Thursday 23 October 2025.
Thursday 23 October 2025.
THE BLOW MONKEYS + THE CHRISTIANS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
A 10 date co-headline tour where they alternate last band on.
The Christians were last on when they played their Liverpool hometown show.
When i worked front stage security at Hammersmith Odeon i saw both bands headline there in the late 1980s.
Both bands had a few hit singles back then.
The Blow Monkeys will be promoting their new album ' Birdsong'.
Original singer Dr Robert is still with The Blow Monkeys.
Original singer Garry Christian is still with The Christians .
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It is stalls seated tonight , but lots of unsold seats in all levels ...Level 3 is closed .
When you think that in the old days they could both sell 4000 tickets each for a show at Hammersmith , and now together they can only muster around 500 ticket sales.
A middle aged crowd as expected who remember them.
Nice to see The Bodysnatchers singer RHODA DAKAR here.
THE CHRISTIANS arrived on stage at 8pm for their 60 mins set.
Hard to believe that Garry Christian is now aged 70,as he looks much younger .
Throughout the set he was in in good spirits, with a sharp wit dealing with audience quips and joking about.
Six of them on stage, with a nice smooth sound.
For me , they were the best of the two bands tonight.
Over 50 folks left the venue after The Christians set.
Set highlights included...
Forgotten Town
Born Again
Ideal World
Words
Greenbank Drive
When The Fingers Point
Hooverville
Harvest for the World (The Isley Brothers cover) ( no 8 UK hit for them in 1988)
THE BLOW MONKEYS arrived on stage at 9.30pm for their 60 mins set.
Four of them on stage , with a sax/keyboard player.
Their sound was a bit more funkier.
A good set, but The Christians were better.
Set highlights included...
It Doesn't Have To Be This Way
Out With Her
Digging Your Scene
Wait
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Wednesday 22 October 2025.
IGORRR live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Gautier Serre is better known by his stage name Igorrr, is a French musician. Under the Igorrr alias, he combines a variety of disparate genres, including black metal, baroque music, breakcore, and trip hop, into a singular sound. The Igorrr project became a full band with the addition of vocalists.
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Level 3 is half empty , but the rest of the venue is rammed full.
Like last night, it is an evening of pure heavy noise.
IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 35 mins set.
New York experimental metal band have released several albums.
The three band members wore costumes and employ a retro-futuristic stage presence.
Gold and black are their primary colors for costumes and stage decor.
They have pre-recorded images up on their screen.
A nice noise, but the gruff vocals were not my cup of tea.
Some of the vocals were synth tinged in places, to create a moody racket.
The crowd liked them
MASTER BOOT RECORD arrived on stage at 8.25pm for their 35 mins set.
MBR is really Italian guitar player Victor Love, and his two band members.
The entire set was really good rockin' guitar based instrumentals.
They also had a screen, with computer images.
Late in the set ,Victor would call his music ' Computer Metal'.
A really good set .
IGORRR arrived on stage at 9.30pm for their 75 mins set.
The drums and keyboards / percussion are on raised platforms .
Lots of lights .
Igorrr's vocals are a bit gruff , but they also have nice female vocals
singing full on opera, so it was quite a contrast.
The mainly male crowd are headbanging away .
Lots of crowd moshing and around 20 crowd surfers, and Igorrr
himself crowd surfed into the crowd on the final encore song.
A good evening of extreme metal.
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Tuesday 21 October 2025.
COHEED AND CAMBRIA live at Brixton Academy.
Coheed and Cambria is an American rock band from Nyack, New York, formed in 1995. The group's music incorporates aspects of progressive rock, pop, heavy metal, and post-hardcore.
They have released several studio albums.
I don't know much about them apart from the fact i have seen their names on Download Festivals and Reading/Leeds Festivals line-ups in the past.
They headlined Brixton Academy in 2022 , but I have never seen them before.
This is their second last show on their current UK & European Tour.
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Plenty of space upstairs and downstairs so maybe 3000 max out of 5000 tix sold .
UNPEOPLE arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 30 mins set.
London four piece played a good set of tracks , full of crushing heavy riffs.
AND SO I WATCH YOU FROM AFAR arrived on stage at 8.20pm for their 30 mins set .
Four piece with two guitars from Northern Ireland played a full set of rockin' all instrumental tunes.
COHEED AND CAMBRIA arrived on stage at 9.15pm for their 95 mins set.
They have a great stage production, as loads of lights , a giant screen showing nice pre-recorded images ,
and a giant inflatable with goggles, that was up for all the main set.
Like the support acts , all their equipment is pushed to the front half of the huge stage .
The band are top notch musicians as they have a full on rock sound.
Certainly a bit prog rock with hints of Rush and Biffy Clyro.
The encores include a great cover of The Killers hit anthem ' Mr Brightside'.
A really good show, much better than expected.
Updated 20th October 2025 Permalink
Sunday 19 October 2025.
Sunday 19 October 2025.
SAM MORRIL live at Shepherds Bush Empire
New York City based stand up comedian Sam Morril heads out on his ‘Sammy is Leaving America (and coming back) Tour’.
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Level 3 is closed, but may 700 or 800 folks are here.
Both supports did 15 mins each, and both had some funny bits.
TADIWA MAHLUNGE arrived on stage at 8pm for his 15 mins set.
Billed as “one of the country's top new comedy acts” by The York Press, Tadiwa Mahlunge has performed at, among others, the Latitude, Greenman, and Greenwich Comedy Festivals, and regularly performs at Top Secret Comedy Club, The Frog and Bucket, The Comedy Store, Glee, Monkey Barrel and Just the Tonic.
MICHAEL ODEWALE arrived on stage at 8.15pm for his 15 mins set.
Odewale began performing in 2014 while at university.
In 2016 he was nominated for the BBC New Comedy Award and was a finalist for the Chortle Student Comedy Award.He was named on the BBC New Talent Hotlist 2017.
Odewale's 2019 show, #BlackBearsMatter, was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Festival and won Best New Show at the Leicester Comedy Festival.
SAM MORRIL on at 8.30pm for his 60 mins set.
Sam has been doing stand up comedy for 20 years.
Clearly, Morril is a busy man. Specials, his own whiskey, podcasting, touring, writing, the list goes on. This level of work can come along with being popular .
With each joke, he uniquely spins the premise into a darkly humorous commentary with a deadpan, effortless that brings to mind Steven Wright.
They are some naughty X rated jokes , but i presume most of the crowd know this.
Around 15 mins from the end , he read out a couple of bad one star reviews he had, and then invited the crowd to shout out requests and themes
Plenty of funny jokes and routines in the enjoyable comedy show.
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Saturday 18 October 2025
NATIONAL ALBUM DAY
Sex Pistols - 'Never Mind The Bollocks'
This limited edition 1LP pressing is exclusive to National Album Day in the UK and Colour Vinyl Campaign internationally.
Looks like it will be clear vinyl.
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Saturday 18 October 2025.
GLENN HUGHES live at Shepherds Bush Empire
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee is playing a UK tour....The Chosen Years.
Glenn will be playing a full two hour show , from his 50 plus year career of being in various bands.
I first saw him in 1974, when he was in Deep Purple.
1973: Hughes joined Deep Purple, replacing bassist Roger Glover.
1974: The band released the album Burn, which featured Hughes on bass and vocals. They also released Stormbringer this year.
1975: Hughes played on the album Come Taste the Band.
1976: Hughes left the band.
Support comes from blonde female rock and metal guitarist SOPHIE LLOYD , who has a great four minute guitar instrumental on YouTube , from when she performed at the 2025 Women's Rugby Cup Final.
Sophie's set will feature tracks from her debut album ' Imposter Syndrome', alongside some well known classic rock cover versions.
Her debut live show was only a year ago.
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No surprise it is 90% older males tonight
Level 3 is closed as unsold , and Level 2 is half empty.
SOPHIE LLOYD and band on at 7.45pm for their 45 mins set.
Most of the crowd have got here early to see her.
Sophie is very striking , as she has model girl long blonde looks.
Sone very nifty guitar shredding from her.
The three classic rock covers were all played as instrumentals.
A female singer with a powerful voice joined her for a few songs.
A very enjoyable set from her.
Full SOPHIE LLOYD setlist played tonight...
Top Gun Anthem ( Harold Faltermeyer cover)
Battleground
You Give Love a Bad Name ( Bon Jovi cover) (Instrumental version)
Hanging On ( with Marisa Rodriguez)
Won't You Come (with Marisa Rodriguez)
Runaway (with Marisa Rodriguez)
Thunderstruck ( AC/DC cover) (Instrumental version)
Delusions
Imposter Syndrome ( with Marisa Rodriguez)
Let it Hurt
Guitar Solo (Sophie Lloyd)
Enter Sandman (Metallica cover) (Instrumental version)
Do or Die ( with Marisa Rodriguez)
GLENN HUGHES and band on at 8.45pm for one hour 55 mins.
Glenn is now aged 74, but still looking like a proper rock star.
Three of them on stage, and certainly a power trio , as his drummer and guitarist were superb.
His high pitched voice is there on several tracks.
More Trapeze songs played tonight, than Deep Purple tracks.
A very nice heavy rock sound mixed with elements of funk and soul.
Glenn remains an engaging frontman, and shared entertaining anecdotes from throughout his career with a tip of the hat some of his former bandmates and collaborators.
He talked fondly of playing in his nans front room , and his early 1970s days with Trapeze .
He repeatedly thanked the crowd for their 50 years of supporting him
A great show
Full GLENN HUGHES setlist played tonight...
Soul Mover
Muscle and Blood (Hughes/Thrall song)
Voice in my Head
One Last Soul (Black Country Communion song)
Can't Stop the Flood
First Step of Love ( Hughes/Thrall song)
Into the Fade
Way Back to the Bone ( Trapeze song)
Medusa (Trapeze song)
Grace / Dopamine (Iommi cover)
Chosen
You Are the Music ( Trapeze song)
Stay Free ( Black Country Communion song)
Encore:
Coast to Coast ( Trapeze song) (Acoustic version performed solo by Glenn on guitar)
Black Country ( Black Country Communion song)
Burn
(Deep Purple song) (with Sophie Lloyd) (Sophie Lloyd featured as dual lead guitarist)
See my Facebook page for a nice video of this final encore .
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Friday 17 October 2025.
EMF + JESUS JONES live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
I have seen both these 1990s bands just the once each before.
EMF had that mega hit track ' Unbelievable'.
Jesus Jones had that great track ' Right Here, Right Now '.
Sporting 16 Top 40 hits between them, Jesus Jones & EMF added glorious colour to the charts during a vintage era for indie and alternative-dance music.
First band on are BIS, who also were around in the 1990s.
I have seen them the once before too.
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Levels 2 and 3 are closed, but stalls and Level 1 look pretty full.
Random sighting of actor BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH dancing along to EMF.
Nice to see manager / tour manager / merch manager LIAM here.
Thinking of all the miles he has done with various bands over the past 30 years.
BIS arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 30 mins set.
The trio from Glasgow played a good set of indie pop.
The drum beats were provided by backing tapes
JESUS JONES arrived on stage at 8.20pm for their 60 mins set.
Their indie dance old favourites are all there:' International Bright Young Thing', ' Real, Real, Real ' and ' Right Here, Right Now ' all went down well here tonight .
EMF arrived on stage at 9.45pm for their 65 mins set.
Things certainly get a bit livelier when EMF come on stage.
Their infectious 1990s indie dance rave tunes go down a treat.
Energetic singer James Atkin bounds all over the place, seemingly only stopping to conduct the crowd with big gestures.
Midway through the set , we get a superb version of ' Unbelievable ' that had all of the Level 1 seats up dancing.
EMF doing a great job of keeping 1990s dance rave alive and kicking.
A very enjoyable show.
Full EMF setlist played tonight...
The Day the Music Died
I Believe
Lies
Hands in the Air
Reach For the Lasers (Medley W/ Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now), Pump Up The Jam, Breathe, Blue Monday)
Children
Long Summer Days
Unbelievable ( with Utah Saints djs)
I'm a Believer (Neil Diamond cover)
LGBTQ+
Inside
EMF ( with local town crier intro from Jer Holland)
Updated 18th October 2025 Permalink
Friday 17 October 2025.
Friday 17 October 2025.
Very sad news that KISS guitar legend ACE FREHLEY has died aged 74.
KISS seem to be a marmite band , but they were my fave American band.
Ace and his rocket firing smoking guitar was always great to watch.
Lucky to have seen KISS and Ace solo many times in concert.
1976 - KISS two shows at Hammersmith Odeon on their debut UK tour.
1979 - KISS in Chicago , USA ..Judas Priest were the support.
1980 - all four KISS shows on their UK tour.
Ace Frehley first left KISS in 1982 and rejoined for a reunion tour in 1996. He left for the second time in 2002, after which he was replaced by Tommy Thayer.
1996 - KISS all four UK shows including Donington .
1996 - was a great year for me , as both KISS and THE SEX PISTOLS reformed with original members to tour.
1997 - KISS two shows - Ghent, Belgium and Finsbury Park.
1999 - KISS two shows - Paris, France and Wembley Arena.
I also saw three shows by Ace Frehley's Comet.
1988 - Hammersmith Odeon.
2008 - Astoria.
2009 - Shepherds Bush Empire.
R.I.P. Ace
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Thursday 16 October 2025....6.30pm to 9.15pm...
VERTU AGENT Q phone launch party at Harrods , Knightsbridge , London SW1.
Around 150 guests in the stunning 4th floor Georgian Restaurant & Bar of this famous store.
At 7pm the VERTU CEO says a few words and we get a video presentation of the new phone.
The Vertu Agent Q is a new luxury smartphone featuring AI-powered concierge services, a Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, and a 32 MP camera. Launched in October 2025, it's housed in materials like crocodile leather and gold, includes a dedicated hardware encryption chip, and comes with 10TB of cloud storage. It can be purchased from Harrods ( well over £1000 ) and via their website store .
A female dj played some tunes after the presentation.
Complimentary Moet champers, Passion Fruit Gin Martinis , canapes and desserts.
I was one of the lucky 20% of guests that got a very nice goodie bag.
VERTU PHANTOM EARBUDS that retail for £460.
www.vertu.com - Visit their website here.
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Wednesday 15 October 2025....I went to four events tonight...
5.30pm to 6.30pm.
The unveiling of The Mediterranean Vases at Asprey at The Peninsula Hotel ,
1 Grosvenor Place , London SW1.
The opening party of this luxury five hotel last year was pretty spectacular .
Around 70 or 80 guests here in this store, including JACKIE ST CLAIR.
At 6pm Master Glassmaker Jonathan Harris unveils the vases which take him 70 hours each to make.
Complimentary Laurent Perrier champers and canapes.
then
6.45pm to 7.30pm.
HOWE GALLERY - showcase - 16 Bloomfield Terrace, London SW1.
From the front it is a house in a quiet residential street , then you step inside and it is a fully converted open space , including up in the loft.
Howe Gallery is part of Howe London, a fine furniture and antique dealer. It is a showroom for the company's handcrafted, bespoke, and antique furniture, as well as hosting various exhibitions and events.
Around 70 or 80 guests here including STEPHEN K AMOS and DR RANJ SINGH.
Complimentary Bernard Gaucher champers and wines .
then
7.45pm to 8pm .
JD MALAT GALLERY - Frieze Party - 30 Davies Street , Mayfair , London W1.
Around 100 guests here , included LADY VICTORIA HERVEY.
Complimentary wines .
then
8.15pm to 11.15pm .
JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE Evening Celebration With Designer & Collaborator RAHUL MISHRA
at The Dorchester Hotel , Mayfair, London W1.
Over 200 guests here in two of the rooms at this well known five star hotel.
Around 75% were Indian guests celebrating Diwali , with many nicely dressed up .
Guest of honour PRIYANKA CHOPRA turns up at 10pm with full security.
Priyanka Chopra ( now aged 43 ) is an Indian actress and producer. The winner of the Miss World 2000 pageant, she is India's highest-paid actress .
Other guests here included SUZY MENKES and STEPHEN JONES .
Top showbiz photographer DAVE BENETT was here taking the photos.
There were djs playing hourly stints, mixing Bhangra and dance anthems.
There was a three girl dance routine ,then there was a 15 mins Indian drums live display.
I had a nice chat with up and coming female singer AANYA MARTIN who recently played The Jazz Cafe.
A really good lively party.
Complimentary Searcy's champers , three different Johnnie Walker Blue cocktails , different bowl foods ,
canapes and desserts .
Updated 16th October 2025 Permalink
Tuesday 14 October 2025.
Tuesday 14 October 2025.
I went to two great events at the former American Embassy in Grosvenor Square , Mayfair, London W1.
7.30pm to 10pm
BRITISH VOGUE - FRIEZE ART WEEK /LONDON FILM FESTIVAL - party at CARBONE
Around 200 guests are here, including EMILY ATACK, DANIEL LISMORE,
SIR OZWALD BOETENG, RYAN SEACREST, HELEN FIELDING , ELIZABETH McGOVERN and others .
The renowned New York restaurant Carbone has opened its first European outpost in London. Located at 30 Grosvenor Square, within the former American Embassy and now part of the Chancery Rosewood Hotel, it officially opened on September 17, 2025. The Mayfair location offers the brand's signature glamour and is known for classic Italian-American dishes with tableside theatrics.
Signature dishes: Expect to find classics like spicy rigatoni vodka, veal parmesan, and lobster fra diavolo.
Atmosphere: The restaurant is designed to be glamorous and theatrical, with tuxedo-clad captains, plush seating, and classic mid-century Italian-American aesthetics.
We had complimentary prosecco , four different cocktails, wines , beers , pasta dishes , canapes and desserts
then
10pm to 1am
CHANCERY ROSEWOOD - Grand Opening Party -
Around 300 guests are here .
Guests included PRINCESS BEATRICE, RICHARD E GRANT, JACKIE ST CLAIR , HANS ULRICH OBRIST, LADY VICTORIA HERVEY, STEPHEN MERCHANT, DAVID REMFY, TAMARA BECKWITH, JAY RUTLAND, ROSE McGOWAN , DAVID LINLEY, SIR OZWALD BOETENG ( he also did both events) and others .
Originally built in 1960 by Eero Saarinen to house the US Embassy, The Chancery—and the gilded eagle sculpture that presides over its Portland stone façade—is one of London’s most notable architectural masterpieces. In a new chapter with Rosewood, this Modernist icon and Grade II-listed building now opens its doors to reveal a warmly inviting interior—alive with creativity, exceptional exchanges and unique collaborations.
It costs over £1000 per night to stay at this luxury five star hotel.
It was certainly a bit more livelier than Carbone earlier as MARK RONSON was the main DJ until midnight.
Complimentary drinks and food included Pol Roger champers , several different cocktails ,
wines , beers , bowl food, canapes and desserts.
Guests got a goodie bag with a four inch square fragment of the buildings own Portland limestone and a copy of the recently released Mark Ronson biography.
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Monday 13 October 2025.... 6.45pm to 10.15pm.....
11th TRAVEL MEDIA AWARDS at The Pan Pacific Hotel,83 Houndsditch, Liverpool Street , London EC3.
Around 300 guests in the basement ballroom of this luxury five star hotel.
We found a nice sofa to sit down for the entire event.
The Travel Media Awards launched in 2015, and is widely recognised as the premier awards event in travel media, and the only UK national awards exclusively recognising editorial excellence and achievement across all forms of media.
From 7.25pm for an hour the 24 awards were given out.
Great to see travel journalist and presenter SIMON CALDER ( now aged 69) pick up the Special Contribution Award.
He gave an amusing speech.
He works for various news and travel publications as well as being travel correspondent for The Independent since 1994.
Simon started out at Gatwick Airport cleaning British Airways planes in the 1970s.
Simon could get swamped with travel freebies but is known as ' the man who
pays his way',as he doesn't accept any free travel or accomodation from the travel trade.
Complimentary Taittinger Champers , wines, beers, different bowl foods, canapes and desserts.
See their website for the list of winners.
Updated 13th October 2025 Permalink
Sunday 12 October 2025.
Sunday 12 October 2025.
RADHIKA DAS and JAHNAVI HARRISON live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
London-based Kirtan star Radhika Das and San Francisco-based mantra extraordinaire Jahnavi Harrison will join forces to co headline an unforgettable evening full of mantras, chanting and a few other surprises.
Is Jahnavi Harrison related to George Harrison?
No, Jahnavi Harrison is not related to George Harrison by blood. However, their lives are connected because she grew up at Bhaktivedanta Manor, a property George Harrison donated to the Hare Krishna movement in 1973. Jahnavi has described feeling a debt of gratitude to him for the environment where she was raised, which was filled with devotional art, music, and spiritual practices.
This should be an interesting event.
In 1968, musician Donovan traveled to Rishikesh, India, with The Beatles to study Transcendental Meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. While there, Donovan taught the group a finger-picking guitar style that inspired many songs on the White Album (or The Beatles album), such as Paul McCartney's \"Blackbird\". The visit was a highly productive songwriting period for The Beatles at the now-famous Beatles Ashram.
By coincidence Donovan was playing a show in Richmond , Surrey today.
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The venue was totally rammed sold out.
Not one of those free religious shows, as most have paid £40.
The start was delayed due to the big queues.
I would say over half the crowd were Indian females.
Hardly anyone drinking alcohol so bar staff had a quiet night
The show started at 8.20pm and was on for two hours 20 mins.
The main two artists - male and female - are sat on the floor .
They each play solo then they also are both together .
They are backed by over a dozen musicians and female singers.
There is a big screen showing animals etc.
Multi cameras were filming the entire show
Hare Krishna was mentioned a few times.
It was very quiet and respectful during the spiritual talks.
It got very lively for some bits as folks stood up and clapped and sang loudly along .
Hands in the air giving praise, or clasped together in prayer.
Mantra chants
The crowd loved it all....an interesting different evening for me.
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Saturday 11 October 2025.
NENA live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
German pop icon NENA is best known for her massive worldwide hit ' 99 Red Balloons' from the mid 1980s.
In 1984 , it spent three weeks at number one in the UK charts
Audiences can look forward to a live show lasting two hours, featuring hits and gems from NENA's vast repertoire spanning over four decades, all brought to life by her nine-piece band.
Her current album, ‘Licht’, is an energetic pop album full of brilliance and the soundtrack for new beginnings. With every note and in every line, ‘Licht’ offers hope, lightness, and depth of heart. Whether it’s folk-inspired acoustic guitar or electronically dancing synthesizer beats,
Nena returns to the UK for the first time in 15 years for two shows at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on October 11th and O2 Ritz Manchester on October 12th as part of her UK and European Tour.
Nena has sold over 25 million records I get career.
Support comes from QUEEN KWONG.
Queen Kwong is an American indie rock band founded in Los Angeles, California. The band was founded by multi-instrumentalist Carré Kwong Callaway, the band's sole singer and songwriter who was discovered at age 17 by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails.
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Level 3 is closed tonight, but all the other levels look full.
Half the crowd appear to be German .
ISSA BLOCH on stage at 7.15pm for their 30 mins set.
A female singer , with male on the DJ turntable backing tracks.
German Europop dance sounds , that went down well with the crowd.
QUEEN KWONG on stage at 8.15pm for their 30 mins set.
Two females on stage , playing guitar and bass.
Certainly a bit more edgy and moody than the first support , but the crowd didn't take to them at all.
NENA and band on stage at 9pm and play for a full two hours.
Nena is backed by nine musicians , including three backing vocals - 2 x F and 1 x M.
A nice stage production as the two keyboards and drums are on five foot risers, and there is a platform in front of them that Nena sings from on a few songs, and shows images and lights at the front.
Nena is aged 65 now , but still in rock chick mode with black leather bomber jacket and tight black jeans.
Nena is full of energy as she dances around the stage .
After 30 mins she sang a song in the stalls standing area as she walked through her adoring fans .
There is a bit of stage banter in English and German , but nearly all the show was in German .
' 99 Red Balloons ' is such a perfect pop record, even when it's sung in German.
Last two songs of the main set were...
Leuchtturm / ( and 60 seconds snippet of Blitzkrieg Bop)
99 Luftballons / ( and 60 seconds snippet of Hey Jude)
Nice simple catchy pop rock , that was enjoyable to watch.
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Friday 10 October 2025.
BLOOD INCANTATION live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Blood Incantation is an American progressive death metal band from Denver, Colorado, formed in 2011.
The band will be touring the UK & Europe to promote their fourth studio album' Absolute Elsewhere'.
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It is a near sell out crowd tonight.
Maybe a 90% male crowd who are buying up all the various t-shirts merch..
Lots wearing those 80s style jean jackets, with band patches on them.
SIJJIN arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 30 mins.
Sijjin means a place at the bottom of hell in Islam.
A trio playing a brutal blend of old-school death and thrash metal.
The very gruff vocals were not my cup of tea .
ORANSSI PAZUZU arrived on stage at 8.15pm for their 45 mins set.
Oranssi Pazuzu is a Finnish psychedelic black metal band formed in 2007.
Full tilt psych metal noise merchants , with a manic guitar player .
Again the very gruff vocals were not my cup of tea.
Lots of lights and strobes for all three bands tonight.
BLOOD INCANTATION arrived on stage at 9.30pm for their 75 mins set.
The band first play the new album in full , then a few older tracks.
Pulverising fast guitar heavy riffs and headbanging from all the band members .
The technical precision of the band members are top notch.
Again the vocals were a bit too gruff for me, but that's death metals style.
The short set seemed to baffle many of their fans, who wanted more.
An enjoyable aural assault from all three bands, but the gruff vocals from all three
bands , meant i dont think i made out any of the words all night.
Full BLOOD INCANTATION setlist played tonight...
The Stargate [Tablet I]
The Stargate [Tablet II]
The Stargate [Tablet III]
The Message [Tablet I]
The Message [Tablet II]
The Message [Tablet III]
The Giza Power Plant
The Vth Tablet (Of Enûma Eliš)
Meticulous Soul Devourment
Obliquity of the Ecliptic
Updated 11th October 2025 Permalink
Thursday 09 October 2025.
Thursday 09 October 2025.
LEDISI live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Ledisi ( now aged 53), is an Grammy Award winning American singer-songwriter, music producer, author, and actress.
Ledisi will be promoting her 13th studio album , which is a tribute to Dinah Washington.
As part of a 20 date UK & European Tour.
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Not sold out tonight, but maybe 1200 are here.
A great mix of cool black and white folks who look like they frequent The Jazz Cafe.
A DJ is playing tunes when the artists not on stage
AMAHLA arrived on stage at 8pm for her 25 mins set.
She was backed by a guitarist.
The Ivor Novello-nominated artist stands apart for her incredible voice and poignant sociopolitical songwriting. Her talents have earned her a mentor in Nile Rodgers of CHIC, extensive critical acclaim and a devoted following. Amahla’s voice moves through R&B, jazz, pop, folk and soul music effortlessly
Her set included a nice cover of 'Ain't No Sunshine'.
LEDICI arrived on stage at 9.05 pm for her 80 mins set.
Ledici was backed by a four piece band and female backing vocals .
She looks much younger than her 53 years.
Ledisi is similar to Macy Gray in that she is a neo-soul artist, but Ledisi is known for her lush, articulate vocals and more traditional, polished sound, whereas Macy Gray is famous for her unique raspy voice and a more quirky, old-school soul/funk-influenced style. Both are talented female vocalists in the R&B/soul/ gospel arena.
The crowd are gently nodding and swaying along.
Highlights included ' Love Never Changes', ' Pieces of Me', 'Anything For You' and ' I Blame You'.
An enjoyable show.
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Wednesday 08 October 2025.
WANKERNOMICS live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Australia’s favourite workplace duo return with their brand new show ‘Just Touching Base’. Since launching in 2023, they have become something of a phenomenon with their unique blend of observational comedy and dark satire.
So find some extra bandwidth, synergise your stakeholders and pop some time in the diary for their most outcomes-focused, value-added, best-practice, deep-dive yet into the realities of the working world.
They return to London in April 2026 for two shows at The Palladium.
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It is stalls seated tonight, maybe 1000 out of 1200 tickets sold.
Lots of suited folks, who look like they have come straight from the office.
The show is on for 90 mins over two sets of 55 mins and 35 mins.
The stage is set up like an office , with a big screen .
Anyone who has worked in an office would recognise everything here.
The duo had success at the Edinburgh fringe this summer. Australian comedy duo James Schloeffel and Charles Firth have gone the extra mile by giving their show its own logo, a middle finger that raises flamelike on a screen in their workplace presentation. The pair play consultants, here to navigate us through – and often just swear incessantly about – the hellscape of office politics, meaningless business jargon and interminable meetings.
Skits and familiar phrases about everything office related ....
Boring Team Meetings
Moving Forward
Signing Leaving Cards
Core Values
We Need To Touch Base
Acronyms
Key Deliverables
Department Re-Org
PowerPoint Presentations
Zoom Meetings
Stakeholders
Office Politics
Value Added Solutions
Document Management
Excitable OTT Linkedin Posts
Your Call Is Important To Us
Putting Customers First
Staff Feedback
Mission Statement
An enjoyable show.
The show was all over by 9.30pm ,so the duo could sell books and sign them in the foyer after the show.
Updated 8th October 2025 Permalink
Tuesday 07 October 2025.
Tuesday 07 October 2025...3pm to 6pm...
ALDI - Press Day - London W1.
Around 100 press folks and influencers are here.
One i spoke to had come down from Manchester for the day.
Aldi fitters and staff have spent the entire previous day on Monday dressing this venue.
It looks amazing ...Toys and Homeware sections.
The bar here is full of Aldi spirits and wines and beers etc.
My fave was a Roasted Pineapple Gin.
We have a smaller bar , with their award winning champers that retails for a mere £14.95...total bargain .
Aldi's Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut was named World's Best Champagne at the World Champagne Awards 2025, also winning a gold medal at The Drinks Business Global Champagne Masters 2025 and being listed as the best budget bottle in The Independent's 2025 champagne taste tests. This award-winning, affordable champagne is made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
The Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut is noted for its complex and rich flavour profile.
Aromas: Ripe apple, soft red fruit, and delicate floral notes.
Flavours: Apple strudel, toasted nuts.
Characteristics: A classic blend with enhanced complexity and length from cellar aging.
This win highlights Aldi's ability to offer high-quality, award-winning champagnes at accessible price points.
Another smaller bar had their canned cocktails
All are 10% to 14% and taste great.
We had Espresso Martinis ( only £1.99 in store ) and Cosmopolitans.
A few food stations for tasters.....
Christmas food selection , including pigs in blankets.
A fave for me was the Ballycastle Buttercream Mince Pies.
A full veggie selection.
A full cheese selection.
A full desserts, cakes , pastries , ice-cream etc selection.
The Pistachio Tiramisu was a fave for me.
All guests got a lovely goodie bag with several items in , including a 75cl bottle of Monsigny champers and
a 70cl bottle of Ballycastle Country cream .
Have ever noticed how other supermarkets keep a few product prices down with ' Aldi price match stickers ' but Aldi never have to say that to any other supermarket .
ALDI - quality products at great prices.
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Monday 06 October 2025.
NICOLE SCHERZINGER live at The Royal Albert Hall.
Nicole Scherzinger is returning to the UK for a very special one-off performance in October. Her first major solo show in the UK in 13 years and first full show at the Hall, this highly anticipated An Evening With Nicole Scherzinger will bring together beloved hits from both the worlds of the West End and pop music alongside a live band.
I have seen her perform short solo sets at a couple of private events.
I saw her in 2009 with her ex act PUSSYCAT DOLLS when a certain LADY GAGA was the support act.
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Tonight was totally rammed sold out , including choir seats behind the stage and the upstairs gallery standing.
Lots of gay men here as expected, who can afford the tickets.
Tickets in the floor arena and stalls were a whopping £150 and £125 ,
plus booking fees.
Guests spotted here included ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER ,BEVERLEY KNIGHT and ALEXANDRA BURKE.
NICOLE was advertised as coming on stage at 7.30pm , so everyone was in their seats early then they announced at 7.40pm saying the show was delayed and NICOLE eventually came stage on at 8.20pm for her 95 mins over two sets of 35 mins and 60 mins.
She was backed by 17 musicians, who sounded really good.
5 x band
2 x female backing vocals
6 x strings
4 x brass
NICOLE had three dazzling costumes tonight, with the encore having her in a raunchy body suit.
Nicole has a fantastic , powerful voice as she sung mainly cover versions.
Plenty of chat between tracks , to rest her voice.
The first set was more like in a Shirley Bassey vibe, then the second set had a couple of tracks from her stint in Sunset Boulevard , a stunning version of ' Purple Rain' and the encore had a couple of Pussycat Dolls hits, including ' Don't Cha'.
A really good good show, from a classy performer .
Full NICOLE setlist played tonight....
SET 1
Don't Rain on My Parade ( Jule Styne cover)
I Put a Spell on You ( Screamin’ Jay Hawkins cover)
Diamonds Are Forever (Shirley Bassey cover)
You Raise Me Up (Secret Garden cover)
Reflection (Christina Aguilera cover)
Losing My Mind (Stephen Sondheim cover)
Maybe This Time ( Liza Minnelli cover) ( showed off her Olivier and Tony Awards )
SET 2
I Am What I Am (Gloria Gaynor cover)
Bullshit (Original song sang for the first time.)
Stickwitu ( The Pussycat Dolls song)
With One Look (Patti LuPone cover)
As If We Never Said Goodbye (!Patti LuPone cover)
Purple Rain (Prince cover)( extended version with crowd sing-a-long )
ENCORE
Show Off (Sutton Foster cover)
Buttons (The Pussycat Dolls song)
When I Grow Up (The Pussycat Dolls song)
Don't Cha (Tori Alamaze cover) ( see video on Facebook)
Don't Hold Your Breath
Updated 6th October 2025 Permalink
Sunday 03 October 2025.
Sunday 05 October 2025.
The new series of Later with Jools Holland starts on BBC 2 tonight.
Headline act is ROBERT PLANTS SAVING GRACE.
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Saturday 04 October 2025.
70th Birthday Party in High Barnet ,North London.
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Friday 03 October 2025.
8- BIT BIG BAND live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Grammy Award-winning contemporary symphonic Jazz orchestra, The 8-Bit Big Band formed to celebrate and reimagine video game music’s most beloved hits, rearranged in exciting and creative new ways in order push the envelope of how we experience the music from these legendary soundtracks as a standalone body of musical work.
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It is stalls seated tonight , so maybe 1000 folks are here .
Many here do look like nerdy video games players.
8 BIT BIG BAND arrived on stage at 8pm for their 1 hour 45 mins set.
There are around 25 musicians on stage, including 13 brass and 8 strings and woodwind , along with a band, conductor and a male and female singer who both perform a couple of tracks each.
Most of the tracks played are instrumentals.
Originally gaining popularity through their YouTube channel they perform a with a lush collection of horn, woodwind, and string sections; your standard-fare drum set, guitar, upright and electric bass; as well as more unusual instruments, such as the Japanese wood flute, the shakuhachi. This sheer volume of participants, as well as their incredible musicianship and technical ability, have the effect of expanding nostalgic little digital experiments into sweeping symphonic arrangements, a sound somehow familiar and uncanny, and an absolute joy to hear.
The group is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and band leader Charlie Rosen, who conducts, arranges, and performs the band’s interpretations of classic and new video game songs. Rosen, who plays more than 70 instruments himself, has orchestrated and performed on many on- and off-Broadway productions and television shows.
The conductor chatted a lot between songs and said some tracks were in Super Mario Brothers 1 and Mario Kart 64.
The brass and strings created a lovely big orchestral sound.
The crowd gave this enjoyable show a full standing ovation.
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Thursday 02 October 2025.
MAN WITH A MISSION live at Shepherds Bush Empire
Man with a Mission is a Japanese rock band which was formed in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, in 2010.The band currently consists of five band members, with stage names of Tokyo Tanaka (vocals, leader), Jean-Ken Johnny (guitar, vocals, rapping), Kamikaze Boy (bass guitar, backing vocals), DJ Santa Monica (DJ, sampling) and Spear Rib (drums)..Their distinguishing feature is that all of the members wear differently designed wolf masks during both their concerts and their music videos. Many of their singles have been used as theme songs for a variety of anime, live-action movies, and video games.
Shepherds Bush Empire is the opening show on their UK & European Tour.
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Levels 2 and 3 are closed unsold but still maybe 1000 folks are here.
Maybe 10 % are Japanese fans tonight.
Signs everywhere....WARNING.... No photos No videos
HANDS LIKE HOUSES arrived on stage at 7.40pm for their 35 mins.
They are an Australian rock band who are more popular in USA than the UK....as well as at home of course.
Their fifth studio album, 'Atmospherics' was released on 14 February 2025, marking a return with a double album concept.
They played a really good rockin' set that went down very well.
Singer sung two songs between fans in the stalls standing area, and
danced with the fans there , who loved it.
MAN WITH A MISSION arrived on stage at 8.35pm.
They played for 85 mins over two sets of 35 mins and 50 mins.
They show their comedy skits on the big screen during the 10 mins interval, which the crowd loved
The band keep their wolf heads on all throughout the show.
Sounding like a fusion of Linkin Park, Rage Against the Machine, Skindred and Sum 41, Man with a Mission deal in the sort of rock that gets played on the radio all day long and the audience hang onto every note. Man with a Mission offer up a multitude of huge riffs and choruses , as the crowd waved their arms aloft side to side.
Their turntablist adds electronic bleeps and bloops.
Both bands were really good tonight.
For the final bow, they allowed photos and videos.
Updated 2nd October 2025 Permalink
Wednesday 01 October 2025.
Wednesday 01 October 2025...5pm to 9pm...
GRAVITY MAX - showcase - Southside Shopping Centre , Wandsworth High Street , London SW18.
This truly massive venue used to be a Debenhams store.
It has retro games, 9 hole golf, bowling lanes, e - darts , pinball, shuffle board and many more but the highlight is a stunning indoor e-karting track that runs around the venue over two levels.
We get a quick show round , then we have two 8 mins sessions on the karts which was really good .
We had half a dozen different complimentary cocktails and prosecco, but there was also wines, beers ,Guinness available...no food.
This event was much better than expected.
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Tuesday 30 September 2025 ....6.15pm to 9.15pm...
HARD ROCK CAFE - showcase - Piccadilly Circus , London W1.
I went to the big opening launch party for this venue six years ago in Sept 2019 where KEANE performed.
They are showcasing their various spaces for hire .From a private room holding 50, to the full venue that can hold 650 standing . Always great to see all the music memorabilia on the walls of the entire venue.
Very interesting for me to see the white tuxedo jacket that Sid Vicious wore when he recorded the video in Paris of his hit cover single version of ' My Way'....I presume it is the original?
Around 70 or 80 guests here in their Legends private space .
A DJ was playing tunes in the background, and we have two dancers in robot costumes....also a magician and mind reader .
Complimentary drinks and food included two different cocktails, prosecco, wines, beers and the usual Hard Rock Cafe food of half sized burgers , canapes and brownies .
All guests got a goodie bag on departure.
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Updated 1st October 2025 Permalink
Monday 29 September 2025.
Monday 29 September 2025....7.15 pm to 8.45pm...
LATER WITH JOOLS HOLLAND live recording at Alexandra Palace Theatre, North London.
BIFFY CLYRO ( two tracks)
JACOB COLLIER ( two tracks and interview )
JAMES MORRISON ( one track and interview )
JUSTIN CURRIE ( interview about his book )
JUST MUSTARD ( one track )
KWN ( one track)
A lovely venue , which has stunning views of London. The audience of around 200 are seated in seats upstairs, and it looks exactly the same as Level 1 at Shepherds Bush Empire, as you look down on the floor where the acts are all set up.
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Sunday 28 September 2025.
As expected for the 50th anniversary of punk.
THE SEX PISTOLS featuring FRANK CARTER will be playing more shows in 2026.
The first show confirmed is at The Isle of Wight Festival.
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Sunday 28 September 2025.
W.A.S.P. live at Hammersmith Apollo .
W.A.S.P. are bringing the 2025 Album ONE Alive World Tour to Hammersmith. ...Armored Saint will also join as special guest.
W.A.S.P. will perform their entire debut album from start to finish plus classics from the bands catalogue.
I have seen W.A.S.P five times before, with the first time in 1986 , when they headlined Hammersmith Odeon...have also seen them headline Shepherds Bush Empire and The Astoria.
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There is space in the stalls and circle so I would reckon around 3000 tickets out the 5000 capacity are sold.
Lots of overseas accents heard here as the band are popular in mainland Europe.
Oddly W.A.S P. are not selling any merch tonight , even though many rock fans always buy a t - shirt...some good revenue lost.
ARMORED SAINT arrive on stage at 7.30pm for their 50 mins set.
The five piece Armored Saint were around in the 1980s.
John Bush (aged 62 ) is still on vocals. He came to prominence in the 1980s as the lead singer and lyricist of Armored Saint, a heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. In 1992, he joined thrash metal band Anthrax, with whom he remained until 2005 and briefly rejoined in 2009–2010. Bush has also been active with the reformed Armored Saint intermittently from 1999 to the present.
They played a good set , and John Bush said was over the moon to be playing the famous venue , and called it Hammersmith Odeon.
W.A.S.P. arrived on stage at 8.55pm for their 85 mins set.
We have a very nice stage production as there are loads of lights , a dozen slogans on banners behind them and three big screens showing videos from their heyday .
Blackie Lawless still has that superb chopper bike handlebars type outrageous oversized microphone.
The show was a fantastic throwback to the glam metal hair days of the late 1980s.
Top notch uptempo rock n roll .
Full W.A.S.P. setlist played tonight....
Intro track over the pa - The Doors with sirens and full lights
I Wanna Be Somebody
L.O.V.E. Machine
The Flame
B.A.D.
School Daze
Hellion
Sleeping (In the Fire)
On Your Knees
The Torture Never Stops
Encore:
The Big Welcome
Inside the Electric Circus / I Don't Need No Doctor / Scream Until You Like It
The Real Me (The Who cover )
Forever Free
The Headless Children
Wild Child
Blind in Texas
Updated 28th September 2025 Permalink
Saturday 27 September 2025
Saturday 27 September 2025.
FEEDER live at Brixton Academy.
Feeder celebrate their fourth studio album Comfort In Sound, with a run of very special UK shows performing the album in full for the first (and possibly only) time.
Feeder's 2002 album, Comfort in Sound, was released after the death of drummer Jon Lee, with new drummer Mark Richardson joining the band to record it. The album is a tribute to Lee, containing intimate, cohesive songs about loss and finding peace, and became the band's most successful studio album to date, achieving Platinum status in the UK.
I have seen them play live several times before.
The first two times were...
1999 - supporting Red Hot Chili Peppers at Reading Festival .
2001 - supporting Manic Street Preachers at Reading Festival.
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Tonight's show is 5000 capacity sold out .
EVERYONE SAYS HI arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 40 mins .
Everyone Says Hi –are a new band made up of ex Kaiser Chiefs, Kooks, Dead 60s and Howling Bells
Former Kaisers drummer turned solo artist and songwriter Nick Hodgson has his new Bowie and REM-inspired band .
The five piece played a good set
FEEDER arrived on stage at 9pm for their 1 hour 45 mins.
They have a lovely big screen showing pre-recorded images and a couple of songs show live footage of the gig and the crowd.
Feeder play the album as the main set , and a best of encore .
The opening tracks were the hit singles from the album.
A couple of the album tracks plodded a bit though.
The hits encore was really good.
Grant on vocals says his thank-yous and good-byes to Brixton as the unmistakable opening of ‘Buck Rogers’ kicks in. The place is in uproar, it’s probably the moment most of the crowd have waited for.
This was followed by another belter ' Just a Day'.
Feeder always really good live.
Full FEEDER setlist played tonight...
COMFORT UN SOUND album played in full for main set.
Just the Way I'm Feeling
Come Back Around
Helium
Child in You (Re-started, Grant messed up the lyrics)
Comfort in Sound
Forget About Tomorrow
Summer's Gone (False start, problems with Grant's guitar)
Godzilla
Quick Fade
Find the Colour
Love Pollution
Moonshine
Encore:
High ( Grant solo acoustic)
Feeling a Moment (with Mark Richardson on drums)
Pushing the Senses
(with Mark Richardson on drums)
Feel It Again
Opaque
Buck Rogers
Just a Day
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Friday 26 September 2025.
ESOTERICA live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Immerse yourself in Esoterica’s ethereal metal as they perform alongside the breathtaking Parallax Orchestra and the hauntingly beautiful Choir Noir. Expect powerful music, stunning visuals, and a truly immersive experience in celebration of their highly anticipated new album 'Ether Metal' on their UK tour.
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The sign outside said sold out, but there are maybe only 500 folks here tonight....Level 3 is closed and other levels have plenty of space.
The stalls is all seated.
It is being filmed with multi-cameras so maybe that's the reason, so sold out looks good for the final cut of the video.
IN SEARCH OF SUN arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 40 mins.
In Search Of Sun are an alternative rock band, formed in 2011 in Harrow, North West London.
They played a good rockin' loud set .
ESOTERICA arrived on stage at 8.40pm for their 85 mins.
Combining rock, metal and no small amount of gothic moodiness from Londoners Esoterica .
A lovely visual stage production , as there were over 30 folks on stage for the entire show, when you add band members , string orchestra, the choir , a woman offering sign language and even a few more when the dancers come on....a big screen is showing moody images.
The singer sang on a podium and wandered up to Level 1 seats in the middle of the set .
Lots of lights , along with black balloons and confetti .
It was a really good show.
Updated 27th September 2025 Permalink
Thursday 25 September 2025.
Thursday 25 September 2025....I went to two events tonight...
5pm to 6pm .
SIMMONS - showcase - 35 Eastcheap , Monument , London EC3.
Popular bar brand have 15 locations in London and 1 in Manchester .
Simmons Monument isn't your average city slicker. A stone's throw from Monument station, this decade-defying party bar is easy on the wallet and heavy on the good vibes. Playing host to the city's most talked-about happy hour and unrivalled late-night parties. Boasting two floors of uninhibited fun, a huge neon-drenched club room, and its own DJ booth - Simmons Monument is available for full or semi-private hire!
This large venue has a capacity of 250 over two floors
They have a bargain Happy Hour 4pm to 9pm most days where bottles
of beer and a glass of wines are only £3.
We are in their private space downstairs, maybe 50 or 60 guests.
A focus on Christmas bookings so the food is Christmas related and I have a couple of complementary cocktails and prosecco.
We only stay an hour as we had to move to the main event.
then
7pm to 11pm .
THE IVY - launch party - 31-37 Northcote Road, Battersea , London SW11.
The Ivy Collection have over 40 locations across the UK.
The Ivy Northcote Road offers a stylish new dining destination in Battersea. Experience modern British cuisine alongside beloved Ivy classics in a welcoming and elegant setting.
The staff are all wearing their classic uniforms, and do a great job of looking after all the guests.
A DJ was playing tunes , and there was a live sax playing covers.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food , including The Ivy's own champers , three different cocktails ( Margaritas, Old Fashioned and Espresso Martinis) , wines, beers , and lots of lovely food including king prawn tempura , canapes and desserts .
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Wednesday 24 September 2025...I went to two events tonight...
6.15pm to 8pm .
LAUNCH PARTY - 1 Poultry , Bank, London EC2.
This historic building is opposite The Ned.
Hyper Studios are opening three contemporary galleries on different sides of the building.
Over 200 guests are moving between them.
Complimentary wines , beers and early arrivals had canapes.
then
8.45pm to 11.30pm .
PUNK ROYALE - launch night - 6 Sackville Street ,Mayfair, London W1.
A very interesting name for a new restaurant in Mayfair.
It has the word ' PUNK ' in it , so has been on my radar for ages.
Punk Royale's journey began with a bold vision: to disrupt the traditional fine dining landscape with an experience that blends gastronomic excellence with a touch of punk ethos.
Punk Royale: The Rebellious Spirit of Sweden's Fine Dining.
The outside is all black and you cannot see inside.
Just nine tables on the ground floor.
Two sessions every evening at 5.45pm and 8.45pm.
Everybody gets the same food and drinks at the same time.
All phones are to be put in locked boxes so diners can focus on the food and the theatrics of the staff who are non stop .
Glow in the dark prints of Vivienne Westwood and David Bowie on the walls , along with great loud sounds , and halfway through we had a light show and dry ice.
Punk Royale in London serves a "Menu Royale" which includes a minimum of 20 small / canape sized courses with the finest ingredients as part of its "Total Over Delivery" experience, though the elaborate tasting menu is served in an opulent but outrageous setting, for a unique "performance, part dinner party" experience.
The menu features ultra-luxe ingredients presented unconventional ways, such as lobster spoon-fed to diners , creamy chicken liver and caviar bumps.
Drinks were champers, Negronis , vodka shots and various wines.
It was a fantastic and totally different fun dining experience.
We are in Mayfair , so it ain't cheap....think £220 each.
www.punkroyale.com - Visit their website here for more info and to book.
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Updated 25th September 2025 Permalink
Tuesday 23 September 2025.
Tuesday 23 September 2025...5.30pm to 8.30pm...
THE SHUFFLE CLUB - showcase - 19 Bethnal Green Road,
Shoreditch , London E1
Another one of the many venue showcase events in September as venues want to get pre Christmas bookings.
This large venue used to be Beach Blanket Babylon.
Right in the heart of Shoreditch, their gorgeous venue spans three vibrant floors packed with both Deck and Table Shuffleboard. Double the games, double the fun.
Head up to their gorgeous rooftop bar – The Veranda – the perfect spot for relaxed catch ups and city views whatever the season.
Level up your social with craft cocktails, delicious sourdough pizza, small bites, plus our fan-favourite bottomless brunch – everything you need for an unforgettable time with mates.
We had a few games of Shuffle , as it is very easy to play.
To play shuffleboard, players take turns sliding heavy pucks down a long, narrow, and waxed table into scoring zones at the far end. Players aim to get their pucks into the highest scoring areas while also knocking their opponents' pucks off the board or into lower-scoring areas. Once all pucks are played, only pucks in the scoring zones count. Only the player or team with the furthest puck scores points in that round
There is a stand up stick pushing the puck Deck version too .
Complimentary Rum Punch cocktails , prosecco , wines ,beers ,
burgers, pizza slices and canapes.
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Monday 22 September 2025.
I went to two events tonight for the last day of London Fashion Week.
6.15pm to 8pm.
DON LETTS Rebel Dread Hardware pop-up and new 10" vinyl release party at The Casbah , 20 Little Portland Street , London W1.
Don Letts (now aged 69) is a British film director, disc jockey (DJ) and musician. Letts first came to prominence as the videographer for the Clash, directing several of their music videos. In 1984, Letts co-founded the band Big Audio Dynamite with former Clash lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist Mick Jones, acting as the band's sampler and videographer before departing the band in 1990
Rebel Dread clothing is on display , and the big screen is showing classic clips of Don Letts amazing 50 years of film making.
Don is here and friendly and chatty as always.
There is another DJ playing the tunes.
Complimentary prosecco , beers and boxes of chicken n chips from Wing Stop .
then
8.30pm to 12pm .
ROKSANDA SS2026 post show and 20th anniversary celebration party at Isabel, 26 Albemarle Street , Mayfair , London W1.
London-based designer Roksanda Ilincic has quite the clientele. From British royalty like the Princess of Wales to Hollywood A-listers Anne Hathaway and Blake Lively, her technicolour dresses are a go-to for many celebrities.
Well known celebrity photographer Dave Benett is here all night taking photos of the guests who included ROKSANDA herself , CHRISTOPHER KANE, DANIEL LISMORE, ANITA RANI, DAVID DOWNTON, STEPHEN JONES and others.
Djs doing hourly stints included PRINCESS JULIA.
It got very lively as folks danced to some great tunes.
Complimentary prosecco, four different cocktails , canapes and desserts ...an excellent party , that was still going at midnight.
See my Facebook page for a few photos of the two events.
Updated 23rd September 2025 Permalink
Sunday 21 September 2025.
Sunday 21 September 2025.
POST MALONE live at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Rapper Post Malone has been “forced” to postpone his London concerts due on Sept 7 and 8, due to the planned Tube strikes.
The Better Now singer, 30, said he had to reschedule the two gigs, due to be held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London because the industrial action would make it "impossible" for fans to get to and from the event.
This is the second of his two massive shows at this stadium.
Post Malone is singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor.His music blends various genres including hip-hop, pop, R&B, trap, and country. His stage name was created when he put his birth name into a rap name generator.
He is a massive worldwide stadium act with 80 million records sold.
Support comes from JELLY ROLL.
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Not really a lover of stadium gigs, , but you you have to admire
this stadium......it really is stunning
Tonight it is 45,000 sold out.
JELLY ROLL on stage at 6.30pm for 60 mins.
Jelly Roll has a nice big band including three backing vocalists.
He is good friends with Post Malone, so is allowed use of the stage extension and some of the shooting flames production.
He has had full use of the big screens.
Like Post Malone he has tattoos all over his face.
He has been in prison several times due to drugs related problems.
Now he gives thanks to God and Post Malone.
He went down well with the crowd.
A few covers , including ' Take Me Home, Country Roads' and a neat
Lynyrd Skynyrd/Nickelback' medley. He ended his set with his hit
' Save Me'....an enjoyable set.
POST MALONE on stage at 8pm 1 hour 50 mins.
Mid September is a pretty late time of year for an outdoor show, but it works well as it is darkness at 8pm when Post arrives on stage.
Post Malone also has a big band with backing singers.
I must admit I don't know much about Post Malone apart from the fact he headlining Reading Festival last year .
Pretty amazing how popular he is in the UK.
Post smokes and drinks on stage and along with his facial tattoos, he pretty much looks like a typical down and out street person.
He spends most of the show on the stage extension.
Lots of fireworks and flames throughout his show.
There was an Ozzy Osbourne video tribute.
The last 5 mins was Post Malone signing stuff and posng for selfies with fans in the pit along the stage extension.
It was an enjoyable show
Full POST MALONE setlist played tonight....
Texas Tea
Wow.
Better Now
Wrong Ones
Go Flex
Broken Whiskey Glass ( Snippet)
Hollywood's Bleeding
Take What You Want
I Fall Apart
Losers ( with Jelly Roll) (Dedicated to ‘all the losers’)
Goodbyes
What Don't Belong to Me
Feeling Whitney ( Acoustic)
Stay ( Acoustic)
Circles
White Iverson
Psycho
Dead at the Honky Tonk
rockstar
I Had Some Help
Sunflower ( Post Malone & Swae Lee song) (Dedicated to ‘all the motherf*****g sunflowers out there’)
Congratulations ( On B-Stage)
Note: Last show on the 'Big A** World Tour with Jelly Roll'
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Saturday 20 September 2025.
BILLY BRAGG live at Shepherds Bush Empire .
I have seen Billy Bragg a dozen times since the three shows when he supported David Gilmour at Hammersmith Odeon in 1984.
Mick Ralphs was on guitar in David's band .
Billy Bragg has announced ‘Days Like These’, an evening of music, spoken word and film for Palestine, featuring performances from Jamie Webster (solo), words from Antony Szmierek, Reverend & The Makers (acoustic), Big Special, Khalid Abdalla, Ahmed Masoud, Samuel West, Ahmed Alnaouq and more to be announced.
This very special event in London will see this incredible group of artists come together for one-night only in support of Amos Trust’s Gaza Appeal.
Billy Bragg has always been politically active in his career.
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Level 3 is closed tonight , and other levels not full, so maybe 1000
out of the 2000 tickets sold tonight.
The show is being filmed or a future documentary .
It was the third show in four days in London supporting Palestine.
It was a long show of 4 hours 10 mins over two sets.
First set was 6.30pm for 2 hours 25 mins.
Second set was 9.10pm for 1 hour 45 mins.
Artists playing short sets and between is political talking, poems , images on the big screen.
BILLY BRAGG welcomed the crowd and sang a song .
Lots of 'Free, Free Palestine' chants during the evening.
BIG SPECIAL are on stage for 20 mins.
A lively duo with in yer face vocals, backed by a drummer.
BILLY NOMATES was on stage for 20 mins.
It is actually a female, who did a good set to backing tapes
ANTHONY SZMIEREK was on stage for 25 mins.
A rapper to backing tracks.
REVERAND AND THE MAKERS were on stage for 25 mins.
A good set that included a cover of ' Crazy'.
BRIAN ENO came on and spoke a few words.
Palestine ambassador in the UK gave thanks to all.
JAMIE WEBSTER was on stage for 25 mins.
A good set from this Scouser .
BILLY BRAGG was on stage at 10pm for 55 mins.
Billy Bragg is passionately left field as usual.
Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson are enemies.
He didn't play a couple of his big hits, but a nice set mixed old and new
Setlist included ' All You Fascists ', 'Sexuality' , ' There Is Power In The Union' and all the artists on stage for the finale of 'Waiting For The Great Leap Forwards'.
An enjoyable evening.
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Thursday 18--- September 2025...6pm to 9pm...
ROOFTOP TERRACE RELAUNCH - 30 Euston Square London NW1.
Around 70 or 80 guests here on the 5th floor.
They have extended their outdoor rooftop terrace space.
There is still an indoor space too.
We find a nice seated area.
A female singer is backed by a guitarist for two sets of 30 mins.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food.
Searcy's sparkling white wines, Negronis and Limoncello cocktails , wines and beers.
Four different food stations....
BBQ (kebabs, grilled chicken grilled king prawns)
PASTA ( three different hot dishes)
CHARCUTERIE ( Jams , cheeses , hams , olives, breads)
DESSERTS ( three different desserts )
30 Euston Square is moments from Euston train station.
Their diverse range of thoughtfully designed spaces includes contemporary meeting rooms that foster productivity and beautifully preserved heritage rooms that spark creativity — the perfect setting for your most important conversations.
Updated 19th September 2025 Permalink
Wednesday 17 September 2025.
Wednesday 17 September 2025.
Two big crowd events on at the same time, but got along to both.
MARIE ANTOINETTE STYLE at The V & A Museum.
BLITZ -:THE CLUB THAT SHAPED THE 80's at The Design Museum.
6.45pm to 8.15pm....private view...
The dramatic rise, fall, and stratospheric rise of Marie Antoinette is the subject of a new exhibition at the V&A Museum in London, on view through March 22, 2026. The first exhibition dedicated to the ill-fated queen in the U.K., the show boasts some 250 objects, including loans that have never before travelled outside Versailles.
The exhibition display of the costumes is stunning
The Guardian gave it five stars, and The Telegraph gave it four stars.
At 7.15pm we had the welcome speech.
A female DJ was playing tunes.
Guests here included DITA VON TEESE , CELIA IMRIE, MARIELLA FROSTRUP, LORD ED VAIZEY, JACKIE ST CLAIR , ANAIS GALLAGHER,
KRISTINA BLAHNIK and now doubt a few others.
Complimentary Sarcey champers Chambord cocktails and canapes.
then
8.30pm to 10pm....private view...
The Design Museum in London is hosting an exhibition titled "Blitz: the club that shaped the 80s," which opens on September 20, 2025, and runs until March 29, 2026. The exhibition explores the legendary Blitz nightclub, a hub of creativity in the 1980s where iconic figures like Spandau Ballet and Boy George launched their careers. It will showcase the music, fashion, art, film, and graphic design that defined the era.
Expect a "sensory extravaganza" of over 250 items: clothing and accessories, design sketches, instruments, flyers, magazines, furniture, artworks, photography, vinyls and rare film footage. From 20 September.
In 1978, prior to The Blitz club , there was a cool club at 69 Dean Street , called Billy's which had Bowie nights on Tuesdays and a soul disco on the Saturday...I went a few times on Saturdays .
This is the first ever major exhibition on the legendary and impactful Blitz club night. Despite its short lifespan — running for just 18 months from 1979-1980 in London's Covent Garden — it generated a creative scene that had an enormous global impact on popular culture in the decade that followed — from fashion and music, to film, art and design.
The scene launched the careers of many stars, including chart-topping performers Spandau Ballet, Visage, Boy George, Sade, Ultravox and Marilyn as well as a long list of designers, artists, filmmakers and writers — from couture milliner Stephen Jones, Game of Thrones costume designer Michele Clapton, and filmmaker John Maybury to DJ and fashion writer Princess Julia and BBC broadcaster Robert Elms.
Robert Elms is releasing his book to coincide with the event.
'Blitz: The Club That Created the Eighties'.
www.designmuseum.org - Visit their website here for more info and to buy tickets.
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A great turnout as those here included GLEN MATLOCK, BOY GEORGE, RUSTY EGAN, SIR BOB GELDOF, GARY KEMP, MARTIN KEMP with wife SHIRLIE, STEVE NORMAN, JOHN KEEBLE , STEVE DAGGER ,
GUY PRATT , ROBERT ELMS , PETER YORK , ALAN EDWARDS, JACKIE ST CLAIR, , PANDEMONIA, DANIEL LISMORE, PHILIP SALLON, STEPHEN JONES, LORRAINE CHASE, KATHY VALENTINE, BRIAN CAPRON , JODIE HARSH, MARTIN 'YOUTH' GLOVER , ANDREW CZEZOWSKI , SUSAN CARRINGTON , KAREN O'CONNOR and no doubt a few others .
DJS PAUL LINNEY and OSCAR EGAN was playing the tunes.
Commentary Nyetimber English Sparkling Wines , beers and snacks.
I got a few photos of myself with the likes of Glen Matlock , Rusty Egan, Boy George, Sir Bob Geldof and Martin Kemp.
Have a peek at my Facebook page to see them.
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Tuesday 16 September 2025...I went to two events tonight...
5.30pm to 8pm.
WESTMINSTER VENUE COLLECTION SHOWCASE , Westminster Central Hall , London SW1.
Around 150 guests here.
WCH are showcasing their entire building along with 20 others who have small stands in the main room.
The main room is all dressed up with a Christmas theme.
WCH has 23 spaces that hold up to 2000 people.
The big room i came here for union meetings in the 1980s.
I also saw Kanye West playing here in 2007.
BBC TV held several New Years Eve concerts here.
I went to Queen with Adam Lambert in 2014 and Bryan Adams in 2015.
Hotels and venues showcasing included ...
The Conduit
Merlin Entertainments
The National Gallery
The Tate Gallery
Rubens Hotel
Clownfish Events ( retro games etc)
Emmanuel Centre
The View at The Royal College of Surgeons
There was a business card draw with a dozen prizes including a few overnight stays , but they are choosing the winners by email the next day.
Complimentary prosecco , wines, beers, bowl food ,canapes and desserts.
then
8.30pm to 11pm.
MICHAEL CAINES AT THE STAFFORD - launch party -
16 - 18 St James's Place, St James's , London SW1.
Tucked away in the heart of historic St James’s and prestigious Mayfair, The Stafford London is a true hidden gem, offering a quintessentially British experience with unparalleled luxury and charm.
Perfectly positioned just moments from London’s most iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly, and Green Park, and a short stroll from the vibrant West End, this elegant five-star hotel provides the ideal base for exploring the best of the city.
Michael Caines at The Stafford, is his first London venture as a Culinary Strategist for the hotel. The new dining experience will feature his distinctive terroir cuisine, focusing on seasonal British produce and sustainable practices. The restaurant is a reimagining of the hotel's former The Game Bird restaurant and will showcase the chef's passion for high-quality ingredients and evolving menus inspired by the land and sea.
Around 100 guests here in this stunning restaurant & bar area.
MICHAEL CAINES MBE is here and very friendly to all.
The staff are doing a great job of fussing over everyone.
Complimentary Veuve Clicquot champers , two different cocktails , wines , canapes and desserts .
Updated 17th September 2025 Permalink
Monday 15 September 2025.
Monday 15 September 2025...I went to three events tonight...
6.30pm to 8.15pm .
APPARATUS -; 7 Mount Street , Mayfair , London W1
The first two events were related to London Design Week Mayfair.
Founded in 2012, Apparatus is a New York based interdisciplinary design studio that explores the relationship of lighting, furniture, objects and spaces.
A cool looking crowd here.
Complimentary Laurent Perrier champers and white wines.
then
8.20pm to 9.30pm.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL SOHO HOTEL - Hanover Square , London W1.
This five star hotel opened a few months ago , and rooms here are over £1000 a night.
The design of the Mandarin Oriental,Soho incorporates modern architectural elements by RSHP with chic public interiors by Curiosity and lavish guest rooms and suites by Studio Indigo, blending British style with subtle Asian influences. Key features include a dramatic spiral staircase, rich natural materials like marble and fine timber, and bespoke furniture and lighting, with hand-painted silk wallpaper adding an exquisite focal point in the rooms. The design aims for quiet luxury, using a palette of emerald green, maroon, and turquoise, with brass and gold accents, alongside architectural features that maximize natural light.
Another cool crowd in their stunning bar area , which is accessed by their beautiful spiral staircase .
Amazingly a nice guy from Northern Ireland came over and said he always reads my website and was hoping to bump into me this week.
Complimentary Gusbourne English Sparkling Wines, red and white wines, beers and top notch canapes and sushi.
then
10pm to 12pm..
THE PRODUCERS -press night party - Albert's Schloss, 20 - 24 Shaftesbury Avenue London W1.
The show was held earlier at The Garrick Theatre.
Mel Brooks is 99 now, but sadly was not here.
This bad taste musical directed by Mel Brooks based around Hitler was written by him back in 1967.
I must get around to seeing it again.
Over 300 guests in this huge venue.
I didn't recognise any big names in the cast but there were a few well known names here including TERRY GILLIAN (see photo), ALISON STEADMAN, TOM ALLEN, MEERA SYAL, SANJEEV BHASKER, ALISTAIR McGOWAN, RONNI ANCONA and
PAUL SINHA .
At 11pm it got very lively for 30 mins as the band got staff and guests to dance on the tables and chairs .
A DJ playing tunes before and after the band.
Complimentary drinks and food included two different cocktails, prosecco, wines, beers , burgers, chicken strips and canapes.
We left at midnight, but it was due to finish at 1am..
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Sunday 14 September 2025.
23 years ago today on 14 September 2002 I was in California to see
THE SEX PISTOLS headline a massive outdoor show in the desert.
17 punk bands from the UK and USA .
Sex Pistols + Offspring + Social Distortion + Bad Religion +Buzzcocks + Blink 182 + New Found Glory + X + Damned Glen Helen Blockbuster Pavillion,Devore , California , USA 14.09.2002
What an amazing location to see The Sex Pistols . Sold out 65,000 venue set in the desert of the Californian mountains in 100 degrees midday sun.It was great to see The Damned and The Buzzcocks here after they had missed out on the C Palace show .Bands like Social Distortion and Offspring are huge in California. In fact punk rock is now huge over here .Sex Pistols did a 65 mins greatest hits set that was just amazing . Johnny was on great form as usual and those punk classics came fast and furious .
A couple of days after we saw THE WHO at The Greek Theatre.
Updated 14th September 2025 Permalink
Saturday 13:September 2025.
Saturday 13 September 2025.
Many thanks to everyone that wished me get well in hospital.
The good news is that I was discharged today.
The not so good news is I go back in a months time for keyhole surgery
A massive thanks again to all the amazing NHS staff.
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Saturday 06 September 2025.
In the hospital for a few days.
Went for my annual colonoscopy on Thursday lunchtime.
Kinda knew my Colitis condition in my Colon was getting worse ,
as having several urgent poo toilet visits a day.
Not too bad when you are at home in the day, , but as soon as I am leaving the house , I am thinking about where toilets are on my journey....but it's not stopped me going out.
So now it's strong steroids to see if they work and CT scans and other bits to decide whether surgery is needed.
Needless to say, but all the staff here have been totally fantastic.
God Save The NHS My Son.
As I was lyin in a hospital bed
A rock n roll nurse went into my head
She says, hold ya arm, stick out ya tongue
I gots some pills I'm gonna give you some.
She went into my head, into my head
A rock n roll nurse, went into my head
Into my head, into my head
While I was lyin in a hospital bed
Updated 6th September 2025 Permalink
Thursday 04 September 2025.
Wednesday 03 September 2025.
Happy Birthday to Sex Pistols guitar hero STEVE JONES who is 70 today.
Both Steve and Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook went to the same secondary school as me in West London.
They were three years older than me.
I knew about the band very early on in 1976.
Steve has broken his wrist , so the upcoming North American tour has been postponed .
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Tuesday 02 September 2025.
It was 17 years ago today on 02 September 2008, that The Sex Pistols finally got to play Hammersmith Apollo.
A superb show , that was John Lydons last London show with them .
I was at all three of the last three shows John played with them.
31.8.08 Electric Picnic Festival, County Laois, Ireland
2.9.08 Hammersmith Apollo, London, UK
5.9.08 Azkena Rock Festival, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
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Monday 01 September 2025.
A nice double bill playing a UK Arena tour in 2026.
DEF LEPPARD + EXTREME
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Thursday 28 August 2025.
WILL SMITH live at Brixton Academy .
The Fresh Prince is coming to London this August, ready to soundtrack your summer with his signature brand of swear-free, radio-friendly rap. His delightfully uncool style earned him worldwide fame (being one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors also helps) with hits like ' Get Jiggy with It ', ‘Summertime’ and ‘Miami’ being firm favourites for millennial student union DJs across the country.
Will Smith boasts an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA and a handful of Grammy awards.
His films have grossed over £10 billion dollars
Will Smith's new album is called ' Based on a True Story' , released on March 28, 2025, marking his return to music after a 20-year hiatus since his 2005 album, ' Lost and Found' .
Will is on a UK and European Tour to.promote it.
This Brixton show sold out in advance .
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The venue is rammed tonight, and hot and humid.
A nice mixed crowd of skin colours and ages .
Savile Row Tailor Ozwald Boateng, OBE was here.
I see him often at London social events
WILL SMITH arrived on stage at 9.10pm for 80 mins.
His mere 80 mins on stage did seem a bit short .
There is a nice big screen showing pre-recorded images and videos .
With six dancers, a fiddler, backing singers and dozens of extras and pyrotechnics galore, the Hollywood star’s Brixton concert was tremendous fun.
Will was pretty hyped up all the way through the show .
Will played a few average tracks from the new album, but he played all the big hits that the crowd were expecting.
Lots of call and response with the audience.
Near the end of the show , Smith spoke of how that Oscars night with the Chris Rock slap was “meant to be the crowning achievement” of his career but “didn’t quite turn out that way”. He’s done a lot of soul-searching and feels “shame, guilt and embarrassment”. To tinkling piano, he produced his own Oscar and raised the gold statuette above his head in triumphant defiance. “Thank you all for riding with me,” he said.
I am not a big fan of his music , but it was a very enjoyable show to watch.
Full WILL SMITH setlist played tonight...
Gettin' Jiggy Wit It
Miami
Rapper's Delight ( The Sugarhill Gang cover)
Boom! Shake the Room / Brand New Funk
Jump Around / Apache (Jump On It) / Run's House
Get Lit
Switch / Yo Home to Bel-Air
It's Not Unusual ( cover)
Anxiety (Doechii cover) (Snippet)
James Avery tribute from Will
You Can Make It
Bad Boys ( Inner Circle cover)
Wild Wild West
Bulletproof ( Extended outro)
Men in Black
Work of Art
Summertime (DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince song)
Updated 28th August 2025 Permalink
Wednesday 27 August 2025.
Wednesday 27 August 2025.
Happy Birthday to GLEN MATLOCK who is 69 today.
Glen has just finished a UK and European Tour with The Sex Pistols with Frank Carter.
There were no London shows on the tour.
I have seen all six London shows by them 2024/2025.
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Tuesday 26 August 2025...6.45pm to 9.15pm....
Press preview - PINTXITO , Under The Arches, 34 The Market , Covent Garden London WC2.
Camino are opening Pintxito, a new Basque pintxo bar in Covent Garden's piazza.
Pintxito will be a pretty intimate kind of place, with space for just 30 diners inside (and enough room for 10 more on the terrace), serving up a range of Basque-inspired pintxos. The designers are hoping to make coming here feel just like entering a bar somewhere in Bilbao or San Sebastian. So you can expect to find the traditional counter displaying a range of 15-20 pintxos. Think baby squid in squid ink and gildas, or maybe king oyster mushrooms with piquillo and salsa verde.
As this is a Basque bar, the drinks list will reflect that with white, rose and sparkling txakoli, Rioja Alavesa, beer, cider and gin.
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PINTXITO opens this week.
It is hidden away in the corner downstairs.
A small space mixing tables , with sitting on stools.
The tables were taken , so we were at stools.
We first have several small plates to share.
We both had a very yummy Baked Basque Cheesecake .
Along with a few glasses of sparking wine and red wine .
It certainly has the vibe of being in Northern Spain.
Enjoyable.
Updated 26th August 2025 Permalink
Monday 25 August 2025.
Sunday 24 August 2025 and Monday 25 August 2025
The world famous NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL takes place.
Over a million folks a day enjoying the costumes , sounds , drinks and food at Europe's biggest carnival.
Over 30 booming sound systems playing everything from house to calypso, and 50+ vibrant Mas ('masquerade') bands are usually on the programme.
The Carnival is due to finish daily at 7pm...but goes on a bit.
There will be big crowds , and bottlenecks , so be careful.
Check your travel as some tube stations will have entry and exit changes and closures. .
Get off at Paddington station and 20 mins walk is a good route.
I have been to it many times over the past 50 years
When i was a regular at The Reading Festival in the 1990s and 2000s i would be camping there Friday, Saturday, Sunday , and then come home to have a bath , and be at NH Carnival in the Monday afternoon.
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Sunday 24 August 2025...1pm to 7pm...
We had a lovely day out at NH Carnival.
Sunshine , sounds, costumes , colour, food, drinks , good vibes.
The bar opposite The Tabernacle is giving free cans of KA REMIX Caribbean rum cocktails from noon to 3pm....probably the same on Monday, so we have a few each here .
We then have a wander to see the floats and costumes.
At 6pm we have a nice Jerk Chicken & Rice by Harrow Road.
Funny to see several local residents hiring out their toilets for £4 and a few even charged £5 .
Monday 25 August 2025...1pm to 8.30pm...
Today is the main day today , so a lot busier.
It is a hotter day too.
We head to The Tabernacle again and the park opposite for the free cans of rum cocktails to warm us up.
The stage here is pretty good with acts and djs playing short sets .
At 3pm we have 72 seconds of silence for GRENFELL .
At 3.30pm we had a chicken curry each in The Tabernacle.
Nice to have some seats in the shade for a bit.
Went for a wander to see the floats and costumes and sounds.
At 7pm we went back to The Tabernacle for a cheeseburger each.
The Tabernacle got very busy as they have a DJ playing reggae sounds until midnight, and folks come in here after the main carnival has shut down....another enjoyable NH Carnival day .
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Saturday 23 August 2025.
SEX PISTOLS EXPOSE + ULTIMATE GREEN DAY live at The 100 Club .
Top notch Sex Pistols tribute act play a gig on the same day as The Sex Pistols with Frank Carter play the final date on their European Tour at Dreamland , Margate.
Singer Nathan does a fantastic job as Johnny , as seen him many times with sadly missed The Sex Pistols Experience.
Remembering those superb SPE River Thames boat gigs .
The show celebrates the 50th anniversary of when John Lydon auditioned for The Sex Pistols in August 1975.
Although Sex Pistols Expose formed in 2020, this is their first ever gig at this iconic venue .
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Great to chat to Nathan who was outside the venue on entry.
Have not seen him for a few years.
ULTIMATE GREEN DAY on stage at 8pm for 70 mins.
The vocals and overall sound was spot on Green Day.
Lots of their best tracks played , and they finished off with three gems 'American Idiot', ' Minority ' and 'Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) .
SEX PISTOLS EXPOSE on stage at 9.35pm for 90 mins.
The venue is nice and full by the time they come on stage.
Nathan is looking and singing just like a young Johnny.
They have a Sid in the band rather than Glen , as he sings a couple of Sid songs.
Lots of playful and entertaining stage banter from them both throughout the show.
Nice to have a couple of " Ray Ray" shout outs to me.
You can love or hate tribute bands , but this was a great show.
Full SEX PISTOLS EXPOSE setlist played tonight...
Seventeen
Liar
EMI
Submission
God Save The Queen
New York
Satellite
Problems
No Feelings
Pretty Vacant
I Wanna Be Me
Did You No Wrong
Steppin' Stone
Belsen Was A Gas
Substitute
C'Mon Everybody - Sid vocals
Something Else - Sid vocals
Silly Thing
Holidays in the Sun
Bodies
Anarchy In The UK
Updated 22nd August 2025 Permalink
Thursday 21 August 2025.
Thursday 21 August 2025...I went to two events tonight....
6.15pm to 7.15pm.
UNIT GALLERY - private view - 3 Hanover Square, Mayfair, London W1.
Around 100 guests are here , with many gallery folks I know.
Unit London will be hosting "Sho Shibuya | Falling From the Sky" from August 20 to September 21, 2025
Complimentary beers and sparkling soft drinks for all.
then
7.30pm to 8.30pm.
JUNK - press preview - 14-15 St Christopher's Place , London W1.
It would appear that London simply does not have enough smash burger restaurants as Junk is getting ready to open its second burger bar in Marylebone.
The first Junk (which hails from France) opened in Soho and they've also opened a Puffy cookie shop right next door. This Marylebone follow-up is opening in St Christopher's Place, taking over the somewhat short-lived Marugame Udon there (that opened late 2022).
There you can expect the same menu as the Soho branch, all based around a cheeseburger with the option of up to five patties (and a truffle variant). Chicken nuggets and the big Puffy cookies will also be available here. This branch is very close to Oxford Street, so it could end up being very popular with shoppers.
We were at somewhere else , when they had the launch evening , but they give us a complimentary meal each.
The menu choice here is small and simple.
I had a Truffle Burger with fries , and a large chocolate & hazelnut cookie dough and lager .
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Tuesday 19 August 2025...7pm to 10.30pm...
FAIRGAME - press preview - One New Change , St Paul's , London EC4.
FAIRGAME open their second location this week.
London’s Popular Immersive Adults’ Fairground Is Opening A Second Site in The City – With Nostalgic Arcade Games, Street Food, And Boozy Prosecco-Infused Candy Floss.
It will open up opposite St. Paul's Cathedral.
Their first site is in Canary Wharf.
www.wearefairgame.com - Visit their website here for more info.
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We head downstairs to their massive space.
We are given wristbands for the press and guest area.
Around 100 folks are here in this area
Lots of paying folks are also here , outside our area.
The main play area has around a dozen fairground games.
Each lane has a little porthole to hold your drink .
A dj is playing tunes in the background.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food.
We had five different cocktails each, along with prosecco, wines beers, pizza slices, cheeseburgers wraps, chips , ice cream.
Updated 20th August 2025 Permalink
Saturday 16 August 2025
Friday 15 August 2025.
Saturday 16 August 2025.
Global K-POP sensations BLACKPINK announced their highly anticipated return to the stage with a limited run of stadium shows across North America, Europe, and the UK this summer. The tour will wrap up with two massive shows at Wembley Stadium, making BLACKPINK the first ever K-POP girl group to headline the legendary venue.
I will be going to both the shows.
They headlined Hyde Park in 2023 on their last visit .
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Friday.
The venue looks very full tonight, must be over 70,000 here.
There is gold circle standing within the circular stage extension.
K-Pop fans always being made to pay top dollar for tickets, as the gold circle standing tickets are a whopping £600 each.
The middle third on the pitch is expensive seats , which were £350 and £250.....Rear pitch standing is £140 .
All skin colours are represented in the crowd .
Maybe 75% female crowd as expected.
Not much drinking being consumed as it's K-Pop .
There is no actual support act, so we get 30 mins of their videos on the big screen before they come on stage
BLACKPINK on at 8.05pm for 2 hours 25 mins.
The show is a stunning visual treat for the eyes .
We have lasers, fireworks, flames, confetti cannons etc.
The four girls are 100% as cute as can be .
They have a live backing band which was good to see, as many K-Pop acts just use backing tapes.
Eight female dancers and eight male dancers.
The big screens are fantastic, as the girls are followed around non-stop with close up cameras.
The show was split up into five acts and an encore , and there was a costume change at the end of each act.
The four girls get stuck into the dance routines , and the girls in the crowd are copying their moves.
Thousands in the crowd have got hand held love heart sticks , that light up, that cost a whopping £70.
Highlights included ' Rockstar', 'Lovesick Girls' and ' Jump' which included the lyric 'Spice up your Life '.
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So come up with me, I'll take you high
That Prima donna spice up your life
You know I got that shit that you like
So come up with me, run up, uh, jump
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A very enjoyable show, as the girls put on a great show.
Saturday show...
Again it looks a full house of around 70,000 folks .
Same stage time...on at 8.05pm for two hours 25 mins.
A nice slight setlist swop , as we get The Spice Girls
'Wannabe' during the encore.
Another really enjoyable show to watch.
Updated 16th August 2025 Permalink
Thursday 14 August 2025.
Thursday 14 August 2025.
ALLEY CATS - launch party - 84 Westbourne Grove , London W2.
New York style pizza chain Alley Cats opens a third restaurant in Westbourne Grove.
To celebrate the opening, Head Chef Francesco Macri has added some Americana-inspired dishes, including a spicy maple BBQ chicken pizza, a new take on the Caesar Salad, and a fried pizza dough stuffed with spinach and cheese.
Returning items include the vodka sauce pizza and their pepperoni with jalapeños and hot honey.
The drinks menu has been expanded to feature cocktails, including The Dark Alley, a coffee-infused Negroni; Bloom Spritz, a bergamot and elderflower spritz; and The Cat’s Classics, which is the house’s take on Negroni.
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We get a nice table downstairs , which is a bit cooler.
They are showing classic gangster film clips on the big screen.
We share four starters.
Then it was a 14" inch Pulled Pork and Pineapple Pizza to share.
Then some very nice ice cream with black cherries.
We had five cocktails each
One was a frozen Mango and Bourbon , that they called a SLUSH PUSSIE .
A very enjoyable time here and well worth a visit.
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Wednesday 13 August 2025.
One year today THE SEX PISTOLS with Frank Carter played the first of three great shows at Bush Hall .
I was at all three of them.
It was their debut shows with Frank Carter.
I have seen all six Sex Pistols with Frank Carter London shows.
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Wednesday 13 August 2025.
This looks interesting.
Channel One are regulars at Notting Hill Carnival.
Channel One Soundsystem x G-SHOCK Collaboration Watch
Since 1979, Channel One Soundsystem has been breaking down barriers with bass-heavy rhythms and a mission of unity through music.
Together they' ve joined forces for a limited-edition timepiece built to last and made to move. Featuring the signature shock-resistant G-SHOCK design, bold Channel One graphics, and reggae-inspired colour accents, this watch embodies sound system culture.
Includes an exclusive Channel One key clip – a nod to roots, resilience, and rhythm.
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Tuesday 12 August 2025...5.30pm to 8pm...
THE CONDUIT - showcase - 6 Langley Street, Covent Garden, London WC2.
Around 50 guests in their 5th floor rooftop terrace bar area.
This members club has been here for four years , and have over 2000 members.
At 6.15pm we get a 20 mins tour of all the floors.
They host over 150 various events throughout the year.
They even have a podcast recording area .
The Conduit is a community of people committed to creating a just, prosperous and sustainable future.
Their members are entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, business leaders, activists, civil-society leaders and policymakers, bringing together knowledge, networks and capital for sustained positive impact, in their London social club.
Complimentary wines, beers and pizza slices for all.
Updated 12th August 2025 Permalink
Sunday 10 August 2025.
THE REBELLION FESTIVAL returns to Blackpool.
The UK's biggest and best punk related festival returns.
Rebellion Festival is the largest INDEPENDENT Punk / Alternative music festival in the world. Over 4 days every August in Blackpool the global punk community gather for the social event of the year.
Over 300 bands, over eight indoor stages , over four days.
Thursday 7th August 2025
Friday 8th August 2025
Saturday 9th August 2025
Sunday 10th August 2025
Highlights will include The Damned, Peter Hook & The Light, PiL, Hugh Cornwell, The Selector, Bad Manners,Slaughter and The Dogs, Desperate Measures, Neville Staple From The Specials,Mick Rossi Acoustic , Anti Nowhere League, DOA , Maid Of Ace, The Priscilla's, The Undertones,The Avengers, UK Subs, Circle Jerks, Ruts DC, TV Smith and the Bored Teenagers, The Exploited, Girlschool , Gimp Fist , 999, The Molotovs, Millencolin , Slady ,Wreckless Eric , The Wall, Chelsea , Menace, The Nightingales, Ed Tudor Pole and many more.
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Wednesday 06 August 2025.
Went up by train to Blackpool the day before the festival starts.
I booked my hotel and train and then was told my press wristband has been cancelled, as the event was now sold out and the press list has been cut.
So not sure how much of the festival i will see, but there is plenty of other things to do.
Maybe it is a blessing , as several hours each night of standing at my age can be very tiring.
I got my bearings from my other years i attended the festival.
My accom is very near the venue which is very handy.....just a 3 minute walk.
Blackpool is a great value destination compared to my London prices.
£7.75 for a three course meal can be found here ......and plenty of pubs and bars for £3 a pint or less.
Still sad to see so many boarded up hotels, shops and houses.
Lots of homeless and druggies and alcoholics around.
Lots of folks in their mobility scooters.
Lots of punk rockin' friends and folks i know up here.
Everyone seems to be smoking and vaping and eating chips.
Spent the afternoon down by the seafront to get the sea breeze and a bit of sunshine, which ended up being a daily routine
Thankfully we did not get any of that bad weather Scotland has been getting.
It is not long before i get some Scottish notes in my change.
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Thursday 07 August 2025.
There is an amazing atmosphere here , as the majority of folks arrive.
Many have not got tickets, and just sit in the main square and drink and chat.
Photographers taking photos of the coloured hairstyles .
The fringe events here are great , as over a dozen of the local pubs are putting on free punk bands live,
we have a mooch around a few of them.
at 9pm we come across Welsh punk rockers FOREIGN LEGION who play a really good 60 mins set of tunes
including a cover of Sham 69's 'If the kids are united' with several of their fans joining in.
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Friday 08 August 2025.
Spent a few hours in Lytham St Anne's .
It is about 30 minutes away from Blackpool.
It brings back memories as it's the first time i have been here for over 20 years , when I brought my parents and two boys here.
The houses and gardens are much nicer than Blackpool.
The pubs, bars and restaurants are all more upmarket .
The windmill and RNLI lifeboat station are still here .
The beach area is oddly set 100 yards after some grassy area.
Came across a theatre called The Lowther Pavillion, which I had never heard of before.
Could not believe my eyes when I saw a poster of John Lydon .
He is performing his Q n A show here later in the year.
Lots of well known tribute acts are playing there.
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Saturday 09 August 025.
Today was an excellent day , as did all the airshow , and then the bands.
Day 1 of BLACKPOOL AIRSHOW....2pm to 5.30pm.
The air display was really good .
A massive crowd on the seafront of multi-thousands .
It was a bit windy today, but nothing serious .
Started off with an excellent 20 mins of The Red Arrows and finished with a very loud roar from a Royal Air Force supersonic jet. Every 15 mins a plane or group of planes would come along and do their tricks for 10 mins each ...really great to watch.
We even had a couple of human wingwalkers.
then the bands at Rebellion....
THE GONADS on at 6.30pm for their 40 mins set.
They are fronted by Garry Bushell.
Garry was a music journalist for Sounds music paper , and pretty much made the term " Oi! music " his own, as he championed Oi! bands and brought out Oi! compilations.
Nice fun cockney lyrics about boozing , women and SE London.
Garry said it was their second last ever gig.
I saw a few tracks of TV SMITH solo set.
One of three different sets he is playing at the festival.
NEVILLE STAPLE on stage at 8.30pm for 60 mins.
Eight on stage , including two man brass .
Ex The Specials rude boy legend has suffered ill-health recently , but was on top form tonight , as most of his set was The Specials classics, that got everyone dancing .
PETER HOOK AND THE LIGHT on stage at 10pm for 60 mins.
An excellent set of Joy Division classics including ' She's Lost Control', 'Isolation' , ' Transmission', 'Ceremony' , ' Love Wil Tear Us Apart' and ending with a rousing ' Anarchy in the UK' dedicated to John Lydon and The Sex Pistols .
Hooky's set was the best I saw all weekend ..superb.
SLAUGHTER AND THE DOGS on at 11.30pm for 60 mins
They still feature original.nembrts Mick Rossi and Howard Bates....lots of great SATD tracks from their early albums.
Mick Rossi on guitar as cool as ever.
Full SATD setlist played tonight ..
Now I Know
The Bitch
Runaway
You're a Bore
What's Wrong Boy?
White Light/White Heat ( The Velvet Underground cover)
Quick Joey Small (Run Joey Run) ( Kasenetz-Katz Super Circus cover)
Chasing Me
Dame to Blame
Hell in New York
Boston Babies
East Side of Town ( dedicated to Eddie Garrity R.I.P.)
Cranked Up Really High
Encore:
The Golden Age of Rock'N'Roll h(Mott The Hopple cover )
You're Ready Now ( Frankie Valli cover)
SLADY on stage at 00.45am for their 50 mins.
All female Slade tribute band have a male drummer tonight, and play a great set of those Slade anthems.
A tiring long day , but totally excellent overall.
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Sunday 10 August 2025.
Day 2 of BLACKPOOL AIRSHOW....2pm to 5.20pm
Back again to see all of the air show display.
This time the supersonic jet opened proceedings , and The Red Arrows arrived at 5pm for their 20 mins to close the display.
It was mostly the same planes as yesterday, but today we had a group of parachutists , holding a giant Union Jack flag.
then , the bands at Rebellion ...
Sundays here are always the weakest line-up as organisers know many folks leave on Sunday to get back for their jobs .
CHELSEA on stage at 5.30pm for their 45 mins set.
Gene October is still here , aged 72.
He was one of the original punk rockers ,but for whatever reason never got the success of some of the others.
Great to hear the singles ' Urban Kids ' (1980) and ' Right to Work' (1977) again.
MENACE on stage at 7.25pm for their 45 mins set.
Original member Niel Martin is still here, aged 70.
They like Chelsea were an original punk band from 1977 , but never had big success. Great to hear gems like ' Screwed Up' and ' GLC' , with all the crowd singing along.
THE STIFFS on stage at 8.35pm for their 45 mins set.
The band formed in the late 1970s and feature all four original members , after disbanding for many years.
They were more new wave / power pop and had minor hits with ' Inside Out' and a cover of ' Goodbye My Love' which were both played tonight.
THE WALL on stage at 9.45pm for their 50 mins.
They were another band from the late 1970s.
They released two albums before disbanding.
Their sound was more guitar led new wave tracks.
One original.member , as two of them recently passed away
WRECKLESS ERIC. On stage at 11pm for his 60 mins .
Good to see him and his band as he does not play live that often. He had some fun stage banter between tracks.
He was on thr original Stiff Records tour in the late 1970s, but never had the success of Elvis Costello or Nick Lowe
Great to hear his classic single ' Whole Wide World'.
The Rebellion Festival was really great as usual.
Updated 4th August 2025 Permalink
Monday 04 August 2025.
Monday 04 August 2025.
Sign of the times i suppose.
Iconic 90s favourite MTV UK has been axed amid a 'bloodbath of cuts' at the station. The channel, which started in the 90s and helped launch many presenters careers has become the latest casualty of social media and streaming, it has been reported.
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Sunday 03 August 2025.
CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN live at Tottenham Hotspur Ground , North London.
British indie rockers play a massive London gig.
Anyone who was a teenager in the 2010s will understand the chokehold Catfish and the Bottlemen’s album 'The Balcony' had on culture.Catch Van McCann and co. as they perform hits like ‘Kathleen’ and ‘Pacifier‘ from their 2014 debut, alongside many more stadium-ready indie rock anthems.
The main support act are JAMES , who i really like, and have seen over a dozen times since 1997, when they headlined Shepherds Bush Empire.
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Not sold out tonight , but still a very impressive 38,000 tickets sold out of the 45,000 capacity .CATB have quietly become a stadium band . How did that happen ?
Most of the crowd looked under the age of 40.
This stadium really is an amazing looking venue.
DMA'S on stage at 5.45pm for their 30 mins set.
The band are from Sydney Australia .
They have released four studio albums: Hills End (2016), For Now (2018), The Glow (2020) and How Many Dreams? (2023). All four albums have peaked within the top 10 of the ARIA Albums Chart, with the latter two also reaching the top five in the UK.
They played a good set of melodic indie rock , and it included a nice cover of Cher's ' Believe'.
JAMES on stage at 6.45pm for their 60 mins set.
James played a great set of their hits and a couple of recent tracks from their last album. Singer Tim Booth is a great front man , as he dances crazily on stage, and sings a couple of songs in the crowd , in the front pitch standing area.
Full JAMES settlist played tonight....
Johnny Yen
Way Over Your Head
Getting Away With It (All Messed Up)
Sit Down
Tomorrow
Shadow of a Giant
Heads
Come Home
Laid
Sound
CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN on stage at 8.15pm for their 1 hour 45 mins set.
I don't know any of their songs so let's see how they are .
They have plenty of lights and big screens , but no stage extension catwalk.
Lots of good indie rock rock tracks that the crowd sing along to.
Singer Van McCann is showing Dave Group vibes as his long hair becomes sweaty , after all his stage movements.
They throw around 20 inflatables out after a few songs.
An enjoyable show but i preferred James more tonight .
Full CATB settlist played tonight...
Tape intro - Helter Skelter ( The Beatles song)
Longshot
Kathleen
Soundcheck ( Extended Solo)
Pacifier
Twice
Fallout ( With a snippet of Stereophonics ‘Bartender and The Thief’ in outro)
Conversation
Anything
Heathrow (Van solo)
Business ( Extended Bridge)
Homesick
2all
Rango
Outside ( Extended intro, bridge and outro)
Hourglass ( Acoustic - Van solo)
7 (Extended Outro)
Cocoon ( Extended Outro, ‘Dancing In The Dark’ snippet)
Tyrants (Tour debut; Extended; First time since 2019; Snippet of Trippin’ during outro).
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Saturday 02 August 2025.
CREAM reunion show on Sky Arts 4.30pm to 7pm.
I was at all four of the RAH shows.
In May 2005, the band Cream, consisting of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker, reunited for a series of highly anticipated concerts. They played four shows at London's Royal Albert Hall in May and three shows at Madison Square Garden in New York City in October. These were their first performances together in over 35 years.
Updated 2nd August 2025 Permalink
Friday 01 August 2025.
Friday 01 August 2025.
No real surprise about this.
Oasis fans have set a new record at Wembley Stadium by drinking more than a quarter of a million pints per night.
The new figures were shared by Delaware North, the company which operates the catering at Wembley Stadium. According to The Times, fans at the recent Oasis shows have been significantly out drinking those at other huge concerts at the iconic venue.
Despite the high prices , many of those on the pitch will always be throwing their beer in the air when Oasis are on stage.
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Thursday 31 July 2025.
6pm.
I had a wander along to Carnaby Street to have a look at the OASIS merch pop up store .....must have been around 100 outside in the queue , with a one out one in situation.
Oasis merch doing massive business .
then
6.30pm to 8.30pm...
DAN LANE - private view - Castle Fine Art , 57 South Molton Street , Mayfair London W1.
The gallery celebrates Dan’s decade-long collaboration with Castle Fine Art. They are proud to exhibit this new body of work (Take Me Beck to Eden), which stands a testament to 10 years of partnership. The new collection is a culmination of years of dedication and stylistic innovation, signifying a powerful shift in the artist’s direction.
We are in the basement area of the gallery.
Around 70 or 80 guests are here.
Lots of his art and sculptures involves skulls .
A bit of street art and slogans too ...it all looks great...
Complimentary prosecco , wines and beers for all guests.
Also worth looking at is on the ground floor ,where they have seven paintings by Bob Dylan and three from Johnny Depp from previous exhibitions here.
Updated 31st July 2025 Permalink
Wednesday 30 July 2025.
Wednesday 30 July 2025.
Remembering HONEST JOHN PLAIN.
3pm - West London Crematorium ,Harrow Road, NW10.
John passed away a few weeks ago , aged 73.
John was a member of The Boys who i saw many times.
The first three times were.....
The Damned, The Boys Roxy Club. London 17.01.1977 First gig I went to at this legendary punk club
The Jam, The Saints,The Boys Hammersmith Odeon, London 24.07.1977
The Boys Marquee Club, London 08.08.1977
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3pm to 4pm....at the crematorium for Honest John Plain.
Around 50 folks here.
Nice to see several that i know.
A few from minor bands.
Most well known was Jon Moss ex Culture Club drums.
The service was a nice mix of words and live music.
Duncan Reid, Gary Pearce and Robbie Rushton performed four tracks that were The Boys or The Boys related .
He Was a Friend of Mine
Terminal Love
Where Have All The Good Girls Gone ?
First Time
The vicar, Steve Metcalfe and Johns son said nice words.
then
4.45pm to 6.45pm.
The wake / party was held at The Warrington Hotel Pub, 93 Warrington Crescent, London W9.
A few more turned up here , as well as the crowd from earlier.
Honest John Plain used to drink in here in the late 1970s and 1980s , as it was a hangout for musicians in the area before the internet.
then
7.15pm to 9.30pm.
BERBERE - launch party - 50 James Street , Marylebone London W1.
Berberè, a popular Italian pizzeria, is opening a new location This will be their fourth London restaurant, joining existing locations in Clapham, Kentish Town, and Tottenham Court Road. The Marylebone restaurant will be located on James Street, taking over the space previously occupied by another pizzeria, Homeslice.
Berberè is known for its signature sourdough pizza, made with 24-hour proofed, live sourdough, organic type 1 flour, and a 14-year-old starter. The Marylebone menu will feature classic Berberè pizzas, including the Margherita, Diavola Piccante (with spicy salami, Calabrian nduja, and Neapolitan mozzarella), and the Norma (with baked aubergine, basil, and walnut pesto). They will also offer a selection of Italian wines and beers from Two Tribes, as well as classic Italian cocktails.
The Marylebone opening will also feature a special launch offer for the first two weeks.
A very buzzy crowd , as inside and outside is very busy..
The whole area is a foodies destination these days.
There is a DJ playing tunes.
Complimentary prosecco , wines , beers and different slices of their yummy sourdough pizzas .
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Sunday 27 July 2025.
UPTOWN FESTIVAL - BLACKHEATH COMMON , LONDON SE.
Uptown Festival heads to London again this year with Boy George & Culture Club headlining this fantastic family friendly event. Packed with loads of exciting activities for all the family and great music from 80's pop supremos .
Support acts playing 30 mins sets include HEATHER SMALL , ROACHFORD and STEREO MCs...there is also a dance tent...
There will also be a big screen showing the Women's Euros Football Final from 5pm....England v Spain.
www.uptownfestival.co.uk - Visit their website here for info and tickets.
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A nice big crowd here, with a nice family friendly atmosphere.
Funfair rides for the adults and the kids.
A big queue , which was for complimentary Subway customised designed Bucket Hats
Got to the venue just in time to watch all off the England v Spain Women's Euros Football Final which drew a big crowd.
It is a huge game for England , so has to be watched .
Ecstatic scenes as England won the penalty shoot out.
HEATHER SMALL on stage at 7.55pm for her 30 mins.
Heather is singing, looking and dancing just great .
I have seen her with a band , but tonight it's backing tapes.
All the acts have use of the big screens
Six well known tracks played, including M People hits.
Full HEATHER SMALL setlist played tonight ..
One Night in Heaven ( M People song)
Sight for Sore Eyes (M People song)
Search for the Hero ( M People song)
How Can I Love You More? ( M People song)
Proud
Moving On Up (M People song
CULTURE CLUB on stage at 8.35pm for their 90 mins set.
Boy George is looking as glam as usual,and he has plenty of friendly stage banter , and repeated mentions of South East London , as he was born up the road in Eltham.
A big band, including male and female backing singers.
Lots of classic Culture Club hits played, along with covers of some of George's favourite artists, that got everyone dancing.
A great show.
Full CULTURE CLUB settlist played tonight....
You're So Loud
Let's Dance (David Bowie)
Church of the Poison Mind
I'm Your Man (Wham cover)
It's a Miracle
I'll Tumble 4 Ya
Mister Man
Stormkeeper
Love Twist
Everything I Own (Bread cover)
Do You Really Want to Hurt Me
All I Know (Let Things Go)
Planetary Karma
Time (Clock of the Heart)
Miss Me Blind
Sympathy for the Devil ( The Rolling Stones cover
Encore:
Karma Chameleon
Get It On (T. Rex cover)
Updated 28th July 2025 Permalink
Saturday 26 July 2025.
Saturday 26 July 2025.
IMAGINE DRAGONS live at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Imagine Dragons have quietly become this massive act.
They play Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Friday 25 July and Saturday 26 July 2025, as the last stop of the European leg of its LOOM World Tour, which is all big stadiums.
The band will be joined by special guest Declan McKenna.
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This stunning looking stadium is totally sold out.
The fans here are a very polite kind of crowd .
Lots of overseas accents heard .
I have a great view in the gold circle.
DECLAN McKENNA on stage at 7.15pm for 45 mins .
Declan himself comes on , fully dressed in Tottenhams kit.
On his 2024 tour he headlined Ally Pally so is a big name in his own right .With his band he played good tracks from his three albums including his debut hit ' Brazil'.
IMAGINE DRAGONS on stage at 8.35pm for 1 hour 45 mins.
They had a great stage production.
A stunning wraparound collection of big screens .
A full length stage catwalk extension .
Lots of pyros and confetti used several times.
30 giant beach balls were thrown into the crowd
I don't know any Imagine Dragons tracks, and even on the night none were familiar to me.
Singer Dan Reynolds (shirtless after 30 mins) is the main focus , as he spends most of the time at the end of the catwalk extension, with lots of audience interaction, and Dan often talked on mental health awareness and positivity.
Highlights for me included ' Whatever It Takes' and 'In Your Corner' and Dan in the pit shaking hands a couple of times.
Still cannot work out how popular they have become.
They appear to be a safe kind of appeal to woke folks.
You cannot deny it was a very enjoyable show to watch
Full IMAGINE DRAGONS settlist played tonight...
Fire in These Hills
Thunder ( Extended Outro)
Bones
Take Me to the Beach ( Extended Bass Intro)
Shots ( Broiler Remix)
I'm So Sorry ( Extended Guitar Intro)
Whatever It Takes
Next to Me (Acoustic)
I Bet My Life ( Acoustic)
Bad Liar
Wake Up
Radioactive (Drum Battle Outro)
Demons ( Piano Intro with Speech)
Natural
Walking the Wire
Sharks
Enemy
In Your Corner
Birds
Believer
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Friday 25 July 2025.
A very nice triple rock bill at The 02 Arena.
ALICE COOPER + JUDAS PRIEST (co - headline)
First band on will be PHIL CAMPBELL & THE BASTARD SONS.
I have seen Alice Cooper and Judas Priest many times since the 1970s, and saw Phil Campbell many times when he was in Motorhead .
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Half of Level 4 is curtained off, as unsold.
Several fans are wearing ' Back to the Beginning ' t-shirts.
PHIL CAMPBELL & THE BASTARD SONS on stage at 6.55pm for just a 25 mins set , playing a nice loud mix of solo material and Motorhead classics.
Full setlist played ...
We're the Bastards
Going to Brazil ( Motörhead cover)
Hammer and Dance
High Rule
Ace of Spades ( Motörhead cover)
Strike the Match
As it was a co-headline show, both headline acts were down to play for 75 mins each, but Alice Cooper only played for 60 mins.
A big screen at the rear, showing live footage.
ALICE COOPER on stage at 7.40pm for 60 mins .
Alice and band were totally excellent as usual.
The full theatrics were crammed into the show .
Highlights included ' No More Mr Nice Guy', 'Poison ' and Johnny Depp and Alice 1970s band members came on for 'Paranoid' and 'Schools Out'.
Full ALICE COOPER settlist played tonight....
Lock Me Up
Welcome to the Show
No More Mr. Nice Guy
I'm Eighteen
Hey Stoopid
He's Back (The Man Behind the Mask)
Feed My Frankenstein
Go to Hell
Poison
Guitar Solo ( Nita Strauss)
Black Widow Jam
Ballad of Dwight Fry
Killer / I Love the Dead (Band only as Alice changed costume )
Paranoid ( Black Sabbath cover) (with Johnny Depp) (Live debut)
School's Out / Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2
(With band introductions (A.C. forgot to present Nita))
Crazy Train
Outro tape - (Ozzy Osbourne song)
Note: Original members, Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway and Neal Smith joined on stage for 'School's Out'
JUDAS PRIEST on stage at 9.30pm for 75 mins.
They certainly have more lights than Alice Cooper.
They have also brought their full touring production.
The comparison between Rob Halford, the lead singer of Judas Priest, and the character Uncle Albert from the British sitcom "Only Fools and Horses". is uncanny.
Rob changes his jacket or coat every other song.
Lots screaming vocals and twin guitars
The encore was a highlight, as we had ' Hell Bent for Leather ' and 'Living After Midnight'....a great show
Full JUDAS PRIEST settlist played tonight...
Intro tape - War Pigs (Black Sabbath song)
All Guns Blazing
You've Got Another Thing Comin'
Freewheel Burning
Breaking the Law
A Touch of Evil
Night Crawler
Solar Angels
Gates of Hell
Between the Hammer and the Anvil
Giants in the Sky ( dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne)
Painkiller
Encore:
Hell Bent for Leather ( with Rob riding his motorbike on stage )
Living After Midnight ( with Glenn Tipton)
Updated 26th July 2025 Permalink
Thursday 24 July 2025.
Thursday 24 July 2025.....5.15pm to 12pm.....
ONE MARYLEBONE - summer showcase -
1 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 4AQ
This ex church has been an events venue since 2008.
It is directly across from Great Portland Street tube station.
The showcase really was a pretty incredible 10/10 event.
Around 500 guests over three levels.
The venue has been dressed amazing, and there is an outside covered restaurant all set up.
It must have cost a fortune to put this all together.
The first floor is the full wedding experience .
Over 30 of their regular suppliers for their events are showcasing, so there are several bars and food stations.
6pm to 6.30pm we are seated in the covered outdoor restaurant for the four course tasting menu, which was delicious , paired with two wines .
There was a female playing acoustic covers.
The DJ was playing dance tracks downstairs later on.
A couple of costumed dancers on the dance floor .
There was a fun casino.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food , including champers , prosecco , different cocktails , wines , beers , bowl foods , canapes and desserts
We were there over six hours...it was top notch.
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Tuesday 22 July 2025...10.15pm to 12.15pm...
BURLESQUE - press/VIP opening night party at The Savoy Hotel, Strand, London .
The show itself was held earlier at The Savoy Theatre.
A big crowd of 300 or 400 guests in their famous ballroom.
The cast all turn up.
CHRISTINA AGUILERA is here as executive producer .
She was in the original movie.
Nice to bump into and chat to Steve Zapp who is a booking agent for leading live music agents ITB, who look after Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath amongst many other legends.
We were both at that amazing day at Villa Park and raised a glass for Ozzy.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food, including vodka cocktails, Tequila Strawberry Cream shots , Kylie prosecco , wines , beers , wagyu beef burgers , cartons of fish and chips and canapes.
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Tuesday 22 July 2025.
Very sad news that rock legend OZZY OSBOURNE has died aged 76....you knew it was coming , but a shock that it's only two weeks after that amazing farewell show i saw at Villa Park .
I saw so many great shows with Ozzy over the years, both as a solo artist and with Black Sabbath
A real rock & roll character for sure.
Updated 23rd July 2025 Permalink
Sunday 20 July 2025.
Sunday 20 July 2025.
THE BEACH BOYS live at Englefield Estate, Theale, Berkshire .
This will be their only UK show of 2025. Part of their ' The Sounds of the Summer' European Tour.
Music legends The Beach Boys formed in 1961.
Original member Mike Love is still here at age 84.
Bruce Johnson joined in 1965 and is still here at age 83.
I have seen them a dozen times before, including with Brian Wilson, and in Phoenix USA in 2003 when i was seeing a few Sex Pistols shows
Special guests DAVID ESSEX and LULU.
I have seen them both live several times.
David Essex is soon to be 78, and Lulu is 76.
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A bigger crowd than the other two shows, maybe 12,000 here.
Half the crowd have brought their own fold up chairs .
The big screens and sound were again excellent
LULU on stage at 5.10pm for her 60 mins set.
Lulu is still.looking as youthful as ever.
Lulu has a full band , including a female backing singer.
Highlights included...
Shout
The Man Who Sold The World
Boom Bang a Bang
Relight My Fire
I'm Still Standing ( Elton John cover)
Shout ( reprise)
DAVID ESSEX on stage at 7pm for his 60 mins set.
David has grey hair , and is balding but the females here still like his cheeky chappie twinkle.
Lots of hits played including...
Lamplight
Me and My Girl Nightclubbing
Oh What a Circus
A Winters Tale
Stardust
Rock On
Silver Dream Machine
Gonna Make You A Star ( UK number 1 hit in 1974)
Hold Me Close ( UK number one hit in 1975)
You Really Got Me (The Kinks cover)
BEACH BOYS on stage at 9pm for their I hour 40 mins set.
Nine or ten of them on stage , with the fab band singing the high notes and great harmonies
Their drummer was pretty amazing as he was a visual treat with hints of Keith Moon/Clem Burke/Slim Jim , and he sing three songs too. His stool was so high that he was semi standing.
Lots of classic hits played and a couple of covers.
Lots of vintage Beach Boys video clips and a tribute to Brian Wilson on the big screen.
Highlights included ..
Do It Again
Rockaway Beach ( The Ramones cover)
Surfin' USA
I Get Around
God Only Knows
California Girls
Sloop John B
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Help Me Rhonda
Good Vibrations
Kokomo
Barbara Ann
Fun Fun Fun
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Saturday 19 July - Wembley Arena
This is the last night of their short European and UK tour.
Rock'n'roll legends LYNYRD SKYNYRD are set to make their triumphant return to the UK and Europe in July this year. The upcoming arena tour marks their first UK visit since 2019, bringing the unmistakable sounds of one of rock's most iconic acts back to British shores. Joined by special guests Blackberry Smoke, the tour promises to be an unmissable moment for UK rock fans.
'Celebrating 50 Years of Lynyrd Skynyrd' marks half a century since the release of their groundbreaking debut album Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd. Five decades in, Lynyrd Skynyrd continue to captivate audiences worldwide with their electrifying performances and timeless music.
Last remaining original member GARY ROSSINGTON died 2023.
RICK MEDLOCKE will be 75 for this gig.
His first stint with Lynyrd Skynyrd was from 1971 to 1972, but was not on their early albums so the band are pretty much a tribute act, with good connections.
I have seen them live over a dozen times , including five shows with original members before that fatal plane crash in Oct 1977.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Hammersmith Odeon ,London 27.10.1975 Lynyrd Skynyrd (BBC Theatre O.G.W.T Special ) venue now called Shepherds Bush Empire,London 11.11.1975 Old Grey Whistle Test TV Special
Lynyrd Skynyrd,Steve Gibbons Band Hammersmith Odeon, London 15.02.1976
Rolling Stones,10 CC,Lynyrd Skynyrd,Todd Rundgren. Knebworth Music Festival 21.08.1976 massive outdoor show
Lynyrd Skynyrd,Clover Rainbow Theatre, London 29.01.1977
Support band BLACKBERRY SMOKE are well known in their own right, as they have released several albums.
I have seen them a couple of times before.
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A few blocks at the back were not sold, but pretty full.
A mainly older crowd as expected tonight
BLACKBERRY SMOKE on stage at 7.30pm for their 60 mins.
They show their logo on the big screen, but no live footage.
Most of the crowd are in early to see the support as their melodic American country rock sound is an ideal support.
Highlights included ' One Horse Town' and ' Not Much Left of Me'.....a good set.
LYNYRD SKYNYRD on stage at 9.10pm for their 90 mins.
I am six rows from the stage right , with a superb view.
They make great use of the big screen , as they show live footage mixed with vintage clips of the old band from the 1970s.
Nine on stage , including three guitars and two female bvs .
The vocals and overall sound was superb.
The original lead singer and a founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd was Ronnie Van Zant. He was also the primary lyricist for the band. After his death in a plane crash in 1977, his younger brother, Johnny Van Zant, took over as the lead singer in 1987, a role he continues to hold, and does a great job of keeping the band authentic and continuing the legacy.
All their best tracks played including the mega "' Sweet Home Alabama' and ' Free Bird'.
They sounded big and very professional.
Hard to really think of them as a top notch tribute band, as it was an excellent show..
Full LYNYRD SKYNYRD settlist played tonight ...
Workin' for MCA
What's Your Name
That Smell
I Know a Little
Saturday Night Special
Down South Jukin'
Gimme Back My Bullets
Cry for the Bad Man
The Needle and the Spoon
Tuesday's Gone ( dedicated to Gary Rossington )
Simple Man
Gimme Three Steps
Call Me the Breeze (J.J. Cale cover) (with Charlie Starr from Blackberry Smoke) ( four guitars rockin' out)
Sweet Home Alabama
Encore:
Free Bird ( including 16 names on the big screen from the Lynyrd Skynyrd family who have passed away).
A bit of a messy journey home , as 90,000 boxing fans left Wembley Stadium at the same time as the gig finished.