News and Reviews: 13th May 2015
Wednesday 13 May 2013.Rick Buckler ex drummer of The Jam has a book out.
'That's Entertainment : My Life In The Jam'.
Paul Weller split The Jam up in 1982 at the height of their success.
Paul Weller has not spoken to Rick since 1983.
I saw The Jam six times during their heyday including gigs at The Rainbow Theatre,Hammersmith Odeon
and Wembley Arena.
Wednesday 13 May 2015.
watch the video here
John Lydon full interview and Q n A from The 100 Club from 26 April 2015. ▶ 45:33
As a 17 year old I attended The Sex Pistols legendary show at The 100 Club in Sept 1976.
A picture of me in the crowd from that show is hanging at the back of The 100 Club.
Tuesday 12 May 2015.
Ian McLagan would have celebrated his 70th birthday today.
He sadly died 03 Dec 2014 before he could be part of any possible future Faces reunion.
As a keyboard player he was best known as a member of Small Faces and Faces.
He also collaborated with the Rolling Stones and led his own band from the late 1970s.
Monday 11 May 2015...6.30pm to 9.45pm...
PJs 25th Anniversary and the start of the 2015 Polo Season at
PJs Bar & Grill,52 Fulham Road,London SW3.
I have been to this always buzzing event for the last 10 years on the trot.
Around 300 upmarket polo loving and Chelsea folks here over the two floors of this nice venue.
Drummer Kenney Jones (ex The Who and many other bands) is sometimes here as he owns Hurtwood Park
Polo Club out in the country but he is not here tonight.
However a nice surprise is that Bill Wyman is here.
Also here is a a rare social sighting of Stelios from Easyjet and all the other Easy brands.
At 8.15pm we get a speech from host Brian Stein which was followed by a showgirl in feathers n stuff
dancing along to drummers behind her.
Complimentary Tattinger champers,different cocktails,wines,beers and canapés.
Polo is a nice day out if you can get to one.
Polo In The Park at Hurlingham-Fulham is held in early June then it's outside London for others
including Cowdray Park,Guards at Windsor,Hurtwood Park,Beaufort,Cirencester etc.
www.pjsbarandgrill.co.uk
Visit the PJs Bar & Grill website here.
Sunday 10 May 2015.
FM + Romeo's Daughter + No Hot Ashes live at Shepherds Bush Empire,London.
A nice three band British rock package who all started their careers in the 1980s.
Most of the crowd have arrived early to see all three bands.
First band on --- No Hot Ashes --- have well known band booking agent Steve Strange on drums.
Steve must be well pleased he is playing the same stage where he has booked so many bands.
I will have to have a word with him about putting on my early 1980s band Gun Control.
I also was the drummer...check the band search on the site for where we played gigs.
No Hot Ashes were a much loved 80's Belfast rock band that had great potential but not much success.
They played a decent enough 30 mins set.
then
The main support act tonight are Romeo's Daughter.
Back in the late 80s the manager of the band was Olga Lange, then the wife of Robert John "Mutt" Lange. Mutt Lange was impressed by their song-writing abilities and agreed to produce (part of) their debut album. Hence, Romeo's Daughter was often seen as protégés of Mutt Lange.
In 2012, lead singer, Leigh Matty, was voted Number 5 Lady Rock Singer of all time in Classic Rock Magazine.
They play for 35 mins and played good tracks including 'I Cry Myself To Sleep At Night' and 'Wild Child'.
They went down well with the crowd.
then
This is the last show on the FM 30th anniversary UK tour.
They are promoting their 9th studio album 'Heroes and Villains'.
They still feature three original members including singer Steve Overland.
It was 1989 when I saw both the main bands tonight play on the same bill at Hammersmith Odeon.
Before that I had seen FM five times as a support act to Reo Speedwagon,Gary Moore and Bon Jovi.
The Bon Jovi shows were in support of their 'Slippery When Wet' album.
All the shows were at Hammersmith Odeon in 1985 and 1986.
Tonight FM play a really good 90 mins set and the sound on stage is perfect.
Loads of great catchy melodic rock tunes played in their set.
Steve Overland really has got a fantastic strong rock voice.
The guitarist is playing loads of great guitar riffs.
They are a very professional band who work the crowd well.
The new album tracks mixed in well with the older gems.
A very enjoyable show and proof British rock is still rockin'.
Folks in the crowd included British porn star Ben Dover(Bend Over) and journo Dave Ling who is a big fan
of the band so expect a glowing review in Classic Rock mag and on their website.
Full FM setlist played tonight...
Digging Up the Dirt
I Belong to the Night
Wildside
Closer to Heaven
Let Love Be the Leader
Shape I'm In
Tough Love
Blood and Gasoline
Frozen Heart
Life Is a Highway
Crosstown Train
Tough It Out
That Girl
Burning My Heart Down
Bad Luck
Encore:
Story of My Life
Other Side of Midnight
www.fmofficial.com
Visit the FM website for more info and dates on their summer shows in UK and Europe.
Saturday 09 May 2015...7.30pm to 11pm...
Launch of Maze Grill,79 Royal Hospital Road,Chelsea,London SW3.
Located in the quieter part of Chelsea and inspired by the grill rooms of Manhattan, Maze Grill Royal Hospital Road delivers signature rare breed steaks, fish and poultry alongside a selection of sushi and sashimi.
Gordon Ramsay Group open a 55-cover third Maze Grill in originally the site of Ramsay’s Foxtrot Oscar.
They will offer casual, informal all-day dining.
Maze Grill Chelsea will be the 14th UK restaurant opening for the Gordon Ramsay Group.
Not to be confused with his fine dining restaurant up the road at number 68.
At Maze Grill we have a nice booth type table in the downstairs area.
Very nice contemporary decor and it all still smells new.
They wanted feedback on the various dishes so we shared each plate we had.
Classic Ceaser Salad
Tomato and Onion Salad
English Asparagus
California Roll Sushi
Scallops Yuzu with caviar
Salmon Nashi Sushi
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Chateaubriand Steak 16oz(rare breed dry aged for 28 days)
Onion Rings
Mac n Cheese
Fries
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Two Desserts
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With the meal we had glasses of red wine and sparkling water.
The food really was superb and the steak was the nicest I have had for ages.
Our Russian waitress Renata??? was so friendly and nice and really did the best she could.
Only downside with this place is that is a good 15 mins plus walk or bus ride from the nearest tube stations.
The local folks in the very posh streets that surround the restaurant will love it.
www.gordonramsay.com
Visit restaurants in the Gordon Ramsay portfolio here.
Friday 08 May 2015.
Mike & The Mechanics + James Walsh live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
Up first we have James Walsh who fronts Starsailor who had a few hits around a decade ago.
He now mixes solo acoustic shows with Starsailor shows.
He is allowed a measly 30 mins with seven songs played which were songs from his new album
'Turning Point' along with a cover of 'I Don't Want To Talk About It' and a couple of Starsailor gems
'Tell Me It's Not Over' and 'Silence Is Easy'.
A short but sweet set.
Mike Rutherford from Genesis side project features the current twin vocals of soul singer Andrew Roachford
and Canadian rocker Tim ‘The Power’ Howar.
They had 7 Top 40 singles in the UK in the late 80s and 1990s since forming 30 years ago.
I saw them play a sold out show at Hammersmith Apollo on their last UK tour.
They are on a UK and European Tour.
They were on stage for a full two hours with a pretty much greatest hits set along with a couple of new songs,
a couple of Genesis gems and a great version of 'Cuddly Toy' which Roachford himself had a hit with.
They have had more hits than you can remember and the crowd are standing for the second part of the show.
That Genesis connection was rammed home with Rutherford playing on a stage littered with packing/flight cases emblazoned with the name of his former band (one even carrying the name of his former drummer - a certain Phil Collins).
A nice stage production with spotlights raised on gritty scaffold stacks. The music and banter is tightly arranged and is rehearsed within an inch of its life – with even spontaneous moments looking a bit scripted.
Lots of catchy singalong songs played and 'The Living Years' was superb.
I really enjoyed it.
Full setlist played tonight...
Silent Running
A Beggar on a Beach of Gold
Another Cup of Coffee
Get Up
Try to Save Me
Let Me Fly (New song)
Seeing Is Believing
Not Out of Love (New song)
Turn It On Again (Genesis cover)
The Road
Everybody Gets a Second Chance
Nobody's Perfect
Cuddly Toy (Roachford cover)
I Can't Dance (Genesis cover)
The Living Years
All I Need Is a Miracle
Encore:
Over My Shoulder
Word of Mouth (with full band intros and solos in the middle)
watch the video here
Mike & The Mechanics - The Living Years - official video from 1989...>5:24
Thursday 07 May 2015...7.15pm to 11.15pm...
Friends & Family restaurant launch event for Jose Pizarro,Broadgate Circle,London EC2.
This area near Liverpool Street station is totally buzzing as more and more restaurants and bars open.
This newly developed space has been a total success with all the city workers.
Around 60 seats here at Jose Pizarro third restaurant with maybe 30 covers inside and 30 covers outside.
We shared four plates for starters with my fave being Prawn buñuelos with saffron aioli & Pizarro’s pimentón.
We shared the main dish--- 35 day aged Irish sirloin a la brasa (1kg), roast shallots & piquillo pepper sauce
with sides of Green salad, honey & Muscatel vinegar dressing and Roasted chicory, walnut dressing.
We shared the three Desserts
Chocolate with olive oil & salt, on toast
Almond cake, pistachio ice cream
Apricots in cava
The food was really great and the mainly Spanish staff were very attentive.
Drinks we had with the meal were Cava,Red Wine and sparkling water.
Jose himself was very warm and friendly as he chatted to all the guests.
A very enjoyable evening here.
For their first few days on May 08,09,11,12 they will have 50% off all food dishes
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José Pizarro Broadgate is offering an all-day menu of Spanish classics with contemporary and seasonal twists, including traditional Spanish breakfast - Jamón ibérico with Fried Eggs and Patatas Fritas, as well as tortilla, large sharing plates, whole fish dishes and José’s famous croquetas.
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José Pizarro has lived in the UK for 15 years and in that time has worked at some of London’s most prestigious Spanish restaurants including Eyre Brothers, Brindisa and Gaudi. In May 2011 he opened his first solo venture – José – his proudest moment yet. Later that year he opened Pizarro, a few yards away from José.
José was planning to become a dental technician in Spain but realised his love of food was bigger than his love of dentistry and completed one year of catering school in Cáceres before working in a restaurant local to his home town. In 1997 Pizarro moved to Madrid to the award-winning Meson de Doña Filo where he cooked nueva cocina and began his love affair with fresh, brightly flavoured dishes.
José has appeared on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen many times with more appearances planned for this year. In 2014 he also took part in Ch4’s What’s Cooking?, Weekend Kitchen with Waitrose and he also filmed a Spanish special for the newly launched Food Network series, The Big Eat. José has also previously been part of UKTV Food’s Market Kitchen, Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch and Rick Stein’s Christmas on BBC1.
His first book Seasonal Spanish Food was published in 2009 by Kyle Books, to great critical acclaim. The book has been translated and printed for other markets too, such as the US and Holland. It has even been translated into Spanish for the people of Spain to enjoy. José’s last book, Spanish Flavours, came out in 2012.
One of his highlights of 2014 was being asked to be a keynote speaker at the first Gastronomy Congress, hosted by Estrella Damm at the Hurlingham Club. José took part alongside host Ferran Adrià and 2 Michelin — starred chef, Tom Kerridge.
In May 2014 José was also voted one of ‘100 españoles’ — a hugely prestigious award which showcases the top 100 Spaniards around the world, based on how they have brought their talents to the masses and how they have shown their Spanish pride and love of the country through their work.
www.josepizarro.com
Visit the Jose Pizarro website here.
Wednesday 06 May 2015....5.30pm to 8pm...
Meet Oxfordshire Showcase at One Moorgate Place,London EC2.
Around 200 folks visiting here who book events and promote venues etc.
All the 30 or so stands are promoting venues in the Oxfordshire area.
Lots of the top hotels,restaurants,conference rooms and other places of interest.
First Great Western Trains and Chiltern Railways are here.
The New Theatre,Oxford are here which hosts some good live acts.
Oxford Tube double decker buses are here.
Some of their their journeys are only £1 each way London - Oxford when
booked via www.megabus.com
Oxford itself is always a great visit to visit every now and then.
You can get there by train from Paddington and Ealing in around an hour.
We had a string quartet here called Stringfever who played two 15 mins sets.
Complimentary prosecco,wines,beers and various bowl food for all guests.
All guests got a goodie bag of which 10 had golden tickets which had a short stay at
one of the hotels or a three course dinner for four guests at one of the venues.
Wednesday 06 May 2015...yet another sad death in the music world...
Errol Brown, the singer who as the ultra-smooth frontman of Hot Chocolate became one of Britain’s most successful musicians, has died from liver cancer. He was 71.
The Jamaica-born pop star, who lived in Britain from the age of 11 and owed his big break to John Lennon before going on to score hits for three decades, died at home with his family in the Bahamas.
As the shaven-headed lead singer of Hot Chocolate, Brown and his colleagues had hits in more than 50 countries worldwide. Hot Chocolate was one of just three acts that scored a hit in the UK charts in every year of the 1970s.
The singer and his fellow performers were discovered in the late 1960s when they produced a reggae version of Lennon’s Give Peace A Chance.
A producer, concerned that the song had modified the Beatle’s lyrics, sent a copy to the Fab Four’s Apple records asking for permission for the new track. Lennon heard it by accident and approved to the extent that he decided to release the record himself.
When Apple folded shortly afterwards, Hot Chocolate began a long association with the producer Mickie Most, who helped deliver the group to a succession of hits, including It Started With a Kiss and Everyone’s a Winner.
For Brown, who was made an MBE by the Queen in 2003 and received an Ivor Novello a year later, the transition to becoming one of Britain’s wealthiest black entertainers owed much to his mother.
Brown left Hot Chocolate in 1986.
I saw him live with Hot Chocolate at Hammersmith Odeon in 1974 and 1979.
Tuesday 05 May 2015...I went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 9pm
Tatler 2015 Restaurant Awards at The Savoy Hotel,The Strand,London.
A large crowd of around 500 folks here from some of Londons top restaurants
in the ballroom of this luxury five star hotel.
Complimentary Laurent-Perrier champers and lots of yummy food for all guests.
The winners were announced at 7.15pm and lasted around 25 mins...
1) Best Rising Star
Winner - Lee Westcott at the Typing Room
2) Best Buzz
Winner - Kitty Fisher's
Runners up
Berners Tavern
Chiltern Firehouse
Quaglino's
Sushisamba
3) Best Dish
Winner - Game Pie at Corrigan's Mayfair
4) Best Front Of House
Winner - Marcus
Runners up
Bar Boulud
The Delaunay
L'Anima Café
Rivea
5) Best "Best Of Britain"
Winner - Sam & Georgie Pearman
6) Best Kitchen
Winner - Gymkhana
Runners up
The Araki
Assunta Madre
The Manor
Wormwood
7) Most Consistently Excellent
Winner - Momo (20 years)
Runners up
Daphne's (51 years)
The Ledbury (10 years)
Roast (10 years)
Tamarind (20 years)
8) Lifetime Achievement (Laurent-Perrier)
Winner - Fergus Henderson
9) Best New Restaurant (Taste)
Winner - FERA - Simon Rogan
Runners up
Barrafina Covent Garden
The Colony Grill Room
Sea Containers at The Mondrian
Spring
10) Tatler Restaurant of the Year
Winner - The Palomar
A very nice event.
then
9.45pm to 11.30pm
Afterparty for "The Audience" play at One Whitehall Place,London.
The press night was held earlier at The Apollo,Shaftesbury Avenue.
The reviews were a decent mix of four stars and three stars.
Another big crowd of around 500 folks.
Star of the play Kristin Scott Thomas is here.
She was joined by Mark Strong, Liza Marshall, Lizzie Cundy and Edward Fox - who played Winston Churchill in the play's original run. Producer Matthew Byam Shaw and writer Peter Morgan were also in attendance, with director Stephen Daldry.
Complimentary wines,beers,fresh orange juice and canapes for all guests.
Sunday 03 May 2015.
Nick Cave live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
Nick Cave on a UK and European Tour.
This show like the one the night before at Hammersmith Apollo sold out pronto ages ago.
Nick Cave always gets lots of cool looking folks at his shows.
Whilst this is billed as a Nick Cave solo tour, it is essentially Nick Cave and some of the Bad Seeds. This evening he is joined by Warren Ellis, Martyn Casey, Thomas Wydler and "the new guy" Larry who, for no explained reason, is filling in for an absent (or departed?) Barry Adamson.
They arrive on stage at 8pm and play for around 2 hours 15 mins.
The stage is covered by hanging light bulbs all over the place.
Nick Cave is playing piano for three quarters of the show with and without the band and the songs played
were pretty much all Bad Seeds songs.
There is no photo pit which is replaced by a platform a bit shorter than the stage itself so Nick Cave prowls
the front and is right up in the faces of the front rows and he wanders in the crowd a couple of times too.
Two girls front row left of stage are getting very carried away by how close Nick gets to them.
Lots of great stage banter from Nick between songs and he is a quality performer with real presence.
I prefer his noisy tunes like 'Red Right Hand' to the quieter songs.
Warren Ellis is playing some fantastic guitar sounds as usual.
A full standing ovation from the crowd at the end.
A great gig.
Full setlist played tonight...
Water's Edge
The Weeping Song
Red Right Hand
Brompton Oratory
Higgs Boson Blues
Mermaids
The Ship Song
From Her to Eternity
Love Letter
Into My Arms
West Country Girl
Tupelo
Black Hair
The Mercy Seat
Jubilee Street
Encore:
Avalanche (Leonard Cohen cover)
And No More Shall We Part
Breathless
Jack the Ripper
Stranger Than Kindness
Up Jumped the Devil
The Lyre of Orpheus
Encore 2:
Push the Sky Away
This show was one of those that you could buy an official live double cd of the night a few mins
after the end of the show.
Wow......Can it really be 40 years ago since I attended both these fantastic shows.
03 May 1975 and 04 May 1975.
Bachman Turner Overdrive with support from Thin Lizzy played Hammersmith Odeon.
Brian Robertson and Scott Gorham had joined Thin Lizzy the year before and you knew they would be huge .
The following year in 1976 they took off with their classic hit '"The Boys Are Back In Town".
BTO were massive in the UK at this time with the brilliant " Not Fragile " album and the big hit single
"You Aint Seen Nothing Yet".
Saturday 02 May 2015.
Already Legends live at Absolutely Ten Pin Bowling,Bath Road,Slough,Berkshire.
A family celebration where we played Ten Pin Bowling and pool before the band came on.
Already Legends are a top notch covers band from London.
They play for a full two hours over two sets of 60 mins and are very tight and well rehearsed.
For tonight they have a male singer and a female singer.
The songs have a dance rock feel to them thanks to some funky bass and the sound is great.
Also we have an entertaining crowd of folks on the floor in front of the stage that are bringing a wry smile
to all the band members and a worried look from the security.
One bloke seems pumped up with steroids or a multitude of drugs as he is hyper the whole show by dancing
wildly down the front and continually trying to get on the stage and sing with the band.
At the end of the show he gets all the band members to sign his arm.
We also have another guy who does head stands every few mins.
Then there's the pair who are doing full Bangra dancing.
Lots of classic gems played over the two sets including...
I Want To Break Free
Play That Funky Music
Don't Stop Believin'
We Will Rock You
I Love Rock N Roll
I'm Still Standing
Tainted Love
Seven Nation Army
Eye Of The Tiger
Call Me
Kiss
Radio Ga Ga
Highway To Hell
Are You Gonna Be My Girl
Blue Monday
Just Can't Get Enough
Don't You Want Me
Sweet Child O Mine
Johnny B Goode
Don't Stop Me Know
Hey Jude
It may have been just a covers band playing a Ten Pin Bowling gig but the band were great.
They are well worth investigating if you need a band for a party of any kind.
www.alreadylegends.com
Visit the bands website here.
Saturday 02 May 2015.
Glastonbury Festival final headliner...
The Sun has today reported that it will be The Who that close this year's festival and that they will be joined on the line-up by either Noel Gallagher or Paul Weller performing in the slot directly before them.
A "festival insider" is reported to have told the newspaper that: "The Who booking has been kept quiet because the band are also playing a Hyde Park gig for the British Summer Time festival so the announcement will be made in a few weeks".
Friday 01 May 2015...I went to two events in the Liverpool Street area...
2pm to 6pm.
The London Coffee Festival at The Old Truman Brewery,Brick Lane,London E1.
Very popular event comes back to its annual home at The Truman Brewery.
I have a handy wristband access to the vip/press lounge which has lots of seating and plush toilets.
In here you can get different complimentary espresso cocktails.
There is a lot to see here with over 250 different coffee and related stalls over three levels.
There were some very hi tech coffee making machines you play with and make your own coffee.
We had solo acts and bands and djs playing in the background.
Lots of stands are giving away mini cups of coffee with others giving away choc nibbles,pastries,cakes etc.
Moma Bircher Muesli Breakfast Pots were very nice.
There could have been a bit more general seating for the amount of people.
Everyone got a goodie bag that included a Starbucks coffee voucher for general use and samples.
It was an enjoyable afternoon here.
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You could combine a visit here with a trip to Rough Trade East which is just a few yards away.
The London Coffee Festival celebrates London’s bustling and vibrant coffee scene.
With over 22,000 visitors expected, The London Coffee Festival promises to be an unmissable
event for discerning coffee lovers and those working in the coffee scene.
The festival will feature over 250 artisan coffee and gourmet food stalls, tastings and demonstrations from world-class baristas, interactive workshops, street food, coffee-based cocktails, live music, DJs, art exhibitions and much more.
Visitors will also gain access to Milk & Sugar, the new festival feature showcasing some of the most inspirational brands spanning from fashion to design and food.
It continues over the weekend on Sat 02 May and Sun 03 May.
www.londoncoffeefestival.com
Click here to buy tickets and for more information.
then
6.15pm to 8pm.
Press view of Voodoo Rays at Boxpark,Shoreditch,London E1.
Trendy pizza place opens another branch in a prime spot at the front of Boxpark.
Yesterday was the launch party but today I have a press visit arranged.
Shoreditch coolness means that a couple of the staff are wearing jean jackets.
The staff are very upbeat and chatty to all customers.
We had two huge slices of complimentary pizza each with some frozen margaritas.
I had a Buffalo Margherita and a The Meat Is On...top quality stone baked pizza.
www.voodoorays.com
Visit Voodoo Rays website here.
Friday 01 May 2015...another sad death to report...
R&B and soul singer Ben E King, best known for the classic song Stand By Me, has died at the age of 76.
King started his career in the late 1950s with The Drifters, singing hits including There Goes My Baby and Save The Last Dance For Me.
After going solo, he hit the US top five with Stand By Me in 1961.
It returned to the charts in the 1980s, including a three-week spell at number one in the UK following its use in the film of the same name and a TV advert.
I saw him play live a few times with first time being back in 1977.
Thursday 30 April 2015...6.45pm to 9.15pm...
Chestertons Polo In The Park launch party at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel,Knightsbridge,London.
Around 150 smartly dressed folks in the ballroom of this luxury five star hotel.
There are eight polo players here in their teams colours.
There are a couple of speeches and the players pick out the balls to see who plays who in the first games.
Complimentary Lanson Rose champers,gin cocktails,wines,Little Miracles health drinks and
very nice canapés for all guests at this plush venue.
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Chestertons Polo In The Park at The Hurlingham Club,Fulham takes place on the weekend of 05,06,07 June 2015.
Chestertons Polo in the Park kicks off with ‘Chukka Friday’, with four afternoon polo matches, including the first England International match played at Hurlingham in 75 years. Bars with direct views of the polo field will be open, along with fresh food outlets and the Luxury Shopping Village.
Corporate guests can dine in style at the exclusive Hurlingham Club before heading across for an afternoon of high-octane polo action followed by afternoon tea. A big crowd is expected each day.
www.polointheparklondon.com
Visit their website for more info and to buy tickets.
Wednesday 29 April 2015...I went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 7.30pm
Ristorante Frescobaldi basement showcase,15 New Burlington Place,London W1.
Italian restaurant that is hidden away just a few yards from Regent Street.
They are showcasing their Art Deco inspired cocktail basement bar that holds around 40 people.
Complimentary Ayala champers and canapés for all guests.
then
Ronnie Wood launch evening to celebrate the upcoming release of his new book,
How Can It Be? A Rock & Roll Diary, The Ambassadors Theatre, West Street,London WC2.
I have a great view five rows from the stage in the centre of the row.
Ronnie Wood is back at this venue where I saw him play solo shows in 2010.
The venue holds a cosy 444 and looks full up.
For those that paid it was £45 a ticket which seemed a bit steep for a Q n A.
On the plus side everyone got a nice Ronnie Wood cloth tote bag which included Ronnie Wood items.
A programme dated for tonight's show, a poster of tonight's show,a Ronnie Wood drawing pencil
and a Ronnie Wood guitar pic.
The event lasted from 8.05pm to 9.40pm and we have a big screen that was well used.
First we have an introduction from BBC Radio dj Annie Nightingale who talks about 1965 and shows
some photos including one of her standing behind Mick Jagger at a recording of the tv programme
Ready Steady Go from the mid 60s.
A short film of Ronnie in his studio painting and drawing was really good.
This intro lasts for around 15 mins then Ronnie comes out in a smart suit and sparkly shoes.
He is joined by former Old Grey Whistle Test host and BBC Radio dj Bob Harris who asks the questions.
They speak mainly about 1965 and have photos and pages from the diary up on the big screen.
The singer with his band from that time The Birds(Ali McKenzie) is in the same row as me helping out
with some of the answers to questions that Ronnie could not remember properly.
There seemed a lack of Rolling Stones members or any other known musicians in the crowd.
Ronnie Woods wife was here and Bill Wymans wife was here but that was about it.
Also here was Ronnie Woods dog that would bark every now and then.
Lots of amusing quotes from the book about playing The 100 Club and many other venues.
Chasing up dodgy promoters that would try and get out of paying them the agreed fee.
The singer said he used to be the one that handled that.
Ronnie talked fondly of the Blues guitar players from America and British guitarists of the time.
Near the end we had a film of Ronnie in the studio with an updated version of 'How Can It Be?'.
A few audience questions at the end included the obvious one about The Faces reforming.
Ronnie said 'Rods manager is all about money,money money but that it will eventually happen'
Ronnie said 'Hopefully I will get Steve Winwood on keyboards'.
Ronnie said 'In the morning I will leave to see my horse run in Ireland'.
Ronnie said 'I leave for Los Angeles on Tuesday for The Stones American Tour'.
The first edition of the book comes out 08 June and another version is out in Sept...beware it ain't cheap...
At the end of the show around 20 of us waited an hour for Ronnie to come out.
He eventually rushed out to his waiting car and did not sign one thing.
A very enjoyable evening.
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The advance words on the event...
They will revisit memories of a life in music, and the audience will be invited to join them looking through the diary Wood kept aged just 17. Ten years before he joined the Rolling Stones, Wood’s musical apprenticeship with The Birds catapulted him onto the stage of London’s swinging music scene. Featuring a cast of characters including Jeff Beck, Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton, Keith Moon, Marianne Faithfull and many more, the story of his adventures was handwritten in Wood’s 1965 diary. Inspired by its discovery, Ronnie Wood now presents his journal for the first time, plus rare photos and new artworks of a time of “continuous adventure” when “overspilling energy was more than enough to take care of work every night. We had enough left over to chase girls, write songs... It was all go, all the time.”
Tuesday 28 April 2015...7.15pm to 10pm...
Tatler Magazine in association with Jaeger 'Best of British' party at The Ritz Hotel,Piccadilly,London.
Over 200 upmarket folks spread out over four rooms of this stunning famous five star hotel.
Guests included Nicholas Coleridge, Made In Chelsea star Mark Francis Vandelli, Amanda Wakeley, Jade Ewen, Alice Neylor Leyland, Lady Kitty Spencer and the magazine's editor Kate Reardon. Young socialite Lady Violet Manners was spotted chatting to Cara Delevingne's father Charles Delevingne, while designer Jasmine Guinness and Raine Spencer chatted.
All the rooms are covered in plush carpets with huge paintings on the walls etc.
One room had a huge table completely covered in different flowers.
As the title says it is all British theme tonight and all the food and drinks tonight are from British suppliers.
Lots of the staff are dressed up in British costumes from over the centuries.
We have some Morris Dancers performing some routines.
A piano player played a few tunes in the background.
We have complimentary Nyetimber Sparkling Wines,Gin Cocktails,Pimms,British Beers and food that
included fish n chips,smoked ox pasties,finger sandwiches,scones with clotted cream,strawberries etc.
There was a free tombola and I actually won a prize which was a bag of goodies from Betty's Yorkshire Tea Rooms.
All the guests got a nice goodie bag with some girly items and a Jaeger Gift Voucher.
Also we got a copy of the latest Tatler Magazine that is in the shops now which
includes a 'Best of British' supplement magazine.
A very nice event.
Monday 27 April 2015...I went to two events tonight.
7pm to 8.45pm.
La Brasserie 43rd Birthday Party,272 Brompton Road,London SW3.
La Brasserie, Chelsea, SW3 opened in 1972 and is best known as London's first all day French brasserie. Situated within minutes of South Kensington, Sloane Square and Knightsbridge Underground stations and open from 8am until 11.30pm, this iconic restaurant and bar serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
For one day only they are serving a 1972 menu at 1972 prices.
Starters
Prawn cocktail £1.70
Asparagus and mushroom vol eu vents, chive cream sauce £0.95
Main courses
Coq au vin, pomme puree £2.50
Roast salmon fillet piperade, herb oil £2.50
Desserts
Crepes Suzette £0.43
Black forest gateau £1.04
I had the Prawn cocktail then the Roast salmon and then both desserts.
Sadly the drinks were not at 1972 prices.
The decor was very French and all the staff are dressed in fancy dress outfits of different types.
The tables were quite near each other and it became lively around 8pm as the venue got packed.
The sounds in the background were all from the 1970s.
A nice couple of hours here.
then
9.30pm to 11.30pm.
Press night opening afterparty for American Buffalo at The National Portrait Gallery Cafe,London WC2.
A big crowd of around 400 here for the play that was held earlier at Wyndham's Theatre.
The three actors from the play are all here...Damian Lewis,John Goodman and Tom Sturridge.
Also Rowan Atkinson,Sienna Miller, Sheila Hancock and Rich Hall.
Rowan Atkinson has recently put his rare Ferrari up for sale at £8m.
Complimentary wines,beers and canapés for all guests.
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Damian Lewis , John Goodman and Tom Sturridge star a major new revival of David Mamet’s gripping 1975 play American Buffalo directed by Daniel Evans at Wyndham’s Theatre for a strictly limited season.
Winning the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for best play, American Buffalo examines the fickle nature of honour among thieves. As three small-time crooks, Donny Dubrow, Walter “Teach” Cole and Bobby plan one big-time heist, a tragedy of errors spins this razor-sharp and darkly funny play into a blistering account of divided loyalties, insatiable greed…and a coveted Buffalo nickel.
Sunday 26 April 2015.
Status Quo live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.
Status Quo on yet another UK tour.
They have had a busy past few years with three types of Quo playing live shows.
We have had The Frantic Four re-union shows,the current Quo line-up electric shows and now
we have the current Quo playing acoustic shows.
They really are one of the UKs hardest working bands.
I have seen Status Quo around 50 times since 1974.
They loved playing multi nights at Hammersmith Odeon in their 1970s/1980s heyday.
Even now they are still very popular as they headline The 02 Arena every December.
Quo have recorded 66 Top 75 British hit singles - more than any other band - 22 of which have hit the Top Ten.
Quo have made 106 appearances on BBC TV's 'Top of the Pops' - more than any other group
Quo have reinforced their position among the all-time great British album acts by chalking up their
500th week on the Official Albums Chart.
The band reached the magic landmark with their latest album Aquostic (Stripped Bare), in its 11th week
in the Official Albums Chart.
The achievement puts Quo among a select group of only 50 acts with 500 weeks or more
on the Official Albums Chart.
Outside the venue it is a very quiet atmosphere compared to The Frantic Four shows.
Inside it is stalls seating and I have a great seat a dozen rows from the stage dead centre.
Quo arrive on stage at 8.40pm and play for 1 hour 40 mins.
It is billed as an acoustic show but it's more semi-acoustic really as 16 folks on stage
including drums,bass,percussion,a six member string section and two backing vocalists.
The sound is perfect and folks are up and dancing after the first few songs.
Francis Rossi is chatting away between songs in his usual manner.
Loads of their classic big hits in the set but they did play a few lesser known tunes.
The strings on their early hit from 1967 'Pictures Of Matchstick Men' were superb.
It was a very enjoyable show.
Full setlist played tonight...
And It's Better Now
Break the Rules
Again and Again
Paper Plane
Mystery Song / Little Lady
Rock 'n' Roll
Caroline
What You're Proposing
Softer Ride
Down Down
Pictures of Matchstick Men
Down the Dustpipe
All the Reasons
Reason for Living
Rollin' Home
Don't Drive My Car
Claudie
Rain
Marguerita Time
Nanana
Whatever You Want
Rockin' All Over the World (John Fogerty cover)
Encore:
Rock 'til You Drop
Burning Bridges (On and Off and on Again)
watch Status Quo live acoustic here
'Pictures Of Matchstick Men'- recorded Aquostic at The Roundhouse 2014.
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