News and Reviews: 1st July 2015
Tuesday 30 June 2015...7pm to 9pm...The Art Gala at Masterpiece London in aid of the NSPCC at The Royal Hospital,Chelsea,London.
Masterpiece is a huge art, antiques and design fair with over 100 stands in this huge marquee.
Tonight is a glittering event which will raise vital funds for the NSPCC’s post-abuse therapeutic ‘play therapy’ services, supporting children across the UK affected by sexual abuse.
This event marks the third in a series of NSPCC fundraisers – each themed around a different genre of art – which have raised £3.7 million to date. It is organised by a committee of dedicated volunteers, well-respected in the fashion and art world.
Most of the 800 guests have paid £100 for their ticket and 250 of them have paid £1000 each for the
black tie dinner at 9.30pm with a host of celebrity names who watched a short set by Emeli Sande.
Lots of stunning women here wearing their best outfits like it was a West End film premiere.
Guests included
Princess Beatrice
Elizabeth Hurley (looked fantastic for age 50 in a pink gown)
Sir Michael Caine and his wife
David Furnish(Elton Johns husband)
Noamie Harris(actress who is in the new James Bond film Spectre)
Lindsay Lohan
Claudia Winkleman
Charlotte Tilbury(make-up queen)
Patrick Cox(fashion designer who always turns up with Elizabeth Hurley)
Andrew Neill(BBC tv political presenter)
Chris Wright(former owner of QPR and Chrysalis Records)
Dylan Jones(GQ Editor)
Stephen Webster(jeweller)
Giles Deacon
There was a classical music trio that had a ballet dancer performing to their music.
Complimentary Ruinart champers,cocktails,wines and canapés for all guests.
A really good event,just a shame it was only on for two hours when they should have made it three.
At the end we all got in a golf buggy for a lift back to Sloane Square tube which was a nice touch.
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Tuesday 30 June 2015.
Launch of the Unofficial Biography of Mick Jones(The Clash)-- Stayin' in Tune by Mick O'Shea.
Sadly I could not get to the launch event near Goodge Street as it was the same time as The Art Gala.
The book is for sale on the Amazon link at the top for £12.50.
Special Offer valid until this Sunday---book at £10 inc. p&p on website www.eleusinianpress.co.uk
Monday 29 June 2015...I went to two events today.
3.45pm to 5.45pm.
Imbibe drinks industry event at Olympia,London W14.
Over 100 drinks brands at this very busy and lively event with maybe 2000 folks here.
Covering mainly spirits,wines,beers and the odd champagne and prosecco stand.
They are promoting and showcasing current trends and new products.
Lots of stands giving out freebie samples.
There are cocktail making demonstrations and talks.
R n R Brew have a stand here as they have the licence to sell drinks under
The Queen band name so we have Killer Queen vodka along with Bohemian beers and wines.
www.RnRBrew.com
Visit the R n R Brew website here
www.imbibe.com
Visit the Imbibe website here for more info.
then
7pm to 11.30pm.
National Restaurant Awards 2015 at The Hurlingham Club,Fulham,London SW6.
Always nice to be at this historic members club.
The Hurlingham Club is an exclusive sports and social club.
It has a Georgian clubhouse set in 42 acres with tennis courts,croquet courts,bowling greens etc.
It was the first venue that hosted polo matches over 100 years ago.
A nice and relaxed awards ceremony with around 500 folks here who are mainly from restaurants.
7pm to 8.30pm was the reception with complimentary Charles Heidsieck champers,cocktails,wines,
Estrella beers,canapés and oysters.
I got a fun caricature done by one of the two artists here.
8.30pm to 9.45pm was rows of unreserved seating in the main room for the awards.
We had a quick rundown of the top 100 restaurants in the UK.
Top 5 were...
1.Barrafina Adelaide Street,London.
2.The Sportsman,Seasalter,Kent.
3.The Ledbury,London.
4.Gymkhana,London.
5.The Hand and Flowers,Marlow,Bucks.
Other awards handed out...
Chefs’ Chef of the Year – Nathan Outlaw
Gastropub of the Year – The Sportsman
Best Restaurant in Scotland - Restaurant Andrew Fairlie
Best Restaurant in Northern Ireland - Harry’s Shack
Best Restaurant in Wales - The Walnut Tree
Wine List of the Year – The Square
Cocktail List of the Year – Chiltern Firehouse
The Service Award – Paul Ainsworth at Number 6
Sustainable Restaurant of the Year – Grain Store
Highest Climber – Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
One To Watch – Taberna do Mercado
Lifetime Achievement Award – Rick Stein
OpenTable Diners’ Choice ‘Fit for Foodies’ Award – The Chef’s Table
Best Italian Restaurant- Zucca
Best Indian Restaurant – Gymkhana
Best Spanish Restaurant – Barrafina Adelaide Street
9.45pm onwards was the party with more complimentary food and drinks.
We had a full range of street food stands and bowl food including some yummy black cod,rib meat rolls,pizza,
lobster rolls,grilled chicken,tiger beef and others.
All guests got a copy of Restaurant Magazine July 2015 that has a full list of the Top 100 Restaurants
along with a full piece on each one...retails for £4.99.
A very nice event.
Monday 29 June 2015.
Looks like the rumours are finally true after folks been continually talking about it.
When The Sex Pistols originally split up in the late 70s band members
Paul Cook and Steve Jones formed a short lived band called The Professionals.
Now three original members Paul Cook, Paul Myers, & Ray McVeigh are currently in rehearsal.
No Jonesy this time, but his space is filled by "the magnificent" Tom Spencer.
By all accounts the band are sounding great.
The main reason that Steve Jones is not involved is that he rarely leaves Los Angeles these days
and all the others are based in London.
Stay tuned for more Professionals news, including gigs.
watch the video here
Sex Pistols members on old stomping ground...▶ 10:00
Steve Jones & Paul Cook revisit Shepherds Bush, Goldhawk Road & Hammersmith.
As some of you know this was also my stomping ground.
I also attended Christopher Wren school which they both went to but I was three years younger.
Sunday 28 June 2015.
BBC tv coverage of the last day of The Glastonbury Festival was excellent.
There was an hour each by The Who,Paul Weller and Lionel Richie and a few songs each
by FFS,Future Islands,Chemical Brothers and other bits and pieces.
Sunday 28 June 2015...another sad death to report...
Chris Squire, the bassist and co-founder of the progressive rock band Yes who recently announced he had leukemia, has died, according to a statement from his band members on Sunday. He was 67.
Saturday 27 June 2015.
Fleetwood Mac live at The 02 Arena,London.
Fleetwood Mac play the last of six nights at The 02 Arena and it is totally rammed sold out.
Fleetwood Mac on a massive UK and European arena tour.
I saw them on their last UK tour in 2013 and they were great.
I saw Christine McVie guest with them on the last tour but this time she playing all the show.
The July edition of Mojo magazine has a nice 19 page tribute to them with interviews with all five members.
Their album 'Rumours' from 1977 has sold over 40 million copies worldwide.
Happy Birthday to Mick Fleetwood who was 68 on 24 June.
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The band take to the stage at 8.15pm for a nice long 2 hours 30 mins set.
Like The Who show the night before the big screens do a fantastic job of mixing live gig footage
with stunning pre-recorded images.
Stevie Nicks said this is show number 97 of their world tour that started last year in America.
One of those bands with distinct individuals who have had a dysfunctional past.
Lindsay,Stevie and Mick gave thanks to Peter Green who they said was in the audience.
Lots of great singalong pop rock chorus-heavy nuggets.
There were a couple of songs that were a bit flat though.
Stevie Nicks still looks a bit witchy in her velvet cape.
Lindsay Buckingham is playing some stunning guitar solos.
Lindsay has the same great finger picking style as Jeff Beck.
Mick Fleetwood's drum solo was a bit over the top and full of mad chanting.
There were three female backing singers who helped make the harmonies even greater.
A really good show that the crowd loved.
Full Fleetwood Mac setlist played tonight...
The Chain
You Make Loving Fun
Dreams
Second Hand News
Rhiannon
Everywhere
I Know I'm Not Wrong
Tusk
Sisters of the Moon
Say You Love Me
Big Love (Lindsay Buckingham solo acoustic)
Landslide (Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks acoustic)
Never Going Back Again (Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks acoustic)
Over My Head
Gypsy
Little Lies
Gold Dust Woman
I'm So Afraid (including Lindsey Buckingham solo)
Go Your Own Way
Encore:
World Turning (including Mick Fleetwood drum solo)
Don't Stop
Silver Springs
Encore 2:
Songbird (Christine McVie vocals and Lindsey Buckingham guitar --- just them two on stage)
Friday 26 June 2015.
The Who + Paul Weller live at Hyde Park,London.
Massive sold out show so 65,000 folks are here.
Both bands are playing Glastonbury on Sunday so check that out on BBC tv.
I have seen The Who over 20 times since 1975 when Keith Moon was still in the band.
I have seen them twice in March 2015 at The 02 Arena and Royal Albert Hall.
I saw The Jam half a dozen times including when they supported The Clash in May 1977
at their legendary Rainbow show when all the front rows got smashed up.
I have seen Paul Weller solo over a dozen times.
I meet a friend in the afternoon at Paddington for some pre gig drinks.
Paddington is busy as The Who fans from all over the country are booked in at the hotels there.
The pubs are rammed and a Who tribute band are playing in a small park...very loud.
We then head over to the venue.
A lovely sunny evening and there is plenty of drinking being done by the crowd.
Like at Oasis/Kasabian gigs there is plenty of beer is being tossed in the air for a bit of fun.
Not sure why idiots are doing this when it's £5 a pint in the venue.
Paul Weller was on for around an hour.
When Paul Weller plays his solo shows he can play for 2 hours and you are lucky to get
one Jam classic oldie but tonight he wisely played three classic Jam tracks.
Paul Weller played a really good set and was joined by Miles Kane for one song.
Full Paul Weller setlist played...
The Changingman (from Stanley Road, 1995)
White Sky (from Saturn's Pattern, 2015)
From the Floorboards Up (from As is Now, 2005)
I'm Where I Should Be (from Saturn's Pattern, 2015)
Long Time (from Saturn's Pattern, 2015)
That's Entertainment (with Miles Kane) (from The Jam's Sound Affects, 1980)
Saturn's Pattern (from Saturn's Pattern, 2015)
Going My Way (from Saturn's Pattern, 2015)
Friday Street (from Heavy Soul, 1997)
Porcelain Gods (from Stanley Road, 1995)
Broken Stones (from Stanley Road, 1995)
You Do Something to Me (from Stanley Road, 1995)
Start! (from The Jam's Sound Affects, 1980)
Peacock Suit (from Heavy Soul, 1997)
Town Called Malice (from The Jam's The Gift, 1982)
then
The Who were on for around 1 hour 55 mins.
A nice production with the usual big screens mixing live gig footage with pre-recorded images.
Roger Daltrey's vocals and Pete Townshend's guitar both sounded great.
A couple of songs were dropped from their usual setlist including 'Substitute'
and 'Magic Bus' but there were plenty of brilliant tunes played in the set.
'Pictures of Lily' was dedicated to Paul Weller but sadly he did not come on stage for it.
A great show even though I slightly preferred the recent smaller indoor shows
i saw at The 02 Arena and The Royal Albert Hall(both March 2015).
Full setlist played by The Who...
I Can’t Explain (single, 1965)
The Seeker (single, 1970)
Who Are You (from Who Are You, 1978)
The Kids Are Alright (from My Generation, 1965)
Pictures of Lily (single, 1967)
I Can See For Miles (from The Who Sell Out, 1967)
My Generation (from My Generation, 1965)
Behind Blue Eyes (from Who’s Next, 1971)
Bargain (from Who’s Next, 1971)
Join Together (single, 1972)
You Better You Bet (from Free Dance, 1981)
I’m One (from Quadrophenia, 1973)
Love Reign O’er Me (from Quadrophenia, 1973)
Eminence Front (from It’s Hard, 1982)
Amazing Journey (from Tommy, 1969)
Sparks (from Tommy, 1969)
Pinball Wizard (from Tommy, 1969)
See Me Feel Me / Listening To You (from Tommy, 1969)
Baba O’Riley (from Who’s Next, 1971)
Won’t Get Fooled Again (from Who’s Next, 1971)
Friday 26 June---Gene Simmons is on ITV Loose Women tv programme at lunchtime.
Friday 26 June---Happy Birthday to ex Clash guitar legend Mick Jones who is 60 today.
Thursday 25 June 2015...I went to two events tonight...
6.45pm to 9pm
The Jam : About the Young Idea private view launch event at Somerset House,Strand,London WC2.
I saw The Jam play six times with the first time being in 1977 supporting The Clash.
Hard to believe Paul Weller split up The Jam over 30 years ago in 1982.
Will all the band members turn up and pose for a group photo?
Foxton and Weller hadn't spoken in over 20 years until they appeared together onstage at the
Royal Albert Hall in May 2010.
Meanwhile, Weller and Rick Buckler are said to have not been in the same room since their band's demise.
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A big crowd of around 500 folks here with many people I know which was nice.
Complimentary presecco,wines,beers and canapés outside in the stunning courtyard for all guests.
A dozen gleaming scooters are parked up as you go in the courtyard.
The exhibition is great with i think 11 rooms of memorabilia.
Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton are here but I did not see Rick Buckler.
Paul Weller has his entire family here including his three year old twins Bowie and John Paul.
Paul actually has seven children with four women.
Paul has his personnel security guard close as lots of old mods getting very excited.
Also here were Sex Pistols members Glen Matlock and Paul Cook.
Also Gem Archer,Paul Whitehouse and 80s singer Nick Heyward from Haircut 100.
Also actor Martin Freeman,Stereophonics producer Jim Lowe and Sir Peter Blake.
Also Duncan Reid from 70s pop punk band The Boys.
A really good event.
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This summer, Somerset House, in collaboration with Nice Time Inc Productions, is proud to present The Jam: About the Young Idea. With unprecedented access to The Jam’s archive, Somerset House has curated the first comprehensive exhibition about the extraordinary band whose music immortalised life for Britain’s disenchanted youth during the late 70s and early 80s. Through unseen material and fan memorabilia, the exhibition charts the trio’s journey from Sheerwater Secondary Modern in Woking to superstardom, kick-started by the release of their debut hit single ‘In The City’, whose lyrics are referenced in the exhibition’s title, and ended six years later with 18 consecutive UK top 40 singles and over 14 million global album sales.
For the very first time, all three members of the band – Paul Weller, Rick Buckler and Bruce Foxton – the Weller family and music archivist Den Davis have opened up their archives, especially for the show. The collection, which is curated by frontman Paul’s sister and former head of The Jam’s fan club Nicky Weller, Tory Turk and Russell Reader with additional advice from DJ Gary Crowley, includes hand written lyrics, original stage outfits, personal photographs and footage, unreleased music videos, early scrapbooks, letters and postcards, posters and fanzines, and the band’s instruments. The exhibition, designed in reference to album artworks and featuring original graphics from celebrated artist Anthony Burrill, provides a unique and personal insight into the band’s trailblazing life and the retrospect legacy The Jam left on music, style, politics and culture.
www.somersethouse.org.uk
Visit their website for more info and buy tickets....it's on until 31 Aug 2015...admission is £9.50.
then
9.30pm to 1am.
WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party presented by Dubai Duty Free at The Roof Gardens,Kensington,London W8.
This annual party is always a huge event with over 600 folks on the guest list.
They even close the street off to any cars.
There are many top female tennis players all glammed up posing for hordes of photographers.
Big names like Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova to WTA Rising Stars like Karolina Pliskova and Madison Keys.
Also Heather Watson and former Wimbledon junior champion Laura Robson were here.
Holly Branson and brother Sam Branson were on hand for hosting duties, with father Richard Branson.
This was the venue that Richard Branson was turned away from back in the day then he later bought it.
Complimentary Laurent Perrier champers,cocktails,wines,beers and canapés.
The venue is stunning as it's like a mini park up here and has four flamingoes in the water area.
The dance floor area gets very lively later on.
A good event.
www.wtatennis.com
Check out their website for nice pictures from the event.
Wednesday 24 June 2015.
ZZ Top + Thunder live at Wembley Arena,London.
ZZ Top play their only UK show as part of their European Tour.
A great double bill as Thunder are still very popular in their own right and headlined
Hammersmith Apollo only three months ago.
I have seen ZZ Top over a dozen times since 1980.
Two years to the day I saw ZZ Top last London show which was a sold out gig at Hammersmith Apollo.
I have seen Thunder over a dozen times since 1990 including when they supported tonight's headliners
ZZ Top at Milton Keynes Bowl in 1991.
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It is pretty full tonight with just three or four blocks unsold at the back so over 10,000 folks are here.
There is floor standing so a good front of stage atmosphere for both bands.
Most folks are in early to catch the 50 mins set from Thunder.
A good solid set from Thunder including the big tracks from their debut album.
Full Thunder setlist played...
Dirty Love
River of Pain
Black Water
Wonder Days
Backstreet Symphony
Love Walked In
The Thing I Want
I Love You More Than Rock 'N' Roll
then
ZZ Top always play short sets and are on stage for a measly 85 mins.
They are one of those bands that should be playing longer due to the amount of albums they have released.
We had a nice bonus tonight as guitar legend Jeff Beck came on for all of the four song encore.
The band said it was Jeff's birthday tonight(now aged 71) so a cake was brought on stage as the crowd sang
Happy Birthday to him.
Jeff sounded great on stage with nifty guitar playing and he was nice and loud.
A minimal stage production with two not so big screens positioned by their amps.
They showed their classic videos and other images but not live footage from the gig.
The band look the same with the front two sporting their trademark long beards.
Singer Billy Gibbons said "we been coming to the UK for four decades,same three guys...same three chords".
Lots of nice Texan blues rock boogie tunes with neat guitar riffs.
Their 80s hits went down the best as usual and they brought out the fluffy haired guitars for 'Legs'.
Always good to see ZZ Top.
Full ZZ Top setlist played...
Got Me Under Pressure
Waitin' for the Bus
Jesus Just Left Chicago
Gimme All Your Lovin'
I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide
Pincushion
I Gotsta Get Paid
Foxy Lady (The Jimi Hendrix Experience cover)
Catfish Blues (Robert Petway cover)
Cheap Sunglasses
My Head's in Mississippi
Chartreuse
Sharp Dressed Man
Legs
Encore:
Rough Boy (with Jeff Beck)
Sixteen Tons (Merle Travis cover) (with Jeff Beck)
La Grange / Sloppy Drunk Jam (with Jeff Beck)
Tush (with Jeff Beck)
watch the video here
ZZ Top with guest Jeff Beck at Wembley Arena 24 June 2015...▶ 8:24
Tuesday 23 June 2015...I went to two events tonight in the SW1 area.
After three days stuck indoors due to my very painful back spasm I was finally back out and about.
7pm to 9.45pm.
Eaton Square Bar and Restaurant showcase at 17 Hobart Place,London SW1.
A nice stylish contemporary looking bar just a couple of hundred yards from one of Londons
poshest addresses (Eaton Square) and a few yards from the garden walls of Buckingham Palace.
This bar and restuarant is only five minutes walk to the Victoria Palace Theatre for Billy Elliot.
Victoria Station is around 5 minutes walk away.
They have private vip booths tucked away that are free to hire out to small groups(8 to 45 guests).
The whole venue can be hired out for up to 200 guests.
Complimentary cocktails and hot tasty food on skewers for all the guests tonight.
The staff were really great and explained all their infused cocktails to us in detail.
Each cocktail came with the offer of a glass of water which was a nice touch.
They have a dj booth in the corner.
The cocktails are priced from £8.50 to £10.50.
Well worth a visit when you are in the area for travel or the theatre.
All guests got a nice goodie bag with a bottle of Moutard champers and vouchers to use for our next visit.
www.eatonsquarebar.com
Visit their website here for more info and special offers.
then
10pm to 11.30pm.
Maverick 1st anniversary party at Maverick, 16 Buckingham Palace Road,London SW1.
Very cool looking pizza place with mainly black decor near Victoria station celebrates it's first year.
It looks and feels more like a bar/club rather than your normal high street pizza chain.
There is a dj playing cool tunes in the background.
Complimentary cocktails,wines,beers and lots of very yummy freshly made,stone baked pizza.
www.iamthemaverick.com
Check their website here as they always have special offers on.
Every day Happy Hour 5pm to 7pm---two drinks for the price of one.
Monday 22 June 2015...a great new track by a hotly tipped new act...
Fast-rising British singer-songwriter Kelvin Jones has revealed the beautifully creative lyric video for his debut single 'Closer'.
‘Closer’ is the perfect summer sing-along, drawing upon blues and gospel influences alongside a keen ear for a huge pop melody, and showcases Kelvin’s soulful vocals and impressive songwriting skills.
After picking up the guitar five years ago and teaching himself to play by watching BB King videos on YouTube, this hugely talented 20-year-old singer-songwriter fell in love with the simplicity of being able to connect with someone through melody and emotion.
Having posted his track ‘Call You Home’ on YouTube last year it found its way on to Reddit, and was subsequently discovered by researchers on Good Morning America. This huge exposure meant the track was viewed over one million times in the space of 24 hours and gained him a substantial fan base around the world and a contract with SONY.
Monday 22 June 2015.
Videos of the day...KISS at Downland Festival from 14 June 2015.
watch the video here
KISS 'Detroit Rock City'...short version but great tv quality...▶ 1:38
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watch the video here
Paul Stanley from KISS flies over the crowd to sing 'Love Gun'...▶ 4:54
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Sunday 21 June 2015.
Video of the day...now with over 100 million views...
watch the video here
The Killers 'Mr Brightside'....▶ 3:48
Saturday 20 June 2015.
Today lunchtime I had a back spasm of some sort that has totally knocked me out.
Very painful to stand up , let alone go out of the house.
Looks like I will be out of action for a bit.
Friday 19 June 2015.
For the first time in 192 years, there are now more overseas retailers on London's Regent Street than there are domestic brands, with American stores leading the way, according to property specialists.
Currently, more than 50 international brands - a quarter of which come from the USA - are based on the capital's prestigious shopping street. Some of these brands include J Crew, Anthropologie, Calvin Klein,
Desigual, Karl Lagerfeld, Longchamp and of course Apple.
Thursday 18 June 2015...I went to three events tonight...
6.45pm to 7.45pm
Louis Vuitton summer party at Louis Vuitton,17-20 Bond Street,London W1.
Louis Vuitton or shortened to LV, is a French fashion house founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton. The label's LV monogram appears on most of its products, ranging from luxury trunks and leather goods to ready-to-wear, shoes, watches, jewelery, accessories, sunglasses and books. Louis Vuitton is one of the world's leading international fashion houses; it sells its products through standalone boutiques, lease departments in high-end department stores, and through the e-commerce section of its website.For six consecutive years (2006–2012), Louis Vuitton was named the world's most valuable luxury brand.
This store always looks immaculate with its stunning displays.
Very expensive as nothing has any price tags on it.
Some amazing leather jackets with sparkly gold lining.
There are half a dozen female models walking around wearing their items.
Plenty of glammed up women here seeing it as a good time to wear their LV.
Complimentary Moët champers and canapés for all guests.
www.louisvuitton.com
Check out their website here.
then
8pm to 9pm
Sipsmith Sipping Garden Party at The Terrace Bar & Grill,Meridien Hotel,Piccadilly,London W1.
Distillery based in Chiswick who say "We’re small, we’re independent and we craft truly artisanal spirits
of uncompromising quality.
The terrace bar here overlooks Piccadilly below and is a really lovely space in this plush hotel.
There is a singer and guitarist playing cover versions at one end.
Complimentary prosecco cocktails,Negroni Gin cocktails,beers and canapés.
www.sipsmith.com
Visit their website here.
then
9.15pm to 11pm
Picturehouse Central launch party ,off Leicester Square,London W1.
A big crowd of over 250 people here to launch this new seven screen cinema in the West End.
It has a cafe,bar,kitchen and members bar and roof terrace.
A stone’s throw away from Piccadilly Circus, the entrance is located on Great Windmill Street on the corner of Shaftesbury Avenue. The colonnade that links Coventry Street (the busy promenade that connects Leicester Square and Piccadilly) and the bright lights of London’s famous theatre district is being regenerated as part of the restoration. The walkway – which in recent years has become more and more decrepit – is transformed into a corridor to one of London’s finest cinema attractions. The walls and floors are retiled and new lighting fixtures installed, with an old-fashioned marquee presiding over the glazed entrance. Great Windmill Street will no longer be a greyish side street but a clean avenue sometimes adorned by a red carpet for the great and the good of the film world to grace.
I missed all the food as it was a 6pm start here but there are still complimentary Jameson whisky
cocktails,wines,beers and the pick n mix was very popular.
There is a dj playing at one end.
Some folks are watching a 9pm screening of The Third Man in one of the new screens.
A great goodie bag here for all guests with a bunch of film and music docu dvds in it.
Mine had...
Mr Turner
Grand Budapest Hotel
Nightcrawler
Alan Partridge---Alpha Papa
The Stone Roses---Made Of Stone docu
Nick Cave---20,000 Days On Earth docu
plus a pair of comp cinema vouchers for the future.
www.picturehouses.com
Visit their website for full info on their cinemas and film listings.
Thursday 18 June 2015.
I have had a few emails from folks saying they cannot find my BBC Radio 5 Live interview.
It is from the Adrian Chiles lunchtime show from 10am to 1pm on Tues 16 June.
Fellow gig goer Big Jeff from Bristol and me are on it for the last 20 mins.
Click here to listen to the interview
Wednesday 17 June 2015.
The Godfathers live at The 100 Club,London.
One of Britains most underrated rock n roll bands are on a 30th anniversary UK tour.
I have seen The Godfathers around 30 times since 1987.
They released albums on Sony in their heyday but never got into the mainstream charts.
The other shows on the tour were one set of 90 mins but tonight's special hometown
show is a 2 hour show over two sets of 60 mins each with 30 songs played.
Loads of great uptempo garage rock n roll tunes from their past plus a couple of new tracks.
The first three mega tracks were a statement of intent as they were rifled off.
The last two tracks were totally stunning as folks danced around front of stage.
These days it is just the two Coyne brothers who are the original members.
Singer Peter Coyne on stage sarcasm makes John Lydon sound like Donny Osmond.
The two new guitarists sounded really good.
It is just criminal this band did not get more success but you rarely heard them on the radio
and they were never part of any scene like 'Brit Pop' so that all contributed.
The Godfathers are still rockin' and they are now playing more gigs than ever.
Do yourself a favour and check them out as tonight was a fantastic show in this intimate club.
Some of the highlights of The Godfathers setlist....
I Want Everything
Cause I Said So
If I Only Had Time
Tell Me Why
Walking Talking Johnny Cash Blues
Unreal World
Those Days Are Over
This Is Your Life
Love Is Dead
She Gives Me Love
I'm Unsatisfied
Angela
How Low Is Low
That's the Way I Feel
I'll Never Forget What's His Name
I Want You
This Is War
Lonely Man
This Damn Nation
Birth, School, Work, Death
watch the video here
The Godfathers 'I Want Everything'...original video...▶ 2:11
Tuesday 16 June 2015...6.45pm to 9.15pm...
Little Mix 'Gold Magic' fragrance launch at The Drury Club,Drury Lane,London WC2.
Very popular all girl group launch their debut fragrance.
On their last UK arena tour they headlined The 02 Arena.
Their agent is the legendary John Giddings who looks after U2,Madonna,Iggy Pop and others.
Around 200 folks here from music,fashion,cosmetics and family rather than their fans.
There is complimentary prosecco,four different cocktails,wines and canapés.
A nice touch was that each member had a drink named after them.
Perrie---vodka based cocktail
Jade---tequila based cocktail
Leigh-Ann---rum based cocktail
Jesy---gin based cocktail
At 7.15pm the band were interviewed by Sarah Jane Crawford for around 10 mins.
They showed the promo video for the fragrance and the making of it.
Just after 8pm after a costume change they play a 20 mins set.
We were near the stage as the front bar left side was there.
Five songs with backing dancers and singing live to a backing track.
1.Salute
2.Black Magic(new single)
3.Move
4.How Ya Doin'
5.Wings
A fun energetic set from these normal girls 'living the dream'.
The fragrance is in stores from 24 June 2015.
100 ml rrp is £36.95
50ml rrp is £26.95
30ml rrp is £19.95
All guests got a goodie bag with the 100 ml bottle on it.
A good event.
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Little Mix (formerly known as Rhythmix) is an English girl group formed in 2011, consisting of members Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jesy Nelson.They were formed exclusively for the eighth series of The X Factor in 2011 and became the first group to win the competition. Following their victory, they signed with Simon Cowell's record label Syco Music and released a cover of Damien Rice's "Cannonball" as their winner's single.
Little Mix released their debut album DNA on 19 November 2012. It charted in the top 5 in eight countries, including number two in the UK and number four on the US Billboard 200. This made Little Mix the first girl group since The Pussycat Dolls to reach the U.S. top 5 with their debut album, as well as earning the highest debut U.S. chart position by a British girl group, breaking the record previously held by the Spice Girls, whose 1996 debut Spice charted at number five.
As of December 2014, Little Mix have sold over 7.5 million records worldwide.
Tuesday 16 June 2015.
Tune in to BBC 5 Live Radio around 12.30pm lunchtime where I will be talking gigs.
It lasted 10 mins or so and was good fun.
It will be up on the BBC iplayer website after the event.
Monday 15 June 2015.
Lead Belly Fest---A tribute to Lead Belly concert at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
Born in Mooringsport, Louisiana in the late 1880s, Lead Belly carved a fascinating career, recording over 500 songs before making his final performance at a concert at Carnegie Hall in 1949. He left a poweful legacy, with his work having being widely covered by the likes of The Beach Boys, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Nirvana.
He died in 1949 aged 61.
Before skiffle and the Blues there was acts like Lead Belly who influenced many 1960s legends including The Beatles.
Leadbelly classics include "Roberta", "Midnight Special " , "In New Orleans (House of the Rising Sun)", "The Bourgeois Blues","Where Did You Sleep Last Night ","Goodnight, Irene" ,"Cotton Fields" and "John Hardy".
Another one of those lengthy sprawling shows at this venue that lasted 3 hours 20 mins over two sets.
It finished at the mad hour of 11.20pm...on a Monday night.
We had two big screens showing Lead Belly photos and old footage of him.
Around a dozen acts playing one to six songs each with the headliners being Van Morrison and Eric Burdon.
We had a blues house band for some acts and some acts had their own band or were solo.
Most of the songs played were Lead Belly tracks.
FIRST SET
Slim Chance played a couple of tunes...they were Ronnie Lanes old band.
Dr Hook singer Dennis Locorriere played a couple...he had a great voice.
Gemma Ray played a couple of tunes...playing her guitar with a kitchen knife...
Laurence Jones played a couple...he is a great blues guitarist...
Paul Jones played a couple of tracks...his harmonica playing was great...
Jools Holland played a couple of tracks ...boogie woogie style...
Dana Fuchs sung one song...great blues vocals...
SECOND SET
Billy Bragg and Chris Barber played a couple of good tracks.
Eric Bibb played three songs and was excellent mainly as he looked and sounded just like Lead Belly.
Walter Trout played a couple of great tunes with some nifty blues guitar work.
This was his first show for two years as he recovers from a liver transplant.
Eric Burdon sung a couple of great tracks.
Van Morrison has just been knighted and is now Sir Van Morrison.
He was on stage for six songs including "Midnight Special".
It may have been a charity show but Van still gave his death stare a couple of times to the backing band.
For the last two songs he was joined by Eric Burdon and all the other acts.
Really great to see Van Morrison and Eric Burdon sharing vocals on "Goodnight Irene".
A very enjoyable evening.
Sunday 14 June 2015.
Download Festival at Donington Park,Derbyshire...Day 3 of 3...
It's that time of year when The Isle Of Wight Festival and The Download Festival clash on the same weekend.
I have been up to Donington many times for Monsters Of Rock/Download and to IOW Festival twice.
The maddest year would have to be 2008 when I saw KISS at Download on the Friday and managed
to get down to The Isle Of Wight Festival the following day to catch The Sex Pistols and Iggy Pop.
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KISS + Motley Crüe + Slash + Billy Idol.
I first saw KISS in 1976 at Hammersmith Odeon on their debut UK tour.
I first saw Motley Crüe in 1984 at Donington when they supported AC/DC and Van Halen.
Once Download is over expect some of the bands to announce UK shows for Oct/Nov/Dec.
DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL INFO...
KISS---currently their only UK show confirmed for 2015 with support from...
Mötley Crüe will split up for good on New Years Eve but they will be back in the UK in November.
They are still playing Sex Pistols 'Anarchy In The UK' in their setlist.
Slash feat Myles Kennedy---currently their only UK show confirmed for 2015.
I saw his most recent London show which was at Wembley Arena December 2014.
Billy Idol---no London show confirmed for 2015.
I saw his most recent London show which was at Hammersmith Apollo November 2014.
Download Festival has decided to go totally cashless (except it isn't if you need to to top up).
Every single person on site, including staff, children, RIP and VIP customers will need a dog tag to get around the festival and/or buy something at the stalls. Cash will not be accepted at any bar, food stall, market stall, fun fair ride or merchandise stand.
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Pretty muddy here as it was raining on parts of Friday and Saturday.
A friend said it rained heavy all through Judas Priest on Friday.
Today it rained a bit in the afternoon but not too much.
As much as I do not like big festivals as I get older this collection
of four great bands on the same days bill could not be missed.
Paul Stanley of KISS said on stage a massive 85,000 were here.
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BILLY IDOL arrived on stage at 4.05pm and played for 45 mins.
He soon took his top off as he strutted around the stage.
Lots of great hits in his set that was short but sweet.
Full Billy Idol setlist played...
Dancing With Myself (Generation X song)
Can't Break Me Down
White Wedding
Flesh for Fantasy
Eyes Without a Face
Whiskey and Pills
Ready Steady Go (Generation X song)
Rebel Yell
Note: Mony Mony was on the setlist but not played as he was 5 mins late on stage.
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SLASH featuring Myles Kennedy arrive on stage at 5.20pm for their 60 mins set.
Some nifty guitar from Slash and great vocals from Myles Kennedy went down really well.
They wisely played a few Guns N Roses gems that are always great to hear.
Full Slash setlist played...
You're a Lie
Nightrain (Guns N’ Roses cover)
Avalon
Back from Cali
You Could Be Mine (Guns N’ Roses cover)
The Dissident
World on Fire
Anastasia
Sweet Child O' Mine (Guns N’ Roses cover)
Slither (Velvet Revolver cover)
Paradise City (Guns N’ Roses cover)
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MOTLEY CRÜE were on stage for around 85 mins and were great.
The other two bands had side screens only but Motley and KISS have a big one behind them as well.
Motley had a big stage production with pyros,flames and a couple of scantily clad dancing girls.
Nikki Sixx had his microphone hanging from the ceiling upside down so he could head butt it around the stage.
Singer Vince Neil is not as good as he was back in the day but overall a great show.
Full Motley Crüe setlist played...
Saints of Los Angeles
Wild Side
Primal Scream
Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.)
Looks That Kill
On With the Show
Too Fast for Love
Smokin' in the Boys' Room (Brownsville Station cover) (Gary Glitter's Rock And Roll Part 2 Riff Intro & Outro)
Anarchy in the U.K. (Sex Pistols cover)
T.N.T. (Terror 'N Tinseltown)
Dr. Feelgood
In the Beginning
Shout at the Devil (Nikki Sixx bass guitar shoots flames)
Live Wire
Girls, Girls, Girls
Kickstart My Heart
Encore:
Home Sweet Home
Note: As it stands, last ever British festival date.
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KISS arrived on stage at 9.05pm and were on stage for around 1 hour 45 mins.
A stunning set of big screens including four on the ceiling of the stage.
We have the full outdoor KISS show which is visually totally amazing.
Hydraulic drumkit, pyros, lasers,fire columns,rocket firing guitar.
Gene spitting blood and breathing fire,
Paul flies above the crowd on wires to sing 'Love Gun' on a second stage podium.
Plenty of fun stage banter from Paul to hype the crowd up.
Huge firework display behind the stage with confetti at the end of the show.
KISS destroyed Download with a superb 10/10 show.
Full KISS setlist played...
Intro song over the pa...Good Times Bad Times (Led Zeppelin song)
Detroit Rock City
Deuce
Psycho Circus
Creatures of the Night
I Love It Loud
War Machine (Gene spits fire)
Do You Love Me
Hell or Hallelujah
Calling Dr. Love
Lick It Up (with "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who bridge)
Bass Solo (Gene spits blood)
God of Thunder
Cold Gin
Love Gun (Paul flies out through the crowd)
Black Diamond
Encore:
Shout It Out Loud
I Was Made for Lovin' You
Rock and Roll All Nite
Outro song over the pa...God Gave Rock 'n' Roll to You II
Saturday 13 June 2015.
Day 2 of 4 of London Collections : Men.
6.45pm to 8.20pm
Thomas Pink presentation at Carlton House Terrace,London SW1.
Around 150 fashion folks here at this building that backs on to The ICA.
There are a dozen male models wearing Thomas Pink attire.
All guests enjoyed complimentary Gin cocktails and wines.
A dj was playing tunes in the background.
www.thomaspink.com
Visit the Thomas Pink website here.
then
8.30pm to 10.30pm
DSQUARED2 20th anniversary party at Canada House,Trafalgar Square, London WC2.
This party was one of the hottest tickets of the four days of London Collections : Men.
You had to produce a passport or photo id to match your name on the door.
Identical twins Dean and Dan Caten are Canadian fashion designers who are massive in many countries
around the world and have just opened a flagship store in London.
In 2013, the Dsquared2 brand had a brand turnover of about €200 million.
Around 300 cool fashion folks here over the two floors of this building.
We have a dj in one room.
Guests enjoyed complimentary Perrier Jouet champers, cocktails,wines and canapés.
Guests here included actors Samuel L Jackson and Jeremy Piven.
Also rocker Bryan Adams,Ellie Goulding,David Furnish,Patrick Cox,David Gandy ,Edgar Davids and
GQ Editor Dylan Jones.
At the end of the night the brothers sang the Canadian National Anthem with friends.
A cool party to attend.
www.dsquared2.com
Visit the DSquared2 website here.
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