Wednesday 17 July 2024.
Wednesday 17 July 2024....6.15pm to 9.45pm...
SUMMER GARDEN PARTY
Westminster, London SW1.
The Houses Of Parliament host several summer garden parties every year in June and July in their gardens or at garden spaces nearby.
Over 300 guests here , with a nice atmosphere.
A few politicians here including SIR DAVID DAVIS and JEREMY HUNT.
A sunny evening, as the weather is getting better.
At 7pm we have some welcome speeches.
We have a band playing from The Gurkhas.
They play three sets of 20 mins throughout the evening. The first set was more traditional , and the latter two sets were covers including plenty of Abba , Beatles and film theme soundtracks.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food including Bolney English Sparkling Wines, vodka cocktails,beers ciders, a pie n mash n onion rings food station, a beef and pork skewers food station , canapes and a desserts station, including strawberries and cream.
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Wednesday 17 July 2024.
17 July 1996....it was 28 years ago today....
I have been to over 7500 gigs , but this was one of my greatest gigs of all time.
THE SEX PISTOLS at Shepherds Bush Empire.
We were stalls standing second row...mega.
See my Facebook page for a full review of the five Sex Pistols shows in Europe I saw on their 1996 Filthy Lucre reunion tour.
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Tuesday 16 July 2024.
PLACEBO live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Placebo headline a special evening to celebrate 35 years of Riverman Band Management.
I have seen Placebo around a dozen times before, with the first time headlining this same venue back in 1998.
I still love playing their 1996 debut album.
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The loyal Placebo fans have been queueing for hours.
They attract middle aged fans and younger fans.
PETCH arrived on stage at 7.30pm for her 20 mins.
PETCH is from Bangkok and dressed like a go-go bar dancer from there....just her with electric guitar and backing tapes....four tracks played including neat covers of 'Enter Sandman' and 'Sad But True'.
ELIZABETH ELEKTRA and her two musicians arrived on stage at 8pm for 30 mins.She is dressed in black goth attire and her set ticks aling nicely.
Doubt you will see many YouTube Videos of this show as at 8.50pm singer Brian Molko comes on the big screen to tell the crowd .." please no photos or videos tonight , and just enjoy the moment as we form a connection with you" ....most of the fans respect their decision and the security do a good job of making sure nobody sneakily tries their luck..
PLACEBO arrived on stage at 9.05pm for their 95 mins set. The venue is hot and humid by the time they come on stage as singer Brian Molko does not want the venue air-con on , as it messes up his voice.
A nice big stage production , that's more suited to bigger venues and festivals , with big screens showing live footage and their usual blanket of lights and strobes...five musicians on stage.
Placebo have always been a cool alt-rock band.
They mix the set around each night , but sadly my fave track of theirs 'Nancy Boy' is not played tonight.
Plenty of other gems played in a great set.
Full PLACEBO setlist played tonight....
Taste In Men
Beautiful James
Scene of the Crime
Happy Birthday in the Sky
Bionic
Surrounded by Spies
Soulmates
Every You Every Me
Sad White Reggae
Try Better Next Time
Too Many Friends
Went Missing
For What It's Worth
Slave to the Wage
Song to Say Goodbye
The Bitter End
Infra-red
Encore:
Fix Yourself
Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)
(Kate Bush cover)
Updated 17th July 2024 Permalink
Sunday 14 July 2024.
Sunday 14 July 2024....Euros 2024 Football Final .
8pm Spain v England....live on BBC1 and ITV1.
Can England win their first major tournament since the 1966 World Cup?
Spain are the favourites , as they have won all their six matches so far in the Euros, before this game.
I still have not seen GRETA VON FLEET , who play The Royal Albert Hall tonight, so i will miss them again.
The country will pretty much come to a standstill for this major event.Even Tesco are closing their stores early at 7.30pm so staff can watch the game.
Sadly it was not to be...Spain were the better team on the night....still great that England got to the final.
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Saturday 13 July 2024.
ARNO , ARD, ROSS Home Away From Home..
live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
South Africa's musical titans, Arno Carstens (Springbok Nude Girls), Ard Matthews (Just Jinjer), and Ross Learmonth (Prime Circle) are getting together for an unforgettable evening, ‘Home Away from Home Live’.
Fans can anticipate an intimate evening filled with music and memories as each artist performs their best tracks marking the first time in history they'll share the spotlight together in this way.
Fans can expect to hear iconic tunes such as “Another Universe”, “Blue Eyes”. “Rose Tinted”, "Shallow Waters" and "Impossible Machines".
ARNO CARSTENS was signed to leading booking agents SOLO around fifteen years ago, and got some great support bills, but he never got major success.
Arno has headlined every major South African music festival, performed at the Isle of Wight Festival, Glastonbury, V Festival, T in the Park and Hard Rock Calling. He has also toured with The Rolling Stones, U2, Bryan Ferry, Simple Minds, Ultravox, Paulo Nutini and The Police.
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Level 3 is closed , but other levels look full.
The three artists arrive on stage together at 8.15pm and play for 95 mins. There is no band, and just three acoustics guitars , in front of the ex pat crowd.
They take in turns, to sing their best tracks.
The crowd are very lively as there is plenty of drinking ,singing along, clapping, cheering etc.
All the songs played ticked along nicely.
They finished with the Just Jinger track 'Sugarman' .
A good show.
The show finished before 10pm, as the artists on stage said there would be a free meet and greet after the show,which proved to be very popular.
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Saturday 13 July 2024.
13 July 1985 - 39 years ago today.
I have been to over 7500 gigs since Sept 1973.
Folks always asking me , what was my number one best gig ever....always Live Aid.
Updated 13th July 2024 Permalink
Thursday 11 July 2024.
Thursday 11 July 2024...7pm to 10pm...
LANGHAM HOTEL - summer party - Portland Place, London W1.
Always nice to be at this luxury five star hotel directly opposite the BBC HQ. Langham Hotel claims a history that dates back to 1865, when The Langham hotel in London opened as the then-largest building in London and Europe's first 'Grand Hotel'. Ten stories and 156 feet high, The Langham featured 15,000 yards of Persian tapestry, hot and cold running water in every guestroom, the world's first hydraulic lifts, known as 'rising rooms', and even an early form of air-conditioning. Upon opening The Langham, the then Prince of Wales hailed the hotel as having "everything a man, woman or child could desire under one roof". The Langham has since hosted royal, political and cultural dignitaries and celebrities, including French emperor Napoleon III. Around 300 guests here in the ballroom. A trio of female strings were performing some cover versions before a couple of speeches. At 8pm after the speeches, they opened up their nice garden area. Complimentary prosecco, Pimm's, wines, beers, bowl food, canapes, desserts, ice-cream cart and a pic n mix cart...and a fun photo booth....
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Wednesday 10 July 2024.
I went to two events tonight.
6.45pm to 9.15pm.
11th ART FUND MUSEUM OF THE YEAR AWARD at
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square , London WC2.
Around 300 guests here in this stunning gallery.
The gallery is celebrating being here 200 years.
From 7pm to 7.40pm was the presentation by politician CHRIS SMITH.
Also here was sculptor SIR ANTONY GORMLEY.
2024 winner was Young V&A , Bethnal Green, London .
They received a nice cheque for £120,000.
Young V&A is a museum sparking creativity now and for the future. Created with children from early years to early teens, it is a place for young people to imagine, play and design, and get inspired by almost 2,000 toys, characters, objects and artworks on display from around the world and across history.
Complimentary prosecco, vodka cocktails, wines, beers , bowl food, canapes and desserts.
then
9.20pm....we watched the last 30 mins of the England Holland game at a pub in St Martins Lane.
then
10.15pm to 12pm...theatre after-party.
Soho House , 180 Strand , London WC2.
SLAVE PLAY press night was earlier at The Noel Coward Theatre in St Martins Lane.
Slave Play is a three-act play by Jeremy O. Harris[1] about race, sex, power relations, trauma, and interracial relationships.It follows three interracial couples undergoing "Antebellum Sexual Performance Therapy" because the black partners no longer feel sexual attraction to their white partners. The title refers both to the history of slavery in the United States and to sexual slavery role-play.
For the party we are on the 9th floor of this members club , with the DJ at one end and their pool at the other end, with lovely views of the nearby areas .
Maybe 150 to 200 guests here.
All the cast are here but didn't see any other celebs.
Complimentary vodka cocktails, gin cocktails, prosecco, wines ,beers , fish n chips , roast chicken n chips, slices of pizza, cheeseburgers, canapes etc.
We left at midnight , but it was still in full swing as on until 1am .
Updated 11th July 2024 Permalink
Tuesday 09 July 2024.
Tuesday 09 July 2024....7pm to 9pm...
FASHION SHOW at Frameless Gallery, 6 Marble Arch, London W1.
My first time at this new gallery space , down the escalators at this building that was opened last year.
Fashion school ISTITUTO MARANGONI are showcasing ten of their students work.
They have fashion schools in the following cities ....
MILANO • FIRENZE • PARIS • LONDON • DUBAI • MUMBAI • SHANGHAI • SHENZHEN • MIAMI
It was a proper fashion show as 200 guests are all seated....Alistair Guy was here.
The fashion catwalk show was at 7.40pm for 30 mins.
Each designer showcased four outfits.
There are digital images on the walls and ceilings , as the hypnotic percussive beats are played over the pa.
My fave designer here was Theo Campus , who focused on black goth cowboy attire.
After the fashion show was complimentary prosecco and canapes for all the guests .
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Monday 08 July 2024.
I went to two events tonight.
6.45pm to 8.15pm.
BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL SUMMER DRINKS at
The Serpentine Gallery Pavillion, Kensington Gardens, London W2.
Over 200 guests here, mainly from the fashion world.
The drizzly rain is coming down, so we are all cosy underneath the structure and not allowed on the grass areas....folks here included MATT GOSS, STEPHEN WEBSTER, MARK HIX, LADY AMELIA WINDSOR, ELLE EYRE, JEFF BANKS, PHILIP TREACY.
CAROLINE RUSH (head of BFC)
Got a photo with Matt Goss , and I chatted to him about working front of stage security at Hammersmith Odeon in the summer of 1988 for three nights when Bros took off.
Also several female and male models.
We had speeches at 7pm .
We had a three song acoustic performance at 7.15pm by rising star RACHEL CHINOURIRI , who performed at Glastonbury Festival 2024.
Complimentary prosecco , wines , beers and canapes for all the guests.
then
JOSS STONE live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Joss plays her first headlining show at this venue .
Joss is on a world tour...she has just come back from playing North America and after this show heads into mainland Europe.
Joss recently masqueraded as a sausage for several weeks on ITV’s The Masked Singer. (Yes, seriously; she won the competition though!)
I have seen her a couple of times before , and a few times where she has sung one or two as a guest.
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Nice to see that JOSS has a full house tonight.
JOSS STONE on stage at 8.45pm for 1 hour 40 mins.
Joss Stone is barefoot as usual.
Her slender figure is covered by a shimmery gown.
With a storming band , including three man brass , and a trio of backing singers behind her, the evening effectively turned into a rock concert with floor-trembling, wall-of-sound arrangements. Yet, Stone’s voice – gritty, soulful, utterly marvellous – cut through it all.
Joss is clearly very happy to be playing this venue.
Her lovely smile and stage chat goes down well.
She certainly releases her inner Janis Joplin often.
As usual for her , there were many cover songs in the set.
We had confetti cannons on a couple of songs.
The encores included a stunning ' Change' where she was joined by over fifty singers from Change and Check Cancer and a choir .
For the finale Joss handed out a dozen sunflowers .
A great show.
Full JOSS STONE setlist played tonight.
Star / You Had Me / Fell in Love With a Boy
Super Duper Love (Are You Diggin' on Me?) ( Billy “Sugar Billy” Garner cover)
Girl They Won't Believe It
Stoned Out of My Mind ( The Chi‐Lites cover)
Teardrops ( Womack & Womack cover)
Spoiled
Walk With Me
Even the Sky ( with Stephen Wilson Jr)
Everybody Dance / Disco Medley
Bring on the Rain ( The Shapeshifters cover)
Mr. Wankerman
You Had Me
Fell in Love With a Boy ( The White Stripes cover)
Tell Me 'Bout It / Young Hearts Run Free / Get Down Tonight / We Are Family ( Covers performed by backing singers)
Encore:
Golden ( featuring the Change & Check Choir & the London International Gospel Choir)
(For God's Sake) Give More Power to the People
(The Chi‐Lites cover)
Right to Be Wrong
Updated 9th July 2024 Permalink
Sunday 07 July 2024.
Sunday 07 July 2024....1pm to 8pm...
JACKIE ST CLAIR's summer garden party, Holland Park, London W14.
Former model who dated Prince and her husband Carl , host their annual party at their stunning home.
We had a couple of rain showers , but the crowd were fully covered.
Around 300 glamorous guests are here on the guest list, including some well known faces....
ED BICKNELL ( was Dire Straits long time manager)
PAUL McGUINNESS ( was U2 long time manager)
ROB DICKINS ( 15 years as Warner Music Chairman)
SARA DALLIN (Bananarama)
DON BLACK ( legendary songwriter)
FRANCOIS PINEAAR ( Rugby Legend)
LEKIDDO - LORD OF THE LOBSTERS ( recently performed at Glastonbury Festival 2024).
AMIE TRUE ( Harpist from Windsor who has played some nice venues, including recently at Windsor Castle in front of Royal Family members)
TOUKER SULEYMAN (Dragons Den) , RAYMOND BLANC , BETTY BOO, MICHAEL FLATLEY, ROBIN BIRLEY , JULIEN McDONALD , LORRAINE CHASE, PHILIP SALLON, LIZZIE CUNDY , BRUNO TONIOLI, ARLENE PHILLIPS, KELLY HOPPEN, ELAINE PAIGE , MICA PARIS, STUART WATTS, SONIQUE, ELIZABETH EMANUEL, BASIA BRIGGS, TANIA BRYER, RUTHIE ROGERS (River Cafe owner ) and celebrity photographer RICHARD YOUNG taking the official photos.
At 7pm we had three short acoustic performances .
SUSAN BLACK sang two Edith Piaf tracks.
TONY MOORE performed his Cutting Crew hit ' I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight' and then a medley of over 20 British number ones from the 1960s.
PAUL ENDACOTT ( London Music Heritage Tours)
performed three tracks including ' Sweet Caroline' that
had everyone singing and swaying along to.
Complimentary champagne , Pimm's, wines, beers , a full barbeque with different meats and sides , a caviar station and a ice-cream cart.
A small army of chefs , bar staff , cleaners and security helping things tick along ...portaloos too...
Needless to say , an excellent event.
See my Facebook page for photos and videos.
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Saturday 06 July 2024.
ROBBIE WILLIAMS live at Hyde Park , London.
Tonight's show is a 65,000 sold out in advance.
I have seen Robbie a couple of times with Take That , and several times as a solo artist ,including two of his three shows at Knebworth in 2003, and one of five shows at Milton Keynes Bowl in 2006.
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We missed the support act SEAL, as the football went to extra time and penalties.
The rain stayed away, but chilly after 9pm.
ROBBIE was on stage from 8.25pm for 1 hour 50 mins.
The huge wraparound screens here are fantastic.
Robbie has a big band including a brass section , three backing vocals and several female dancers.
Robbie knows exactly how to work the crowd.
Robbie tells us the ups and downs of his career, and how content he is as a 50 year old with his wife and four kids.
Lots of his big hits played - solo and Take That.
We had fireworks and streamers during a couple of songs.
Great to see a couple of surprise guests.
GAZ COOMBES joined him for a Supergrass classic , and DANNY DYER did a great job of the Phil Daniels part in Blurs 'Parklife'.
A final song crowd singalong of 'Angels' had snippets of 'Its Coming Home , It's Coming, Footballs Coming Home'
A great show.
Full ROBBIE WILLIAMS setlist played tonight....
Hyde Park Intro
Let Me Entertain You
Land of 1000 Dances ( Chris Kenner cover)
Strong
Come Undone
Do What U Like (Take That song)
Could It Be Magic ( Barry Manilow cover)
Don't Look Back in Anger (Oasis cover)
Alright (Supergrass cover) (with Gaz Coombes)
Parklife ( Blur cover) (With Danny Dyer & The Coldstream Guards)
Back for Good ( Take That song)
Love My Life
Candy
Supreme
Millennium
Advertising Space
Feel
Kids
Rock DJ
Encore:
No Regrets
She's the One ( World Party cover)
Angels
Updated 7th July 2024 Permalink
Friday 05 July 2024.
Friday 05 July 2024.
ARCADE FIRE live at Brixton Academy.
Arcade Fire play the second of two Brixton shows.
These are their only shows in England on their short
European Tour....both shows sold out very quickly .
I have seen them a few times before.
I saw them play Paris in 2018.
Arcade Fire celebrate the 20th anniversary of their seminal album, Funeral, performing the groundbreaking album live in its entirety, as well as a selection of tracks from Arcade Fire's illustrious catalogue.
Arcade Fire have been a bit quiet the past few years due to the behaviour of singer WIN BUTLER.
A few female accusers have spoken out against the musician, accusing him of “inappropriate” actions between 2015 and 2020...Win days it was all totally consensual.
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Support act WARMDUSCHER arrived on stage at 7.30pm and played for 30 mins.
I have seen a couple of their live reviews , and i was keen to see this six piece from the UK.
It’s really hard to pinpoint where Warmduscher stands in terms of genre, to be honest. Is it Funk? Yes. Jazz? Yep. Rap? Also yes. Punk? More yes. Their sound morphs from one genre to another
An interesting band sound but the shouty vocals got on my nerves a bit.
ARCADE FIRE arrived on stage at 8.55pm for their 1 hour 50 mins set.
They have a nice big screen mixing live footage , with pre-recorded images .A nice big sound as there are twelve musicians on stage, including a five piece string section.
Confetti cannons were used a couple of times.
Their anthem ' Wake Up' was mega as usual , as all the crowd sang along loudly.
' Rebellion (Lies) ' was another goodie.
In a nice move for the hardcore fans, the second half of the show is pretty different to the first night.
Not good for us as we don't get 'Keep The Car Running' and 'No Cars Go' , which were both played on the first night .
Win Butler came into the pit a couple of times
An enjoyable show overall , but a shame we had to miss out on those two songs .
Full ARCADE FIRE setlist played tonight....
Tape intro - Sound and Vision (David Bowie song)
Vampire/Forest Fire (instrumental version played by string quartet)
FUNERAL album
Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
Neighborhood #2 (Laika)
Une année sans lumière
Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)
Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)
Crown of Love
Wake Up
Haïti
Rebellion (Lies)
In the Backseat
Tape - Enjoy the Silence ( Depeche Mode song)
Set 2:
Cars and Telephones (first performance since 2018)
Intervention
Age of Anxiety II (Rabbit Hole)
Headlights Look Like Diamonds
Reflektor
Afterlife
Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
The Suburbs
The Suburbs (Continued)
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Thursday 04 July 2024...3pm to 10.45pm...
SOHO HOUSE FESTIVAL
Gunnersbury Park, London W3.
Around 5000 folks here at their annual summer party .
The sun is out, and thankfully there is no rain.
Two stages...the main stage for the more well known.
Alternating, with just five mins between acts.
There was also a third stage for comedy.
Eleven acts , we hear all, but just watch three, as there is complimentary food and drink everywhere , as there are a dozen bars including Moet champers ,different cocktails , wines, Peroni beers, Woodford Reserve had a bar, and maybe 20 different food outlets,including lobster, fish n chips, Dirty Burger, grilled chicken, Cecconi's Pizza , Mr Whippy ice-cream van, churros , cheesecake and many more
The girls can get their hair and nails done, which was very popular , as the whole days slots got booked up.
There are complimentary funfair rides too.
The main stage has big screens at the sides.
SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR was on at 4.25pm for 45 mins.
She still has her amazing figure , even after having five children. She played her hits and a couple of crowd-pleasing covers, and finished with a rousing ' Murder On The Dancefloor'.
CHAKA KHAN was on for 7.35pm for 50 mins.
CHAKA was the headliner , but came on second last , as older folks could leave after her set.
CHAKA is backed by a big band and three female backing singers.....a great set including ' Tell Me Something Good', ' I Feel For You', 'I'm Every Women' and ' Ain't Nobody'.
JESSIE WARE was on at 9.30pm for 55 mins
A decent enough set , but don't really know her tracks.
Jessie did a cover of Chers ' Believe'
Overall an excellent day out .
Updated 5th July 2024 Permalink
Wednesday 03 July 2024.
Wednesday 03 July 2024...7pm to 12pm...
ALBERT'S SCHLOSS - launch party -
20/24 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1.
This massive space used to be The Rainforest Cafe.
Must be at least 300 or 400 guests here , very lively.
Channel 4 Sunday Brunch host SIMON RIMMER here.
He was still here at midnight, when we left.
Also here was The Guardian food critic JAY RAYNER .
There is a stage , that featured a Bavarian Wunder Marching Band that encourages folks to dance on the benches, along with a female fronted trio playing covers and some burlesque and a DJ.
Open until 2am every day , apart from Sunday.
A full complimentary bar , except champers.
Any cocktail, any spirit n mixer, prosecco , schnapps, wines, beers .
Lots of complimentary Bavarian food .
What they say....
Albert's Schloss, found right in the heart of London, is a Bavarian bier palace with a wunderbar drinks list and scrumptious, traditional fare transporting you to the Alps. But that’s not all, as this fun-loving spot is also famed for its top-notch entertainment, hosting live performances every night of the week.
Named after Prince Albert (born in Schloss Rosenau and Queen Vicky’s sweetheart), Albert Schloss celebrates the royal's Bavarian heritage, as well as his love for music and art. Like its northern counterparts in Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool, the London location is a cosy, Alpine retreat with a stylish, contemporary twist.
Once das work day ist over, you can clock out, and unwind at our haus with Après Work Musik. Our haus band will be playing live from 4pm til' 7pm every weekday, the perfect accompaniment to a pint of Pilsner Urquell or an Aperol Spritz. Prost!
Open seven days a week from 9am for walk-ins, here you’ll find the only place in London to enjoy all of Munich’s Big Six biers under one roof. From Augustiner to Spaten, Hacker-Pschoor and Paulaner, and Hofbräu and Löwenbräu, experience Germany’s finest examples of lager.
Albert’s Schenke Tavern also offers fresh tank bier from Pilsner Urquell. Unpasteurised, unfiltered, and delivered weekly from Plzen to Albert’s Schloss, our trained Tapsters are ready to pour the perfect chilled pint.
You can also enjoy haus favourite cocktails and wines, as well as an all day menu. Starting early with our breakfast menu and freshly baked pastries from our in-haus bakery, to our haus baked pretzels and grazing Schenke boards, skillet toasted sandwiches and selection of wursts.
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Tuesday 02 July 2024.
GIRLS ALOUD live at The Shepherds Bush Empire.
Girls Aloud have just performed a massive UK arena tour in June including five nights at The 02 Arena, but
on Tuesday July 2, Girls Aloud will be performing an exclusive gig at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, performing a setlist of their biggest hits to a more personal audience – for free.
The tour was dedicated to band member Sarah Harding.....R.I.P....who passed away in 2021.
A smaller intimate up close venue probably means we won't have them flying over the audience heads on motorbikes like they have been on the arena shows .
700 pairs of tickets to be won via a ballot on the Priority app on 02 and Virgin Media.
I have seen them a few times before , including The 02 Arena and Wembley Arena.
From 2002 onwards , Girls Aloud took from The Spice Girls as the biggest girl act in the UK. They had over over 20 Top 10 hits , including 4 number ones.
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Must be over 150 on the guest list , as all of Level 1
is reserved for them ....RITA ORA is near me.
A DJ is playing pop and dance tunes to 9pm.
The venue is buzzing for their arrival on stage.
GIRLS ALOUD arrive on stage at 9.15pm for 80 mins.
A top notch stage production , as they have two big screens mixing live footage and pre-recorded images , and there are a few glam costume changes , and they have ten male dancers with them for the routines.
Everyone was given those LED Coldplay type wristbands that light up during the show.
There was no live band ,as it was all backing tapes , but their fans not bothered by this at all.
Their arena shows had a 20 song setlist, but tonight was only 15 songs , but all the big hits were played, and it ended up a totally poptastic show
There are tributes to Sarah Harding in three songs.
There were confetti cannons for 'Jump For My Love' and fireworks for final song 'The Promise'.
It was a fantastic show.
Full GIRLS ALOUD setlist played tonight...
The Show
Something New
Love Machine
Can't Speak French
Biology
Whole Lotta History
Wake Me Up
Sound of the Underground
No Good Advice
I'll Stand by You ( Pretenders cover) ( a hit for Girls Aloud)
Sexy! No No No...
Jump (For My Love) (The Pointer Sisters cover) ( a hit for Girls Aloud)
Call the Shots
Something Kinda Ooooh
The Promise
Updated 3rd July 2024 Permalink
Monday 01 July 2024.
Monday 01 July 2024.
THE INTERRUPTERS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Ska-punk band, The Interrupters have enjoyed numerous festival appearances and slots with punk-rock royalty including Rancid, Green Day and more.
Their debut album came out in 2014.
This is a one-off UK show at the end of their European Tour .
Support is from RHODA DHAKA ex Bodysnatchers.
I saw The Bodysnatchers supporting Madness at The Lyceum in 1979. They had a couple of Top 75 hits in 1980, on Two Tone Records.
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Level 3 is closed and Level 2 is half empty , but the stalls standing and Level 1 are rammed.
A DJ is playing classic ska tracks between acts.
RHODA DHAKA is on stage at 8pm for 35 mins.
Rhoda is dressed in smart ska girl attire.
Great to see that her band featured TERRY EDWARDS on sax and hand held keyboards .
Lots of cover versions played with a nice ska sound.
Stop Your Sobbing
Everyday Is Like Sunday
Peace, Love and Understanding
The Man Who Sold the World
Let's Do Rock Steady ( The Bodysnatchers song)
THE INTERRUPTERS are on stage at 9.05pm for 90 mins.
They are very lively , as the female singer and band are all running around the stage, and standing on raised platforms , as the moshing gets crazy and around 30 bodies crowd surf,as their ska sound certainly makes you want to dance .
They slowed it down after an hour , and the singer went into the photo pit a few times to shake hands.
Rhoda Dhaka cane back to sing a track with them.
There was a good cover of 'Hallelujah'.
Confetti cannons went off at the end of the set .
At the end of the show they gave out dozens of guitar plectrums and loads of drumsticks.
A very enjoyable show.
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Saturday 29 June 2024.
NICK MASON live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Rock band, Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets are returning to the Hall this summer.
Nick Mason is still playing drums at the age of 80.
Formed in 2018, Nick Mason’s Saucerful Of Secrets are Nick Mason, Gary Kemp, Guy Pratt, Lee Harris and Dom Beken and they play Pink Floyd's celebrated and significant early body of work including tracks from the era of 1967’s 'The Piper At The Gates of Dawn' through to 1972’s ‘Obscured By Clouds’ which has included a much lauded rendition of the 23 minute epic ‘Echoes’.
Very few bands are as culturally important as Pink Floyd. They are one of the best selling music artists of all time and Nick Mason is a co-founder and the only constant member of the band performing on all of their albums as well as all of their live shows.
I saw both their debut London Roundhouse shows, in May 2019 , which were later released on cd and dvd.
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This is the last night of their UK tour.
Over a dozen boxes are unsold, but otherwise it is a pretty full house.....folks spotted here included...
John Giddings (Isle of Wight Festival promoter etc)
Tony Smith (Genesis long term manager and others).
Paul Cook ( Sex Pistols).
Graham Gouldman ( 10cc) .
NICK MASON & BAND were on stage for two hours 10 mins over two sets of 70 mins and 60 mins.
It is all Pink Floyd songs from their early period.
As expected there is the full monty Pink Floyd type visuals, including a double layer of screens behind the stage that reaches up to the ceiling.
I am still surprised at how well Gary Kemp from Spandau Ballet has fitted in playing this type of music, and Nick Mason introduced him as a former New Romantic , who is now a Prog Rock God.
Nick also mentioned that tonight was their 500th gig.
The musicianship and sound quality was first class.
During the show the band wish their long time personal security guy Barry Knight a happy birthday and bring on a cake for him , and give him a long service medal.
A stunning version of ' Echoes' ended the main set.
A great show.
Full NICK MASON & BAND setlist played tonight...
Set 1:
Astronomy Domine
Arnold Layne ( Lights issue during the 1st half of the song, band played in almost complete obscurity)
See Emily Play
Remember Me (With Original Syd Barrett vocal on playback)
Obscured by Clouds
When You're In
Remember a Day
If (first half)
Atom Heart Mother
If (second half)
The Nile Song
Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun
Set 2:
The Scarecrow
Fearless
Childhood's End
Lucifer Sam
Echoes
Encore:
One of These Days (with lasers)
A Saucerful of Secrets
Updated 30th June 2024 Permalink
Friday 28 June 2024.
Friday 28th June 2024.
THE FIZZ live at Indigo at The 02 Arena complex.
Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston – three names that are iconic in Eurovision history – once members of the 1981 Eurovision-winning group, Bucks Fizz, now known as The Fizz.
With a string of over 20 hits under their belts, including their No. 1 Hits, “Land of Make Believe”, “My Camera Never Lies” and, of course, “Making Your Mind Up”.
With support from The Ultimate Earth , Wind and Fire.
I saw Bucks Fizz headlining Hammersmith Odeon in 1982, on the back of their Eurovision win.
I saw The Fizz in 2017 , when they played in Windsor.
I have seen the real Earth, Windsor and Fire a couple of times.
Indigo is a start of the art venue that opened in 2007....in that year i saw two Prince secret gigs there , and i saw The Eagles playing a private show there for 500 bankers. Acts after that I have seen here include Ted Nugent ,Blue Oyster Cult, PiL and Bill Wyman's 80th Birthday Gala concert.
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This plush venue looks very full, and the air-con is on and both bands have big side screens showing live footage of tonight's gig ...and the sound is perfect.
THE ULTIMATE EARTH , WIND and FIRE arrived on stage at 7.40pm for their 60 mins set.
They are certainly taking it seriously as there are twelve musicians on stage, including a four man brass section and two vocalists.
Lots of hits played in a really good set , including 'Shining Star,' ' After The Love Has Gone' , 'Fantasy' , 'September ', 'Lets Groove' and 'Boogie Wonderland ' .
THE FIZZ (ex Bucks Fizz), arrived on stage at 9.10pm
for a nice long set lasting 1 hour 55 mins.
They are backed by a full band and three backing singers. A nice touch is they are playing the original videos on the big screen behind them for each song.
A great mix of their many hits, plus album tracks and some cover versions.
The hardcore fans down the front are copying all the dance routines and the hand gestures , as all three members share the lead vocals.
We had some stage props including umbrellas, rain macs and bowler hats...and light-hearted stage banter.
Final song had that iconic moment where the two girls skirts came off during 'Making Your Mind Up'.
Near the end of the show Cheryl Baker gave out some sad news that Mike Nolan's last ever gig with the band will be on 20 Nov 2024 at The Stag, Sevenoaks.
A very enjoyable show , that everyone here loved.
Highlights of THE FIZZ setlist tonight...
Another Piece of the Action
Run for Your Life
My Camera Never Lies
When We Were Young
Dancing in the Rain
I Hear Talk
A medley of tracks from the four Fizz albums.
If You Can't Stand the Heat
Now Those Days Are Gone
The Land of Make Believe
Encore:
80s covers medley.
Making Your Mind Up
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Thursday 27 June 2024.
GLADYS KNIGHT live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Gladys Knight is playing a ' Farewell UK Tour', to celebrate her 80th birthday .
Gladys Knight, known as the "Empress of Soul" , is an American singer. A ten-time Grammy Award-winner,
Knight recorded hits through the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s with her family group Gladys Knight & the Pips.
Knight has recorded two number-one Billboard Hot 100 singles ("Midnight Train to Georgia" and "That's What Friends Are For" which she did with Dionne Warwick, Sir Elton John and Stevie Wonder), and is an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame .
In 1989 Gladys released the hit single ' License to Kill' for the James Bond film soundtrack.
I have seen her just the once before , in 2009 when she headlined Wembley Arena.
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Tonight is fully sold out, but the extra show for Friday still has lots of tickets for sale.
A 99% middle aged white folks crowd.
LEEE JOHN from Imagination and SINITTA were in one of the ground level boxes.
MICA MILLAR on stage at 7.30pm for her 25 mins.
Northern lass with a great white soul voice.
Mica Millar, the rising star of British soul music, is set to deliver a breathtaking performance! Her debut album, 'Heaven Knows', released to critical acclaim in 2023, showcases her intense emotional sincerity and exceptional skill in balladry.
GLADYS KNIGHT on at 8.20pm for just 70 mins.
Another one of those shows where the stage timings were pretty much fake news...venue website put her down for a 100 mins set, but it actually ended up being only 70 mins....30 mins shorter is quite a lot.
Gladys looks great for her 80 years of age.
Wearing a sparkly black gown, and that lovely smile, she looks like Michelle Obama's older sister.
Backed by a band and three female backing vocalists
This London audience clearly adore her.
Lots of her classic hits played,in a really good show.
GLADYS KNIGHT highlights tonight....
Baby Don't Change Your Mind (Gladys Knight & the Pips song)
Shake Your Body ( Down to the Ground ) ( Jackson 5 cover )
Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me
(Jim Weatherly cover)
Come Back and Finish What You Started
(Gladys Knight & the Pips song)
I've Got to Use My Imagination
(Gladys Knight & the Pips song)
Licence To Kill
I Heard It Through the Grapevine (Gladys Knight & the Pips song)
The Way We Were (Barbra Streisand cover)
Take Me to the King (Tamela Mann cover)
Midnight Train to Georgia (Jim Weatherly cover)
Updated 28th June 2024 Permalink
Wednesday 26 June 2024.
Wednesday 26 June 2024.
CYNDI LAUPER live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Cyndi Lauper will be 71 when she plays this show
Cyndi Lauper has announced her first UK solo headline show in eight years.
Lauper will play London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall on June 26, 2024, her first concert there since 1995.
Fans will get to hear timeless classics including ‘Time After Time’, ‘True Colors’, and ‘Girls Just Want To Have Fun’.
Cyndi will play the Pyramid Stage at the world-famous Glastonbury festival, on the Saturday following this.
I have seen Cyndi just the once in 1987 at Hammersmith Odeon when both her and Madonna took off at the same time.
This show sold out in advance , so Cyndi is back in London in Feb 2025 at the much bigger 02 Arena.
Cyndi will play four UK arena shows.
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The show is fully sold out.
Lots of gay men here , who can afford the £100 tickets for seats in the stalls and arena.
Fashionista PAM HOGG is the DJ support tonight.
On at 7.30pm for 30 mins , playing the likes of Lady GaGa, Suzi Quatro, Eurythmics and Blondie.
CYNDI LAUPER arrived on stage at 8.25pm for her 85 mins set. Cyndi gets a full standing ovation for her arrival as there is certainly a lot of love and goodwill towards her...her cute New York accent is still there.
Despite a faltering start and an issue with too-quiet vocals that wasn’t fixed until halfway through, Lauper and her seven-piece band (including Sterling Campbell on drums and m/f backing vocals) electrified the Hall right from the off.
Lauper prepares for her live shows like an athlete, and remains a highly physical performer, whirling and leaping from one side of the stage to the other. Sporting spiky hair and exaggerated shoulder pads, she appeared almost cartoonishly 80s – until you remembered that she helped invent that look, a more-is-more approach that began with her 1983 debut album 'She’s So Unusual ' and involved corsets, fingerless gloves and flamboyant amounts of jewellery.
Cyndi said to the crowd "Happy Pride Everyone" , and that went down very well .
Cyndi was up the aisles of the side seats a couple of times...all her top notch big hits were played.
For an encore reprise of ' Girls Just Want to Have Fun',
Cyndi was joined by six well known drag artists.
The show at 85 mins felt a bit short , but it was great.
Full CYNDI LAUPER setlist played tonight...
The Goonies 'R' Good Enough
She Bop
Into the Nightlife
Rocking Chair
I Drove All Night
Change of Heart
Time After Time
When You Were Mine ( Prince cover)
Fearless ( Acapella)
Money Changes Everything (The Brains cover)
Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Encore
Savage Daughter ( Sarah Hester Ross cover)(Acapella Snippet)
Not My Father's Son ( Snippet)
True Colors
Hey Now, Girls Just Want to Have Fun
(With drag artists - Michael Marouli, Jonbers Blonde, Tete Bang, Tomara Thomas, Chiyo and Joan Oh)
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Tuesday 25 June 2024.
I went to two events tonight...
7.30pm to 11pm.
SERPENTINE GALLERY SUMMER PARTY - Kensington Gardens, London.
A big crowd of some 700 or 800 here.
One of the major London summer parties as lots of big names here , including Sadiq Khan , Mary McCartney, Nick Rhodes, Jackie St Clair and husband Carl , Bianca Jagger , Jourdan Dunn, Pixie Geldof ,Alexa Chung, Jessie Ware , Ghetts, Oswald Boateng, Edward Enninful, Munroe Bergdorf,Emma Weymouth, Skepta, Charlotte Tilbury, David Linley , Ron Arad,
Mary Charteris , Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Bloomberg, Tamara Beckwith and many others.
I chatted to the lovely DAPHNE GUINNESS who was telling me about her fourth album 'Sleep' which is out this week. ( See photo)
LAURENCE FISHBOURNE ( see photo).
MAYA JAMA ( see photo) .
MAGNE FURUHOLMEN from A-Ha ( see photo).
See my Facebook page for the photos and videos.
Naomi Campbell and Venus Williams had a reserved table , with two personal security guards giving the eye to all " do not dare disturb them with anything ".
There was a fun photo booth.
We had three dj stints , including GILLES PETERSON.
Check out Getty Images for some great photos .
Complimentary Ruinart champers, three different cocktails , wines, bowl food, cheeseburgers canapes, desserts , giant brownies etc....superb event...
then
11.30pm to 1.30am.
Saatchi Yates Gallery , 14 Duke Street , St James's, London SW1
There were a couple of after parties for the Serpentine.This one was for the younger crowd.
Around 200 guests here and it is very lively.
Half of those here , were not at the main event.
A DJ is playing tunes and there are complimentary drinks ...Whiskey Sours, Whiskey Cocktails and wines.
The party was sponsored by the Evening Standard .
In their paper the following day, they did an article on both events ...Maja Jama got the biggest photo.
It mentioned pies at the after-party which I did not see. Then I remember on arrival I was thinking why was there such a big crowd outside the venue on the other side of the street......i just thought loads of smokers ....but it was actually a van giving out pies.
Updated 26th June 2024 Permalink
Sunday 23 June 2024.
Sunday 23 June 2024.
A glorious sunny day out in the British countryside .
We stopped off at Buntingford , near Cambridge.
We had a lovely meal and drinks at The Pepper Mill Bar & Bistro in the High Street.
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Saturday 22 June 2024.
FOO FIGHTERS live at London Stadium, East London..
This is the second of two shows at this venue.
The first one not sold out, but tonight was sold out.
The Foos are playing a seven date UK stadium tour.
I have seen them several times.
I saw them in 2022 at Wembley Stadium for the Taylor Hawkins tribute show, but this is their first UK tour without him....that was when Taylor Hawkins son came on the drums and played a stunning ' My Hero' .
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The older I get, the more don't really fancy big festivals and big stadium shows for various reasons, but you have to forgot all that when the likes of The Foo Fighters are playing stadiums only.
We have a lovely sunny day for it.
There are hundreds of security and stewards outside and inside the venue, no wonder stadium tickets always are so expensive.
THE FOO FIGHTERS promised a three hour set in advance , and they really did play a very long set of 2 hours 55 mins.
They have the full light show , big screens and a stage extension walkway.
Dave Grohl has to be one of the best front men in rock. He knows exactly how to hype the crowd up.
Lots of chat between songs (sometimes a bit too much) , and many songs were extended versions.
The first half of the show, they are playing in daylight.
For the first half of the show, Foo Fighters leaned heavily on stadium-ready anthems with the likes of 'All My Life', ' The Pretender', ' Times Like These', 'Breakout ' and 'Learning To Fly ' clearly written for nights like this. “You gotta sing along, even if you don’t know the words,” encouraged Grohl.
Taylor Hawkins got a tribute on the big screens , and his son played drums on a great version of 'My Hero'.
Dave's daughter Violet also joined them for a couple.
Dave was great , when he run up the walkway.
Some songs were a bit flat and average , but that's to be expected when you are playing such a long set , but classics like 'Monkey Wrench' and 'Best of You' soon put the band back on track.
The show finished with a fab ' Everlong' and then it was the fireworks display.
You can't get much better than the Foos live...superb.
Full FOO FIGHTERS setlist played tonight....
All My Life
No Son of Mine
(with snippets of Black Sabbath’s "Paranoid" and Metallica’s "Enter Sandman")
Rescued
The Pretender
Walk
Times Like These (Dave and Rami into full band)
White Limo
La Dee Da
Breakout
Guitar Solo / Sabotage / Keyboard Solo / Blitzkrieg Bop / Whip It / March of the Pigs
My Hero ( with Oliver Shane Hawkins)
The Sky Is a Neighborhood
Learn to Fly
Arlandria
These Days
Statues (Dave and Chris only; Dave on acoustic guitar)
Skin and Bones (acoustic; Dave and Rami only, Rami on accordion)
Under You ( Dave solo acoustic)
Nothing at All
Monkey Wrench (with drum solo outro, including drum intro to Van Halen's "Hot for Teacher")
Shame Shame (with Violet Grohl)
Show Me How ( with Violet Grohl)
Aurora (dedicated to Taylor Hawkins)
Best of You
Encore:
The Teacher
Everlong
Updated 23rd June 2024 Permalink
Friday 21 June 2024.
Friday 21 June 2024.
Fri and Sat and Sun this weekend.
SKY ARTS are showing lots of highlights from The Isle Of Wight Festival.
Reminds me of the only time i went to IOW Fest.
Two festivals were on at the same weekend.
My fave British band (The Sex Pistols) were playing Isle of Wight Festival , my fave American band (KISS ) were playing Download Festival , Derbyshire.
We watched KISS on The Friday then a mad car drive and ferry down to The Isle of Wight for Sat and Sun.
Friday 13 June 2008. KISS + Judas Priest + Motorhead + Disturbed at Download Festival.
Saturday 14 June 2008. Sex Pistols + Ian Brown + Iggy & The Stooges at IOW Festival .
Sunday 15 June 2008. The Police + James + Kooks + Starsailor at IOW.
Special thanks to Rod MacSween for KISS at Download and John Giddings for IOW Festival.
Also thanks to me ole mucker Bill Gaynor for putting me up for a nice few days in Gosport.
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Thursday 20 June 2024.
I went to two events tonight.
6pm to 6.50pm.
Private view at Waddington Custot Gallery , 11 Cork Street, Mayfair, London W1.
Brooklyn , New York based artist Landon Metz is showcasing his new series of paintings.
Is on on until 09 August 2024....Free Entry.
Complimentary wines for all the guests .
7pm to 9.30pm.
GUCCI ART WALLS - launch party - 144 /146 New Bond Street , Mayfair, London W1.
Gucci launch their new art that is hanging in their flagship store.
A female DJ is playing tunes.
At 7.45pm we had a speech from the artists and the Gucci spokesperson.
Around 20 male models are serving the drinks/food.
Complimentary Mezcal Negronis , Sparkling Wines , Bowl Food, Canapes and Desserts.
Updated 21st June 2024 Permalink
Wednesday 19 June 2024.
Wednesday 19 June 2024.
7.30pm to 10.15pm.
NAOMI CAMPBELL private view x V & A Summer Party, South Kensington, London SW7.
A big crowd of around 800 guests here.
Held in their outside garden space , by the water.
A high fashion event , with some stunning outfits.
Lots of well known names here including Grace Jones, Kate Moss , Edward Enninful, Katherine Jenkins, Anthony Joshua, Judi Love, Daphne Guinness, Floella Benjamin , Lady Victoria Hervey ,
Elizabeth Hurley and Damian Hurley , Suzy Menkez ,
Trinny Woodall, Jackie St Clair, Daniel Lismore , David Harewood , Nicola Roberts , Mary Charteris, Nadya Swarovski , Alan Carr, Stephen Webster, Jonathan Shalit, John Madejski, Nick Rhodes, David Downton,
Alan Edwards , Charlotte Tilbury and many more.
The DJ tonight was HONEY DIJON.
At 8.30pm NAOMI made an emotional speech.
At 9.05pm CULTURE CLUB played a four song set.
Church of the Poison Mind
I'm Your Man ( Wham cover)
I'll Tumble 4 Ya
Karma Chameleon
Complimentary champers , three different cocktails , bowl food , canapes , desserts ....sponsored by BOSS.
See my Facebook page for photos of me with Nick Rhodes, Alan Carr and others
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Open to the public from 22 June to April 2025.
Massive event featuring NAOMI CAMPBELL..
NAOMI: In Fashion will take visitors on a journey from the supermodel's south London beginnings through her 40-year career in fashion.
More than 100 outfits will be displayed including a Thierry Mugler car-inspired corset, a pink Valentino Met Gala outfit and some Vivienne Westwood platforms.
Campbell said she was "honoured" to share "my life in clothes".
The museum said the "first-of-its-kind exhibition" had been developed with the model's creative input and oversight....it is a paid ticket for admission.
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Tuesday 18 June 2024.
6.15pm to 3am.
PENINSULA LONDON - Grand Opening Party - 1 Grosvenor Place , Hyde Park Corner, London SW1.
Some launch events are really good and can be scored as a 9 or even a 10 , but this was one went into the Spinal Tap 11 category , for it's pure lavishness.
This luxury five star opened in September 2023, but waited until tonight for it's big launch.
A massive crowd of over 2000 guests are greeted by Chinese Lion Dancing at the entrance.
Lots of older guests here ,maybe some from their Embassy neighbours, and many from The Far East.
Not really a celebrity event ,but there were a dozen or so here including Prince Michael of Kent, The King of Greece , Nadya Swarovski , Billie Piper , Pixie Geldof , Amber Le Bon, Anthea Turner , Kelley Hoppen, Oswald Boateng, Christopher Biggins , Stuart Rose and others.
At 7.30pm in the ballroom we have the full size London Philharmonic Orchestra performing.
At 8pm The Duke (Prince Edward) and Duchess of Edinburgh unveiled the plaque and said a few words.
Then the owner of Peninsula Hotels said a few words.
This is their twelfth hotel opening worldwide.
The first was in Hong Kong.
The hotel has 190 rooms along with spas etc.
Eight floors above ground , and four floors below.
Marble is everywhere. The decor is stunning.
Heated toilet seats too , were very nice.
Half a dozen vintage cars are on display.
Hundreds of staff ,who were eager to please.
There were several live acts and several djs playing.
In the courtyard early on was The Dover Street Big Band and later on the same stage was Brooklyn Soul.
There was a Gospel Choir in one area, a piano player in another, and a lively Cuban band in another.
Stunning views from the rooftop Brooklands Bar.
Car , motorbike and plane memorabilia everywhere .
This area was very lively from midnight onwards,
as many folks downstairs left by midnight.
There was full complimentary drinks and food all night, Dom Perignon 2013 champers , any cocktail or spirit , wines, beers at the many bars , and food from around the world ,including lobster rolls , wagyu , fish n chips, cheeseburgers , caviar etc and various dessert stations , and an ice-cream trolley.
All guests got a goodie bag , which was a coffee table book on the history of Peninsula Hotels.
We stayed to the very end , and it was so good here.
See my Facebook page for videos and photos.
Updated 19th June 2024 Permalink
Monday 17 June 2024.
Monday 17 June 2024....3.30pm to 8pm...
GOFFS LONDON SALE , Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8
Goffs London Sale, a boutique thoroughbred auction held on the eve of Royal Ascot, offers a unique platform to buy and sell Royal Ascot entries and international racing prospects as well as elite breeding stock.
Held in the beautiful setting of Kensington Palace Gardens, this is the curtain raiser to the most prestigious week in flat racing.
Over 500 smartly dressed folks are here, on this lovely sunny afternoon.Lots of stunning woman in their summer dresses.
Guests included ex Page 3 girl JACKIE ST CLAIR and CHRIS WRIGHT CBE ( now aged 79 ).
Music legend Chris Wright co-founded Chrysalis Records in the late 1960s.
Between 1996 and 2001, Wright was the owner of Queens Park Rangers F.C.
Also here were ex jockey and trainer JAMIE OSBORNE and his daughter SAFFIE who is also a jockey, and
trainer CHARLIE BROOKS and no doubt many more.
From 5pm to 6.30pm was the live auction , and around 25 horses were paraded and sold.
Lot 11 was called Sparkling Plenty (from Kingsman) was sold for an incredible £8.1 million.
This sale has a mad outcome in the end...
Auctioneer and Goffs CEO Henry Beeby described the evening’s events as unprecedented in his long career in the business. He told The Irish Field: “I had a live bid of £8 million, but the owner bought it back for £8.1 million, which they are perfectly entitled to do. Now they have decided to sell her for £5 million, or value.
From 6.30pm a quartet played an hour of cover songs.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food throughout the event ,including Pimm's, Gin & Tonics , wines, beers ,canapes, finger sandwiches, desserts and tubs of ice cream from Fluffy Puffin.
An excellent event.
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Sunday 16 June 2024.
See my Facebook page for a fun posting involving me and THE SEX PISTOLS.
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Saturday 15 June 2024.
FLEETWOOD BAC (Fleetwood Mac) + DESPERADO (Eagles) live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
A nice double bill of tribute bands.
I have seen both the original Fleetwood Mac and Eagles a few times each.
Both bands have sold mega-millions over the years.
This week Fleetwood Mac still have two albums in the UK Top 40 chart.
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Levels 2 and 3 are closed and plenty of space on the other two levels , so maybe only 500 tickets sold.
DESPERADOS on at 7.15pm for their 1 hour 15 mins.
Seven members on stage , just in checked shirts.
The singer said he has been a big fan of The Eagles since 1971 , when he saw them supporting Neil Young at The Rainbow Theatre , London.
Lots of their best tracks played, including Joe Walsh .
' Take It Easy', 'Lyin' Eyes', 'Tequila Sunrise', ' One Of These Nights', 'Lifes Been Good' , 'Life In The Fast Lane' and a mega finale of 'Hotel California'.
FLEETWOOD BAC on at 9pm for their 1 Hour 45 mins.
All five members of the band are dressed in Fleetwood Mac type stage wear , and a couple of dodgy wigs. They even throw in a a couple of tetchy moments between Stevie and Lyndsey .
Lots of their hits played.
Like Abba , Fleetwood Mac attract a lot of female fans ,and many are singing loudly and dancing.
Highlights included ' The Chain', 'Oh Well', ' Little Lies',
'Songbird', ' Big Love', 'Tusk', 'Rhiannon', 'Everywhere', and top notch encores of 'Dont Stop' and 'Go Your Own Way'.
It was only tribute bands , but a really good night.
Updated 16th June 2024 Permalink
Thursday 13 June 2024.
Interesting news.
My security chums at Shepherds Bush Empire said that Wednesday 12 June The Foo Fighters were there having behind closed doors rehearsal's the day before their opening stadium show in Manchester Thursday night.
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Thursday 13 June 2024.
CROWDED HOUSE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
This show sold out very quickly, which is no real surprise as their UK tour a couple of years ago featured four sold out shows at The Roundhouse.
They are playing several big outdoor shows around the UK in June, including Blenheim Palace.
I have seen them live a couple of times before.
Crowded House have sold over 15 million albums worldwide.They will be promoting their 8th studio album 'Gravity Stairs' .
Their leader Neil Finn is also a member of the current Fleetwood Mac line-up.
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The venue is rammed solid with middle aged folks.
LIAM FINN arrived on stage at 7.55pm for 30 mins.
He is the son of Neil Finn.
He was solo and played an enjoyable set.
He mixed playing guitar with drum loops and playing some manic drums with guitar loops.
CROWDED HOUSE arrived on stage at 8.55pm for their 1 hour 50 mins set.
A very nice surprise to see MICK FLEETWOOD introduce the band, and support his Fleetwood Mac band mate. He played bongo for the first song and during the encore, he got on the drums.
Six musicians on stage and a nice stage backdrop.
Some songs plodded a bit , but plenty of hits played.
Some songs rocked out really good, and the pop harmonies were top notch.
They reminded me of Squeeze during several songs.
Some nice humour from Neil Finn between songs.
An enjoyable show.
Full CROWDED HOUSE setlist played tonight ..
World Where You Live ( with Mick Fleetwood)
Teenage Summer
I Can't Keep Up With You
Fall at Your Feet
Pineapple Head
The Howl
All That I Can Ever Own
The Age of Aquarius (The 5th Dimension cover) (Impromptu snippet)
Where Is Love? ( Lionel Bart cover) (Impromptu snippet)
When You Come
Private Universe
Some Greater Plan (For Claire) (with Elias Dendias on bouzouki & Tryfon Baitsis on guitar)
To the Island
Oh Hi
Something So Strong (dedicated to Jamie via paper airplane)
Distant Sun
Don't Dream It's Over
Encore:
It's Only Natural
I Got You ( Split Enz cover) (with Mick Fleetwood)
Not Like Other Men (Mick Fleetwood cover) (Acapella snippet)
Weather With You (with Mick Fleetwood) (& Elias Dendias on bouzouki & Tryfon Baitsis on guitar)
Four Seasons in One Day (with Elias Dendias on bouzouki)
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Wednesday 12 June 2024.
7pm to 10pm.
THE 256th ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS SUMMER EXHIBITION PREVIEW PARTY , Piccadilly, London W1.
This is one of the ' Big Three' summer social soirees in Central London, that happen every June.
Later this month , will be the V & A summer party and The Serpentine Gallery summer party.
A massive crowd as around 1000 guests are here.
Several well known faces are here , including.....
Luke Morley from Thunder is the only rocker here.
I saw him here a few years ago.
Sir Grayson Perry, Sir Oswald Boateng, Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, Jennifer Saunders, Daniel Lismore, Tom Odell, Nenah Cherry , Claudia Winkleman , Mabel, Clara Amfo, Joy Crookes , Cora Corre, Jackie St Clair, Miquita Oliver , Ben Cobb , Nick Grimshaw, Basia Briggs , Annie Mac , Fat Tony, Pixie Geldof,Amanda Wakeley, David Renfry, David Downton, Ron Arad.
Lots of glamorous women wearing stunning outfits .
See Getty Images for 200 nice photos of the guests .
Female and male djs spinning tracks.
SEKOU and his band performed in the courtyard later in the evening.In 2023, he performed on the BBC Two television show Later… with Jools Holland and Sekou was nominated for the Brit Award for Rising Star at the 2024 BRIT Awards. His five song 20 mins set included his singles ' Forgiving Myself' , 'Crying' and 'Better Man'.
Lots of lovely complimentary drinks and food as the main sponsors are Fortnum & Mason , so Fortnum & Mason champers , three different cocktails, different bowl food, canapes , oysters, desserts etc.
It is open to the public until 18 August 2024.
See my Facebook page for some videos and photos.
Updated 13th June 2024 Permalink
Tuesday 11 June 2024.
Tuesday 11 June 2024.
NOFX live at Brixton Academy.
This was their first of two shows at this venue ,which
are the last shows on their European Tour.
It is also their only UK shows on the tour.
A farewell tour to celebrate their 40 year career.
The dates will see the band play three different albums each night. On Tuesday (June 11), they’ll perform ‘Punk In Drublic’, ‘Wolves in Wolves’ Clothing’ and ‘Pump Up’, and on Wednesday (June 12), they’ll play ‘So Long & Thanks’, ‘White Trash’ and ‘The Decline'.
They will have different supports bands for both days.
Pretty much a mini punk festival , as five bands playing each night , along with a DJ..Doors open 5pm.
I have seen NOFX twice before
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Tonight is pretty full , but not sold out upstairs
Maybe 4000 out of 5000 tickets sold.
Maybe the £75 ticket , was too steep for a punk gig.
LAST HOUNDS on at 5.30pm for 30 mins.
Singer is shirtless from the start of their good set.
BARSTOOL PREACHERS on at 6.15pm for 30 mins.
They had keyboards ,so a bit of a punk ska sound.
CODEFENDANTS on at 7pm for 30 mins
All the band in suits with white shirts , with some ska and reggae in their lively set.
DESCENDANTS on at 7.50pm for 40 mins.
They have a lot of their own fans here
I saw them play Shepherds Bush Empire Aug 2019.
The crowd started full on moshing for them.
NOFX oddly had a 10 minute ' piss break' so they actually played two sets of 65 mins and 30 mins.
Looking down from the circle balcony was fun as the full scale moshing for the first 20 or 30 rows in the stalls standing was mental to watch and the security in the pit were kept busy with non-stop crowd surfing.
A nice touch was they had around 100 guests behind them on stage watching the show behind barriers.
Lots of catchy pop punk , with a bit of ska thrown in.
All the band are wearing shorts.
Too much juvenile banter between songs for my liking. Many songs were cut short. In fact at one stage the singer said "we are going to play 10 songs in 7 minutes".
A good show and event overall.
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Monday 10 June 2024.
6.30pm to 11.30pm.
NATIONAL RESTAURANT AWARDS 2024 at Magazine, North Greenwich London SE.
The Ledbury in Notting Hill has been named the UK’s best restaurant at the prestigious National Restaurant Awards, marking the fourth time it has won the award.
Much talked-about new venue Mountain received second place in what was a standout night for the capital – 53 out of the top 100 are London-based. Interestingly Kol, which was named as the UK’s best restaurant in the World Restaurant Awards, only placed 49th.
Last year’s winner Ynyshir dropped to fifth while Moor Hall, placing in third, was the top entry outside London. Other highlights include a lifetime achievement award for Michel Roux, chef of the year award for Chishuru’s Adejoké Bakare and the ‘chef to watch’ honour going to Akoko‘s Ayo Adeyemi.
Visit their website for the Top 100 restaurants list.
Around 500 guests here in the their new venue.
I went several times when it was held at The Hurlingham Club, Fulham.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food for all.
Piper Heidsieck Champagne, different cocktails, wines, beers , ciders and four different food trucks.
The venue has outdoor space and views by the water .
Plenty of seating indoors and outdoors
We were seated indoors for the awards at 8.45pm for an hour.
Updated 11th June 2024 Permalink
Sunday 09 June 2024.
Sunday 09 June 2024.
GARY NUMAN live at The Roundhouse.
This is the last of his three shows at this venue, and the last date on his current UK tour.
I have seen Gary Numan around 25 times since Hammersmith Odeon in 1980. He would play multi-nights there on his 1980s tours.
I last saw him in August 2022 when he performed at The Rebellion Festival , Blackpool.
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Gary's loyal fans have turned out for another tour.
Black clothing is the colour of choice for his fans.
Chants of ' Numan , Numan ,Numan' ring out .
GARY NUMAN arrived on stage at 8.30pm and played for 1 hour 45 mins.
The band arrive on stage wearing black and it's all very dark and moody.
Tall , bald headed guitarist and bassist are straight out of The Adams Family ,but compliment Gary well.
Very nice stage production with lots of lights.
Gary still does his arty little dance movements.
The overall sound of the band was great.
The first three songs were excellent , then it ticked along nicely, and great to hear a few of his old hits.
The encore of older hit classics ' Cars' and 'Are Friends Electric?' was fantastic.... great show.
Amazing to see DAVE GROHL dancing enthusiastically side of stage for the encore.
The Foo Fighters UK stadium tour starts on Thursday 13 June in Manchester.
Full GARY NUMAN setlist played tonight...
Replicas
M.E.
Me! I Disconnect From You
Films
We Have a Technical
Do You Need the Service?
Engineers
Observer
Praying to the Aliens
Track
Conversation
It Must Have Been Years
You Are in My Vision
Airlane
Complex
Down in the Park
The Machman
Metal
Only a Downstat
We Are So Fragile
Encore:
Cars
Are 'Friends' Electric?
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Saturday 08 June 2024.
SCORPIONS + EXTREME live at Wembley Arena.
A great pairing of Classic Rock bands.
This is a must see gig for any rock fan as Scorpions have not played London for several years.
German rock legends Scorpions have announced their first UK concert in five years, which was not in London.
Rudolf Schenker, Klaus Meine, Matthias Jabs, Pawel Maciwoda and Mikkey Dee will perform their only UK concert of 2024.
The show is part of the Love at First Sting World Tour, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Scorpions’ ninth studio album ‘Love at First Sting’, which featured the huge singles ‘Rock You Like a Hurricane’ and ‘Big City Nights.’
Alongside songs from ‘Love at First Sting’, Scorpions will be performing hits from their distinguished six-decade back catalogue.
Scorpions’ very special guests at London OVO Arena Wembley will be their fellow rock icons Extreme, who in Dec 2023 , wrapped up their rapturously received headline UK tour...i saw both Forum London shows.
I have seen Scorpions around 15 times since when they headlined Hammersmith Odeon in 1979.
I have seen Extreme around a dozen times since 1991 when I saw all five of their Hammersmith Odeon shows when their classic album 'Pornograffiti' and all it's hits kicked off worldwide.
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Needless to say I was really looking forward to this.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder for Scorpions fans , as tonight is sold out despite £100 tickets down the front.
The merch queues were enormous.
First of all a mention of legendary live music booking agent ROD MacSWEEN who is agent to both bands tonight and it is his 75th birthday today....he looks much younger....in Dec 2023 when i met Extreme at their Forum aftershow party, i mentioned to the band it was Rods birthday on the day of this gig, and they get the crowd to sing Happy Birthday to him tonight.
EXTREME are on at 7.45pm for their 65 mins set.
I have a great close view seat in guest list block S6.
Extreme play a great set including their mega hits 'More Than Words' and ' Get The Funk Out'.
Singer Gary Cherone bends and twists his body all around the stage, as Nuno plays brilliant guitar riffs.
Full EXTREME setlist played tonight...
It ('s a Monster)
Decadence Dance
#REBEL
Am I Ever Gonna Change
We Will Rock You (Queen cover) (Snippet)
Play With Me
Hole Hearted
Midnight Express
More Than Words
Cupid (Sam Cooke cover) (Snippet)
Cupid's Dead
What's the Buzz (From Jesus Christ Superstar - Snippet)
Happy Birthday to You ( Mildred J. Hill & Patty Hill cover) (for Rod MacSween (ITB))
Flight of the Wounded Bumblebee
Get the Funk Out
RISE
SCORPIONS are on at 9.20pm for their 95 mins set.
Scorpions have a stunning stage production.
A massive screen at the back showing stunning digital images , and two side screens showing live footage......along with a stage extension.
Loads of lights too....it really looked stunning.
The band are fully rehearsed to perfection.
The band give out drum sticks and guitar picks
throughout the show.
They played their most well known tracks in the second half of the set , which brought the house down.
Mikkey Dee performed a fantastic drum solo with the strobe lights blasting away.
As full standing ovation for them at the end , as they took their bows...a fantastic show.
Full SCORPIONS setlist played tonight....
Coming Home
Gas in the Tank
Make It Real
The Zoo
Coast to Coast
I'm Leaving You
Crossfire
Bad Boys Running Wild
Delicate Dance (Electric)
Send Me an Angel
Wind of Change
Tease Me Please Me
The Same Thrill
New Vision (Drum solo)
Blackout
Big City Nights
Encore:
Still Loving You
Rock You Like a Hurricane
Updated 9th June 2024 Permalink
Friday 07 June 2024.
Friday 07 June 2024.
THE ZOMBIES live at The Barbican.
The Zombies have a very special gig happening on June 7th at London's Barbican to celebrate 60 years since they made their first tape recordings. Fans of the band such as Paul Weller, Irwin Sparkes (Hoosiers) and Sarah Brown (Simple Minds) will be joining Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent (both now aged 78) on stage to perform their favourite Zombies songs.
Paul Weller has said “The Zombies made one of the all-time greatest records in ' Odyssey and Oracle' .
1968 album Odessey and Oracle' was ranked number 100 on Rolling Stone's 2012 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time,and number 243 on Rolling Stone's 2020 list.The Zombies were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
The Zombies are currently touring the UK with tour support from The Wandering Hearts and will be on the main stage at Latitude Festival this Summer (Sunday 28th July) .
I have seen The Zombies a couple of times before.
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A mainly older crowd here, but all ages are present.
Their merch stand is selling their latest vinyl album which is signed by all the band for a bargain £25.
Their t-shirts were also a reasonable £20 each.
The venue looks pretty much sold out.
THE ZOMBIES were on stage for 1 hour 50 mins over two sets of 45 mins and 65 mins.
They were introduced by a dapper Paul Weller.
Five main musicians , and a percussionist on some.
Colin and Rod are looking great for their 78 years.
Colin's vocals are nice and clear , and the overall sound is perfect.
They started the set by playing songs from their first ever studio sessions for Decca back in 1964.
They played a few tracks from their 2023 album ' Different Game' , which made the UK Top 10 and the USA Top 50 charts.
Lots of very nifty keyboards and guitar playing.
Not surprisingly , Paul Weller got the biggest cheers of the special guests, and maybe a few have come just for him.
The second set had tracks from their classic album ' Odyssey and Oracle' which got big applause.
'Time Of The Season', 'Hold Your Head Up' and 'She's Not There' all got standing ovations . Rod Argent told an Interesting story that I didn't know. I thought the chorus was ' Hold Your Head Up Woah' but it's actually 'Hold Your Head Up Woman'....a great show.
Full setlist played by THE ZOMBIES tonight...
Set 1: Introduced by Paul Weller
It's Alright With Me
I Want You Back Again
Sticks and Stones (Titus Turner cover)
I Love You
Different Game
You Could Be My Love
Tell Her No
You've Really Got a Hold on Me / Bring It On Home to Me
Summertime (George Gershwin cover) (with Sarah Brown)
Dropped Reeling & Stupid
Set 2:
Care of Cell 44 (with Irwin Sparkes)
This Will Be Our Year
Beechwood Park (with Paul Weller)
Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914) ( with Chris White)
A Rose for Emily
Time of the Season
Merry-Go-Round
Hold Your Head Up (Argent cover)
She's Not There
The Way I Feel Inside ( just Colin and Rod)
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Thursday 06 June 2024.
I went to two events today.
6.30pm to 815pm.
SWAINE - summer party - 126/127 New Bond Street, London W1.
Swaine, one of the UK’s oldest luxury goods brands, founded in 1750 and formerly known as Swaine Adeney Brigg, last year opened a new 7,000 sq ft flagship store at 126-127 New Bond Street “as the centrepiece of its most radical rebrand in 273 years”.
The new retail space, which complements the brand’s existing Burlington Arcade boutique, is the largest store in the brand’s history and will showcase its growing product offering in an environment that mirrors its new creative direction.
Housed in a handsome 19th Century building, the flagship consists of a ground floor and mezzanine level displaying Swaine’s full complement of men’s and women’s leather goods and luggage alongside Herbert Johnson hats and Brigg umbrellas – both brands of the Swaine family.
Tonight their amazing basement work room is open to view , where they craft their top quality products.
There are demonstrations here.
Over 100 guests are here over the three levels.
Man about town ALISTAIR GUY is here.
A female duo are performing cover songs.
Complimentary Bollinger champers and carton trays
of Hams ,Cheeses and fruits from the same company that supplied the theatre party last night .
then
8.30pm to 9.15pm...private view -
W1 Curates present Fabian Aerts 'Odyssey'.
at Flannels , 161-167 Oxford Street , London W1.
Their monthly party here is the same as usual.
More a nightclub vibe than your normal gallery.
Loud DJ sounds as the fantastic digital art is spread around three walls of the venue, with dimmed lights
Complimentary spirits n mixers , wines and beers.
Updated 6th June 2024 Permalink
Wednesday 05 June 2024.
Got told about this Wednesday event a bit too late.
It was on the radar,but you can't be everywhere.
Legendary music pr Alan Edwards had his book launch in London and guests included three members of The Sex Pistols STEVE JONES, PAUL COOK, GLEN MATLOCK along with TONY JAMES and BILLY DUFFY.
Wednesday 05 June 2024.
I went to two events tonight
6.45pm to 9pm
SERPENTINE PAVILLION - launch party - Serpentine Gallery , Kensington Gardens, London.
The five-pointed star structure is designed by South Korean architect MINSUK CHO.
Comprised of five ‘islands’, each structure of the Pavilion is unique in size, form, name and purpose, providing a multifaceted platform for Serpentine’s live programme from June to October.
A big crowd of around 300 guests from the art world .
SIR NORMAN FOSTER is here.
n 1990, Norman Foster was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his service to British architecture.
Also here was original 1970s punk rocker and 1980s blitz kid PHILIP SALLON.
There were speeches at 7.45pm.
Complimentary Ruinart champers, wines , three different cocktails and beers for all the guests.
then
9.30pm to 11.30pm
KATHY & STELLA SOLVE A MURDER !
Press night opening party next to the Ambassadors Theatre, London .
This comedy musical had a odd opening night.
The show halted its performance after act one due to a “major water leak”, with patrons left wondering who committed the titular murder – and forced to find out another day.
The murder-mystery musical comedy is penned by Matthew Floyd Jones and Jon Brittain and co-directed by Brittain and Fabian Aloise (who also serves as choreographer for the production). It follows two true crime podcasters who find themselves in the midst of an actual whodunnit, when their favourite author is killed.
They still had the party for over 200 guests.
The actors were here , but no big name guests.
There was a fun photo booth.
A DJ is playing tunes in the overflow room.
Complimentary prosecco , gin cocktails, wines , pints of Guinness , pints of lager and a grazing buffet table with different hams , cheeses , fruits etc.
It is on here until 14 Sept 2024.
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Tuesday 04 June 2024.
A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE -
press/VIP opening night -
Theatre Royal Haymarket , London SW1.
DOMINIC WEST leads an all-star cast in this hotly anticipated production, as he is joined by Olivier and Tony Award nominee Kate Fleetwood (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Macbeth, London Road) and BAFTA Cymru award winner Callum Scott Howells, star of Channel 4’s It’s A Sin and West End phenomenon Cabaret.
The after-party was at the swimming pool
In The Haymarket Hotel near the theatre.
Over 200 guests here , including cast and some well known faces , including.....
DOMINIC WEST
KATE FLEETWOOD
CALLUM SCOTT HOWELLS
DAMIAN LEWIS
ALISON MOSSHART
DAVINA McCALL
MICHAEL SHEEN
FELICITY KENDALL
ANAIS GALLAGHER
It is on here until 03 August 2024.
Complimentary prosecco , wines , beers , cheeseburgers , cartons of fish n chips and canapes.
See my Facebook page for some good photos.
Updated 5th June 2024 Permalink
Tuesday 04 June 2024.
Monday 03 June 2024.....6.30pm to 9pm
DEVI JEWELLERY - showcase - Saatchi Yates Gallery ,
14 Bury Street , St James's, London SW1.
Devi are showcasing their luxury fine jewellery.
Around 100 upmarket folks who can afford them.
Guests included Mark-Francis Vandelli who is an English television personality. He is best known for his role on the E4 series Made in Chelsea.
Many of the women are wearing nice jewellery.
Complimentary vodka cocktails , gin n tonics, sparkling wines and canapes.
All guests got a goodie bag on departure.
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Sunday 02 June 2024.
TEDDY SWIMS live at Shepherds Bush Empire
Teddy is back to play the last of his three sold out shows at this venue.
American singer -songwriter started off doing cover versions on YouTube but in 2023 brought out an album of his own material.
His single ' Lose Control' has been a worldwide hit in 2024 and went Top 10 in many countries around the world , and got to number 2 in the UK and number 1 in the USA.
By very popular demand he comes back to the UK at the end of this year to play bigger venues including
Hammersmith Apollo.
See my 13 May review of the first SBE show.
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VICTOR RAY was on stage at 8pm for 30 mins.
He has recently signed to Decca Records.
He has a guitarist and backing tapes
He has a lovely soul voice, and his set included a couple of cover versions, and later on he joined Teddy Swims for a duet.
The venue is rammed solid sold out for Teddy.
TEDDY SWIMS on stage at 9pm for his 95 mins set.
His has a five piece band backing him with three of them on platforms behind him
A massive light show and stage production that was more suited to Hammersmith Apollo or Brixton Academy (he will be playing Hammersmith Apollo on his next UK tour).
Teddy has a lovely white boy soulful voice , and a stage presence that goes down well with the crowd.
He played some good tracks from his album and s Shania Twain classic cover 'You're Still The One'.
As the concert came to a close, Teddy left the stage to thunderous applause.Chanting his name, they demanded an encore, and Teddy happily obliged, returning for three songs and the two final songs were his mega hit singles ' Lose Control' and ' The Door' .
It was a very good show, and he will certainly be playing bigger venues each time he visits the UK.
Updated 3rd June 2024 Permalink
Saturday 01 June 2024.
Saturday 01 June 2024...Champions League Final .
Real Madrid v B Dortmund....Wembley Stadium.
Up to 30,000 people will be able to enjoy “bands and live entertainment” on Victoria Embankment and MOD gardens before large screens show the match at 8pm.
There is no live screening or proper highlights on BBC or ITV.
Another 20,000 will be able to gather in Trafalgar Square for drinks and food but there will be no screening of the football there over fears of disorder.
Wembley Arena will also be screening the match live.
More than 2500 stewards and security will be on duty at Wembley Stadium after the disorder at the Euro 2020 Final, when around 2000 got in without tickets.
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Fan Meeting Point at Victoria Embankment.
We were there 6pm to 10.30pm.
It is a much bigger event than expected as roads are closed, barriers everywhere , hundreds of security and police everywhere , inc drug sniffer dogs.
The set up is like the New Years Fireworks.
Lots of people and a lively atmosphere and we are with The Real Madrid fans watching the game.
Must be at least 15,000 fans here.
Pre- game entertainment was Spanish themed.
There are three big screens showing the game.
The German fans were well away in Hyde Park.
Thankfully we had decent weather , and no rain.
Real Madrid 2 B Dortmund 0 .
The game came to life in the second half.
A very nice event , and very unusual for the organisers to put on big screens and such a big event , when the English National team or an English team are not involved.
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Thursday 30 May 2024.
I went to two events tonight.
6.45pm to 8.15pm.
BEYOND FASHION - private view - Saatchi Gallery , Duke of Yorks Square , Kings Road, Chelsea , SW3.
Beyond Fashion showcases the work of acclaimed fashion photographers from around the world. The works demonstrate how fashion photography has moved past the simple presentation of product lines to reflect on the reality of our lives, to explore our aspirations and to push at the boundaries of creativity....tickets from £6.
Over 200 fashion folks at this huge gallery.
Complimentary Belmont champers , gin n tonics and beers.
then
AIR live at The Royal Albert Hall.
This was the first of their two sold out shows here.
The iconic French duo, AIR will play their widely celebrated album ' Moon Safari' in its entirety for the first time across a European Tour.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary last year, the release of 'Moon Safari' catapulted Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel to the uppermost rung of electronic music’s ladder and left an indelible imprint on pop culture at the end of the 20th Century. The album birthed hit singles in ‘Kelly Watch The Stars’, ‘All I Need’ and ‘Sexy Boy’, sold millions of copies around the world, and pushed Air into headline status at major festivals. 25 years on, it’s not hard to reason why Moon Safari has stood the test of time.
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The venue is rammed solid sold out.
AIR arrived on stage at 9.05pm for their 1 hour 40 mins set.
The duo and a drummer appear on stage.
Lovely stage as they play within a disco portacabin .
The Parisian duo, Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel, were dressed in immaculate white and performed from inside a bright, glowing rectangular box of video screens and lights – the command post for the show. In fact, at one point, the screens actually did transform into the deck of a spaceship as planets flew by, and they took us on a journey through their space-age lounge music.
Like the audience , they are coolness personified .
Not sure if it was a good idea to play the 'Moon Safari' album first , as that meant the big hits were Inc
' Sexy Boy ' and ' Kelly Watch The Stars' were played very early in the show.
The second set was full of their dreamy Best Of.
A very enjoyable show.
Full AIR setlist played tonight ...
MOON SAFARI album set.
La femme d'argent
Sexy Boy
All I Needv(Reworked version)
Kelly Watch the Stars
Talisman
Remember
You Make It Easy
Ce matin‐là
New Star in the Sky (Chanson pour Solal)
Le voyage de Pénélope
BEST OF set.
Radian
Venus
Cherry Blossom Girl
Run
Highschool Lover
Surfing on a Rocket
Don't Be Light
Encore:
Alone in Kyoto
Electronic Performers
Updated 31st May 2024 Permalink
Wednesday 29 May 2024.
Wednesday 29 May 2024.
I went to four events tonight...
6pm to 6.45pm.
THE WHOLE WORLD SMILES WITH YOU - private view - Opera Gallery, 65/66 New bond Street ,London W1.
‘The Whole World Smiles with You’ interrogates various modes of figuration by contemporary Black artists. ...Over 100 guests here....on until 26 June.
Complimentary Pommery champers and beers.
then
7pm to 7.25pm.
THE SOHO CONNECTION by ANNE PIGALLE - private view - Farsight Gallery, 4 Flitcroft Street ,London WC2.
French painter and performance artist , who lives in London , who used to go out with Henry Paul R.I.P.
He was a guitarist from Paris, France, who played alongside Johnny Thunders, Stiv Bators, and Mink DeVille. ....It is on here until 11 June.
Looks like her cool clothing and stage wear from her entire life is hanging up, around the walls of the venue.
Complimentary wines and beers.
then
7.30pm to 8.30pm.
Private view - Dover Street Market, 18-22 Haymarket , London SW1.
Around 150 cool fashion folks are here.
Christiane Kubrick and Katharina Kubrick are here.
Also here were Russell Tovey, Dexter Fletcher and Keeley Hawes.
Complimentary Krone champers and beers.
Christiane Kubrick x Jonathan Anderson for Men’s AW and Women’s PF 2024 has arrived with a special installation at Dover Street Market.
To coincide with the launch, the short film "Who is the Painter?” directed by J E Hobbs and supported by Mubi, will be available to view online on Thursday 30th May.
In a unique collaboration, Jonathan Anderson and Christiane Kubrick have intricately woven together their creative visions.
A domestic fantasy, triggered by seeing the interiors in Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut: the curtains, the reds, the paintings hanging on the walls, which were created by Christiane Kubrick, the director’s wife, who often collaborated with her husband.
then
JANE'S ADDICTION live at The Roundhouse.
They play the second of two sold out shows here.
Both Roundhouse shows sold out a month before.
JANE'S ADDICTION Announce Their First UK And European Headline Tour In Eight Years.
Formed back in 1985, JANE'S ADDICTION are a world renowned, much loved, hugely ahead of their time classic American rock band from Los Angeles, consisting of vocalist Perry Farrell, guitarist Dave Navarro, drummer Stephen Perkins and bassist Eric Avery. Founded by Farrell and Avery, following the disintegration of Farrell's previous band PSi Com, Jane's Addiction's first release was the stunning, self-titled live album 'Janes Addiction' (1987).
I have seen them twice before.
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The Guardian and NME both gave their Monday show five stars , even though it was just 75 mins on stage.
My security chums telling me how COURTNEY LOVE was causing havoc in the photo pit on Monday.
Looking forward to seeing this show in the same way i was looking forward to The Black Crowes recently.
JANES ADDICTION play two more songs tonight compared to Monday , so it was 87 mins on stage.
Perry Farrell and Dave Navarro look like proper rock stars . Perry Farrell is swigging wine from a bottle between many songs ,but there is too much waffling chat from him on stage Good to hear some songs, but others were pretty average.
Fan-favourites including ‘Mountain Song’, ‘Ain’t No Right’ and ‘Been Caught Stealing’ were very good , and they seem to have a new lease of life. Dave Navarro take every chance he gets to showcase a dizzying number of electrifying licks,
Like Monday , there was no encore.
Overall it was a good show, but I expected better.
Full JANES ADDICTION setlist played tonight...
Kettle Whistle
Whores
Pigs in Zen
Been Caught Stealing
Ain't No Right
Summertime Rolls
Imminent Redemption
Ted, Just Admit It...
Jane Says
Up the Beach
Ocean Size
True Love
Stop!
Mountain Song
Three Days
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Tuesday 28 May 2024...6.30pm to 10pm..
BACK IN THE DAZED by RANKIN - private view -
180 Strand , London WC2.
Must be around 300 guests at this huge space.
Downstairs are all the photos and magazines
Kate Moss and David Bowie are featured in many.
Ground floor is the bar , food and female djs.
PRINCESS JULIA is one of the djs .
RANKIN was here to greet everyone
Also here was PHIL DAVIS, TIM BURGESS,JODIE KIDD,
MATT GOSS , DANIEL LISMORE, JOHN RICHMOND,
LILA MOSS, STEPHEN WEBSTER, DEXTER FLETCHER,
JEFFERSON HACK and KAREN MILLEN.
Complimentary gin cocktails, prosecco, wines, beers and a huge table with a cold buffet and doughnuts.
It is on until 23 June...£10 admission.
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A new exhibition from photographer Rankin, Back in the Dazed highlights one photographer and one magazine, across one memorable decade.
From cult celebrities, to musical icons and the world’s top Supermodels, Rankin was at the forefront of Cool Britannia and the 90’s style which is still popular today. Co-founder and Dazed & Confused’s first Photographic Editor, Rankin’s visual style helped launch the magazine and defined the aesthetics of multiple generations of British youth.
Across 10 years Rankin photographed over 200 iconic editorial shoots for the magazine, and his work from this period forms a manifesto about how to view the world, a political statement communicated not with words but with a camera lens.
Updated 29th May 2024 Permalink
Saturday 25 May 2024.
Saturday 25 May 2024.
UK SUBS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Punk legends play their biggest ever London show for many years , to celebrate frontman Charlie Harper's 80th birthday....yes 80!.
I have seen UK Subs around a dozen times since 1978.
With support from Anti Nowhere League and The Ramonas....I have seen both a couple of times before.
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Level 2 and 3 are closed , but still over 1000 here.
A very nice three band punk rock package.
Nice to see several punk rockin' chums here.
THE RAMONAS were on at 7.30pm for 30 mins.
All girl Ramones tribute whizzed through their set.
I think it was six Ramones gems including ' Sheena Is A Punk Rocker' and ' Rockaway Beach' and three of their own....really good to those Ramones classics .
ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE on at 8.20pm for 45 mins
They have toured with UK Subs a few times over the years and play a good set of their best material.
ANL full setlist played tonight....
Pig Iron
At the End of the Day
Let's Break the Law
Streets of London ( Ralph McTell cover)
I Hate... People
So What
Woman
Uncle Charlie (Tribute to Punk Icon, Charlie Harper, who momentarily joined ANWL to acknowledge the Legend, himself)
God Bless Alcohol
We Are the League
Lots of pogoing / moshing for them and The Subs.
UK SUBS arrived on stage at 9.35pm for 70 mins.
Big cheers for Charlie as he arrives on stage.
Looking great for someone who tours so much.
Maybe his nice Japanese wife keeps him in check.
They whizzed through their set , including highlights ''Warhead' , ' Stranglehold', 'C.I.D' and ' I Live In A Car '....a really good set.
PUNK ROCK WILL NEVER DIE.
Full UK SUBS setlist played tonight....
Rockers
Kicks
Police State
Emotional Blackmail
Telephone Numbers
Fragile
Time and Matter
Down on the Farm
Kill Me
Scum of the Earth
Limo Life
Barbie's Dead
Tomorrow's Girls
Warhead
Riot
Stranglehold
Disease
Encore:
C.I.D.
I Live in a Car
I Couldn't Be You
Party in Paris
Encore 2:
Cake and balloons arrived on stage for Charlie.
Rockaway Beach
New York State Police
Keep on Running (Til You Burn)
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Friday 24 May 2024.
BRUCE DICKINSON live at The Forum.
Bruce is promoting his new solo album....sold out...
Iron Maiden legend is playing a six date UK solo tour ,
which are his first UK solo dates for 25 years.
I have seen Iron Maiden over 30 times since 1980, when they supported Judas Priest at Hammersmith Odeon. They would play multi-nights there on all their tours during the 1980s.
I saw Bruce solo at The Marquee Club in 1994.
Looks like no Iron Maiden songs are in the setlist..
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The venue is totally rammed sold out.
Iron Maiden t-shirts are everywhere.
BLACK SMOKE TRIGGER on at 8pm for their 30 mins.
Black Smoke Trigger is a hard rock/alternative rock band from Napier, New Zealand, founded in 2018.
They played a good solid set of rock tunes.
BRUCE DICKINSON on at 9.05pm for 1 hour 50 mins.
Bruce is clearly loved by all the Maiden fans here .
Bruce is joined by five other musicians on stage.
A big screen that shows a nice mix of live footage and pre-recorded images...Lots of lights and strobes.
Bruce Dickinson, as is well known, is a qualified pilot – and there is something of the captain preparing for take-off in his interactions with the crowd. “In a moment,” he instructs , “we will commence furious jumping.” Then, as the riff to 'Dark Side of Aquarius' kicks in: “Furious jumping commence!”
His ability to hype a room has been honed over decades of what he calls the “day job” – being frontman with Iron Maiden. Next year will be the band’s 50th anniversary, and no doubt there will be much hoopla, so this solo tour is Dickinson’s chance for some me-time. He even mentioned hopefully playing Brixton Academy on his next solo tour.
That means no Maiden songs, which is understandable, even admirable, but the downside is a lack of Iron Maiden level bangers.
Not that keen on the drum solo and keytar solos, but Bruce charisma and energy made it a really good show....despite no Iron Maiden tunes .
Maiden members watching but none came on stage.
Full BRUCE DICKINSON setlist played tonight...
Accident of Birth
Abduction
Laughing in the Hiding Bush
Afterglow of Ragnarok
Chemical Wedding
Many Doors to Hell
Jerusalem
Resurrection Men
Rain on the Graves
Frankenstein (The Edgar Winter Group cover)
The Alchemist
Tears of the Dragon
Darkside of Aquarius
Encore:
Navigate the Seas of the Sun
Book of Thel
The Tower
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11pm to 12pm...
Iron Maiden always make an effort for aftershow parties , and tonight there is a good one for Bruce.
Around 50 or 60 guests in the balcony bar and adjacent room where they is a free bar and full buffet laid out ..Guests here included STEVE HARRIS, ADRIAN SMIITH, ROD SMALLWOOD, FRANK SKINNER ,MARK FULLER and NICKI CHAPMAN.
Updated 25th May 2024 Permalink
Thursday 23 May 2024.
Thursday 23 May 2024.
I went to three events tonight.
6pm to 7pm.
CONCOURS ON SAVILE ROW, Mayfair , London W1.
This was Day 2 of this two day annual event.
Launched in 2022, the Concours on Savile Row is now established as a key date in both the automotive and bespoke-tailoring calendar.
Savile Row is closed to traffic over the two-day event, thanks to the cooperation of Westminster City Council. Visitors are able to browse the spectacular cars and the fascinating tailors’ displays, as well as enjoy the talks and live jazz music on the stage.
Around 40 stunning cars and 10 classic motorbikes are on display on a full red carpet.
One of the cars is an exact replica of John Lennon's Psychedelic Rolls Royce , which is suitably parked outside 3 Savile Row , which was where The Beatles played on the roof of Apple HQ on 30 Jan 1969.
We pop into a couple of the stores giving our complimentary drinks...Dege & Skinner then Cad & The Dandy.
then
7.15pm to 9.45pm.
DEAR DARLING - launch party - 91 Jermyn Street , St
James's, London SW1.
This venue has had many different names since the 1960s when it was a hangout in the same area where other top clubs Tramp and Scotch of St James were.
Around a decade ago it was called Abracadabra .
Abracadabra was owned by Dave West, who made his millions in cash-and-carry booze at Calais. Big bloke. Pink suit. A few years ago his son stabbed him to death, and was sentenced to 13 years in jail.
Dear Darling now calls itself a nightclub , cocktail bar and private members club.
There are are a few showgirls lounging around.
At 8.15pm in the basement , is a 15 mins burlesque show from a showgirl in a cage.
A DJ is playing club tunes.
Lots of complimentary food and drinks including Moet champers, prosecco, spirits n mixers, wines, beers , cheeseburgers , canapes and desserts.
then
10.15pm to 12.15pm.
ROMEO & JULIET - press night opening party -
Soho House , 180 Strand , London WC2.
My first time at this newish venue.
The main event was at Duke of Yorks Theatre.
Set in a Brutalist building near Somerset House, the club has an outdoor terrace, a rooftop pool and two bars featuring 1970s-inspired interiors. There is stunning views of the city from the 8th and 9th floors .
TOM HOLLAND is the star of the show , and i managed to get a photo of him with my friend, after negotiations with his two burly personal security.
A dj is playing loud club tunes , and folks are dancing.
Lots of lovely complimentary food and drinks here .
Roast chicken n chips , cheeseburgers , bacon rolls , fish n chips, pizza slices canapes and desserts along with prosecco , wines and beers.
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Wednesday 22 May 2024.
GEORGE GROVES BOXING CLUB live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Boxer GGBC brings his podcast to the live stage.
George Groves and Carl Froch reunite in London to relive their iconic rivalry, ten years after their fight at Wembley Stadium which promises to be a night to remember for boxing fans.
Carl Froch vs. George Groves II, billed as Unfinished Business and The Rematch, was a professional boxing match contested on 31 May 2014 at Wembley Stadium in London. It was a rematch of the first fight between Carl Froch and George Groves in 2013, with Froch's unified WBA (Regular) and IBF super-middleweight titles at stake as before.
Froch won the fight by knockout in the eighth round, which was named the Knockout of the Year by The Ring magazine.The event drew a then-record attendance figure of 80,000, and grossed over £22 million,and was named the Event of the Year by The Ring Magazine.
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It is stalls seated tonight, but only 400 tix out of 1000 sold, as Levels 2 and 3 are closed and Level 1 is half empty.
The show is on for two hours over two sets of 55 mins and 65 mins.
There are cosy sofas and chairs on the stage.
An electronic punch bag is side of stage for use later, for an audience competition.
The two boxers are joined by interviewer Declan Taylor and Adam Smith from Sky Sports.
The first few mins they talk about that mega fight in Saudi Arabia at the weekend just gone.
There is a big screen that shows great clips of that big night a decade ago at Wembley Stadium , as George Groves entered the stadium on a Red London Bus, and Carl Froch entered via a dazzling laser display.
They really hated each other back then ,but now tolerate each other as they do TV work together.
Carl Froch has very entertaining banter.
The end of the first set had a tug of war with Carl Froch's team winning.
During the interval , an acoustic duo played some cover versions, and the crowd were told the merch included a signed boxing glove by both boxers £125.
In the second half, several boxers in the crowd are name-checked including DAVID HAYE.
The final section had a Q and A session from the crowd, regards both the boxers careers.
At the end , the boxers posed for selfies at the front of the stage with fans......a very enjoyable event.
Updated 23rd May 2024 Permalink
Tuesday 21 May 2024
Tuesday 21 May 2024.
ERIC CLAPTON + ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW live at The Royal Albert hall.
I am back to see the second of E.C. four shows here.
Again it is totally rammed sold out.
AFW and band played exactly the same set.
AFW and band had a blast from the past in their line-up, as 72 year old NICK PENTELOW was on sax.
He was in the band that was my first ever gig .
WIZZARD at Hammersmith Palais in Sept 1973.
Again ,one of ERIC CLAPTON'S Fender guitars is adorned in the colours of the Palestinian flag.
Again , he avoided some of his biggest hits Ike
' Wonderful Tonight', 'Layla' 'I Shot The Sheriff '.
or 'Sunshine Of Your Love:' and plays what he likes.
I have seen him play those songs many times here .
Some of those songs are being played outside of London where he doesn't play as often.
Again, an extended version of ' Cocaine' was a fantastic muso workout from all the great band .
A 90 mins set tonight, so 5 mins shorter than the opening night, as a couple of songs changed and one song less played.
Eric's guitar playing was totally sublime as always.
Full ERIC CLAPTON setlist played tonight....
ELECTRIC SET
Blue Dust
Key to the Highway ( Charles Segar cover)
I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man ( Willie Dixon cover)
Badge ( Cream song)
Prayer of a Child
ACOUSTIC DET
Back Home
Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out
(Jimmy Cox cover)
Golden Ring
Tears in Heaven
ELECTRIC SET
Got to Get Better in a Little While (Derek and the Dominos song)
You Were There
Cross Road Blues ( Robert Johnson cover)
Little Queen of Spades ( Robert Johnson cover)
Cocaine ( J.J. Cale cover)
Encore:
Before You Accuse Me (Bo Diddley cover) (with Andy Fairweather‐Low)
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Monday 20 May 2024.
ERIC CLAPTON plays the first of four sold out shows at The Royal Albert Hall....Eric is now aged 79.
Guitar legend Eric has performed on the RAH stage over 200 times during his career,including a 24 night stint in 1991.
Once a member of such seminal bands as the Yardbirds(he joined them in 1963) , Blind Faith and Cream.
Eric Clapton will be joined by special guest ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW and the Low Riders.
I have seen Eric Clapton over 30 times since July 1976 at The Crystal Palace Bowl (earlier that same month i saw The Ramones and The Sex Pistols for the first time) along with all four Cream shows when they
reformed in 2005 at The Royal Albert Hall.
EC is playing a full UK tour , as part of his world tour.
This same time last year I was this venue for two tribute shows to JEFF BECK R.I.P.
The show featured Eric Clapton , Rod Stewart and many more.
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Being a proper A-list rock legend , Eric Clapton always sells out quickly here, even though seats are £100 to £200, and hospitality tickets are £459....even gallery standing up in the gods is £70 ....plus booking fees.
The venue is rammed solid.
ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW and THE LOW RIDERS on stage at 7.30pm for their 40 mins set.
Andrew Fairweather Low (now aged 75) , is a Welsh guitarist and singer. He was a founding member and lead singer of 1960s pop band Amen Corner, and in recent years has toured extensively with Roger Waters, Eric Clapton and Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings.
His good set started with The Amen Corner hit from 1969 'If Paradise is Half As Nice' and ended with his solo hit from 1975' Wide Eyed and Legless'.
Not sure why there was a long 50 mins gap until Eric.
ERIC CLAPTON on stage at 9pm for his 95 mins set.
Eric is backed by seven others on stage, including two female backing singers. His band are fantastic , as they all have solo bits , including the two superb keyboard players .
Eric has his huge rug as usual , to stand on.
The tone on Eric's guitar is superb as usual .
A nice mix of solo material, his previous bands and
blues covers.
Sadly 'Wonderful Tonight' and 'Layla' are not being played on this tour , but Eric has been changing the setlist, by a couple of songs each night.
Eric has 60 years worth of material so could easily play a two hour set, but it is the standard 95 mins.
Overall though , a great show.
Full ERIC CLAPTON setlist played tonight....
ELECTRIC SET
Blue Dust
Key to the Highway ( Charles Segar cover)
I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man ( Willie Dixon cover)
Badge ( Cream song)
Prayer of a Child
ACOUSTIC SET
Happy Birthday to You (Mildred J. Hill & Patty Hill cover) (Dedicated to Eric's Auntie Sylvia in the audience, on her 91st birthday.)
Driftin' Blues ( Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers cover)
Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out
(Jimmy Cox cover)
Back Home
Tears in Heaven
ELECTRIC SET
Got to Get Better in a Little While ( Derek and the Dominos song)
Presence of the Lord (Blind Faith song)
Cross Road Blues ( Robert Johnson cover)
Little Queen of Spades (Robert Johnson cover)
Cocaine (J.J. Cale cover)
Encore:
Before You Accuse Me (Bo Diddley cover)
Updated 19th May 2024 Permalink
Friday 17 May 2024
Friday 17 May 2024.
ZAYN MALIK live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Zayn Malik has announced his first ever solo gig.
Malik, who left One Direction in 2015 and will release his fourth solo album ‘Room Under The Stairs’ on May 17 – has unveiled plans for a special “global exclusive live event” to celebrate his upcoming LP.
On the same night as the album drops, Zayn will take to the stage at Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London.
This show sold out pronto , although most know he said he would be singing just a six song 30 mins set after a short film based on his comeback.
At £60 a ticket....that's £10 for each song...yikes!
Zayn must be a bit envious of the success that Harry Styles has got, since leaving One Direction.
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One Direction members are as popular ever, as my security chums told me hundreds of mainly females were in the queue for this show by mid afternoon.
A lot is riding on the Zayn comeback , as the record company and promoter are hoping he can get some of the success that Harry Styles has got since leaving One Direction, and there are lots of press here
First there is a female DJ playing some dance tunes.
Then there are big screams as someone takes their Level 1 VIP seat....turns out that it's Zayns mum.
At 9.10pm we have his 10 mins docu ' Road Back To The Mic'. It shows Zayn in rehearsals for this gig , as he talks about this comeback gig, as he chain smokes and shows off his tattoos.
ZAYN MALIK was on stage at 9.20pm for 30 mins.
There is a nice big curtain behind him, showing countryside images, and he is backed by a seven piece band, including two female backing singers .
Some songs have the lyrics on the big screen.
There are film cameras all over the venue recording .
Zayn plays the six songs 30 mins set as promised that the crowd love....but the songs are all pretty much laid back average stuff.
After the six songs are played , Zayn leaves the stage and two more of his songs are played over the pa
This is actually a decoy to keep the crowd in the venue as Zayn departs the venue pronto with his own personal security , and even avoids his own aftershow party.
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Thursday 16 May 2024....I went to two events tonight.
6pm to 7pm.
MAKE-A-WISH BALL - drinks reception - at The Savoy Hotel, Strand, London WC2.
This black tie event raises funds for taking children with serious health problems away for special treats .
Around 250 folks here , mainly company tables as it's £1000 and £800 a ticket.
The main reason we are here is that Steven Tyler has attended and performed at a couple of their events in USA , and he is in town , so would he be here?
Sadly not , as the only one we see is actress MAUREEN LIPMAN .
Complimentary Nyetimber English Sparking Wines and canapes....we leave before the sit down dinner .
then
8pm to 11.30pm.
RIVERSIDE EAST - launch party - 5 Thornton Street , Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park,Stratford , London E20.
This huge venue is right in front of The London Stadium , and The Orbit slide , so will be very popular when the stadium is used for football and concert events.
It has a 300 capacity, both outdoors and indoors.
There is a DJ playing classic disco tunes in the background.
At 10pm they brought out a huge four tier cream cake, with sparklers to celebrate the opening
Lots of complimentary drinks and food here.
Piaff champers, different cocktails any spirit n mixer, wines and beers along with food trucks inc Truffle Burgers and Truffle Fries, New York Hotdogs , Pizza and various bowl foods....a really good event.
Amazingly it was on to 12pm , but we left at 11.30pm.
What the venue website says....
What’s on the menu? Grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee from by Allpress Espresso, specialty coffee roasters, alongside delicious grab-and-go options. Breakfast pots, toasties and artisan pastries from The Snapery Bakery are available in daily.
Enjoy sandwiches, salads and flatbreads lovingly prepared by our team for lunch. And for dinner? We’ll be serving up hearty flavour-packed dishes, alongside charcuterie & cheese boards, pizza cooked in our Gozney ovens and street food our indendent traders in the our yard. Those looking for a sweet treat can enjoy Happy Endings ice cream sandwiches and Hackney Gelato.
The bar will be serving up local craft beers, wine & cocktails.
Updated 17th May 2024 Permalink
Wednesday 15 May 2024.
Wednesday 15 May 2024.
BLACK CROWES live at Hammersmith Apollo.
I have seen them over a dozen times before, with the first two times at Hammersmith Odeon ( this same venue) in 1991.
Also various club shows including The Mean Fiddler ,
The Garage , The Scala and at the famous Pantages Theatre , Los Angeles in 1995.
Also supporting The Rolling Stones at Wembley Stadium in 1995...and supporting Aerosmith at Wembley Stadium in 1999.
American blues rockers Black Crowes are touring the UK as part of their world tour to promote the first new album in 15 years titled 'Happiness Bastard's'.
The support act is JIM JONES ALL STARS.
Amazingly, Jim Jones was in Thee Hypnotics who I saw supporting Black Crowes at this venue in 1991.
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Not sold out tonight , but maybe 4000 out of 5000.
Quireboys singer SPIKE was near me upstairs .
JIMMY PAGE was watching from side of stage.
JIM JONES ALL STARS on stage at 8pm for 30 mins.
Nine of them on stage , including a three man brass/horn section playing a really good set of uptempo rock n roll.
BLACK CROWES on stage at 9pm for 1 hour 40 mins.
Eight musicians on stage , including drums , keyboards and two female backing singers/dancers , on raised platforms behind all their vintage amps.
While the Robinson brothers have demonstrated they still have what it takes to produce great records, tonight they leave us in no doubt that they also remember how to put on a great show. The 57-year-old singer Chris Robinson sashays about the stage, cavorting and preening like a man half his age, Jagger, Stewart and Johansen rolled into one. The set looks magnificent, a Moulin Rouge type rock ‘n’ roll circus complete with a giant dressing room mirror, stacks of vintage amps, velvet curtains , carnival lights and a large cut-out of Chuck Berry, lest we forget where the Crowes came from. Chris is the great showman at the centre of it all, resplendent in a bright red suit.
They look and sound like the proper rock stars they always were.
The final encore of the night was a massive surprise.
Chris Robinson dedicates Aerosmith song ' Mama Kin' to Steven Tyler, and 30 seconds into the song , Steven Tyler surprised everyone by coming on stage to help.
A great show.
Full BLACK CROWES setlist played tonight...
Intro tape - t's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll) (AC/DC song)
Bedside Manners
Rats and Clowns
Twice as Hard
Go Faster
My Morning Song
Cross Your Fingers
Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye
White Light/White Heat ( The Velvet Underground cover)
Thorn in My Pride
Wanting and Waiting
Hard to Handle ( Otis Redding cover)
She Talks to Angels
Flesh Wound
I Ain't Hiding
Jealous Again
Remedy
Encore:
Carol ( Chuck Berry cover)
Mama Kin ( Aerosmith cover) (with Steven Tyler)
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Tuesday 14 May 2024.
BRYAN ADAMS live at The Royal Albert Hall.
BRYAN ADAMS returns to the Hall, performing one of his classic albums in full each night, followed by a set of his greatest hits.
Mon 13th - 18 'Til I Die - - released 1996.
Tues 14th - Reckless - released 1984.
Wed 15th - So Happy It Hurts - released 2022.
I have seen Bryan Adams over 20 times since 1985, which includes two Wembley Stadium headline shows on different tours.
His last UK tour in May 2022 also included three shows at RAH....I went to one of them.
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Totally rammed sold out tonight.
A great atmosphere as it is floor standing , and they have sold choir seats AND orchestra seats behind the stage, as the show is being filmed.
BRYAN ADAMS and band were on stage for 2 hours 20 mins over two sets of 60 mins and 80 mins.
There is a mini stage extension at the front.
Three microphones are spread across the stage.
Bryan and the band are all dressed in black.
The first set was the multi-million selling Reckless album, but not in track order , so we have all the singles from it , ending with a superb 'Summer Of 69'.
So many great hit singalong hits in the set although there were a few that felt like average album fillers.
The ten strong London Community Gospel Choir arrived on stage , dressed all in white, for two songs.
For 'So Happy It Hurts' there was an inflatable car, coming down from the ceiling to hover over the crowd.
For the first encore of Straight From The Heart' was dedicated to his 96 year old mum.
Needless to say a really great show.
FIRST SET - Reckless album .
One Night Love Affair
Somebody
Reckless
Run to You
Heaven ("upbeat" arrangement)
Kids Wanna Rock
Let Me Down Easy (Roger Daltrey cover) (Acoustic; first performance since 2015)
She's Only Happy When She's Dancin'
It's Only Love
Long Gone (first performance since 2019)
Ain't Gonna Cry (first performance since 2015)
Summer of '69
SECOND SET
Kick Ass
Can't Stop This Thing We Started
On the Road
Please Forgive Me
Shine a Light
Go Down Rockin'
You Belong to Me
I've Been Looking for You
Never Gonna Rain (with London Community Gospel Choir)
You Lift Me Up ( with London Community Gospel Choir) (first full band performance)
When You're Gone ( Acoustic)
(Everything I Do) I Do It for You
Always Have, Always Will
The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You
So Happy It Hurts
Cuts Like a Knife
Encore:
Straight From the Heart (Acoustic)
These Are the Moments That Make Up My Life
(Acoustic)
Updated 15th May 2024 Permalink
Monday 13 May 2024.
Monday 13 May 2024.
TEDDY SWIMS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Teddy plays the first of his three sold out shows at this venue , on his UK leg of his world tour.
American singer -songwriter started off doing cover versions on YouTube but in 2023 brought out an album of his own material.
His single ' Lose Control' has been a worldwide hit in 2024 and went Top 10 in many countries around the world , and got to number 2 in the UK and number 1 in the USA.
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The venue is rammed solid sold out tonight.
PAUL RUSSELL arrived on stage at 8pm for 30 mins.
No band , just backing tapes.
Paul Russell (aged 26 ) is an American rapper, singer, and business consultant based in Los Angeles.He is best known for his 2023 single "Lil Boo Thang", which peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. After the song gained viraly on TikTok, he signed to Arista Records to release it as a single. He sung his hit single and a couple of crowd-pleasing covers 'My Girl' and 'Sweet Caroline' .
TEDDY SWIMS on stage at 9pm for his 95 mins set.
His has a five piece band backing him with three of them on platforms behind him
A massive light show and stage production that was more suited to Hammersmith Apollo or Brixton Academy ( no doubt he will be playing one of these venues on his next UK tour).
Teddy has a lovely white boy soulful voice , and a stage presence that goes down well with the crowd.
He played some good tracks from his album and s Shania Twain classic cover 'You're Still The One'.
As the concert came to a close, Teddy left the stage to thunderous applause.Chanting his name, they demanded an encore, and Teddy happily obliged, returning for three songs and the two final songs were his mega hit singles ' Lose Control' and ' The Door' .
It was a very good show, and he will certainly be playing bigger venues on his next UK visit.
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Sunday 12 May 2024.
Thank You For The Music - The Ultimate Tribute To ABBA at The Theatre Royal, Windsor.
This international smash-hit tribute show brings all ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other. The hugely popular show, now in its 21st year, with a brand-new show for 2024, combines the unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes, and dazzling performances by our all-star cast.
Celebrating 50 years since Abba won Eurovision.
Not many can say they saw the real ABBA , but I saw them at The Royal Albert Hall in Feb 1977.
I have seen ABBA tribute Bjorn Again a few times.
Hard to believe Abba split up over 40 years ago, as they are still very popular, and there are two stage shows to Abba running in London now.
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A glorious sunny day so spent the afternoon and evening in Windsor, walking over the bridge to wander around Eton and a few drinks down by the river.
This cosy all seated venue holds 633, and the venue is pretty much two thirds full. I have seen several shows here before including Chas n Dave, Bucks Fizz, The Manfreds and others.
The show was on for 1 hour 55 mins, over two sets of 55 mins and 60 mins.
A nice stage production with lots of lights and a digital screen showing pre-recorded images.
They have a drummer , but the bass is all on tape.
You get what it says on the tin, and as tributes go this is a persuasive one. Steve Nelson (also musical director) switches between piano plonking, keyboard guitar, accordion, and flinging his platform boot across the stage, almost braining poor Frida. He drives the comedy and has clearly studied Benny’s stage presence. Kellie Vallance is our dark-haired beauty, Frida. She’s by far the strongest vocalist, belting, twirling, and flirting/bickering with her ex-husband Benny. Emma Parker is the blonde powerhouse, Agnetha. She astounds in her solos such as ‘Thank You for the Music’ and ‘The Winner Takes It All’, nailing the range and mannerisms of the star. The closest to her character, this makes up for some slight hesitance with the demanding choreography. Dave Miles is Bjorn, a gifted guitar player bumbling along with the classic dad jokes and improvisation that all the cast fling themselves into. Are they the best Swedish accents? No, but they are certainly not the worst.
The girls had four costume changes
Over 20 perfect pop classics played – ‘Honey Honey’, ‘I Do I Do’, ‘Chiquitita’, ‘Super Trouper’, and finally (and jubilantly) the encores of 'Waterloo' and ‘Dancing Queen’. Torches are lit up on phones for ‘Fernando’, and tears are shed by pensioners. Many almost pop their hip out in a rather ill-advised line dancing lesson, and we bellow ourselves hoarse on the ‘ahas’ of ‘Voulez-Vous’. It’s good old-fashioned fun.
Just a tribute show, but it was great.
Updated 13th May 2024 Permalink
Saturday 11 May 2024.
Saturday 11 May 2024.
THE USELESS HOTLINE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
TikTok stars Max and George Clarke take their Spotify chart-topping podcast, The Useless Hotline out on the road.
In their new career at a hotline service, they help callers by providing advice for their ridiculous queries. No topics are off limits and together, no matter how bizarre the situation, the boys will try to point you in the right-ish direction (or not in some cases).
The Useless Hotline is a place to send your queries and dilemmas no matter how big, small, weird, or embarrassing. They can't guarantee good advice or that you will leave a changed person, but they can guarantee that this is a useless hotline.
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Stalls seating tonight, and Level 3 is half empty so maybe a crowd of 700 or 800 here, and it's a 90 % excitable female crowd .
Pretty good when you think their podcast only started 18 months ago, and they are on a nine date UK tour which includes a second show at this venue 18 May.
A 90 mins show , over two sets of 45 mins each.
The male duo - one straight and one very camp.
The production is an office set-up with two desks with phones and computers, and a wall of filing cabinets.
The first half included a bingo game and a shots drinking game with questions on their previous episodes.
The second set had full audience participation .
Two females faced ten questions based on the podcast, and then a few folks came on with their relationship issues.
We had a couple of tracks of singing at the end.
Mildly entertaining overall.
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Friday 10 May 2024.
DANIEL O'REILLY live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Daniel O’Reilly is still boasting one of the largest, strongest, most loyal and fastest growing social media followings in the UK that his fans has grown up with him through the years.
From losing it all, battling addiction and becoming a father he’s been on some rollercoaster, he has had many characters, but for this live show he's going ‘Out Of Character’ to stand up as he brings the laughs and looks back on the mischief, the mistakes and the madness of his career so far.
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It is stalls seating and 1000 folks sold out tonight.
Pretty amazing for someone never on mainstream TV.
Pretty much a rowdy , football fan type crowd who are drinking lots...75% male and 25% female.
You have to be pretty open-minded to be here.
Though he only resumed live shows relatively recently after his controversy in 2014 and subsequent substance addiction, he has since re-built his enormous social media following and is back with more energy than ever.
His manager Kevin does a 15 mins routine then Daniel does two sets of 40 mins and 60 mins.
O’Reilly’s manager Kevin is first to step on stage – he explains in humorous anecdotes the nightmare it is to manage Dan, with the latter’s tendency to tilt towards the edgier sides of comedy – a habit he still retains to this day. He appeals to front row audience members frequently with comments and asides, joshing with them and producing some big laughs which sweep across the venues’s different levels.Kevin cue’s Dan’s entrance.
O’Reilly carries himself with confidence and warmth as he tells us he’s ecstatic to be back on the comedy circuit again. We can’t help but absorb his infectious enthusiasm. His act begins with a sense of self-awareness and a knowingness of his history of controversy. To the side of the stage behind decks stands Carlos, Dan’s music man, whom he says will fill the silence of distaste should he tell a joke that, God forbid, goes too far. He uses his cancellation in 2014 to his advantage – the elephant in the room is entirely addressed in many moments of self-deprecation. While admitting his own instances of idiocy, he also pokes fun at ITV for replacing his ‘sexist and objectifying’ series with Naked Attraction.
Dan’s personal life has been far from a smooth ride. He leans heavily into stories from his drug addicted self, arousing massive torrents of laughter from everyone, but also being careful not to advertise the lifestyle.
At this sequence, we begin to see O’Reilly’s fantastic use of body and movement, helped by his boxing training, which, in tandem with his myriad impressions of his wife, produce funny tales of less than sober ‘interactions’ he has had with her.
It's his domestic life that provides most of the content for his show, his kids and again, his famously ‘northern wife’, with the odd tangent into cocaine charged come downs and subsequent rehabilitation. A phrase he hates but now lives by - he is ‘high on life.’ (No, he is not now an ice bath fanatic, nor a dreaded cyclist).
O’Reilly never lost the attention of the audience throughout his set. Answering almost every time to excitable front row fans, he even invited people sitting up in the upper levels to fill seats nearer to the stage.
He is brilliantly quick off the cuff when confronted with the often bizarre comments offered by some audience members. Unafraid to ‘work off script’ at these moments, Dan tells his manager off stage to close his ears. Later, he makes it clear in his own words that he doesn’t subscribe to ‘snowflake’ comedy – an act of censorship that he says supresses the best of standup.
Dan ends his set with a heartfelt thank you, not only to his audience, but for his luck. He’s eighteen months sober, just had his third child, and back on stage.
The venue gives him a full standing ovation.
Someone said he is a bit like a Roy 'Chubby' Brown for a younger generation, which is in the right vein.
A very enjoyable show.
Updated 11th May 2024 Permalink
Thursday 09 May 2024.
Thursday 09 May 2024...I went to two events tonight..
6pm to 7pm..
TOUILS - private view - Maddox Gallery, 12 Berkeley Street , Mayfair , London W1.
Around 100 smart art folks at this cool gallery.
Touils: I arrived in France from Morocco aged 11 or 12. It was a hard time for me, and I was searching for ways to escape my reality. This is when I first began painting, and it grew from there. When I paint, I think about my family and my culture, which I miss very much. When I was young, I received so much love, and that was taken away from me very suddenly. Today, I paint what I seek: love, positive energy and light. I want the audience to be transported when they look at my paintings, the same way I am when I am creating them.
Complimentary Nyetimber English sparking wines.
then...
7.15pm to 9pm
THE BEACH BOYS book and photo exhibition launch party at Iconic Images Gallery, 16 Waterloo Place, St James's, London SW1.
The Beach Boys have a book out via Genesis Publishing called ' The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys'....and images from the book are on the walls .
Includes three images of ten limited edition from 1965 and 1966 that are signed by the four main members( Mike Love , Al Jardine, Brian Wilson ,Bruce Johnson) ....£9600 each to buy.
Beach Boys members MIKE LOVE and BRUCE JOHNSON are here , and interviewed by DYLAN JONES.
A nice surprise to see BILL WYMAN here , who at age 87 looks a bit frail with a walking stick.He joined in by talking about when The Stones toured with The Beach Boys etc....
It is free entry , so well worth popping in here.
Complimentary wines and beers for guests.
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Wednesday 09 May 2024
Launch party - 6.45pm to 9.15pm...
WI CURATES at Flannels, 161-167 Oxford Street , London W1.
This venue holds events every month.
Their next artist is residency is none other than Vollut
W1 Curates Presents: ' Safe Distance' by Vollut .
’Safe Distance’ is all about capturing the world’s beauty when travelling.
Around 150 guests for this buzzy event.
The colourful digital images on the three main walls look totally stunning.
It feels more like a nightclub than a gallery space, as the DJ plays loud beats in the darkened room.
As usual, the complimentary drinks were spirits n mixers , so i had a few JD n cokes, along with wines and beers.