News and Reviews: 9th October 2014
Wed 08 October 2014.James Taylor & his legendary band live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
James Taylor plays the second of two sold out shows at The Royal Albert Hall.
These are the last shows on his UK tour for this singer-songwriter who was massive in America in the 1970s.
He has sold over 100 million albums throughout his career, beginning in 1968 when he was signed to
The Beatles Apple Records.
James and his excellent band were on stage for a long show of around 2 hours 15 mins over two sets
of 65 mins and 70 mins.
On the ticket his band are billed as 'his legendary band' which is a lot to live up to but they are
really good featuring Steve Gadd(who is err legendary) on drums and three backing singers.
As other shows in the UK were huge arenas we have a proper stage production with two big screens at the
sides showing live footage and screens behind the stage showing pre recorded images.
Now 66, with a bald head and hair at the sides Taylor looks like a liberal-minded school teacher.
He donned a peak cap in the second half to cover it up.
But he’s good company; a humble raconteur who, between songs, wistfully recollected Swinging London and his rickety Ford Cortina, and was playfully dismissive of early tracks such as 'Lo and Behold' as “hippy tree-hugging bullshit".
He recalled his debut album that was produced by Peter Asher, who was A&R head for The Beatles' newly formed label Apple Records.Taylor recorded the album from July to October 1968 at Trident Studios, at the same time The Beatles were recording 'The White Album'.
With his easy going stage banter it's hard to believe he was heavily into drugs in the old days.
James smooth effortless voice and timeless tunes still sound great.
Some newer songs were a bit average but there were loads of older gems including the
still stunning 'Fire and Rain'.
The crowd got up from 'Mexico' onwards for a boogie for the last 30 mins.
There was an interval but James Taylor spent the entire 20 mins at the front of stage signing
autographs and posing for photos which was a nice touch.
A really enjoyable show.
Full show setlist...
Set 1
Something in the Way She Moves
Today, Today, Today
Lo and Behold
Wandering
Everyday (Buddy Holly cover)
Country Road
Millworker
Carolina in My Mind
One More Go Round
Sweet Baby James
Shower the People
Set 2
Stretch of the Highway
You and I Again
Hour That the Morning Comes
Handy Man (Sparks of Rhythm cover)
Steamroller
Only One
Fire and Rain
Up on the Roof (The Drifters cover)
Mexico
Your Smiling Face
Encore:
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) (Marvin Gaye cover)
You've Got a Friend (Carole King cover)
Wild Mountain Thyme (Francis McPeake cover)
Wed 08 October 2014.
John Lydon starts his book promo onslaught by appearing on ITV Loose Women at 12.30pm.
One of the women on the panel is Janet Street Porter who was the tv presenter on The London Weekend
Show in Nov 1976 which featured The Sex Pistols legendary Notre Dame show that I also went to.
They showed footage of Janet Street Porter interviewing John Lydon from 1976.
Also John is on BBC Radio 2 5pm on Simon Mayo show on Wed 08 Oct.
Also John is on BBC1 tv 9am on The Breakfast Show on Thurs 09 Oct.
Tuesday 07 October 2014...I went to four events tonight...
6pm to 7pm.
Aidan McNeill : Borders Between private view at The Canadian High Commission,1 Grosvenor Square,
London W1.
PayneShurvell with the Canadian High Commission Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Gordon Campbell, is delighted to be hosting a new solo show of emerging Canadian artist Aidan McNeill’s work in his Official Residence in London’s Grosvenor Square.
Nice to be in this opulent building with huge rooms,tall ceilings and quality furnishings.
Complimentary wines,beers and canapés for all guests.
www.payneshurvell.com
Visit the Payne Shurvell website for more info and images.
then
7.10pm to 8.10pm.
Astley Clarke - showcase at Morton's, 28 Berkeley Square, London, W1.
Independent online jewellery brand hosts a party to press and distributers.
All guests got complimentary champers,canapés and a nice goodie bag.
www.astleyclarke.com
Check the Astley Clarke website here.
then
8.20pm to 10.30pm.
Dame Vivienne Westwood - book launch party at Mark's Club, 46 Charles Street, London, W1.
The legend that is Vivienne Westwood has brought out a biography.
Vivienne is now aged 73 but shows no sign of slowing down.
Vivienne Westwood is one of the icons of our age.Fashion designer,activist,co-creator of punk,
global brand and grandmother ; a true living legend.
Her career has successfully spanned five decades and has influenced folks all over the world.
The book includes a chapter each on opening the Sex clothing shop with Malcolm McLaren in the 1970s,
her period in New York with Malcolm and The New York Dolls in the mid 1970s and of course
The Sex Pistols in their heyday period of 1976 to 1978 as well as her fashion over the years.
My fave memory of Vivienne from the punk era is her dancing side of stage at The Sex Pistols
Notre Dame,London show in Nov 1976 with a pint pot of lager in her hand.
Original Vivienne Westwood t shirts and clothing from the 1970s have sold for over £1000 each at auction.
Very nice to be at Marks Club which is a private members club in Mayfair.
Guests here included Jerry Hall,Bryan Adams,Chrissie Hynde and Zandra Rhodes.
We have a speech by Vivienne and her helper on the book Ian Kelly.
We have two different complimentary Snow Leopard vodka cocktails and Nyetimber sparkling wine.
Also veggie canapés for all.
All guests got a complimentary copy of the book and I got mine signed by Vivienne.
A very nice event.
then
10.35pm to 1am.
Tracey Emin: The Last Great Adventure is You - afterparty at Annabel's, 44 Berkeley Street,London W1.
A short walk to the Queen of private members clubs in London---the legendary Annabel's.
This was the afterparty for the Tracey Emin private view that was held earlier at White Cube Bermondsey.
Guests here included Princess Michael of Kent,Bob Geldof,Nicky Haslam,Nancy Dell'Olio,
Bianca Jagger,Janet Street Porter,Nick Candy and Holly Valance.
Jerry Hall like us came here after the Vivienne Westwood book launch around the corner.
Some of the guests had dinner here a bit earlier before we arrived.
We had complimentary cocktails including espresso Martinis,canapés and hot dogs at midnight.
Tracy Emin was on great form pulling some shapes on the dance floor to 1970s and 1980s tunes.
A great party.
Monday 06 October 2014...7pm to 9.15pm...
Estée Lauder Breast Cancer Awareness party at The Orangery, Kensington Palace, London, W8.
Around 300 folks here with 75% of them being nicely dressed up females due to the nature of the event.
Some faces here including host Elizabeth Hurley who looks great as usual.
Also here was Emma Thompson,Bianca Jagger,Marie Helvin,Olivia Inge,Camilla Rutherford,
Patrick Cox,Greg Wise,Brix Smith Start,Amanda Wakeley,Dawn O'Porter,Arizona Muse,
Zara Martin,Millie MacKintosh,Victoria Pendleton,Helen George and others.
At 8pm Elizabeth Hurley introduced a short film about how important family members are
when a woman gets breast cancer.
All guests got a goodie bag with Estée Lauder 'Dream Pink' products inside.
Complimentary Malard Rose Champers and canapés for all guests.
www.bcacampaign.com
Check the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign website here.
Monday 06 October 2014.
Johnny Marr plays a special lunchtime show as part of 6 Music Live at Maida Vale.
Ex Smiths guitar legend releases his second solo album 'Playland' on the same day.
I was down on the media list to attend this lunchtime show but severe delays due to signal problems on the
Reading to Paddington train line meant I had to abort after being stuck on a non moving train.
An hour to travel just three miles and then told it would be another delay.Deep joy...not.
This is the first of five special shows at Maida Vale by different acts this week.
6 music Live is one of the station’s standout multiplatform music moments of the year. Audiences can listen and watch across any device with performances broadcast from the world famous BBC Maida Vale studios. Hosted by Lauren Laverne, the shows also appear on the BBC Red Button and BBC iPlayer at 7pm each night. Artists this year include Johnny Marr, First Aid Kit, Underworld, La Roux and James.
Sunday 05 Oct---Happy Birthday to AC/DC singer Brian Johnson who is 67 today.
Sunday 05 Oct---Happy Birthday to Bob Geldof who is 63 today.
Saturday 04 October 2014...I went to two music events today.
Noon to 5.30pm.
AC/DC video shoot in West London.
One of the biggest and best rock band bands in the world are shooting their new video.
The track is 'Rock or Bust'.
Over 16,000 comp entries and 500 lucky winners.
All 500 fans here had to sign a 'confidentiality agreement' so my review will omit a few things.
Despite the comp winners only being told two days before the event there are hardcore
AC/DC fans from France,Germany,Italy,Spain and other countries.
For the first time in years I am wearing a band t-shirt.
AC/DC - One Night Only - Hammersmith Apollo 21 October 2003.
This was when I saw AC/DC play the official name changing show from The Odeon to The Apollo.
Tickets were priced at only £10 and sold out pronto.
Also they now had stalls standing and removable seats instead of fixed seating.
The first act to play Hammersmith Apollo with stalls standing was John Mayer a fortnight earlier.
I have seen AC/DC over 40 times live including 10 shows with Bon Scott in 1976 alone.
Noon---Meet up at Victoria by The Apollo Theatre to sign in for coaches to the 'secret destination'.
1pm---Coaches all depart.
2pm---Arrive at the venue and are held in a holding bay and told there would be a few takes then
lunch then a second session of takes.
All phones to be handed in with bags and no photos to be taken inside the recording area.
3pm to 4.30pm is the session for the video shoot.
The band are in the round and there are five tiered standing rows of 100 fans circling them.
We have a perfect view in the second row facing the band.
They are using 'playback' and they 'play' along to the track five times.
Needless to say the track is a great AC/DC rocker in the usual style.
The band nip out between each take.
Brian Johnson does most of the chat between songs.
The atmosphere is fantastic as the director is getting everyone to get involved.
Pretty amazing to see them up so close just a few feet away.
Then we had a bit of a surprise as the band and director said they were happy with the takes
and there would be no second session.
4.30pm---We have our packed lunch that they provide for all and we collect our phones and bags.
5pm---The band all leave one by one in people carriers and do a bit of signing stuff.
5.30pm---Coaches departed the venue.
then
Ian Hunter And The Rant Band + Federal Charm live at Shepherds Bush Empire,London.
Mott The Hoople singer Ian Hunter is now aged 75 but looks much younger.
Still looking cool in his trademark shades.
Mott The Hoople were the first ever headline band I saw at Hammersmith Odeon way back in 1973.
Up first we have Federal Charm and they play a good set of catchy blues rock tunes.
This was the last night of Ian Hunters UK tour before he heads into mainland Europe.
On stage for two hours with a nice mix of solo material from the last 30 years and
a few Mott The Hoople classics from the 1970s.
This older crowd of mainly grey hair and bald heads really loved it.
For the encore he was joined by Mick Ralphs.
A really good show.
Full setlist played...
(I'm The) Teacher
Once Bitten Twice Shy
Comfortable (Flyin' Scotsman)
Something To Believe
Now Is The Time
When I'm President
Boy
I Wish I Was Your Mother (Mott the Hoople cover)
All American Alien Boy
Black Tears
All the Way from Memphis (Mott the Hoople cover)
Irene Wilde
Flowers
Wash Us Away
Girl From the Office
23A, Swan Hill
Bastard
Ta Shunka Witco (Crazy Horse)
Sweet Jane (The Velvet Underground cover)
Encore:
Roll Away the Stone (Mott the Hoople cover) (with Mick Ralphs)
Life / All the Young Dudes / (Mott The Hoople cover) (with Mick Ralphs)
Goodnight, Irene (Lead Belly cover)
Thursday 02 October 2014...I went to three events tonight...
6pm to 7pm.
The Inspiration Awards For Women 2014 at Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, Chelsea,London, SW1.
Popped in here for an hour for the prosecco drinks reception.
Over 500 folks here including lots of nicely dressed up women.
Guests included Louie Spence,Sol Campbell,Vanessa Feltz,Ray Quinn,Julia Bradbury,Heidi Range
and a nice surprise to see England Rugby Union captain Chris Robshaw here.
then
7.30pm to 9.30pm
Rio Ferdinand: #2sides: My Autobiography - book launch party at The May Fair Hotel, Stratton Street, London, W1.
Very well known footballer Rio now plays for Q.P.R. after 12 years of success at Man Utd and playing for England.
First we have a Q n A with Rio interviewed by Claire Balding in the seated cinema area for around 300 folks.
Then it is complimentary Moët champers,wines,beers,fish n chips and canapés for all.
Guests here included Boris Becker,Gary Lineker,Jack Whitehall,Micky Flanagan,Anton Ferdinand,Goldie,
Jake Humphrey and a few faces I could not put names too.Not many Q.P.R players here.
All guests got a free copy of the book and Rio was signing after the Q n A session so I got mine signed.
then just a short walk up the road...
9.35pm to 1am.
Morton's - 10th anniversary party at Berkeley Square, London, W1.
A massive glamorous party for some 800 upmarket folks with most paying £135 for their tickets.
It is not in the restaurant in Berkeley Square but they have built a huge marquee in Berkeley Square itself.
Very lively here as David Morales is the dj and Jade Jagger is the main host.
Other guests here included Amber Le Bon and Jade Johnson but it is mainly their wealthy club members
so lots of rich foreigners etc rather than a celeb crowd.
A complimentary full bar all night including Perrier-Jouet champers and cocktails along with canapés.
Lots of folks dancing on the floor and we had a good boogie.
A great party.
It finished at 1am and half the crowd then went over to Morton's itself for the after party where I bumped
into Rusty Egan but it was far too busy so we departed as we were whacked.
Thursday 02 October 2014...another sad death to report...
Singer and songwriter Lynsey de Paul has died at the age of 64, following a suspected brain haemorrhage.
De Paul, who represented the UK in the 1977 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Rock Bottom,
had five top 20 UK chart hits, including 1972's Sugar Me.
She became the first woman to win an Ivor Novello award for songwriting.
Wednesday 1 October 2014...I went to two events tonight...
7pm to 10.45pm.
BE INSPIRED – Contemporary Art Auction at Saatchi Gallery, King's Road, Chelsea,London, SW3.
Charity evening to benefit---The Prince's Foundation For Children And The Arts.
Around 300 smartly dressed upmarket folks here for this auction and silent auction.
Prince Harry's ex girlfriend Cressida Bonas was here.
The main auction only lasted 30 mins as there was only 11 lots.
After the auction we had a full live band called The Soul Jets who played 80 mins of soul covers.
They are the resident band at The Arts Club in Mayfair.
Nine of them on stage including a brass section and male and female vocals.
They gradually got more and more folks away from chatting and got them dancing.
Tracks played included 'Rescue Me','Valerie','Ain't No Stopping Us Now','Get Lucky',
'Ain't No Mountain High Enough','Happy' and 'Lady Marmalade'.
Lots of complimentary Laurent-Perrier champers,Chilgrove Gin Cocktails,wines,beers along
with bowl food and canapés for all guests.
A very nice event.
www.childrenandarts.org.uk
Check their website here for more info.
then
11.15pm to 2am.
Preview Party for Le Peep Boutique, 141 Park Lane, Marble Arch,London, W1.
This venue was One Four One Park Lane and is now under the new name of Le Peep Boutique.
Le Peep Boutique will be a members’ club, restaurant and cocktail bar, inspired by the glamour and theatrics of 1920s Paris. The club has been designed by architect Nick Leith-Smith, famous for his international work with Manolo Blahnik and designed by Mark Alexiou.
We have a dj playing dance tunes and there are complimentary cocktails,wines and beers for all.
Tuesday 30 September 2014...I went to two events tonight...
6.45pm to 9pm.
DISARONNO and Versace - party at One Mayfair, 13 North Audley Street, London, W1.
A cool crowd here to celebrate their limited edition bottle launch.
Lots of nicely dressed up glam females and a dj js playing in the background.
Guests here included Zara Martin,Jade Williams,Laura Whitmore,Lilah Parsons,
Wretch 32,Leah Weller and Natt Weller.
Lots of complimentary Pipier-Heidsieck champers,various Disaronno cocktails,beers and canapés.
A nice event.
www.disaronno.com
Check the Disaronno website for more info.
then
David Sinclair Four live at The Half Moon,Putney,London.
Formed 9 years ago, the rock/blues, lyric-led DS4 have shared stages with many, including Wilko Johnson, Marcus Bonfanti, Buddy Whittington and Willie Nile. They have played several festivals and played twice on the bandstand at the Olympic Park during the 2012 London Olympics. They have released 3 albums, the 4th at present being recorded and mixed.
DS4 were on stage for around an hour and played a good mix of new material and older songs.
Loads of great lyrics you could hear clearly word by word and nifty guitar playing too.
Tracks played included 'London Dust','Eight Rounds Later' and 'Coming Off The Rails'.
With some decent radio play the band could easily take off in a big way.
Support act Jesse Terry sung a couple of good songs with them.He has his own albums out.
www.davidsinclairfour.com
Check the website for David Sinclair Four here.
www.jesseterrymusic.com
Check the website for Jesse Terry here.
Tuesday 30 September 2014---30 years ago today I went to see KISS play The Brighton Centre
The support band was Bon Jovi who were yet to take off as 'Slippery When Wet' was their next release.
I would see them again at the end of the tour at Wembley Arena on 14/15 Oct 1984.
Monday 29 September 2014.
Kylie Minogue live at The 02 Arena,London.
Kylie Minogue plays the first of three shows at The 02 Arena on her 'Kiss Me Once' European Tour.
This is her first tour under her new management of Jay Z's Roc Nation.
I saw three of her arena shows for her previous 'Aphrodite' tour of 2011 which were totally mega
so I am really looking forward to seeing Kylie tonight as she always puts on a great show.
As usual there are lots of gay men and women in the crowd.
I saw her original producer Pete Waterman in the crowd.
Kylie arrived on stage at 8.40pm and played a fantastic show for 1 hour 55 mins.
A nice entrance as she rose up through a trapdoor sprawled on a giant pair of shiny red lips.
The production has been trimmed back a bit compared to previous tours.
Kylie is now aged 46 but somehow has not aged over the past 25 years and looks stunning as
she parades in a half a dozen different revealing stage outfits all showing off her legs,bum and high heels.
The band are hidden away in the two corners as the show is focused on Kylie and her eight dancers
along with one of the best big centre screens showing amazing images all through the evening.
The two side screens focus on live footage of the show.
Loads of great lasers and lights through the show.
Kylie strutted along the catwalk and matched her dancers on some of the dance routines.
There is a very lively dance pop atmosphere as she mixed new album tracks with older hits.
There was also a INXS hit in tribute to her tragic ex Michael Hutchence.
Kylie and her perfect smile and likeable personality shone out through the evening.
Kylie live in concert is always such a brilliant dazzling fun night out.
Kate Bush was a great show but for me Kylie was better.
FIRST KISS SECTION
Breathe (Intro)
Les Sex
In My Arms
Timebomb
Sexy Love
Wow
SECRET KISS SECTION
Bauhau Disco (Interlude)
Step Back in Time
Spinning Around
Your Disco Needs You
On a Night Like This
Slow
DIZZY KISS SECTION
Enjoy Yourself (Interlude)
Hand on Your Heart / Never Too Late / Got to Be Certain / I Should Be So Lucky
LICK KISS SECTION
Skirt (Interlude)
Need You Tonight (INXS cover)
Sexercize
Nu-di-ty (Interlude)
Can't Get You Out of My Head
Kids (Robbie Williams cover)
Beautiful
Kiss Me Once
AUSSIE KISS SECTION
Get Outta My Way
Love at First Sight
Flower
Especially for You (Jason Donovan cover)
Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi
In Your Eyes
Confide in Me
All the Lovers
Encore:
Into the Blue
-------------------------------
Check the IconicPix link on the right for photos of this show and recent shows by
Lenny Kravitz and The Libertines.
Sunday 28 September 2014.
Lenny Kravitz live at Koko,London.
This was a private/secret gig by Lenny a couple of days after his show at The Roundhouse
for the iTunes Festival.
This was a benefit show for AUTISM ROCKS.
Downstairs on the floor were tables for folks having dinner and drinks.
The only celeb face I spotted was impressionist Jon Culshaw.
I am in the vip area on the the right hand side of the balcony.
This is perfect as it's a complimentary bar here for 50 people and we have our own waiters.
Complimentary Mercier champers,Jack Daniels n cokes and burgers and steak sandwiches.
Upper balcony is more folks with general admission tickets.
There was a dj playing popular dance tunes and there was a silent auction for memorabilia.
AUTISM ROCKS is a UK charity established in 2014 by Sanjay Shah, founder of Solo Capital.
He said a few words before Lenny came on saying all the money raised tonight would go straight to
the charity as he was bankrolling the entire production costs for the event.
Lenny is in London for a few days to promote his new album and single called 'Strut'.
Lenny and his full band including three backing singers came on stage at 9.20pm for an 85 mins set.
Gail Ann Dorsey is still on bass and the female drummer is still there.
Lenny looks totally rock star cool as usual and his many female admirers are swooning.
Loads of great funk rock tunes mixing newer tracks with older gems.
A brilliant show.
Full setlist played was pretty much what was played at The Roundhouse minus two tracks.
Dirty White Boots
American Woman (The Guess Who cover)
It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over
Strut
Dancin' Til Dawn
Dig In
Always on the Run
New York City
Let Love Rule
Are You Gonna Go My Way
Encore
Fly Away
Lenny Kravitz comes back to Europe for a six week arena tour from late Oct to early Dec.
A one off UK show is at Wembley Arena on 06 Dec 2014.
www.autismrocks.com
Visit the Autism Rocks website for more info.
Saturday 27 September 2014.
The Libertines live at Alexandra Palace,London N22.
The Libertines play the second of three shows at Alexander Palace.
Their first London shows since that massive show in Hyde Park that I saw in July.
Alexandra Palace has to be worst venue in London for me travel wise to get to from outer West London.
Plus going there I run into the hordes from the Arsenal v Spurs game at Finsbury Park.Deep joy...not.
Loads of police and security here tonight inside and outside the venue.
I get there late at 8.45pm but there are hundreds still going in as Libertines fans like to get pissed up
outside the venue before the show and inside the venue the atmosphere is really buzzing.
The Libertines go on stage a mere 5 mins late at 9.20pm and play for 95 mins which was the same length
as their Hyde Park show.
One big screen and lots of lighting.
Watching the band in front of me is Rough Trade Records supremo Geoff Travis who signed the band.
He watched them on his own and left on his own when I departed even though there was an afterparty
to 1am each night so not sure what kind of relationship he has with them at the moment.
The feeling remains that things could,at any moment,go disastrously wrong.But they didn't.
The Libertines sound great and there is not much fiddling about between songs.
The Libertines still inspire religious-like devotion from their fans which is great to witness.
The band play glorious versions of 'Time For Heroes','What A Waster' , 'Can't Stand Me Now'
'Don't Look Back Into The Sun' and 'What Became Of The Likely Lads'.
At the heart of The Libertines appeal is the bromance between Pete Doherty and Carl Barat.
They share the mic,swop knowing smiles,read out each other's letters from fans and hug
each other which sends a nice tingle down your spine after all what they've been through.
At the end Pete Doherty wrapped himself in a Q.P.R. scarf.
The Libertines were great tonight and it will be interesting what the future holds for them after this tour.
The setlist was a couple of songs different from the first night here the day before.
The Delaney
Campaign of Hate
Vertigo
Time for Heroes
Horrorshow
Begging
The Ha Ha Wall
Music When the Lights Go Out
What Katie Did
The Boy Looked at Johnny
Boys in the Band
Can't Stand Me Now
Last Post on the Bugle
Don't Look Back Into the Sun
The Saga
Death on the Stairs
Tell the King
Encore:
You're My Waterloo (Pete acoustic, Carl electric)
Fuck Forever (Babyshambles cover) (tease)
What Became of the Likely Lads
Up the Bracket
What a Waster
I Get Along
Friday 26 September 2014...i went to two events tonight...
7pm to 9.15pm.
Gigi's - restaurant launch party at Gigi's, 22 Woodstock Street,Mayfair, London, W1.
This Italian restaurant is off Bond Street hidden in the corner of this cobbled street.
One of those events that started quietly then got busier and busier.
A nice mixed age crowd.
There was a card magician who did great tricks right in front of you.
The dj sounds in the corner got louder and louder and some folks started dancing.
Lots of complimentary Devaux champers and canapés for all guests.
About Gigi's...
Italian food with plenty of modern twists, most of them coming from the direction of French cuisine. That combined orientation means that alongside a classic starter of vitello tonnato (cold sliced veal with tuna sauce) you might find both steak tartare and a signature dish of sea bass tartare and langoustine, served with honey and lemon caramel. Among the fish dishes, a traditional fritto misto sits next to an equally traditional (but French) Dover sole meunière. Meat dishes include osso buco with saffron risotto, one of Italy’s most famous dishes, but also innovative creations such as a ‘Trilogy’ of lamb (rack, loin and a braised roll), served with celeriac purée. The dessert list is also a mix of Italian and French.
www.gigismayfair.com
Check the Gigi's website here for more info.
then
9.30pm to 11.30pm.
Press night afterparty for 'Great Britain' at Mint Leaf Restaurant & Bar,Haymarket,London SW1.
A massive party for over 500 folks after the play was held earlier at Theatre Royal,Haymarket,London SW1.
Richard Bean’s fast and furious new play is an anarchic and foul-mouthed satire about the press, the police
and the political establishment.
Lucy Punch plays Paige Britain, the ambitious young news editor of The Free Press, a tabloid newspaper
locked in a never-ending battle for more readers.
Lucy told me "I'm enjoying it but it was absolutely nerve-racking".
Guests here included all the members of the cast plus Sir Michael Grade,Andrew Neil,David Baddiel,
Nigel Planer,'Embarrassing Bodies’ tv presenter – Doctor Christian Jessen,Jenny Eclair, Helen Lederer
and no doubt a few more I missed.
The play has 150 seats at only £15 for every performance.
It is on until 10 Jan 2015.
Complimentary Nyetimber sparkling wine,ordinary wines,lagers and lots of bowl food and canapés.
It was until 1am but we departed at 11.30pm.
www.greatbritainonstage..com
Check here for more info and to buy tickets.
www.mintleafrestaurant.com
Check the Mint Leaf website here for more info.
Thursday 25 September 2014...I went to two events tonight...
6.45pm to 8.15pm
Sony Xperia Z3 - launch party at Aqua Nueva, 30 Argyll Street, London, W1.
Only six months after the launch of the Xperia Z2 comes its successor, the Xperia Z3. Sony hopes this will help it gain traction in the notoriously fickle Android superphone market, and knows that there are customers who will only buy the latest and greatest model at any given point of time, for whom money is no object.
We have half a dozen phones on display for folks to play about with.
Around 200 guests here including Mollie King,Millie MacKintosh,Donna Air and Vanessa White.
Nice and lively with dj sounds in the background.
Guests enjoyed complimentary vodka cocktails,gin cocktails,cava,wines,beers and food including bowls of
beef n chunky chips and canapés.
then
8.30pm to 9.30pm
Scarlett Raven: Eleventh Hour - private view at Castle Fine Art, 24 Bruton Street, London, W1.
At just 28 years old, Scarlett Raven is a rising star on the contemporary art scene and has already gained the support of celebrity fans such as Orlando Bloom, Take That and Lord Jonathan Marland, who are all avid collectors of her work.
Raven’s newly unveiled collection, entitled ‘The Eleventh Hour’, will be on display at Castle Fine Art, Mayfair this month and celebrates the meaning of flowers, in particular the humble poppy.
Complimentary presecco for all guests.
www.scarlettraven.com
Check out her website for more info and pictures.
Wednesday 24 September 2014...I went to three events tonight...
6.15pm to 7.30pm
Thomas Lyte ---press showcase--- at 12-13 Burlington Arcade,Piccadilly,London W1.
An upmarket crowd here for this store in the very posh Burlington Arcade.
Lots of high quality leather and silver accessories on display.
We have a replica of the F.A.Cup in the corner as they make the original.
I also make use of the complimentary shoeshine and back massage.
All guests enjoyed complimentary presecco and canapés.
A nice event for a smallish store.
About Thomas Lyte...
Thomas Lyte is a modern English luxury lifestyle brand specialising in exquisitely fashioned leather and silver accessories, all with a contemporary twist.
CEO Kevin Baker established Thomas Lyte on a strong set of founding values: Craftsmanship, Englishness, Luxury and Modernity.
An ardent supporter of the resurgence of British artisanship and craftsmanship, Kevin understands that discerning buyers are increasingly seeking provenance, craft and individuality. Thomas Lyte’s objective is to fuse traditional values and craftwork with beautiful, contemporary designs that are excitingly relevant to today’s customer.
The Thomas Lyte silver workshop, one of the largest in Britain, is presided over by master silversmith Kevin Williams, a Freeman of the Goldsmiths’ Company which received its first Royal Charter in 1327.The expert team of silversmiths are responsible for the creation of the brand’s contemporary silver accessories and homewares as well as the care and restoration of some of sport’s most iconic trophies; these, include football’s FA Cup, golf’s Ryder Cup and the Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup. Thomas Lyte’s silver team are also responsible for creating silver commissions, from medals to bespoke objects.
www.thomaslyte.com
Check the Thomas Lyte website here for more info.
then
7.45pm to 9.45pm
Quattro Passi London launch party at 34 Dover Street,Mayfair,London W1.
Another quality restaurant joins the London restaurant scene.
Quattro Passi brings the fresh flavours of Campania in Southern Italy to the heart of Mayfair. The seasonally inspired menu is prepared with the finest ingredients that can be obtained, and shipped daily to the UK from Chef Antonio Mellino’s native Italy.
Chef/Patron Antonio Mellino has earned two Michelin stars at his landmark restaurant in Campania, and he has moved his family to the Capital with the sole mission of introducing Londoners to real Italian fine dining.
Quattro Passi is on two levels,with the main dining room on the ground floor and a sleek,sophisticated bar on
the ground below.
The Italian staff here were fantastic as they really fussed over you.
Lots of complimentary cocktails,presecco,wines and yummy food including plates of food,canapés and lots
superb Italian pastries with cappuccinos.
www.quattropassi.co.uk
Check the Quattro Passi here for more info.
then
10pm to 12.30pm
Raindance Film Festival: 'I, Origins' --- afterparty at Café de Paris, 3-4 Coventry Street, London, W1.
Around 500 folks here for the afterparty for the film that was shown earlier.
Guests here included Sadie Frost and Andy Bell ex Oasis and now Beady Eye.
'I Origins' is a 2014 American science fiction drama film written, directed, and produced by Mike Cahill.
All guests enjoyed complimentary cocktails,wines and beers.
We have Roland Gift playing live here who played a really good 75 mins set with a pukka band
and two female backing vocalists.
Roland Gift was the singer of Fine Young Canniballs who had a few hits in the 1980s.
He is also an actor having done film and tv work.
He still has an effortless great voice that is nice and clear.
We are front row left just a few feet from him and the band.
The set was a mix of solo material and some old FYC hits.
Setlist included...
Ever Fallen In Love (Buzzcocks cover)---FYC number 9 hit in 1987
Johnny Come Home---FYC number 8 hit in 1985
It's Only Money
Good Thing---FYC number 7 hit in 1989
Crushed
Suspicious Minds (Elvis Presley cover)---FYC number 8 hit in 1985
She Drives Me Crazy---FYC number 5 hit in 1985
I'm Not The Man I Used To Be---FYC number 20 hit in 1989
www.raindance.org
Check the Raindance website for more info.
Tuesday 23 September 2014...I went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 8pm.
The LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair's Private View at Berkeley Square, London, W1.
Builders have spent the past week building this huge marquee on this famous square.
A massive event with most of the 1000 upmarket guests paying £65 for their tickets.
Over 100 exhibitors here.
Lots of of amazing items in perfect condition including paintings,furniture,books,carpets,
clocks,watches,coins,medals,glass,jewellery,pottery,sculpture and much more.
Total value of items on display easily in the multi-millions.
Lots of complimentary Lanson champers for all the guests here.
It is on until Sunday 28 Sept with tickets costing £15.
www.lapadalondon.com
Visit their website here for more info and to buy tickets.
then
Placebo live at The Roundhouse,London.
THIS GIG WAS THE 6200th SEEN BY ME SINCE 1973.
The was a gig for competition winners as part of the month long iTunes Festival at The Roundhouse.
The good thing about this festival is they put on gigs by big names from all music genres for free.
The bad thing thing is they make you queue for ages as there are ID checks and like tv shows
they send out more tickets than the venue holds to ensure capacity.
Last night I got there at 8.30pm and the queue was still massive.
Luckily I bypassed all this with a guest list place.
I looked out again at 8.45pm and still there was a massive queue.
Basically you need to arrive at the venue at 7pm to get in at 8pm.
If you stroll up at after 8pm for the headliner you will come unstuck as the queue will still be there and at best
you will miss the opening songs and at worst you will not get in as the venue has reached capacity.
Placebo arrive on stage dead on 9pm and play a great 75 mins set.
A bit short but most bands play a shorter set when they play this festival.
The sound is fantastic and the iTunes stage production is big.
Placebo are known as a trio but there are six musicians on stage tonight.
Placebo have been doing their own thing the past 20 years regardless of current trends.
They released their seventh album last year.
Lots of really good rockin' tunes and a superb Kate Bush cover during the encore.
A great show.
Full Placebo setlist played...
B3
For What It's Worth
Loud Like Love
Every You Every Me
Scene of the Crime
A Million Little Pieces
Too Many Friends
One of a Kind
Exit Wounds
Meds
Song to Say Goodbye
Special K
The Bitter End
Encore:
Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) (Kate Bush cover)
Post Blue
Infra-red
Check aftershow page for this show.
Monday 22 September 2014...I went to two events tonight...
6.45pm to 9.30pm.
National Reality TV Awards at Porchester Hall, Porchester Road, London, W2.
Around 250 folks here at this venue over by Queensway.
I went a few years ago and it was a bit third rate...and it is still a bit third rate.
Everything is fine until 8pm with complimentary presecco,wines,ciders,organic energy drinks from
Little Miracles and canapés.
Then it's a sit down at tables with drinks---no dinner.
The awards ceremony starts and the sound is so muffled you cannot understand what is being said
in the video clips being shown and the live presenters are not that clear either.
Plus half the award winners do not turn up to collect their awards.
Pretty amazing how many reality shows these days on all the tv channels.
Guests here included Louie Spence, Amy Willerton,Jahmene Douglas,Bianca Gasgoine,Calum Best,
Lauren Goodger,Rylan Clark,Rough Copy,Hugo Taylor,Damage,folks from Gogglebox,
Luisa Zissman,Frankie Cocozza and a few others.
All guests got a goodie bag.
10pm to 12pm.
Evita - press night - afterparty at The Dominion Theatre,Tottenham Court Road,London W1.
A massive party for well over 500 folks in the venue itself.
Marti Pellow from Wet Wet Wet is here as he has one of the main parts in the show.
Also here is Madalena Alberto who plays Evita.
Other faces here included Lord Lloyd Webber,Sir Tim Rice,Bill Kenwright,Tony Blackburn,
England Footie Manager Roy Hodgson,Elaine Paige,Barbara Windsor,Jenny Seagrove,
Anika Rice,Jeffrey Archer,songwriting legend Don Black,Melanie C and no doubt a few more.
We have a live band playing Argentinian tunes.
Complimentary wines,beers,bowl food and canapés for all the guests.
Saturday 20 September 2014.
Kate Bush live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.
This was show number 16 of the 22 Kate Bush sold out shows at this venue and my first time seeing it.
All sold out pronto despite steep ticket prices of £135,£95,£75,£59,£49 plus booking fees.
Respect is due to Kate Bush for playing here rather than half a dozen shows at The 02 Arena.
Her first shows for around 35 years is one of the most anticipated events of the year.
I saw Kate Bush at this venue in 1979 on her only UK tour.
As expected it is a long theatrical show of around 2 hours 30 mins on stage plus an interval.
And just like a West End theatre show everyone is in the venue for the start of the show.
There was much respect here for the artist and folks stayed seated for each song then lots of
clapping and standing ovations after each song ended.
Her voice still sounds great and her band were really good.
Her son Bertie aged just 16 was a revelation as Kate credits him as "creative advisor".
Plenty of stunning visuals with amazing stage sets and the attention to detail was perfect.
A collage of music,film,theatre and puppets.
A conventional show for the first half hour with a few hits then the stage became a sunken shipwreck.
Kate sung in a flotation tank and flew across the stage in a crow costume.
The show featured two elaborate storytelling song cycles that were a bit hit and miss for me.
The first was 'The Ninth Wave' which features the last seven songs from her 1985 'Hounds Of Love' album.
The second was 'A Sky Of Honey' which features songs from her 2005 'Aerial' album.
It was an amazing show of the highest quality but I like some of the folks from the previous shows
was a bit disappointed that she did not play a lot of her big hits including
'Wuthering Heights','The Man With The Child In His Eyes','Wow','Babooshka' and 'Don't Give Up'.
Kate Bush is one of the those artists that will not pander to the expected.
Lily (Extended Intro)
Hounds of Love
Joanni (Extended)
Top of the City
Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)
King of the Mountain (Extended)
Video: Phoning the Coastguards
THE NINTH WAVE section of the show
And Dream of Sheep
Under Ice
Waking the Witch
Skit
Watching You Without Me
Little Light (performed by backing vocals)
Jig of Life (Extended)
Hello Earth (Extended)
The Morning Fog (Extended)
INTERMISSION
A SKY OF HONEY section of the show
Prelude
Prologue (Extended)
An Architect's Dream (Proceeded by an actor's monologue)
The Painter's Link
Sunset (Extended)
Aerial Tal
Somewhere in Between (Extended)
Tawny Moon (New song; sung by Kate's son Bertie)
Nocturn
Aerial (Extended)
Encore:
Among Angels (Kate solo at piano)
Cloudbusting
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some Kate Bush career info and news from the opening shows.
Kate has amassed a multi million fortune and lives a very secretive low key life in Devon.
Before she got signed three tracks in total were recorded and paid for by David Gilmour.The tape was produced by Gilmour's friend Andrew Powell and was sent to EMI executive Terry Slater who was impressed by the tape and signed her.
In 1978, at the age of 19, Bush topped the UK Singles Chart for four weeks with her debut single "Wuthering Heights", becoming the first woman to have a UK number one with a self-written song.She has since released ten albums, three of which topped the UK Albums Chart. She has had 25 UK Top 40 hit singles, including half a dozen Top 10 hits.
Kate Bush is now aged 56.
Kate Bush has a request for fans who are coming to the gigs: "We have purposefully chosen an intimate theatre setting rather than a large venue or stadium. It would mean a great deal to me if you would please refrain from taking photos or filming during the shows. I very much want to have contact with you as an audience, not with iphones, ipads or cameras. I know it's a lot to ask but it would allow us to all share in the experience together."
As well as banning public photography she also banned the usual press photographers as she
used just her own official photographer for Kate and her team to ok the few pictures that were released.
A Kate Bush picture from the opening night made the front page of most of the daily papers the day after.
All the reviews appear to be five stars with the odd one giving it four stars.
Even the NME gave it a very rare 10/10.
Even before these shows the critics have seen Kate as Britains most significant female artist.
Eight of her albums went back in the Top 40 charts after the first weeks reviews came out.
Some celebs who were there on the first night included David Gilmour,Lily Allen,Marc Almond,Holly Johnson,
Frank Skinner,Derren Brown,Lauren Laverne,Michael Ball,Rufus Wainwright and Warpaint.
Celebs on the second night included Chris Rea and David Walliams.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx