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 .
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------
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'
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
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.
------------------
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.
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------
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.
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
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..
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------
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 .
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
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
-----------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
Monday 01 September 2025.
A nice double bill playing a UK Arena tour in 2026.
DEF LEPPARD + EXTREME
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
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 .
---------------
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.
--------------------------------------
--------------------------------------
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.
---------------
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.
-------
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 .
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
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 .
---------
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 .
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
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.
--------------
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 .
--------
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 '.
----
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
----
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.
------------
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.
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
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.
--------------
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.
--------
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.
-------
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.
--------
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.
--------
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.
--------------------------------------
--------------------------------------
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.
----------
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).
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------
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
---------
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 .
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
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.
-------------
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.
-------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
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 .
-------------
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.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
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.
-------------------
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.
---------------
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
-------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------
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.
Updated 20th July 2025 Permalink
Friday 18 July 2025.
Friday 18 July 2025.
MINISTRY OF SOUND CLASSICAL live at Englefield Estate , Theale, near Reading.
I am back again at this lovely outdoor venue.
The UK has got plenty of great venues out in the countryside that hold live music events in the summer.
Venue security told me around 8500 tickets sold for The Wombats last night, but tonight around 10,000 are here.
Pretty much like a giant rave from the 1990s.
I saw 60 mins of the PAUL OAKENFOLD 90 mins set.
There is no doubt Paul is a "superstar DJ".
Paul now aged 61, is an English record producer, remixer and trance DJ. He has provided over 100 remixes for over 100 artists including U2, Moby, Madonna, Britney Spears, Massive Attack, The Cure, New Order, The Rolling Stones, The Stone Roses and Michael Jackson. Oakenfold was voted the No. 1 DJ in the World twice in 1998 and 1999 by DJ Magazine.
He got the crowd nicely warmed up.
MINISTRY OF SOUND CLASSICAL arrived on stage at 9pm for their 90 mins set.
MOS were one of the most famous dance clubs in the 1990s.
Must be around 30 musicians on stage, and the strings and brass sound fantastic.
Some tracks were instrumental , but we had three female singers sing a couple of tracks each, and there were three backing singers that also sang some tracks.
Plenty of anthems from the likes of Fat Boy Slim and Faithless .
The lasers kicked in halfway through when it got darker.
A dozen giant balloons were pushed into the crowd near the end.
An enjoyable enough evening.
-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------
Thursday 17 July 2025
THE WOMBATS, with special guests DOVES, HARD-Fi & ALFIE TEMPLEMAN in the grounds of the stunning ENGLEFIELD ESTATE, near Reading.
The Wombats have loads of great tracks , with my fave being a superb older track called ' Techno Fan'.
I saw them headline Brixton Academy back in 2011.
15:00 Gates open
17:10-17:50 Alfie Templeman
18:20-19:00 Hard-Fi
19:30-20:30 Doves
21:00-22:30 The Wombats
Lot's of car parking spaces and nearest train station is Theale , which is two stops from Reading station , then a 30 mins walk.
The show is promoted by Heritage Live and Giles Cooper who put on big names at several stunning outdoor locations.
www.heritagelive.net - Visit their website here for upcoming concerts list.
-----------------------
My friend with the car and tickets got stuck at work, so sadly we missed all the support acts.
My first time at this newish venue , and it's a lovely location in the countryside, where the stage faces the grandeur of Englefield House.
THE WOMBATS arrive on stage at 9pm for their 90 mins set.
There are big screens tonight , and the overall sound from the stage is crystal clear.
It soon gets very lively down the front as early bangers ' Moving to New York' and 'Techno Fan' are played .
Murph on vocals and the bass player are bouncing around the stage , as they mix tracks from all their six albums.
As headliners, they get the full light show , as darkness falls.
Stage hands came on dressed as 7ft Wombats during the show , and for the final song .
Lots of guitar led indie rock gems played in the set.
Their final song was their usual 'Lets Dance to Joy Division', which sent the crowd home happy...a great show...
Full WOMBATS setlist played tonight....
Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come
Moving to New York
Cheetah Tongue
Techno Fan
Ready for the High
Can’t Say No
1996
Pink Lemonade
I Love America and She Hates Me
Kill the Director
Method to the Madness
Lethal Combination (Acoustic)
Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)
Blood On the Hospital Floor
Lemon to a Knife Fight
If You Ever Leave, I'm Coming With You
Turn
Greek Tragedy
Let's Dance to Joy Division
Updated 18th July 2025 Permalink
Wednesday 16 July 2025.
Wednesday 16 July 2025...6pm to 10.30pm...
MINISTRY OF SOUND - summer showcase - 100 Gaunt Street , Elephant & Castle , London SE1.
Legendary club venue is showcasing it's spaces for hire.
Ministry of Sound is one of London’s most iconic venues, known for its industrial aesthetic, cultural heritage, and unrivalled production capabilities. Just south of the river, its spaces have hosted everything from weddings, fashion shows and film shoots to global brand activations, conferences, and product launches.
Since opening in 1991, the venue has retained the raw, stripped-back energy that made it famous, while continuing to evolve as a powerhouse for events of all kinds.
Six different spaces up to 1500 capacity .
Over 150 guests are in their outdoor courtyard.
We get there early to get some nice seats and a table.
Everyone goes on a tour of their indoor spaces.
There is a nice carnival theme , as we have a steel band, two female dancers in full carnival attire and a DJ.
Photobot have supplied the fun photo booth for photos .
Lots of complimentary drinks and food , including Pornstar Martinis , any spirit & mixer, prosecco ,wines, beers , Jerk Chicken Sliders, Bowl foods ,canapes and ice-cream.
All guests got a small goodie bag , that included a pair of tickets for any of their club nights in August .
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Tuesday 15 July 2025....I went to two events today...
1pm to 3.15pm.
STEVE BLACKNELL BOOK LAUNCH -- ' Tales From The Bedroom Wall' - The Nags Head , Covent Garden, London WC2.
Steve worked as a presenter and in the media from the late 1970s onwards , and his book is full of the ups and downs and the shenanigans in-between , including dating a young Kate Bush and flying with Phil Collins from London on Concord at Live Aid.
A nice buzzy crowd of over 100 folks here.
Thanks to MANDY AUSTIN for the invite .
Good to see ANDY RAWL , DAVID STARK , DANNY CLIFFORD and his wife and SPIZZ .
Also here was BILL WYMAN , who wrote the foreward on the book, FRANCOISE PASCAL ( Mind Your Language etc) , JOHN ALTMAN, PETE FRENCH, JONA LEWIE, JAMES STEVENSON.
At 1.30pm Steve gave an entertaining speech.
At 2pm JOHN OTWAY performed two tracks, including ' Beware of the Flowers'.
The book is available via Amazon and other outlets.
Wines and beers and full buffet for the guests.
then
4.30pm to 9pm.
THE SUNKEN GARDEN - venue showcase - Malat Street , Bloomsbury , London WC1.
Around 150 guests here , but can easily host double that.
Tucked away under the shadows of Senate House, this secret garden combines a relaxed open-air atmosphere with a dedicated wet weather contingency - ensuring you can party rain or shine!
Stepping down into the dappled sunlight under the canopy of trees, guests will be greeted with acoustic live music and a range of speciality drinks all served from our stunning central feature bar draped in warm festoon lighting.
Catering will include delicious Street Food from the expert traders at KERB providing a selection of three cuisines for all of your guests. Whilst enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the food stall experience, our resident DJ will fill the garden with some background beats from our indoor bar!
Lots of complimentary drinks and food , including any spirit with mixer, Aperol Spritz , Pimm's, wines, beers, cheeseburgers , various wraps, Waffles with fried chicken .
Updated 15th July 2025 Permalink
Monday 14 July 2025.
Monday 14 July 2025...7pm to 9.15pm...
MARIE CURIE - private view of the summer exhibition 2025 at The Royal Academy of Arts , Piccadilly, W1.
What Marie Curie do - Everyone deserves the right support at the end of life. We’re here for anyone with an illness they’re likely to die from, and their family and friends. The event is a fundraiser for them.
A steel band are welcoming us in the courtyard.
Over 500 mainly older guests here, including VANESSA FELTZ , MOIRA STEWART and MICHAEL PORTILLO.
At 8pm we have the auctioneer for several items , then there was also a silent auction.
Complimentary Leyton's champers , canapes and desserts for all the guests .
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Saturday 12 July 2025.
6pm to 1am.
On the 40th anniversary weekend of Live Aid BBC2 is showing seven hours of highlights from that amazing day in 1985.
The actual event was 11 hours long.
Live Aid is my number one gig I have been to , out of the 7800 gigs I have been to since 1973.
An incredible line-up with many still performing.
Sadly a few of them have passed away.
Queen,U2,Who,Paul McCartney,David Bowie,Status Quo,Boomtown Rats,Style Council,Adam Ant,Bryan Ferry,Spandau Ballet,Howard Jones,Phil Collins,Sting,Elton John,Kiki Dee,Wham,Dire Straits,Paul Young,Alison Moyet,Ultravox,Elvis Costello,Nik Kershaw,Sade.
Updated 12th July 2025 Permalink
Friday 11 July 2025.
Thursday 10 July 2025...I went to two events tonight...
6pm to 7.40pm.
Private View - Flannels , 161-167 Oxford Street ,London W1.
W1 Curates presents "Rooted Data" by Annibale Siconolfi .
Annibale Siconolfi presents a selection of recent works alongside key pieces that have marked significant stages in his artistic journey.
We are in the basement of this clothes store.
Nice and cool , away from the scorching heat outside.
It is a digital art space, similar to Outernet.
PHILIP SALLON was here.
There is a DJ playing instrumental dance beats .
Complimentary spirits with mixers, wines and beers so i had a few JD & cokes here .
then
7.50pm to 9.30pm.
CORK STREET 100th ANNIVERSARY PARTY - Cork Street, Mayfair , London W1.
Cork Street, a London art destination, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025 with a year-long program of exhibitions and events. The celebration includes a group exhibition called "Fear Gives Wings to Courage" spread across all 15 galleries on the street, and special commissions like the Cork Street Banners Commission. The Mayor Gallery, the first gallery to open on Cork Street, is also celebrating its centenary in its new location.
Cork Street is all closed off to cars, so there must be 300 or 400 guests in the street and in the galleries
Complimentary drinks from two bars in the street , included vodka cocktails , prosecco, wines and beers.
There is a DJ playing tracks.
Updated 11th July 2025 Permalink
Wednesday 09 July 2025.
Wednesday 09 July 2025...I went to two events tonight....
6.45pm to 9pm .
'Tjukurrpa: The Dreaming' Private View At UNIT Gallery, 3 Hanover Square , Mayfair, London W1.
A group show featuring nine aboriginal artists.
Around 150 guests here
A cool looking crowd with lots of glamorous females .
Complimentary drinks were two different cocktails.
See Getty Images for some nice photos of the event.
then
9.45pm to 11.30pm .
TILL THE STARS COME DOWN - press/VIP opening night party at The Haymarket Hotel, London SW1.
The play was held at the nearby Theatre Royal .
I just read a five star review in The Times.
Around 300 guests here , including SALLY WOOD ( Ronnie's wife), ALISON STEADMAN, TAZMIN OUTHWAITE ,ANNEKA RICE .
Others seen leaving the theatre but not going to the party were
Vanessa Feltz, Twiggy , Sue Perkins , Alex Horne and Jane Moore who i saw at Black Sabbath Birmingham , as she is a close friend of Sharon Osbourne.
Complimentary wines , beers , fish n chips, scallops and canapes.
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Tuesday 08 July 2025...5.45pm to 10.15pm..
CONVENE - launch party - 200 Aldersgate , St Paul's, London EC1.
Welcome to the next chapter of this iconic building: newly refurbished offices perfectly positioned where two prime neighbourhoods intersect.
A huge modern venue, with fourteen different size spaces, over the two floors of 26,000 square feet .
A big crowd of over 200 guests here.
We got here early , so got a nice table.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food , including prosecco, three different cocktails, gin n tonics , wines, beers and food including a sushi station , cheese and hams station , chicken sliders, mini lobster rolls, canapes and ice-cream.
We were actually the last ones to leave.
Updated 9th July 2025 Permalink
Monday 07 July 2025
Monday 07 July 2025.
FUJII KAZE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Japanese singer and songwriter Fujii Kaze heads out on his ‘Europe Tour 2025’ . This is the second of his two sold out shows at this venue ...his only shows in the UK.
As part of seven shows in Europe , with The Olympia in Paris next stop on the tour .
He sells out arenas back home in Japan.
-----------
The venue is fully rammed sold out.
A 90% female crowd , with most of them Japanese .
My security chums , said the first fans in the queue arrived at the venue at 2am.
The merch is doing great business, but the bar staff are twiddling their fingers , as this crowd don't drink alcohol.
FUJII KAZE on at 8.30pm for 85 mins.
He is backed by a three piece band.
He has dyed his hair blonde and has an effeminate vibe.
His music style is a bit pop jazz , and laid back.
He has a cool stage presence and the crowd respectably listen.
He performs some nice dance moves in the second half.
The lyrics are 80% Japanese,, and 20% English
A trio of songs in the middle were a highlight .
Love Is a Losing Game (Amy Winehouse cover)
Love Like This
Grace
It was better and more interesting than expected.
---------------------------------
----------------------------------
Sunday 06 July 2025....1.30pm to 7pm...
JACKIE ST CLAIR's summer garden party, Holland Park, London W14.
Former model who dated Prince and her husband Carl , host their annual party at their stunning home. We had a couple of rain showers , but the crowd were fully covered. Around 300 glamorous guests are here on the guest list, including some well known faces as usual.....
I had my photo taken with MARLON JACKSON and BETTY BOO.
Also here were ED BICKNELL ( was Dire Straits long time manager) , MICHELLE HEATON , PATTIE BOYD and husband RON WESTON , DON BLACK ( legendary songwriter) , ROBERT POWELL and wife BARBARA LORD ( Babs in Pans People TOTP dance troupe) , OZWALD BOATENG, ROCCO BUONVINO, NEIL FOX, ANGELA RIPPON, CHRISTIAN VIT, JONATHAN SHALIT, AMIE TRUE ( Harpist from Windsor who has played some nice venues, including recently at Windsor Castle in front of Royal Family members) , LORRAINE CHASE, PHILIP SALLON, LIZZIE CUNDY , BRUNO TONIOLI, ARLENE PHILLIPS, ELAINE PAIGE , ELIZABETH EMANUEL, BASIA BRIGGS, ALISON JACKSON , FRANCOIS PINEAAR, MICA PARIS, SONIQUE, FRANK ARNESEN and no doubt a few more i missed .
Celebrity photographer RICHARD YOUNG was here taking the official photos.
At 5.30pm we had a few acts performing live...first we had a Gypsy Kings type duo (NIMA LEON and MICHELE CEA) play a nice few songs that got the crowd dancing ...then SU BLACK sang a Edith Piaf classic....then
TONY MOORE performed his 1987 Cutting Crew hit ' I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight' and then a medley of over 20 British number ones from the 1960s.
Violinist ANALIZA CHUNG was enjoyable to watch....then
PAUL ENDACOTT ( London Music Heritage Tours) performed tracks including ' Sweet Caroline' that had everyone singing and swaying along to.
Complimentary champagne , Pimm's, wines, beers , a full barbeque with different meats and sides , and a ice-cream cart. A small army of chefs , bar staff , cleaners and security helping things tick along ...portaloos too... Needless to say , an excellent event. See my Facebook page for some photos .
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Saturday 05 July 2025.
BLACK SABBATH live at Villa Park Stadium , Birmingham.
The four original members reform for the first time in 20 years.
It will surely be their last ever show together.
Due to Ozzy's ill-health , he will only sing a few tracks .
The all day event is titled ..'Back to the Beginning'....
The all-star event will celebrate the true creators of heavy metal and will see Ozzy Osbourne play his own short set before joining with Black Sabbath for his final bow.
Many special guests will be appearing on this all day event.
Back to the Beginning will feature sets from Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb Of God, Anthrax and Mastodon.
The all-day event will also feature a supergroup of musicians. Artists announced so far include Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), David Draiman (Disturbed), Duff McKagan & Slash (Guns ‘n Roses), Frank Bello (Anthrax), Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), Jake E Lee, Jonathan Davis (Korn), KK Downing, Lzzy Hale (Halestorm), Mike Bordin (Faith No More), Rudy Sarzo, Sammy Hagar, Scott Ian (Anthrax), Sleep Token ii (Sleep Token), Papa V Perpetua (Ghost), Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine), and Zakk Wylde.
Artists subject to change .
I have seen Black Sabbath and Ozzy solo many times.
I have seen Black Sabbath over 30 times with various singers and line-ups , since seeing them with Ozzy in 1974 at Hammersmith Odeon.
Expensive tickets for this special one-off gig...
£395 - gold circle front pitch standing
£395 - best seats
£250 - pitch general standing
£275 + £195 + £175 - general seats
Plus five types of hospitality...plus booking fees too.
This mega line-up show sold out a couple of months in advance. On Friday 06 June it was announced that the full show will be available on pay per view TV.
I will be leaving Euston Friday evening on the CRAZY TRAIN up to Birmingham to attend this special event.
---------
This was a pretty incredible day, as we had probably the best ever bill assembled of heavy metal bands .
Doors opened at 11am , and the main event was 1pm to 10.30pm , with a revolving stage for quick changeovers .
The official figures were 41,000 tix sold out of 42,000.
The first few band played three songs each, then later on the bands played four to six tracks .Most played at least one Black Sabbath track.
All the bands had use of the big video screens.
MASTODON
RIVAL SONS
ANTHRAX
HALESTORM
LAMB OF GOD
Supergroup A
Great to see SAMMY HAGAR on UK soil.
He sung two , including the Montrose classic ' Rock Candy'.
ALICE IN CHAINS
GORIJA
Drum off battle
Supergroup B
Great to see STEVEN TYLER sing three tracks.
The first was with Ronnie Wood ,and the second was the Aerosmith classic ' Walk This Way '.
PANTERA
TOOL
SLAYER
GUNS N ROSES
Never Say Die (Black Sabbath cover)
Junior’s Eyes (Black Sabbath cover)
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Black Sabbath cover)
Welcome to the Jungle
Paradise City
METALLICA
Hole in the Sky (Black Sabbath cover)
Creeping Death
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Johnny Blade (Black Sabbath cover)
Battery
Master of Puppets
OZZY OSBOURNE BAND
I Don’t Know
Mr. Crowley
Suicide Solution
Mama, I’m Coming Home
Crazy Train
BLACK SABBATH
War Pigs
N.I.B.
Iron Man
Paranoid
Ozzy was sat in his throne chair for all nine songs.
I was in the gold circle so got some Ozzy Osbourne confetti with his name on it at the end of his set , and the same with Black Sabbath at the end of their set.
I also got a Black Sabbath guitar pic.
An excellent 10/10 day.
Updated 4th July 2025 Permalink
Thursday 03 July 2025.
Thursday 03 July 2025...2pm to 10.30pm...
SOHO HOUSE - 30th anniversary party - Gunnersbury Park, London W3.
A full on party as over EIGHT HOURS of complimentary food and drinks and live bands .
Soho House opened its first venue at 40 Greek Street, Soho, London in 1995, and now have 45 houses around the world.
Must be over 5000 folks here in the sunshine.
Two stages...the main stage for the more well known acts. Alternating, with just five mins between acts. There was also a third stage for comedy. Eleven acts , we hear all, but just watch three, as there is complimentary food and drink everywhere , as there are a dozen bars including Laurent Perrier champers , five different cocktails , prosecco, wines, beers, Woodford Reserve Whiskey had a bar, Guinness had a bar, and maybe 20 different food outlets,including lobster, fish n chips, Dirty Burger, Chicken Shop, Cecconi's Pizza , Mr Whippy ice-cream van, churros , cheesecake , Crosstown Donuts and many more The girls can get their hair and nails done, which was very popular , as the whole days slots got booked up. There are complimentary funfair rides too.
Djs here playing sets included Trevor Nelson and Fat Tony.
CRAIG DAVID TS5 arrived on stage at 5.45pm for his 50 mins.
He is in semi DJ mode as he sings his own hits and cover versions to backing tracks .He knows exactly how to work and entertain the crowd.
TEXAS arrived on stage at 7.25pm for their 55 mins set
Plenty of friendly stage banter from Sharleen.
They played a really good set full of their hits, including...
I Don't Want a Lover
Halo
Summer Son
Let's Work It Out
Black Eyed Boy
Say What You Want
Inner Smile
THE STREETS arrived on stage at 9.15pm for his 60 mins set.
Would have thought Texas should be headliners as many folks started drifting home halfway through his set
He played his hits and other tracks , but that talking style of hip-hop, garage and grime music didn't really excite those here.
On the plus side , he had the full light show as dark, and nice fireworks at the end.
An excellent day overall.
---------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
Wednesday 02 July 2025.
DIANA ROSS live at The 02 Arena.
Diana will be aged 81 when she plays this show.
Motown Legend Diana Ross has announced that she will be bringing ‘One Legendary Voice. Decades of Hits’ tour to the UK for several shows , performing live with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra & Band.
I have seen here live a couple of times before
-------------
Level 4 is only 50% sold , but there is still 12,000 here.
8pm - we had a 10 mins video montage of her career .
8.10pm - DIANA ROSS on stage for two hours.
We have some nice big screens.
A band and big orchestra , and also a choir on several songs.
We are certainly in the presence of music royalty , as Diana comes on stage to a standing ovation, wearing the first of three lavish gowns.
She still looks and sounds fab for her age of 81.
So many great songs performed from her incredible 60 year career , with some Supremes classics at the start of the show.
Diana brought her grandkids on during ' Upside Down'.
An excellent show.
Full DIANA ROSS settlist played tonight...
Overture
I'm Coming Out
More Today Than Yesterday (Spiral Starecase cover)
Baby Love ( The Supremes song)
You Can't Hurry Love (The Supremes song)
Come See About Me ( The Supremes song)
Stop! In the Name of Love ( The Supremes song)
If We Hold on Together
Touch Me in the Morning
I'm Still Waiting
Chain Reaction
He Lives in You (Lebo M cover)
Don't Explain ( Billie Holiday cover)
Tomorrow
Love Hangover
Take Me Higher
Home ( Charlie Smalls cover)
Ease on Down the Road ( Diana Ross and Michael Jackson song)
The Boss
Endless Love ( Diana Ross & Lionel Richie song)
Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)
Amazing Grace ( John Newton cover)
Upside Down
Count on Me
If the World Just Danced
Why Do Fools Fall in Love (Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers cover)
Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)
Ain't No Mountain High Enough (Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell cover)
The Best Years of My Life
Thank You
Updated 3rd July 2025 Permalink
Tuesday 01 July 2025.
Tuesday 01 July 2025.
STEVEN WILSON JR live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Hailing from the hollers of southern Indiana, Stephen Wilson Jr. has taken a winding path to his musical career, making stops as a boxing finalist, scientist, and indie rock band member before finding his voice as a solo artist.
His songwriting prowess and distinctive voice have positioned him as a leading voice in the evolving country music landscape.
This show is the last date on his UK and European Tour which includes playing this years Glastonbury Festival.
This show sold out in advance.
------------
The venue is rammed solid sold out tonight .
SCARLETT LORAN on stage at 8pm for 25 mins.
Scarlett and her guitar, along with a keyboard player played some mellow folk songs .
STEVEN WILSON JR on stage at 8.50pm for 2 hours 5 mins.
Stephen Wilson Jr. is backed by three musicians , including some nice pedal steel playing.
Steven has plenty energy as he darts Wilko style across the stage during many songs It is a mix of musical performance and heartfelt storytelling, with a focus on creating a sincere connection with the audience, with relatable lyrics and powerful vocals.
The band were nice and loud, but they drowned out his vocals a bit too much . Also his storytelling between tracks took up a bit too much time for me, but the crowd loved it .
His set included a cover of ' Stand By Me'.
An enjoyable enough show
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Monday 30 June 2025...6.30pm to 9pm...
OLD MASTERS - sale preview - Christie's , 8 King Street, St James's, London SW1.
Around 300 guests here at this well known big gallery space.
Many great paintings on display.
Many have a guide price of over £1m for the auction sale , which is held the following day.
Complimentary Nyetimber English Sparkling Wines, Negronis , Peach Bellini's and canapes .
Updated 1st July 2025 Permalink
Sunday 29 June 2025.
Sunday 29 June 2025.
VICTOR MANUELLE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Víctor Manuelle( now aged 56), is a Puerto Rican salsa singer, known to his fans as El Sonero de la Juventud ("The Singer Of Youths"). He is identified primarily with salsa romántica or "salsa monga". Víctor Manuelle has neither recorded in English, nor made a Latin pop album, nor (with rare exceptions) ventured into acting, preferring to remain a musician grounded within salsa music.
He has released over 20 albums over the past 35 years.
----------
I have always got stuck in to different genres , so this week after just seeing three classic rock band events, i am now at .......a salsa gig.
All levels are open, but there is space on each.
Maybe 1200 ex pats here , with 75% of them females .
It is a lively atmosphere as folks are singing and dancing to the DJ support and the main artist.
VICTOR MANUELLE is on at 8.35pm for his 95 mins set.
He is backed by a nice big band, as 12 musicians on stage , including a 5 man brass section and 2 backing singers.
There is a big screen showing some of his videos, and some old TV recordings.
The show ticked along ok, and the crowd loved it.
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Saturday 28 June 2025.
IRON MAIDEN live at London Stadium , Stratford, East London
The band performing at the London Stadium, which is home to West Ham FC, the team that founder Steve Harris supports
As part of a 50th anniversary UK & European Tour .
Iron Maidens early gigs were at venues like including The Cart & Horses , Stratford, East London , which is now full of Iron Maiden memorabilia , as Maiden fans flock there to visit .
Drummer Nicko has been replaced by Simon Dawson.
I have seen Iron Maiden over 30 times since 1980 , when they supported Judas Priest at Hammersmith Odeon.
Iron Maiden would play multi-nights at Hammersmith Odeon during the 1980s on their UK tours
-----------
It is a totally sold out 80,000 capacity show tonight.
As expected, it looks like around 90 % male crowd.
The merch stands are doing a roaring trade.
I have seen both support acts before, back in 2022.
THE RAVEN AGE are on at 6pm for their 30 mins set.
The Raven Age are an English heavy metal band formed in London in 2009 by guitarists George Harris and Dan Wright. Harris is the son of Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris.
They played good tracks from their three albums.
HALESTORM are on at 7pm for their 45 mins set.
The band are massive back home in America where their albums have done well in the Billboard 200 charts.
Female singer Lizzy Hale oozes glamour in her black thigh high boots and leotard , and is a great front person.
A really good set from them.
At 8.15pm - Their intro track UFO 'Doctor, Doctor' got the crowd singing loudly and bouncing along .
IRON MAIDEN arrived on stage at 8.20pm for 2 hours 10 mins.
They have the big screens , flames and pyros but there is no stage extension or b stage.
The gold circle standing is much livelier , than Guns N Roses a couple of days before as we have proper moshing and crowd surfers.
The settlist is perfect as they pull out material from their first nine albums, 1980’s Iron Maiden to 1992’s Fear Of The Dark.
Their huge mascot Eddie , made a couple of appearances , as he moved crazily around the stage
The three guitars and bass player Steve Harris pull out every cliche rock & roll stage pose , as they run around and swop stage sides .
It was a totally excellent show , that has to be a 10/10 gig.
Full IRON MAIDEN settlist played...
Tape - Doctor Doctor (UFO song)
Tape - The Ides of March
Murders in the Rue Morgue
Wrathchild
Killers
Phantom of the Opera
The Number of the Beast
The Clairvoyant
Powerslave
2 Minutes to Midnight
Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Run to the Hills
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son
The Trooper
Hallowed Be Thy Name
Iron Maiden
Encore:
Tape - Churchill's Speech
Aces High
Fear of the Dark
Wasted Years
Updated 29th June 2025 Permalink
Friday 27 June 2025.
Friday 27 June 2025.
LIVEWIRE live at Shepherds Bush Empire.
LIVEWIRE bring - The AC/DC show to the Bush.
I have seen the real Bon Scott 19 times with AC/DC.
Also many times with Brian Johnson and the once with Axl Rose .
--------------
Another tribute band , who know they cannot fill the venue, but just want to say ' we have played this iconic venue'.
Levels 2 and 3 are closed tonight, and plenty of space in stalls and Level 1, so maybe 600 max here tonight .
Lots of AC/DC tour shirts and several Devils horns being worn.
LIVEWIRE on stage at 8.10pm for 2 hours 15 mins .
From the moment the band took the stage, it was evident that LIVEWIRE take pride in delivering an authentic and high-quality performance. The singer did a remarkable job at delivering what everyone was no doubt anxious to hear, Brian Johnson’s unique sound, and nearby Angus is in full school uniform.
The rest of the band have their stance down perfect.
Brian was even able to mimic his speaking voice exceptionally well. Their attention to detail, from the vocals to the instruments, was pleasing to say the least, paying homage by using Marshall cabinet stacks and a Gibson SG just like Angus. They even had six cannons ,just like AC/DC.
All the classics played, and a few lesser known tracks.
I think the Brian stole the show from the Angus tonight, as he really was like Brian Johnson in every way.
A great show.
The biggies came in the second half...
Back in Black
Thunderstruck
Highway to Hell
Whole Lotta Rosie
Angus on Brians shoulders to walk through stalls standing.
Let There Be Rock
Angus striptease and guitar solo writhing on the floor .
Encore ...
TNT
For Those About To Rock (We Salute You) ( the cannons were used ,but didn't actually bang, just some smoke came out)
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Thursday 26 June 2025.
GUNS N ROSES live at Wembley Stadium.
I have seen them around a dozen times before, with the first time at Hammersmith Odeon in 1987, when their classic album 'Appetite for Destruction' took off.
I saw both their shows at Tottenham's ground in 2022, on their previous European Tour
-------------
People were arriving , even when G N R had started.
Not sold out, but a very impressive 75,000 out of 80,000 tickets sold , despite some mad stadium prices , as Gold Circle early entry was £225 , and Gold Circle normal was £175.
I have great view half a dozen rows back in the Gold Circle.
RIVAL SONS on at 5.30pm for their 45 mins set.
American blues rockers did a good set .They played tracks from the several albums that they have released .
GUNS N ROSES on stage at 7pm and played a mammoth set lasting 3 hours 15 mins.
Guns N Roses still as popular as ever
They have the big screens .
Axl, Slash and Duff looking as cool as ever.
Axl doing his funny walking backwards stage wanderings.
Even down the front, the sound could have been better .
The first hour felt like it wasn't loud enough, and the drums seemed low in the mix and the vocals were a bit muffled.
However, the quality of the songs pushed all that aside
Great to see Slash in full guitar solo mode.
Maybe the set could be trimmed by 30 mins but the bottom line was there were loads of great G N R classics played , along with some nice covers .
The final two songs , when it was dark ' Nightrain' and 'Paradise City' finished off a fantastic show.
GUNS N ROSES full set list played tonight...
Welcome to the Jungle
Bad Obsession
It's So Easy
Chinese Democracy
Live and Let Die ( Wings cover)
Mr. Brownstone
Slither ( Velvet Revolver cover)
Coma
You Could Be Mine
Hard Skool
Estranged
Reckless Life
Knockin' on Heaven's Door (Bob Dylan cover)
Double Talkin' Jive
Catcher in the Rye
Thunder and Lightning ( Thin Lizzy cover) (Duff on lead vocals)
Anything Goes ( Tour debut)
Down on the Farm ( UK Subs cover)
Civil War ( followed by band intros)
Slash Guitar Solo
Sweet Child o' Mine
Perhaps
Absurd
November Rain
Wichita Lineman ( Jimmy Webb cover)
Patience
Rocket Queen
Dead Horse ( Tour debut)
Human Being ( New York Dolls cover)
Nightrain
Paradise City
Updated 26th June 2025 Permalink
Wednesday 25 June 2025.
Tuesday 24 June 2025.... 7.30pm to 11pm.
SERPENTINE GALLERY SUMMER PARTY - Kensington Gardens, London. A big crowd of some 700 or 800 here.
One of the major London summer parties as lots of big names here , or as The Standard paper that calls it " the London society event of the summer".
Lots of women in very glamorous summer dresses
I got my photo with BETH DITTO, WILL.I.AM, BIANCA JAGGER and got a couple of super imposed AI photos .
To celebrate its 25th anniversary the Serpentine Galleries enlisted special guest Cate Blanchett to co-host proceedings , so she was the main target of the many photographers .
Also here were Sadiq Khan, Georgia May Jagger , Lily Allen,
Jordan Dunn, Dina Asher - Smith , Sir Grayson Perry , Sir Paul Smith , Jackie St Clair, Michael Bloomberg,
Ozwald Boateng, Richard Caring , Joy Crookes, Celia Imrie, Minnie Driver, Kelly Osbourne, Skepta , Edward Enninful, Rebel Wilson, La Roux, Harris Reed, Mary McCartney, Lord Frederick Windsor, Lady Amelia Windsor, Lady Elizabeth Spencer, Lady Kitty Spencer and many more.
There was an AI fun photo booth.
We had three djs doing stints , including the third one from 9pm who played lots of 1980s and 1990s classics to get folks dancing .
Check out Getty Images for some great photos . Complimentary Ruinart champers, three different cocktails , wines, bowl foods , canapes, a desserts table.
The Aubrey Knightsbridge were giving out invites for future complimentary sushi and drinks at their venue .