Welcome to the Ray's Gigs website!

Here's the latest - updated 26th March 2025

Tuesday 25 March 2025.

Tuesday 25 March 2025.
ALEX WARREN live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
24 year old singer-songwriter from California , USA is best known for his hit single 'Ordinary ' which hit number two in the UK chart in 2025.
This show sold out in advance , and a bigger show was added at Hammersmith Apollo which has also sold out.
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Monday 24 March 2025.
The annual RAH Teenage Cancer Trust week of shows return.
I have been to a couple of their shows every year it's been held.
Look who is playing the opening show this year....OMFG!
THE SEX PISTOLS with FRANK CARTER
with support from KID KAPICHI + MOLOTOVS.
Every year some amazing gig surprises happen , but who would have thought that in 2025 that The Sex Pistols would be playing two of the most iconic venues in the world .
This will be the sixth time I have seen them with Frank Carter.
I have seen both the support acts once each .
I cannot recall a gig where so many people that i know are saying they are attending.
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Good to see DAVID STARK, MANDY AUSTIN, NIGEL HUTCHINGS and several more .
THE MOLOTOVS on stage at 7.30pm for their 25 mins set.
Hotly tipped for success ,The Molotovs played a really good energetic set . In Jan 2025 they signed to Marshall Records.
KID KAPICHI on stage at 8.20pm for their 30 mins.
A really good set of edgy rock tracks from their three albums out on Spinefarm Records.
Their big screen backdrop showed a cartoon of President Trump having a smooch with Putin.
Before The Pistols came on , we had a speech from TCT and 20 youngsters from TCT got a standing ovation from the crowd.
SEX PISTOLS on stage at 9.35pm for 65 mins.
The venue was packed full by the time they came on stage.
I saw JULIEN TEMPLE filming all the show from the pit.
CHRISSIE HYNDE was also spotted.
Hard to believe they are actually playing this posh venue.
Steve Jones admitted he had never been to the venue before.
The stalls standing is a mass of heaving bodies , who are dancing and moshing and keeping the security busy with non-stop crowdsurfing.
From 'Pretty Vacant' and the three following tracks Frank Carter was in the crowd , including getting them to do a circle pit around him while he is singing. Frank was amazing tonight.
Sooo many great tracks from NMTB , but it was one song shorter than 100 Club as ' Steppin' Stone' and 'Submission' were not played, but 'My Way' was added .
Maybe they need to add 'Did You No Wrong' and ' I Wanna Be Me' to lengthen the set a bit....however, another superb show.
Full SEX PISTOLS setlist played tonight ..
Intro tape - God Save The Queen Symphony)
Holidays in the Sun
Seventeen
New York
Pretty Vacant
Bodies
Silly Thing
Liar
God Save the Queen
No Fun ( The Stooges cover)
Satellite
No Feelings
Problems
E.M.I.
Encore:
My Way (Claude François cover)
Anarchy in the U.K.
Outro tape - Black Arabs
then
11pm to 1am.
We were gonna leave at midnight , but stayed to the end.
Aftershow party in one of the big bars by stalls standing.
A big crowd of around 200 folks here....a pay bar.
FRANK CARTER appeared and said hellos to folks he knows.
Don't think Matlock , Cook and Jones turned up here.
Probably stayed in their dressing room, or home early as they fly off to Japan Tuesday morning.
Those here included RUSTY EGAN , CHRIS MUSTO, EDDIE TUDOR-POLE , JENI COOK , MAL-ONE , EDDIE LOCK , FRITZ and Soho Tailors SIR TOM BAKER ( Glen was wearing his ) and MARK POWELL ( Frank was wearing his) and probably a few I missed as couldn't see the other end of the room.
An excellent Monday night.

Updated 24th March 2025 Permalink

Saturday 22 March 2025

Saturday 22 March 2025.
STIFF LITTLE FINGERS live at The Roundhouse .
Punk legends are playing their annual UK March tour.
This is the last show on the tour.
I have seen them over 20 times since 1978.
These were the first three times...
Lurkers, Ivor Biggun, Johnny Moped,Stiff Little Fingers Lyceum Theatre, London 10.09.1978
Tom Robinson Band,Stiff Little Fingers , Hammersmith Odeon, London 08.10.1978
Gang Of Four,Stiff Little Fingers,Human League,Fall,Mekons Lyceum Theatre, London 25.03.1979
Support comes from RICKY WARWICK AND THE FIGHTING HEARTS who is promoting his new solo album ' Blood Ties'.
It got some good reviews , so went in the charts at Number 25.
Alongside his work with The Almighty, Black Star Riders, and sometimes Thin Lizzy, Ricky has had a solo career spanning well over 20 years....i have seen him on stage a few times.
Football legend STUART PEARCE this week said he would be attending the gig , as he is a massive punk rock fan.
He recently had a health scare while on a plane.
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A mainly older punk rockin' crowd, but plenty of youngsters.
RICKY WARWICK and band on at 7.45pm for their 45 mins set .
Ricky and band did a good set of rockin' tunes ,including a beat cover of The Heartbreakers ' Born To Lose'.
STIFF LITTLE FINGERS on at 9pm for their 80 mins set.
The familiar strains of instrumental Go For It blast out complete with audience chants, the obligatory intro to any Stiff Little Fingers (SLF) gig, before the band play an excellent mix of new tracks , lesser known tracks, rarely played tracks and SLF anthems.
Plenty of stage banter from Jake Burns throughout.
Plenty of dancing and moshing front stalls standing.
The last half dozen tracks were proper belters.
What can say about the tingle that you get every time when you hear the opening chords of 'Alternative Ulster' .
SLF always put on a great show.
Straight after the show I saw STUART PEARCE on the Chalk Farm tube station platform with his mate.
Full SLF setlist played tonight....
Intro Tape - Go for It
Roots, Radics, Rockers, Reggae ( Bunny Wailer cover)
At the Edge
Wasted Life
Won’t Be Told
Strummerville
Mary's Boy Child
Straw Dogs
Piccadilly Circus
Just Fade Away
Each Dollar a Bullet
Harp
My Dark Places
Nobody's Hero
Tin Soldiers
Suspect Device
Gotta Gettaway
Encore:
Barbed Wire Love
Alternative Ulster
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Friday 21 March 2025.
SEX PISTOLS with FRANK CARTER live at The 100 Club.
This was a not so secret gig under the name of S.P.O.T.S. ( Sex Pistols On Tour Secretly ) which the band used in 1977.
A warm up show for their Royal Albert Hall gig on Monday.
Needless to say that the venue is rammed solid sold out.
I am here with best friend Billy Lay.
We were both at The 100 Club in 1976 for both days of The 100 Club Punk Festival , when The Sex Pistols played.
The photo of us below is In front of the photo currently on the wall of The 100 Club opposite Glen's stage position ...Steve Jones from 1976 at The 100 Club Punk Festival ...I am in the photo front of stage by the top of the microphone.
See my Facebook page for the photos from the night.
Me and Billy went to the same secondary school as Cook n Jones, but they were three years older than us.
Billy lived 100 yards from Wally Nightingale.
We were very impressed that a band from our school were playing gigs " up The West End " ...so we saw them three times in 1976.
Good to see so many punk rockin' friends here .
PAUL WELLER , NOEL GALLAGHER, BOBBY GILLESPIE and GARY KEMP was spotted here.
I was told during the day of an early 8.30pm stage start , so we Got inside the venue around 7.45pm.
Up first is DJ Rhoda Dakar(The Bodysnatchers ) spinning tunes.
THE SEX PISTOLS with FRANK CARTER arrived on stage at 8.35pm and played for 70 mins
The Pistols have always had rumours of 100 Club gigs for all of their reunion tours , but i would presume John Lydon would never be interested in any kind of that nostalgia trip.
However in Frank Carter , they have found the perfect front man. Three times he jumped into the crowd , and was even walking on fans shoulders , as he hung on to the venues ceiling pipes. His energy was full on amazing 100% commitment.
No real surprise there were were a couple of stop starts.
It got so hot in The 100 Club , that Steve Jones had to sit down in a chair in the second half for sections of some songs.
Needless to say the setlist was all killer.
Slight setlist change , with the main one being the addition of 'Steppin' Stone' which was not played at the three Bush Hall or
The Forum shows i went to.
It was a 10/10 gig from me.
Full setlist played tonight....
Holidays in the Sun
Seventeen
New York
Pretty Vacant
Bodies
Silly Thing
Liar
God Save the Queen
I'm Not Your Stepping Stone ( Paul Revere and the Raiders cover)
Submission
Satellite
No Feelings
No Fun (The Stooges cover)
Problems
E.M.I.
Encore:
Anarchy in the U.K. ( the band didn't actually leave the stage)
Note: My Way was on the stage setlist as the first encore before Anarchy In The UK, but it was not played.

Updated 22nd March 2025 Permalink

Thursday 20 March 2025.

Thursday 20 March 2025.
Former Formula 1 team owner and broadcaster EDDIE JORDAN dies aged 76.
Jordan revealed in December he had been diagnosed with an "aggressive" form of cancer earlier in 2024. He ran his own F1 team between 1991 and 2005 before moving to a broadcast role, working for the BBC and Channel 4.
He certainly lived a full life .
I saw him three times with his all star band in 2002, 2004, 2010.
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Wednesday 19 March 2025.
I went to two events today.
IFE at Excel, East London....1.30pn to 4.30pm...
International Food and Drink Event....final day of three ...
A few thousand folks each day of food and drink professionals expected to experience the latest product innovations, inspiring talks, and unforgettable networking opportunities.
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Hundreds of stands here from UK and overseas food and drinks companies showcasing their products .
Lots of tastings on many of the stands, and easy to get a couple of bags of swag to take away .
A big mention of ADD OLIVES from Harlesden, London who gave me a huge bag of mixed olives . ..at least 200 i reckon.
then...
6pm to 9pm .
ENGEL/JANG - showcase - The Royal Exchange, Bank, London EC3.
These two restaurants are on the first floor here above the Fortnum & Mason restaurant and bar .
One is Pan Asian and the other is Bavarian .
Good to put down the heavy Excel bags for a few hours .
Nice to be seated , after all the standing at Excel.
Around 50 guests here.
Complimentary prosecco,wines and beers but oddly no food.
Having said that, we were full up from the Excel event .
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Tuesday 18 March 2025...I went to two events today....
4pm to 5pm.
THE ROCK & ROLL PUBLIC LIBRARY – AN EXPERIENTIAL EXHIBITION , Farsight Gallery, 4 Flitcroft Street, London WC2.
1st – 22nd MARCH, 2025...
free admission...daily until 7pm...
Tottenham Court Road tube ...off Denmark Street .
Collected by British musician, songwriter and producer MiICK JONES (The Clash, Big Audio Dynamite, Carbon Silicon), RRPL includes hundreds of items, including books, comics, magazines, musical equipment, literature, art, clothing, ephemera, as well as music and film in every format, revealing a wide network of influences that span the entire 20th century.
Friends said Mick Jones turned up at the private view opening night on 28 Feb , but I was committed to the Lenny Kravitz gig at Wembley Arena that night.
I was at the private view evenings for this collection when it was first held back in 2009 and 2010.
then.
6pm to 8.30pm.
GLAZIERS HALL - showcase - 9 Montague Place, London SE1.
Around 50 or 60 folks on the guest list ,but oddly only around 20 have actually turned up .
Glaziers Hall is a historic building that is full of old world charm , but has been fully modernised with the latest technology
They have seven spaces of different sizes up to 450 guests.
We are right next to The River Thames for great views.
Complimentary prosecco, wines, beers, canapes and different bowl food , including Black Cod.
All guests got a goodie bag on departure.

Updated 18th March 2025 Permalink

Monday 17 March 2025.

Saturday 15 March 2025.
THE DESCENDENTS + CIRCLE JERKS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Punk, pop, buzzing, summery, heartfelt, defiant, adolescent, and wise all at once, the Descendents sound never gets old. The band return with their long-awaited LP, Hypercaffium Spazzinate, delivering some of their sharpest songwriting yet.
I saw them supporting NOFX at Brixton Academy last year , and headlining Shepherds Bush Empire in 2019.
I first saw them twice, back in 1997.
Descendents will be joined by fellow Californians, hardcore punk band, Circle Jerks.
First band on will be Negative Approach.
As part of a full UK and European Tour tour.
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Level 3 is closed , but all other levels look full.
A nice mixed crowd , as the older fans are here , and good to see so many youngsters , including plenty of females.
A great atmosphere , as the dancing and moshing and crowd surfing got more lively as the evening went on.
NEGATIVE APPROACH on stage at 7.25pm for their 30 mins.
All three bands tonight had their equipment pushed to the front half of the stage .
Negative Approach were a bit too hardcore for me , as the vocals were shouty growling that you couldn't make out, but good to see THURSTON MOORE join them for a song, and they also did a nifty cover of Sham 69 ' Borstal Breakout'.
CIRCLE JERKS on stage at 8.25pm for their 60 mins.
All the bands tonight as playing short fast songs of less than three minutes.
Like Negative Approach, the band sounded good, but the hardcore growling vocals were not ideal for me.
DESCENDENTS on stage at 9.45pm for their 75 mins.
Amazingly they play 31 songs ( no cover versions) in just 75 mins.
They whizzed through loads of catchy melodic singalong fast short punk tunes as the crowd moshed madly down the front.
A nice Ramones type pop punk sound that was really good.
Security were kept busy as must have easy over 100 crowd surfers over the barriers into the pit.The singer engaged with the crowd well and jumped in the crowd a couple of times.

Updated 16th March 2025 Permalink

Friday 14 March 2025.

Friday 14 March 2025.
SIEGFRIED and JOY live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Not to be confused with Siegfried and Roy....both R.I.P.
Siegfried and Joy are the new masters of magic. This incredible duo is enjoying a meteoric rise with their sleight-of-hand spectacle and they’re set to bring a little bit of Las Vegas to London. Marvel at the two magicians’ mind-bending illusions, brilliant comedy and incredible stage presence.
The German duo took part on "America's Got Talent" in 2022.
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It is stalls seating tonight , and sold out.
A very mixed crowd here tonight including lots of parents with their young children.
They arrived on stage at 8pm for their 1 hour 45 mins set.
The duo appear on stage in sparkly suits and shoes.
They mix magic and comedy along with a bit of music.
It is very slapstick and juvenile for most of the show.
Some good bits of audience participation .
Near the end of the show the duo thanked the crowd for supporting them , from 40 people in Camden at their first London show , then to 400 , and now around 1000 sold out tonight.
An enjoyable enough show.
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Thursday 13 March 2025....5pm to 10.30pm...
BURNHAM BEECHES HOTEL - relaunch party - Burnham, Berkshire.
Around 200 guests here for their relaunch after their major refurbishment.
The historic hotel, located on the edge of Burnham Beeches nature reserve, now boasts redesigned bedrooms, suites, reception, public, and leisure areas, all available to book immediately.
Burnham Beeches Hotel, the first property in the new Imerso Hotels collection, has focused on wellness, connectivity, and sustainability in its redesign.
The refurbishment took inspiration from the hotel's natural surroundings, blending the beauty of the outdoors into the interiors.
5pm...prosecco and canapes and sushi reception , as a piano player and harpist performed in the background .
6.30pm...was the official ribbon cutting.
The hotel was used by the England Football Team in the 1990s, and Burnham Beeches itself has been the location for many films .
We had a speech about how back in the day, at Burnham Beeches Hotel , Paul Gascoigne would freak out the patrons by streaking naked through the hallways.
The memories of him guzzling champagne while squashed in the Jacuzzi with some hotel residents before England played Scotland in their second Euro 96 group game.
A couple of days later he scored one of the greatest goals of all time when he scooped the ball over Colin Hendry’s head before beating Rangers team-mate Andy Goram.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food , including five different cocktails , any spirit n mixer ,Baileys , Chapel Down wines and various lagers and beers.
7pm...we had a full afternoon tea.
7.45pm...we had a sit down meal in their brasserie.
Roast Beef or Black Cod with sides.
9pm...was a superb five minutes fireworks display, and pair of females performing fire eating routine.
9.15pm... a dj playing in one of the bar areas .
A photo both was here , along with an illustrator .
All guests got a very nice goodie bag that included an afternoon tea for two voucher at the hotel.
An excellent event out in the countryside.

Updated 12th March 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 11 March 2025.

Tuesday 11 March 2025...4pm to 9pm ...four events.
THE LONDON BOOK FAIR at Olympia, West London.
The London Book Fair (LBF) is where the global publishing community unites to develop relationships, gain insights, and define the future of creative content.
From publishers, dealmakers, copyright pros, commissioners and global licensers - the entire publishing industry is represented at LBF.
Today was the opening day of the three days here.
A massive event as it's across all of both the main halls.
Must be at least 200 stands here showcasing.
Great to see that printed titles are still going strong.
4pm to 5pm - IRON MAIDEN
Drinks reception at Thames & Hudson .
Complimentary Iron Maiden Trooper Beers and Wines.
The staff are wearing Thames & Hudson t-shirts in Maiden font.
Thames & Hudson has recently signed the "definitive" legacy book celebrating the first 50 years of Iron Maiden.
Creative director Tristan de Lancey acquired world all-language rights for Iron Maiden; Infinite Dreams - The Official Visual History from Oliver Stanton at Global Merchandising Services. Rights have been sold in six territories to date. Iron Maiden; Infinite Dreams will be published in autumn 2025.
The book was described as a "magnificent celebration" of the heavy metal band with "unparalleled input from band members and management". It tells the story of the band’s first gig in 1975, their first record deal in 1979 through to the recording of groundbreaking albums, including The Number of the Beast, Seventh Son Of a Seventh Son, Senjutsu and the forthcoming, Run For Your Lives World Tour.
5pm to 6pm
AUDIBLE BOOKS reception.
Complimentary prosecco , wines , beers and a buffet of cheeses , hams, salamis and fruits .
6pm to 7pm
LITERARY SCOUTS - group reception - Hilton Olympia .
Complimentary prosecco , wines , beers and a buffet of cheeses , hams, salamis and fruits .
7pm to 9pm
KORTEXT - The Hand and Flowers Pub, Olympia .
KORTEXT offer digital learning to students and colleges.
Help upstairs at this pub opposite Olympia.
Complimentary prosecco , wines , beers , bowl of fish & chips and pastries.
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Monday 10 March 2025...6.15pm to 9.45...
THE MURPHIA LIST - list announcement party -
THE MARYLEBONE , 47 Welbeck Street , London W1.
Around 150 guests at this five star hotel.
In the run-up to St Patrick's Day, Hot Dinners website proudly present The Murphia List, in partnership with Bord Bia, the Irish food board, showcasing the Irish talent contributing to the creativity of London's food and drink scene.
Chefs, restaurateurs, pub landlords , bar owners , press here.
RICHARD CORRIGAN was here.
All the complimentary food and drinks were Irish.
Five Farms Cream Liqueur, Guinness, Boatyard Gin, Bushmills Irish Whiskey , Wines from Doran Vineyards.
Canapes including oysters from Rocks , and Irish Farmhouse Cheese Selection .
All guests got a goodie bag with Irish drinks and food items from those showcasing tonight .
Visit the Hot Dinners website for the full list.
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Updated 11th March 2025 Permalink

Friday 07 March 2925.

Friday 07 March 2025.
ZAKK SABBATH live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Black Sabbath cover band, Zakk Sabbath features guitarist/vocalist, Zakk Wylde of Ozzy Osbourne Band /Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne's bassist, Blasko and ex Queens of the Stone Age, drummer Joey Castillo.
As part of a UK & European Tour.
I saw the original Black Sabbath many times since the 1970s.
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The venue is rammed sold out, which is pretty impressive when you think it is pretty much just a Black Sabbath tribute act.
I even saw several jean jackets covered in band patches.
LOWEN arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins .
Lowen: “It’s illegal to play metal in Iran. It’s illegal for women to sing. So this is defiance, it’s rebellion”
Blending doom, death metal and prog with traditional Iranian music, London’s Lowen are a colourful pot of heavy sounds. For singer Nina Saeidi, it’s also a way to express and explore her heritage, as well as taking a stand…
Her style of vocals were not my cup of tea.
ZAKK SABBATH and band mates arrived on stage at 9pm for their 1 hour 45 mins set.
Just the three of them on stage ,looking like proper old school long haired rockers .
The band's logo is behind on a huge curtain and on equipment.
ZAKK is wearing a kilt , with his trademark legs apart stance.
The entire setlist is all Black Sabbath tracks.
Those iconic Tony Iommi riffs are performed well by Zakk.
Some 20 or crowd surfers tonight.
Not the perfect setlist , as some big Sabbath tracks were not played , so we got lesser known tracks and a bit too many guitar solos from Zakk.
Missing ‘Paranoid’ and ‘Iron Man’ from a Sabbath set is a bold move. Treats you wouldn’t get at a normal Black Sabbath gig include ‘Wicked World’ with an extended jam and ‘Tomorrows Dream’.
Then come the massive hits. The bass and drum combo on the ‘Children of the Grave’ is crushing, while ‘Fairies Wear Boots’ sounds as good as the first time I heard Sabbath play it. Blasko absolutely kills the ‘NIB’ intro with Zakk re-joining him onstage before the duo tear into that legendary riff while the crowd sing the chorus and scream the obligatory “OH YEAH”.
Ending on an extended ‘War Pigs’, Zakk disappears into the Level 1 VIP seating , to play yet another extended solo with the crowd once again doing Ozzy’s “Oh, lord yeah!” .
Overall a really good show.
Full ZAKK SABBATH setlist played tonight...
Tape intro - Supertzar
Supernaut
Snowblind
Orchid
Under the Sun/Every Day Comes and Goes
Tomorrow's Dream
Wicked World
Fairies Wear Boots
Into the Void
Embryo
Children of the Grave ( a dozen beach balls thrown out)
Lord of This World
Hand of Doom
(Band Introductions)
Behind the Wall of Sleep
N.I.B.
War Pigs (Zakk performed an extended solo from the Level 1 VIP balcony seating area)
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Thursday 06 March 2025.
Very sad news that BRIAN JAMES has died.
The Damned were one of the bands I saw many times in the punk heyday,including The 100 Club Punk Festival in 1976, and 10 times in 1977, including three nights at The Roxy Club , dancing down the front , and punching the polystyrene ceiling tiles of the venue.
It was great to see him at both The Hammersmith Apollo shows when the original four reformed .
'New Rose' and 'Neat Near Neat' and others still sound fantastic to this day ...R.I.P. Brian .
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Thursday 06 March 2025.
FRANZ FERDINAND live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
FF back here for their second sold out show at Bush.
The first night had one support act, but for tonight there are two support acts.
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Again , the venue is rammed solid sold out.
THE GREAT LESLIE on stage at 7.30pm for their 30 mins.
London based indie rockers played a good set , that included a speeded up cover of Coldplay 'Fix You'.
MASTER PEACE on at 8.15pm for their 30 mins.
Their really good set went down well again tonight.
Lots of catchy singalong choruses .
FRANZ FERDINAND on at 9.15pm for their 95 mins set.
A very lively atmosphere again ,as the crowd soon got dancing and moshing down the front of stage.
Good to see a couple of songs were changed from last night.
All the older gems were played again.
Alex said " it is always great to play this beautiful theatre where the Terry Wigan show was recorded".
A stunning version of ' Take Me Out' again was a highlight.
Final song of an extended ' This Fire' again was superb, as Alex got the crowd to crouch down , then get them up together for furious moshing and even a circle pit.
There is a great 10 mins video of this on YouTube.
Another great show.
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Wednesday 05 March 2025.
FRANZ FERDINAND live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
FF play the first of two sold out shows at this London venue.
Franz Ferdinand are back with their latest studio album, 'The Human Fear' , a record at their most immediate, upbeat and life-affirming, unashamedly going for the pop-jugular in classic Franz style.
Franz Ferdinand's new album, 'The Human Fear', was released on January 10, 2025 on Domino.
Singles: "Audacious" and "Night Or Day"
Is is the band's sixth studio album and first since 2018's 'Always Ascending'.
Part of their UK and European Tour
I have seen FF a few times before , including when they played The Forum with Sparks in 2015, when they made an album together under the name FFS.
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The venue is fully rammed sold out tonight.
MASTER PEACE arrived on stage at 8pm for their 30 mins.
Master Peace is a black indie rock singer who fronts his own band , and he played some good tracks from his albums.
FRANZ FERDINAND arrived on stage at 9pm for their 95 mins.
A nice stage production, and constant use of strobe lights .
Lots of nifty arty short sharp indie rock tunes played .
Vocalist Alex Kapranos sings, jumps, dances, saunters, and commands the crowds without missing a beat. And his voice never wanes no matter how much jumping or running around he is doing!
Sure, this band is a darling in the indie music category, so of course a large part of their catalog does take us down memory lane with mega hits like 'Take Me Out' and final encore ' This Fire' which did not disappoint.
Overall , a great show.
Full FF setlist played tonight...
Bar Lonely
The Dark of the Matinée
Night or Day
Walk Away
Everydaydreamer
Do You Want To
Audacious
The Doctor
No You Girls
Build It Up
40'
Black Eyelashes
Michael
Love Illumination
Take Me Out
Hooked ( with Master Peace)
Outsiders
Encore:
Cats
Evil and a Heathen
The Birds
This Fire

Updated 4th March 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 04 March 2025.

Tuesday 04 March 2025.
That excellent LENNY KRAVITZ show i saw at Wembley Arena a few days ago is now up on YouTube .
It is a really good recording of the entire show.
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Monday 03 March 2025
Very sad to hear of the passing of the legendary JOHNNY GREEN, famously the tour manager of The Clash at their peak and in later years doing the same job for John Cooper Clarke. A literate man, Johnny wrote his own book about the Clash ‘A Riot Of Our Own’ .
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Sunday 02 March 2025...9pm to 4am...
OSCARS Screening , Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1.
Champagne Brand LALLIER are hosting an invite only party for 200 guests at this very nice venue.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food throughout the evening,
and LALLIER champers was flowing ....also wines and beers.
Different bowl food and desserts was had from 10pm to 11pm.
Then we watch the ITV coverage over six big screens.
Great to see Elton John in the crowd and Mick Jagger presenting an award.
A nice tribute to Quincy Jones.
Bob Dylan biopic ' A Complete Unknown ' had eight nominations but didn't win one.
ANORA won best film , and four other awards .
At 1am the bacon rolls , Espresso Martinis and Bloody Mary's came out for the last couple of hours...an excellent event.

Updated 3rd March 2025 Permalink

Saturday 01 March 2025.

Saturday 02 March 2025.
Very sad news that DAVID JOHANSEN has passed away , aged 75....he had been ill for some time.
Very lucky to have seen him as a solo act , and several New York Dolls reunion shows .
That means all of The New York Dolls have now passed away.
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Saturday 01 March 2025.
NATALIE JANE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
New Jersey-raised, Los Angeles-based artist Natalie Jane is back with her ‘Sick To My Stomach’ tour, to promote the same album of the same name, showcasing her exhilarating vocal range, evocative music choices and her gift for making complex feelings feel relatable.
She has amassed over half a billion steams across music platforms.
Aged just 20 , the pop sensation is touring her second album on Capitol Records.
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The venue is rammed solid sold out tonight.
Over 75% female crowd , including lots of mums with their aged 14 or under daughters.
The merch stands are doing a roaring trade.
BAND OF SILVER arrived on stage at 7.45pm for their 30 mins.
Female fronted indie pop band from Nashville did a decent set.
OLIVER CRONIN arrived on stage at 8.35pm for his 30 mins.
He had the girls screaming loudly .
NATALIE JANE arrived on stage at 9.40pm for her 70 mins.
Natalie is backed by a drummer and backing tapes .
Some nice lights and lighting poles stage production.
The crowd are singing along loudly to every word.
Oddly there was a big fight between females front stalls during her set , and two females were ejected.
She performed a good cover of ' Crazy' by Knarls Barkley.
She gave out a dozen roses to her fans at the front.
Her lyrics to some of her songs are a bit naughty , so a bit odd to see so many mums happy for their daughters to listen and sing along to. Her biggest track ' Ava', which was the final song of the set and reprised for the encore , as the chorus goes " Who the Fuck is Ava?"....a decent enough pop show.
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Friday 28 February 2025.
LENNY KRAVITZ live at Wembley Arena.
Lenny plays a one off UK show on his European Tour.
Since the arrival of ' Let Love Rule' in 1989, he
has sold 40 million albums worldwide and won four consecutive GRAMMY® Awards, setting the record
for “most wins ever in the ‘Best Male Rock Vocal Performance’ category.”
I have seen Lenny several times before , with the first time being when he headlined Hammersmith Odeon in 1990.
The second time was a mega gig with Aerosmith in 1999.
Aerosmith + Lenny Kravitz + Stereophonics + Black Crowes at Wembley Stadium.
----------------
They said tickets available, but inside it certainly looks like a 12,500 capacity full house, as it's stalls floor standing.
Must be 150 to 200 folks on the guest list.
All the rock chicks have come out in force tonight for Lenny.
Lenny's legendary booking agent Rod MacSween is here.
LAURA MVULA arrived on stage at 7.40pm for her 35 mins set.
She had loads of critical acclaim a decade or so ago , but other female singers have got the all important big sales.
Laura has a great voice , and finished the set with her hit ' Green Garden' .
LENNY KRAVITZ arrived on stage at 8.50pm and played for 2 hours 5 mins.
Lenny has a full monty stage production , with loads of lights and big screens behind him, and two platforms in the corners.
Lenny looks as proper rock star cool as ever , and his band are super cool too...they include a three man brass section.
A stunning explosive start as we get ' Are You Gonna Go My Way' complete with pyros and loud bangs.
After a few songs Lenny tells the crowd about when he first came to London and stayed in the Portobello area.
The sound was fantastic as Lenny effortlessly sang his greatest hits , and tracks from his recent 12th studio album ' Blue Electric Light '.
For the encore Lenny did his usual walkabout through the stalls standing crowd, for an extended version of his anthem ' Let Love Rule'.
A fantastic gig...and the best one for me of the 20 plus shows I have seen so far in 2025.
Full LENNY KRAVITZ setlist played tonight ..
Are You Gonna Go My Way
Minister of Rock 'n Roll
Bring It On
TK421
I Belong to You
Stillness of Heart
Believe
Honey
Paralyzed
Low
The Chamber
I'll Be Waiting
Always on the Run
It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over
Again
American Woman (The Guess Who cover)
Fly Away
Human
Encore:
Let Love Rule

Updated 1st March 2025 Permalink

Thursday 27 February 2025.

Thursday 27 February 2025.
6.30pm to 8pm.
A bit of gallery hopping for three private views in Mayfair ,where we had a complimentary wine or beer in each .
then...
GLEN MATLOCK BAND live at The 100 Club.
Sex Pistols legend plays another London show with his band , before he joins up with The Sex Pistols for their Royal Albert Hall (24 March ), Japanese , New Zealand , Australia shows.
Also Friday 28 Feb - Colchester Arts Centre.
Also Saturday 01 March - Ramsgate Music Hall.
I have seen Glen over 30 times with The Sex Pistols and around 50 times as a solo artist , and with various other bands , including The Rich Kids and his stint with The Faces.
----------------
Good to see a full house here for this legend.
Good to see so many punk rockin' chums here
Glens Rich Kids band mate RUSTY EGAN was here.
Up first , we have a very nice special guest .
KATHY VALENTINE arrived on stage at 8.15pm for her 45 mins.
Kathy was the bass player in American band The Go-Gos.
Valentine was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October 2021 as a member of The Go-Go's.
Just her and her guitar playing a nice mix of Go-Gos tracks, solo tracks and a cover of Suzi Quatros 'Can The Can'.
For the last two songs she was joined by the three members of Glen Matlocks band.
GLEN MATLOCK BAND arrived on stage at 9.20pm for their 85 mins set.
Nice to be up close to the stage at this iconic venue.
Glen has a great band with Chris Musto on drums , Jim Lowe on bass and superb guitar licks from Neal X.
Glen tells the crowd his usual " tonight we are gonna play something old, something new, something borrowed and something bluesy ", so we get a nice mix of tracks.
It was a totally excellent set by Glen and the band.
This was the full setlist played...
Won't Put The Brakes On Me
Hot Water
Burning Sounds ( Rich Kids cover)
A Different World
Rock Chick
Whose Side Are You On?
Hook On You
Blank Generation ( Richard Hell and the Voidoids cover)
Electricity
Ghosts of Princes in Towers ( Rick Kids cover)
?????
Magic Carpet Ride
Consequences Coming
I'll Go Crazy ( James Brown cover )
Born Running
Pretty Vacant ( Sex Pistols cover ) with Kathy Valentine
Encore :
Rainy Day Woman ( Bob Dylan cover ) with Kathy Valentine
All or Nothing (Small Faces cover ) with Kathy Valentine
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Wednesday 26 February 2025.
MYLES SMITH live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Myles Smith (age 26) is a British singer and songwriter from Luton, England. He is best known for his 2024 hit singles "Stargazing" and "Nice to Meet You", that both made Top 10.
This show sold out very quickly, so an extra London show has been added at Hammersmith Apollo on 26 March 2025, which is now also sold out.....It is part of his world tour.
In the summer of 2025 he supports Ed Sheeran on his tour.
A couple of reviews have said "Myles is the black Ed Sheeran ".
Myles will be performing at The BRIT Awards on 01 March .
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Tonight is fully sold out.
KAMAL arrived on stage at 8pm for his 30 mins set.
Him and his piano , along with his guitarist with decent tunes.
MYLES SMITH arrived on stage at 9pm for his 85 mins set.
Myles was backed by a three piece band.
A very nice stage production , as we have tons of lights , including 100 lightbulbs hanging over the stage.
His youngish crowd don’t just film Smith singing the songs that have been released already, but film themselves singing along with them. In fairness, this is exactly the kind of atmosphere Smith’s pop-folk anthems are designed to create. With many of them clearly influenced by big hitters such as Ed Sheeran, George Ezra and Coldplay , this year’s Brits Rising Star award winner is certainly not aiming for the fringes. Every other chorus is laden with Coldplay type “ohh-ohhs”… or, for variety, some “ohh-ohh-ohhs” as well.
The uptempo songs were the best for me, which is included a great opening of ' Wait for You' and also 'Solo' , 'Nice to Meet You' and a superb extended version of 'Stargazing' , which was the final song of the night , with confetti cannons.
He will be headlining arenas pretty soon i reckon.
A very good show.

Updated 26th February 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 25 February 2025.

Tuesday 25 February 2025.
KASABIAN + BLOSSOMS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Two big name bands are playing this special intimate show.
BRITs Week is back, with some of the biggest names in music performing at legendary venues. These very special gigs will be raising money for children whose lives have been devastated by conflict and need War Child’s support.
I have seen Kasabian several times before, with the first time in 2005, and have seen The Blossoms.
This show will be the first time I have seen Kasabian since the departure of singer Tom Meighan , although I did see a great solo show by Tom Meighan at The Forum since then.
Blossoms are a popular band in their own right , as all of their six albums have made the UK Top 10 chart , and four of them have hit the top spot.
------------
The venue is rammed full tonight.
The 200 folks in Level 1 are 120 guests and the other 80 have paid £250 charity donation tickets.
BLOSSOMS arrived on stage at 7.45pm for their 45 mins set.
A nice big sound , as there are seven of them on stage .
Singer Tom Ogden has that great 1970s retro look.
The three seated levels of the crowd were up and dancing for the last couple of songs....a very good set.
Full BLOSSOMS setliat played tonight...
Your Girlfriend
Oh No (I Think I'm in Love)
What Can I Say After I'm Sorry?
I Can't Stand It
Perfect Me
Honey Sweet
If You Think This Is Real Life
Nightclub
I Like Your Look
There's a Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls)
Charlemagne
Gary
KASABIAN arrived on stage at 9.05pm for their 85 mins set.
Everyone in the three seated levels are up and dancing from the start, as the atmosphere is very lively indeed.
The dancing and moshing in the stalls is full on .
Serge is front of stage , and plays some bass and guitar.
The band are all behind him on raised platforms.
Lots of their big anthems played in their set.
Great to see their old mate NOEL FIELDING come on for ' Vlad The Impaler' as I have seen him come on for that song before.
The final track of ' Fire' had the entire venue going mental.
A great show.
Full KASABIAN setliat played tonight....
Tape intro Hey Jude (The Beatles song)
Call
Club Foot
Ill Ray (The King)
Underdog
Shoot the Runner
Re‐Wired
You're in Love With a Psycho
Coming Back to Me Good ( with “Groove is in the Heart” intro)
Italian Horror
SCRIPTVRE
Hell of It
Empire ( with “Do not go gentle into that good night” intro spoken by Michael Caine)
Vlad the Impaler ( with Noel Fielding)
Reason Is Treason
Goodbye Kiss ( Acoustic)
L.S.F. (Lost Souls Forever) ( Serge on Level 1 balcony)
Encore:
bumblebeee
Bless This Acid House
Fire
Both bands were filmed throughout their sets.
Check out YouTube some great videos of the show from the mixing desk, including the very lively crowd .
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Monday 24 February 2025.
2pm to 4pm
A TASTE OF POLAND at The Polish Hearth Club, 55 Princes Gate ,South Kensington , London SW7.
Around 200 guests here at this event on the first floor.
There are 25 stands showcasing their Polish drinks.
19 wine producers and 6 spirits producers.
We sampled plenty of nice drinks including mead and honey.
There is a full complimentary Polish buffet of food and cakes.
Lots of stores provide Polish foods and drinks these days.
then
6.30pm to 7.30pm.
RALLY FOR UKRAINE at Trafalgar Square.
A big crowd here for the 3rd anniversary of Russia's disgusting invasion of Ukraine....different speakers.
So many have died on both sides , dreadful.
then
8pm to 9.45pm .
AADNEVIK - A/W 2025 - The Royal Horseguard's Hotel , One Whitehall Place, London SW1.
Drinks reception and catwalk show at this nice venue .
As part of the last day of London Fashion Week.
A full buzzy event with over 20 photographers and 300 guests.
200 are seated in two rows either side of the catwalk .
100 folks are standing behind them .
8pm ..Heloise Lloris champers reception for an hour.
9pm...the catwalk show for around 15 mins.
The show is titled ' Western Star' , with a 18th century Frontier theme with the ten models wearing black cowboy hats and the catwalk was covered in straw/hay, with straw/hay bales at both ends.

Updated 25th February 2025 Permalink

Sunday 23 February 2025

Sunday 23 February 2025.
LOTTERY WINNERS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Mancunian chart-topping indie-pop quartet Lottery Winners are back with their most adventurous album yet, KOKO, which follows their No. 1 album ART (Anxiety Replacement Therapy).
'KOKO' is their fourth studio album.
As part of their UK and European Tour.
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Considering the headliners have had a number one album , it was a bit odd to see Levels 2 and 3 were closed tonight , although the stalls and Level 1 were rammed solid.
THE VALLA arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 30 mins.
A decent set of pop rock from this London based band.
THE COVASETTES arrived on stage at 8.20pm for 40 mins.
Manchester based band played a good set of indie rock pop.
They are grafting non stop with gigs galore everywhere.
In April they support ZUTONS on their UK tour.
Manchester based LOTTERY WINNERS arrived on stage at 9.20pm for their 90 mins.
They are a bunch of unlikely looking pop stars who have been slogging away since they formed in 2008, slowly building a reputation for delivering a show full of great humour and catchy indie pop tunes and the charisma of front man Thom Rylance.
Thom rightly said " he was more Alan Carr than Alex Turner".
The vocals and band sounded really crisp and clear.
Loads of really good good tracks , with the highlights being a lively half a dozen songs at the end.
A really good show.
Full LOTTERY WINNERS setlist played tonight ..
Tape intro song Let Me Entertain You (Robbie Williams song)
Superpower
Worry
21
You Again
Angels (Robbie Williams cover)
You're Not Alone
Favourite Flavour
A New England ( Billy Bragg cover)
UFO
Letter to Myself
Lanyard (Elevator Music)
Let Me Down
Much Better
Start Again
Encore:
Turn Around
Burning House
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Saturday 22 February 2025....I was two events today...
4pm to 6pm
ARIES - 31 Great Pulteney Street , Soho, London W1.
This event was related to Day 3 of London Fashion Week.
Sitting in a sweet spot in between streetwear and high fashion, Aries plays with allusions to the grandiosity of major fashion houses alongside expertly picked underground reference points.
A huge 4000 sq ft space over two floors, with it's own cafe and seating at the rear of the ground floor, and in the basement.
A female DJ was playing dance tracks.
Complimentary Margaritas ( George Clooney's Casamigos Tequila ) for all the guests here.
then
7.30pm to 11pm
ALBA - press preview -
70 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge , London SW3.
What they say about ALBA...
Right across the street from Harrods, Alba is an Italian restaurant bringing a taste of the Amalfi coast to Brompton Road. At Alba guests will be able to enjoy the flavours and dishes of Southern Italy as well as being afforded the opportunity to try exemplary produce from the whole country.
The space makes guests feel more like they are on a sea view terrace in Sorrento rather than a busy Central London Road. Real citrus trees line the space and are dotted among tables adorned by blue and stripey textiles that give the space a cool and coastal feel. The interiors are slick and elegant with furniture designed by a company that usually focuses on yacht design rather than restaurants. These elements work in harmony to bring a sense of luxury and elegance to the space.
Alba’s menu features regional classics such as lemon risotto con gamberi and Sicilian gamberi rossi di Mazara. This focus on representing the regional cuisines of Italy also means that some unfamiliar ingredients feature on the menu. This includes mozzarella ‘zizzona’ from Campania which is essentially a giant mozzarella ball filled with buffalo milk. There are also other luxury items on offer, as expected given the location, with paccheri topped with white Alba truffle as well as caviar, truffle, wagyu and yellowfin tuna making an appearance on the menu. Desserts are served with a side of spectacle with tableside gelato and a tiramisu made with panettone. The wine list is expertly curated from their bespoke menu and the rest of the drink's menu features specialty cocktails with, of course, plenty of negronis on offer.
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The restaurant opened this month on the first floor .
The owners of the restaurant also own the luxury Italian furniture store on the ground floor, and you actually walk through the restaurant to the rear, then you walk up a stunning marble staircase.
We have a nice window table .
Lots of attentive Italian staff fussing over us.
Lots of quality dishes and drinks were had.
As it has a prime Knightsbridge location , it ain't cheap.
For starter we shared a Truffle & Mushrooms Pizza (£49).
For mains we each had a Creamy Lobster Linguini (£65 each).
We shared the side dishes.
For dessert we shared a large Panettone Tiramisu (£18 ) which was delivered with a full theatrical presentation.
Luxury Japanese Toilets with heated seats.
Drinks were Margaritas, Negronis, wines and Cappuccinos.
A top notch dining experience .
www.alba-ldn.uk - Visit their website here for full menu details etc.

Updated 23rd February 2025 Permalink

Thursday 20 February 2025.

Thursday 20 February 2025.
CARLY PEARCE + WADE BOWEN live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Back book to see this show for a second time.
Again , it does not say sold out, but all levels are open and full.
Both acts play exactly the same set as the night before .
Carly has changed her outfit and boots.
Funny how many Americans call a venue ' a room '.
Carly has a nicer than nice smile and personality , as she chatted away to the crowd after every track.
Like last night, the show was all filmed .
Another good show.
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Wednesday 19 February 2025.
CARLY PEARCE live at Shepherds Bush Empire
GRAMMY, CMA and ACM Award-winning singer songwriter Carly Pearce heads out on her ‘hummingbird 2025 uk/eu tour’, the name of her fourth studio album, hummingbird.
Now aged 34, all four of her albums have made the Billboard Top 200 chart in USA.
This is the first of two shows at this venue for Carly.
Carly was last in London in March 2024, for the C2C festival at The 02 Arena, where she was a main support act.
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It does not say sold out outside , but the venue looks very full.
Again , it is pretty much females and m/f couples here for another American country music artist.
WADE BOWEN arrived on stage at 8pm for his 40 mins set.
Another American country music act (Texas ).
He is joined by two other musicians, for some decent songs.
He has released a dozen albums over the past 20 years.
CARLY PEARCE arrived on stage at 9pm for her 90 mins set.
She looks great , with her long hair , flowing mini dress and white cowboy boots .
Carly is backed by four musicians.
Carly has an impressive wall of lights behind here.
Her songs, often about heartbreak and personal experiences, resonate deeply with audiences due to their honesty.
Carly is connecting with the crowd, sharing stories between songs, and creating a personal atmosphere.
Halfway through the show , support act Wade Bowen joined her for a great duet.
Other highlights included ' I Hope Your Happy Now' and ' What He Didn't Do'.....a good show.
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Tuesday 18 February 2025.
CAGE THE ELEPHANT live at Brixton Academy.
They are playing the second night of two at this venue on their UK & European Tour to promote their new album.
Cage The Elephant return with their sixth album 'Neon Pill', forging new musical ground, while maintaining their uncompromising creativity and wildly cathartic performances.
They won Grammy's for Best Rock album in 2016 and 2020.
Support comes from SUNFLOWER BEAN.
Sunflower Bean is an American rock band from Glen Head, New York and Brooklyn founded in 2013. The band consists of Julia Cumming (bass, lead vocals), Nick Kivlen (guitars, backing vocals), and Olive Faber (drums).Their most recent album 'Headful of Sugar' (their third) was released in May 2022.
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The first night was sold out, but this extra night is only 50% .
Upstairs is pretty empty.
We are in the middle of the stalls with plenty of space.
Good to see so many young male and female rock fans here.
SUNFLOWER BEAN on stage at 8.20pm for their 30 mins set.
A trio bringing some NYC cool to to Brixton.
The last song featured singer Julia on her knees at the front of stage having a proper freakout
CAGE THE ELEPHANT on stage at 9.20pm for their 90 mins set.
At last , i finally get to see Cage The Elephant .
We have a very nice full on stage production , with loads of lights, lasers and fire columns.
Also ticker-tape for the final song.
Their songs have a great mix classic rock, '90s alternative, blues, punk rock, and funk music.
They reminded me a bit of a great 1990s band i liked called CYCLEFLY whose debut album is a lost classic.
The singer is constantly grooving around the stage, mixing moves like Jagger with the singer from Stereo MCs.
The guitarist smashed his guitar during the final song.
A really good show
Full CAGE THE ELEPHANT setlist played tonight..
Broken Boy
Cry Baby
Spiderhead
Too Late to Say Goodbye
Good Time
Cold Cold Cold
Ready to Let Go
Neon Pill
Social Cues
Halo
Mess Around
Trouble
Ain't No Rest for the Wicked
Skin and Bones
Rainbow
Telescope
House of Glass
Sabertooth Tiger
Encore:
Back Against the Wall
Shake Me Down
Cigarette Daydreams
Come a Little Closer
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Tuesday 18 February 2025.
Very sad to hear that RICK BUCKLER, former drummer in The Jam, has died at the age of 69, after a short illness.
Hard to believe that The Jam split over 40 years ago.
I was lucky to have seen them six times.
Clash,Jam,Buzzcocks Rainbow Theatre, London 09.05.1977 All the seats at the front got smashed
Jam,Saints,Boys Hammersmith Odeon, London 24.07.1977
Jam,New Hearts Hammersmith Odeon, London 18.12.1977
Jam,Generation X,Slade Wembley Arena, London 29.11.1978
Jam,Records Rainbow Theatre , London 08.04.1980
Jam,Piranhas Hammersmith Odeon, London 18.11.1980

Updated 18th February 2025 Permalink

Sunday 16 February 2025.

Sunday 16 February 2025....11pm to 2.15am...
WARNER BROS PICTURES - post BAFTA party -
Kettner's Townhouse, 29 Romilly Street , Soho , London W1.
Film companies hold a few lavish parties after the awards .
This year there were five champagne fuelled venues , that were all in Soho and Mayfair.
Keetner's Townhouse
The Twenty Two
Tramp
Soho House
Maison Estelle
In years gone by, disgraced Hollywood film producer HARVEY WEINSTEIN held five top notch BAFTA parties at The Rosewood Hotel, Holborn from 2014 to 2018, which always got plenty of big names . I was at all five of them.
These days , it is the Netflix party that gets the biggest names.
Warner's is holding its annual intimate reception at Kettner's to celebrate its nominees Dune: Part Two which nabbed seven mentions, and documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story....guests are holding their BAFTAS as Dune won awards for Best Sound and Best Special Effects , and Superman won Best Documentary ...Christopher Reeves sons were both here.
A DJ played tunes in the background.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food , including Laurent Perrier champers , three different cocktails , wines, canapes, bowl foods and desserts.
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Saturday 15 February 2025.
WARREN ZEIDERS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
25 year old American country music singer-songwriter is touring the UK to promote his fourth album ' Relapse'.
This show sold out two months in advance.
-----------------
The venue is rammed solid sold out tonight.
There are more females than males here .
Lots of folks were country style checked shirts and hats
WESKO arrived on stage at 8pm for their 45 mins set.
Wesko, born Wesley Keith Holmes, is a rising country music star hailing from Kenansville, North Carolina.
He did a decent set , with a very Southern drawl talking voice.
WARREN ZEIDERS arrived on stage at 9.15pm for 80 mins.
Long hair , chest exposed and black cowboy hat for Warren.
He is backed by five musicians , including twin guitars .
He has a nice rockier country sound that he said was down to his dad's love of classic rock bands like Guns N Roses and Quiet Riot.
Zeiders aired many songs from the ‘717 Tapes' before some of them are put to bed in favour of the more newer tracks coming next month from the new album. Zeiders said that this is a deliberate decision given that he has never played the UK before and that he wanted his fans to get a chance to hear them before it is too late. So songs like ‘Never Look Back,' ‘Burn It Down' and ‘Ride the Lightning' went down well.
Warren said " London was the first show to sell out on the tour, and next time will be a much bigger room" .
His big track ' Pretty Little Poison' was played after an hour , and
for the encore , he took his shirt off to show off his gym fit body , to the delight of all the female fans here .....a good show.

Updated 15th February 2025 Permalink

Friday 14 February 2025.

Friday 14 February 2025.
BEN BARNES live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Singer, songwriter and actor Ben Barnes ( now aged 43), heads out on his 2025 world tour in support of his debut album 'Where the Light Gets In' , a passionate and soulful release with an abundance of beautifully crafted storytelling and melody.
He has had many big film roles since starring in 'Stardust' in 2007.
He has completed his North American leg of the tour, and now plays UK shows then mainland Europe.
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A 75% crowd of females under the age of 30 here, who are swooning over Ben on Valentine's Day .
BEN BARNES and his band arrived on stage at 8.45pm and played for 1 hour 55 mins.
A very nice touch here was that in the front row corner are two deaf girls , and there is a female signing in the pit throughout the show in front of them.
It was a long show considering he only has had one album and one EP out but that's because there was lots of chat between songs that the fans loved , but a bit too much for my liking.
The songs were mid tempo , and some ballads in the middle.
A moment that brought a particular amount of laughter from those in attendance, talking about how, yes, most of his songs were love songs, “But not this song, this song is about sex.”
Cue more loud screams.
"Are their any movie buffs in the audience tonight?" also got big screams.
A couple of good covers were 'Jealous Guy' and ' Bennie and the Jets' .
The show ticked along ok , even though it was a bit girly .
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Thursday 13 February 2025.
KAWALA live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
A sprightly band from the Camden borough of London, Kawala found success in 2018 when their percussive indie folk-inflected single “Do It Like You Do” became a streaming hit. Thanks to their bright, melodic style, they have earned comparisons to bands like Bombay Bicycle Club and Glass Animals.
The are playing a full UK & European Tour.
After a decade together , this is billed as a Farewell Tour.
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Level 3 is half empty, but there must be at at least 1500 here.
Didn't realise that the five piece band were so popular .
A very polite crowd, with maybe more females than males .
TEENAGE DADS on stage at 7.45pm for their 30 mins set.
They are a four piece from Australia, who are promoting their second album ' Majordomo'..They played a really good set of indie rock tunes , with a nice cover of ' Video Killed The Radio Star'.
KAWALA arrived on stage at 8.45pm for their 95 mins set.
The crowd sang and swayed along to all of their songs .
Their sound was a kind of melodic folk tinged indie rock.
Their chemistry with their fanbase was evident when lead vocalists Jim Higson and Daniel McCarthy went into the stalls standing area to sing fan favourite ‘Mighty River’ with them. This was a beautiful moment that showcased everything KAWALA are about: community, love, and great music.
The band closed the show with hit track ‘Runaway’ that had the entire room bouncing.
Just before that , they read out an emotional message thanking the fans for their support over the past decade .
Their most well known song ‘Do It Like You Do’ and ‘Ticket To Ride’ were the songs chosen for the encore. If the band and crowd weren’t feeling the farewell blues before, they were after these ones. Both songs were performed expertly, and the crowd lapped them up. It was a beautiful way to bid farewell to their London audience....an enjoyable show....

Updated 14th February 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 12 February 2025.

Wednesday 12 February 2025...11.30am to 2.30pm...
FORDS GIN - brunch - Hawksmoor, 11 Langley Street , Seven Dials, Covent Garden, London WC2.
The invite for this lunchtime event was from last night's Top 50 Cocktail Bars as Fords Gin were one of the sponsors.
Around 40 or 50 folks are here from last night.
A DJ is playing tunes in the background.
We had a guitarist play 30 mins of cover songs.
Plenty of space as everyone had a table.
Complimentary drinks and food included two different FORDS
GIN cocktails , including Bloody Mary and soft drinks from Franklin & Sons Ltd and lovely food.
Steak & Fried Egg Sandwich
Bacon Sandwich
Sausage Sandwich
Hash Browns
All guests got a goodie bag with a FORDS GIN sweatshirt and
t-shirt.
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Tuesday 11 February 2025...6.45pm to 10.45pm...
TOP 50 COCKTAIL BARS at Underglobe at The Swan,
Bankside, London SE1.
Around 300 guests here from the various bars on the list.
There was a DJ playing tunes before and after the awards.
The awards countdown started at 8.30pm for 45 mins.
It got very lively as folks were cheering when their bar was called.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food here.
Over a dozen different cocktails from brands including Jack Daniels , Woodford Reserve, Monkey Shoulder, Fords Gin,
Courvoisier, Herradura Tequila , Vapoura Rum and Golden Egg Vodka....and beers....and different bowl food including Katsu Chicken Curry & Rice .
Top 5 Cccktail Bars were...
1. SATAN' S WHISKERS - Bethnal Green London.
2. PANDA AND SONS - Edinburgh .
3. SCHOFIELDS BAR - Manchester.
4. COUCH - Stirchley , West Midlands.
5. TAYER + ELEMENTARY - Shoreditch, London.
www.top50cocktailbarslist.com - Visit their website here for the Top 50 Cocktail Bars list.
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Monday 10 February 2025.
A downside of getting older is your fave musicians suffer ill health and even worse.
Welsh music legend MIKE PETERS has had a rough few years with his battling cancer, and now it's DAVID JOHANSEN, who is the sole surviving member of the legendary New York Dolls.
An update from his daughter...
My name is Leah Hennessey, and I’m David Johansen’s daughter. As some, but not many of you know, David has been in intensive treatment for stage 4 cancer for most of the past decade.
Five years ago at the beginning of the pandemic we discovered that David’s cancer had progressed and he had a brain tumor. There have been complications ever since. He’s never made his diagnosis public, as he and my mother Mara are generally very private people, but we feel compelled to share this now, due to the increasingly severe financial burden our family is facing.
To make matters worse, the day after Thanksgiving David fell down the stairs and broke his back in two places. ​
After a week in the hospital and a successful surgery David has been bedridden and incapacitated. Due to the trauma, David’s illness has progressed exponentially and my mother is caring for him around the clock.

Updated 11th February 2025 Permalink

Sunday 09 February 2025.

Sunday 09 February 2025.
WHATSONSTAGE AWARDS live at The Palladium.
My first time at this theatre awards since 2016.
A full on Red Carpet event as security everywhere , barriers, a press pen and dozens of gawping tourists are here.
The show was on for 3 hours over two sets of
1 hour 20 mins and 1 hour 40 mins.
Everyone had a free programme on their seat.
Hosts Mazz Murray and Gina Murray were very entertaining .
The 24 piece orchestra on stage sounded fantastic.
There were several songs from theatre shows , in-between the awards being given out.
MJ The Musical and Hadestown did a a good song each.
I saw Starlight Express back in the day, but the revived version at Wembley Troubadour Theatre won the most awards tonight , with seven, including Best Musical Revival.
,so must try and get along to see that.
Six won Best West End Show.
Mean Girls won Best New Musical .
Guest presenters included Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber , Dame Arlene Phillips , Tasmin Outhwaite and Mel Giedroyc.
A very enjoyable evening.
For a full list of nominees and winners.
www.whatsonstage.com - Visit their website here.
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Sunday 09 February 2025.
Happy Birthday to JIMMY PURSEY who is 70 today.
I have seen Sham 69 over 20 times , including three times in 1977, and two of those shows were supporting The Clash at The Rainbow in December 1977.
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Friday 07 February 2025.
THE REYTONS live at Brixton Academy .
Indie rock band from Rotherham are touring their third album.
All three of their albums have made the UK Top 20.
Kids off the Estate (2021) hit No 11 on the charts.
What's Rock and Roll (2023) hit No 1 on the charts.
Ballad of a Bystander (2024) hit No 2 on the charts.
The last big indie/rock pop band to break through to a mainstream audience was Sheffield band Arctic Monkeys, nearly twenty years ago. Since that time, it has been a barren period for groups in this genre. Thankfully, things seem to have turned around with the arrival of another south Yorkshire band, the Reytons.
With no support from a major record company and apparently no huge budget to support their ascendancy, the band toured solidly and played gigs across the country, in the process building up a robust fan base. The Reytons sold out the 12,000-capacity Sheffield Arena for a homecoming gig .
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With so many female and male singer-songwriters everywhere, it's great to see a newish English band selling out this 5000 capacity venue...Pretty much looks like a 90% male crowd.
FREDDIE HALKON and band on at 8.15pm for 30 mins.
A newcomer but it's handy he is good mates with the headliner , so gets a nice chance to play to a big crowd, despite only releasing his debut single last year. A good indie pop set.
He played his recent single ' Route 26'.
THE REYTONS arrived on stage at 9.20pm for their 75 mins .
It soon gets very lively front stalls with moshing.
They certainly do sound like The Arctic Monkeys, as they whizzed through their indie rock pop tunes.
Highlights included 'Kids off the Estate' and 'Broke Boys Cartel'.
A really good set.
Full REYTONS setlist played tonight...
Red Smoke
Adrenaline
Let Me Breathe
Harrison Lesser
Retro Emporium
Headache
Low Life
2006
Market Street
Knees Up
Cash In Hand & Fake IDs
Slice of Lime
On the Back Burner
Billy Big Bollocks
Kids Off the Estate
Uninvited
Broke Boys Cartel

Updated 8th February 2025 Permalink

Thursday 06 February 2025.

Thursday 06 February 2025....i went to two events tonight...
5.15pm to 9pm.
ALL BAR ONE - relaunch party - Leicester Square, London WC2.
This popular bar has a superb location , as it's on Leicester Square itself, next to the McDonalds and opposite the main cinema that hosts the film premieres.
We arrived at the entrance and there are two showgirls in wings and feathers strutting their stuff, and a female fire eater too.
Inside it is lively and buzzy as must be 200 or 300 guests here over the two floors.
A DJ is playing some tracks downstairs.
There is cocktail making classes every 30 mins upstairs .
Lots of food and drinks including four different cocktails, Monkey Shoulder Whiskey & Ginger , Prosecco , Wines, Beers ,
Guinness , Burgers , Bowl Food and canapes and desserts including Strawberry cheesecake.
All guests got a tote bag with a few items in on departure.
We had plenty of drinks and food here as much better than expected , but another event was calling nearby.
then
9.15pm to 11.30pm .
SOPHIES STEAKHOUSE - 42/44 Great Windmill Street , Soho, London W1.
This was the after-party for the press/VIP night of 'The Years ' at The Harold Pinter Theatre in Panton Street.
A massive crowd as must be 300 or 400 guests here.
All the cast turn up for the photographers.
Actor MARK STRONG is here.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food including any spirit n mixer, prosecco, wines , beers , bowl food and canapes.
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Wednesday 05 February 2025.
OMAR RUDBERG live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Stockholm-based and Venezuelan-born artist, actor and dancer Omar Rudberg (now aged 26 ) lets his attitude, confidence and spirit surge through his artistry at full blast, tailoring his Latin-infused, arena-ready pop for crowd singalongs in the process.
Before launching his solo career in 2018, he gained recognition and began his professional music career in 2013 as a member of the Swedish boy band FO&O. He is best known internationally for his starring role as Simon Eriksson in the Netflix series Young Royals (2021–2024).
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Level 3 is closed , and Level 2 is half empty .
Still over a 1000 folks here , with 90% females under 30.
SAY NOW arrived on stage at 8pm for their 25 mins set.
A girl trio in the vein of Sugababes / All Saints.
They have had a few singles out on Atlantic Records.
Their set included a Britney Spears medley.
OMAR RUDBERG arrived on stage at 9pm for his 65 mins set .
He has a band and two male dancers ,all in shiny tops , like Omar himself....Omar joins in with the dance routines
Lots of screaming from the excitable female crowd.
His set ticked along ok and included a cover of Rihanna 'Rude Boy'. For the final two songs he was shirtless much to the delight of his girl fans.

Updated 6th February 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 04 February 2025

Tuesday 04 February 2025....7pm...
OEDIPUS - press/VIP night - The Old Vic , Waterloo, London SE1.
It’s a cold case but, according to the Oracle, if the murderer of old King Laius is found and punished then all will be well. The people turn to their new King, Oedipus, the man who solved the riddle of the Sphinx, to hunt down the perpetrator and bring salvation. He vows to succeed whatever the cost and so begins an unstoppable pursuit of the truth through a harrowing labyrinth of fear and love.
Starring Academy Award winner RAMI MALEK (Bohemian Rhapsody, No Time To Die) in the lead role.
RAMI MALEK is excellent.
Rami Malek’s air of having dropped from another planet has served him well on film as a Bond villain or Freddie Mercury.
The show runs until 29 Match 2025.
then
9pm to 11.15pm.
OEDIPUS after-party at Skylon at The Royal Festival Hall, SE1.
A lavish party as must be 300 guests here.
RAMI MALEK and all the cast are here.
Rami Malek spends a lot of time chatting to everyone.
Several well known faces here including JOHN BISHOP,
DAME HARRIET WALTER, BEN HARDY and Creative Arts Minister CHRIS BRYANT .
A female DJ is playing tunes, and some folks are dancing.
My phone died , so couldn't take a couple of photos .
Lots of complimentary drinks and food, including Taittenger champers, two different gin cocktails , wines , beers and bowl food including rib-eye steak strips with chips , and cod and chips along with various canapes.
We left at 11.15pm , but still busy as it was a 12.30pm finish.
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Monday 03 February 2025.
LEE ROCKER live at 229 Great Portland Street, London W1.
His only UK show as part of a six city - six country European Tour.....expect Stray Cats classics mixed with his solo material .
I have seen The Stray Cats around a dozen times from when they first came over to the UK in 1980 , when they supported Elvis Costello at The Rainbow.
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My fourth gig at this venue in 2025.
Support act The TR5s arrived on stage at 8pm for 30 mins.
They are fronted by a female singer.
One of Surrey’s best-kept secrets, The TR5’s have been ripping up stages for over two years, capturing hearts and minds with their highly charged retro blend of 50’s Skiffle and early 60’s Rock ‘N’ Roll!.
They played a good set of tracks from their debut album 'A Triumph ' , including 'Everybody's Screaming ( Lord Sutch)' and a cover of Eddy Cochran's ' Twenty Flight Rock'.
They play The Mascara Bar , London N16 on 15 Feb 2025... £8.
LEE ROCKER arrived on stage at 9.05pm for his 80 mins.
He was backed by a nifty three piece band.
It was great to see his big double bass, front centre stage.
It sounded fantastic throughout, as he slapped away.
Plenty of really good foot tappin' rockabilly.
A couple of songs in the middle he switched to acoustic guitar.
Eight Stray Cats tracks played, including all the big hits .
A really good show.
Full LEE ROCKER setlist played tonight....
Runaway Boys (Stray Cats song)
Built for Speed (Stray Cats song)
Stray Cat Strut ( Stray Cats song)
That's All Right / Blue Moon of Kentucky / Night
Train
Your True Love
Honey Don't (Carl Perkins cover)
Miracle in Memphis
The Last Offline Lovers (dedicated to his wife)
Memphis Freeze
Ophelia (The Band cover)
Love Me Good
Bye Bye Johnny (Chuck Berry cover )
Graceland Auctions
Bring It Back Again ( Stray Cats song)
When Nothing's Going Right (Stray Cats song)
I Won't Stand in Your Way (Stray Cats song)
Bulletproof
Rumble in Brighton ( Stray Cats song)
Rock This Town ( Stray Cats song)
Encore:
Rockabilly Boogie

Updated 3rd February 2025 Permalink

Sunday 02 February 2025.

Sunday 02 February 2025.
SID VICIOUS died 46 years ago on 02 February 1979.
Exactly a year later on 02 February 1980 , there was an anniversary march starting in the Kings Road Chelsea , where I was one of 300 punk rock fans who gathered there.
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Saturday 01 February 2025...I went to two events today .
4pm to 6.30pm.
CAVIAR BAR - preview - Medici Courtyard, Hanover Square, Mayfair , London W1.
What they say...
An obsession, born from desire; a passion for the finest quality caviar, seafood & wine
This is the essence of The Caviar Bar, a luxurious and intimate bar located in Mayfair, London. We’ve spent years sourcing the finest caviar and seafood – together with our carefully curated wine list we will deliver an experience like no other.
They can cater for groups up to 50 people.
Their distribution HQ is in Park Royal.
TV series Made in Chelsea have recorded here.
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They are located opposite the Maine restaurant.
A very cool looking entrance .
Farhad , the owner was here to explain caviar and their concept.
We had..
Crab Salad
Smoked Salmon with crackers
Smoked Salmon Maki - eight pieces
A very nice tasting plate , that included 50g caviar, bilinis , sliced potatoes , creme fresh, gherkins and a sliced boiled egg.
Dessert was Dragon Fruit
We also had a couple of glasses of white wine.
A very enjoyable and tasty caviar experience.
www.caviarbaruk.com - Visit their website here for more info and special offers.
They also do takeaway .
then
BABYGIRL at The Vue Cinema, Leicester Square, London WC2.
This time of year , i always try to see a few films in the run up to The Baftas and the Oscars.
Nicole Kidman stars in this erotic thriller.
It is rated 18 due to all the sexual content in the film.
Nicole is a tech CEO who cannot have an orgasm with her husband , so has a steamy affair with a young intern.
She has inner feelings of wanting to be dominated ,
and be his ' babygirl'.
Nicole Kidman gets naked too, and looking good too.
The film certainly has a 'Fifty Shades' feel to it.
Her husband finds out about the affair , and after some angry moments , the couple make up , and the film ends with her having her first orgasm with her husband.
You could say a Happy Ending.
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Friday 31 January 2025...6.15pm to 10pm...
THE GEORGE & DRAGON - relaunch party -
155-159 High Street, Wanstead , London E11.
A great location across the road from Wanstead tube station.
This huge pub over two floors used to be a Wetherspoon's , but it closed down for a bit and was bought by new owners.
Around 150 guests here , and very buzzy.
Lots of comfy sofas and chairs.
They used to have the main bar down the one side, but i like the new interior and the placement of the bar in the centre of the pub. The George is now under the ownership of Urban Pubs and Bars, who recently acquired The Red Lion, Leytonstone ( I saw Glen Matlock play there) along with a number of other London pubs with a portfolio of over 50 establishments.
At 6.30pm were the speeches from the new owners.
At 8pm for 60 mins , we had a male singer and his acoustic guitar play a good set of well known cover songs
Complimentary drinks and food included different cocktails, prosecco, wines , beers and some canapes .
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Friday 31 January 2025.
Happy Birthday to punk icon JOHN LYDON who is 69 today .
I have seen him many times with The Sex Pistols and PiL.
I also have several photos of us together.
I have put a couple of my Facebook page.

Updated 31st January 2025 Permalink

Thursday 30 January 2025.

Thursday 30 January 2025.
Sad news that MARIANNE FAITHFULL has passed away.
She didn't tour much outside of London but I did see her .
1996 - Jazz Cafe
2009 - I chatted her to her at The Q Awards as she was sitting on the same table as me.
2011 - Barbican
2014 - Royal Festival Hall
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Thursday 30 January 2025...6.15pm to 10.15pm..
LIL' NASHVILLE - launch party - 11 Barley Mow Passage , Chiswick , London W4.
Good to see another live music venue opening in West London.
Country music is getting more and more popular in the UK.
Lil’ Nashville will be bringing the vibe of Nashville right to your doorstep. If you're a country music fan, then you'll understand the significance of Music City's honky-tonk scene, and Lil’Nashville Country Bar & Kitchen will be recreating the spirit and atmosphere of a honky-tonk right here in West London!
If country music is your thing, they will get your boots tapping and your head nodding with live bands at weekends and artists playing all the latest country hits and covers you’d find on Broadway, Nashville. And guaranteed to get you on the dancefloor is their incredible line-dancing team straight from the US! With their head-turning performance, The Country Roses will introduce and teach you some authentic Tennessee moves.
Around 100 guests here.
All the staff are in full country music outfits .
They have a full merch store.
There is a DJ playing tracks , and a big screen showing videos.
7.30pm - speeches from the owners.
7.45pm - line dancing class.
8.45pm - Nottingham born country singer KEZIA GILL performed a 60 mins set of tracks from her two albums and a couple of cover versions.
Complimentary Bourbon cocktails, wines beers and hot and cold Southern food tasters including Cajun Chicken.
All guests got a complimentary tote band with a few small items inside from their merch .
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Wednesday 29 January 2025.
8pm to 12pm.
LUCKY CAT - preview - 22 Bishopsgate , London EC2.
What they say about it...
Lucky Cat is just one of five restaurants that GORDON RAMSAY is opening at London’s 22 Bishopsgate. The skyscraper is London's tallest office building, and will no doubt enchant diners who are lucky enough to get a reservation. After successful openings in Mayfair, Miami and Manchester, Lucky Cat will become London's highest restaurant, offering an Asian-inspired menu with incredible views of the city. If you visit on a warm evening, and just don't want the fun to end, then head out to the Lucky Cat roof terrace for cocktails and entertainment until 3am.
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The venue is pretty full , with over 100 diners.
We have a window table, with incredible views of The City , including The Tower of London and Tower Bridge below and much more as we are 60 floors up.
GORDON RAMSAY and his wife are here.
They are overseeing this test evening for the staff and food,
before the paying customers arrive next week.
Stickers are put over our phones to say no photos or videos allowed of the food or restaurant , so I just take a photo of the amazing view.
I presume that was just for the preview evening only.
We have around a dozen plates to share , as they focus on a sharing concept here.
The food and service was as you can imagine top notch.
Plates included Baby Squid , Udon Noodles, Crispy Duck Bao Buns, Tempura Shrimp and veg , BBQ Lamb Chops, Steak,
Sea Bream....Dessert was a Baked Rum Baba
Washed down with four cocktails each and some sparking water.
A DJ plays tunes in the background.
We were one of the two last tables to leave.
An excellent evening .

Updated 30th January 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 28 January 2025.

Tuesday 28 January 2025.
Thanks to the internet and band websites, it is easier to find out about bands touring overseas, and what level they play to.
The likes of Coldplay and Ed Sheeran play massive stadiums all across the world.
Coldplay spent the weekend in India, continuing to set records with its “Music Of The Spheres World Tour.” The band’s Jan. 25-26 shows at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat hosted more than 111,000 fans each night, marking the biggest performances of the band’s career and two of the largest stadium concerts of the 21st century.
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Monday 27 January 2025.
Happy Birthday to NICK MASON who is 81 today.
See my Facebook page for a photo of us together.
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Sunday 26 January 2025.
The week of shows for Teenage Cancer Trust at The Royal Albert Hall has been announced for the end of March.
As usual The Who are playing two shows.
Who are playing the opening night on Monday 24 March ?
It's only THE SEX PISTOLS with Frank Carter.
A nice warm show for their Japan , NZ and Australia shows.
Tickets go on sale on Friday 31 January .
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Thursday 23 January 2025...6.15pm to 8.30pm...
Private view - Bonhams , New Bond Street , London W1.
Lee & LEE...A SKY original...
Surrealist and fashion photographer, model and pioneering war correspondent, Lee Miller (1907-1977) was a force of nature who had an exceptional career. Yet, for a long time, it remained hidden – even from her son – with all of her negatives and photographs stored away in the attic at her home, Farleys in East Sussex. Since her powerful images came to light, her son Antony Penrose and granddaughter Ami Bouhassane have worked to ensure her legacy lives on. Last year the first narrative movie about her life during the war, LEE starring Kate Winslet, who was also one of the producers on the film, was released by Sky, with Winslet recently being nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance.
Now Bonhams has collaborated with Farleys House & Gallery – Home of the Surrealists – to bring its exhibition 'Lee & LEE' to New Bond Street in January 2025. The exhibition, curated by Ami Bouhassane and producer of LEE Kate Solomon, pairs Lee Miller's iconic war photographs with their counterparts from the 2024 feature film. The exhibition will run from 13-24 January (10am-4pm including weekends) at Bonhams New Bond Street, London.
'Lee & LEE' showcases comparative images of Lee Miller's wartime reporting alongside photographs of meticulously researched scenes recreated for the film by official photographer for LEE, Kimberley French. The exhibition will also feature photographs by Kate Winslet taken on set using a Rolleiflex camera, built specially as a replica of Lee Miller's own camera at Farleys. Having been on view in the Lee Miller Gallery at Farleys in Sussex over the summer, this is the first time the exhibition will travel to London, and it will also include props from the film and items owned by Lee Miller. These will include Lee's own wartime uniform, as well as the uniform from the film and special stunt camera, costumes created by Michael O'Connor, a prop typewriter and WWII Jeep, amongst other objects.
Over 200 guests here , including rows of seats.
From 6.45pm to 7.30pm was on the interview with Lee's son and granddaughter, followed by a Q & A.
Complimentary Pol Roger champers for all the guests.
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Wednesday 22 January 2025.
THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS live at 229 Great Portland Street, London W1.
The band play the second of three shows at this venue.
They will be promoting their new album ' Live in Houston '.
The Fabulous Thunderbirds is an American blues band formed in 1974. Singer Kim Wilson is the only constant member through the band's entire history. Their 1986 album Tuff Enuff sold over a million copies, and spawned two minor hit singles: the title track and "Wrap It Up".
I have seen them twice before, including amazingly 45 years ago when they played The Hope n Anchor in Islington and then in 1995 at The Mean Fiddler in Harlesden.
These shows are part of The Blues Festival at this venue.
620 capacity venue, includes 20 side seats for early arrivals.
A great venue , with the stage at a perfect height , but the big promoters like Live Nation and SJM avoid using it.
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The venue looks pretty full.
THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS arrived on stage at 9pm and played for 1 hour 45 mins.
There were five of them on stage tonight.
The second guitarist also played some boogie-woogie piano.
A nice blues sound from the band.
Singer Kim Wilson plays a lot of nifty harmonica, and halfway through the show , he performs an extended five minute harmonica solo , where the band members actually leave the stage for it....and another solo at tge end of the show.
A good show that ticked along ok.
Full setlist played tonight by The Fabulous Thunderbirds....
Wrap It Up ( Sam & Dave cover)
I Ain't Lyin
Wait on Time
Can't Tear It Up Enuff
Early Every Morning ( B.B. King cover)
Why Get Up
Don't Make No Sense
Struck Down By the Blues
Give Me All Your Lovin'
Black Night ( Charles Brown cover)
Down at Antones
I Hear You Knockin' ( Lazy Lester cover)
Payback Time
Twist of the Knife
Tuff Enuff
Encore :
The Crawl ( Guitar Jr. cover)
Sugar Coated Love ( Lazy Lester cover)
Harmonica solo
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JEFF BECK auction update....
Jeff Beck: The Guitar Collection
At Christie's Totals £8,727,284
Over eight times the pre-sale estimate
Led by Jeff Beck's 1954 'Oxblood' Gibson Les Paul which realised £1,068,500
100% Sold, the sale welcomed registered bidders from 40 countries, setting a World Auction Record for a Gibson Les Paul.

Updated 22nd January 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 21 January 2025.

Tuesday 21 January 2025....11.45am to 1pm...
JEFF BECK - The Guitar Collection - preview -
Christie's ,King Street , St James's, London SW1.
The actual auction is 5pm start on Wednesday 22 January.
A celebration of the ultimate guitarist’s guitar hero, Christie’s is honoured to present Jeff Beck: The Guitar Collection, a live auction on 22 January 2025, in London. Spanning his almost six-decades-long career, from joining the Yardbirds in 1965 to his last tour in 2022, this unique auction presents over 130 guitars, amps, pedals, cases and ‘tools-of-the-trade’ used by the late, great guitar legend Jeff Beck (1944–2023).
I have seen Jeff Beck on stage around a dozen times, with the first time in 1981 when he headlined Hammersmith Odeon.
I saw his last ever London show at The Royal Albert Hall in 2022 , where he was joined by Johnny Depp for a few songs, and I was at both the tribute shows for him at the same venue a year later.
Johnny Depp has been to see the collection , a few days before the auction.
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A pretty amazing collection of guitars from this rock legend.
Most are hanging on the wall , with a full description.
Lots of amps, guitar cases and pedals etc.
A big screen is showing Jeff Beck live footage clips , via some very top notch quality Neumann sound system.
You forget how much he loved Hot Rod cars, as there are a couple of books here, with some fantastic photos.
then....
THE TOY FAIR at Olympia, West London....1.30pm to 5.15pm...
This the first day of this three day event.
The Toy Fair is the UK's largest dedicated toy, game and hobby trade show taking place annually at the end of January at Olympia. The toy industry's showcase welcomes more than 250 companies exhibiting thousands of products to visitors including retailers, buyers, media and the wider industry....www.toyfair.co.uk
Miko unveils AI robots for kids, Miko Mini and Miko 3, previews new Sparky, and expands into gaming with its Chess Grand AI interactive chessboard.
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A massive event as it takes over all of the main two halls.
You can see how the UK toy market is worth over £3 billion a year , as there is so much to choose from , including ...
Cuddly Toys, Action Figures , Collectables, Construction Toys ,
Games, Puzzles , Vehicles, Stickers and much more.
A mixture of big well known names, and smaller retailers , including Lego, Pokémon, Mr Men , Scrabble etc.
47% of 2024 sakes were under the £15 price point .
A few celebs on different stands..
STEPHEN MULHERN is doing some magic tricks.
Matt Edmondson is on Asmodee UK.
Touker Suleyman is on Hunter Price Limited .
Luke Robers (Yo-Yo Champion ) is on Bandai UK Ltd.
LUKE LITTLER is on the Target Darts stand on the Wednesday.
Lots of humans in character costumes walking around .
I have a media pass , so handy for the sanctuary of the press room, and when talking to the folks on the various stands .
Complimentary lunch in the press room included chicken and two veg carton, veggie wraps, cup cakes, crisps, prosecco , coffees ,teas and a pic n mix.
Hippychick had a great Tribike that can be used as a two wheeler or a three wheeler.
There was a children's DJ console by Tiësto.
I got several toys from various retailers ,but easily the best was from The Paddington stand where I got given a very cute 12" Paddington Bear cuddly toy.
An enjoyable colourful event.
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Monday 20 January 2025.
Happy Birthday to PAUL STANLEY who is 73 today.
A good time to.play some KISS final tour YouTube videos .
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Monday 20 January 2025.
Very sad news that JOHN SYKES has passed away.
Legendary English guitarist John Sykes (TYGERS OF PAN TANG, THIN LIZZY, WHITESNAKE, BLUE MURDER, SYKES) has died at the age of 65.
Earlier today (Monday, January 20),the following statement was posted on Sykes's social media: "It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer. He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent but for those who didn’t know him personally, he was a thoughtful, kind, and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room.
I first saw him on stage in1982 when Tygers of Pan Tang headlined Hammersmith Odeon....and then several times with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake.

Updated 20th January 2025 Permalink

Sunday 19 January 2025.

Friday 17 January 2025....7.30pm to 10.30pm...
FAULTY TOWERS - THE DINING EXPERIENCE in Bloomsbury .
The President Hotel, 56-60 Guilford Square, London WC1.
At last i get along to see this superb immersive show.
In the hotel bar next door , in the holding area the fun begins.
Basil and Manual arrived and Basil instructs Manuel to collect the glasses...so Manuel takes the spectacle wearers (glasses) off anyone that is wearing them (including me).
It is a full house of around 100 for the 10 tables of 10.
For the soup staters Basil and Manuel pretty much throw the bread rolls and butter at all the diners...Sybil then joins them.
From start to finish it was hilarious , as it was laughs galore non-stop as Basil , Sybil and Manual performed between the tables, with familiar scenes related to the TV series .
The characters are so spot on, and the interaction amongst the diners is brilliant and everyone is involved.
The three course meal for us was ( veggie option was available)
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with bread roll and butter.
Roasted Lemon & Oregano Chicken , with roasted rosemary potatoes , veg and gravy.
White Chocolate & Summer Berry Cheesecake.
Signs up saying no video or photography allowed , but I sneaked a video .
Tickets are a bit cheaper during the week, compared to the weekend, and all include the three course meal, but you pay for all your drinks.
It is now booking to December 2025.
An excellent 10/10 evening.
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Welcome to our Faulty Towers in London's West End.Come and see the greatest ever british comedy Fawlty Towers as you've never seen it before!.Checking in for its 13th year in London, the multi-award winning, 5 star global phenomenon, offers an experience like no other, set in the iconic Fawlty Towers hotel. With over 13 years of faultless service right in the heart of Bloomsbury, you’re in for a quintessentially British experience like no other as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up theatre and chaos alongside a 70s-style 3-course meal. Join us at the President Hotel, London, where the trio have spent over a decade setting West End records for longest running immersive experience, longest running show based on a TV series, and the longest running Fawlty Towers show of any kind worldwide! This is the show where you step inside the TV series and become part of the action itself. Highly improvised, highly interactive, and fully immersive, join the action for an unforgettable night where guests are not just audience members, but welcomed as highly esteemed guests of Torquay’s most aspirational hoteliers.
www.faultytowersdining.com - Visit their website here.for more info and to book tickets for this show.
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Updated 18th January 2025 Permalink

Thursday 16 January 2025.

Thursday 16 January 2025.
Happy Birthday to my dear mum , MARY , who is 91 today.
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Wednesday 15 January 2025.
Happy Birthday to Saxon singer BIFF BYFORD who is 74 today.
I have seen Saxon around 25 times since 1979 , when they supported Motorhead at Hammersmith Odeon.
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Wednesday 15 January 2025.
Channel 4 TV 10pm ....Marilyn Manson documentary part 2 .
The final part 3 is shown Thursday 16 January at 10pm.
I have seen Marilyn Manson several times , with the first times both supporting Metallica , Reading Festival in 1997 and Milton Keynes Bowl in 1999.
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Tuesday 14 January 2025.
On 14 January 1978 The Sex Pistols played their last ever gig with Sid Vicious.
On this day 47 years ago, Sex Pistols played their last gig in recorded history with the infamous line-up that included Sid Vicious. (Cook, Jones, Rotten and Vicious)
Finally released in full and correctly sequenced for the very first time. Those seminal shows from Sex Pistols tour back in ’78 in the US are being released on Red, White & Blue vinyl. A tour that ended like no other…
This tour went down in Rock and Roll history, even if it was short and definitely not sweet. Atlanta, Dallas and San Francisco are pressed on coloured vinyl for the first time, as well a 3CD package and digital download. John Rotten (aka Lydon), Paul Cook, Steve Jones and Sid Vicious were sent into venues primed for confrontation, police ready to clamp down on any signs of anarchy and religious protesters rallying to see off the unholy Brits.
The three shows will be released one by one ....end of Feb, end of March , end of April.
I saw The Sex Pistols with Sid just the once in 1977, but i also saw Sid Vicious solo at The Electric Ballroom.
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Sunday 12 January 2025.
999 and MENACE live at The 100 Club.
Punk rock legends 999 are still going strong.
I have seen them around 25 times since 1977.
I saw them five times in 1977 alone, which included at the legendary Nashville Pub , West Kensington and when they supported The Runaways at Hammersmith Odeon.
Support band are MENACE , who I have seen a few times.
Including in 1978 when they supported Sham 69 at The Roxy Theatre, Harlesden and when they headlined The White Hart, Acton where Raped where the support.
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Great to see a full house on this freezing Sunday evening.
MENACE arrived on stage at 8.10pm and played for 50 mins.
Original member Noel Martin on vocals, still fronts the band, at the grand age of 70.
The band whizzed through ditties like ' Screwed Up', 'Put The Blame on You' , ' Criminals in Uniform' , ' C & A' and near the end they invited a dozen friends on stage for their anthem ' G.L.C.'.
999 arrived on stage at 9.20pm and played for 65 mins.
Singer Nick Cash is still here , he is in his early 70s.
He is still full of enthusiasm as the band played a great set of older classics and newer tracks, with the likes of biggies 'Emergency' , 'Nasty , Nasty' , 'Homicide' and 'i'm Alive ' played near the end.
999 are always really great to watch.
Full 999 setlist played tonight ..
Black Flowers for the Bride
Inside Out
Hit Me
Feelin' Alright With the Crew
Shoot
Boys in the Gang
Titanic (My Over) Reaction
Li'l Red Riding Hood ( Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs cover)
Really Like You
My Dad Trashed My Submarine
Biggest Prize in Sport
Last Breath
Lie Lie Lie
No Pity
Emergency
Nasty Nasty
Homicide
Encore:
Let's Face It
I'm Alive
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Interesting photos on the wall by the merch stand.
By accident or deliberate ?
Photos of John Lydon and Frank Carter next to each other.

Updated 13th January 2025 Permalink

Saturday 11 January 2025.

Saturday 11 January 2025.
THE SMYTHS + BILLY BLAGG live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Two top tribute acts return to the same venue where I saw them this time last year.
It will be The Smyths 1000th show.
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Level 3 is closed and Level 2 is half empty , but the stalls standing and Level 1 seats areas are rammed full ,so must be around an impressive 1400 tickets sold.
Good to see folks of all ages here .
BILLY BLAGG arrived on stage at 8.15pm for his 45 mins set.
His manners and rants are just like the real Billy Bragg.
Highlights played in a good set included 'To Have and to Have Not', ' Sexuality', 'Between The Wars', ' The Milkman of Human Kindness' and he finished with a mega ' A New England'.
THE SMYTHS arrived on stage at 9.20pm and they played for 95 mins.
Everyone here is singing those great lyrics from The Smiths
The first 30 mins is pretty much lesser known tracks.
Lots of The Smiths classics played later in the set.
Included this time were a couple of Morrissey gems.
Sadly , they did not play ' Panic ' tonight.
A very enjoyable show.
Full SMYTHS setlist played tonight....
Meat Is Murder ( The Smiths cover)
Barbarism Begins at Home ( The Smiths cover)
The Headmaster Ritual ( The Smiths cover)
Rusholme Ruffians (The Smiths cover)
What She Said ( The Smiths cover)
I Want the One I Can't Have ( The Smiths cover)
Nowhere Fast ( The Smiths cover)
Suedehead (Morrissey cover)
The Last of the Famous International Playboys ( Morrissey cover)
William, It Was Really Nothing ( The Smiths cover)
There Is a Light That Never Goes Out ( The Smiths cover)
Sheila Take a Bow ( The Smiths cover)
Ask ( The Smiths cover )
Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now ( The Smiths cover)
This Charming Man (The Smiths cover)
Bigmouth Strikes Again ( The Smiths cover)
Encore:
That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore ( The Smiths cover)
How Soon Is Now? (The Smiths cover)
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Saturday 11 January 2025.
Very sad news that SAM MOORE has died aged 89 .
He was part of the legendary soul duo Sam & Dave.
I saw them in Sept 1979 on my first visit to USA .
As part of an amazing three act bill.
The Orpheum Theatre , Boston (2700 capacity )
The Clash
Sam & Dave
The Undertones
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Friday 10 January 2025.
LAURENCE JONES live at 229 Great Portland Street, London W1.
Liverpool born blues rock guitarist LAURENCE JONES is playing a massive 32 date UK tour in early 2025.
This London show is the second on the tour.
As part of The Blues Festival at this venue.
For Laurence, every performance matters due to his battle with Crohn's disease. Crohn's main symptoms include urgent visits to the toilet each day, as you have colon issues.
The worst cases will have a stoma bag procedure.
He channels his pain into the blues and it shows in his music.
www.agmp.co.uk - Visit their website here for full tour info and tickets.
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The venue looks pretty full on this freezing cold evening.
Support band Miguel Montalban and the Southern Vultures were formed in 2019 and were on stage for around 40 mins. Miguel certainly dresses like a rock star, and displayed soulful vocals paired with some nice guitar virtuosity.
Some good tracks played from their recent recordings.
LAURENCE JONES and band arrived on stage at 9.20pm and played for around 80 mins.
The trio sound tight and perfect all throughout their set.
The five string bass from Jack Alexander Timmis can be heard clearly all through the show, which is pretty rare.
Laurence may only just be in his 30s, but he has been playing all over the place for over a decade, so there’s a confident swagger about Jones which is impossible to dislike. His infectious smile, down-to-earth manner, and amenable personality get you beaming as he speaks between tracks.
Pretty much every song has got some superb blues guitar solo, whether it's with a guitar pick or finger pickin'.
He is promoting his recent album 'Bad Luck & The Blues'.
A really good show by this mesmerising blues guitarist.
Highlights included...
Don't You Leave Me This Way
Thunder In The Sky
Bad Luck & The Blues
Voodoo Child ( dedicated to his hero Jimi Hendrix)
Woman
Encore :
Foolin' Me ( dedicated to Francis Rossi , as he supported Status Quo at the end of 2024)
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Friday 10 January 2025.
Happy Birthday to ROD STEWART who is 80 today.
Lucky to have seen him live over 20 times since the 1970s.

Updated 9th January 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 08 January 2025.

Thursday 09 January 2025.
Happy Birthday to JIMMY PAGE who is 81 today.
Happy Birthday to DAVID JOHANSEN who is 75 today.
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Wednesday 08 January 2025.
DICK WHITTINGTON live at The Theatre Royal , Windsor.
Expect traditional pantomime comedy capers, dazzling dancers, colourful costumes and a sprinkling of Magic as we join Dick Whittington to see if the streets of London really are paved with Gold…
Starring Britain’s favourite fox Basil Brush, alongside Windsor’s calamitous comic Kevin Cruise and dame Steven Blakeley! Joining them this year is the hilarious Hilary O’Neil as Fairy Bowbells, and as Queen Rat, legendary singer of The New Seekers and acclaimed star of Blood Brothers, Lyn Paul!
It is on until Sunday 12 January 2025.
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The upstairs is closed so maybe 300 folks here.
The show is on for 1 hour 50 mins over two sets of 60 mins and 50 mins. It is certainly more of a family panto crowd compared to the smutty banter of The Palladium panto last week.
Kevin Cruise and Steven Blakeley are regulars here, and they said this show was their 90th in the past month, and they have reached 1000 pantos together during this stint.
Lots of singing and dancing from the six dancers.
Plenty of comedy slapstick , including political jokes.
A few innuendoes , but nothing too smutty.
There was a tribute medley to pop / dance acts of the 1990s.
Lyn Paul sang a nice cover of ' Bat Out Of Hell' , but didn't sing any of the hits she had back in the day with The New Seekers.
A good stunt was the giant turtle that flew over the front rows.
The 12 days of Christmas with props was good fun, as the folks got wet with the water pistols and guns.
There was another medley of some songs in the second half .
Always good to see Basil Brush.
Not a patch of the Palladium Panto I saw last week, but it still had plenty of enjoyable bits.
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Tuesday 07 January 2025...i went to two events tonight...
FAWLTY TOWERS - THE PLAY is live at The Apollo Theatre , Shaftesbury Avenue , London.
Nearly 50 years since it first hit our TV screens, the ‘greatest British sitcom of all time’ (Radio Times) is now a brand-new stage play, adapted by comedy legend John Cleese and directed by Caroline Jay Ranger.
It is on until March 2025 in London, then goes on a UK tour.
Fawlty Towers West End Cast
Basil – Adam Jackson-Smith
Sybil – Anna-Jane Casey
Manuel – Hemi Yeroham
Polly – Victoria Fox
The Major – Paul Nicholas ( now aged 80)
Mrs Richards – Rachel Izen
Mr Hutchinson – Steven Meo
Miss Tibbs – Kate Russell-Smith
Miss Gatsby – Nicola Sanderson
Mr Thurston – Greg Haiste
Mr Walt/Dr Finn – Danny Bayne
Taxi Driver/Mr Firkins/Mr Kerr/Mr Sharp – Neil Stuart
Hotel Guests – Dale Superville, Emma Fenney, Mia Austen, John Hasler, Ben Jacobson and Suzy Bloom.
The press/VIP night was back in May 2024, but I was at Hammersmith Apollo that night to see that great Black Crowes show, where Steven Tyler came on for the encore.
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The theatre looked pretty full
The play was on for 95 mins over two sets of 60 mins and 35 mins....fairly short as we left the venue at 9.25pm.
All your fave TV characters from the classic 50 years old series are here,and the Basil Fawlty is played superbly.
The mannerisms, the clipped speech patterns, the boiling frustration – they’re all instantly, uncannily identifiable. he even masters Cleese-alike physical humour, making a great comic virtue of his lanky body, prompting spontaneous applause when breaking out in a goose-step in front of his German hotel guests. Alongside him, Anna-Jane Casey is every inch the “tyrant queen” as Sybil, Victoria Fox the mid-Atlantic vocal double of Polly, and Hemi Yeroham mystified by it all as the put-upon busboy from Barcelona. Paul Nicholas, a sitcom doyen himself, is here too, a mite less confused, a little more twinkling, as senile old Major Gowen. He is very quiet in the first half of the show, but comes to life in the second half.
It’s all still more of a sitcom than a stage play. Cleese has woven three episodes (The Hotel Inspectors, Communication Problems and The Germans) into the 95 mins production.
Lots of laugh out loud moments, very enjoyable.
then
9.30pm to 11pm....press visit....
DAVE'S HOT CHICKEN - 40 Shaftesbury Avenue , London W1.
American quick-service restaurant brand Dave’s Hot Chicken has recently opened its UK debut in London’s West End.
The fried chicken chain will open in the London Trocadero building.
Founded in 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken operates over 200 sites globally, and recently signed a franchise agreement with Azzurri to open 60 sites in the UK.
The brand is backed by big celebrity names such as Drake, Samuel L Jackson, and Usher, and is one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the US and on social media.
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It is directly across the road from our earlier theatre show
This restaurant has certainly got popular very quickly as we saw massive queues with security doing one in one out at 7pm , so lucky we had a reserved table for 9.30pm , as still a queue .
We had a nice corner table downstairs.
I had a pair of crispy chicken burgers, with honey , fries, mac n cheese , a tub of salad, a coke and cinnamon milkshake.
This place looks certain to rival Five Guys in popularity.
Ideal for a visit before or after the theatre.

Updated 7th January 2025 Permalink

Sunday 05 January 2025.

Friday 03 January 2025....i went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 8.30pm...launch party...
BREADSTALL - 92 Berwick Street , Soho, London W1.
BREADSTALL open their second pizza site in London.
It is in the space next door to what was the original site for Sister Ray Records back in the day.
What sets Breadstall apart from other pizzerias is the dough – made from scratch, the bigga-style sourdough, fermented for 72 hours at the minimum, results in a lighter, crunchier dough. The pizzas are available with various toppings, from classics like pepperoni to all-out versions like beef ragu, mushrooms, aged mozzarella, and red onions.
Their huge 20" pizzas are served as quarter, half or full size.
We had various complimentary pizza slices along with Negronis, Whiskey Old Fashioned cocktails and pints of beer.
then
THE ANIMALS + GENO WASHINGTON & THE RAM JAM BAND live at 229 Great Portland Street, London W1.
Two legends from the 1960s play the first gig of the January Blues Festival at this venue.
With original founding member John Steel (now aged 83),
Having served as the Animals drummer at its inception in 1963, he is the only original band member playing in the current incarnation of the Animals. He was inducted with the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
The Animals perform the band’s greatest hits , including House of the Rising Sun, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, We’ve Gotta Get Out of This Place, Baby Let Me Take You Home, Bring It On Home To Me, It’s My Life and many more which helped make The Animals one of the biggest groups in the world during the 1960’s.
Geno Washington (now aged 81) is an American R&B singer who released five albums with the Ram Jam Band between 1966 and 1969, and eight solo albums beginning in 1976.
His status as one of the "Kings of Soul" was cemented forever by Kevin Rowland and Dexy's Midnight Runners in the 1980's with the World-wide No. 1 smash hit single "Geno", which paid homage to the great man himself.
I have seen both acts before.
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The 620 capacity venue looks pretty full.
I catch the last 15 mins of the GENO WASHINGTON and band set . He is still singing great for the age of 81.
THE ANIMALS arrived on stage at 9.30pm for their 70 mins set.
They played a nice mix of their big hits and cover versions.
Pretty amazing how John Steel can still play the drums at the grand age of 83. The band sound good , with nice keyboards .
Before the encore song , John Steel gave us a nice five mins story on the making of the encore hit song, that was recorded just up the road in Holborn in 1964 , and became a No 1 hit in the UK and USA.
A very enjoyable show.
Full set list played by The Animals tonight...
Baby, Let Me Take You Home
It's My Life
Bright Lights, Big City (Jimmy Reed cover)
I Believe to My Soul ( Ray Charles cover)
I'm Crying
Bring It On Home to Me ( Sam Cooke cover)
Don't Bring Me Down
Big Boss Man / High Heeled Sneakers
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (Nina Simone cover)
Night Time Is the Right Time ( Roosevelt Sykes cover)
We Gotta Get Out of This Place (Barry Mann cover)
Encore:
The House of the Rising Sun ( [traditional] cover)

Updated 3rd January 2025 Permalink

Thursday 02 January 2025.

Thursday 02 January 2025.
ROBIN HOOD panto live at The London Palladium.
Iconic venue holds the biggest and best celebrity panto.
Starring national treasure Jane McDonald as Maid Marion and Palladium panto royalty Julian Clary as Robin Hood, this spectacular show also sees the return of favourites Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Charlie Stemp and Rob Madge alongside West End stars Marisha Wallace and Tosh Wanogho-Maud who make their Palladium panto debut.
It is on until Sunday 12 Jan 2025.
I have been to see The Palladium Panto a few times before...it is always top notch.
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I always see this panto in the middle of the week , but it always still sells out this iconic 5000 capacity theatre .
Although there are some children about , it is mainly an adult crowd , due to the smutty words on stage and expensive tickets if you are going as a family.
The ratio of kids to adults here is much lower than the usual out of town panto that's aimed at families.
The show is on for two hours 10 mins over two sets of 80 mins and 50 mins .
The stage production is very lavish and Julien Clary has around a dozen over the top costumes.
Whether Clary is dressed as a maypole, an owl or even an entire fairytale castle, “less is more” is not the mantra here, regardless of whether they complement the plot or not. Speaking of which, has an extra effort been made to focus a little more on a narrative thread this time around? No. Do any of us really care? Absolutely not.
The chemistry between Clary and McDonald is panto gold, of course, as they both share a love for cruising (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) and her constant requests for him to “satisfy her womanly needs” are, alas, always met with a closeted hint of resistance.
In a show that boasts giant, fire-breathing dragons and flying fire engines, ghosts floating over the audience and even a 3D film section at the start of the second half , it’s simply the communal spirit of pantomime that brings the real festive fulfillment at the Palladium.
Nigel Havers is again the butt of old person jokes.
Ventriloquist Paul Zerdin has a couple of excellent solo spots.
There are male and female dancers
Jane McDonald arrived 40 mins into the show and sings a few good cover versions.
A few lines of topical banter too, including the cutting of the winter fuel allowance for pensioners and Greg Wallace.
Last year's Palladium star Jennifer Saunders made a surprise entrance on a chariot as King George. Not sure if this happens every night.
In the second half Paul Zerdin got four kids on stage , ages 6 to 8 for a sing song of " Jane McDonald had a farm" .
There was plenty of non stop jokey smut from Julan Clary and a couple of times it was downright crude , but it was an excellent entertaining evening to start off the new year.
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Tuesday 31 December 2024.
Happy New Year to all visitors to this website.
LONDON NEW YEARS EVE Fireworks Display in Central London.
100, 000 tickets priced from £20 are all sold out.
The event is 8pm to 12.30pm ...djs to warm the crowd up...
I have been a few times before.
The fireworks are shown live on BBC TV in the UK at midnight and other countries around the world.
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We were there 10pm to 12.30pm.
Edinburgh and Blackpool fireworks displays were cancelled due to very strong winds, but not too bad in London, a bit windy and no rain.
We are in the Red Zone
Half the crowd seems to be non-English.
We had a great view of the River Thames all lit up.
The djs warmed the crowd up nicely.
At 11pm a couple of dozen party boats came close to the fireworks...must get on one of them in the future.
The fireworks at midnight for 10 or 12 mins were superb.
The TV doesn't do justice to the sound of the thunderous noise that the fireworks make, when you watch it live .
A very enjoyable event.
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Very sad news that legendary DJ JOHNNIE WALKER has died at the age of 79....he had been ill for some time...
His current Sunday afternoon 70s show on BBC Radio 2 was the only radio show I consciously made an effort to listen to.
He had a great radio career lasting over 50 years.
Johnnie Walker began his radio career in 1966 on Swinging Radio England, an offshore pirate station, before moving to the legendary Radio Caroline where he became a household name by hosting a hugely popular night-time show.
Following Radio Caroline's closure he joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969.

Updated 30th December 2024 Permalink

Friday 27 December 2024.

Friday 27 December 2024.
There are lots of music specials on SKY ARTS TV and BBC TV on every evening over the Christmas period.
This is tonight's SKY ARTS selection...
7pm - Bryan Adams live at The Royal Albert Hall.
I was at this great show recorded in May 2024 , and it featured his classic album ' Reckless'.
8.45pm - Meat Loaf ' Bat Out Of Hell' documentary .
I saw Meat Loaf live over 15 times including his debut London show at Hammersmith Odeon in 1978 when ' Bat Out Of Hell ' was released .
9.45pm - AC/DC live at The River Plate Stadium , Argentina.
Check out the incredible bouncing crowd scenes.
I have seen them many times with three different vocalists.
12pm - Eric Clapton Crossroads.
I have seen Eric Clapton over 30 times.
4am - Bachman and Turner live at Roseland .
Fond memories of seeing Bachman Turner Overdrive at Hammersmith Odeon in the mid 1970s where Thin Lizzy were the support act
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I hope everyone had a nice Christmas.
45 years ago this week i attended all four of the Charity Concerts for Kampuchea at Hammersmith Odeon.
Queen , Hammersmith Odeon, London 26.12.1979 .
Ian Dury And The Blockheads,The Clash, Mutumbi Hammersmith Odeon, London 27.12.1979 .
The Who,Specials,Pretenders Hammersmith Odeon, London 28.12.1979 .
Wings,Elvis Costello,Rockpile Hammersmith Odeon, London 29.12.1979.
The newspapers were full of rumours that John Lennon and George Harrison would join Macca on stage , which resulted in over 200 folks outside looking for tickets and the touts were selling for big money....John and George did not show.
This would be the last ever Wings show.
It was my third time seeing Wings.
It was the only time The Clash played Hammersmith Odeon.
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Saturday 21 December 2024.
THE SHARON SHANNON BIG BAND play a
tribute to SHANE MacGOWAN live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
The Sharon Shannon Big Band are set to deliver a captivating tribute to the late Shane MacGowan, holding particular significance as Shane previously toured with the Big Band, leaving an indelible mark on their musical journey.
The Sharon Shannon Big Band will be accompanied by a lineup of special guests including Imelda May, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Camille O’ Sullivan and Mundy, for a showcase of not only traditional Irish music but a celebration of Shane's legendary songwriting.
I have seen Shane MacGowan on stage around a dozen times, with the first times in 1985 when The Pogues headlined both Hammersmith Palais and Hammersmith Odeon.
I saw Sharon Shannon when she supported The Hothouse Flowers at The Royal Albert Hall in 2000.
I have seen Imelda May on stage with Jeff Beck and Ronnie Wood.
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Level 3 is half empty tonight , but the venue looks pretty full,
A nice mix of Irish and English folks in the audience.
SEAN McGOWAN arrived on stage at 7.45pm for his 30 mins.
He wins me over immediately , as he arrives on stage wearing a QPR shirt , as he has come straight from their afternoon win home game. ..his good tracks had hints of Billy Bragg.
THE SHARON SHANNON BIG BAND on at 8.30pm for two hours 10 mins.
Eight musicians in the band and four guests meant twelve on stage for some songs, which were a mix of Pogues / Shane related songs and Irish classics .
Holding it all together is Sharon Shannon with her superb accordion playing , matching her big smile.
Camille O'Sullivan in her ripped tights was great , and she had some great dancing and duets with Imelda May.
All artists on stage for a superb encore of ' Fairytale of New York'.
A great show.
Full set list played tonight....
Neckbelly
(Unknown)
Dirty Old Town
The Irish Rover
Summer in Siam ( The Pogues cover) (with Liam Ó Maonlaí)
(Unknown) ( with Camille O’Sullivan)
A Pair of Brown Eyes ( The Pogues cover) (with Mundy)
Streams of Whiskey (The Pogues cover) (with Imelda May)
I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day (The Pogues cover) (with Cait O’Riordan)
(Unknown)
The Broad Majestic Shannon ( The Pogues cover) (with Camille O’Sullivan)
Lullaby of London ( The Pogues cover) (with Liam Ó Maonlaí)
Dark Streets of London ( The Pogues cover) (with Cait O’Riordan)
Cavan Potholes
The Sick Bed of Cúchulainn (The Pogues cover) (with Mundy)
Haunted (The Pogues cover) (with Camille O’Sullivan)
A Rainy Night in Soho (The Pogues cover) (with Imelda May)
(Unknown)
Galway Girl ( with Mundy)
Sally MacLennane ( The Pogues cover)
Fiesta ( The Pogues cover)
Encore :
Fairytale of New York ( The Pogues cover)

Updated 22nd December 2024 Permalink