Monday 22 July 2024.

Monday 22 July 2024...7pm to 9pm... MARIE CURIE - private view of the summer exhibition 2024 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. Over 500 mainly older guests here, including LOUIS THEROUX , TOBY JONES and JOHN ALTMAN. At 8pm MICHAEL PALIN welcomes the crowd and is auctioneer for six items including a drawing by Billy Connolly....there was also a silent auction. Michael Palin's wife had support from Marie Curie in the last week's of her life. Complimentary Leyton's champers , canapes and desserts for all the guests . ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------- Saturday 20 July 2024. LOVE live at Shepherds Bush Empire. The legendary LOVE with Johnny Echols makes a welcome return to the UK, led by Johnny Echols (now aged 77) - one of the original and longest serving members of the late Arthur Lee’s band. They'll be performing the iconic album from 1967 ' Forever Changes' in full with the Stockholm Strings 'n' Horns ensemble, often cited as one of the greatest records of all time. ' Forever Changes ' had only moderate success on the album charts upon release, peaking at No. 154 in the US and No. 24 in the UK. In subsequent years, it has become recognized as an influential document of 1960s psychedelia and named among the greatest albums of all time by a variety of publications. I saw them with their leader Arthur Lee in 2003 at The Royal Festival Hall when they reformed , after Arthur Lee had spent five years in jail for firearms offences. Arthur Lee passed away in 2006. ------------ It is mainly an older crowd tonight, so the stalls is seating, and Level 3 is closed . Maybe 700 or 800 here at most. Many are wearing San Francisco 1960s clothing. Support act LARGE PLANTS arrived on stage at 8.15pm for their 30 mins set, which ticked along nicely with nice harmonies from the main two. They had a technical delay in the middle of the set. LOVE arrived on stage at 9.15pm and played for 95 mins over two sets of 50 mins and 45 mins. Eleven musicians on stage featuring a four person string section and trumpet, for many of the songs. The first set was their classic album 'Forever Changes' and the second set was other tracks . The opening track ,the psychedelic masterpiece 'Alone Again Or' was fantastic and later on protopunk anthem 'Seven and Seven Is' was another highlight. When used the strings and trumpet really did add a lovely big lush sound . Some songs without them,felt a bit average A full standing ovation from the stalls seated fans. Overall , an enjoyable show

Posted 21st July 2024