Thursday 19 June 2025.

Thursday 19 June 2025. SPARKS live at Hammersmith Apollo. This is the second of their two shows here. Art pop rock legends are playing two London shows on their UK and European Tour to promote their new album 'MAD!' I have seen Sparks over a dozen times since 1974 and 1975 when i saw them headline Hammersmith Odeon. I think this is the first time that they have played this venue since those shows 50 years ago. -------------- Sparks seem to be more popular than ever these days. The venue looks very full, and it's stalls standing. Good to see several friends here included David Sinclair , who was music critic for The Times for many years, and he brought me along to many great shows . SPARKS on stage at 8.30pm for their 1 hour 45 mins set. The stage production is fantastic, as there are squares and horizontal lighting poles all across the rear of the stage. Ron and Russell at the front, and the four band members on a raised platform behind them. Russell is so youthful , as he easily moves around the stage . Lots of new album tracks played, and the crowd love it all. They are as quirky and interesting as ever. A highlight was a trio of older classics ending with ' This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us'. Always an act to look forward , rather than nostalgia , so a few older gems like ' Amatuer Hour' are not played. It was a fantastic show. Full SPARKS setlist played tonight... So May We Start Do Things My Own Way Reinforcements Academy Award Performance Goofing Off Beat the Clock Please Don’t Fuck Up My World Running Up a Tab at the Hotel for the Fab Suburban Homeboy ( “with the vocal stylings of Mr Ron Mael”) All You Ever Think About Is Sex Drowned in a Sea of Tears JanSport Backpack Music That You Can Dance To When Do I Get to Sing "My Way" The Number One Song in Heaven This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us Whippings and Apologies Lord Have Mercy Encore: The Girl Is Crying in Her Latte ( with band introductions) All That ( Followed by their docu producer Edgar Wright appearing on stage and taking a photo of the band and audience) ----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- Wednesday 18 June 2025...I went to two events tonight... 6.15pm to 7.45pm . LA YAM ROOFTOP BAR - press launch party - Kingsbourne House, 229 - 231 High Holborn, London WC1. A beach bar above Holborn tube station ? Yep that's what it is. Outside , there are no see signs saying there is a bar upstairs . You go in the entrance to the office block , take the lift to the 7th floor , then walk up stairs to the 8th floor . La-Yam was created to offer an escape from the everyday London establishment—capturing the laid-back essence of a beach bar on the other side of the world. With warm wooden textures and a coastal-inspired design, it brings a tranquil, getaway feel to a rooftop space right above Holborn station. We have a lovely sunny evening , with some nice views. There is space for up to 200 people here . A DJ was playing tunes in the background Complimentary drinks and food included five different cocktails, prosecco , wines, beers and trays of sliced water melons , canapes, olives and dips. then 8.15pm to 11.15pm . BARBARELLA - launch party - YY Building, 30 South Colonade, Canary Wharf, London E14. A very lively party as must be 500 guests here. The two levels were very busy . Ground floor has a DJ playing loud tunes , as folks danced. Upstairs was another DJ , but a bit quieter . Big Mamma Group unveils Barbarella restaurant in London, its sixth venue in the city. They are bringing a lavish slice of 1970s Roman cinema to Canary Wharf. Located in the waterfront YY Building, Barbarella promises an immersive dining experience that combines theatrical design, indulgent Italian cuisine, and a touch of retro glamour. Known for their opulent trattorias like Gloria and Circolo Popolare, Big Mamma Group continues its tradition of creating dining destinations that are as visually stunning as they are gastronomically satisfying. Barbarella is inspired by the golden age of 70s Roman cinema. It aims to transport guests to a world of vintage elegance and cinematic flair. The restaurant’s interiors are a feast for the senses. The first-floor dining area features jungle-themed decor with chocolate-brown walls, a three-meter-wide amber chandelier, and a long mirrored glass bar serving cocktails and wines. Upstairs, a 70s-inspired lounge boasts a golden-framed open kitchen, vintage Ferragamo silk furnishings, and reflective chrome accents. Silver curtains lead to a waterside terrace offering stunning views of the River Thames and the Canary Wharf skyline. Lots complimentary Italian drinks and food , including Negronis,Limoncello, prosecco , wines, beers , various bowl foods , pizza slices , canapes and desserts including tiramisu . It was still in full swing , when we departed for the tube.

Posted 18th June 2025