Tuesday 19 March 2024.

Tuesday 19 March 2024 - Royal Albert Hall. The legendary Night Of Comedy will be back at the Hall with host Kevin Bridges, sets from Rob Beckett, Paul Chowdhry, Joe Lycett, Joanne McNally and Seann Walsh. Special headline guest announced on the day was JOHN BISHOP. I have seen Kevin Bridges headline Hammersmith Apollo. ------------- Like last night the venue is totally packed solid. Folks behind the stage in the choir seats ,can only see the backs of the acts and cannot see the big screen. I have a nice view in stalls swivel seats 9pm position again. The comedy show was pretty much two hours over two sets . Again lots of talk about Teenage Cancer Trust between sets. Hard-hitting videos on the big screen, and the parade of TCT teenagers , who got a full standing ovation. Basically all the acts performed for between 10 and 20 mins. Kevin Bridges was the host , and got the most minutes on stage....He was very funny. Paul Chowdhry was also excellent , and all the others had some funny routines....an enjoyable evening of comedy. Sad to hear that seven teenagers every day , get told they have cancer...Text RAH to 70085 to donate £10. --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- Monday 18 March 2024. THE WHO with orchestra + SQUEEZE live at The Royal Albert Hall. Teenage Cancer Trust is back! The Royal Albert Hall has been hosting concerts in aid of the charity since 2000, with the biggest names in music and comedy coming together each year to raise money to help young people face the chaos of cancer. I have been to at least one show , every year since the start. When these shows arrive ROGER DALTREY will be aged 80 ,and PETE TOWNSHEND will be aged 78. I have seen The Who around 30 times since Dec 1975 , when they headlined two shows at Hammersmith Odeon. I have seen Squeeze around 20 times since March 1978, when they supported Eddie & The Hot Rods at The Lyceum. Also many solo shows by Squeeze members. --------------- The venue is fully sold out , despite ticket prices of £75 to £175. I have a great stalls view , at the 9pm position. A great surprise to see in my row was actor ERIC McCORMACK From TV series Will & Grace who is starring in a London theatre show from next week...also nearby was GUY PRATT who is bass player with David Gilmour and Nick Mason. SQUEEZE arrived on stage at 7.10pm for their 60 mins set. Seven members on stage including two keyboards. The drummer and percussionist sounded amazing. Lots of their great hits played with top notch lyrics. Not much chat as they whizzed through the tracks. A great light show, and a fantastic set. Full SQUEEZE setlist played tonight... Take Me I'm Yours Hourglass Up the Junction Here Comes That Feeling What Have They Done? Labelled With Love Another Nail in My Heart Vanity Fair Slap & Tickle Electric Trains Goodbye Girl Annie Get Your Gun Pulling Mussels (From the Shell) Tempted Cool for Cats THE WHO with orchestra arrived on stage at 9pm for their two hour set....the orchestra has around 30 members , and when the strings and brass are at full tilt , they sounds amazing. In the middle , there was a section where it was only the band . Zak Starkey drums seemed to be less thunderous than Squeeze as not to deafen Roger Daltrey in front of him. Roger sounds great , and is still twirling his microphone....and Pete is still making jokey sarcastic jibes like " I have some very sad news to tell you, Roger is going to play guitar on this one". So many classics played in a totally stunning excellent show. Has to go down as the best gig of this year so far. Full setlist performed by THE WHO tonight... I Can't Explain WITH ORCHESTRA AND BAND Overture Amazing Journey Sparks Pinball Wizard We're Not Gonna Take It Who Are You Eminence Front BAND ONLY The Kids Are Alright You Better You Bet Substitute My Generation Cry If You Want Won't Get Fooled Again Behind Blue Eyes (acoustic with strings) WITH ORCHESTRA AND BAND The Real Me I'm One 5:15 The Rock Love, Reign O'er Me ( followed by band introductions) Baba O'Riley ---------- Throughout the show there were mentions of Teenage Cancer Trust on the big screen and on stage , and several patients took to the stage to get a standing ovation.

Posted 19th March 2024