Welcome to the Ray's Gigs website!

Here's the latest - updated 12th May 2025

Monday 12 May 2025.

Sunday 11 May 2025.
Hard to believe it is 20 years ago since CREAM reunited.
I was at all four Royal Albert Hall shows.
Twenty years ago, on May 2, 2005, Cream—one of rock’s most influential bands—reunited for the first of four landmark concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall
The line-up featured all three original members,
Eric Clapton , Jack Bruce , Ginger Baker.
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Saturday 10 May 2025.
Happy Birthday to SALLY JAMES who is 75 today.
If you are old enough , she was on Tiswas TV in the 1970s.
Heavenly Birthday to SID VICIOUS who would be 68 today.
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Friday 09 May 2025....6.30pm to 9.45pm...
JIKONI - launch party - 3rd Floor , Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly London W1.
Marylebone restaurant JIKONI celebrate their ten day residence at this historic venue, that dates back over 300 years.
From Friday 9th May until Sunday 18th May, chef and food writer Ravinder Bhogal and Nadeem Lalani Nanjuwany, co-founders of Jikoni, will join forces with Fortnum & Mason to bring their warm, joyful hospitality and unique expression of maternal, cross-border cooking to the Piccadilly Flagship.
Around 150 guests are here, including PROFESSOR GREEN and MEERA SYAL with SANJEEV BHASKAR .
At 7pm we have a couple of speeches
At 7.10pm we have two piano instrumentals and a 40 mins DJ set from multi-award-winning producer, composer and musician NITIN SAWHNEY.
Complimentary drinks and food , included Fortnum & Mason sparkling wines , gin cocktails and lots of tasty bowl food , canapes ( including Jikoni's take on the Fortnum & Mason classic scotch egg) and desserts from the JIKONI menu.
All guests got a copy of the JIKONI cook book which is published via Bloomsbury .

Updated 10th May 2025 Permalink

Thursday 08 May 2025.

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

Updated 8th May 2025 Permalink

Tuesday 06 May 2025.

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

Updated 4th May 2025 Permalink

Friday 02 May 2025.

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

Updated 1st May 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 30 April 2025.

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

Updated 29th April 2025 Permalink

Monday 28 April 2025

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

Updated 28th April 2025 Permalink

Saturday 26 April 2025.

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

Updated 26th April 2025 Permalink

Thursday 24 April 2025.

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

Updated 23rd April 2025 Permalink

Monday 21 April 2025

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

Updated 21st April 2025 Permalink

Saturday 19 April 2025

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

Tuesday 15 April 2025

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

Updated 14th April 2025 Permalink

Saturday 12 April 2025.

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

Updated 11th April 2025 Permalink

Wednesday 09 April 2025.

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

Updated 7th April 2025 Permalink

Sunday 06 April z2025.

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

Updated 6th April 2025 Permalink

Friday 04 April 2025.

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

Updated 1st April 2025 Permalink

Monday 31 March 2025.

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

Updated 31st March 2025 Permalink

Saturday 29 March 2025.

Saturday 29 March 2025.
Happy Birthday to ERIC CLAPTON who is 80 on Sunday .
Tonight Saturday , he is hosting a big party.
A friend is going....it was held at Battersea Arts Centre.
It was a sit down dinner with Indian food,for around 120 guests.
Guests included .. ...
Ronnie Wood, Nick Mason , Pete Townshend, Ringo Starr ,
Olivia Harrison ,Jools Holland , Bill Wyman Steve Winwood , Paul Whitehouse and all his band members .
Eric and his band performed a couple of songs with his band, and Ronnie Wood.
Eric's daughter and grandson performed .
A full complimentary bar , including champers.
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Saturday 29 March 2025.
THE HOT 8 BRASS BAND live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Drawing on the traditional jazz heritage of their hometown of New Orleans, the Hot 8 Brass Band are renowned for including elements of funk, hip hop, rap, and its local variation, “bounce” in their music.
The band are on a UK & European Tour.
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Level 3 is closed, but all other levels are full.
A mainly middle aged jazz lovin' crowd here.
CRAIG CHARLES is the DJ from 7.30pm to 8.45pm.
The actor and BBC Radio DJ played lots of good funky tunes to get the crowd warmed up.
THE HOT 8 BRASS BAND on stage at 8.55pm for 85 mins.
The stage is very sparse indeed.
No guitar, no bass no keyboards, no full size drum kit.
But we have six brass and two percussion and shared vocals.
The Hot 8 Brass Band had a lively high-energy, New Orleans-style brass band sound, which blended hip-hop, jazz, and funk with traditional brass sounds.
They played three good covers of 'Sexual Healing', 'Ain't No Sunshine' and encore of 'Lets Stay Together,'.
A nice loud racket , that reminded me a bit of Troublefunk .
An enjoyable show.
The band held a free signing session in rear stalls after the show, to help sell their CDs and vinyl.
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Friday 28 March 2025.
DAYGLOW live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Over the last few years, Texas-native singer and songwriter Dayglow has cemented himself as an indie pop innovator with his vibrant and memorable music.
He will be performing tracks from his four studio albums.
He released his first album , when aged just 17.
As part of their UK and European Tour.
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Level 3 is closed tonight ,but still a very impressive 1300/1400 folks here , for an act I don't know much about
The crowd are mainly aged under 30 student types.
DELIAXOZ was on stage at 8pm for her 30 mins.
She played a decent set of bluesy based tracks.
Her and her guitar, and just a drummer for backing.
DAYGLOW were on stage at 9pm for their 90 mins.
A stage set with several lighted lampposts dotted around.
The songs were catchy , upbeat indie-pop .
The crowd were dancing and swaying and nodding along
One of the encores was a cover of Tears For Fears ' Everybody Wants To Rule The World'.
Many of the songs sounded samey, but a decent enough show.

Updated 29th March 2025 Permalink

Thursday 27 March 2025.

Thursday 27 March 2025..
THE WHO + LEVEL 42 live at The Royal Albert Hall.
This was show four of the seven TCT shows at RAH this week.
I have seen The Who around 30 times since Dec 1975 when Keith Moon was still alive on drums.
My most recent The Who shows included both their excellent TCT RAH shows last year, where Squeeze were the support act.
When these shows arrive ROGER DALTREY will be aged 81,and PETE TOWNSHEND will be aged 79.
I have also seen Level 42 around 30 times , as they were regulars at Hammersmith Odeon when i worked front stage security. In Dec 1990 they played FIFTEEN shows there, and I was at a dozen of them .
ROBERT SMITH takes over from ROGER DALTREY as the curator for the TCT shows next year.
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The venue is rammed solid sold out .
I saw PAUL WELLER in a Level 1 box.
LEVEL 42 on stage at 7.30 for their 45 mins set.
Both bands tonight had a full light show , and are showing live
footage of their sets on the big screen.
The Sex Pistols gig did not have live footage on the big screen.
Mark Kings slap bass style is still pretty amazing.
They had a three man brass section .
All their big hits played in theIr really good set.
Full LEVEL 42 setlist played tonight...
Heaven in My Hands
To Be With You Again
Running in the Family
The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)
Starchild
Something About You
Lessons in Love
The Chinese Way
Hot Water
Just before The Who , we had the TCT speech .
THE WHO on stage at 9pm for their 1 hour 55 mins set.
Roger Daltrey is aged 81 , but his voice is still fantastic.
Even Pete said tonight how good he sounded.
Pete playing plenty of nifty guitar , even though his stage movements were a bit restricted due to a recent knee operation.
Long time band member Zak Starkey is still there on drums .
Soooo many great classics songs in an excellent show.
Full setlist played by THE WHO tonight...
I Can't Explain
Substitute
Who Are You
The Kids Are Alright
I Can See for Miles
Bargain
Pinball Wizard
Love Ain't for Keepin' (first performance since 2004)
The Seeker
Behind Blue Eyes
The Real Me
5:15
I'm One
Love, Reign O'er Me
My Generation
Cry If You Want
See Me, Feel Me
Eminence Front
You Better You Bet
Baba O'Riley
Won't Get Fooled Again
Tea & Theatre
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Wednesday 26 March 2025.
LAUREN MAYBERRY live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Scottish singer and front woman of electro pop band Chvrches Lauren Mayberry returns with her debut solo album ' Vicious Creature' , which was released on EMI/Island .
It dipped into the charts at 49 , when it was released in Dec.
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Levels 2 and 3 are closed , but stalls and Level 1 full.
Both the support acts were females so we had three really good female fronted acts tonight.
WOLFFE and band on stage at 8pm for 30 mins.
Wolffe is a tall slim long haired blonde who has model looks.
She performed a good set of rock pop tracks.
AZIYA and band on stage at 8.15pm to 30 mins.
Another female with a nice edgy rock pop sound.
LAUREN MAYBERRY and band on at 9.20pm for 65 mins.
Lauren is aged 37 , but looks 15 years younger.
She twirls around the stage , and mixes in some kooky banter.
A rant about upskirting was funny.
Lauren said it was the last night of the UK tour .
Her set was all twelve tracks from the album and an excellent cover of ' Bitter Sweet Symphony'.
Lauren was joined on stage by Wolffe for a duet.
Lauren's overall sound seemed influenced by 1990s female singers like Alanis Morissette.
It was a really good enjoyable show.

Updated 27th March 2025 Permalink

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 one in the UK chart in 2025.
This show sold out in advance , and a bigger show was added at Hammersmith Apollo two days later which has also sold out.
His tour covers mainland Europe , then the UK , then North America.
He headlines the massive 10,000 capacity Ally Pally in July.
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The crowd is pretty much 90 % females under the age of 30.
Big merch queues even though an orange hoodie was £70 and a basketball shirt was £90....yikes!
MICHAEL SANZONE was on at 8pm for 30.
He was backed by a guitarist /keyboard player.
A fellow American who the crowd know well , as he sung 'Going , Going , Gone' which has been a huge Spotify hit .
He also did a good cover of Kings of Leon ' Use Somebody '.
ALEX WARREN and band on at 9pm for his 65 mins set.
The females love his lyrics with catchy sing-along melodies.
Lots of easy going stage banter between the songs .
He had a sofa and cost armchair on stage for himself and fans on a couple of songs ....a good show.
Highlights were...
Burning Down
Chasing Shadows
Before You Leave Me
Ordinary ( with ticker tape cannons fired over the crowd )
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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