News and Reviews: 31st March 2014
Sat 29 March 2014 ---The Cure live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.This was the second of two Cure gigs here for The Teenage Cancer Trust.
Both shows sold out as these are their only gigs in Europe.
Half the crowd seem to be from France/Italy/Germany/Spain etc judging by the chat I overheard.
Reports coming in saying The Cure on Friday played a staggering 45 songs and
were on for around 3 hours 30 mins and tonight was also 45 songs played.
They were introduced by Noel Fielding.
The Cure took to the stage at 7.40pm and departed at 11.13pm so a mammoth 3 hours 33 mins set.
Apart from The Cure only Bruce Springsteen plays shows this long.
The main set was 2 hours 20 mins and encores alone were 73 mins.
Pretty incredible really and it was all done in one go without an interval.
And the thing is no part of the show dragged at all even though the bigger songs got the most cheers.
The floor standing hardcore fans sang along to all the songs.
Most of the crowd get up for a dance.
A big screen mixed live footage and recorded images and the lights were good.
The band sounded great and Robert Smith was on top form.
Simon Gallup prowling the stage with his low slung bass was good to watch.
A brilliant show.
Full setlist played....
Plainsong
Prayers for Rain
A Strange Day
A Night Like This
Stop Dead
Push
In Between Days
2 Late
Jupiter Crash
The End of the World
Lovesong
Mint Car
Friday I'm in Love
Doing the Unstuck
Trust
Pictures of You
Lullaby
High
Harold and Joe
The Caterpillar
The Walk
Sleep When I'm Dead
Just Like Heaven
From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea
Want
The Hungry Ghost
Wrong Number
One Hundred Years
Disintegration
Encore:
If Only Tonight We Could Sleep
Shake Dog Shake
Fascination Street
Bananafishbones
Play for Today
A Forest
Encore 2:
Catch
The Lovecats
Hot Hot Hot!!!
Let's Go to Bed
Freakshow
Close to Me
Why Can't I Be You?
Encore 3:
Boys Don't Cry
10:15 Saturday Night
Killing an Arab
Friday 28 March 2014.
Stiff Little Fingers + The Godfathers live at The Kentish Town Forum,London.
A great bill of two superb bands I have seen play live many times over the years.
I have seen Stiff Little Fingers around 20 times since 1978 when they were a support act.
I have seen The Godfathers around 20 times since 1987 when they first signed to Epic Records.
I get to the venue a bit late so see around 30 mins of The Godfathers 45 mins set.
The Godfathers really were one of the UKs most overlooked bands.
They had loads of brilliant tunes and were on a major label but you rarely heard them on the radio or on tv.
Tonight they sound as great as ever mixing tracks from recent album 'Jukebox Fury' and older gems.
Highlights I saw were 'Love Is Dead','Johnny Cash Blues','Hup 234' and they finished their set with
lethal versions of two of their best songs 'I Want Everything' and 'Birth,School,Work,Death'.
Northern Ireland punk legends SLF played a 90 mins set and also sounded as great as ever.
They played a few tracks from new album 'No Going Back' along with loads of classic oldies.
Superb versions of punk anthems 'Suspect Device' and 'Alternative Ulster' were highlights but
the band are just always really good live.
Full Stiff Little Fingers setlist played...
Straw Dogs
Wasted Life
Just Fade Away
My Dark Places
Nobody's Hero
Silver Lining
When We Were Young
Listen
Doesn't Make It All Right (The Specials cover)
Roots Radicals Rockers Reggae
Throw It All Away
Barbed Wire Love
Strummerville
Fly The Flag
Tin Soldiers
Suspect Device
Encore:
Johnny Was
Encore 2:
At The Edge
Alternative Ulster
Thurs 27 March 2014...I went to three events tonight...
6.15pm to 8.30pm
Mrs Alice In Her Palace - launch party at Fortnum & Mason,181 Piccadilly,London W1.
Princess Beatrice joined a crowd of familiar society faces including Guy Pelly, Florence Brudenell-Bruce, Amanda Eliasch, Laura Bailey, Otis Ferry, Poppy Delevingne, Tamara Beckwith and Sophia Hesketh to celebrate the launch of Alice Naylor-Leyland's new website Mrs Alice In Her Palace. Josephine De La Baume, Lily Lewis, Marissa Montgomery, Olivia Grant, Zoe Jordan, David Peacock and Edie Campbell crowded into Fortnum & Mason for the party, where Mary Charteris treated guests to a DJ set. Meredith Ostrom, Olivia Hunt and Emerald Fennell also attended.
Half a dozen photographers here including The Standard as they love posh totty dressed up.
The host Alice Naylor-Leyland looked great in a cream lacy dress and Princess Beatrice looked nice.
Lots of complimentary champers,cocktails and nice food and desserts from Fortnum & Mason.
All guests got a nice goodie bag.
A really good event.
then
8.45pm to 9.45pm
iovera° - VIP launch party at Icebar, 31-33 Heddon Street, London, W1.
Launch for The Worlds First Toxin-Free Dynamic Wrinkle Treatment.
Guests here included Amanda Hamilton.
Complimentary presecco,wines and canapés for all.
All guests got a nice goodie bag.
then
10pm to 11.45pm
Jersey Boys musical 6th birthday gala party at MASH,77 Brewer Street,London W1.
A massive crowd of around 500 folks who were at the show earlier.
Guests here included all the cast along with Gok Wan,Lizzie Cundy,Luisa Zissman,
Gloria Hunniford,Kimberley Garner,Vanessa Feltz,James Argent,Arlene Phillips,
Paul Gambaccini,Linda Robson,Carol McGiffin and no doubt a few more.
Funny that I attended the mega opening night party for this at The Natural History Museum
six years ago but I have still not got around to seeing the musical itself.
The musical is based on the songs of Frankie Valli but I have seen him play The Royal Albert Hall
a couple of times over the last few years.
MASH is a very impressive restaurant as you go in a small entrance then down the stairs
to a very nice looking huge space with tables and bars.
Complimentary wines,beers and canapés for all guests.
I departed at 11.45pm when still busy as it was due to finish at 12.30am.
Wednesday 26 March 2014...I went to two events tonight...
6.15pm to 8.30pm...Country Life Magazine launch party for The Country Life Fair at
Claridge's, Brook Street, London, W1.
A massive crowd of around 700 smartly dressed country loving folks here at this famous five star hotel.
Guests here included Raymond Blanc,Tom Parker Bowles and Ricky Groves.
Must have cost a small fortune to put on as we have complimentary champers,
a choice of four different cocktails and various wines and beers.
Loads of complimentary and very nice bowl food,burgers,canapés and even caviar.
This was a really nice event.
The Country Life Fair is a major new luxury event, inspired by Country Life magazine, which will ‘bring the countryside to town’ and showcase the best of British rural life from country pursuits, accessories and clothing, to gourmet foods, traditional crafts and properties.
The event takes place at Fulham Palace on the weekend of 27/28 Sept 2014.
They are expecting 5000 visitors each day.
www.countrylifefair.co.uk
Visit the website here for more info and to buy tickets.
then a dash to Brixton for some rock n roll.
Steel Panther live at Brixton Academy,London.
This was the last show on their massive European tour.
Steel Panther bring their take on the hair metal bands of the 80s like Van Halen,Motley Crüe and Poison
and as always put put on a really good entertaining live show.
On stage for 1 hour 40 mins with a full stage production including big screen,flames,staircases to a raised platform.
Lots of naughty rude lyrics and great 1980s hair metal type catchy tunes in a set that included a 'hair solo'.
Lots of jokey chat on stage between the songs that was very funny.
Near the end they got around 30 female fans on stage for a dance to three songs and it got a bit wild
as half of them got down to their bras and a few of them got their boobs out for the lads.
Oldies like 'Asian Hooker','Death To All But Metal' and 'Community Property' all went down great.
They played some tracks from their new album 'All You Can Eat' which is out 01 April 2014.
A really good rock n roll party gig.
Full Steel Panther setlist played....
Eyes of a Panther
Tomorrow Night
Asian Hooker
Just Like Tiger Woods
Party Like Tomorrow Is the End of the World
Let Me Cum In
Guitar Solo (Satchel)
Turn Out the Lights
Hair Solo (Lexxi)
Gloryhole
The Burden of Being Wonderful
Gold Digging Whore
It Won't Suck Itself
Death to All but Metal
Encore:
Community Property
17 Girls in a Row
Party All Day (Fuck All Night)
See aftershow page for this gig.
Tues 25 March 2014...I went to two events today.
12.30pm to 2.30pm...Press lunch to re-launch Marcus at The Berkeley Hotel,
Wilton Place,Knightsbridge,London SW1.
We had a lovely two course lunch here with wine and coffee at this great restaurant in this stunning five star hotel.
So many staff really making a fuss of us.
Two star Michelin chef Marcus Wareing is here chatting to all about the refurbishment of his restaurant.
About the restaurant...
Following an extensive refurbishment over the last few months, the all new Marcus Wareing restaurant opens
in a stunning new contemporary space at the Berkeley Hotel.
Designed to ‘strip away the formalities and barriers that are commonly associated with top-end dining’, the new Marcus promises an ‘all-new, accessible, Michelin starred dining experience.’ The restaurant seats 105 with 12 in the Private Room and 10 at the Chefs Table.
Robert Angell Design International is behind the new look, the idea being to celebrate the venue’s grand architecture and opulent interiors - embracing its faded glamour through art, sculpture and furniture ‘to create a sense of place’.
Food wise, Wareing will, of course, remain at the helm, working closely with Head Chef Mark Froydenlund. The heart of the food remains the same, delivering modern European menus with British influence. New to the menu will be the option of ordering just one course at lunch from £12 - otherwise à la carte starts at £60 for two courses and an eight course taste menu starts from £115.
then later....
Fatal Attraction - press / VIP night at The Theatre Royal Haymarket, 18 Suffolk Street, London, SW1.
Play based on the very popular film from 1987.
One of those events where you apply for accreditation but they tell you that you can do the red carpet
arrivals and after party but not the main event so that is what I did tonight.
6.30pm to 7.15pm was the arrivals and we had a few names including Bryan Ferry,Nigella Lawson,
Rosamund Pike,Sir Trevor Nunn,Pamela Stephenson,Stephen Fry,Sol Campbell,
Robin Askwith, Julien Temple,Richard E Grant,Anneka Rice,Nicky Haslam.
A dozen photographers here and the usual nerdy autograph hunters.
----------
The main cast members are Mark Bazeley as Dan Gallagher, Kristin Davis(Sex And The City) as Beth Gallagher and Natascha McElhone playing Alex Forrest.
While the play was on I was across the road watching the Man Utd 0 Man City 3 game.
----------
9.45pm to 11.45pm I was at the party for Fatal Attraction at Mint Leaf,Haymarket,London SW1.
A big crowd here as usual with theatre first nights as maybe 500 folks here.
The three main cast members arrived in a limo from the backstage door of the venue even though
it was only 100 yards away.
Some of the celebs from earlier came here but I did not see Bryan Ferry or Nigella Lawson.
Complimentary wines,beers and lots of nice hot food.
It was still in full flow when I departed.
Tues 25 March 2014...another sad death in rock n roll...
Gwar mainman Dave Brockie has died at the age of 50, his manager has confirmed.
I saw them play live a couple of times.
They were great fun live with bizarre costumes and fake blood spitting over the crowd.
Mon 24 March 2014...I went to two events at The Royal Albert Hall today...
1.30pm to 3pm
'Resonators' by Scarlet Page private view at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
The Resonators are the guitarists and bass guitarists who created the sound we call rock. And they are the subjects of photographer Scarlet Page’s latest project.
Scarlet is the daughter of Led Zep guitar legend Jimmy Page.
They hang on the walls of the ground floor corridor as you walk in the main entrance.
They look fantastic as they are a decent size and all are signed within a nice frame.
A collection of 30 revealing portraits featuring a host of names and faces including Jimmy Page,Jeff Beck,Slash, Sir Paul McCartney, Brian May, Paul Weller, Paul Stanley,Wilko Johnson,John Squire,Mark King,Kelly Jones,Serge-Kasabian.
My fave is Sex Pistol Steve Jones in a Stars and Stripes leather jacket in a very Elvis Las Vegas type pose.
Others included Albert Lee,Peter Green,Mick Jones-The Clash,Noel Gallagher,Nile Rodgers,Mark Knopfler and others.
Guests here included Scarlet Page ,Jimmy Page,John Squire(Stone Roses) and Mark King(Level 42).
Also rock journo Pete Makowski who wrote for Sounds etc back in the 70s and still does good music articles.
Complimentary beers for all guests here.
Signed prints are for sale via resonators auction site.
The great cause is Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity that has strong links with the music industry and that Scarlet herself feels passionately about.
It is on until 24 April so check it out if you are going to a gig at the venue during this time.
Also you can visit on some non gig days by checking the venue website.
then later....
Ed Sheeran + Passenger live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
This was the first night of this years Teenage Cancer Trust shows at The Royal Albert Hall.
This is the 14th year of TCT shows and I have been to two or three shows each of those years.
Ed Sheeran has had an amazing past couple of years where his debut album has sold over a million copies
in the UK and his forthcoming winter tour includes four shows at The 02 Arena.
I am not really a fan so just checking out what all the fuss is about.
The sold out crowd have all arrived early to see the support act Passenger.
Michael Rosenberg had massive worldwide success with the album 'All The Little Lights' and
the big hit single 'Let Her Go'.A decent enough 45 mins set.
Ed Sheeran is introduced by TCT organisers Roger Daltrey and Noel Gallagher.
Ed Sheeran on stage for 1 hour 40 mins.
Floor standing tonight to give it more of an atmosphere.
It is just him on stage with some images projected on screens and the amps behind him.
He has effects pedals that make a backing beat for some songs.
He moves around a lot by dancing and getting on top of some mini podiums.
He throws in some fast rap style lyrics too.
Very confident on stage despite still being aged only 23 and even telling the crowd to be quiet and stop
screaming a few times.
All the big hit singles went down the best as all the female heavy crowd sang along.
A decent enough show.
Full Ed Sheeran setlist played.....
Give Me Love
Drunk
Grade 8
Folk Song ([traditional] cover)
Small Bump
Be My Husband (Nina Simone cover)
Kiss Me
Heart's On Fire (Passenger cover) (with Passenger)
I See Fire
Tenerife Sea
Lego House
Encore:
You Need Me, I Don't Need You
Take It Back
The Parting Glass ([traditional] cover)
The A Team
Sun 23 March 2014...35 years ago today Van Halen released their second album...
The album sold over 5 million copies in America.
The main single from the album was 'Dance The Night Away'.
Sun 23 March 2014...video clip of the day...
Brian Johnson of AC/DC joins Billy Joel live on stage in New York 21 March 2014
to sing 'You Shook Me All Night Long'.
Billy Joel plays a show at Madison Square Garden every month during 2014.
Watch the video clip here
Sat 22 March 2014....2.30pm matinee show...
Tonight's The Night musical live at The New Wimbledon Theatre,London.
I saw this show which was written by Ben Elton when it opened in London in 2003 and ran for a year.
Due to Rod being more popular than ever these days they have brought it out on the road again.
Tonight’s the Night, the smash hit West End musical comedy inspired by the songs of Rod Stewart is
the all-singing, all-dancing feel good show which went on to play sold-out theatres across the UK.
The show was on for two hours over two hour long sets.
A simple story of of a shy young man, so tongue tied that he cannot find the courage to declare
his love to the girl of his dreams. He strikes a deal with the Devil,trading his soul for Rods before finding
out you can't find true love using another mans moves.
A dozen dancers and six different singers---male and female--- are used.
Lots of funny comedy lines in the script.
During the interval the venue staff give out paper sailor hats for the crowd to wear later for 'Sailing'.
Around 25 of Rods biggest hits played tonight including...
You're In My Heart.....Tonights The Night....Hot Legs.....Baby Jane.....Stay With Me....
Maggie May.....This Old Heart Of Mine.....Every Beat Of My Heart....Some Guys Have All The Luck...
I Don't Want To Talk About It.....You Wear It Well....The First Cut Is The Deepest.....
Ooh La La.....Sailing....and then all the crowd up and dancing and swaying for the finale
of Rhythm Of My Heart and a medley of some of the hits played earlier.
An enjoyable show.
The show is playing week long stints at theatres all over the UK until August.
www.tonightsthenightmusicalontour.co.uk
Fri 21 March 2014.
Every year a couple of acts play live for the first time in many years and this is another one.
Kate Bush is to play her first live shows since 1979.
I saw her play live in 1979 at Hammersmith Odeon and The Royal Albert Hall.
Kate Bush will play 15 nights at Hammersmith Apollo.
August 26, 27, 29,30. September 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19.
Thursday 20 March 2014... I went to three events tonight...
6.30pm to 7.15pm...Eleven Paris - party at Eleven Paris, 46 Carnaby Street, London, W1.
Trendy French label showcases it's spring/summer 2014 collection.
They have signed up Kate Moss as the face of the brand.
A young fashion crowd here with complimentary drinks and food.
Dj here spinning the tunes was Jodie Harsh.
then
7.20pm to 8pm...Parlee Erz exhibition preview night at La Bottega Del Caffe,
322 Regent Street,London W1.
Imitate Modern gallery hosts some street art by Parlee Erz at this Italian cafe.
Complimentary presecco,wines,beers and Italian cafe type food including panini.
A dj playing some cool tunes.
then
8.30pm to 10pm...H.R. Owen and Maserati - anniversary party at
H.R. Owen, Melton Court, 27 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington,London, SW7.
This event was to celebrate 100 years of Maserati.
Around a dozen of their cars are here on display looking fantastic.
A mainly suited crowd enjoying complimentary Moët champers,cocktails and food from Gaucho.
Wed 19 March 2014...I went to two events tonight...
6.45pm to 8pm.
Fay Ripley: Fay Makes it Easy - book launch party at
Hotel Café Royal, 68 Regent Street, London, W1.
Fay Ripley is an English actress and recipe author.
As an actress she is well known for being in tv series 'Cold Feet'.
This new book features 100 easy recipes.
Guests here included Damian Lewis,David Baddiel,Daisy Donovan and Mark Foster.
Complimentary wines,beers and canapés in this superb venue.
All guests got a great goodie bag which was a set of Tefal Ingenio Induction frying pans worth around £60.
then
8.15pm to 9.15pm.
High - flagship store launch party at
HIGH, 107 New Bond Street, London, W1.
Italian fashion label open their new store.
Guests here included Helena Bonham Carter, Donna Air and Daisy Lowe.
Complimentary prosecco,cocktails and canapés for all the guests.
Tuesday 18 March 2014....10pm to 12.30pm...
Assunta Madre , 8-10 Blenheim Street, London W1.
Launch event for this very popular and successful fish restaurant from Rome that is located just off New Bond Street.
The latest Roman invader hoping to make a conquest on these shores is fisherman-turned restaurateur Johnny Micalusi – the man behind Assunta Madre in the Campo de Fiori district of the Italian capital. His first London outing will rely heavily on fastidious sourcing, with seafood procured from Rome’s Terracina fish auction as well as his own boat (also called Assunta Madre). Supplies will be flown in daily for the Mayfair kitchen and there will be an aquarium too – if you fancy picking your dinner while it’s still swimming. Fans of the original restaurant (including the likes of Quentin Tarantino, Woody Allen and Rafael Nadal) can expect some of their old favourites including tuna tartare and shrimp gnocchi, as well as freshly prepared ceviches from the iced counter.
No menu as such as they just kept on bringing out plates of food to share and taste for the two of us.
A total of nine plates plus desserts along with wine and coffee.
Lobster,crab,grilled trout,tuna,shrimp,mussels etc.
A late start and late finish here tonight which is 'the Italian way'.
The Italian staff are fussing over us all night and it was pretty amazing here.
Well worth a visit for any foodie.
Tuesday 18 March 2014...7.30pm to 9.30pm...
Jamaica Patty Co. - launch party at
Jamaica Patty Co., 26 New Row, Covent Garden, London, WC2.
Guests here included Mica Paris, Kanya King, Nancy Dell'Olio, Colin Salmon and boxer David Haye.
Complimentary food,champers and wines for all guests.
JPC, or Jamaica Patty Co. to give this Covent Garden restaurant its full name, is the brainchild of Jamaica-born Theresa Roberts. Promising to transform preconceptions about Caribbean cuisine, JPC has a "contemporary but authentic" approach to cooking. Patties are, naturally, centre stage, freshly baked in store every day and filled with deliciously spicy fillings. Options include jerk chicken, prawn, curried goat and Jamaica's national dish of Ackee and Salt Fish. The kitchen is run by multi-award winning Jamaican chef Collin Brown, three times voted Caribbean Chef of the Year, who cooks up mouthwatering speciality soups like punchy pumpkin with a spicy kick, chicken and dumpling and gungo pea - perfect for a healthy lunch on the go. Other dining options include Jamaican porridge and a shot of Blue Mountain coffee in the morning, patties and Plantain crisps, as well as Tortuga rum cake, banana bread, or Devon House Ice Cream for something sweet. Wash down with fresh coconut water or soursop juice, the tropical drink renowned for its health benefits.
18 March 2014....Fact of the day....
The Beatles and The Kinks never played any shows at the legendary Marquee Club.
Mon 17 March 2014...6pm to 9pm...
Romantic Novel of the Year Award at
One Whitehall Place, 2 Whitehall Court, London, SW1.
Around 200 folks here in this stunning venue with three quarters of them being women as expected.
Hosted by ex ballerina and now tv personality Darcey Bussell.
Ceremony honouring authors in five categories - Epic, Contemporary, RomCom, Historical and Young Adult.
Veronica Henry triumphed over her fellow competing authors to win the Romantic Novelists' Association's highest accolade, the Romantic Novel of the Year with A Night on the Orient Express.
------
Jennifer McVeigh, The Fever Tree, Penguin
Winner Epic Category Romantic Novel of the Year
(for mainstream romantic novels set post 1960 and can include genres such as chic lit, paranormal and romantic suspense)
------
Christina Courtenay, The Gilded Fan, Choc Lit
Winner Historical Category Romantic Novel of the Year
(for novels set in a period before 1960)
-------
Milly Johnson, It's Raining Men, Simon & Schuster
Winner Romantic Comedy Category Romantic Novel of the Year
(for consistently humorous or amusing novels)
-------
Imogen Howson, Linked, Quercus
Winner Young Adult Category Romantic Novel of the Year
(features protagonists who are teenagers or young adults)
-------
Outstanding Achievement Awards
Helen Fielding, author of the popular Bridget Jones novels, who defined the romantic angst of a generation, and Dr. David Hessayon were both presented with outstanding achievement awards.
Complimentary drinks and canapés for all guests.
www.rna-uk.org
Check their website for full info on the winners etc.
Mon 17 March 2014....Tragic shock news......
Mick Jagger's girlfriend L'Wren Scott has been found dead in a reported suicide....aged 49.
Scott has been in a relationship with The Rolling Stones frontman since 2001 and was found in a Manhattan apartment this morning (March 17). New York Daily News reports that she was found "hanging from a scarf on a doorknob by her assistant" at around 10am.
No suicide note was found and police do not suspect foul play though the Medical Examiner’s Office are yet to determine a cause of death. A spokesman for Mick Jagger said he is "completely shocked and devastated" by the news.
The Rolling Stones have postponed their Australian tour due to start in Perth on Wednesday (March 19).
Born Luann Bambrough, Scott worked as a model before rising to the top of her profession as a celebrity stylist and, later, designer.
It appears her fashion company was 6 million dollars in debt but she always refused Mick Jagger's offer of financial help.
Sun 16 March 2014...Mike And The Mechanics live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.
Genesis founder member Mike Rutherford brings his side project back on tour.
Last date of the bands month long 'The Living Years---25th Anniversary Tour'.
They are also promoting their 'Singles : 1985---2014' release.
The band are one of those acts who have quietly sold millions of albums and have a lot more
well known singles than you think they had.
On stage for around 1 hour 50 mins with a perfect setlist of all their older biggest hits along
with a couple of recent tracks and a couple of hits each by Genesis and Roachford.
Loads of great catchy singalong tracks played tonight.
The band have always had two singers which works great as Andrew Roachford provides the r n b and
soul side and Tim Howar provides the rock and pop side.
Really good to hear Roachford sing his brilliant hit 'Cuddly Toy'.
The band sound excellent and they have a nice stage production.
It's a slightly older crowd so we have stalls seating but they are all up and dancing for the last 30 mins.
A really enjoyable show.
Full setlist played....
A Beggar on a Beach of Gold
Another Cup of Coffee
Get Up
Try to Save Me
Seeing Is Believing
Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)
Don't
This Generation (Roachford cover)---hit single for Roachford in 1994
Turn It On Again (Genesis cover)---hit single for Genesis in 1980
When My Feet Don't Touch the Ground
Everybody Gets A Second Chance
Nobody's Perfect
Cuddly Toy (Roachford cover)---hit single for Roachford in 1989
I Can't Dance (Genesis cover)---hit single for Genesis in 1992
The Living Years
All I Need Is a Miracle
Encore:
Over My Shoulder
Word of Mouth
Check the aftershow page for this gig.
16 March 2014....another sad death....
Scott Asheton, drummer for groundbreaking rock band The Stooges, has died aged 64.
Making the news public Stooges frontman Iggy Pop announced that Asheton passed away on March 15, and paid tribute to a man he describes as being "like my brother".
Sat 15 March 2014 .
KISS and Def Leppard hold a press conference in Los Angeles on Mon 17 March
to announce dates on their co-headline tour of North America.
It will run from late June to late August.
Will be tempting for me to book some flights for it.
See the full 45 mins press conference on the Kissonline link on the right.
Fri 14 March 2014---Eddie And The Hot Rods + The Members live at Sub 89 , Reading.
A great co-headline bill by two bands I saw live in the late 1970s.
The Hot Rods still going strong with original vocalist Barrie Masters.
I saw them eight times in their 1970s heyday including amazing shows at The Marquee and The Rainbow.
First up we have The Members who I saw a few times back in the day including when they supported
Eddie And The Hot Rods and The Clash when they both played The Rainbow in 1979.
Sadly original singer Nicky Tesco is not with them anyone due to illness but they still have two original members.
JC is full of fun stage banter as he throws in local knowledge that works a treat.
A full 60 mins set and really good to hear tracks like 'Offshore Banking Business','Chelsea Nightclub',
'Solitary Confinement','Working Girl','Police Car' and a brilliant 'Sounds Of The Suburbs'.
Next up is The Hod Rods and singer Barrie Masters hobbles on as his right foot is in plaster due to an
accident during the week so he needs a stool to lean against but most of the show he is still standing
and you can see he gets pain twinges every now and then. A lesser singer would have postponed the show.
From start to finish Eddie And The Hot Rods play quality uptempo garage rock n roll
with the whole band tight and the twin guitars creating a lethal sound.
Lots of older gems and a few more recent tunes played in the 70 mins set.
Barrie Masters still has that cheeky personality on stage and looks much younger than his age.
A great show that the crowd loved.
Some setlist highlights played included...
Get Across To You
Teenage Depression
Quit This Town
Telephone Girl
Life On The Line
Why Should I Care?
The Power And The Glory
Ignore Them(Still Life)
Bad Time Again
Gloria---(Them cover)
Encores were a totally stunning Do Anything You Wanna Do
and Born To Be Wild---(Steffenwolf cover)
The Hot Rods with The Members play a London show on Fri 28 March at 229 Great Portland Street.
The Hot Rods have a great CD and DVD out from The Rainbow in 1977.
www.eddieandthehotrods.com
Check the bands website for future gig info and news.
Thurs 13 March...7pm to 11pm...
Meringue And Bellini Bar launch party at Quaglinos,Bury Street,St James's,London SW1.
21 years and 190,000 bottles of Champagne later.
To celebrate 21 years of sparkling success Quaglinos launch a Meringue & Bellini Bar.
Offering 21 different varieties of bellinis and a vibrant meringue installation in partnership with
the award-winning Meringue Girls,Bisol Prosecco and Bibendum Wine.
Lots of different complimentary Bellinis ,canapés and different meringues for all guests.
We had a history of the Bellini presentation and The Meringue Girls gave a demonstration on how to make meringues.
Music photographer Dean Chalkley has 21 large prints hanging around the restaurant including good ones
of Paul Weller and another one of Serge-Kasabian with Noel Fielding.
www.quaglinos.co.uk
Visit Quaglinos website here.
Wednesday 12 March...7pm to 11.15pm...
Terrence Higgins Trust 'The Auction' at
Christie's London, King Street Saleroom, 8 King Street, London, SW1.
A big crowd of around 500 folks here.Most have paid £160 for their tickets.
Mainly gay males here as Terence Higgins Trust supports the 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK.
Guests here included Jerry Hall,Dr Christian Jessen,Wayne Sleep and lead singer Leee John
of 1980s band Imagination who I saw a few times at Hammersmith Odeon in their heyday.
Also here was BBC presenter Sarah-Jane Crawford.
Reception then a seated 90 mins auction with 34 lots going for big money that was pretty lively.
During the auction we had a break where a mixed choir sang a nice cover of the 70s hit 'All By Myself'.
One of the lots was dinner with Elton John and David Furnish at their home.
Tracey Emin is a regular here but this year she away in Miami but they spoke to her on the phone
as she had one of her items in the auction.
Lots of complimentary Laurent-Perrier champers,cocktails and loads of very nice bowl food and canapés.
All guests got a goodie bag with a box of chocolates from award winning chocolatier Paul A.Young and
some Molton Brown products.
A really good event.
www.tht.org.uk
Check the THT website here for more info.
Tues 11 March 2014....6.45pm to 9pm...
Assado - restaurant launch party at
Assado, 157 Waterloo Road, Waterloo,London, SE1.
Latest venture from chef Cyrus Todiwala (creator of Cafe Spice Namaste) combines the spices and
ingredients of Indian cooking with Portuguese culinary techniques and traditions.
Complimentary Nicolas Feuillatte champers,wines and Cobra lager for all guests.
Some nice dishes with my fave being the CALDEEN DE FRANGO COM ARROZ which was---Breast of chicken simmered in a light mild creamy coconut curry, served with rice. This curry was developed in Goa for the initial milder Portuguese palate.
Also the Coconut & Cardamon ice cream was really nice.
The owners and staff were all very friendly.
A nice open kitchen and they are situated three minutes from Waterloo Station.
www.assado.co.uk
Visit their website here for info and menu.
Tues 11 March--Some very sad news and a total shock...
Bob Crow, the Rail, Maritime and Transport union leader has died of a heart attack at the age of 52.
The outspoken leader passed away after being rushed to Whipps Cross hospital in London at around 7am from his home in Woodford Green.
Mr Crow was one of the most high-profile, left-wing union leaders of his generation, sparking as much anger from passengers hit by rail and tube strikes, as praise from his members for winning pay rises.
He divided folks like no other.You either loved him or hated him.
I thought he was fantastic as one of the last old school trades union leaders who would take on politicians and the media head on and worked hard to get his members great pay and conditions.
I had a chat with him once at Hammersmith Apollo when he went to see
The Specials play there....R.I.P...BOB CROW...
Mon 10 March...7.45pm to 10.30pm...
The Pig Pledge - VIP fundraiser at
No.41, 40 Conduit Street, London W1.
Around 200 upmarket folks here including Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, actor Dominic West,
BBC tv presenter Nick Knowles, Ben Goldsmith,Zac Goldsmith.
Some speeches and a video shown on the big screen as the hosts get very passionate about
"It's time for the whole world to know the true cost of cheap meat".
"It's time people boycott meat from animal factories and choose food from
small scale higher welfare farms and shops".
Complimentary Pehu Simonet campers,wines and canapés here for all guests.
www.farmsnotfactories.org
Check their website here.
Mon 10 March---this day in 1977 The Sex Pistols signed their record deal with A & M Records
outside Buckingham Palace.
Mon 10 March---Glen Matlock 'Sex Pistols Filthy Lucre Photofile' book is released.
Glens personal photos from The Sex Pistols reunion world tour from 1996.
Lots of photos from Japan as there were more gigs on that tour there than they played in the UK.
I went to 5 of the 78 shows on that tour---Finsbury Park with Iggy Pop as main support,
Paris Zenith,Milan Aquapark,Shepherds Bush Empire and Phoenix Festival.
Mon 10 March---The Rise And Fall Of The Clash DVD is released today.
09 March 2014.Ronnie Spector live at The Queen Elizabeth Hall,London.
Bonafide rock n roll survivor brings her 'Behind The Beehive' show to London.
This one hour 55 mins show chronicled Ronnie Spector’s fascinating fifty-year plus journey through rock and roll stories from every stage of her career and many unseen, personal images, and home videos which plays like a live version of her 1989 autobiography.
As leader of the quintessential “girl group” the Ronettes, Spector was still a teenager when she toured the world with such groups as the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton and the Yardbirds as their opening acts. From being personally requested by the Beatles to open for their final tour to holding court with the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan at Ondine’s restaurant in San Francisco, Spector was on top of the rock-and-roll world in the turbulent 1960s.
As bright as her star shined, all of that would be taken from her: the stage, her fans, the recording studio, and, ultimately, her identity. It all ended suddenly behind electric gates, barbed wire, and guard dogs, amid nonstop psychological and emotional torture that robbed her of her first love, performing, at the peak of her career. Spector would not be seen anywhere, let alone on stage for many years, as she fought to survive her ex-husband Phil Spector’s obsessive and abusive behavior.
In her captivating show 'Beyond The Beehive' Spector details her unique odyssey from the Peppermint Lounge in New York to Beverly Hills, from hit records to hit men, from singing at the CBGB music club in New York City to performing for world leaders and, eventually, being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Using words, pictures, video, and song, Ronnie Spector tells her story of how she transformed herself from victim to the ultimate rock-and-roll survivor.
The show was pretty much 50/50 music and talking as she played a song then
talked for a few mins which was the format through the evening.
Now aged 70 and wearing a huge beehive type 60s wig that made her look much younger.
She was backed by a nine piece band including her own musicians and local musicians including Terry Edwards playing sax.
She read her life story from an iPad screen or monitor in front of her. She wiped away a tear quite often as she told her life story from auditions at The Harlem Apollo to meeting Phil Spector and arriving in England in Jan 1964 and hanging out with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to her nightmare marriage to Phil Spector to finally getting some royalties off him in the courts and how he still threatens her from inside jail as he owns 100% of some recordings.
"Phil Spector wanted to erase me from the public consciousness" says Ronnie as she tells how Phil Spector
has got some old tv programmes from the 1960s to delete footage of her.
She had to escape the mansion they shared in her bare feet as Phil Spector hid all her shoes.
Ronnie said "She enjoyed stints in rehab as anything was better than being in that mansion".
There is no doubt he would eventually have killed her.
Songs played were a mix of some of her own and cover versions related to her life and artists she met.
Some highlights were...
Walking In The Rain
Time Is On My Side
Don't Worry Baby
Tell Me Why
Try Some Buy Some
Say Goodbye To Hollywood
The Best Part Of Breaking Up
She Talks To Rainbows
You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory
Encores with all the crowd standing.
Baby I Love You
Back To Black
Be My Baby
Punk poet John Cooper Clarke was in the crowd.
A great show.
08 March 2014.Sex Pistols Experience plus Lizzie And The Banshees live at The 100 Club,London.
Wow this really was a gig and a half.
In Sept 1976 I was at this venue to see The Sex Pistols,The Clash and Siouxsie And The Banshees
play the gig that pretty much kicked off punk rock.
It was the only time as far as I know that Siouxsie played on the same bill as The Sex Pistols.
First up tonight is Scottish Siouxsie tribute Lizzie And The Banshees and the venue is pretty full to catch
their first ever London show.
This singer does a good job as she looks and dances around the stage like Siouxsie does.
The guitarist plays lots of nice Banshees guitar riffs.
Mainly hits and a couple of lesser known tracks played in the 60 mins set including
'Hong Kong Garden','Staircase','Christine','Arabian Knights','Dear Prudence','Israel',
'Happy House','Spellbound','Love In A Void'.
Always nice to meet up with some old friends when SPE play London.
I have seen them around 20 times including some of their Thames Boat gig parties
and they always put on a fantastic show.
They are regulars at this legendary venue but tonight ends up being their first ever sold out show here.
From the start to finish their 90 mins set is one Pistols related classic after another
with the front stage area a mess of sweaty dancing bodies.
The singer gives out plenty of Lydon type one liners to the crowd which is great fun.
Sid on bass is teasing the crowd and the band just whizz through the songs.
They are both deadringers for the real Sid and Johnny.
This was the setlist with maybe a couple of songs missing.
I Wanna Be Me
New York
No Feelings
Did You No Wrong
Steppin' Stone
Submission
Pretty Vacant
Whatcha Gonna Do About It
Liar
EMI
Satellite
Belsen Was A Gas
Bodies
Problems
Something Else---Kid Vicious on vocals
C'mon Everybody---Kid Vicious on vocals
Lonely Boy---Steve Clones on vocals
Silly Thing---Steve Clones on vocals
My Way---Kid Vicious on vocals
God Save The Queen
Anarchy In The UK
Holidays In The Sun
Encore
No Fun
Tonight really was one of those nights were everything just clicked.
The classic Pistols songs,the sold out crowd all up for it,a legendary punk venue,
a band who are playing the songs soooooo good it's unreal.
TONIGHT WAS NOT JUST THE BEST TIME I HAVE SEEN SPE BUT IT
WAS THE BEST TRIBUTE BAND SHOW I HAVE EVER BEEN TOO AND
I HAVE SEEN ALL THE BEST TRIBUTE BANDS OUT THERE.
The band have just announced two gigs for next month.
Fri 11 April---Islington Academy,London.
Sat 12 April---Birmingham Academy.
See their website link on the right for more info and tour dates.
07 March 2014...UK Pink Floyd Experience live at The Beck Theatre,Hayes,Middlesex.
My first time seeing this Floyd tribute who are one of the half a dozen or so Pink Floyd tributes.
Not as popular as the likes of Australian Pink Floyd or Brit Floyd who both play bigger venues.
They were on stage for 2 hours 10 mins over two sets.
A full band with 9 people on stage including three female backing vocals.
We have a circular screen showing Floyd type images and lots of lights to create a nice Floyd type setting.
The overall sound and visuals were really good and the crowd sang along to most of tracks.
The three female backing singers were great when they were in full flow.
An enjoyable show.
Highlights tonight were...
Shine On You Crazy Diamond
Hey You
Another Brick In The Wall
Wish You Were Here
Breathe
Time
The Great Gig In The Sky
Money
Us And Them
Brain Damage
And great encores of
Comfortably Numb
Run Like Hell
06 March 2014...I went to two events tonight...
6pm to 7pm.
'The Complete Spot Paintings, 1986-2011'– Damien Hirst book launch party
at Other Criteria, 14 Hinde Street,London W1.
World famous artist launches his new book although Damien Hirst does not turn up tonight.
Damien Hirst has amassed a fortune of over £200m.
Complimentary wines and beers for all guests.
About the book....
Hardback with slip case
4 gatefolds
1400 colour illustrations
For sale at £195 for the standard book or £350 for a signed copy of the book.
The Complete Spot Paintings is the first and most significant documentation of Damien Hirst’s iconographic spot paintings and this comprehensive publication spans his career. Every spot painting Hirst has produced is included in this substantial publication with over 99% of them illustrated.
Conceived at the time of Hirst’s 2012 exhibition of the same title held in 11 Gagosian Galleries including New York, London, Paris, Los Angeles, Rome, Athens, Geneva and Hong Kong, this publication has been long in the making.
then
7.30pm to 9pm.
'I Used to be in Pictures: An Untold Story of Hollywood' - book launch party at
The Lansdowne Club,9 Fitzmaurice Place,Mayfair,London W1.
My first time at this old school private members club where the event is held in a stunning huge high ceiling room.
A very theatre type luvvie crowd here.A piano player playing in the corner.
Guests here included Dame Diana Rigg, Nicky Haslam, Neil Hamilton, Christine Hamilton,Peter York.
Complimentary champers and wines for all guests.
A fascinating insight into the Golden Age of Hollywood, the public and private face of an industry rarely explored in such an intimate fashion. 'I Used to be in Pictures' is a collection of unpublished correspondence between English born brothers, Austin and Howard Mutti- Mewse and some of the most celebrated and iconic film stars from the silent and 'golden' era of film-making.
This coffee table sized book has hundreds of fantastic pictures of screen legends.
The authors were on ITV the following morning at 10.45am for a full interview.
Amazon are selling the book for £35.The pr folks kindly gave me a complimentary copy.
05 March 2014...I went to two events today...
3.30pm to 5.30pm.
Album launch listening party at Sony Music UK,Derry Street,Kensington,London W8.
Nice to be at the plush Sony offices off Kensington High Street.
Around 100 folks here but we all have to sign a contract not to say the artist name or
anything about the album until it comes out at the end of April.
Folks from ITV,The Standard and The Sun are here to do advance interviews.
All I can say it is an American female artist who was here to play six tracks over the loud
sound system and give an introduction to each track.
She posed for photos with anyone that wanted a picture with her.
Complimentary wines,beers and snacks.
then
6.30pm to 10pm.
PRS for Music: 100 Years of Music - VIP launch at
Getty Images Gallery, 46 Eastcastle Street, London,W1.
Performing Rights Society celebrates 100 years of looking after songwriters and composers
by making sure they get their royalties whenever their music is played and performed.
They serve over 100,000 members.
Folks here included Sir Bob Geldof,Gary Kemp,Joan Armatrading,Lynsey De Paul,Guy Chambers,
David Arnold, Jazzie B,Glenn Tilbrook,Chris Difford,Harvey Goldsmith,Mike Batt,Cathy Dennis,Don Black.
Great pictures of music legends over the past decades grace the walls.
A jazz trio playing live in the background.
Complimentary Nicholas Feuillate champers,wines,beers and canapés.
PRS for Music also has a members benevolent fund that supports members past and present
who have fallen on hard times.
One of those helped was Katy Lane---the former wife of Ronnie Lane from The Faces
who can no longer work due to her disability.Katy says 'The Fund are amazing'.
A really good event.
Tuesday 4 March 2014...6.45pm to 9pm...
George Michael: Symphonica - album launch party and exhibition at
Hamiltons Gallery, 13 Carlos Way, Mayfair,London, W1.
A nice vibe here as the venue is dimly lit and around 20 photos from the tour
are hanging on the walls of the gallery.
The album is playing in the background.
I saw George a couple of times on this massive tour.
The album is released on 17 March 2014.
You know George would be only 50/50 to turn up and he is a no show even though
the main showbiz photographers are all here.
There are a few other folks here including Gary Kemp and Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet,
Ronan Keating,Marie Helvin,Kate Thornton,Jackie St Clair,Amber Atherton and
George Michaels dad.
Gary Kemp told me the Spandau documentary film is out in the autumn and there
will be a world tour in 2015.
Complimentary champers,wines,beers and canapés.
A good event.
17 track deluxe version as listed below.There is a 14 track normal version.
1. Through
2. My Baby Just Cares for Me
3. A Different Corner
4. Praying for Time
5. Let Her Down Easy
6. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
7. Feeling Good
8. John and Elvis Are Dead
9. Roxanne
10. One More Try
11. Going to a Town
12. Cowboys and Angels
13. Idol
14. Brother Can You Spare a Dime
15. You Have Been Loved
16. Wild is the Wind
17. You've Changed