Friday 07 June 2024.

Friday 07 June 2024. THE ZOMBIES live at The Barbican. The Zombies have a very special gig happening on June 7th at London's Barbican to celebrate 60 years since they made their first tape recordings. Fans of the band such as Paul Weller, Irwin Sparkes (Hoosiers) and Sarah Brown (Simple Minds) will be joining Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent (both now aged 78) on stage to perform their favourite Zombies songs. Paul Weller has said “The Zombies made one of the all-time greatest records in ' Odyssey and Oracle' . 1968 album Odessey and Oracle' was ranked number 100 on Rolling Stone's 2012 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time,and number 243 on Rolling Stone's 2020 list.The Zombies were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. The Zombies are currently touring the UK with tour support from The Wandering Hearts and will be on the main stage at Latitude Festival this Summer (Sunday 28th July) . I have seen The Zombies a couple of times before. -------- A mainly older crowd here, but all ages are present. Their merch stand is selling their latest vinyl album which is signed by all the band for a bargain £25. Their t-shirts were also a reasonable £20 each. The venue looks pretty much sold out. THE ZOMBIES were on stage for 1 hour 50 mins over two sets of 45 mins and 65 mins. They were introduced by a dapper Paul Weller. Five main musicians , and a percussionist on some. Colin and Rod are looking great for their 78 years. Colin's vocals are nice and clear , and the overall sound is perfect. They started the set by playing songs from their first ever studio sessions for Decca back in 1964. They played a few tracks from their 2023 album ' Different Game' , which made the UK Top 10 and the USA Top 50 charts. Lots of very nifty keyboards and guitar playing. Not surprisingly , Paul Weller got the biggest cheers of the special guests, and maybe a few have come just for him. The second set had tracks from their classic album ' Odyssey and Oracle' which got big applause. 'Time Of The Season', 'Hold Your Head Up' and 'She's Not There' all got standing ovations . Rod Argent told an Interesting story that I didn't know. I thought the chorus was ' Hold Your Head Up Woah' but it's actually 'Hold Your Head Up Woman'....a great show. Full setlist played by THE ZOMBIES tonight... Set 1: Introduced by Paul Weller It's Alright With Me I Want You Back Again Sticks and Stones (Titus Turner cover) I Love You Different Game You Could Be My Love Tell Her No You've Really Got a Hold on Me / Bring It On Home to Me Summertime (George Gershwin cover) (with Sarah Brown) Dropped Reeling & Stupid Set 2: Care of Cell 44 (with Irwin Sparkes) This Will Be Our Year Beechwood Park (with Paul Weller) Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914) ( with Chris White) A Rose for Emily Time of the Season Merry-Go-Round Hold Your Head Up (Argent cover) She's Not There The Way I Feel Inside ( just Colin and Rod) -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Thursday 06 June 2024. I went to two events today. 6.30pm to 815pm. SWAINE - summer party - 126/127 New Bond Street, London W1. Swaine, one of the UK’s oldest luxury goods brands, founded in 1750 and formerly known as Swaine Adeney Brigg, last year opened a new 7,000 sq ft flagship store at 126-127 New Bond Street “as the centrepiece of its most radical rebrand in 273 years”. The new retail space, which complements the brand’s existing Burlington Arcade boutique, is the largest store in the brand’s history and will showcase its growing product offering in an environment that mirrors its new creative direction. Housed in a handsome 19th Century building, the flagship consists of a ground floor and mezzanine level displaying Swaine’s full complement of men’s and women’s leather goods and luggage alongside Herbert Johnson hats and Brigg umbrellas – both brands of the Swaine family. Tonight their amazing basement work room is open to view , where they craft their top quality products. There are demonstrations here. Over 100 guests are here over the three levels. Man about town ALISTAIR GUY is here. A female duo are performing cover songs. Complimentary Bollinger champers and carton trays of Hams ,Cheeses and fruits from the same company that supplied the theatre party last night . then 8.30pm to 9.15pm...private view - W1 Curates present Fabian Aerts 'Odyssey'. at Flannels , 161-167 Oxford Street , London W1. Their monthly party here is the same as usual. More a nightclub vibe than your normal gallery. Loud DJ sounds as the fantastic digital art is spread around three walls of the venue, with dimmed lights Complimentary spirits n mixers , wines and beers.

Posted 6th June 2024