Friday 17 May 2024

Friday 17 May 2024. ZAYN MALIK live at Shepherds Bush Empire. Zayn Malik has announced his first ever solo gig. Malik, who left One Direction in 2015 and will release his fourth solo album ‘Room Under The Stairs’ on May 17 – has unveiled plans for a special “global exclusive live event” to celebrate his upcoming LP. On the same night as the album drops, Zayn will take to the stage at Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London. This show sold out pronto , although most know he said he would be singing just a six song 30 mins set after a short film based on his comeback. At £60 a ticket....that's £10 for each song...yikes! Zayn must be a bit envious of the success that Harry Styles has got, since leaving One Direction. -------------------- One Direction members are as popular ever, as my security chums told me hundreds of mainly females were in the queue for this show by mid afternoon. A lot is riding on the Zayn comeback , as the record company and promoter are hoping he can get some of the success that Harry Styles has got since leaving One Direction, and there are lots of press here First there is a female DJ playing some dance tunes. Then there are big screams as someone takes their Level 1 VIP seat....turns out that it's Zayns mum. At 9.10pm we have his 10 mins docu ' Road Back To The Mic'. It shows Zayn in rehearsals for this gig , as he talks about this comeback gig, as he chain smokes and shows off his tattoos. ZAYN MALIK was on stage at 9.20pm for 30 mins. There is a nice big curtain behind him, showing countryside images, and he is backed by a seven piece band, including two female backing singers . Some songs have the lyrics on the big screen. There are film cameras all over the venue recording . Zayn plays the six songs 30 mins set as promised that the crowd love....but the songs are all pretty much laid back average stuff. After the six songs are played , Zayn leaves the stage and two more of his songs are played over the pa This is actually a decoy to keep the crowd in the venue as Zayn departs the venue pronto with his own personal security , and even avoids his own aftershow party. ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------ Thursday 16 May 2024....I went to two events tonight. 6pm to 7pm. MAKE-A-WISH BALL - drinks reception - at The Savoy Hotel, Strand, London WC2. This black tie event raises funds for taking children with serious health problems away for special treats . Around 250 folks here , mainly company tables as it's £1000 and £800 a ticket. The main reason we are here is that Steven Tyler has attended and performed at a couple of their events in USA , and he is in town , so would he be here? Sadly not , as the only one we see is actress MAUREEN LIPMAN . Complimentary Nyetimber English Sparking Wines and canapes....we leave before the sit down dinner . then 8pm to 11.30pm. RIVERSIDE EAST - launch party - 5 Thornton Street , Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park,Stratford , London E20. This huge venue is right in front of The London Stadium , and The Orbit slide , so will be very popular when the stadium is used for football and concert events. It has a 300 capacity, both outdoors and indoors. There is a DJ playing classic disco tunes in the background. At 10pm they brought out a huge four tier cream cake, with sparklers to celebrate the opening Lots of complimentary drinks and food here. Piaff champers, different cocktails any spirit n mixer, wines and beers along with food trucks inc Truffle Burgers and Truffle Fries, New York Hotdogs , Pizza and various bowl foods....a really good event. Amazingly it was on to 12pm , but we left at 11.30pm. What the venue website says.... What’s on the menu? Grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee from by Allpress Espresso, specialty coffee roasters, alongside delicious grab-and-go options. Breakfast pots, toasties and artisan pastries from The Snapery Bakery are available in daily. Enjoy sandwiches, salads and flatbreads lovingly prepared by our team for lunch. And for dinner? We’ll be serving up hearty flavour-packed dishes, alongside charcuterie & cheese boards, pizza cooked in our Gozney ovens and street food our indendent traders in the our yard. Those looking for a sweet treat can enjoy Happy Endings ice cream sandwiches and Hackney Gelato. The bar will be serving up local craft beers, wine & cocktails.

Posted 17th May 2024