News and Reviews: 12th November 2014
Tuesday 11 November 2014...3.30pm to 9.30pm...A family day as it's my youngest son Stephen graduation ceremony from Kingston University.
He was presented with his degree in Business Management Practice(first class).
It was quite an emotional and amazing day.
3.30pm---We arrived in the Kingston area for pre drinks...seven of us including Stephen...
4.30pm---We arrived at The Rose Theatre where around 200 are being presented with their degrees.
Along with another 400 partners,family and friends.
5.30pm to 6.45pm---One by one the students went on stage in their gowns to cheers and clapping.
At the very end 'We Are The Champions ' by Queen was blasting out over the pa.
6.45pm to 7.45pm---Drinks reception with complimentary wines and snacks.
This felt a bit like a gig with overpriced merch on sale.
Buy a DVD of the event for Ł25, photos of the event,student names on t-shirts,hoodies,mugs,cuddly toys,
Certificate holders,graduation rings etc....on top of the Ł50 paid out earlier to hire out the gown.
8pm to 9.30pm---We all went around the corner for a very nice meal at Byron Burgers.
Stephen and his lovely long term girlfriend Lisa leave next week for a weeks celebration holiday
at the very plush five star Atlantis The Palm Hotel in Dubai.
Stephen has landed a great job with United Biscuits on their graduate management scheme.
Monday 10 November 2014.
Jimmy Tarbuck---This Is My Life live at The Beck Theatre,Hayes,Middlesex.
Jimmy Tarbuck now aged 74 is an old school comedian and entertainer from Liverpool.
He went to school with John Lennon who lived nearby.
He is known as an early host of Sunday Night at the London Palladium and for his numerous hostings of game and quiz shows on tv during the 1960s,1970s and 1980s.
Around 400 of the 600 tickets sold in this cosy tiered all seated venue.
He was on stage for 1 hour 50 mins over two sets.
Telling jokes and stories around the big screen showing old photos and tv clips.
An older crowd who knew him in his heyday period when he was always on tv.
He has been very quiet the past decade and admits to being semi retired.
Lots of legends he has met including Royalty,Frank Sinatra,Bob Hope,The Beatles and others.
Lots of comedians he has worked with including Tommy Cooper,Eric Morecombe and Les Dawson got praise.
His old mate Kenny Lynch got loads of mentions.
He played The Olympia Theatre in Paris aged only 18 with other British singers back in the 60s.
There were audience questions and answers which was entertaining.
He got the crowd to sing along to some songs when he was talking about 60s singers.
Some of the jokes were a bit naughty but the crowd lapped it up.
The show was very nostalgic and there was lots of funny bits.
Sunday 09 November 2014.
Billy Idol + The Dough Rollers live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.
Billy Idol plays a sold out London show as part of his European Tour to promote his new album.
This is his first London show since the Brixton Academy gig I saw a few years ago.
I saw Billy Idol fronting Generation X a few times from 1977 in the those great punk days.
Billy was famous as part of the ‘Bromley Contingent’, the Sex Pistols’ challengingly attired cheerleaders,
before he ever sang a note.
But punk rock was ugly and Billy Idol was not. His chiselled cheekbones and flashing smile set him apart
from his less-than-lovely contemporaries.
‘I was the male English Blondie, wasn’t I?’ chuckles Idol.
When Gen X split up Billy Idol moved to New York in 1981 to be managed by KISS manager
Bill Aucoin who thought Billy had the perfect look for the MTV generation and was an instant success.
Billy Idol releases his new album 'Kings and Queens of the Underground' on 20 Oct 2014.
This is his first new album for nearly a decade.
Billy Idol talks about the album
Watch the video clip here.
Billy Idol has also released his autobiography this month called 'Dancing With Myself'.
-----------------------------------
Up first we have a band with a silly name called The Dough Rollers.
They are from New York and are signed to Jack Whites Third Man Records.
Some decent Black Crowes type blues rock for 25 mins.
I must admit i was really looking forward to seeing Billy Idol again.
Billy Idol arrives on stage at 9.05pm for a full two hour show.
A nice mix of Billy Idol solo hits,Generation X gems and a few tracks off the new album.
Billy Idol still has the trademark blonde hair and looks great for 58 as he is keen to bare his
flat toned chest with half a dozen changes of shirt during the show.
A nice buzzing atmosphere as the floor standing area is packed.
Lots of girls in the crowd less than half his age.
A rockin band that featured the pukka duo guitars of Steve Stevens and Billy Morrison.
Steve Stevens fitted in a bit of a guitar solo during every other song.
Billy said it was great to finally play this venue for the first time ever.
Billy was really good at working the crowd.
As always an excellent show.
Full Billy Idol setlist played...
Postcards from the Past
Cradle of Love
Can't Break Me Down
Dancing With Myself (Generation X song)
Flesh for Fantasy
Save Me Now
Whiskey & Pills
Sweet Sixteen
Kings and Queens of the Underground
Eyes Without a Face
L.A. Woman (The Doors cover)
Steve Stevens - Guitar Solo
King Rocker (Generation X song)
Ready Steady Go (Generation X song)
Blue Highway
Rebel Yell
Encore...
White Wedding
Mony Mony (Tommy James & the Shondells cover)
Check aftershow page for full review.
Saturday 08 November 2014
Motorhead + The Damned + The BossHoss live at Wembley Arena,London.
Motörhead play London as part of a European Tour.
This show at Wembley is the band's biggest London headline show in over a decade.
Punk royalty The Damned are the main support so a great pair of bands that I like.
I have seen Motörhead around 40 times since 1975 when they were a support act to Blue Oyster Cult.
I have also seen The Damned around 40 times including 10 times alone in 1977.
Reports said that Lemmy looked very frail after his illness when Motörhead supported Black Sabbath
in Hyde Park in the summer so fingers crossed Lemmy will be fighting fit tonight.
Now aged 68 he has been forced to give up the fags after 57 years of smoking.
Like Wilko Johnson the illness has actually helped them to sell more tickets just in case his health gets
worse and this is the last ever Motörhead tour.
Tonights show was maybe three quarters sold with curtains blocking off the empty seats at the back.
Up first are The BossHoss who were much more entertaining than expected.
They are popular in their home country of Germany.
There are around a dozen of them on stage including a brass section.
They incorporate stereotypical American cowboy behaviour into their act; they wear Stetson hats, tank tops and large sunglasses, display whiskey bottles, and yell "yeehaw". The band refers to their music style as "Country Trash Punk Rock."
They finish their set with a neat cover of 'Word Up' by Cameo.
The Damned arrive on stage at 8.05pm for a 50 mins set.
Motörhead and The Damned have a lot of history together dating back to the punk days.
Captain Sensible and Dave Vanium are both on top form and there is a healthy mosh pit.
Lots of gems played in their set and the last trio of songs was just perfection as they
played 'New Rose','Neat Neat Neat' and 'Smash It Up'.A great set.
Full Damned setlist played...
Nasty
Disco Man
Love Song
Second Time Around
Wait for the Blackout
Lively Arts
Silly Kids Games
Ignite
The History of the World (Part 1)
Eloise (Paul Ryan cover)
New Rose
Neat Neat Neat
Smash It Up
Motörhead arrive on stage at 9.25pm for an 80 mins set which seemed a bit short but I don't think
i have ever seen Motörhead play for over 90 mins.
Lemmy walks on to a hero's welcome and he looks like he has lost a bit of weight but everything
else is business as usual as it's loud and distorted rock n roll played by this trio.
The Motörhead wall of sound is at full tilt and the floor standing at the front is a heaving mess of bodies.
Like The Damned,Motörhead finish their set with three of their best songs,'Killed By Death'
'Ace Of Spades' and encore of 'Overkill'.
Before 'Overkill' Lemmy signs off with two regular sets of words from him he says at Motörhead shows.
"Dont forget us and we won't forget you" and "We are Motörhead and we play Rock n Roll'...Too right.
A excellent evening of great bands.
Full Motörhead setlist played...
Shoot You in the Back
Damage Case
Stay Clean
Metropolis
Over the Top
The Chase Is Better Than the Catch
Rock It
Suicide
No Class
Lost Woman Blues
Doctor Rock
Just 'Cos You Got the Power
Going to Brazil
Killed by Death
Ace of Spades
Encore:
Overkill
Friday 07 November 2014...I went to two events tonight...
6.15pm to 7.30pm.
Salon QP: Ian Wright - watch launch at Saatchi Gallery, King's Road, Chelsea, London, SW3.
Salon QP is the UKs largest luxury watch exhibition with over 70 top brands here.
Brands here include Bremont,Bulgari,Cartier,Chopard,Hermes,Jaeger-LeCoultre,
TAG Heuer ,Montblanc and Zenith.
Lots of stunning watches on display....with prices to match.
There are a few watch craftsmen here doing their thing.
Zenith Watches had a very nice Rolling Stones tongue and lips limited edition watch on display.
Ex Arsenal and England footie legend Ian Wright is here on the JeanRichard stand
to promote their new Arsenal watch as they have a sponsorship deal with them.
All guests enjoyed complimentary vodka cocktails,gin cocktails,sparkling wines,beers and canapes.
Saturday is the last day but save the same date for November next year.
www.salonqp.com
Check their website for more info and tickets.
then
Boomtown Rats and Republica live at The Forum,London.
I saw The Rats a few times in their late 70s heyday at Hammersmith Odeon and The Rainbow.
Between 1977 and 1980, the band had nine consecutive top 20 singles, including two mega number ones.
Also in 1985 i was there when they played at the greatest day in live music which was Live Aid
which of course was put together by (Sir) Bob Geldof.
I saw The Rats play a really good show at The Roundhouse last year on their comeback tour.
The Rats are promoting a new best of titled 'So Modern: The Boomtown Rats Collection'.This 1CD mixes some of the bands biggest hits including the number 1 smashes ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ and ‘Rat Trap’ with some of the bands deeper album tracks and is a fantastic introduction to a group with an incredible legacy.
Up first tonight are Republica who had three Top 20 hits in the late 90s.
They played a good seven song 35 mins set that included gems 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' and 'Ready To Go'.
Boomtown Rats arrive on stage dead on 9pm for a very lively 90 mins set.
We have a big screen showing pre-recorded images.
Bob Geldof is wearing the same faux snake snake suit as last year and is compulsive viewing to watch
as he prowls the stage and hypes the crowd up with chants of 'We are The Boomtown Rats and we are mega'.
After half a dozen songs Bobs long grey flowing hair is now flat with sweat as he really does give 100%.
Tonight they play lots of hits with sharp-witted, punk inflected, new wave tunes, chock full of bright ideas, crammed with sparky hooks, and delivered in attention-grabbing style.
The enthusiastic crowd lapped up this great show.
Full setlist played...
(I Never Loved) Eva Braun
Like Clockwork
Neon Heart
(She's Gonna) Do You In
Someone's Looking at You
Banana Republic
She's So Modern
I Don't Like Mondays
Close As You'll Ever Be
Mary of the 4th Form / I Wanna Be Your Man / Radar Love / Boom Boom
Looking After No. 1
Rat Trap
Encore:
Me and Howard Hughes
Diamond Smiles
The Boomtown Rats
Thursday 06 November 2014...I went to two events tonight...
6.15pm to 8pm.
AC/DC - 'Rock or Bust' new album playback at Bag O' Nails, 9 Kingly Street, London, W1.
With over 200 million albums sold, AC/DC are one of the biggest bands in the world.
This was an invite only event hosted by Sony Music for around 60 media folks in this cosy basement club.
Complimentary wines,beers and canapés for all guests.
Back in the 60s, The Bag O’Nails Club has hosted world famous musicians such as Jimi Hendrix (1966), The Beatles (1967), The Stones, Eric Clapton, Elton John and many more. The current ‘façade’ and interior is a nod to its musical heyday and to the wealth of rock music legends who used to frequent the club.
The invite says "members of the band are not expected".
It's AC/DC so everyone has to sign a non disclosure agreement (a confidentiality agreement) .
No time to read it so I presume it said no recording the tracks on your phones etc.
When we arrive they are playing older AC/DC classics.
At 6.40pm we get to hear all 11 new album tracks in order and the sound is turned up to full volume.
All the tracks are typical AC/DC and sound great.
After the album playback they reverted back to playing older AC/DC classics at a lower volume.
The album is a must buy when it is released on Monday 01 December 2014
1. Rock or Bust
2. Play Ball
3. Rock The Blues Away
4. Miss Adventure
5. Dogs of War
6. Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder
7. Hard Times
8. Baptism By Fire
9. Rock the House
10. Sweet Candy
11. Emission Control
then
8.15pm to 11pm.
The Manic Street Preachers: Assassinated Beauty - private view at Proud Camden, Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1.
Around 200 folks here for these photos of The Manics in their early days.
Sadly none of the band members are here tonight.
Complimentary Jack Daniels cocktails,wines and beers for all guests.
We have a dj playing some tunes and at 10pm we get a really good hour long set by Syd Arthur.
In December 2013, the band signed to the newly re-activated Harvest Records label. Originally a subsiduary of EMI and linked to the progressive rock movement of the early 1970's in England, the label is now owned by Universal Music Group. The band's debut album was released in the US for the first time on the label.
The band released their third album "Sound Mirror" in June 2014.The band spent much of the year in the US, performing at South by Southwest and Coachella and supporting the likes of Sean Lennon's band The Ghost Of A Sabre Tooth Tiger and Yes.The band promoted the album at home with nationwide tour in September–October 2014.
They were top notch musicians with the guitar/keyboard player having a big board of foot pedals that
would grace any band playing Wembley Arena.Some neat psychedelic prog rock.
About the exhibition...
'Assassinated Beauty'. An iconic collection of photographs of one of the most iconoclastic British band of the late twentieth century, the Manic Street Preachers. It was the legendary photographer Kevin Cummins who captured James, Sean, Richey and Nicky in their most uncompromising, glam-fixated early years and the essence of a band who understood and manipulated androgynous and decadent imagery. These photographs document the period just before the release of Generation Terrorists (1992) up to The Holy Bible (1994) and the subsequent disappearance of guitarist and lyricist, Richey Edwards. A revealing mix of studio shots and never-seen-before photographs. An exhibition not to be missed!
Update...Charges of attempting to procure murder have been dropped.
Thursday 06 November 2014...AC/DC drummer arrested for Dirty Deeds...
The AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been charged in New Zealand with attempting to procure murder, threatening to kill and possession of drugs.
The 60-year-old was the subject of a raid on the North Island on Thursday morning and appeared in Tauranga district court in the afternoon.
He said nothing during his brief court appearance and wore no shoes. He did not apply to suppress his name and was bailed until 27 November.
He had been charged with attempting to procure murder, threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis and has been ordered to stay in Tauranga and to have no contact with anyone related to the charge of procuring murder as part of his bail conditions.
According to court documents, Rudd is accused of attempting to hire one person to kill two others between 25 September and 26 September.
When I went to their video shoot for their new single on Saturday 04 November 2014 in East Acton we were
told "Phil was not here due to a sudden family emergency so there would be a stand in drummer"...hmmm.
The latest official picture of the band did not feature Phil Rudd.
Thursday 06 November 2014.
Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker bid farewell to their former Cream band mate Jack Bruce at his funeral at Golders Green Crematorium in north London yesterday following his death from liver disease last month. Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera and Procol Harum star Gary Brooker also attended the service.
Wednesday 05 November 2014.
Yusuf (Cat Stevens) live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.
Second of two shows for Cat Stevens at this venue on his 'Peace Train...Late Again Tour 2014' of Europe.
Cat Stevens is now aged 66 and was massive in the 1970s alongside other folk rock acts like Bob Dylan.
In 1977 he changed his name to Yusuf Islam upon becoming a Muslim. He stopped playing and recording
pop music for almost 30 years, but started performing again in 2006.
His London comeback show 5 years ago was at The Royal Albert Hall but I did not go as it clashed with a
party at The Met Bar to celebrate the 52nd birthday party of Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen.
Phil played a set with his band Man-Raze that also featured Sex Pistol Paul Cook on drums.
I have seen him sing three songs at a charity show but never seen a full show by Yusuf/Cat Stevens.
Yusuf/Cat and his pukka band were on stage for 2 hours 10 mins over two sets of 60 mins and 70 mins.
He is promoting his first studio album in 5 years 'Tell 'Em I'm Gone'.
A nice retro stage production recreating a branch line railway station.
The audience have a lot of love for Yusuf/Cat as it's quiet during the songs and lots of applause at the end.
Another one of those shows where no photos allowed so the security are looking busy but being useless.
Both sets included old and new songs and his vocals and the overall sound were great.
His songs 'First Cut Is The Deepest' and 'Father and Son' have been recorded by loads of artists.
The crowd are feeding on a nostalgia trip as the opening bars to each of the old hits start up.
It's mainly acoustic guitar based but Yusuf/Cat plays an electric guitar on a few songs in the second half.
The video cameras were here so expect a DVD release at some time in the future.
A quality show overall.
Full setlist played...
Set 1
Peace Train Blues
The Wind
Wild World
Here Comes My Baby
You Can Do (Whatever)
The First Cut Is the Deepest
Last Love Song
Sitting
Where Do the Children Play?
Roadsinger
Bitterblue
If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out
Midday (Avoid City After Dark)
Moonshadow
People Get Ready (Curtis Mayfield/Impressions cover)
Maybe There's a World
All You Need Is Love (The Beatles cover)
-------------
Set 2
Big Boss Man (Jimmy Reed cover)
Editing Floor Blues
Dying to Live (Edgar Winter cover)
I Was Raised in Babylon
Gold Digger
Cat and the Dog Trap
The Devil Came From Kansas (Procol Harum cover)
Tell 'em I'm Gone
Doors
You Are My Sunshine
Another Saturday Night (Sam Cooke cover) that was a hit for Cat Stevens.
Oh Very Young
Morning Has Broken
Father and Son
Encore
Peace Train Blues
Peace Train
Hard Headed Woman
Miles From Nowhere
Tuesday 04 November 2014...6.30pm to 9pm...
The Mayfair Awards at The Ritz Hotel,Piccadilly,London W1.
Always nice to be at this world famous luxury five star hotel.
Around 200 smartly dressed folks spread over three of the stunning rooms here.
This awards show does what it says on the tin where they pick the best of the best of this
upmarket area that has some of the best hotels,restaurants,clubs,bars,galleries etc in the UK.
We had a string quartet playing in the corner.
Lots of impeccable staff serving complimentary Louis Roderer champers,wines and yummy canapés.
At 7.45pm it was speeches then the awards that lasted around 20 mins.
I think there were only around a dozen awards given out on the night.
Here are some of the winners.
Best local pub---The Running Horse,50 Davies Street,London W1...the oldest pub in Mayfair.
Best open space---Berkeley Square.
Best hotel---The Ritz(what a surprise!)
All guests got a decent goodie bag.
A nice event.
www.themayfairawards.co.uk
Check the website for those that made the shortlist.Winners should be put up soon.
Monday 03 November 2014...I went to two events in Shepherds Bush tonight...
5.45pm to 6.45pm
Westfield London Christmas Lights switch-on at Westfield London, Ariel Way, London, W12.
I am part of the 200 media folks and guests on the right side of the catwalk.
On the left side are 1000 fans on the floor and up watching from higher levels.
We have a dj playing some tunes to warm up the audience.
Tv presenter Rick Edwards was the host and had a chat with Rita Ora before she started singing.
Rita Ora played three songs with a full band and dancers.
I think two of the songs were 'How Do We (Party)' and 'I Will Never Let You Down'.
The vocals and drums were live but not sure about keyboards and guitar.
A massive production like something out of the X Factor tv show with a huge screen.
We have flames,ticker-tape and loud fireworks.
Westfield has over 300 stores and over 60 places to eat.
then
7pm to 10.30pm.
Dorsett Hotel - opening gala - Dorsett Hotel, 58 Shepherd's Bush Green, London, W12.
You could say i have been waiting many years for this event to take place.
I have been past this building thousands of times over the past 40 odd years as I lived local.
1923---Building opened as a cinema.
1973---I saw my first ever X film here 'O Lucky Man' where I sneaked in as a 14 year old.
The film has since been re-classed as a 15.
1983---It became a bingo hall.I went to the bingo a couple of times as once a month they had 10p a drink offers.
2001---It closed for good and became The Pavillion and was only used once in a blue moon for private events.
15 Sept 2003---I attended a Rolling Stones lavish party here after one of their Wembley Arena shows.
13 Aug 2005---I attended a Jamiroquai show here as part of a Sony Ericcson phone launch party.
2009---Planning permission granted for a luxury hotel.
2012---Demolition work began with a portion of the original facade retained.
I have actually had a quick look around the hotel before tonight as it opened a couple of months ago
but today is the official opening party.
Dorsett Hospitality International is one of Asia's fastest-growing hotel groups, with a growing portfolio of hotels in key cities around the Asia region and the UK.
The Dorsett is a four star hotel just 50 yards from Shepherds Bush Empire.
Westfield,Hammersmith Apollo and other destinations are very nearby.
Over 200 folks are here with complimentary prosecco,wines and beers along with lots of yummy food
including bowl food,fish n chips,Peking duck,canapés,desserts,fruits,an ice cream machine and more.
Before the speeches we have a four piece string section playing as we arrived.
At 7.45pm we had a speech from the owners and Boris Johnson sent a good luck video message.
Boris as ever ended with a pun "The Dorsett---I endorse it" which went down very well.
We then had an eight person Malaysian drumming show and an acrobats display.
For the last decade this building has been a neglected eyesore but now it looks just fantastic.
www.dorsett.com
Visit The Dorsett website here for more info.
Sunday 02 November 2014.
Look who Raysgigs was watching this week 30 years ago in 1984...
Depeche Mode,Portion Control Hammersmith Odeon , London 01.11.1984
Depeche Mode,Portion Control Hammersmith Odeon , London 02.11.1984
U2,Waterboys Brixton Academy , London 03.11.1984
Depeche Mode,Portion Control Hammersmith Odeon , London 04.11.1984
Manowar Hammersmith Odeon , London 05.11.1984
Motorhead,Persian Risk. Hammersmith Odeon , London 07.11.1984
Sade Hammersmith Odeon , London 08.11.1984
Sade Hammersmith Odeon , London 09.11.1984
Sunday 02 November 2014...another sad death...
Jazz legend Acker Bilk, famed for his million-selling hit Stranger On The Shore, has died at the age 85 after a long illness.
The clarinettist was known for his trademark goatee and bowler hat, and personified the popular British trad jazz scene of the 1950s and 1960s.
Saturday 01 November 2014...7.45pm to 11pm...
ROKA Aldwych press launch ,71 Aldwych, London WC2.
ROKA Aldwych, located moments from the Strand and minutes from the River Thames and Somerset House is now open.
Bringing its unique style of contemporary Japanese Robatayaki cuisine and urban design to its fourth London outpost marks the 10-year anniversary of Rainer Becker’s flagship opening in Charlotte Street.
I went to their openings at Canary Wharf and Mayfair so I know this is top level dining.
Once again, the robata grill is centre stage and many favourite items from Roka’s back catalogue are on display – from lamb cutlets with Korean spices or black cod marinated in yuzu miso to soft-shell crab with roasted chilli dressing or rice hotpot with king crab and wasabi tobiko, plus a galaxy of sushi and sashimi recast for glamorous big-city appetites. The new site also includes some novel design features not shared by the other branches, as well as the usual high-end list of sakés, global wines and shochu-based cocktails.
We have a welcome drink in the bar before being seated at 8.15pm.
As the waiting staff and chefs are still learning the ins and outs of the restaurant we are given sharing plates for two.
The idea is to cook all the various dishes on offer rather than folks all ordering the same dishes.
Some dishes we chose and some dishes they suggested.
We had I think seven dishes that covered starters and mains and then three different desserts.
We had four different Japanese cocktails each along with sparkling water and coffee.
ROKA food is amazing with the focus on quality over quantity with great presentation.
The staff were all attentive and good at describing the Japanese cocktails.
ROKA is normally quite expensive so would have cost us around Ł100 each i reckon including drinks.
I must admit ROKA is always great to visit.
www.rokarestaurant.com
Visit the ROKA website here for more info.
Friday 31 October 2014.
Sheryl Crow + Red Sky July live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
Tonight was Day 6 and the final show of Blues Fest at this venue.I went to five of them.
This was the last show on the Sheryl Crow UK tour.
Sheryl Crow has sold over over 50 million albums and had a dozen Top 40 hit singles in the UK.
I saw Sheryl Crow supporting Joe Cocker at Wembley Arena in 1994 when 'All I Wanna Do' was a hit.
Red Sky July are husband and wife duo Ally Mcerlaine (guitarist in 15 million-selling band Texas) and Shelly Poole (previously one half of million-selling duo Alisha’s Attic) along with former model Charity Hair (The Alice Band and latterly The Ailerons, with Blur’s Dave Rowntree). Red Sky July came together to make music they love without boundaries or expectations.
They played a polite 30 mins set of tracks from their two albums that was decent enough but hardly exciting.
Sheryl Crow takes to the stage at 8.30pm and plays a nice long 2 hours 15 mins set.
First for the first time this week at Blues Fest we have a big screen which was great as it nicely mixed
live footage with pre-recorded images and her old video clips.
Now aged 52 she still looks very yummy with a lovely smile.
She certainly has had a turbulent life that features a successful battle with breast cancer, a brain tumour – thankfully benign; plus a string of failed relationships with high profile lovers like Eric Clapton, actor Owen Wilson, and a particularly painful engagement to disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong.
The music is all pretty much mid tempo country based rock.
Some nice use of pedal steel guitar on a few tracks.
All her band are dressed and looking like they are in an Eagles video circa 1974.
The set was full of hits from her 1990s heyday mixed in with newer material.
For the last few songs all the crowd got on their feet for a dance and for the encore the
band finally went up a gear for a rockin' cover of Led Zeppelins 'Rock and Roll'.
An enjoyable show.
Full Sheryl Crow setlist played...
Maybe Angels
A Change Would Do You Good
All I Wanna Do
Callin' Me When I'm Lonely
Easy
Real Gone
Can't Cry Anymore
My Favorite Mistake
Sweet Rosalyn
Give It to Me
Home
The First Cut Is the Deepest (Cat Stevens cover)
Best Of Times
Leaving Las Vegas
Strong Enough
The Difficult Kind
Redemption Day
Shotgun
If It Makes You Happy
Soak Up the Sun
Everyday Is a Winding Road
Encore:
Run, Baby, Run
Steve McQueen
Rock and Roll (Led Zeppelin cover)
Thursday 30 October 2014.
Beth Hart + Robert Cray Band live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
This was Day 5 of Blues Fest at this venue.
This was a co-headline show as both bands did full sets with Robert Cray Band playing 1 hour 30 mins
and Beth Hart playing 1 hour 50 mins with the evening finishing at a curfew busting 11.20pm.
I have seen Robert Cray Band around 10 times since 1985 when he was the 'new blues' sensation.
Robert Cray Band released their 17th studio album 'In My Soul' earlier this year.
Loads of nifty guitar playing from Robert Cray throughout the show.
His band included a Hammond organ player that sounded great when he was let loose.
Setlist included...
Chicken In The Kitchen
Blues Get Off My Shoulder
Phone Booth
Right Next Door(Because Of Me)
Encores included a pukka instrumental titled Hip Tight Onions
then after the interval it was Beth Hart...
American white blues rocker Beth Hart has released seven solo albums and a couple with Joe Bonamassa.
Now aged 42 Beth has struggled with drugs and booze so that gives her a good platform to sing the blues.
The great band are much louder than Robert Cray and Beth Hart has a very powerful pair of lungs on her.
Some songs she got behind her piano.
Setlist included...
Monkey Back
Better Man
Lights On
Lifts You Up
Sick
The Ugliest House On The Block
Spirit Of God
I'd Rather Go Blind---Etta James cover
Encore
Trouble
My California
A neat pair of blues rock acts.
Wednesday 29 October 2014...I went to three events tonight...
6.30pm to 8pm.
Andrew Levitas: Metalwork Photography - private view at Phillips Gallery,30 Berkeley Square, London, W1.
Back again at this new gallery that I really like as it is so huge.
Around 300 smartly dressed folks here in the lower ground floor area where the exhibition is.
The artist is here as his wife who is pop opera singer Katherine Jenkins.
Katherine's manager Jonathan Shalit is also here along with another client he manages,Myleene Klass.
Also here was well known newsreader Sir Trevor McDonald.
Complimentary Ruinart champers,Brazilian cocktails and wines for all guests.
then
Elvis Costello(solo) + Georgie Fame And The Blue Flames live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
This was Day 4 of Blues Fest at this venue.
I have seen Elvis Costello over 20 times since 1978 when he burst out of the 'New Wave' scene.
Now aged 60,Elvis Costello has released a staggering 24 solo albums plus others with fellow artists.
This show was the last date on his month long European Tour.
Up first i manage to catch 30 mins of Georgie Fame as he was down to play for an hour.
He played his 60s hit 'Yeh Yeh' and Elvis Costello came on for the last song.
Elvis Costello was on stage for 1 hour 55 mins.
The first few songs and the encores he was helped out by Steve Nieve on piano and Georgie Fame joined
him for one song but most of the show was Elvis Costello solo with his guitar.
Elvis is full of witty stage banter and sarcasm and tells some good stories.
He said on stage "he has written over 400 songs".
Some great hit tunes and some average tunes.
I prefer the band versions with The Attractions rather than just solo.
Highlights included...
Accidents Can Happen
(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea
Good Year For The Roses
Everyday I Write The Book
She---Charles Asnavour cover
Watching The Detectives
Encore
Shipbuilding
Oliver's Army
(What's So Funny About) Peace,Love and Understanding
Elvis Costello singing a track without the microphone.
A good show.
then
11.45pm to 6am.
Mario Testino - 60th birthday party at Chiltern Firehouse, 1 Chiltern Street, London, W1.
This was a mega bash for sure as one of the worlds top photographers has hired out
the number one most coolest and most talked about venue in London for his 60th birthday.
He has taken over all of the venue so 200 or 300 folks here.
A full complimentary bar including champers until 6am---and yes we stayed until the end.
Lots of nice food from the kitchen too.
Mario Testino held court in a white tux, surrounded by fashionable friends including Kate Moss,Naomi Campbell,Jade Jagger,Valentino, Nicky Haslam, Hugh Grant, Tom Parker Bowles and Stella McCartney. Sienna Miller, Rita Ora and Poppy Delevingne got into the Cuban theme donning Hispanic red dresses, while Keira Knightley, Suki Waterhouse, Eva Herzigova and Clara Paget added even more glamour to the evening. Stylish couples Mark Ronson and Josephine De La Baume and David Walliams and Lara Stone were also among A list revellers.
Nick Rhodes looked great in gangster suit.
The event was a 10pm start and I got there at 11.45pm but missed Kylie Minogue coming
out of a cake to sing 'Happy Birthday' to Mario.I think Kylie left early as I did not see her at all.
I got my photo taken with Noel Gallagher and had a nice chat to Yasmin Le Bon who said she was 50 today.
She still looks fantastic.
At 2am I noticed the bar tab had risen past Ł27,000.
Pictures of Mario from all stages of his life on the walls in the basement area.
There was a dj in one room all night and at 1am a fun 30 mins drag show was in another room.
I think Noel Gallagher left around 3am.
At 4am folks sang 'Happy Birthday' to Mario as he cut the cake with Naomi Campbell,Jade Jagger,
Yasmin Le Bon and Rita Ora all nearby.
Some stayed later than others.Mario Testino and Philip Treacy were here until 6am like us with 30 others.
A totally mega party.
Tuesday 28 October 2014...I went to two events tonight...
Van Morrison live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
Day 3 of Blues Fest at this venue.
Northern Irish singer songwriting legend Van The Man is now aged 69.
Feeding off musical greats such as Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, Muddy Waters, Mahalia Jackson and Leadbelly he was a travelling musician at 13 and singing, playing guitar and sax, in several bands, before forming Them in 1964.
I have seen Van Morrison around 15 times since 1979.
Tonight is sold out and as usual with Van there is no support and it's early start early finish.
Van and his pukka band were on for 1 hour 40 mins and the evening was all over at 9.15pm.
Van was introduced by BBC Radio London lunchtime dj Robert Elms.
Whether it’s the jazz singer, the soul brother or the blues man, you never quite know which Van Morrison will turn up on the day but this was a set that covered all three.
We had a great version of 'Baby Please Don't Go'.
Georgie Fame joined him on keyboards and co vocals for one song.
Van was switching from his gold saxophone to harmonica throughout the set.
His voice sounded great although his vocal style made it hard to make out the lyrics sometimes.
After an hour there was an epic, haunting version of 'It’s All in The Game', which slowly built to a rousing climax, ending with Morrison whispering and repeating the line ‘No plan B, no safety net, this is it’ as he walked off stage.
The last Van song was a stunning 'Ballerina' and the band then played an instrumental jam at the very end.
The set was a mixture of his songs and cover versions but he left out lots of his hits including
'Have I Told You Lately','Brown Eyed Girl','Moondance' and 'Gloria' but Van never plays to the gallery.
Van got a standing ovation at the end so the crowd didn't seem that bothered about that.
Van The Man is still rockin'.
then
10pm to 11.45pm.
Sunny Afternoon - press night & afterparty at The Cafe de Paris,Coventry Street,London W1.
I went to the afterparty of the musical that was on earlier at The Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton Street, London, W1.
It’s difficult to think of a band better suited to lend their songs to a new British biographical musical than the Kinks. Those unstoppable hit-makers, fuelled by the fraternal fractiousness between Ray and Dave Davies, exploded onto the ‘Swinging London’ scene in 1964 and offer a back catalogue of unrivalled riches for a lucky creative team to plunder. It’s no wonder that this show, which premiered at Hampstead Theatre in April, has now arrived to be A Well Respected Man in the West End.
The London Standard gave the opening night a nice four star review.
A big crowd of around 500 folks here including all the cast members.
Also Ray Davies,Jerry Dammers ex Specials and Tony Banks from Genesis.
Marc Almond was at the show but I did not see him here at the afterparty.
All guests enjoyed complimentary presecco,wines and beers.
Loads of bowl food here including fish n chips,turkey and stuffing,risotto,sausage n mash,desserts and much more.
There was a dj playing 60s tunes in the background but oddly enough no Kinks tunes.
We left at 11.45pm although it was on until 1am.
Monday 27 October 2014...I went to three events tonight...
6pm to 7.45pm.
Boux Avenue: Love Christmas launch at Home House, 20 Portman Square, London, W1.
Always nice to attend events at this plush and cosy private members club.
Launched in April 2011 there are now 24 Boux Avenue stores around the UK.
Boux Avenue has made beautiful lingerie available to every woman with sizes ranging from
a 30A to 38G and from 6 to 18.
The Christmas collection at Boux Avenue encapsulates the festive season with the use of an
opulent colour palette with texture ranges from brushed cottons and fleece along with lace and soft silk.
Guests here included Boux Avenue owner Theo Paphitis who is a regular on tv show Dragons Den.
Other guests here included Sarah Jane Crawford,Linzi Stoppard,Ashley James,Stephanie Pratt,
Olivia Cox,Ola Jordan and Danielle Peazer.
The mainly female crowd were checking out some of the Boux Avenue items on the clothes rails
and there are a few models wearing some nice outfits.
We have a female dj playing tunes in the background.
There was a fun photo booth here.
Guests enjoyed complimentary presecco,Ketel One vodka cocktails and canapés.
Guests all got a nice goodie bag.
www.bouxavenue.com
Visit the Boux Avenue website here for info and to check out their current offers.
then
8pm to 9.30pm.
Dom Pérignon and Iris van Herpen: Metamorphosis - launch party at Hus Gallery, 10 Hanover Street, London, W1.
Dom Pérignon has collaborated with Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen to produce a limited-edition champagne box and 3D-printed sculpture, as part of its Power of Creation project.
Iris van Herpen's gift packs were created specifically for the Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004, drawing inspiration from concepts of metamorphosis and the length of time involved in making Dom Pérignon. Each box is signed by the designer and bears a sprawling, crystal-like green graphic set on a black backdrop.
Dom Perignon is regarded by most as the worlds number one champagne brand so very nice to have some
complimentary Dom Perignon and canapés and oysters here.
Guests here included Iris van Herpen,Sara Gilmour(daughter of David Gilmour),Jade Parfitt.Kristina Blahnik,
Mary Charteris,Suzy Menkes and others.
There was a neat laser light show going on above our heads.
then
9.45pm to 10.45pm.
Macmillan De'Longhi Arts Programme - silent auction at Darren Baker Gallery, 81 Charlotte Street, London, W1.
Acclaimed artists join forces with premium Italian coffee machine brand, De'Longhi, and Macmillan Cancer Support to display a collection of contemporary artworks in a week-long exhibition, which culminates in a silent auction tonight to raise money for the cancer support charity.
The host tonight was Jade Jagger.
Guests enjoyed complimentary presecco and espresso martini cocktails and wines.
Sunday 26 October 2014.
Level 42 live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
British jazz funk band who were massive in the UK in the late 1980s.
In Dec 1990 they played 15 shows at Hammersmith Odeon and I did 12 of them on front stage security.
Last date on their UK tour before they head into mainland Europe.
To date they have released 14 studio albums, selling in excess of 30 million albums worldwide; notching
up 18 Top 40 UK singles along the way.
Tonight was Day 1 of six days of Blues Fest at this venue.
Last year I went to a few Blues Fest shows including Robert Plant,Ronnie Wood and Bobby Womack.
I think it was Bobby Womacks last London show before his sad death.
Level 42 were on stage for 1 hour 50 mins mixing older hits with newer material.
The stage set up is a bit odd as the drummer is front right side and the three man brass section are
where the drums usually are but I think that was because the drummer was pretty amazing.
Level 42 bass player Mark King is one of my fave bass players to watch live.
His record company once insured his thumb for Ł3m.
Mark King helped to develop and popularize the slap and pop style of playing the bass guitar in the 1980s. The slapping and popping style was developed in the 1970s by funk bassists such as Larry Graham and further developed by jazz fusion bassists such as Stanley Clarke and Marcus Miller. King developed a rapid playing speed using this technique, and introduced technical elements that enabled him to produce a mix of percussive effects while still playing a bass line.
From 'The Sun Goes Down' onwards everyone was up and dancing.
Their sound is a bit samey but it was a really good show.
Full Level 42 setlist played...
Love Games
Where's Yo' Head At
Are You Hearing (What I Hear)?
Kansas City Milkman
It's Not the Same for Us
Mind On You
My Independence Day
Leaving Me Now
Tracie
The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)
Sirens
Starchild
Something About You
Lessons in Love
Build Myself A Rocket
Encore:
Heaven in My Hands
The Chinese Way
Hot Water
Saturday 25 October 2014.
Lady Gaga + dj Lady Starlight live at The 02 Arena,London.
Lady Gaga plays the second of three shows at The 02 Arena.
Lady Gaga is on a European Tour for the artRAVE ARTPOP ball---Music-Fashion-Dance-Party.
I first saw her a few years ago at this same venue supporting The Pussycat Dolls.
In the venue there are plenty of loyal Gaga fans dressed up in wacky and revealing outfits.
Dj Lady Starlight does a good job of winding the crowd up with some loud club tunes.
I have a perfect view in the guest block on the right of stage.
Lady Gaga arrives on stage 20 mins late at 8.50pm for a 2 hours 5 mins on stage.
Her previous stage productions were massive and although this was not massive it was still
very impressive and there was a riot of costumes and colour along with walkways over
the heads of the floor standing and a b stage in the middle.
Also big screens,loads of lights,lasers,ticker-tape and guns shooting out t-shirts and cuddly pigs.
Half the show seemed to take place on the walkways and the second stage where there was a piano.
Lady Gaga had many stunning outlandish costume changes and wig changes and her 14 m/f dancers
were everywhere and they too had many costume changes.
The new album got some average reviews and has not sold as good as the previous albums
but those tracks all sound much better live as the whole evening has a full dance party atmosphere.
The walkways were covered with t-shirts and toys and cards from her fans on the floor.
She picked one of them up,read it out then invited the girl on stage to sit next to her by the piano and sing
a brilliant stripped back ballad version of 'Born This Way'.
Lady Gaga still has a fair amount of attitude but some of her rants were a bit annoying.
The show featured all the old hits plus some new album tracks and a track from the jazz album she has
just made with Tony Bennett which was 'Bang Bang(My Baby Shot Me Down)'.
This song she performed solo at the piano and other songs at the piano were also great.
Tonight was one of those shows that was visually amazing from start to finish and when it was over
the only thing you say was....wow that was a mega show.
Full Lady Gaga setlist played...
Intro(Welcome to the artRAVE)
ARTPOP
G.U.Y.
Donatella
Intermission(Venus Intro)
Venus
MANiCURE
Just Dance
Poker Face
Telephone
Intermission(Partynauseous)
Paparazzi
Do What U Want
Dope
Yoü and I
Born This Way
Intermission(Jewels N Drugs)
The Edge of Glory
Judas
Aura
Sexxx Dreams
Mary Jane Holland
Alejandro
Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) (Cher cover)(lyrics by Sonny Bono)
Intermission(Ratchet)
Bad Romance
Applause
Swine
Encore:
Gypsy
Outro(Applause DJ White Shadow Trap Remix)
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