News and Reviews: 2nd July 2012
30 June 2012 Ronnie Wood And Friends live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.This was a show to celebrate The Chess Records label.
Accompanied by an all-star band, which included Bill Wyman on bass,Mick Taylor on guitar and Simon Kirke on drums, Ronnie was joined on stage by Texas lead singer Sharleen Spiteri plus other female singers not so well known for a couple of songs each as they celebrated the songs made famous by the likes of Howlin’ Wolf, Chuck Berry, Etta James and Muddy Waters.
Also helping out on a few songs was James McCartney(Paul McCartneys son).
Being a current member of The Stones and the uniqueness of tonight's show with his band featuring two ex Rolling Stones members means Ronnie can sell tickets at Rolling Stones prices.First three rows were £150 plus booking fee and most of the other stalls seating is £75 plus booking fee but they all got sold.
Ronnie And Friends on stage for 1 hour 50 mins.
It started with Ronnie solo for "Little Red Rooster" and "Mona".He seemed a bit nervous at the start as he was mumbling his words a bit then we get a few singers come and go.It is all a bit loose as expected.
Overall Ronnie Wood is on top form tonight.
Ronnie still looks and acts proper rocker cool.
Bill Wyman sings "You Never Can Tell".Mick Taylor is in the background pretty much doing nothing exciting.
For the last 30 mins we all rush to the front.
Sharleen Spiteri sings a great version of "I'd Rather Go Blind" then shy and awkward looking James McCartney comes on to sing "Johnny B Goode" and does a good job.
Like it said on the tin it was mainly a night of the blues which is not a fave genre of mine.Encores had all the guest singers on stage for a couple of songs with last song being The Stones classic "Its Only Rock And Roll(But I Like It) which was a good finish.
An enjoyable show.
Check aftershow page for this gig.
29 June 2012.Dressed To Kill live at Sub 89,Reading.
The UK's number one KISS tribute act play a club show just a few days before the real KISS hit London.
They have been together for over 20 years now.I have seen them a few times with the first time being in 1994 at The Marquee Club(when it moved around the corner).
So i know i will get a quality performance.
They always put on a brilliant show as we have a full costumes,full face paint and flames and fireworks
production.On stage for 1 hour 50 mins they play a great mix of KISS classics and always include a couple of songs that KISS never play in their set.Lots of entertaining chat between songs and the audience really got into it by singing and cheering loudly.
The band really sound and look amazing.
Full setlist was Shout It Out Loud...Detroit Rock City...Deuce...Crazy Crazy Nights...Firehouse(with Gene firebreathing)...Rip It Out...Strutter...Shock Me(smoke comes out of Ace guitar)...Cold Gin...Reason To Live...
Gene bass solo with blood spitting...100,000 Years...
drum solo...Say Yeah...I Was Made For Loving You...Lick It Up...Love Gun...and encores of Black Diamond...God Gave Rock And Roll To You...Rock And Roll All Nite...
A fantastic gig.
See www.dressedtokill.org.uk for future DTK gigs.
28 June 2012.7.45pm to 11.45pm i was at The
Slazenger Summer Party at Aqua,Argyle Street,London W1.
One of the main sponsors for Wimbledon Tennis Championships hold their annual summer party.
We are across the road from The Palladium in this very nice huge bar.The weather is hot today so the roof terrace works a treat.We are five or six floors up.
They have decked the venue out with a tennis theme so there is lots of fake grass,staff in tennis wear,giant tennis rackets and giant tennis balls everywhere
Freebie Lanson champers,cocktails,Pimms,beers,wines and lots of bowl food and canapes here for all tonight.
A dj in the background.There are a few faces here.
The main one is tennis legend John McEnroe who turns up late at 11pm after his tv work.I have met him before and is always wary of folks.He has a personal security/pr guy watching everyone.I always ask him "what gigs he plans to see in London?".He said "hopefully Ronnie Wood if he can get away from work on time".He then started talking about how much he enjoyed Kings Of Leon in Hyde Park last summer.He then chatted to Newcastle United F.C. owner and JJB Sports owner Mike Ashley for ages.From then on any requests for photos,autographs or a chat were all brushed aside by his minder.Also here was Pat Cash,Jeremy Edwards,cricketers Michael Vaughn and Paul Collingwood and Saturdays singer Rochelle Wiseman.
I got some goodie bags that all had a tin of Slazenger Tennis Balls in them.
A really good party.
27 June 2012.Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
Second of two sold out shows at this venue for Frankie Valli who is now aged 78 and still looking good.
Another one of those American acts that does not visit the UK that often.Last time they were over here was around 18 years ago.I saw them way back in 1980 when they became popular again after Frankie Valli sang the title track on the "Grease " film soundtrack.
The "Jersey Boys" musical based on his songs is very popular in the UK so you can see why the shows are all sold out.
A true American pop idol really as Frankie Valli was making records in the 1950s before his massive success in the 1960s and 1970s with loads of million selling hits including loads of number ones.
The show was 1 hour 50 mins of two sets of 50 mins and 60 mins.A full band with mini orchestra.
The first set was bit average as hits like "Grease","Beggin'" and "My Eyes Adored You" were mixed in with far too many 1960s crowd pleasing cover versions.
None of the backing vocalists The Four Seasons are originals but they can reach the high notes and do the dance moves as they are a lot younger than Frankie.
The second set was totally better as it was big hit after big hit with the crowd singing and dancing to
"Who Loves You","December 1963(Oh What A Night)","Sherry","Walk Like a Man","Big Girls Don't Dry","Bye Bye Baby(Baby Goodbye)" and encores of "Rag Doll" and "Lets Hang On".
An enjoyable show.
26 June 2012.8pm to 12pm i was at The Serpentine Gallery Summer Party,Hyde Park,London.
Its that time of year when the summer social events are in full swing with Ascot,Wimbledon,Henley and lots of others holding outdoor garden parties.This is one of the best ones.By The Serpentine Gallery with its new lower level underground pavillion and cork chairs and The Yoko Ono exhibition in the gallery itself.
Around 800 folks here.All the girls look great as most are glammed up in their best designer dresses.
Lots of freebie Laurent Perrier champers,cocktails, wines,beers and lots of tasty hot and cold food.
Lots of photographers inside and outside the event.
Always a decent number of faces here including Bianca Jagger,Mischa Barton,Erin Oconnor,Holly Valance,Alan Carr,Tracey Emin,Sir Peter Blake,Jade Jagger,Nicky Haslam,Dylan Jones,Amber Le Bon,Kelly Hoppen,Nancy Dell'Olio,Leah Weller,Natt Weller,Jo Wood,Tania Bryer,Sharleen Spiteri,Donna Air,Jamie Winstone,Henry Holland and no doubt a few more.
A dj spinning the tunes all night and up and coming female singer Azelia Banks played a few songs in a 20 mins set wearing a yellow butterfly wings outfit.
An excellent party.
The Sex Pistols classic single "Pretty Vacant" is
re-released on 02 July 2012 to celebrate its 35th anniversary.Like the previous Universal re-releases of "Anarchy In The UK" and "God Save The Queen" it will be limited to 3500 numbered picture disc copies.
21 June 2012.8pm to 11.30pm.Launch party for The Goji Tinchy Stryder On Cloud 9 Collection Headphones at Paramount,31st Floor,Centre Point,London WC1.
"You Have To Be In It To Win It" they say.
I am a sucker for comps on the internet that just involve sending an email off and hoping.
Anyway for this event i won the main prize in Fabulous Mag which is read all over the UK.
The prize was two tickets to this event and £400 cash spending money towards any expenses like travel and accom.Yes 400 smackers.Not some dodgy vouchers but a cash transfer direct to my bank account.
Their photographer took a couple of photos of me so they should be up on their website soon.
The party was up on the 31st floor with stunning views of London on every side.
Around 300 folks here with lots of freebie cocktails,wines,beers and lots of hot and cold food.
We had a 30 mins set by Tinchy Stryder.
His setlist included his big 2009 hit "Number 1".
A dj kept the vibe going nicely after.
A really enjoyable event....plus £400 too.Result.
MOBO award winner Tinchy Stryder has joined forces with technology brand Goji to launch a brand new collection of headphones and accessories for listening to music on the go, Goji Tinchy Stryder: On Cloud 9, exclusively stocked at Currys & PC World.
The Goji Tinchy Stryder: On Cloud 9 collection will be available at Currys & PC World stores nationwide from mid-July.
Visit www.gojicollective.co.uk for more information.
Happy 5th Birthday to The 02 Arena.
Only been around five years but feels longer and now the worlds number one concert venue.
20 June 2012.Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
The second of Toms two sold out nights at this venue.Like Monday it is really rammed full inside.
Monday was fantastic but i think tonight was even better as my seat was nearer the stage,Steve Winwood came on to sing a couple of his own songs on top of Mondays setlist and the show lasted 2 hours 15 mins which was 15 mins more than Monday nights show.
Another electric atmosphere tonight.Tom could have easy played three or four nights here.
Now aged 61 Tom has a bit of a stoop and moves slowly around the stage.So many brilliant songs with the oldies going down the best and some top notch sound.
Like all American rock acts from the 1970s they were big fans of the 1960s British bands like The Beatles and Cream etc so that is why Steve Winwood was a guest on stage tonight.Superb stuff.
Full setlist.
Listen to Her Heart...You Wreck Me...I Won't Back Down.
..Here Comes My Girl...Handle with Care (Traveling Wilburys cover)...Good Enough...Oh Well (Fleetwood Mac cover)...Something Big...Don't Come Around Here No More
...Can't Find My Way Home (Blind Faith cover) (with Steve Winwood on vocals)...Gimme Some Lovin' (Traffic cover) (with Steve Winwood on vocals)...Free Fallin'...
It's Good To Be King...Something Good Coming... Learning to Fly...Yer So Bad...I Should Have Known It..
.Refugee...Runnin' Down a Dream.
Encores: Mary Jane's Last Dance...American Girl
18 June 2012.Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers + Jonathan Wilson live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
I was really looking forward to seeing this gig.
This was the first of two sold out shows at The Royal Albert Hall with tickets for both shows all gone in 24 hours.It was Tom Petty's first UK show since 1999 when i saw them at Shepherds Bush Empire.
One of those American artists that does not come to the UK that often.I have seen him a few times including an early show as a support act way back in 1977.
The venue is a totally rammed full house.
Up first we have a fellow American Jonathan Wilson and his band.He is promoting his album "Gentle Spirit".
He was born in 1974 but he no doubt wishes he was making music then as he is very in the late 1960s/early 1970s American laid back country folk rock mode.
The crowd gave him polite applause but it was pretty average stuff for me.He was on for around 45 mins.
Tom and his band play a two hour show.
The crowd all know tonight is a big deal as Tom has been away for such a long time and tells the crowd "its been a long time dream of ours to play this venue" as they are playing it for the first time.
Music fashions come and go but Tom and his great band are still very stuck in the late 1970s era as most of their stage equipment looks from that period.
Its mainly a greatest hits set with a couple of songs from the recent "Mojo" album.
Lots of the trademark guitar sound and keyboards.
So many really great songs tonight and the crowd soon forget he has been away from the UK for so long.
Not a dream setlist for me as some gems NOT played were
"Even The Losers","Into The Great Wide Open","The Waiting" and "You Got Lucky" but that is me just being greedy.It really was a great night.
I would imagine the setlist for the second show will change by a couple of songs.
Full setlist played
Listen to Her Heart...You Wreck Me...I Won't Back Down...Here Comes My Girl...Handle with Care (Traveling Wilburys cover)...Good Enough...Oh Well (Fleetwood Mac cover)...Something Big...Don't Come Around Here No More...Free Fallin'...It's Good To Be King...Something Good Coming...Learning to Fly...Yer So Bad...I Should Have Known It...Refugee...Runnin' Down a Dream.
Encores:
Mary Jane's Last Dance...American Girl
14 June 2012.Liza Minnelli live at Hampton Court Palace,Surrey.
One off UK show for this legendary entertainer who is one of the few to have won oscar,emmy,grammy,tony and bafta awards.
It was the opening night of The Hampton Court Palace Festival where ten acts play over the next fortnight.
You cannot get a much better venue than this as the staging is outdoors within this stunning building with its beautiful gardens.
It is a sold out 2700 capacity show with the upmarket crowd paying a hefty £105,£75 and £50 to be here.
The weird thing here is the expensive £105 tickets are in the rear half of the venue as thats tiered and covered.
The weather forecast was rain for the evening so everyone has come prepared and it does rain.
I sit in the covered area a couple of rows behind Sir David Frost and a couple of other faces off the tv.
Backed by a seven piece band Liza gets a standing ovation without even singing a note.
Like other times i have seen her the show is a bit short at only 85 mins.
Lots of showbiz chat between songs that the crowd love.
The voice and sound is great even though Liza gets out of breath quite easy.
Tracks played included "Alexanders Ragtime Band","Liza With A Z","What Makes A Man",
"Maybe This Time" and then great versions of her 1972 hit "Cabaret" and "Theme From New York New York".
Encores were "Every Time We Say Goodbye" and "I'll Be Seeing You".
An enjoyable evening.
13 June 2012.8pm to 10.30pm i was the launch party for V.I.P. at Boujis,South Kensington,London SW7.
Event promoters Apartment 10 launch their Wednesday club night V.I.P. to press and friends.
Freebie cocktails and sushi at this multi award winning boutique night club which attracts the Chelsea Sloane types.Its basement dancefloor area only holds 150.
It is pretty tricky to get in unless you are a member.
Tuesday and the weekends are very popular so they want to make Wednesdays just as much talked about.
The dj is playing some decent tunes and it gets livelier later on when the paying punters start coming in.
See www.apartment10.com
See www.boujis.com
12 June 2012.I went to two events tonight.
First was 6.30pm to 7.30pm.Art Antiques London launch party in Kensington Gardens,London W8.
Superb location next to The Albert Memorial and just across the road from The Royal Albert Hall.
Around 800 upmarket guests in this purpose built pavillion where there are lots of top quality art and antiques for sale.Cocktails and canapes here.Tonight was a fundraiser for The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Scissor Sisters members Jake Shears and Babydaddy are here as they are down to play a 20 to 30 mins acoustic set after the dinner and auction.
The fair is on until Wed 15 June 2012.Tickets £15.
Tonight they raised over £460,000.
See www.haughton.com
See www.jdrf.org.uk for Scissor Sisters pictures from this show.
then 8pm to 12pm.
The London Club And Bar Awards at The Intercontinental Hotel,Park Lane,London W1.
As usual a very lively glammed up clubbing crowd here.
Around 500 guests here i reckon.
Freebie Moet champers and cocktails for an hour.
We simply had to try the Ron De Jeremy Rum Cocktails.Yes the legendary porn actor now has his own Rum.
Then we have a nice three course dinner during the awards.This crowd are so noisy during dinner its unreal.
Some are virtually dancing while eating.
Each table has a bunch of hand held fireworks and hand held confetti cannons which are being let off non stop.
Boy George is the host.We get a few faces presenting awards including Leslie Ash(now needs a walking stick to get about),80s singer Paul Young,Rich Kids drummer and dj
Rusty Egan,radio presenter Gary Crowley and original 80s Blitz Kid Philip Sallon.
There must a couple of thousand clubs and bars in London these days but here are some of the main ones mentioned tonight.Maddox,Boujis,Platinum Lace,Whisky Mist,Kensington Roof Gardens(still owned by Richard Branson for the last 31 years.He bought it two weeks after being turned away at the door.The guy that turned him away is still the manager there),Rose,Raffles,The Box,Shaka Zulu,Jalouse,Mahiki,Hoxton Pony,
Wylde,Chinawhite,Cirque De Soir,McQueen,Aura,Juju,
Stringfellows and loads more.
More freebie drinks for the final hour.
This is always a really good event.
11 June 2012.7pm to 11.30pm.Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards at Indigo,London including short live sets by ANTHRAX, BIOHAZARD, GHOST(dressed all in goulish outfits),SABATON and WATAIN(full monty fire show).
Metal Hammer Magazine also known as The Heavy Metal Bible
is now celebrating 25 years of supporting Heavy Metal.
Thanks to Jägermeister for giving out the free booze.
All winners attended unless mentioned otherwise.
2012 Golden Gods winners:
Best New Band: THE DEFILED
Best Underground Band: WATAIN
Breakthrough: GHOST
Best U.K. Band: SAXON
Best International Band: LAMB OF GOD
Best Event: IRON MAIDEN’s U.K. tour
(accepted by their manager Rod Smallwood)
Best Live Band: RAMMSTEIN
(accepted by a young lady in a very nice outfit)
Dimebag Darrell Shredder: Devin Townsend
Metal As F*ck: ANTHRAX
Spirit Of Hammer: Bill Bailey
Best Album: MASTODON – “The Hunter”
Best Drummer: Vinnie Paul Abbott (HELLYEAH, PANTERA)
Inspiration: Roadrunner Records
Icon: FEAR FACTORY
Riff Lord: Robb Flynn, Phil Demmel (MACHINE HEAD)
Golden God: Joey DeMaio (MANOWAR)
Other guests included Luke and Danny from Thunder.
The main live act were thrash legends Anthrax who played three songs at the very end including a stunning version of Black Sabbath-Ronnie James Dio era "Neon Nights".
For pictures of the night and interviews visit
www.metalhammer.co.uk