reputation as the most epic, ridiculous & energetic party band ever.
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Levels 2 and 3 are closed , and plenty of space in Stalls and Level 1 so maybe only 600 or 700 folks here .
An indication of how the evening will proceed , is that the support act is two rubber dolls for a DJ battle , elbowing each other etc , which was pretty funny.
FURNACE AND THE FUNDAMENTALS arrived on stage at 9pm for their 1 hour 45 mins set.
Six of them in stage in matching jacket , shirt ,.tie.
A bit ambitious for a covers band to play this venue, but they are are a full on party band who know how to put a good show on , that had everyone dancing and singing and smiling all through the evening.
The songs are all classic pop from the last 50 years , although most seem to be from the 1980s.
Some are a minute long and some are full length.
There is a big screen showing original artists music videos as well as their own comedy skits.
The band are moving around the stage non-stop .
The crowd are dancing and singing non-stop.
The confetti cannons start pretty early, and 20 mins in , we get 'Its Raining Men' and a dozen male plastic blow up dolls are thrown down on to the crowd from Level 2, along with 100 balloons.
The pyros are going off often too.
We get great versions of ' Teenage Dirtbag' and 'Tiny Dancer', along with Bon Jovi , Blur, Oasis, Beatles ,Nirvana, Shania Twain etc.
After 85 mins the singer is sat astride an inflatable Swan as it floats over the audience heads.
We have a conga for 'Hot,Hot,Hot' and the final song of the main set is 'Sweet Caroline' which took the roof off, and the encore was 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.
They were very entertaining indeed. If you were getting married and had some spare cash for the ideal wedding party band, then this lot would be perfect.

Updated 28th September 2024 Permalink

Thursday 26 September 2024.

Thursday 26 September 2024.
THE SEX PISTOLS with FRANK CARTER live at
The Forum, London.
Punk legends play the last of five extra shows with their new singer , after selling out three nights at The Bush Hall, London in August....I was lucky to be at all three of those excellent shows.
The third show was the 32nd time i had seen The Sex Pistols since July 1976.
I have been to over 100 live music events in 2024, and those three Sex Pistols shows and the two Wembley Stadium shows by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band , have been my 10/10 top of the bunch.
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Nice to see so many punk rockin' chums here, on this horrible, gloomy rainy day.
The venue is positively rammed inside , as this show sold out pronto.
There was a serious medical issue with a male customer in the stalls , so the band were delayed for 30 mins.
They arrived on stage at 9.30pm for their 75 mins set.
There is a slight change to the Bush Hall setlist as ' Did You No Wrong' is dropped, and 'Silly Thing' and ' My Way' are added.
Every track from NMTB is superb as usual.
Great to see Glen , Paul and Steve together
Frank Carter is giving it 100% as he goes into the crowd a few times and even stage dives from the dog leg stairs that lead up at the side to the balcony.
Frank is really doing a fantastic job .
Another fantastic show , that was over far too quickly.
Full setlist played tonight....
Holidays in the Sun
Seventeen
New York
Pretty Vacant
Bodies
Silly Thing
Liar
God Save the Queen
Submission
Satellite
No Feelings
No Fun ( The Stooges cover)
Problems
E.M.I.
Encore:
My Way (Claude François cover)
Anarchy in the U.K.
Those spotted during the evening included Jeni Cook, John Giddings , Andy Copping , Slim Jim Phantom, Spizz Energi , Joe Corre, John ' Boogie' Tiberi,
Roedent , Ray Stevenson, Anne Pigalle and no doubt a few more i missed.
Aftershow party in the balcony bar...
Nice n buzzy here as 100 guests , with a pay bar.
I was here with Mal-One until 1.15am.
It was due to finish at 1.30am.
Glen Matlock and Frank Carter were here.
Also Julien Temple, Nick Moran, Stephen Webster ,
Tom Spencer , Chris McCormack, Chris Musto.
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Wednesday 25 September 2024.
MONSTER MAGNET live at The Forum.
New Jersey rockers are celebrating 35 years since forming....They have released around 10 albums...
They are playing a UK & European Tour
Led by original founder member and vocalist Dave Wyndorf, the acclaimed five-piece are famed for their signature heavy and spacy sound, a style which is heavily influenced by early metal bands of the 1970s.
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Lots of space upstairs and on the floor , so maybe only 1000 here out of the 2000 capacity.
MARGARITA WITCH CULT on at 8pm for 45 mins.
A rock trio who all had full length 1970s long hair.
Hailing from the home of metal, Birmingham UK, Margarita Witch Cult are the Sabbath City’s newest heirs to the throne of darkness- serving a merciless concoction of stoned sludge, demented thrash, and proto-metal weirdness. The self-proclaimed “disciples of the riff” played some good tracks off their debut album , along with a nifty cover of ' White Wedding '.
MONSTER MAGNET on at 9.15pm for 90 mins.
They had a stage curtain , that had psychedelic images and clips from famous porn film 'Ginger' projected onto it.
Five musicians playing some swirling psychedelic guitar, along with cosmic bass and weird keyboard sounds.
Dave Wyndorff's crew are purveyors of mind-expanding space rock.
A good set that ended with 'Space Lord'.

Updated 26th September 2024 Permalink

Tuesday 24 September 2024.

Tuesday 24 September 2024...6.45pm to 8.45pm...
BOOK LAUNCH PARTY - for 'Syndicate ' by Felix Francis at The Cavalry & Guards Club ,
127 Piccadilly , London W1.
This plush old school members club is just a few yards away from the original Hard Rock Cafe.
Great paintings and furniture all over the building.
Men have to wear a jacket and tie here.
Around 100 older posh guests here.
RICHARD STILGOE is here...now aged 81.
FELIX FRANCIS (age 71) releases his 18th book.
He makes a speech at 7.15pm and signs books.
Complimentary prosecco and wines for all the guests.
About the book...
THE BRAND NEW 2024 NOVEL FROM THE MASTER OF THE RACING THRILLER.
Chester Newton is a successful racehorse syndicate organiser and his company, Victrix Racing, is having its best year yet. When his prized horse, Potassium, wins the world-famous Epsom Derby, Chester is set to become the next big thing in British horse racing.
But one phone call changes everything.
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Monday 23 September 2024.
RAYE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Raye plays a special ballot only show for customers of 02 Priority.
I saw Raye play sold out shows at Shepherds Bush Empire Nov 2021 and Royal Albert Hall Sept 2023.
BRIT AWARDS 2024 belonged to RAYE, who, after already breaking the record for most BRIT Award nominations for a single artist in one year, received six prestigious awards, among them Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best New Artist, Song of the Year for “Escapism,” R&B Act and Songwriter of the Year.
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Level 1 is all for the 200 folks on the guest list .
Guests included ....
PALOMA FAITH
JESSIE J
ALEX SCOTT
CLARA AMFO
MAISIE WILLIAMS
NCUTI GATWA ( the current Dr Who)
RAYE arrived on stage at 8.50pm for her 80 mins set
A lovely all white stage , with platforms for her nine musicians, who included a four man brass section.
All musicians dressed in white shirts with bow ties .
Raye is wearing a glamorous, red sparkly dress.
Lots of excitable chat from Raye between and during the songs .She easily mixes Hollywood glamour and South London street girl.
Highlights included a superb cover of 'Its A Mans Mans World' and the finale of her massive hit ' 'Escapism ' . A really good show .

Updated 24th September 2024 Permalink

Sunday 22 September 2025

Sunday 22 September 2024.
ZEAL & ARDOR live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Swiss avante-garde metal band Zeal & Ardor are back with their fourth studio album GREIF, named after a mythical hybrid creature.
This show is their only UK show , which comes at the end of their European Tour. They head to USA and Canada for gigs in Nov/Dec 2024.
I only know them from a good review they got from Bloodstock Festival , UK in 2023.
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Lots of folks in black goth/metal clothing tonight.
Level 3 is closed tonight, but all other levels are full.
This means more folks here than The Dead Daisies three band rock package the night before.
Two band names beginning with Z gave the impression it was gonna be a ' Zany ' evening.
ZETRA arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 40 mins.
A male and female in long black coats and wearing face paint , with each standing on a podium.One plays keyboards and one plays guitar and they use tapes for the drums...A decent enough set of industrial goth.
ZEAL & ARDOR arrived on stage at 8.30pm and played for just 80 mins. There is six of them on stage , which includes the main singer-guitarist and two backing vocals.There are tons of lights and strobes.
There is serious moshing and banging of heads, when the band are at their best when full tilt for their crunching black metal riffs.
When the house lights go up after just 80 mins, the crowd shout out loud boos, and stamp their feet and chant " one more song" , " one more song" for a full five minutes but the band never came back on.
A pretty good show overall.
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Saturday 21 September 2024.
THE DEAD DAISIES live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Hard rock band The Dead Daisies are heading out on their ‘Light ‘Em Up’ UK & European Tour to celebrate their latest album of the same name.
I have seen them a few times since 2013, including when Glenn Hughes was in the band.
Current band members are....
David Lowy
John Corabi ( back for a second stint as vocalist )
Doug Aldrich
Michael Devin
Tommy Clufetos
A nice three rock bands package, with support from
THE TREATMENT who are promoting their sixth album ' Wake Up The Neighbourhood' and the hotly tipped for success THE BITES, who are a Hollywood-based rock band who transport hard rock and hair metal from the '80s and bring it into the 2020s.
They are promoting their debut album ' Squeeze'.
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Levels 2 and 3 are closed, but other two levels are full.
THE BITES on at 7.45pm for 30 mins.
They played good catchy uptempo rock n roll.
A lively entertaining singer , with simple lyrics in the mould of Poison and Motley Crue, and they did a Black Sabbath cover.
THE TREATMENT on at 8.30pm for 40 mins.
They played a good solid set of rock tunes.
Some nice twin guitars dueling away.
THE DEAD DAISIES on at 9.30pm for 90 mins.
They have a lovely big screen showing pre-recorded images and videos
Plenty of great vocals, guitar playing and drums .
They all look like proper rock stars.
A good choice of cover versions.
A really enjoyable three rock bands tonight.
Full DEAD DAISIES setlist played tonight ..
Light 'Em Up
Rise Up
Dead and Gone
Make Some Noise
I Wanna Be Your Bitch
Unspoken
Bustle and Flow
Lock 'n' Load
I'm Gonna Ride
Born to Fly
Take a Long Line (The Angels cover)
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap / Seven Nation Army / Children of the Grave / Whole Lotta Love / Join Together (Band introductions featuring snippets of above songs)
I'm Ready ( Muddy Waters cover)
Fortunate Son (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
Mexico
Midnight Moses (The Sensational Alex Harvey Band cover)
Encore:
Long Way to Go
Helter Skelter ( The Beatles cover)

Updated 22nd September 2024 Permalink

Friday 20 September 2024.

Friday 20 September 2024.
NEEDTOBREATHE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Grammy nominated American band who started off as a Christian rock band, but are now more mainstream country rock, with a Christian influence.
The five-piece are back with their ninth studio album, CAVES . Many of the albums have made The Billboard Top 200 chart in America and made the top spot in the Christian album charts over there.
As part of an eight date UK & European Tour.
This show sold out in advance.
In 1987 I saw Christian hair metal band Stryper at Hammersmith Odeon , and I still have one of the bibles they threw out with their logo on.
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The crowd certainly certainly do look a bit like Christian church going folks.
Support act MOSA WILD played a decent 30 mins set.
NEEDTOBREATHE arrived on stage at 9pm for their 1 hour 50 mins set. A nice stage production with lots of lights , strobes and vertical lighting poles.
The singer is wearing a Stetson throughout.
They sound very tight , due to their non-stop touring and the guitarist played some nifty guitar.
A couple of good covers were played, which were 'House of the Rising Sun' and Tom Petty 's 'You Wreck Me'' , and they played a few slower tracks in the middle of the set.
Their country rock , with a Christian slant was much better than expected .
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Thursday 19 September 2024.
6.30pm to 9.30pm
Over a dozen cool design stores in South Kensington are showcasing for London Design Week.
We get along to a few of them as all near each other .
All have complimentary drinks including prosecco, Negronis, wines, beers and canapes .
GIORCETTI - Home Furnishings
CASSINA - Home Furnishings
MOLTENI - Home Furnishings
B & B ITALIA - Furniture
OCCIHO - Lighting
OCCIHO was probably the best of tonights events.
Around 100 guests here, nice and buzzy.
A female DJ is playing tunes in the background.
Complimentary prosecco , wines, beers, canapes, various cheeses and Italian breads .
then
10pm to 12pm
theatre party at The Haymarket Hotel for the opening press/VIP night of WAITING FOR GODOT.
The play is on until 14 Dec 2024.
All the cast turn up including the main two actors who are LUCIAN MSAMATI and BEN WHISHAW.
Ben appeared as Q in the James Bond film Skyfall (2012), going on to reprise the role in Spectre (2015) and No Time to Die (2021). He has voiced Paddington Bear in Paddington (2014), its sequel Paddington 2 (2017), the follow-up television series, and Paddington in Peru (2024) and many more acting roles.
Other guests here included....
AISLING BEA
LENNIE JAMES
SHARON SMALL
Complimentary drinks and food included two different whiskey cocktails, prosecco, wines, beers , canapes , cartons of fish n chips and desserts.

Updated 20th September 2024 Permalink

Wednesday 18 September 2024.

Wednesday 18 September 2024...5.45pm to 8.30pm...
HARD ROCK CAFE - showcase - Piccadilly Circus , London W1.
I went to the big opening launch party for this venue five years ago in Sept 2019 where KEANE performed.
They are showcasing their various spaces for hire
From a private room holding 50, to the full venue that can hold 650 standing .
Always great to see all the music memorabilia on the walls of the entire venue.
Very interesting for me to see the white tuxedo jacket that Sid Vicious wore when he recorded the video in Paris of his hit cover single version of ' My Way'....I presume it is the original?
Around 100 guests here over two of the spaces.
A DJ was playing tunes in the background.
Complimentary drinks and food included two different cocktails, prosecco, wines, beers and the usual Hard Rock Cafe food and desserts.
All guests got a goodie bag on departure.
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Tuesday 17 September 2024....5.30pm to 8pm...
Venue and Festive Menu Showcase .
THE FIRE STATION - 197 Chiswick High Road,
Chiswick, London W4.
My band used to play in a couple of the pubs in Chiswick in the early 1980s.
This ex Fire Station has a cool contemporary feel.
They have the main bar and space at the front, and at the rear has a space for up to 50 for private parties.
We had lots of complimentary drinks and food...
We had some lovely small plates of...
Prawn Cocktail Lettuce Cups
Harissa Spiced Roasted Potatoes
Crispy Squid with Smoked Chilli Jam
Spiced Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Wings
Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Sauce
Cheese Burger Sliders
Mini Fish Goujons with Tartare Sauce
Truffled Cheese Sourdough Toasties
Also Blackberry Spritz cocktails , prosecco, wines, beers .

Updated 18th September 2024 Permalink

Monday 16 September 2024.

Monday 16 September 2024.
Day 4 of London Fashion Week.
I went to two London Fashion Week Parties tonight.
7.30pm to 8.30pm
DE FICHIER Presentation at 11 Carlton Park Terrace, London SW1.
Around 100 guests here.
Half a dozen models showcase three outfits each.
Included some very nice silk creations.
Complimentary prosecco for all the guests.
then
9.15pm to 2.30am
BURBERRY LFW PARTY at Kensington Roof Gardens, Kensington, London W8.
Always the biggest and best LFW party.
My first time back at this stunning venue that was re-opened a few months ago, after many years closed.
When I worked at Hammersmith Odeon in the 1980s , several of the bands had big aftershow parties here.
The best one i remember was The Cult in 1987, to celebrate three sold out Hammersmith shows.
The beautiful outdoor gardens look better than ever , but the peacocks and flamingos of old have gone.
Over 500 on the guest list , including....
PALOMA FAITH (see photo on my Facebook page)
EDWARD ENNINFUL with SACHA BARON COHEN
SADIQ KHAN
ANGELA RAYNER
JULIEN MacDONALD
ERIN O'CONNOR
LENNON GALLAGHER
DANIEL LISMORE
STEPHEN WEBSTER
JEFFERSON HACK
WAYNE HEMINGWAY
HAROLD TILLMAN
JOHN RICHMOND
OZWALD BOATENG
Magician DYNAMO was performing some tricks in the garden.
DJs inside and outside are playing tracks .
Lots of complimentary drinks and food, including five different cocktails , prosecco , wines, beers , bowl food and canapes.
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Monday 16 September 2024.
Shock news that TITO JACKSON has died of a heart attack in America.
I saw him on stage just seven days ago at The Boogietown Festival, Walton-on -Thames.
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Sunday 15 September 2024.
Day 3 of London Fashion Week.
PERFECT MAGAZINE LFW PARTY - 1 Hotel, 3 Berkeley Street , Mayfair , London W1.
Over 300 guests at this very nice five star hotel.
Wall to wall young female and male fashion models.
Also ..
DAMIAN LEWIS with ALISON MOSSHART
DAMIAN HURLEY
STEPHEN JONES
FRAN CUTLER
LENNON GALLAGHER
DANIEL LISMORE
The female djs crank up the volume as the night goes on, and that gets guests dancing.
In the side room BETH DITTO was hosting the Karaoke , which was great fun.
Complimentary drinks and food , included five different cocktails, including Espresso Martinis and hot and cold canapes.
See my Facebook page for photos and a video.
Check Getty Images for lots of nice photos.
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1 Hotel Mayfair, was built and refurbished from two existing buildings and reimagined to reduce CO2 emissions and accelerate sustainable practices throughout. In addition to their live green walls, 1 Hotel Mayfair features 1,300 individual plants, shrubs and trees throughout its verdant grounds.
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Saturday 14 September 2024.
DEATH OF GUITAR POP live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
2 Tone ska pop revivalists Death of Guitar Pop from Essex are back in London for their biggest headline show of their career.
They were second headliners on the main stage at Rebellion Festival, Blackpool on 03 August 2024.
They have released four studio albums.
Two of them have made the UK Top 40 charts .
Will be good to see a new ska band who are on the up.
I saw many great gigs by the likes of The Specials and Madness during the late 1970s ska revival.
Death of Guitar Pop are playing a full UK tour in 2025, but the London show on Saturday 29 April is at 229 Great Portland Street , which is a much smaller venue than Shepherds Bush Empire.
Earlier this year they played their first shows in USA.
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Level 3 is closed , and other levels have space so maybe 1000 max here , and they have a massive guest list of well over 100 for this celebration gig.
A DJ played great old school ska tracks along with The Specials and The Clash between the acts .
JAMES BONE arrived on stage at 7.20pm for 30 mins.
South Londoner played tracks from his debut album.
He said “I’ve got a guitar, a voice, a bunch of tunes i believe in and a 2007 Volkswagen Golf. I’ll go wherever in the world people want it,” (who doesn’t love a classic hard working troubadour?) and the opening track on the album, ' Fuck ‘Em All' was a great start to the evening.
BLOCK 33 on at 7.55pm for their 30 mins.
A four piece who played a nice set of indie rock tracks from their albums , with a mod influence.
They finished their set with 'Lucky Day'.
Like the headliners, they are very DIY, without any help of major record companies .
DEATH OF GUITAR POP on at 9pm for 1 hour 45 mins.
Their intro and outro song is the theme from
Only Fools and Horses TV show .
There are ten of them on stage , including a lovely sounding three man brass section.
It soon becomes a proper dance party as the streamers are fired into the audience during the second song, and the crowd are dancing lots.
The band are clearly happy to be playing this legendary venue, and mention three artists that have played here...Paul Weller, David Bowie and Adele.
I was at Paul Weller and David Bowie.
The entire show was filmed by them.
A very enjoyable show
Highlights included...
Ska is The Bollocks
Bosh! ( with Tom Skinner)
No 1 in America
Just Another Pub Band
Junkie Man (dedicated to Rancid)
69 Candy Street ( with a dozen friends dancing on stage with them)

Updated 15th September 2024 Permalink

Thursday 12 September 2024.

Thursday 12 September 2024.
I went to two events tonight.
6pm to 9.30pm .
MAYFAIR SUMMER GARDEN PARTY, Mount Street Gardens , Mayfair , London W1.
For some reason , this event was postponed from June to Sept, so it is a bit chilly out in the open.
Around 500 guests here .
There are a dozen top restaurants and hotels from the Mayfair area giving out delicious complimentary hot and cold food and desserts and drinks, including full size grilled chicken burgers , oysters ,whiskey and mixers , Nyetimber English Sparkling Wines , lager , Guinness, Hot Dogs, sushi , cartons of fish n chips, red and white wines , prosecco, coffees, Crepes etc.
We have two 25 mins set from the really good disco and soul covers nine piece band called Dee Supremes, and in the middle is the auction and raffle.
Very enjoyable here .
then
10pm to 12pm - opening night press/VIP party for ASK YOURSELF, WHY AM I SO SINGLE ? at
STEREO , The Piazza , Covent Garden , London WC2.
About the show...which is on at The Garrick Theatre.
From the writers of the worldwide mega smash hit SIX, comes a brand-new all-singing, all-dancing MUSICAL extravaganza. Join two best friends as they drink, eat, laugh, and cry while they attempt to answer the impossible question of why they are so single.
WHY AM I SO SINGLE? promises to be the ‘West End’s most relatable new musical’, uncovering ‘the messy, magical lives of the city’s unmatched and unattached’ (Vogue).
Book now if you’re single, looking, or happily partnered (no judgement).
A massive crowd , as must be over 300 guests here.
This venue used to host some retro nights when it was called The Roadhouse...i saw a few here...
2000 - Alvin Stardust
2001 - Suzi Quatro
2001 - Slade 2
2002 - Roy Wood Army
There was a loud DJ and a good live soul covers band, where the singer had a superb falsetto voice.
Complimentary drinks and food included spirits n mixers , prosecco, wines, beers , a chilli con-carne with sides buffet and cup cakes.
We left at midnight , but still lively as on until 1am.
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Wednesday 11 September 2024.
I went to two events today .
1pm to 5.15pm.
THE BIG CHRISTMAS PRESS SHOW at
The Business Design Centre, Upper Street ,
Islington , London N1.
Around 50 brands are showcasing for Christmas.
There are two live reindeer in a pen when we arrived.
It is a 90% female crowd ,so handy that I meet up with a couple of female friends.
There is complimentary drinks and food all day long.
Four different lunch boxes from Canababes.
The Emissary Bar for prosecco.
The Aperol Spritz Bar
Coffees and teas with various sweet treats.
Mulled wine with mince pies.
We visit several of the stands , but it is mainly items for women and children, rather than men.
A few stands are handing out goodie bags.
Those here included...
Smyths Toys Superstores
MGA Entertainment & Toys
Hello Kitty
Lego
QVC
B & M Stores
Russel Hobbs
MenKind
Yoto
The V & A Museum Shop
Target Darts featuring Luke Littler products
Cloud Nine Hair Products
Bird & Blend Tea & Coffee
then
Shepherds Bush Empire.
Berlin quintet Einstürzende Neubauten (formed in 1980) are known for their influence on industrial music and their use of building tools and scrap metal, as well as inventing contraptions to be used as instruments.
Now the experimental music group are back with their latest album Rampen - apm: alien pop music.
They still feature two original members from 1980.
This is their only UK show on their European Tour.
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Level 3 is closed tonight, but other levels look full.
You can hear many German accents in the crowd.
No support act tonight and the band arrived on stage at 8.30pm for their 1 hour 55 mins set.
Six of them on stage , and the singer is bare foot.
75% of the songs are in German, and the rest are in English.
Their gloomy industrial sound is not for the casual listener, so it's pretty much a loyal hardcore crowd .
One of their trademarks is the use of custom-built instruments, predominantly made out of scrap metal and building tools, and noises, so tonight we have a shopping trolly and set of pipes being bashed, in addition to standard musical instruments. Their early albums were unremittingly harsh, with Bargeld's vocals shouted and screamed above a din of banging and scraping metal percussion. Subsequent recordings found the group's sound growing somewhat more conventional, yet still containing many unorthodox elements.
The overall sound didn't really do much for me, but the encores were slightly better.
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Very sad news that FRANKIE BEVERLY has passed aged away aged 77.
He was the lead singer in soul r n b group Maze.
I saw them live over 20 times at Hammersmith Odeon in the 1980s when I worked front stage security , as they would play multi nights there on every tour.

Updated 12th September 2024 Permalink

Tuesday 10 September 2024.

Tuesday 10 September 2024.
7.30pm to 10pm.
THE MOCO MUSEUM launch party -
1-4 Marble Arch London W2.
This massive gallery space actually opened in August, but are just having the launch party now.
The Moco Museum (Modern Contemporary Museum) is an independent museum with locations in Amsterdam, Barcelona, and now London, dedicated to exhibiting modern and contemporary art. The museum was founded with the mission of attracting broader and younger audiences, and making art accessible to the public.
It is a massive space as it's 25,000 square feet over three floors.
It will be a pay ticket to visit here , so will be interesting to see how they get on here, when so many top galleries in London are free entry.
A big crowd of around 300 here , over the three levels.
Guests included....
MARINA ABRAMOVIC
DANIEL LISMORE
TAMARA BECKWITH
STIK
OZWALD BOATENG
PHILIP COLBERT
DAME ZANDRA RHODES
ANDREW LOGAN (Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood staged the "Valentine's Ball", at which the Sex Pistols first came to media attention, at Andrews Butlers Wharf sculptor studios on 14 Feb 1976).
A DJ playing tunes in the background .
Complimentary Porte Noire champers , wines, beers ,
sushi canapes and desserts
then 10.05pm to 12pm.
Party after at NOBU, Portman Square, London W1.
Around 100 folks here at this nice venue.
Only Daniel Lismore is here from the known faces earlier at the main event.
Complimentary prosecco , wines , beers, canapes .
We left at midnight, but still buzzing as a 1am finish.
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Monday 09 September 2024...7.30pm to 11pm...
HEINZ SALAD CREAM - Celebrating 110 years at
Grasso , 81 Dean Street , Soho London W1.
This was a fun and unusual event for sure .
Around 40 guests here for sit down dinner and drinks.
A couple of snappers outside so thanks to Holly from www.culted.com for the update on who's here.
There are female twins from Love Island, a couple from TV series Love is Blind and a few well known Tik Tok influencers....a mainly younger crowd for sure.
Lots of complimentary food and drinks
Five courses, all sprinkled with a dash of salad cream.
Crudités & Zucchini Fries
Mozzarella Sticks in tomato sauce
Chicken Caesar Salad
Crispy Pancetta
Baked Kiwi Cheesecake
Three different cocktails and red & white wines.
DJ kicked in after 10pm , and I asked him for a punk tune request and he played 'Hong Kong Garden'.
We were given a nice item at the end of the night , as we all get a bottle of Heinz Salad Cream with our first names engraved on the front .
Check out photos and a video on my Facebook page.
www.culted.com -
Visit their website here , for their content.
After each course , the male host would tell us some facts and figures regards Heinz Salad Cream .
110 years on, Salad Cream remains a firm favourite with Brits, who eat nearly 190,000 tons a year. It was first sold in 1914 – just as the First World War broke out – by Charles Hellen, the UK boss of Heinz.
And it had taken chefs eight years of testing before it was judged to be “just right”. Now the garnish – which contains water, egg yolk, rapeseed oil, mustard powder, sugar, cornflour and spirit vinegar – is Britain’s fifth most popular condiment, with sales topping £30 million a year.
Only ketchup, brown sauce, vinegar and mayo are more popular.

Updated 9th September 2024 Permalink

Sunday 08 September 2024.

A nice a couple of days watching some big names.
BOOGIETOWN FESTIVAL is held at Apps Court, Walton on Thames, Surrey .
Saturday 07 August 2024.
KC & The Sunshine Band
Bananarama
Lisa Stansfield
Soul II Soul
Sunday 08 August 2024.
Boy George & Culture Club
The Jackson's
Village People
ABC
Incognito
Tunde from The Lighthouse Family
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Around 10,000 folks here each day, so not too big.
The weather forecast was grim, but no rain at all.
A middle aged crowd for this retro festival.
You can bring your own food into this festival.
Saturday...
SOUL II SOUL on stage at 5pm for 60 mins
Jazzie B and his full collective play a good set.
Great to hear ' Keep on Moving' and ' Back to Life'.
LISA STANSFIELD on stage at 6.30pm for 60 mins.
Eleven on stage , creating a nice big sound .
Great to hear ' This is The Right Time' and ' Been Around the World'.
BANANARAMA on stage at 8.05pm for 55 mins.
The two girls still in a playful mood as usual .
Lots of big singalong hits played in their good set .
KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND on at 9.30pm for 85 mins.
I was blown away when KC performed at Koko in 2017, which was his first UK show for 18 years , and tonight is another totally stunning show.
Fifteen on stage including four man brass and four female dancers/backing vocalists , and band in matching snazzy jackets . KC (Harry Wayne Casey) is now 73 and is a big chap like Meat Loaf , and puts on a full set of showmanship just like Meat Loaf. He is doing many dance routines and sweating lots , buts it's great to see
So many great hits got everyone dancing.....
Full set list played ..
Opening band medley of KC hits
(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty
Boogie Shoes
I'm Your Boogie Man
Yes I'm Ready (Barbara Mason cover)
Please Don't Go
Keep It Comin' Love
Do You Wanna Go Party
Queen of Clubs
Rock Your Baby ( George McCrae cover) ( written by KC)
Give It Up
Drum Solo / Band intros and solos
That's the Way (I Like It)
Get Down Tonight
I Gotta Feeling snippet / Please Don't Go
Sunday...
TUNDE from The Lighthouse Family did a good set , including ' Lifted ' and ' Ocean Drive'.
UK British Funk legends INCOGNITO played their best tracks from their 19 studio albums .
ABC arrived on stage at 4.15pm for their 60 mins.
They were the highlight of the day for me.
So many great hits played by Martin Fry and co.
'All of My Heart' is a song , that is sooo good.
Full ABC setlist played tonight...
When Smokey Sings
Show Me
(How to Be a) Millionaire
Viva Love
Poison Arrow
King Without a Crown
That Was Then but This Is Now
Vanity Kills
The Night You Murdered Love
Be Near Me
Tears Are Not Enough
All of My Heart
The Look of Love
THE VILLAGE PEOPLE on stage at 5.45pm for 60 mins . They still feature six members dressed like the outfits they wore back in the day. Only one original member , who was the main singer ( The NY Cop) .
Some big hits played including , ' Macho Man', ' Go West' , ' In The Navy' and 'YMCA'.
Lots of dance routines, and very enjoyable.
THE JACKSONS on at 7.35pm for 60 mins.
I think still two original members from The Jackson Five are here, including Tito.
A great set featuring all their big hits and a couple of Michael Jackson hits in tribute to him.
BOY GEORGE & CULTURE CLUB on stage at 9.10pm for 75 mins . Three originals but not drummer Moss.
They opened with a Rolling Stones cover and closed with a T.Rex cover and in the middle was all their hits, including ' Karma Chameleon ' , ' It's A Miracle' , ' I'll Tumble 4 Ya' , Everything I Own' , 'Time' and ' Do You Want To Hurt Me ' .Boy George looking good and with lpenty of playful banter with the crowd.
A really great couple of days at this festival.
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Friday 06 September 2024...7pm to 10.30pm...
PRESS NIGHT for the opening of DUVALE'S at Riverside East , Thornton Street , Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park , Stratford , London E20.
Surrounded by green space and the River Lea in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, enjoy 360° views from their rooftop terrace & bar as well as their outdoor yard - a space to watch DJs and screenings whilst savouring street-food.
They use locally sourced, sustainable ingredients with a low carbon impact. Taste them in all-day classic dishes from our Café, evening menu dishes at their residency DUVALE'S and two street-food vendors. For drinks, indulge in hand-shaken cocktails and local craft-beers in the Riverside bar, rooftop terrace or outdoor yard.
Their inclusive spaces are perfect for group bookings and larger parties, they can host any occasion. See what they are about with their events programme of family-friendly activities, DJ sets, screenings and more.
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We walk past all the noisy restaurants in the Stratford Shopping Centre, and we arrive at the much more peaceful DUVALE'S which is just yards from the entrance to The London Stadium.
They will have a reduced menu on big event days as gets very busy here, but tonight it's just perfect .
We have several delicious dishes to share and some great cocktails.
Parmesan Croquettes
Stracciatella
Heritage Beetroots
Chicken Schnitzel
Flat Iron Steak with Truffle Fries
Hake Fillet
Bread and Butter Pudding
Tiramisu
The staff were great , and one of them was a lovely young chap from Limerick , so we chatted all things Irish .
A great evening , and well worth going here.

Updated 7th September 2024 Permalink

Thursday 05 September 2024.

Thursday 05 September 2024.
I went to two events tonight.
5.30pm to 7.15pm
SHOWCASE - 17 Dickens Yard , Ealing , London W5.
September is the main month for venues showcasing to get bookings for the pre Christmas period.
Part of Darwin & Wallace’s ever-growing collection of neighbourhood bars, No 17 combines two bars and a first-floor terrace. Cosy interiors feature generous lounge seating and large bleached oak sharing tables. Outside meanwhile boasts a large outdoor courtyard on the ground floor filled with foliage, and a first-floor wraparound terrace which overlooks the Dickens Yard development.
Open all day, No 17 serves up coffee in the mornings, before making way for cocktails at night, including the likes of a Honey Martini and a Plum Collins. From the food menu, guests can enjoy a seasonally changing offering.
They have a happy hour 4pm to 8pm.
The showcase is upstairs for around 30 guests.
Complimentary Raspberry Spritz, prosecco, wines , beers , cheeseburgers and canapes.
then
8pm to 9.15pm
PRIVATE VIEW - Maddox Gallery , 12 Berkeley Street , Mayfair, London W1.
Maddox Gallery is proud to present Dreamstate, the first solo exhibition in the UK of American artist, Jessica Brilli.
Fuelled by a deep feeling of nostalgia, Jessica Brilli’s practice is a glossy coating on the American dream. Populated by swimming pools, modernist buildings, nondescript characters and mighty Cadillacs, this series of 24 works follows a melancholic journey through the seasons of American retro life from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.
Around 100 smartly dressed guests here.
Complimentary Nyetimber English Sparkling Wines.
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Tuesday 03 September 2024.
G FLIP live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
G FLIP plays the first of two shows at Shepherds Bush Empire , after the original show sold out.
A very odd stage name that is an abbreviation of her full name .
30 year old female Australian musician G Flip is hitting the road with their ‘Drummer Tour Continued’ celebrating their 2023 ' Drummer'.
The album hit number one in the Australian charts.
G Flip is becoming the role model for her fans that they never had growing up, making the kind of high powered rock and pop music that could only come from the heart and mind of a drummer.
G Flip married an American actress in 2022.
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Sooo many female couples in the house tonight.
Must be 90 per cent female couples here tonight.
G Flip is certainly seen by them as a Gay Icon.
There are more girls going in the men's toilets than actual males.
MERCER HENDERSON was on at 8pm for 40 mins.
Mercer is a female singer from San Francisco.
She was backed by a female guitarist.
Mercer has an EP out on Friday 06 Sept.
G FLIP was on at 9.10pm for 80 mins.
G Flip has loads of mini tattoos all over her body.
She was backed by a three piece band.
Nice to see a massive drum kit dominate the stage.
G Flip plays drums , flying v guitar and keyboards during different parts of the show, and indeed the opening five minutes is a full drum solo from her.
Half way through she would perform another drum solo, and the rest of the set was by a male drummer.
G Flip sung one song from up in Level 2, which sent her fans into a frenzy.
She has lots of friendly chat to say to the crowd.
Her fans are singing loudly along to every song , to create a fantastic live atmosphere .
G Flip has plenty of energy for all the show.
Keen to show off her toned stomach in sports bra .
It got very lively at the end of the main set for ' Be Your Man' , ' Drink Too Much ' and ' Gay 4 Me'.
A good cover of Taylor Swift ' Cruel Summer' and her big track ' The Worst Person Alive' was great.
A really good show, much better than expected.

Updated 4th September 2024 Permalink

Monday 02 September 2024.

Monday 02 September 2024.
LIME CORDIALE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Australian indie pop rockers are touring the UK.
' Enough of the Sweet Talk' is the third studio album by Australian band Lime Cordiale. The album was released on 26 July 2024. Seven singles preceded the album's release, starting with "Facts of Life" on 8 April 2022.
The album went to number one in Australia.
They headlined The Forum in 2023...I did not go.
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A near sell out crowd, that is mainly full of Aussies.
Pretty much 75% females under the age of 40.
GRAND CABLE are on at 8.15pm for 30 mins.
We have another Aussie band as support.
A decent enough indie rock set.
LIME CORDIALE are on at 9.15pm for 1 hour 40 mins.
A nice production with a raised platform at the back , their band name in huge letters on a curtain , and lots of lights and strobes.
A five piece ,plus a trombone player on a few tracks .
The lively crowd are all up dancing and singing from the start ,to their bouncy indie pop rock tunes.
The two brothers at the front look cool and the keyboard player is wearing some dodgy tight shorts.
A highlight was a cover of their Aussie heroes The Divinyls ' I Touch Myself'.
A good show, that the crowd loved.
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Sunday 01 September 2024.
LINDISFARNE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
They are best known for the albums Nicely Out of Tune (1970), Fog on the Tyne (1971) (which became one of the biggest selling UK album in 1972), Dingly Dell (1972) and Back and Fourth (1978), and for the success of songs such as "Meet Me on the Corner", "Lady Eleanor", "Run for Home", "Fog on the Tyne" and "We Can Swing Together".
Rod Clements is the one original member these days.
Rod Clements (now aged 76) is a British guitarist, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He formed the folk-rock band Lindisfarne with Alan Hull (R.I.P.) in 1970.
They are playing a massive UK tour to promote their three cd box set on Cherry Red Records titled ' The Mercury Years 1978 - 1979'.
I saw them headline Hammersmith Odeon in 1985
and 1987 , when i worked front stage security there.
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Levels 2 and 3 are closed as unsold, and stalls seating as an older crowd, so maybe 600 folks here.
LINDISFARNE are on stage for 1 hour 50 mins , over two sets of 50 mins and 60 mins.
Five members on stage , and Rod Clements now has a walking stick to help him get to his stool
He shares the vocals with other band members.
It is the usual laid back folk rock sound.
The overall sound is nice and clear.
Lots of lyrics were related to their Newcastle roots
Highlights in the first set included ' Lady Eleanor ' and 'All Fall Down' and the final five songs of the second half were the biggies ...a very enjoyable show.
Great to see them still playing live.
We Can Sing Together
Fog On The Tyne
Meet Me On The Corner
Run For Home
Clear White Light

Updated 2nd September 2024 Permalink

Friday 30 August 2024.

Friday 30 August 2024...3pm to 11pm...
THE KINKS Tribute Show & Sightseeing Tour
Meet George lV Pub, Chiswick, W4 2DR
Paying homage to one of the greatest groups of all time!
We're delighted to announce that The Kinks' drummer, Mick Avory will be joining us at this tribute event along with Dave Davies' son, Christian; the group's backing vocalist, Debi Doss and Ray Lovegrove, roadie for The Kinks in 1964. Also attending is star of stage and screen Mike Berry so reserve your seats soon as this event is likely to sell out!
Celebrating 60 years since their formation, Music Heritage London invites you to the last of the Kinks 60 tribute events in the Boston Room at George lV pub on Friday 30th August.
The event begins with a 3-hour guided sightseeing tour on a 1961 Routemaster, double-decker London bus taking you back to venues and locations where The Kinks and many other 60s music legends performed, recorded and hung-out. You'll visit the site of Harold Pendleton's National Jazz & Blues Festival (1961-1965) and the famous Station Hotel in Richmond where Ray Davies performed as a member of the Dave Hunt Blues Band before forming The Kinks. You'll stop at Olympic Studios, visit the Half Moon in Putney and pass by the Hammersmith Odeon on your way to the Goldhawk Social Club, where The Detours (The Who) supported The Kinks in 1964.
After the tour, you'll be dropped off right outside the George lV pub in good time for dinner (make sure you book a table) or a libation or two before the Boston Room doors open at 7.30pm. The show begins at 8.00pm with the critically acclaimed 'Konks' tribute band, playing renditions of all of The Kinks' hits and lesser known album tracks.
For those travelling by tube, Turnham Green Station is only 5-minutes walk to the venue (District Line and Piccadilly Line after 10.30pm)
bus tour only...£25
gig only...£20
both combined....£40
*LUNCH is available at George lV with 20% DISCOUNT for tour and/or show ticket holders -
3.00pm TOUR - 'The Journey' leaves George lV Pub. 185 Chiswick High Rd., London W4 2DR
6.00pm (approx.) Arrive back at George lV pub
https://buytickets.at/musicheritagelondon/1267770
I have seen The Kinks a few times since 1978.
I have seen Ray Davies a few times since 1996.
I have seen Dave Davies just the once in 2014.
I saw The Kinks musical ' Come Dancing ' in 2008.
There are also daily bus tours of 1960s music and fashion locations....www.60sbus.london
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What a great day out this was.
3pm to 6pm.
Meet up at the pub in Chiswick High Road.
Good to see Sabine Brignell on the bus and David Stark later at the gig.
The classic Routemaster RML bus is full.
There are sounds on the bus playing 1960s classics.
We head down Chiswick High Road and the bus soon gets the attention of the public, as they smile away at the sight of it, and take photos.
The organiser Paul Endacott does a great job of telling the history of the 1960s to the passengers , as we pass locations that are linked to The Kinks and the 1960s music scene.
We go past Chiswick House & Gardens , where The Beatles made a couple of their videos .
We then head up to Richmond Hill for it's stunning views , and drive past Mick Jagger and Jerry Halls old house and Ronnie Woods legendary party house 'The Wick' , that he sold to Pete Townshend , who recently sold it for £ 15m.
Then through Richmond where there were many cool record and clothing shops situated there in the 1960s, along with The Station Hotel .
We then had a few stories from guest on the bus , Ray Lovegrove , who was Kinks tour manager in 1964 and 1965 , and also drove Jimi Hendrix to Wales.
We went past the site of The Crawdaddy Club where all the acts of the 1960s performed.
Then to the original site of The National Jazz & Blues Festival that later became The Reading Festival.
Then past the site of the legendary Olympic Studios in Barnes , where many acts recorded including ,
Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones ((recorded six albums here 1966 to 1973) David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Ella Fitzgerald, Queen, Ray Charles, the Who, B. B. King, Traffic, Prince, the Eagles, Eric Clapton, Oasis, Adele, Björk and others .It is often regarded as being as significant as Abbey Road Studios, and remains an important cultural landmark.
It is now a cinema and cafe.
At 5pm, we have a 20 mins comfort break at The Half Moon Pub in Putney . This is another venue that started gigs in the 1960s, and many big names have played here .
Then it was down Fulham Palace Road , past the site of The Greyhound Pub , then past The Hammersmith Apollo , where we were told of all the big names that that played there when it was Hammersmith Odeon , including The Beatles , then past the site of The Clarendon Hotel , then past the site of Hammersmith Palais .
Then past Shepherds Bush Empire , and along The Goldhawk Road where a couple of clips of Quadrophenia were filmed .
Then past The Goldhawk Social Club at 205 Goldhawk Road , where (The Detours) The Who and The Kinks and others played in the 1960s.
Then it was back to the George IV pub in Chiswick.
The bus tour was a really enjoyable three hours.
then a break for dinner.
8pm to 11pm.
Never knew the George IV pub had a big room out the back for live music.
The venue is full , with most of the 200 seated .
Guests in the crowd included original Kinks drummer MICK AVERY , The Kinks backing singer DEBI DOSS and Dave Davies son CHRISTIAN DAVIES..
Also here was singer and actor MIKE BERRY , now 81.
Too notch Kinks tribute band THE KONKS play.
It is a nice long show of 2 hours 30 mins over two sets of 65 mins and 85 mins.
They look the part , in their cool 1960s attire.
A fantastic mix of all the hits and lesser known tracks,including ....
All Day and All of The Night
Tired Of Waiting for You
Stop Your Sobbing ( with Debi Doss )
I'm Not Like Anybody Else
Dead End Street
Ray Lovegrove told a couple of Kinks anecdotes
Days ( with Debi Doss)
Where Have All The Good Times Gone
David Watts
Dedicated Follower of Fashion ( with Mick Avery on vocals , wearing his flashy jacket , now aged 80,
but still full of humourous chat)
Death of a Clown ( with Debi Doss)
Waterloo Sunset
Apeman
Come Dancing
Sunny Afternoon ( with Debi Doss)
Lola ( with Debi Doss)
Encore :
Victoria
A great gig , combined with the afternoon bus tour ,
was superb day out.
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Thursday 29 August 2024.
PORTOBELLO FILM & ART FESTIVAL 2024.
Opening Night at the Gate Picturehouse,
Notting Hill Gate , London .
An evening with JULIEN TEMPLE and screenings of two of his punk films Never Mind The Baubles - Sex Pistols at Christmas (60 mins) and New Year With The Clash (75 mins), and five of his music videos.
I have seen both films before, but never on the big screen
There will also be a Q n A with Julien Temple.
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Always nice to be at this cinema with luxury seating.
Nice to see a few familiar faces here.
8pm - we are shown five of Julien Temples videos.
Julien has had over 40 years as a film director and film producer.
Neil Young - Rockin' in The Free World.
The Rolling Stones - Undercover of The Night.
The Kinks - Come Dancing .
The Sex Pistols - God Save The Queen
Sid Vicious - My Way.
Julien Temple then said a few words.
8.30pm - New Year With The Clash.
Great to see the doc based around The Clash playing on the opening gig of The Roxy Club on 01 Jan 1977.
Great to hear all those gems from their debut album.
I was not at this gig , but had seen The Clash at The 100 Club Punk Festival a few months before.
I saw five gigs at The Roxy Club, Covent Garden.
Damned,Boys Roxy Club. London 17.01.1977 Damned,Rejects Roxy Club. London 31.01.1977
Damned,Johnny Moped Roxy Club. London 21.02.1977
Johnny Thunders Heartbreakers,Siouxsie And The Banshees Roxy Club. London 02.03.1977
Cherry Vanillas Police,Chelsea Roxy Club. London 03.03.1977
Julien Temple then came back for the Q n A.
I saw Julien at the first night of The Sex Pistols with Frank Carter at The Bush Hall, and I asked him what he thought of it . He said ' Frank was athletic and had tattoos , then quickly moved on to his love for Steve Jones and his guitar sound, and his disgust at John Lydon for supporting Donald Trump.
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10.10pm - Never Mind The Baubles - The Sex Pistols in Huddersfield on Christmas Day 1977.
I had seen The Sex Pistols three times in 1976.
I had seen them once in 1977. Huddersfield would be their last UK gig until they reformed in 1996.
In Huddersfield they played two gigs in the one day .
Mostly great footage from the afternoon show which was for the children of striking fireman .
The Pistols mixing with the children and a cake fight, with John Lydons face covered in cream.
Many of the classic NMTB tracks played too.
A really good evening.
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All the films and documentaries are FREE ENTRY.
Just book via their website.
www.portobellofilmfestival.com
From 30 August , the screenings are all at The Muse,
269 Portobello Road, London W11.
Other highlights include...
Monday 02 September - This Is Not a Rock Doc - The Sharks ( introduced by Snips).
Friday 06 Sept and Sat 07 Sept.
Two evenings feat The Comic Strip.
The festival is on until 15 September 2024.

Updated 30th August 2024 Permalink

Wednesday 28 August 2024.

Wed 28 August to Sat 31 August 2024.
SALON PRIVE returns to Woodstock, Oxfordshire.
Set in the stunning grounds of Blenheim Palace, Salon Privé is back for 2024, in its 19th year. And with gorgeous classics, luxury brands and fine dining, be sure to dress for the occasion.
Classic Cars and Supercars will be on display.
The Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients is arguably the UK's most exclusive Concours and the only one to be adjudicated by the globally renowned ICJAG judging body. 50% larger, this year's collection of 75 cars, from 21 different countries, brings cars unseen for 40 years and rare exotics from 1908 to the land speed record breaking 2005 Bugatti Veyron experimental prototype 5.5, making this year an absolute MUST-ATTEND for any classic car enthusiast.
This year's line-up of priceless machinery will include the wonderful 1953 Siata208 CS Balbo – the car which Steve McQueen referred to as his 'little Ferrari'. Powered by a 2.0-litre V8 Fiat motor, it is one of just 9 Carrozzeria Balbo-bodied aluminium 208CS coupes produced by Italian marque. This diminutive sporting machine was raced across the USA from 1953 to 1959 and has remained in single family ownership from then on.
Zenvo Automotive is to star at Salon Privé later this month with the exclusive Danish hypercar brand confirming the Blenheim Palace debut of its radical 'new era' Aurora models. The Aurora Agil and Tur editions will be shown in public for only the second time globally, following their European show debut just a few weeks ago.
From a jaw-dropping 120th anniversary line-up of Rolls-Royces to Pebble Beach-winning Bugattis, exotic classic Ferraris and legendary Group C racing cars, this year's Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients is a MUST-SEE for all classic aficionados.
A unique 1950 Ferrari 166MM / 212 Export 'Uovo' is to be a headline attraction at this summer's Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients at Blenheim Palace.. 'Uovo' is Italian for 'egg', which perfectly describes this futuristic car's attention-grabbing design, and its presence at the UK's most exclusive automotive garden party is certain to cause a stir.
Both general admission tickets (£75) and tickets will full hospitality(£295) are available.
www.salonpriveconcours.com - Visit their website here for more info and to buy tickets.
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Wednesday 28 August 2024...11.45am to 5.45pm..
We went to the opening press day today.
Around 1000 smartly dressed guests here...90% male.
All the stunning super cars and classic cars look amazing. All the main marques are represented.
John Lennon's white Rolls-Royce was here.
They are all in such gleaming perfect condition.
Lots of complimentary food and drinks all day.
Complimentary Pommery champers for an hour.
Then it was a buffet lunch and desserts .
The short ribs tasted amazing .
From 2.30pm to 3.45pm was the cavalcade .
All the cars were started up and paraded in front of the judges . The engines sounded fantastic.
From 3.45pm to 5.45pm was afternoon tea.
Vodka cocktails , Gin Cocktails, wines, beers, coffees, finger sandwiches, scones with cream & jam etc.
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Tuesday 27 August 2024.
Gala / Press Night at The Peacock Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2.
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN - The Musical.
SADLERS WELLS presents at THE PEACOCK THEATRE...21 August to 23 September...
Janis Joplin: meet the first queen of rock ‘n’ roll and the women who lit her fire.
Starring Mary Bridget Davies and Sharon Sexton as Janis, this multi award-winning show is an extraordinary musical journey paying homage to Janis Joplin and her biggest musical influences.
Like a comet that burns far too brightly to last, Janis Joplin exploded onto the music scene in 1967 and, almost overnight, became the queen of rock & roll. The unmistakable voice, filled with raw emotion and tinged with Southern Comfort, made her a must-see headliner from Monterey to Woodstock.
Fuelled by such unforgettable songs as “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Piece of My Heart”, “Mercedes Benz”, “Cry Baby” and “Summertime”, a remarkable cast and breakout performances...
Janis Joplin was part of the '27 Club' where three musicians of that age died early at the age of 27.
Janis Joplin 1970
Jimi Hendrix 1970
Jimi Morrison 1971
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We had superb seats ..three rows from the front.
Nice to see Pink Floyd's NICK MASON and TONY SMITH here. Tony is co-manager of Pink Floyd , along with Nick Masons Saucerful of Secrets, Genesis , Phil Collins and Mike + Mechanics.
He is also co -producer of tonight's show along with Canadian live music veteran MICHAEL COHL, who is also here.
The show is on for around two hours over two sets.
A nice stage set with a full late 1960s look.
A five piece band were joined by three man brass and four female backing singers
It is presented as a gig, with Janis singing and telling stories. The "twist" is that she is talking about all the singers who inspired her and, as though in a dream, they join her on stage. It turns the show into "An Evening with Janis Joplin… and Friends".
The powerful blues vocals by Mary Bridget Davies as Janis at 100% full throttle was really fantastic and the backing singers all had a song or two each as they took on classic soul singers, including Aretha Franklin and Etta James .
All Janis Joplin's best known songs were performed,and the first set finished with a superb sing off with Janis and Aretha.
For the final curtain call, the cast were joined on stage by Janis Joplin's brother Michael and sister Laura.
I enjoyed this gig-style show rather a lot.
Well worth going to see.
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10.30pm to 12pm was the after-party at The Bloomsbury Hotel, behind The Dominion Theatre.
Around 150 guests here , including NICK MASON , TONY SMITH and MICHAEL COHL.
All the cast eventually turned up, along with Janis Joplin's brother Michael and sister Laura.
Complimentary wines, beers, canapes and fries.
We were given a complimentary programme and a drink voucher for the interval when we arrived at the theatre.

Updated 28th August 2024 Permalink

Monday 26 August 2024.

Monday 26 August 2024....1.30pm to 9pm...
The world famous NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL.
Being a Shepherd's Bush native meant i have been to most of the Notting Hill Carnivals since the 1970s.
Gone though are the days , when I would do three days at Reading Festival on the Fri, Sat, Sun and then Notting Hill Cardival on the Monday .
Around a million people each day expected.
Thankfully , it was a nice sunny day.
Vendors everywhere selling the usual stuff.
Always a fun sight to see cans of lager being sold out of shopping trolleys , and private home owners using their toilets for some income . Some were £3 and some were £5 ( cash or card).
Sound systems and loud music everywhere.
The colourful floats all looked amazing .
Walked past Solution sound system , then Gaz' Rockin' Blues , popped in to see friends in The Tabernacle .
Saw a couple of acts at The Powis Square stage.
The crowds were crazy and loud as usual.
Thankfully avoided any crowd bottlenecks.
then 2.30pm to 7pm
STRAWBERRIES & CREEM host the main stage.
S&C’s reputation as a tastemaker in their scene was built by booking the biggest names in Rap, Hip-Hop, R&B and Afrobeats: Burna Boy, Little Simz, Skepta, Giggs, Central Cee, Mabel, J Hus, Kano, Ludacris, Ms Dynamite and many more.
The next S&C show take place in London – celebrating their tenth birthday by bringing the party to Drumshed's , North London on Friday 29 Nov 2024.
All three rooms will be open for the 15,000 capacity .
Several acts and djs performed short sets here today.
The only one i knew was MABEL at 5pm for 20 mins.
A good set featuring her hits ' Finders Keepers', ' Don't Call Me Up' and 'Mad Love ' .
Venue is Emslie Horniman's Pleasance Park
It is located on Bosworth Road in Kensal Green on the southern side of the Grand Union Canal.
Around 2000 folks in the park , and we are in the STRAWBERRIES & CREEM hospitality area.
Around 200 guests here, with a mainly younger crowd.
There are bar stools and even deckchairs here .
Reserved seating on each side of the stage .
Lots of complimentary drinks and food all day.
Six different cocktails to choose from and a shout out to the three food vendors here giving out plenty of delicious carnival food.
DAWNS KITCHEN
BIG MEAT BBQ
SPANISH TOWN DUTCH
The music everywhere has to stop at 7pm so we continued the party in the Harrow Road which was totally buzzing.
An excellent day.
See my Facebook page for a few photos.
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Saturday 24 August 2024....1pm to 12pm....
The Barn in Buntingford, Hertfordshire.
A fantastic day out in the countryside to see my youngest son Steve marry his partner Ryan.
Around 100 guests here .
The wedding went great , and was quite emotional.
The weather was a bit rainy, so the afternoon photos and drinks were inside, then we had a top notch three course meal .
The evening party had a fantastic covers band called BEAT CLUB who performed two sets of 60 mins and got everyone on the dancefloor.
My son and Ryan looked at over a dozen bands online, before making the great choice of picking them.
The band features joint male and female lead vocals, sax and keyboards, and performs five decades worth of floor-fillers from Chuck Berry to Rihanna – all delivered with unstoppable energy and enthusiasm! They'll even learn one special request for you, whether it's your first dance or simply your favourite song.
Marc and Steve chose a Justin Timberlake track.
The whole day was totally excellent.
See my Facebook page for a nice video and photos.
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Sunday 25 August 2024....1.30pm to 5pm...
The afternoon was another wedding related event, as it was over to High Barnet, North London , to the house of Ryan's parents, for a buffet and drinks.
Around 20 folks here... Really nice.

Updated 25th August 2024 Permalink

Saturday 24 August 2024.

Friday 23 August 2024.
THE RED CLAY STRAYS play Shepherds Bush Empire.
The Red Clay Strays are an American country rock band formed in Mobile, Alabama. They are best known for their 2022 single "Wondering Why", which saw success in late 2023 after going viral on the social media platform TikTok. The song became their first song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 71.They are touring the UK to promote their second album ' Made By These Moments'.
This show sold out a month in advance.
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Not many would have heard of them , but The Red Clay Strays have sold out this 2000 capacity venue .
NOLAN TAYLOR arrived on stage at 8pm for his 40 mins...just him and his acoustic guitar.
A strong Southern drawl in a set that ticked along ok.
THE RED CLAY STRAYS arrived on stage at 9pm and played for 1 hour 55 mins.
Six of them on stage , including keyboards.
The singer certainly has an Elvis vibe going on.
White jacket , slicked back black hair and good looks.
The singer had a nice voice, and there was some nice guitar playing.
The highlights came during the encore section where we had their best known track ' Wondering Why' and a superb final extended version of ' Hey Jude'.
A good show that ticked along nicely.
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Friday 23 August 2024.
SEX PISTOLS with Frank Carter.
Looks like the great reviews from those excellent Bush Hall gigs have worked a treat , as the four shows announced for outside of London have sold out pronto...Nottingham, Birmingham , Glasgow and
Manchester.

Updated 24th August 2024 Permalink

Thursday 22 August 2024.

Thursday 22 August 2024.
THOMAS DOLBY live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
A very rare UK tour from Thomas Dolby.
This show sold out in advance , so extra show added on Saturday 24 August at Islington Academy.
GRAMMY Award nominated Thomas Dolby's impressive career has spanned over 35 years.
He has had a few Top 40 singles and albums.
As an early MTV icon he blazed a trail for electronic music with his imaginative videos. His synth playing and production have graced the recordings of Foreigner, Def Leppard and Joni Mitchell.
Thomas Dolby was in David Bowie's band at Live Aid.
That is the only time I have seen him on stage.
Support comes from MARTIN McALOON singing the songs of his 1980s band PREFAB SPROUT.
Nine of their albums reached the Top 40 in the UK Albums Chart and one of their singles, "The King of Rock 'n' Roll", peaked at number seven in the UK Singles Chart. The band's other popular songs include "When Love Breaks Down" and "Cars and Girls". The band has not played live since 2000.Looks like Martin's brother Paddy McAloon is suffering from
ill-health.
I saw Prefab Sprout four times , with the first time in 1983, supporting Elvis Costello.
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It is stalls seated tonight as a middle aged crowd.
MARTIN McALOON was on at 8pm for 45 mins.
He is solo , with just his electric guitar.
Good to hear those Prefab Sprout hits again including ' When Love Breaks Down' , ' The King of Rock and Roll' and 'Cars and Girls'. Martin had a nice relaxed stage banter that helped him go down well tonight.
He headlines Bush Hall in November 2024.
THOMAS DOLBY was on at 9.15pm for 90 mins.
He is on his own , with a bank of keyboards.
There is a big screen showing pre-recorded images.
A nice loud sound of electro beats
An excellent keyboard based ' Heroes' , which included great footage of Thomas with David Bowie at Live Aid in 1985.
His hits were near the end of the enjoyable show.
Full THOMAS DOLBY setlist played tonight...
Blue Monday ( New Order cover)
Evil Twin Brother
Europa and the Pirate Twins
One of Our Submarines (With snippets of Gary Numan’s “Cars” and Duran Duran’s “Save a Prayer')
The Flat Earth
I Love You Goodbye
Spice Train
My Brain Is Like a Sieve (Duet with Jason Mraz on pre-recorded vocals)
Budapest by Blimp
"Heroes" ( David Bowie cover)
Hyperactive!
She Blinded Me With Science
Encore:
Hot Sauce
Encore 2:
Airwaves
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Thursday 22 August 2024.
Remember where you saw it first.
THE SEX PISTOLS play a second show at The Forum.
Sunday 29 September 2024.
Ticket info will be announced in the media soon.
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Wednesday 21 August 2024.
RISE AGAINST live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Punk rock band from Chicago have released several albums....a couple of them have gone Top 10 in the USA and Top 40 in the UK.
A couple of their tracks have had over 100 million views on YouTube.
Rise Against are on a UK & European tour.
This show sold out in advance.
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The support act TRASH BOAT are from St Alban's .
They arrived on stage at 8pm for a decent enough uptempo 30 mins punky set.
Never heard of them before, but they have had four albums out.
RISE AGAINST arrived on stage at 9pm for 90 mins.
They are the type of band you would see middle of the bill at Download Festival or Reading/Leeds.
They are all dressed in black.
RISE in huge white letters on their black curtain.
Like the support band , they are new style punk rather than classic punk of old .
Lots of moshing and crowd-surfing .
Lots of lights and strobes.
Highlights were near the end with ' Prayer of The Refugee', ' Audience Of One' and ' Saviour'.
A good show that the crowd loved.

Updated 22nd August 2024 Permalink

Tuesday 20 August 2024.

Tuesday 20 August 2024.
FUERZA BRUTA - AVEN
★★★★ 'PART-RAVE, PART-CIRCUS, ALL JOY’ - EVENING STANDARD
This summer, the world’s hottest aerial and dance spectacular comes to the Roundhouse for a strictly limited season. Argentina's FUERZA BRUTA return to their London home with the European premiere of their brand-new show, AVEN.
This unforgettable production is a visually stunning, tour-de-force where the boundary between performers and audience blurs, and set and spectacle combine to sweep the audience up on a remarkable journey. Prepare to be immersed in mesmerising moments that erupt all around you in a euphoric mix of aerial acrobatics, stunning dance sequences, playful water effects and electrifying immersive elements.
Come join the party at this sensational multi-sensory phenomenon that will electrify your senses and fill your heart with joy. Discover more on the AVEN Trailer
Book your tickets now! From £35.
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I have seen this show at The Roundhouse twice before in 2013 and 2014.
No gigs on at The Roundhouse during August , as this theatre show has booked out the entire month.
Restricted capacity of 500 standing folks per night, due to this production being in the round.
The show had a DJ playing tunes for 30 mins before and after the main event.
The show was on for only 65 mins, which seemed a bit short.
On first entering the Roundhouse space, it feels like you’re entering a club, with a warm-up DJ spinning Noughties hits such as “I Got a Feeling” and “Destination Unknown”. When the performers step out and begin smashing drums, and a sea of iPhones rise above the crowd, you could be at a gig. Next, a giant, luminous globe appears from behind large curtains, suspended from a pulley, with acrobats quite literally globetrotting as they run around the circumference of the floating orb.
Lots of action above our heads , as the several artists perform their various routines .
There is a female in a floating swimming pool splashing about , as the crowd touch its floor, as it floats just above their heads.
There is a treadmill workout as they run on wires.
There is certainly plenty of energy used tonight.
There are confetti cannons , strobes , lasers and non-stop dance beats...we even get a great dance version of ' I Don't Care' .
Lots of flying around the venue on wires.
Lots of water sprayed on the crowd , or falling from the ceiling.
Near the end we get to see a giant inflatable whale , where the two guys inside it, make the tail gently
swoop down onto the audiences head.
The show was a good visual treat , with some bits better than others.
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Monday 19 August 2024.
5.15pm to 8.15pm.
INJECTING HOPE - launch party - Embassy of Brazil,
14 /16 Cockspur Street , London SW1.
This exhibition explored the worldwide and Brazils effort to develop vaccines at pandemic speed, showing how scientists and researchers adapted to the various challenges of this massive programme.
Through an incredible variety of artworks, interactives, and personal objects, this exhibition made the invisible visible: from examining the virus itself to recognising the work done quietly behind the scenes by volunteers, researchers and other individuals that made the huge innovations possible.
The main event is at The Science Museum ,through August , free admission.
Around 100 guests here
Speeches at 6.30pm.
Complimentary prosecco, wines, hot and cold Brazilian canapes and desserts.
then
We watched an hour of the Leicester Spurs footie game at The Hippodrome Casino.
then
9.30pm to 11.30pm.
Gala / press night after-party for 39 STEPS at Walkers of Whitehall, Trafalgar Square , London SW1.
Around 150 guests at this gastro pub near the theatre.
About The 39 Steps...Classic Alfred Hitchcock .
The comedy thriller follows the adventures of the protagonist, Richard Hannay, as he gets caught up in some riotous trouble. Along his adventures, he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and, of course, devastatingly beautiful women - all with a stiff upper lip and a moustache, one might add.
This innovative and gripping comedy thriller showcases four fearless actors portraying 139 roles in a fast-paced 100-minute performance
It is on at The Trafalgar Theatre until 28 Sept.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food including three different cocktails , prosecco , wines , beers , Guinness, a buffet of hot and cold food.
It was still lively when we left , as due to finish at 1am.

Updated 20th August 2024 Permalink

Sunday 18 August 2024.

Sunday 18 August 2024.
SKY ARTS 7pm to 10pm.
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND live in Barcelona 2002.
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Thursday 15 August 2024.
THE SEX PISTOLS with FRANK CARTER live at Bush Hall, Shepherds Bush , London W12.
Back again to see these legends for the third time and their final show here.
Random sighting of the night was CHRIS ROBINSON from THE BLACK CROWES.
Also here were PATTI PALLADIN, CHRIS MUSTO , NEAL X and SEGS from RUTS DC.
DJ support duties tonight came from DON LETTS.
THE SEX PISTOLS arrived on stage a few minutes after 9pm , and it was the same 15 song sll killer no filler setlist.
How does Steve Jones get that incredible guitar sound?
The power and the quality of his riffs are amazing.
Glen looking as cool as ever.
Cookie's great drumming for his age , in this sweltering heat....respect is due Sir Paul Thomas.
I saw first Frank Carter over 15 years ago.
He has been bringing his 100% energy and punk attitude to all his live shows well before joining The Sex Pistols.
He is certainly no wannabe auditioner for The Great Rock n Roll Swindle , but a commited live performer , who sweats his nuts off every night , and convinced everybody over the three nights that he is a perfect fit for the band.
Frank jumped into the crowd again a few times , and at one stage was just a couple of yards away from the mixing desk at the back of the venue
In 1976 The Sex Pistols were headline news , and with this new line-up , they are still headline news all over again.
Another totally excellent show.
Aftershow at the venue VIP balcony bar 10.15pm to 11.25pm...a pay bar again...none of the band members turned up ...
Aftershow at The Princess Victoria pub a few mins walk from the venue ..11.30pm to 12.15pm.
It was much better here tonight , than last night.
Maybe 40 or 50 people here....a pay bar...
PAUL COOK and wife JENI were here.
Also here was CHRIS THOMAS who produced their classic album ' Never Mind The Bollocks
The combination of seeing so many friends on each night , and watching this still incredible iconic band in this intimate venue certainly made it three nights I will always treasure.
Special shout out to MAL-ONE , Eddie Lock and Fritz who like me , were there for all three shows.

Updated 16th August 2024 Permalink

Thursday 15 August 2024.

Wednesday 14th August 2024.
THE SEX PISTOLS feat FRANK CARTER live at Bush Hall, Shepherds Bush ,London W12.
The reviews have came in from the opening show.
Mainly four stars , and The Standard gave it five stars
This was the second of their three shows here.
I am back for a second time, as these shows are special gigs for sure, in a small venue .
Again , there were lots of folks here I knew .
Also here was JOHN TAYLOR from Duran Duran.
He made a great album with Sex Pistol Steve Jones , under the band name of The Neurotic Outsiders.
GUY PRATT is here , who is bass player with Nick Masons band , and will be bass player when David Gilmour tours later in the year.
RHODA DAKAR was the DJ tonight.
THE SEX PISTOLS arrived on stage at 9pm and played the same 70 mins set as the night before .
Last night I watched from the on the floor, but tonight we are second row of VIP balcony.
In front of us is a guy from Marshall Amps , who have
given customised pink and yellow Marshall Amps to Steve Jones ,that he is using tonight.
It is another proper hot n sweaty punk gig .
Tonight seems a bit tighter than yesterday's show.
Maybe the first night had some nerves , as it was the first time since 2008 , thar Glen , Steve and Paul
were playing on stage together.
Frank Carter does another great job, full of punk energy and jumping into the crowd often , and tonight during ' Satellite ' he gets the crowd around him on the floor for a full size mosh circle .
He certainly knows he is the cat that got the cream.
I love it when Steve, Glen and Paul sneakily look at each other to end the song at the same time.
All the songs are fantastic from start to finish, and they finish with again with a superb 'Anarchy In The UK'.
Another excellent show.
Aftershow party update ...
VIP bar upstairs at the venue 10.15pm to 11.25pm .
Glen Matlock is the only band member that pops his head in, as the others stay backstage....pay bar...
We had a nice chat to the husband and wife who took over the venue in 2001,and told us how the venue had suffered with the covid times and and it's aftermath.
then 11.30pm to 12.15pm.
The official after-party at a pub up the road .
Last night was tame at another pub by Shepherds Bush Green , and tonight it is even more tame.
Around just 20 folks here , and no band members.
We were about to walk straight back out, when I recognised a face from the past come in just behind .
It was live music legend JOHN CURD , who promoted punk gigs at The Roundhouse in the 1970s and then moved on to The Lyceum and other venues.
We went to loads of the gigs he promoted.
He also managed Steve Jones and Paul Cook when they were in The Professionals.
He told us loads of great stories from back then.
He is three quarters through writing his autobiography which will be coming out next year.
That will be a must read.
Complimentary bags of crisps and a pay bar.
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Tuesday 13th August 2024....first of three shows here.
THE SEX PISTOLS are playing live shows.
Punk legends the Sex Pistols are reuniting - without John Lydon - for three very special concerts this summer to raise vital funds for historic West London venue, Bush Hall.
Sex Pistols' Paul Cook, Glen Matlock and Steve Jones will join forces with livewire punk vocalist Frank Carter for the three London Bush Hall concerts.
DJ support from CHRIS SULLIVAN , RHODA DAKAR and DON LETTS....one dj each night...
All shows sold out pronto as expected
400-capacity shows will see Frank Carter and Sex Pistols perform the band’s only studio album ‘Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols’ in its glorious, spitting entirety.
The concerts will mark the first time Sex Pistols have performed together since the reunion Combine Harvester Tour concluded in Spain in September 2008.
I was at the last three Sex Pistols shows with John Lydon on that tour
Electric Picnic Festival - Ireland
Hammersmith Apollo - London
Azkena Rock Festival - Spain
UPDATE....
Oddly no other shows between London and Italy ?
Sunday 25 August in Italy.
The Editors + Frank Carter and The Sex Pistols.
I have seen The Sex Pistols 29 times in all the years they have played live - 1976, 1977, 1996, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008.
This included their last visit to W12 , which was that legendary Shepherds Bush Empire show in 1996.
I have seen some interesting gigs at Bush Hall...
R.E.M.(2003)
Saw Doctors (2005)
Courtney Love (2007)
Adele (2008)
Booker T (2009)
This building was 200 yards from where I lived until a decade ago and I used to do ' penny for the old guy' outside , which was in old money circa 1969/1970.
I have seen Frank Turner singing with his old band The Gallows a couple of times...including at this venue , which is now The Dorsett Hotel , which is next to Shepherds Bush Empire....
06 Dec 2007. Queens Of The Stone Age + The Gallows live at The Shepherds Bush Pavillion,London.This was an invite only secret gig for 500 comp winners and media to celebrate MTVs Gonzo 5th Birthday Party.Nice party with free booze and canapes for all.The Stereophonics are all here as watching are the singers from Franz Ferdinand and The Cribs.We have two of the coolest bands around playing live.
Up first punk rockers The Gallows whose singer was voted number one in NMEs recent cool list.The band play a manic 30 mins with fast guitars and the singer is great.
How did Frank Carter get this prestigious gig?
Looks like Glens son , who is in the band Wargasm , recommended him to Glen , and Glen did the same to Steve and Paul.
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Tuesday 13 August 2024.
THE SEX PISTOLS live at Bush Hall , Shepherds Bush London W12.
Needless to say I was really looking forward to seeing this show by these punk legends again.
Lots of folks here that I know.
Saw Julien Temple park up his posh motor.
Alan McGee from Creation Records was here.
He famously paid NME to print his full page review of Sex Pistols Shepherd's Bush Empire gig 1996, saying it was the greatest show he had ever seen
I was talking to my chum Pat Gilbert from Mojo Magazine , and I suggested that they should get all the reviews in from the opening Tuesday gig and Wednesday and Thursday will be nice reviews in the main papers, and that they should announce some more dates for later ....anyway...
Keep your eyes peeled....I heard a whisper .
More dates to be announced Wednesday 14th August for September shows.....hopefully I heard it right.
This has now been confirmed for The Forum 26 Sept.
Hopefully more shows will be announced ??
It was a proper hot n sweaty punk gig .
The Sex Pistols arrived on stage at 9pm and played for 70 mins.
A nice stage curtain behind them saying those classic words....Nowhere / Boredom.
Steve Jones his wearing his 'Shepherds Bush ' t-shirt.
The opening of 'Holidays in The Sun' sounds as massive as ever , as Steve , Glen and Paul sound fab.
Frank Carter does a great job.
It certainly takes a lot of ' bollocks' ' from him to replace someonr as iconic as John Lydon.
Frank is all tattoos and punk attitude.
He jumps into the crowd a few times.
Pretty much NMTB classic album and b-sides.
Singer Yungblud jumped up on stage for 20 seconds during 'God Save The Queen' .He is a very lively singer who I have seen a couple of times at The Forum.
He was dancing manically by me during the show.
He was watched closely by his own personal security ( he can afford it after headlining Milton Keynes Bowl on Saturday just gone).
A fantastic show
See my Facebook page for some photos...
Full SEX PISTOLS setlist played tonight...
Holidays in the Sun
Seventeen
New York
Pretty Vacant
Bodies
Did You No Wrong
Liar
God Save the Queen ( King )
Submission
Satellite
No Feelings
E.M.I.
Problems
Encore:
No Fun (The Stooges cover)
Anarchy in the U.K.
Note: Yungblud jumped on stage for 10 seconds of
God Save The Queen
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After-party news....
I had an AAA sticky pass but most of my friends had a wristband for the official aftershow at a nearby pub, so headed there....the band didnt turn up , as it looked like they stayed in the dressing room area in the venue...the pub was kinda tame to be honest.
Maybe just 30 or 40 folks here.
They laid on a nice buffet with some yummy homemade scotch eggs , but it was a pay bar.
A random sighting of SHAUN RYDER here.
We had a chat and photo with him .
His bands are The Happy Mondays and Black Grape.
He arrived late so actually missed the gig.
He was in town for an interview on ITV Lorraine show on the following morning.
We were there 10.30pm to the 12pm finish.

Updated 12th August 2024 Permalink

Sunday 11 August 2024.

Saturday 10 August 2024.
ASCOT RACECOURSE presents a great day of horseracing, followed by live music.
DUBAI DUTY FREE SHERGAR CUP
Join us for a day of racing & dancing, with a trademark CC lineup of feel-good, party-starting music to round things off. We can’t wait to see you at Ascot for this one! 🙌
With 12 jockeys, 6 races and 4 teams, you can expect a day jam-packed with exhilarating racing at the Shergar Cup – followed by a signature CC lineup featuring Sugababes, Ministry of Sound Ibiza Anthems featuring Ellie Sax, Scouting For Girls and Denise van Outen (DJ set).
Tickets are £70 and £55 and £40.
www.ascot.com - Visit their website here for more info and to buy tickets for this event and others at Ascot.
A lovely sunny day is forecast, mixed in with some quality racing and well known music acts, so well worth popping over there for a great day out.
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A massive crowd of around 20,000 are here.
The ladies are wearing their best summer outfits , and the men are dressed in their smart attire.
We are in the nice King Edward Enclosure so watched three races from their Level 4 balcony seats , then three races down by the finish line. Many of the races finished in very close run-ins.
The TV cameras are here .
Lots of the staff here in bowler hats .
then it was party time...
SCOUTING FOR GIRLS arrived on stage at 5.25pm for their 45 mins set.
All the acts have use of the big screens.
Lots of catchy tracks in their set including, 'This Ain't A Love Song' , 'Posh Girls', a cover of Busted hit 'Year 3000' and their biggest hit 'She's So Lovely' got everyone singing along .
DENISE VAN OUTEN was the DJ between the acts .
MINISTRY OF SOUND IBIZA ANTHEMS arrived on stage at 6.45pm for their 45 mins set.
The female singer sung some well known tracks.
SUGABABES on stage at 8pm for their 60 mins set.
As headliners they have the full light production.
Fireworks and confetti cannons used during their set .
They have a full band , with lots of hits in their set,
Including' Freak Like Me', ' Red Dress', 'Hole In The Head', ' Overload', ' 'Push The Button' , 'Round Round' and ending with an extended version of 'About You Now'....a really good set that goes down well .
The live music finished at 9pm so everyone could get home in good time, if they had travelled a distance .
It was a great day out in the sunshine.

Updated 9th August 2024 Permalink

Wednesday 07 August 2024.

Wednesday 07 August 2024.
Gigs and events are quiet in August due to school holidays, but the all day every day BBC TV coverage of the Paris Olympics has been fantastic to watch.
Also superb this week on BBC1 is repeats of that great Irish family crime drama 'Kin'.
Repeated at midnight and 1am each evening.
Mon 05 August - Episodes 1 and 2
Tues 06 August - Episodes 3 and 4
Wed 07 August - Episodes 5 and 6
Thurs 08 August - Episodes 7 and 8
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Monday 05 August 2024...6pm to 8.30pm...
DAMIEN HIRST - private view - Phillips Gallery ,
30 Berkeley Street , Mayfair, London W1..
Over 200 folks here for this well known artist.
A photographer told me that Damien Hirst was here at 5pm , but left before the crowd arrived
HENI is delighted to present The Civilisation Paintings by Damien Hirst, his latest series of 32 paintings which explore the necessity of hope despite the complexities and challenges of contemporary civilisation.
The paintings are oil on canvas and each artwork is signed and titled by Damien Hirst in oil paint on the verso. The paintings come in two sizes, 16 of the paintings measure 274.3 x 213.4 cm, and 16 measure 198.1 x 152.4 cm.
To coincide with the drop, the paintings will go on show for the first time at Phillips, London. The exhibition, curated by Connor Hirst, is presented by HENI from 5 August to 2 September 2024.
Complimentary wines and beers for all the guests.
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Saturday 03 August 2024.
AEROSMITH - Very sad news that one of my fave bands are to completely retire from playing concerts.
The band announced on social media that it has cancelled the remainder of its Peace Out farewell tour, citing frontman Steven Tyler's ongoing recovery efforts following a vocal cord injury.
"We’ve always wanted to blow your mind when performing," the band said in a written statement shared to social media. "As you know, Steven’s voice is an instrument like no other. He has spent months tirelessly working on getting his voice to where it was before his injury. We’ve seen him struggling despite having the best medical team by his side. Sadly, it is clear, that a full recovery from his vocal injury is not possible. We have made a heartbreaking and difficult, but necessary, decision — as a band of brothers — to retire from the touring stage.
The tour, which featured The Black Crowes, was postponed last fall after announcing the now-76-year-old Tyler was being treated for a vocal cord injury and fractured larynx.
I was lucky to have seen them many times since their debut London show in the late 1970s.
Got a nice photo with Steven Tyler when I saw them in Paris.
Also saw Steven Tyler solo show a few years ago at The Forum.
Only a couple of months ago I saw him join The Black Crowes for the encore at Hammersmith Apollo.
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Wednesday 31 August 2024...4.15pm to 8.45pm...
Re-launch Party.
Trinity Riverside , Trinity Buoy Wharf, 64 Orchard Place, Canning Town, London E14.
This venue is around 15 mins from the tube station.
A bit hidden away , but a gem when you get there.
The building dates back to 1864 , and has London's only lighthouse.
The sun is out so the outside terrace is lovely , as we are by the River with great views of The 02 Arena and The Cable Cars.
The inside and outside spaces have arcade games and mini-golf.
Around 150 folks here during the peak period .
A DJ is playing tunes in the background.
At 6.30pm a band plays brass led covers.
At 7pm we had speeches for a few mins.
It was really enjoyable here.
Complimentary gin cocktails, prosecco , wines, beers , freshly grilled in front of you Tiger Prawns, Scallops etc ,bowl food , canapes and desserts.
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I am not very familiar with the Canning Town area that much, but back in the day we went to a famous pub rock venue in Canning Town called The Bridgehouse.
God knows how we got there from Shepherds Bush , as there was no Jubilee Line or DLR back then.
I went there five times , over 40 years ago.
Secret Affair Bridgehouse Pub, London 30.07.1979
Jimmy Norton Explosion Bridgehouse , London E 25.02.1980 feat glen matlock,danny kustov
Lene Lovich Bridgehouse , London E 15.08.1980
Wasted Youth Bridgehouse , London E 25.08.1980
Darts Bridgehouse, London E 24.01.1981

Updated 31st July 2024 Permalink

Monday 29 July 2024.

Monday 29 July 2024.
A face looked familiar at The Bruce Springsteen soundcheck on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.
Just found out who it was.
It was JEREMY ALLEN WHITE.
Jeremy Allen White has revealed he has been texting and emailing Bruce Springsteen.
The Bear star, 33, will play the “Born in the USA” singer in the forthcoming biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere, which will follow the billion musician’s life and career as he recorded his sixth studio album Nebraska in 1982, based on Warren Zanes’ 2023 nonfiction biography, Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska.
White, who will sing tracks from the Nebraska album in the forthcoming film.
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Sunday 28 July 2024.
MADNESS live at Blackheath Common, London SE3.
with THE ZUTONS , THE LIGHTNING SEEDS .
The venue is just a few mins from Blackheath and Lewisham stations.
I have seen Madness over 20 times since the ska heyday of the late 1970s, when T-Tone took off .
Such a great live band, with so many hits to dance to.
I have also seen The Zutons and The Lightning Seeds a couple of times each...so it's a must see bill.
Lots of other acts too , as there are three stages.
Also a full size funfair.
Madness have had 31 x Top 40 hits , including 17 x Top 10 hits, including a number one.
Lightning Seeds have had 3 x Top 10 hits including two number ones.
Zutons have had 2 x Top 10 hits.
www.uptownfestival.co.uk - Visit their website here for more info and to buy tickets.
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A massive crowd here , on this nice sunny day.
Madness are on a summer tour of huge UK outdoor venues.
All the bands have use of the big screens showing live footage of the days events.
THE LIGHTING SEEDS on at 5pm for 55 mins.
Ian Broudie has written some great pop songs, and tonight's set was full of them , plus a cover of Wreckless Eric's 'Whole Wide World'....a great set.
The band are playing a Greatest Hits UK tour later this year in Nov/Dec....well worth seeing.
Full LIGHTNING SEEDS setlist played tonight...
Marvellous
Change
Sense
Sunshine
Ready or Not
Whole Wide World (Wreckless Eric cover)
Perfect
Sugar Coated Iceberg
You Showed Me ( The Byrds cover)
Lucky You
Pure
The Life of Riley
THE ZUTONS on at 6.30pm for 60 mins .
Fellow Scouser' s The Zutons played a good set, but they didn't really have as many well known hits as The Lightning Seeds . Their female sax player , performed some lively dancing , and good to see them play 'Valerie' and 'You Will You Wont'.
The merch stand are selling Fez hats to many here.
MADNESS on at 8.30pm for 90 mins.
Eighties bands with many hits like Blondie, Human League and Madness are still bringing the crowds .
Madness have those fantastic lyrics that everyone loves, and can sing along loudly to.
A few tracks played from their recent number one album played , and loads of their classic hits played.
Their brass section sounded fab.
A bit odd to hear a jokey Bon Jovi cover .
The last half a dozen tracks home run was pure
quality , as they sent all the crowd home satisfied.
A great show.
Madness play Sundown Racecourse on Wed 31 July.
Full MADNESS setlist played tonight...
Tape intro - Thunderbirds: Main Title
One Step Beyond (Prince Buster cover)
Embarrassment
The Prince
C'est la vie
NW5
My Girl
The Sun and the Rain
Hour of Need
Wings of a Dove
Lovestruck
Run for Your Life
Bed and Breakfast Man
Shut Up
Round We Go
Mr. Apples
Livin' on a Prayer (Chris Foreman on vocals, with instrumental backing track) (Bon Jovi cover)
House of Fun
Baggy Trousers
Our House
It Must Be Love ( Labi Siffre cover)
Encore:
Madness ( Prince Buster cover)
Night Boat to Cairo

Updated 29th July 2024 Permalink

Saturday 27 July 2024.

Saturday 27 July 2024.
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and The E Street Band live at
Wembley Stadium.
Back to see Bruce second of two shows here.
Hopefully there will be a slight setlist change.
The opening show here got five star reviews galore.
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Sunny during the day, but a nice cool evening.
The Thursday show was a 10, but I think tonight's amazing show was verging on a Spinal Tap 11.
Like yesterday , I get to see the three song soundcheck....very near me is a super cool looking guy , with grey hair and a grey beard...PIERCE BROSNAN, who after the soundcheck was taken up on stage to say hello to Bruce and the band.
Soundcheck was 4.10pm to 4.30pm...Tougher Than the Rest, Death to My Hometown, Mary's Place.
I am in the same position as Thursday, near the rest of the front standing / gold circle. Many others from Thursday have also gone back to the same places.
The main show started at 7.15pm for three hours.
One song shorter than Thursday , and several songs dropped and added , and a better setlist tonight as we had ' Candy's Room' and 'Born In The USA' and a stunning ' Tougher Than The Rest ' with his wife Patti ( she was not there Thursday ). Bruce is dressed the same, and the full band have this big glorious wall of sound that was top notch from start to finish.
Again, Bruce goes down the front every few songs to be near the loyal fans .
It was an incredible show.
Full BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN setlist played tonight....
Lonesome Day
Candy's Room
Adam Raised a Cain
Death to My Hometown
The Promised Land
Hungry Heart
Darlington County
Tougher Than the Rest ( with Patti Scialfa)
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Youngstown
Long Walk Home (introduced as a “prayer for my country”)
The E Street Shuffle
Nightshift (Commodores cover)
Mary's Place
The River
Last Man Standing ( acoustic; with Barry Danielian on trumpet)
Backstreets
Because the Night (Patti Smith Group cover) ( written by Bruce)
She's the One
The Rising
Wrecking Ball
Badlands
Thunder Road
Encore:
Born in the U.S.A.
Born to Run
Bobby Jean
Dancing in the Dark ( followed by band introductions)
Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out ( pictures of Clarence Clemons and Danny Federici on screen)
Twist and Shout (The Top Notes cover)
Encore 2:
I'll See You in My Dreams ( solo acoustic)
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Friday 26 July 2024.
I.M from MONSTA X live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Korean singer, rapper and member of Monsta X, I.M is heading out on his ‘Off The Beat World Tour’, named after his third mini-album which shows another side to him through his songwriting.
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Level 3 is pretty much empty , but otherwise the venue looks full, so maybe 1500 are here.
Pretty much 90% females under the age of 30.
The popularity of K-Pop is pretty amazing , as we have
Asian , White , Black , Indian girls all mixing happily.
The bigger K-Pop acts can play stadiums and arenas , and even lesser known can play decent sized venues.
I.M and his suited band arrived on stage at 8pm and play for 1 hour 45 mins. As usual for K-Pop the production is top notch as we have big screens mixing live footage and pre-recorded images .
The females are screaming all through the show, as the main man is a pretty boy.
The lyrics are sung in Korean and English , and he speaks in broken English between songs
His vocals were very low in the mix and even when he was talking , it was all a blur to me.
We have a few costume changes and ticker-tape.
The music was all very tame, but the crowd lived it.

Updated 27th July 2024 Permalink

Thursday 25 July 2024.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND.
Thursday 24 July 2024 - Wembley Stadium, London.
Bruce plays the first of his two shows at this venue.
Bruce plays the last shows on his three month European Tour of stadiums.
I have seen Bruce over 20 times since 1975, when as a 16 year old, i saw both his debut UK shows at Hammersmith Odeon.
It is also the 40th anniversary of his 'Born In The USA'
album ,which catapulted Bruce to stadium level, and I saw him play Wembley Stadium in 1985.
I didn't see either of his Hyde Park shows in 2023, which was the only time I have not seen at least one show when he has played London.
I also saw him play The San Siro Stadium Milan 2008.
I also saw Bruce in Cardiff in 2013.
One of the greatest live performer's the rock era has ever witnessed, Springsteen will turn 75 this year, and is coming back from a health scare that forced him to postpone this second leg of his world tour.
Expect a nice long set as usual.
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It was a cool evening . with a bit of drizzly rain.
Our view is at the back of the massive gold circle.
Even that area is very full....the stadium is rammed .
BRUCE and the band arrived on stage at 7.15pm and played a mammoth set of 3 hours 15 mins.
Three big screens showing live footage.
Bruce is smartly dressed like Gareth Southgate.
Waistcoat , tie , white shirt....and Dr Martens .
It looked like a massive 18 musicians on stage ,
including a brass section and backing vocalists.
Pretty amazing to see The Boss deliver a three-hour plus rock’n’roll odyssey with the kind of hunger and raw passion that belies his near 75 years.
There is no extended stage extension , but Bruce walks down the steps many times to a podium to get close to the lots fans down front with song titles held aloft with their handmade signs.
Even a typically British summer can’t derail proceedings from the off, with the singer successfully facing off against moody rain clouds to whip the crowd up into the near-religious fervour for which the famously committed fans of the E Street Band are known. For over three hours, it seemed, Wembley became the Church of Springsteen. A ferocious run-through of ‘Born To Run’ with the house lights up delivers a sense of intimacy that you wouldn’t expect at this cavernous venue, while ‘Spirit In the Night’ – complete with a customary cry of can you feel the spirit? – sees Bruce take his role as Wembley’s very own lay preacher.
Little Steven and Nils are looking and sounding great.
It’s to Springsteen’s eternal skill, too, that a run of rarities in the first half are met with sheer joy by long-term fans and delivered with the kind of inhibiting passion that allows the rest of us to treat them like old favourites within minutes. This is shown on ‘Reason To Believe’ and ‘Atlantic City’ – a rare double blast of 1982’s Nebraska.
And I'm the second half , when dusk fell and the lights kicked in for when the hits did arrive, they were as fresh as ever. Thunder Road, Born to Run, Dancing in the Dark, and the live favourite Tenth Avenue Freeze Out sent thousands of the faithful into a delirium – so much so that it didn’t matter that they didn’t do Born in the USA.
It was a stunning 10/10 show .
Full BRUCE setlist played tonight...
Lonesome Day
Seeds
My Love Will Not Let You Down
No Surrender
Ghosts
Letter to You
The Promised Land (a couple proposed in the front row, and Bruce gave hom his harmonica)
Hungry Heart
Spirit in the Night
Reason to Believe
Atlantic City
Youngstown
Long Walk Home
The E Street Shuffle
Nightshift ( Commodores cover)
Racing in the Street
Last Man Standing ( acoustic; with Barry Danielian on trumpet)
Backstreets
Because the Night (Patti Smith Group cover) ( Bruce wrote it )
She's the One
Wrecking Ball
The Rising
Badlands
Thunder Road
Encore:
Land of Hope and Dreams (with The Impressions “People Get Ready” outro)
Born to Run
Bobby Jean
Dancing in the Dark ( followed by band introductions)
Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out ( pictures of Clarence Clemons and Danny Federici on screen)
Twist and Shout ( The Top Notes cover)
Encore 2: I'll See You in My Dreams ( Solo acoustic)
Note: Patti Scialfa is not present.
I was inside for the soundcheck 4.20pm to 4.35pm.
Soundcheck included: "Lonesome Day", "Long Walk Home" and "Seeds". "The River" was on the printed setlist but not played.
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Wednesday 24 July 2024.
Sad news that JOHN MAYALL has passed away.
British blues musician John Mayall OBE - whose influential band the Bluesbreakers was a springboard for stars including Eric Clapton - has died aged 90.
The songwriter died at his home in California on Monday surrounded by his family, a statement on his Instagram page said.
"Health issues that forced John to end his epic touring career have finally led to peace for one of this world’s greatest road warriors,” it said.
Mayall, who was born in Macclesfield and grew up in Manchester, founded the Bluesbreakers in the 1960s.
He was credited with helping to develop a blues revival among white musicians in England - and has been described as the "godfather of British blues".
Mayall told the Guardian in 2014 that "at the time, the scene in America was racially segregated" - but in Europe and England "the black blues began to be heard by an audience that was not listening to them in America".
After their 1966 album featuring guitarist Clapton, the Bluesbreakers were acclaimed by music critics as one of the world's most influential blues bands.
The group also became a training ground for other famous rock musicians including Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood, as well as Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones - cementing Mayall's reputation as a "serious talent magnet".
I saw John Mayall perform a few times on stage,with the most recent being at The Cadogan Hall, Chelsea in 2017.

Updated 24th July 2024 Permalink

Monday 22 July 2024.

Monday 22 July 2024...7pm to 9pm...
MARIE CURIE - private view of the summer exhibition 2024 at The Royal Academy of Arts , Piccadilly, W1.
What Marie Curie do - Everyone deserves the right support at the end of life. We’re here for anyone with an illness they’re likely to die from, and their family and friends.
The event is a fundraiser for them.
Over 500 mainly older guests here, including LOUIS THEROUX , TOBY JONES and JOHN ALTMAN.
At 8pm MICHAEL PALIN welcomes the crowd and is auctioneer for six items including a drawing by Billy Connolly....there was also a silent auction.
Michael Palin's wife had support from Marie Curie in the last week's of her life.
Complimentary Leyton's champers , canapes and desserts for all the guests .
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Saturday 20 July 2024.
LOVE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
The legendary LOVE with Johnny Echols makes a welcome return to the UK, led by Johnny Echols (now aged 77) - one of the original and longest serving members of the late Arthur Lee’s band. They'll be performing the iconic album from 1967 ' Forever Changes' in full with the Stockholm Strings 'n' Horns ensemble, often cited as one of the greatest records of all time.
' Forever Changes ' had only moderate success on the album charts upon release, peaking at No. 154 in the US and No. 24 in the UK. In subsequent years, it has become recognized as an influential document of 1960s psychedelia and named among the greatest albums of all time by a variety of publications.
I saw them with their leader Arthur Lee in 2003 at The Royal Festival Hall when they reformed , after Arthur Lee had spent five years in jail for firearms offences.
Arthur Lee passed away in 2006.
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It is mainly an older crowd tonight, so the stalls is seating, and Level 3 is closed .
Maybe 700 or 800 here at most.
Many are wearing San Francisco 1960s clothing.
Support act LARGE PLANTS arrived on stage at 8.15pm for their 30 mins set, which ticked along nicely with nice harmonies from the main two.
They had a technical delay in the middle of the set.
LOVE arrived on stage at 9.15pm and played for 95 mins over two sets of 50 mins and 45 mins.
Eleven musicians on stage featuring a four person string section and trumpet, for many of the songs.
The first set was their classic album 'Forever Changes' and the second set was other tracks .
The opening track ,the psychedelic masterpiece 'Alone Again Or' was fantastic and later on protopunk anthem 'Seven and Seven Is' was another highlight.
When used the strings and trumpet really did add a lovely big lush sound .
Some songs without them,felt a bit average
A full standing ovation from the stalls seated fans.
Overall , an enjoyable show

Updated 21st July 2024 Permalink

Friday 19 July 2024.

Friday 19 July 2024....6.45pm to 10pm....
Revival Festival at Prospect Park, Reading.
Celebrate the 90s and 00s with some of our favourite Pop and Dance acts and DJs
Featuring 30 mins sets from: EAST 17 and A1.
Both these boy hands had plenty of hits around 25 years ago during their heyday period.
Huge Big Top Tent....Massive 5000 Capacity!
Tired of getting ripped off for expensive tickets?
Register in advance for FREE TICKETS for this event.
Free tickets must arrive before 7pm. £10 charge applies thereafter.The organisers and council should get a pat on the back for putting on a free event.
A1 released their debut single, "Be the First to Believe", entered the UK singles chart at number six in mid-1999. They achieved chart success in the UK and other parts of the world in the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly Southeast Asia. In the UK, they scored two number ones ( Same Old Brand New You and a cover of A-Ha Take On Me) and six other top 10 hits, seven of which were written by the band. Adding to this, they also won a Brit Award for "British Breakthrough Act" in 2001. They were managed by band manager Tim Byrne, who also formed Steps.
Looks like they still have all four original members.
EAST 17 released 18 top 20 singles and four top-10 albums and was one of the UK's most popular boy bands during the early- to mid-1990s, aided by strong tabloid interest in their 'bad boy' image, compared to the clean-cut style of rivals Take That. Their style blended pop and hip hop in songs such as "House of Love" and "Let It Rain".
East 17 has sold over 18 million albums worldwide and according to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), the group has been certified with sales of 1.8 million albums and 2.6 million singles in the UK.Their biggest hit, "Stay Another Day", was the UK Christmas number one in 1994.
They continue today under the lineup of only original member Terry Coldwell.
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Not sure why I am going to this event ,but it's a lovely sunny day and a new venue for me to check out.
In July and August , many local councils have similar events , which are free , or cheap tickets.
Lots of space , so maybe half the 5000 capacity.
No surprise that's it's over 75% females here tonight.
It's in a big top tent so it works well for a dark nightclub vibe , as there is a nicer stage production than expected , that has lots of lights and columns of flames and lasers for all the bands and djs.
The DJs are playing classic drum n bass and dance anthems.
A dad is wearing a Guns N Roses t-shirt as if to say he is only here due to his wife and daughter.
A1 on stage at 7.55pm for 40 mins.
As expected both the bands are singing live to backing tapes.
A1 are all in their mid 40s now and still doing all their boy band routines. The big screen is showing some of their old videos as they play that particular song.
They played their hits and a medley of boy band covers which included their number one hit cover of
A-Ha Take On Me.
EAST 17 on stage at 9.25pm for 35 mins.
Not as much dancing from East 17 as A1.
They played a greatest hits set , which included ''House of Love ' , 'Its Alright' and their superb number one hit 'Stay Another Day' which was the main reason I am here today. Such a great slice of perfect pop.
An enjoyable enough evening.
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Thursday 18 July 2024...7pm to 9.30pm...
ZANDRA RHODES - book launch party - Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane , London W1.
Always nice to be at this famous five star hotel.
Around 150 guests here in one of their luxury spaces.
Dame Zandra Rhodes launches her memoir
' Iconic : My Life in Fashion in 50 Objects'.
The ever colourful Dame Zandra Rhodes, (now aged 83 ), is an English fashion and textile designer. Her early education in fashion set the foundation for a career in the industry creating textile prints. Rhodes has designed garments for Diana, Princess of Wales and numerous celebrities such as rock stars Freddie Mercury and Marc Bolan.
Nice to see a mainly older crowd here.
Several well known faces here including RICHARD E GRANT, MARIE HELVIN, SUZY MENKEZ, PAM HOGG, KAREN MILLEN, SIAN PHILLIPS, CELIA IMRIE, JOSHUA KANE, DAVID DOWNTON and PANDEMONIA
( 6'6" head to toe in latex ).
Zandra's long time friend ANDREW LOGAN was here.
The 78 year old was a friend of Malcolm McLaren
He founded the Alternative Miss World in 1972, which he continued to run as of 2018. He influenced film-maker Derek Jarman, whose early film-making work documented the social scene around Logan and his studios at Butler's Wharf, London. Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood staged the "Valentine's Ball", at which the Sex Pistols first came to media attention, at his studios in 1976
At 8pm ZANDRA gave a welcome speech , and read a passage from her book.
Complimentary Perrier Jouet champers Gin n Tonics, canapes and desserts for all the guests.
See Getty Images for some nice photos of the event.

Updated 19th July 2024 Permalink