Welcome to the Ray's Gigs website!

Here's the latest - updated 13th June 2025

Friday 13:June 2025.

Thursday 12 June 2025...I went to three events tonight...
6.30pm to 7.15pm.
Private view - JD Malat Gallery , 30 Davies Street , Mayfair , London W1.
JD Malat Gallery is thrilled to present Odradek by French-Iranian artist Sepand Danesh.
Now on view on the ground floor of JD Malat Gallery London, the exhibition features ten paintings that explore fragmented identity, psychological space, and the limits of perception. Through pixelated figures and architectural corners, Danesh constructs complex inner worlds that hover between order and disintegration.
Complimentary gin & tonics and wines for all the guests.
then
7.45pm to 9.45pm.
Casamigos x Blood Orange Bar Takeover With DJ Nikki Beatnik,
Basement of The Orange Pub , 37-39 Pimlico Road, London SW1.
We are in this upmarket road behind Sloane Square , where all the top interior design stores are .
We have a cosy corner table in this low lit bar.
Complimentary drinks and food included a choice of five very nice Casamigos tequila cocktails and Mexican themed food including tacos , nachos and canapes.
then
10.15pm to 12pm.
Theatre post show party for STEREOPHONIC press/VIP evening at Browns , 82 -84 St Martins Lane, London WC2.
Stereophonic was on earlier at The Duke of Yorks Theatre.
Stereophonic" is a play about a fictional rock band recording their second album in a 1970s recording studio, focusing on the creative process, interpersonal relationships, and the pressures of fame.
The cast turn up , and they all look like rock stars.
A big crowd of around 300 guests
Was expecting a few musicians here , but oddly didn't see anyone , but we did see Jimmy Page daughter SCARLET PAGE.
Complimentary drinks and food included spirits n mixers prosecco , wines , beers downstairs and upstairs is the cocktail bar for three different cocktails , including old fashioned ...food was cheeseburgers , chicken skewers , king prawns on sticks and canapes.

Updated 13th June 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 11 June 2025

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

Updated 11th June 2025 Permalink

Monday 09 June 2025.

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

Updated 8th June 2025 Permalink

Friday 06 June 2025.

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

Updated 6th June 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 04 June 3025.

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

Updated 3rd June 2025 Permalink

Monday 02 June 2025.

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

Updated 2nd June 2025 Permalink

Saturday 31 May 2025.

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

Updated 31st May 2025 Permalink

Thursday 29 May 2025.

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

Updated 29th May 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 27 May 2025.

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

Updated 27th May 2025 Permalink

Sunday 25 May 2025.

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

Updated 22nd May 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 21 May 2025.

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

Updated 21st May 2025 Permalink

Monday 19 May 2025.

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

Updated 17th May 2025 Permalink

Friday 16 May 2025.

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

Updated 16th May 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 14 May 2025.

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

Updated 14th May 2025 Permalink

Monday 12 May 2025.

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

Updated 10th May 2025 Permalink

Thursday 08 May 2025.

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

Updated 8th May 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 06 May 2025.

Tuesday 06 May 2025...I went to two events tonight ..
6.30pm to 8.45pm.
OSCAR'S BOOK PRIZE -The Ivy Club, 9 West Street ,
London WC2.
Around 100 guests are here, at this nice venue.
Several well known folks here including LAURA WHITMORE, ANTHEA TURNER , JONATHAN SHALIT, ZAFAR RUSHDIE,
OLLIE LOCKE , DR RANJ SINGH and HELEN LEDERER.
At 7.30pm the winner was announced.
The winner of the 2025 Oscar's Book Prize is "Just The Two Of Us" by Polly Noakes. The £10,000 prize, which celebrates the best picture books for young children.
Complimentary prosecco , wines ,beers and very nice canapes including king prawn tempura and macaroons for desserts.
then
9.15pm to 10.30pm.
AN OAK TREE - press /VIP opening night - The Young Vic , The Cut , London SE1.
Around 150 guests in the theatre bar after.
TAZMIN OUTHWAITE was here
Complimentary wines and beers for all the guests .
What they say .....
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Olivier Award-winning producers of Fleabag and Baby Reindeer present Tim Crouch’s groundbreaking An Oak Tree, one of the most influential new plays of our time.
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Monday 05 May 2025.
VE DAY 80th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS.
There will be military processions and a flypast , which includes The Red Arrows over Central London, during the day.
Big crowds expected, with many road closures etc.
It will be shown live on BBC TV and SKY TV.
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We were up there from 11am to 2pm.
The Mall was very busy with early arrivals , so we headed to the quieter Whitehall, near the OWO - Raffles Hotel.
Hundreds of police and security everywhere.
Lucky I wore extra layers as it stayed pretty chilly and windy .
From 12.10 for 30 mins we saw the 1300 strong service personnel procession, which was good to watch.
A horse bolted by Horse Guards and it's rider was heaved off .
The flypast at 1.45pm was great as the planes, including The Red Arrows flew overhead for around five minutes.

Updated 4th May 2025 Permalink

Friday 02 May 2025.

Friday 02 May 2025...5.45pm to 9.15pm...
PERMIT ROOM - preview - 168 Portobello Road, London W11.
Dishoom Permit Room open their fourth all-day bar-café.
Brighton 𐩑 Cambridge 𐩑 Oxford 𐩑 Portobello.
A salute to the permit rooms of Bombay.
Ground floor and first floor are for the food and drinks , and the top floor is for lodgings
The area is totally buzzing with tourists.
We are seated upstairs by the window.
The venue itself is totally lively.
Moreish curries, seriously good bar snacks, plates for sharing (and a handful of best Dishoom favourites). Breakfasts too.
And of course, cracking good cocktails to wash it all down with.
The cocktails are pre-mixed , which is usually a bad sign , but here they are total quality , when they arrive in bottles, along with a glass of ice.
We had lots of complimentary food and drinks.
We had a couple of plates of snacks and nan bread .
Chicken Korma
Spicy Prawn Masala
Tandoori Chicken
Lamb Curry
Along with sides and yummy desserts.
We had five different cocktails each .
The staff were great .
What they say....
To eat…
At Permit Room, there’s round-the-clock deliciousness. Breakfast Naan Rolls and Marmalade Mimosas kick-start the day.
Lunch is light, or long. Fresh salads and crispy Chaats, maybe some Chicken Pick-Me-Ups for the afternoon.
Picky-snacky-crunchy Chakli and Peanut Masala go well with local beers. Then wrap your teeth around select Dishoom favourites like Chicken Ruby with a side of Chilli Butter-Bhutta. Stay for late-night cocktails and tasty Sweets Things, too.
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Thursday 01 May 2025....7.15pm to 10.30pm.
FORTNUM & MASON FOOD and DRINK AWARDS at Fortnum & Mason , The Royal Exchange , Bank, London .
Celebrating and encouraging excellence in food and drink writing, publishing, broadcasting and photography since 2013.
The 7pm opening time was delayed for some reason.
A big crowd of over 300 guests , who are gathered around Fortnums stunning oval shaped long bar .
At 8pm for 30 mins were the awards.
The hosts were ANGELA HARKNETT and ANDI OLIVER.
GYLES BRANDRETH presented a special award to DAME MARY BERRY.
Others here included JAY RAYNER and STUART WATTS
Top celebrity photographers ALAN CHAPMAN and RICHARD YOUNG were here.
Lots of complimentary food and drinks , including
Fortnum & Mason champers , gin cocktails, wines , beers along with lots of tasty Fortnums canapes, including a seafood selection ,including oysters and caviar ice-cream.
All guests got a goodie bag with three Fortnums food items.

Updated 1st May 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 30 April 2025.

Wednesday 30 April 2025.
SECRET ESCAPES - issue two launch party - Oliver Spencer,
58 Lambs Conduit Street, Bloomsbury , London EC1.
Upmarket Travel and Fashion Magazine are hosting a party in this cool fashion store , for the cool fashion folks.
They have a nice garden space out the back.
Complimentary Gin n Tonics and prosecco for guests.
Everyone got a copy of the magazine , that retails for £12.
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Tuesday 29 April 2025...i went to two events tonight...
5.15pm to 8.30pm
BANKSIDE HOTEL - terrace bar launch party - Upper Ground,London SE1.
My first time at this cool five star hotel.
There is lots of contemporary art around the hotel.
Complimentary gin cocktails, Aperol Spritz , wines, beers , canapes and desserts .
All guests got a goodie bag with a few items in , including a jar of honey from their own bee hives on the roof of the hotel.
then .....
9.15pm to 11pm.
MY MASTER BUILDER - opening press night party - St Martins Lane Hotel , London WC2.
A big crowd of around 300 guests for this play starring Ewan McGregor , that's on at the nearby Wyndham's Theatre until 12 July 2025.
The creatives were in the very lively Speakeasy Bar .
Ewan McGregor was with another older Scottish male actor .
Also here were Minnie Driver, Charley Boorman and James Norton.
Complimentary Margaritas cocktails, wines , beers , cheeseburgers and canapes
The party was still lively at 11pm when we departed , but there is only so much food and drinks you can take in one evening.
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Tuesday 29 April 2025.
Very sad news that Welsh music legend MIKE PETERS has lost his battle with blood cancer , aged 66.
I saw The Alarm and Mike solo many times over the past 40 years, along with some Dead Men Walking shows.
I saw him play just a few months ago supporting Big Country at
Shepherds Bush Empire.
He was always so passionate on stage.
He will be missed big time.

Updated 29th April 2025 Permalink

Monday 28 April 2025

Monday 28 April 2025.
GREGORY PORTER live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Gregory Porter plays the first of four RAH shows on his UK tour.
Gregory Porter, the internationally acclaimed jazz and soul singer, is set to return to the Hall in 2025.
Gregory has become one of the most successful jazz vocalists of his generation. With a voice that has been described as "liquid gold," Gregory Porter has captivated audiences around the world with his soulful baritone and deeply emotional performances. His unique blend of jazz, soul, and gospel has earned him critical acclaim and huge global success.
I have seen him three times before , with the first tine live at The Saatchi Gallery , Chelsea in 2014.
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The venue looks very full tonight.
Pretty much a middle-aged crowd.
JO HARROP arrives on stage at 7.30pm for her 25 mins set.
She is backed by a piano player.
Jo is a County Durham-born vocalist who first cut her teeth as a session singer, before releasing her own jazz material.
A nice voice , and she was an ideal support for Gregory .
GREGORY PORTER arrived on stage at 8.30pm for his 1 hour 40 mins set .
He is backed by nine musicians , including double bass, a three man brass section and two female backing singers.
They all have solo spots throughout the show.
Gregory's voice and the overall sound is superb.
Lots of chat from Gregory between the songs.
The highlights were 'Liquid Spirit ' and ' Hey Laura'.
A really good show
Full GREGORY PORTER setlist played tonight....
Revival Song
If Love Is Overrated
Concorde
Take Me to the Alley
Liquid Spirit
Hey Laura
Medley (feat My Girl, Papa Was a Rolling Stonej
Mister Holland
Our Love
Encore:
It's Probably Me ( Sting cover)
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Sunday 27 April 2025...7.30pm to 11pm....
MR PORTER STEAKHOUSE BAR & LOUNGE - preview - Hilton Hotel , 22 Park Lane , Mayfair , London W1.
This is the fourth MR PORTER site, with locations in Amsterdam, Barcelona and pop-up in Ibiza.
Mr Porter have taken over where Trader Vic's was.
It has been totally refurbished to a very high chic standard .
Nice cool uplighting and there is a mirrored ceiling.
It is open until 2am , so has a club vibe after 11pm .
We have plenty of top notch complimentary food and drinks.
A five course sharing meal including lobster and rib eye steak with hand cooked chips and sides, ending with dessert.
We had one each of the five cocktails on offer , and a glass of red wine.
We are in a famous five star hotel so prices ain't cheap.
Most of the cocktails are £20 a pop.
Very nice for that special occasion.
It is open to the public from Monday 28 April 2025.
www.mrportersteakhouse.co.uk - Visit their website here for more info.

Updated 28th April 2025 Permalink

Saturday 26 April 2025.

Saturday 26 April 2025.
THE FLAMING LIPS live at Brixton Academy .
I have seen them a few times before.
The first time was at The Forum in 1999.
They always put on a fantastic visual show.
As part of a UK and Ireland tour
This will be gig number 7800 seen by me since Sept 1973.
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Not sold out, but the stalls looks very full.
THE FLAMING LIPS arrive on stage at 8.15pm and play for 2 hours 20 mins , over two sets of 65 mins and 75 mins.
As usual, it is a pretty incredible bonkers visual treat .
We have a big screen showing colourful psychedlic images , lasers , giant inflatable robots , giant balloons , ticker tape confetti , a pair of huge dancing puppets ,a pair of huge dancing eyeballs and much much more.
The first set is their breakthrough classic album from 2002.
Released in 2002, 'Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots' which was a landmark album for the band .The band are playing the entire album tonight, followed by a ‘regular best of set’ – It’s far from a regular night!
Opening with ' Fight Test ' , as lasers and four enormous pink robots are inflated at the front of the stage.
Each song is accompanied by the words flashing up large on a huge technicolour screen behind the band, It’s pierced with multi-coloured lasers which zoom across the crowd. There’s no excuse for the audience not to join in – a mass singalong, with the front man encouraging each and every one of them to do so! One of the greatest psychedelic rock albums of all time, Yoshimi is rich with soaring anthems. One More Robots gives way to the title track – arms swaying, voices lifted – we’re in the middle of party – each chorus being accompanied by bursts of dry ice and showers of confetti, and if that’s not enough, Coyne shooting streamers over the crowd.
The instrumental break of Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt 2 allows him to have some fun, launching huge balloons into the crowd. It bounces over our heads before exploding in a shower of confetti. Coyne shoots at it with his streamer cannon to add to the mayhem. The sensory overload of seeing this band live is impossible to get across in mere words and photographs. You just have to be here. Front man Wayne Coyne genuinely feeds off the crowd, raising both fists and shaking them skyward, continually encouraging them to shout and scream.
The second set featured their biggest songs ,along with more of their full monty visuals, including a a giant inflatable rainbow and for the last two songs of the encore singer Wayne Coyne performed inside a giant plastic bubble.
The show ended with Wayne parading a set of balloons saying
FUCK YEAH BRIXTON , before throwing them in the crowd .
So much going on in this excellent show.
Full FLAMING LIPS setlist played tonight ..
FIRST SET - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots album in full .
Fight Test
One More Robot/Sympathy 3000-21
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 2
In the Morning of the Magicians
Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell
Are You a Hypnotist??
It's Summertime
Do You Realize??
All We Have Is Now
Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon (Utopia Planitia)
SECOND SET
She Don't Use Jelly
Flowers of Neptune 6
The Spark That Bled
Pompeii Am Götterdämmerung
Waitin' for a Superman
The Golden Path ( The Chemical Brothers cover)
Riding to Work in the Year 2025 (Your Invisible Now)
The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song (With All Your Power)
Encore:
True Love Will Find You in the End (Daniel Johnston cover)
A Spoonful Weighs a Ton
Race for the Prize
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Friday 25 April 2025....7pm to 9.45pm...
CERU - press preview - 9 - 13 Cowcross Street, Farringdon, London EC1.
CERU open their third restaurant in London.
Queensway and South Kensington are the other locations.
CERU offers bold flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean in Farringdon, where vibrant small plates and seasonal ingredients create an unforgettable dining experience.
Located in one of Farringdon’s most dynamic districts, just steps from the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral, CERU is surrounded by thriving businesses and a vibrant community.
They are open for lunch, dinner , or brunch on the weekend alongside seasonal menu they offer expertly crafted cocktails, regional handpicked wines, fresh homemade lemonades and gluten-free dining.
With seating for 57 diners and a standing bar, CERU is the perfect destination for anyone seeking fresh, authentic Mediterranean cuisine in Farringdon.
We have the following food , which were sharing plates...
Starters..
Three dips with pitta bread
Watermelon and pine nuts salad
Mains....with sides
Scallops
Grilled Octopus
Shoulder of Lamb
Shish Kebabs
Desserts...
Baklava Ice Cream
Birds Best
No alcohol provided tonight ....just sparkling water.
A very enjoyable evening of tasty food.

Updated 26th April 2025 Permalink

Thursday 24 April 2025.

Thursday 24 April 2025...6.15pm to 10pm...
BRILLIANT GASTRO - launch party - Seva Drive , Parkside Yards , The Green Quarter, Southall.
A few minutes from Southall Elizabeth Line Station is The Green Quarter , where over a dozen blocks of flats and several green spaces have been built by Berkeley Homes, in one of London's largest regeneration projects
Celebrated Chef DIPNA ANAND , owner and Head Chef of the iconic family-run 50 years in the same premises Brilliant Restaurant, cookbook author and TV Chef is bringing her latest culinary venture to The Green Quarter, Berkeley’s landmark regeneration project in Southall, West London. Famous for her mastery of traditional Indian cuisine, Dipna is expanding her presence in her home neighbourhood of Southall with a gastro-style eatery, blending Indian flavours with Western classics in a relaxed, casual dining atmosphere.
Around 150 guests here ,including the local MP.
A huge Gastro Pub with indoor and outdoor space.
At 7pm we have speeches which included two young boys from the owners family who were hilarious .
A DJ is playing tunes in the background .
There is a big screen outside with deckchairs
Lots of complimentary drinks and food tonight.
Any spirit n mixer, prosecco, wines, beers , Guinness .
Tasty Indian food with canapes at first , then different bowl foods and desserts after the speeches
All guests got a goodie bag , with a few items inside.
www.brilliantrestaurant.com - Visit their website here for more info.
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Wednesday 23 April 2025.
Sad news that ROY THOMAS BAKER has passed away aged 78.
Roy Thomas Baker, the legendary record producer behind Queen, The Cars, Motley Crue, Devo, Ozzy Osbourne and Cheap Trick and others has died at the age of 78.
Baker died in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, USA
Baker produced the first four Queen albums ‘Queen’ (1973), ‘Queen II’ (1974), ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ (1974) and ‘A Night At The Opera’ (1976) and then came back two albums later for ‘Jazz’ (1978).
Roger Taylor of Queen said of Baker, “I think he brought a certain amount of discipline and a lot of cynicism and a passion for fattening desserts. He liked his food, Roy. He was very disciplined and very strict in the beginning . . . he would always get it right. The take had to be right.”
The Queen signature song ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is a Roy Thomas Baker production.

Updated 23rd April 2025 Permalink

Monday 21 April 2025

Monday 21 April 2025.
ROGER DALTREY live at The Palladium.
The Who's legendary singer is on a UK tour .
Tickets have already sold out for many of the shows, in which Roger will perform acoustic and semi-acoustic takes on gems from the legendary band and delve into a solo back catalogue that dates back nearly 50 years.
His incredible nine-piece band consists of regular The Who collaborator Simon Townshend (guitar/ vocals) alongside John Hogg (bass), Doug Boyle (guitar), Steve Weston (harmonica), Jody Linscott (percussion), Billy Nicholls (backing vocals), Katie Jacoby (violin), Geraint Watkins (keyboard), Scott Devours (drums).
Roger is now 81 , and he was on great form at the two Who shows i saw in March 2025 at The Royal Albert Hall.
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Nice to see several gig-going chums here.
ROGER DALTREY on stage at 8.30pm for 1 hour 45 mins .
His large band are spread out nicely across the Palladium stage.
The show was a superb mix of solo material , covers and several classics from The Who.
Roger again had a couple of moans about the sound , and 'Squeeze Box' was re-started after he wasn't happy.
Roger also mentioned that the Zak Starkey alleged sacking was totally all FAKE NEWS ....damage limitation i presume.
Lots of light-hearted stage banter from Roger between songs.
An excellent evening.
Full ROGER DALTREY setlist played tonight ..
Let My Love Open the Door ( Pete Townshend cover)
Freedom Ride ( Taj Mahal cover)
Who Are You ( The Who song)
Waiting for a Friend
Giving It All Away (Leo Sayer cover)
Substitute (The Who song)
Naked Eye (The Who song)
Days of Light
Squeeze Box (The Who song)
Won't Get Fooled Again ( The Who song)
Going Mobile (The Who song)
Without Your Love ( Billy Nicholls cover)
The Boy in the Bubble (Paul Simon cover)
The Wheels on the Bus (snippet)
Have You Ever Seen the Rain? (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
Baba O'Riley (The Who song)
Encore :
Tribute to Hank Williams ( Roger solo acoustic)
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Sunday 20 April 2025.
BECK with LIVE ORCHESTRA live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Beck plays the second of two shows at this iconic venue.
Contemporary chameleon Beck will showcase a daring and different side of his creative acumen this April with two exclusive orchestral performances at the Hall.
Accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra, Beck will deliver two unforgettable evenings of unique symphonic arrangements of classics and deep cuts from a towering back catalogue. This will include the multi-platinum Odelay, world-tripping Mutations, sombre and reflective Sea Change, and GRAMMY Album of the Year winner Morning Phase, to name but a few—as well as a few rare covers, curiosities and other surprises.
I have seen Beck a few times before, with the first times in 1997, when he headlined a night at Glastonbury Festival and I was in the audience to see him perform three songs on the Later with Jools Holland BBC TV show
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The venue is fully sold out tonight.
MOLLY LEWIS was on at 7.30pm for her 30 mins set.
Molly Lewis (aged 35 ] is an Australian born, Los Angeles-based, musician known for her WHISTLING.
Each track got an introduction , and each track was whistling.
She wore a very glamorous sparkly gown as she whistled along with a backing track....The cool arty Beck crowd loved it.
BECK was on at 8.30pm for a two hour set.
Must be over 50 musicians on stage, band and orchestra.
The drum kit is front of stage in one corner .
Beck’s ability to seamlessly morph through style pivots, from experimental lo-fi anti-folker to post-grunge hip hopper, libido-driven punk-funker to world-weary troubadour, has invariably kept him one step ahead.
He always reminds me as a cool Jarvis Cocker type.
Plenty of cool stage chat from Beck.
A nice mix of solo material , covers and the big hits .
The strings and brass of the orchestra sounded fantastic.
Some tracks were a bit too laid back , but others soared.
A couple of Scott Walker covers and gems like ' The New Pollution', ' 'Where It's At' and encores ' Devil's Haircut' and 'Loser' were great.
Overall a really good show.
Full BECK setlist played tonight...
Main set - BBC Concert Orchestra and Band
Cycle ( Instrumental)
The Golden Age
Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime (The Korgis cover)
Lonesome Tears
Wave
Tropicalia
Blue Moon
Lost Cause
The New Pollution
Missing
Tarantulab(This Mortal Coil cover) (Original cover is by Colourbox but Beck said he was covering This Mortal Coil.)
It's Raining Today (Scott Walker cover)
Round the Bend
Paper Tiger
We Live Again
Montague Terrace (in Blue) (Scott Walker cover)
Phase ( Instrumental)
Morning
Waking Light
Where It's At
Encore - Beck and his band ( no orchestra)
Devils Haircut
Mixed Bizness
One Foot in the Grave (Solo acapella (with harmonica))
Beck going for a wander around the orchestra pit.
Loser

Updated 21st April 2025 Permalink

Saturday 19 April 2025

Saturday 19 April 2025.
MANIC STREET PREACHERS live at Shepherds Bush Empire .
This was the second of their two sold out SBE shows .
I am back again to see them for a second time.
Another mainly middle aged crowd .
Lots of very loyal hardcore fans down the front of stage .
THE ANCHORESS and band played another good 30 mins set.
She wore a different colour trouser suit tonight.
MANICS again on at 8.45pm for their 1 hour 45 mins set.
As expected , there was a couple of setlist changes .
The overall sound again is just fantastic.
Even better on the big tracks such as ...
Australia (not played on the first night)
You Stole The Sun From My Heart
Motorcycle Emptiness ( amazing guitar from James)
A Design For Life
Motown Junk'
If You Tolerate This ,Then Your Children Will Be Next
This time it was James Dean Bradfield to talk fondly of the time they spent in Askew Road , Shepherds Bush and how they were regulars at St Elmo Fish Bar ( i used to go there too).
Another really great show.
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Friday 18 April 2025.
MANIC STREET PREACHERS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Manic Street Preachers head out on tour in support of their fifteenth studio album ' Critical Thinking' .
Tonight was the first of two shows at SBE.
Both these shows sold out very quickly.
I have seen The Manics over a dozen times , with the first time being at The Hibernian Club, Fulham in August 1991.
This was a few months after ' Motown Junk' came out , and before their debut album was released in 1992.
All three original band members are still there .
All of their albums have been released via CBS/Sony/Epic.
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The venue is rammed solid sold out tonight
As usual , the Manics have a huge guest list of over 100 folks.
Support act THE ANCHORESS are on at 7.45pm for 30 mins.
Welsh born female singer , and her three band mates.
They play some good tracks from her three albums .
MANIC STREET PREACHERS on at 8.45pm for 1 hour 45 mins.
For most of the show the trio are joined by a second guitarist and a keyboard player .
They have a nice big screen showing pre-recorded footage and slogans .
The setlist was a nice mix of new album tracks, rarities and half a dozen big Manics classics.
James Dean Bradfield played some nifty guitar licks ,
on his trademark white Les Paul Gibson, and he used other guitars , including a black one for a stunning 'Motorcycle Emptiness'.
Ticker-tape confetti cannons were used twice in the show.
Near the end, Nicky Wire gave an emotional speech about how when they first started off with Richie Edwards , they based themselves nearby in Askew Road , Shepherds Bush.
A really great show.
Full MANICS setlist played tonight...
Tape Intro - Critical Thinking (remix)
Decline & Fall
Enola/Alone
La tristesse durera (Scream to a Sigh)
Brushstrokes of Reunion
You Stole the Sun From My Heart
She Is Suffering
Peeled Apples
Motorcycle Emptiness
Little Baby Nothing ( with The Anchoress) (tour debut)
Hiding in Plain Sight (with Lana McDonagh)
Autumnsong
A Design for Life
Ready for Drowning ( James Dean Bradfield solo acoustic; first time live since 2019)
Small Black Flowers That Grow in the Sky ( James Dean Bradfield solo acoustic)
The Everlasting
Dear Stephen
Sleepflower
Your Love Alone Is Not Enough
International Blue (followed by band introductions)
People Ruin Paintings
Motown Junk ( with 'Rebel Rebel' intro)
If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
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Thursday 17 April 2025...6.45pm to 10.15pm...
BETWEEN THE BRIDGES - opening night -
The Queen's Walk, London SE1.
The location is between The London Eye and The Royal Festival Hall, on the huge site where i went to Underbelly a couple of times.
A massive crowd of around 1000 folks here , yes a 1000, and amazingly they have seats and tables for most of them .
Two areas have djs ...one is playing Garage and r n b etc and the other is Guilty Pleasures djs, who are much more to our liking , as they are playing well known tracks and folks are dancing... a very lively atmosphere here .
Some of the areas are covered, and some are open air.
There is maybe a dozen different food operators.
The extensive drinks list is pretty incredible .
As it is opening night some drinks companies are giving out free samples.
As press we are given vouchers for drinks and food, so maybe 100 here are press related, and the rest are paying customers.
I stuck to rum and whiskey with mixers .
The food i had ...
Patty & Bun - Their Don Burger was delicious
Every Fish Bar - Their Cod and chips and mushy peas was fab.
Crumble London - a nice big tub of Apple Pie with Custard and lots of crumble was yummy.
It is free entry , and you just buy your food and drinks.
www.betweenthebridges.co.uk - Visit their website here for more info.
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Updated 18th April 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 15 April 2025

Tuesday 15 April 2025...7pm to 11.30pm...
BLACK TAP - launch party - 4 Glasshouse Street ,Piccadilly, London W1.
Black Tap are a New York burger chain, but they have already landed with one UK outpost over in Westfield Stratford. This is their much-more-central flagship London burger store.
A great location, as Piccadilly Circus is across the road
We have been to this building when it was another bar.
Around 150 guests here, with lots of young influencers.
Over two floors, the ground and the downstairs .
Lots of complimentary drinks and food all night.
A full bar except champers , any cocktail any spirit n mixer, prosecco , wines ,lagers, Guinness along with juicy burgers, fried mozzarella , hot fried pickles , buttermilk fried chicken tenders and their crazy shakes which the influencers loved as they look great to photo.
Garage and club tunes were from DJ Spoony and DJ Shorty and we had a female and male vocals sing a couple of tracks each
An excellent event.
On the official opening day of 17 April they will be going away 100 of their top notch burgers to the first in the queue.
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Tuesday 15 April 2025.
Shock news that The Who have sacked ZAK STARKEY .
The Who sack key member after decades following ‘huge fall out’ over Royal Albert Hall gig
Roger Daltrey complained at the second Royal Albert Hall of not being able to sing over the sound of the drums.
A spokesperson for The Who said this evening: ‘The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall. They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.’
Zak, 59, who has played with the Baba O’Riley hitmakers for 29 years and is the son of Beatles drummer Sir Ringo Starr, suggested on his social media page two days ago that lead singer Roger Daltrey was ‘unhappy’ with his recent performances at the Royal Albert Hall.
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Monday 14 April 2025.
MIKE + THE MECHANICS Live at The Royal Albert Hall.
I have seen them live several times before.
Tonight is the last date on their lengthy UK tour , before they head into mainland Europe .
Their own material will be mixed in with two or three Genesis classics , and Andrew Roachford will sing his superb 1988 hit ' Cuddly Toy'.
They have two vocalists.
Andrew Roachford - black guy with soulful vocals.
Tim Howar -white guy with powerful rock vocals
Nic Collins ( son of Phil) , will again be playing drums .
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Not sold out tonight , but looks 95% full.
Lots of middle aged couples here tonight.
Females love their catchy soft rock sound.
MIKE + THE MECHANICS on stage at 7.30pm for 2 hours 5 mins over two sets of 55 mins and 70 mins.
Mike Rutherford enters the stage with a walking stick, as he broke his hip a fortnight before the tour.
He mixes standing up , with sitting on a raised stool.
The sound is perfect , and the two vocalists both are fab.
Lots of their big hits including a stunning ' The Living Years' , along with Genesis classics and a superb extended
version of the Roachford hit ' Cuddly Toy'.
A great drum solo by Nic Collins during the encore.
An excellent show.
FIRST SET
A Beggar on a Beach of Gold
Another Cup of Coffee
Get Up
Song for You Song for Me
Land of Confusion (Genesis cover)
Let Me Fly
East and West of the Sun
The Best Is Yet to Come
Silent Running
SECOND SET
Nobody Knows / Invisible Touch / Everybody Gets A Second Chance / Out Of The Blue / Follow You Follow Me ( semi acoustic set ) .
The Living Years
I Can't Dance (Genesis cover)
Cuddly Toy ( Roachford cover)
All I Need Is a Miracle
Encore:
Over My Shoulder
( band introductions and solos)
Word of Mouth
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Mike Rutherford said during the show that Phil Collins and Tony Banks were in one of the Level 1 boxes.
I saw Pattie Boyd( ex Mrs Eric Clapton and ex Mrs George Harrison) and Jackie St Clair ( ex Page 3 model) here.

Updated 14th April 2025 Permalink

Saturday 12 April 2025.

Saturday 12 April 2025.
JIM BOB live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Jim Bob returns for one night only to celebrate his career spanning forty years and forty songs across two sets .
Expect to hear something from every part of those four decades from his time with Jamie Wednesday, Jim’s Super Stereoworld, his solo records and of course Carter USM.
I have seen Carter TUSM and Jim Bob solo just the once each.
JIM BOB will release two albums on 22 August 2025 , ' Automatic' and ' Stick'.
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The venue is totally sold out , as his loyal fans have come from all over the place to be at this special one off show.
Must be at least 75% middle aged males.
DJ MR SPOONS played some good tunes including The Clash,The Jam, Blondie, Pulp , The Killers and Queen
JIM BOB plays a mammoth set , as he is on stage at 8pm for 2 hours 45 mins without any interval.
He had a big screen showing pre-recorded images.
The first 50 mins was just him and the keyboard player,then he was joined by his five piece band for 30 mins, them a three man brass section joined him for a few songs.
Tracks from his 40 year career played, and covers including 'Heroes' and 'The Impossible Dream'.
Encore was his biggest track ' The Only Living Boy In New York'.
Lots of moshing and crowd surfing for the last hour.
A good show.
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Thursday 10 April 2025.
THE ZUTONS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
The Zutons debut album, "Who Killed… The Zutons" was released in May 2004 and spent nearly 12 months on the UK album chart. Nominated for the 2004 Mercury Music Prize, the album went on to sell over 600,000 copies (2 x Platinum) in the UK.
They are on a UK tour to promote recent album ' The Big Decider'.
I have seen them a couple of times before.
" Valerie" is a song by English indie rock band the Zutons from their second studio album, Tired of Hanging Around (2006). The song was later covered by Mark Ronson, with lead vocals provided by Amy Winehouse, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart in 2007.
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Even though they have had a few hit singles , it's a bit odd that Levels 2 and 3 are closed as unsold.
Stalls and Level 1 look pretty full.
THE COVASETTES on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins set.
They are an indie rock band from Manchester .
The singer did a good job of winning over the crowd.
THE ZUTONS on stage at 9pm for their 85 mins set.
Six of them on stage , including a keyboard player and their captivating female sax player Abi Harding.
Harding really gives The Zutons an extra edge - her saxophone stands out on several tracks including 'Disappear', and 'Creepin’ on the Dancefloor'. She works really well with lead guitarist Jay Lewis, even providing lead saxophone solos! She’s the Queen of the saxophone, and it sounds awesome.
The vocals are nice and clear, and the harmonies were fab.
Lots of good indie rock pop tracks played with the highlights being cover of 'Back to Black' in the main set , and the encore section with ' Valerie' and ' You Will You Won't '.
A really good show.
Full set list played by THE ZUTONS tonight...
Zuton Fever
Tired of Hanging Around
Why Won't You Give Me Your Love?
Pauline
Havana Gang Brawl
Back to Black (Amy Winehouse cover) ( sung by female sax )
In Your Arms
Disappear
Dirty Dancehall
Best of Me
Popcorn
Remember Me
The Big Decider
Creeping on the Dancefloor
Encore:
Pressure Point
Valerie
You Will You Won't
Zuton Fever ( Reprise)

Updated 11th April 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 09 April 2025.

Wednesday 09 April 2025.
A bit annoying that two great events were on at the same time.
BAFTA HQ - showcase - Piccadilly 6pm to 9pm
CARTIER - private view - V & A Museum 6.45pm to 9pm.
The idea was to pop into BAFTA for an hour then to the V & A, but BAFTA was really good, so we stayed there
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BAFTA HQ - showcase - 195 Piccadilly , London W1.
Over 200 guests over the 1st , 2nd and 3rd floors .
Event planners and tonights hosts Marble Private is an award winning luxury events company that delivers bespoke experiences across the UK and Europe.
195 Piccadilly has been BAFTA’s iconic home since 1973, and is a unique private hire venue, in this building that dates back to 1883.
Located near to Fortnum & Mason ,the historic Grade II Listed building is a world-class space.
A female acrobat hanging from the ceiling in a hoop , greets everyone as we arrived....a DJ is also spinning tunes ..
At 7.30pm we are shown their two screening rooms and the two year old stunning rooftop restaurant & bar, which has alfresco views over Jermyn Street .
Lots of cosy seating , over the three levels.
Lots of very nice complimentary drinks and food including
Taittinger champers all evening, four different cocktails of
Pisco Sour
Don Julio Paloma
Old Fashioned
Espresso Martinis
Wines and Beers , lots of different bowl foods and canapes .
Later on there was desserts , pastries , ice-cream and a cheese selection.
At 8pm trio Pocket Jukebox performed 60 mins of covers.
We were one of the last to leave at 9.30pm.
An excellent event .
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A short review from friends who were at Cartier.
It opens to the public from 12 April 2025.
Over 350 objects on display , including lots of jewels .
A glamour event with lots of female and male models , along with the likes of Dame Joan Collins , Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Lismore, Stephen Webster , Maya Jama, David Harewood and Jackie St Clair.
Complimentary drinks and canapes
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Monday 07 April 2025.
This certainly was a big shock.
Blondie drummer CLEM BURKE has passed away , aged 70, after a private battle with cancer.
Without doubt one of my fave drummers ever.
Lucky to have seen him with Blondie over a dozen times , since 1977 when they supported Television at Hammersmith Odeon.
Saw him many times playing with other acts ,including...
1981 with Michael Des Barres Band ( Fulham Greyhound)
1997 with The Plimsouls ( in Barcelona)
2005 with Nancy Sinatra
2013 with Glen Matlock & The Philistines
2017 with Dave Stewart & Friends
2018 with The Tearaways
2019 with Bootleg Blondie
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27 July 2013.Glen Matlock And The Philistines live at The Railway Hotel, Southend,Essex.
For this special one off show the band will feature Blondie drummer Clem Burke on drums.
They are playing as a trio as guitarist James Stevenson has just joined up with The Cult the past week to be their second guitarist on their world tour.

Updated 7th April 2025 Permalink

Sunday 06 April z2025.

Sunday 06 April 2025.
EISBRECHER live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
German industrial metal band Eisbrecher take their high energy live shows out on their ‘KALTFRONT TOUR 2025’, to promote their album of the same name .
Since their formation over 20 years ago, Eisbrecher has established themselves as one of the most important figures in German rock music.
Two of their albums have made the top spot in Germany.
Only UK dates are Manchester and London on their Euro Tour.
They will be joined by special guests Heldmaschine.
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Levels 2 and 3 were closed tonight, and space in stalls and Level 1, so maybe only 600 tickets max been sold .
The fans are all wearing traditional black metal clothing .
HELDMASCHINE on stage at 8pm for their 40 mins
Heldmaschine (German for "Hero Machine") are a German Industrial Metal band who have released several albums.
The crowd know many of their tracks , from their several albums .
There is a lot of equipment on stage , as both bands had a full monty stage production, with loads of lights and platforms .
The support band even had lasers for one track.
Some nice heavy tracks played, and the crowd loved them.
EISBRECHER on stage at 9.05pm for 1 hour 50 mins.
Another full on stage production.
They had raised platforms at the back for drums and bass.
All five members dressed in black.
Loyal fans down the front really getting into it.
Lots of head banging and head nodding.
The singer has good stage banter with the crowd.
A couple of costume changes , and a drum solo .
We had a snow machine used on one track.
Lots of good heavy , guitar driven industrial metal tracks.
Both bands had hints of Rammstein in their sound.
A really good evening of German Industrial Metal .
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Saturday 05 April 2025.
SWEET + TREXTASY live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
This will be a great night of glam rock classics.
Sweet were the first band I ever saw at The Rainbow Theatre in Dec 1973, and have seen them several times since.
Sole surviving member Andy Scott is still playing with them.
I have seen T.Textasy over 20 times before, as they have been going for over 30 years, and saw T.Rex at The Rainbow in March 1977, where they were supported by The Damned....it was Marc Bolan's last ever London show...R.I.P.
Andy Scott is the only living member from the original line-up.
A friend was Brian Connolly's tour manager , so i went to the funeral of Brian and drummer Mick Tucker.
Needless to say , I am really looking forward to this evening of glam rock to remind me of watching TOTP in the early 1970s.
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Level 3 is closed and there is space in floor standing , so maybe around 1000 mainly older folks here.
Good to see several friends here
The merch stands are selling items from the Sweet 2024 tour.
TREXTASY on at 7.50pm for their 60 mins set.
Marc Bolan was my fave glam rock star from the 1970s.
I named my first son Marc after him.
Danielz, the lead singer of the tribute band T.Rextasy, has an uncanny resemblance to Marc Bolan, both in appearance and musical style, and is considered by many to be the best tribute to the late rock icon.
Really fantastic to hear all these T.Rex hits...
Their tour includes a headline show with a longer set at The Beck Theatre, Hayes on Sunday 18 May 2025.
Full TREXTASY setlist played tonight ...
New York City
Telegram Sam
Debora
Metal Guru
Solid Gold Easy Action
Children of the Revolution
Zip Gun Boogie
Jeepster
20th Century Boy
I Love to Boogie
Get It On
Hot Love
SWEET on at 9.10pm for their 95 mins set.
Six of them on stage, including three guitarists.
In 2024 , Sweet released a new album titled ' Full Circle' and they played a few songs from it in the set tonight.
Andy Priest had a recent bout of ill-health so halfway through the set , he was off the stage for 10 mins, having a rest .
Some lovely four part harmonies on tracks like ' The Six Teens' .
Really great to hear those fantastic Sweet hits .
An excellent evening, full of 1970s glam rock gems .
Full SWEET setlist played tonight...
Action
Hell Raiser
Circus
The Six Teens
Don't Bring Me Water
Lost Angels
Windy City
Set Me Free
Coco / Funny Funny / Poppa Joe ( Andy Scott not on stage)
Burn on the Flame ( Andy Scott not on stage)
Teenage Rampage
Wig-Wam Bam / Little Willy
Love Is Like Oxygen
Fox on the Run
Encore:
Blockbuster
The Ballroom Blitz

Updated 6th April 2025 Permalink

Friday 04 April 2025.

Friday 04 April 2025.
DEACON BLUE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Scottish band Deacon Blue return with their latest album ' The Great Western Road' , which reflects the journey the band has taken and remain honest to the age and experience they all share.
I have seen them a dozen times before, as they were regulars at Hammersmith Odeon in the late 1980s/ early 1990s , when I worked front stage security.
Deacon Blue have had 12 UK Top 40 singles and two UK Number 1 albums: When The World Knows Your Name in 1989 and the compilation Our Town in 1994. Deacon Blue split up in 1994 with drummer Dougie Vipond becoming a news broadcaster and Ross re-embarking on a solo career, and then reconvened in 1999.
The band are celebrating their 40th anniversary .
The bands main singers Ricky Ross and his wife are celebrating 35 years of marriage anniversary .
They are playing a UK theatre tour in April , then a headlining arena tour later on the year , that includes Wembley Arena.
Needless to say , this show sold out very quickly.
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A middle aged crowd as expected, who remember Deacon Blue from their heyday period .
MARTYN JOSEPH is on stage at 7.30pm for 30 mins.
Martyn Joseph (now aged 64 ) is a Welsh singer-songwriter whose music exhibits primarily a brand of Celtic and folk, while his songwriting is often focussed on social lament or protest. From independently releasing his first studio release, I'm Only Beginning, in 1983, Joseph's career has spanned forty years.
I have seen him a couple of times before as a support act, as he has supported many big names in his long career
He said tonight was the first time that the headline artist had introduced him on stage , which was a nice touch.
DEACON BLUE are on stage at 8.30pm for two hours.
Six of them on stage , including Ricky Ross and his wife.
The new album songs ticked along ok, but the crowd got most excited when the big hits were rolled out, like ' Fergus Sings The Blues', 'Real Gone Kid' and 'Dignity'.
Support act Martyn Joseph joined them for the final song of the night, which was a Bob Dylan cover.
An enjoyable show.
Full DEACON BLUE setliat played tonight....
The Great Western Road
Turn Up Your Radio!
Queen of the New Year
Fergus Sings the Blues
Up Hope
Closing Time
Underneath the Stars
A Brighter Star Than You Will Shine
Loaded
Wages Day
Ashore
The Hipsters
Twist & Shout
Not Gonna Be That Girl
How We Remember It
Bethlehem's Gate
When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring)
Mid Century Modern
Late '88
Real Gone Kid
He Looks Like Spencer Tracy Now
Dignity
People Come First
Forever Young ( Bob Dylan cover) ( with Martyn Joseph)
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Thursday 03 April 2025.
It was 48 years ago today in 1977 that i saw THE SEX PISTOLS with Sid Vicious play The Screen On The Green, Islington.
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Wednesday 02 April 2025.
YOU ME AT SIX live at Brixton Academy .
Brit rockers You Me At Six from Surrey , have had solid support from Kerrang magazine over the years.
This is one of their London shows on their farewell tour.
They are splitting up after releasing eight studio albums.
This show sold out two months in advance.
They also play two Wembley Arena , following Brixton.
Different support bands for all three shows.
I saw them headline Wembley Arena in 2012.
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The venue ends up being very sold out.
A mainly under 40's rock crowd here, with lots of females.
MOUTH CULTURE on at 7pm for their 30 mins set.
Leicester band played some decent rockin' tunes.
The singer quickly took his top off to expose his tattoos.
THE BLACKOUT on at 7.45pm for their 30 mins set.
Welsh six piece , playing some good heavy tracks.
They feature two very lively male vocalists.
They have released four studio albums , and split for a bit.
YOU ME AT SIX on at 8.55pm for their 1 hour 50 mins set.
The band have a full monty stage production with loads of lights , including strobes and neon platforms.
They clearly have loads of loyal fans who know all the lyrics.
I still don't know any of their tracks.
Highlights included ' Night People', and for 'No One Does it Better' , they were joined by the blonde singer from The Blackout .
Also good were 'the last two encores of the night ' Reckless' and 'Underdog'....a very enjoyable show.

Updated 1st April 2025 Permalink

Monday 31 March 2025.

Monday 31 March 2025...5.45pm to 8.45pm...
OH FREEDOM! FESTIVAL - media showcase launch -
World Heart Beat , Embassy Gardens, 3 Ponton Street, Nine Elms, London SW11.
Nice to be at at this newish venue and recording studio , near the new American Embassy, in this area that has been fully re-developed .
The auditorium seats 120 in luxurious hand-made chairs.
THE OH FREEDOM! FESTIVAL - BRAND NEW FESTIVAL OF GOSPEL BLUES & INSPIRING STORIES.
CELEBRATING MUSIC'S POWER TO UNITE TAKES PLACE FROM FRIDAY 2ND TO MONDAY 5TH MAY 2025 - ACROSS 4 ICONIC LOCATIONS IN CENTRAL LONDON.
It will celebrate the power and soul of gospel & blues music. This immersive and powerful event will explore the rich history and enduring spirit of these musical genres which have their roots in the stories struggles and resilience of the transatlantic slave trade.
OVIE OKENARHE the festival founder says: "_This festival isn't just about music it's about giving voice to a history that shaped the world the spirituals and work songs born from struggle the gospel that carried hope and the blues that told our stories. Through 16 performances across historic church venues we will honour these legacies while investing in the future providing paid internships for young creatives from the Global Majority and Black communities_."
This is an excellent opportunity to witness and learn about the history of soul, blues and gospel music and how it came to be in the UK - And the music and food will be very excellent as well!
At 7.15pm we had a 60 mins showcase highlights performance from the two hour show.
Four vocalists ( 3 female / 1 male ) a narrator and piano player.
This cosy intimate seated venue was perfect to hear the quality of the vocalists and piano player tonight.
Tracks including ' Amazing Grace' were superb.
There was then a Q n A session after.
Great to see Mark Taylor here.
We had complimentary lagers and beers from Red Dog Saloon.
www.spotlightliveuk.com - Visit their website here for more info and tickets.
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Sunday 30 March 2025.
THE WHO + LEVEL 42 live at The Royal Albert Hall .
The Who return to play their second show of the week.
It is the last of the seven TCT shows at RAH.
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Simply had to go back and see The Who again after their stunning show here on Thursday .
Again it is rammed solid sold out .
LEVEL 42 on at 7.30pm for their 45 mins set.
Level 42 play the same set and are excellent again.
Their big funky sound , is actually more tighter than The Who's, mainly due to the three man brass section and to the amazing slap bass style of Mark King and their top notch drummer Phil Gould whose massive drum kit is the size to match any of the big heavy rock bands lo Ike Metallica etc.
During the interval we have a standing ovation for SJM concerts rep Chris York who helped Roger Daltrey put each years bill together and sadly passed away recently.
We then had the TCT video and specches.
THE WHO on at 9pm for their 1 hour 55 mins set.
A slight setlist change as 'Cry If You Want' and 'Tea & Theatre' were dropped and ' The Song is Over ' was added and a couple of stop starts and a bit more stage banter equalled things out.
Roger had a couple of monitor sound issues and messed a couple of lyrics up , but his vocals were still pretty incredible, as the big screens showed how much he effort was putting into singing the songs.
Pete treated us to a couple of ' windmills ' tonight.
Soooo many great songs in another fantastic show.

Updated 31st March 2025 Permalink