News and Reviews: 20th September 2015
Sunday 20 September 2015...another sad death...British born author Jackie Collins has died of breast cancer aged 77 just 10 days after visiting the UK
to do promotion on her latest book.
She was an English-American novelist. She wrote 32 novels, all of which appeared on The New York Times bestsellers list. In total, her books have sold over 500 million copies and have been translated into 40 languages.Eight of her novels have been adapted for the screen, either as films or television mini-series. She was the younger sister of actress Joan Collins.
Saturday 19 September 2015.
The date has been confirmed as Friday 25 September for this hour long tv interview.
As the country celebrates the Queen's long reign, singer John Lydon, who was known as Johnny Rotten in the 1970s, looks back at his career and the anti-establishment song that rocked the nation – The Sex Pistols' God Save The Queen. 'It was a full-on challenge to the establishment. It was an incredible achievement for a record to be discussed in Parliament,' he says. John tells Piers Morgan that he got the nickname Johnny Rotten because of his bad teeth, he talks about having meningitis at the age of seven and discusses his 30 year relationship with his partner, Nora, who is 14 years his senior and of course
there will be a few words on his current band Public Image Limited.
Friday 18 September 2015...I went to two events tonight...
First day of London Fashion Week where there are lots of catwalk shows during the day
and many of them have drinks parties in the evening.
6.45pm to 8pm.
Sonia Rykiel Paris store launch party,27-29 Brook Street,Mayfair,London W1.
Around 100 folks here in this very impressive upmarket designer store.
Lots of very nicely turned out ladies.
The ground floor has a full library of French books either side of the clothes and downstairs there are
French vinyl albums and singles on the walls either side of the clothes.
There were three albums by Michel Polnareff who was popular in France from the mid-1960s.
The dj is playing a mix of English and French tracks.
Needless to say the clothing is very expensive.
Complimentary Veuve Clicquot champers for all guests.
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Quintessentially Parisian brand Sonia Rykiel is celebrating the reopening of its London store in a highly enjoyable, very Left Bank way. The relaxed concept that is as much library as high-end fashion store. The brand is quickly regaining its 1970s cult status under talented artistic director Julie de Libran, who plans eventually to oversee a new, unified design concept for stores worldwide. Meanwhile, she wanted a distinctive update for key stores – already felt in the St-Germain Paris flagship and the Tokyo store, and now followed by London, in the form of a year-long (at least) pop-up.
Sonia Rykiel urged women to be eccentric, seductive, mysterious, and to create their own style. She arrived (in every sense of the word) on Paris’ Left Bank in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in 1968. The neighborhood was a haven to artists from the world over and she quickly became its heart.
The movement she created was intimately linked to the ready-to-wear revolution taking place in 1970s Paris. She typified a new generation of designers who launched their own labels outside the established system of Haute Couture.
Sonia Rykiel innovated not just with the cut of her garments, but also with her philosophy of fashion. She collaborated with the popular French mail-order company Les 3 Suisses in 1977 (shock! horror!) and then released a renegade fragrance, 7ème sens, the following year. She designed sweaters closer to the body than they had ever been — a sweater had never been sexier. Declared “Queen of Knits” by Women’s Wear Daily in 1972, Sonia Rykiel became an international icon.
www.soniarykiel.com
Visit the Sonia Rykiel Paris website here.
then
8.15pm to 9.15pm.
London Fashion Week party at The Sanderson Hotel,London W1.
Around 100 folks are here.
Complimentary Gin cocktails for all guests.
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There were a couple of other LFW parties on the radar after 9pm but too many late boozy nights
have just exhausted me so I had to have an early night.
Thursday 17 September 2015...I went to three events tonight...
All three were at luxury hotels.
6.45pm to 8pm.
Shari King 'Breaking Hollywood' book launch at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel,Knightsbridge,London SW1.
Always nice to be at this five star hotel where loads of big music acts stay.
This book is the follow up to 'Taking Hollywood' which sold well last year.
I went to the launch of that and we are back at the same room and venue.
This room has the outside garden area where Hyde Park is just 20 yards away.
Pretty exclusive as maybe only 50 or 60 people are here but a few are well known names.
Ross King has wrote the book with Shari Low hence the book comes out under the name Shari King.
They are both here tonight.
Ross is always friendly and chatty to all.
Ross King is a British television presenter, actor and writer, best known for being LA Correspondent for ITV Breakfast programmes Lorraine and Good Morning Britain.
Also here are some of Ross tv chums including Lorraine Kelly,Dr Hilary Jones,Gaby Roslin,Lizzie Cundy,
Jackie St Clair,John Stapleton.
The book is a Jackie Collins type based on what Hollywood folks get up to.
Complimentary Moët champers and nice canapés for all guests.
All guests got a complimentary copy of the book that was signed.
then
8.15pm to 9pm.
www.feelunique.com x Fleur de Force Make-up Collection launch party at Haymarket Hotel,London SW1.
Around 200 folks here with maybe 75% females.
We are by the indoor pool which is a great setting for a party and a dj is playing tunes.
Fleur is one of these youtube internet sensations where her channel gets many views.
Complimentary vodka cocktails,wines,beers and canapés for all guests.
All guests got a girlie goodie bag on the way out.
then
9.15pm to 10.30pm.
Hotel Cafe Royal London Fashion Week Pre Party ,68 Regent Street,London W1.
Around 200 folks here at this famous hotel that dates back to 1865.
They have some great pictures on display of some of the folks who have stayed or partied here.
My fave would have to be one that featured Mick Jagger,David Bowie,Lou Reed and Lulu from 1973.
We have a pair of female djs and one of them plays some sax for a few songs alongside the tracks.
There is a fun photo booth in the corner with colourful hats and scarfs etc.
Complimentary Veuve Clicquot champers,wines and canapés for all guests.
All guests got a goodie bag on leaving.
Thursday 17 September 2015.
Iron Maiden have had massive success around the world with their new album ' The Book Of Souls'.
No. 1 – Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK
No. 2 – Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Poland
No. 3 – Turkey
No. 4 – South Africa, USA
Wednesday 16 September 2015.
More and major rock band members are putting side project bands together for albums and tours.
Steven Tyler(Aerosmith) and Paul Stanley (KISS) have their own and now
Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) has a solo album and American tour for later this year.
Wednesday 16 September 2015...I went to two events tonight...
6.45pm to 8.30pm.
Gary Cockerill 'Simply Glamorous' book launch at 5-7 Dover Street,London W1.
Around 200 folks here including Katie Price,Melanie Sykes who is wearing a great dress,Kimberley Garner,
Martine McCutcheon,Michelle Collins,Phil Turner and a couple of my fave older ladies,
Jo Wood who is looking great for 60
and the ever stunning Jilly Johnson who was a Page Three girl from the 1970s and still looks amazing for 61.
Most folks have a tan of some sort with nicely styled hair that made me look very pale faced.
At 8pm Gary made a speech and thanked everyone for coming out in the rain.
Blown up images from the book adorn all the walls.
A buzzy atmosphere and a good event.
Complimentary Cottier champers,rum cocktails,vodka cocktails and canapés.
A great goodie bag here for all guests that had a dozen items inside.
Around a dozen photographers outside the venue waiting for celebs arriving and leaving.
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Gary Cockerill is one of the UK’s most respected and well known make-up artists with a repertoire of work spanning stage and screen, editorial, celebrity, events and advertising. Throughout his extensive career, he has worked with the world’s leading actors, photographers, models, personalities, directors and producers who acknowledge his prolific versatility and creative genius. His attention to detail combined with a drive for absolute perfection result in some of the most exquisite imagery and professional acclaim. Gary’s philosophy is simple: “external beauty promotes inner confidence” – no matter who his subject is, he strives to make his clients look and feel breathtaking.
www.garycockerill.com
Visit his website and see the list of the many male and female celebs he looks after.
then
9pm to 10pm.
Levi's 700 Series Jeans launch party at Levi's,174 Regent Street,London W1.
Levi's 700 Series female jeans with innovative stretch denim are designed to flatter, hold, and lift.
Around 200 cool looking fashion folks here.
Complimentary rum cocktails and beers for all guests.
Laura Whitmore was the dj here.
Tuesday 15 September 2015...I went to three events tonight...
6.30pm to 8pm.
Ai Weiwei private view at The Royal Academy of Arts,Piccadilly,London.
A massive crowd of over 500 folks here.
Lots of big names from the art world here.
Faces here included Jerry Hall,Grayson Perry in a full over the top outfit as usual,Jackie St Clair.
This exhibition has been billed by some as the art event of the year.
Pretty much all the papers over the past week have had an article on it.
Ai Weiwei has been allowed to leave China for the first time in five years for this exhibition.
Ai Weiwei is here to say "Thank You" after a few words from the RA spokesman.
Is Ai Weiwei China’s Most Dangerous Man?
Arrested and harassed by the Chinese government, artist Ai Weiwei makes daring works unlike anything
the world has ever seen.
As a young boy his family were sent into exile in the Gobi Desert.
He was kidnapped and put in jail in 2011 for 81 days.
He helped design the world famous Beijing National Stadium, better known as the "Bird's Nest".
Complimentary wines and canapés in the basement area where a dj was playing tunes.
Exhibition is on from 19 Sept to 13 Dec 2015.
then
8.05pm to 9pm.
Louis Roederer International Wine Writers Awards at 6 Burlington Gardens,London W1.
This venue was just around the corner from the previous event and is actually part of The Royal Academy of Arts.
Around 200 folks here.
Complimentary Louis Roederer champers,wines and canapés.
www.theroedererawards.com
Visit their website here for the winners and those shortlisted.
then
9.45pm to 11.30pm.
Kinky Boots press/vip night after party at Grand Connaught Rooms,London WC2.
A massive crowd of over 500 folks here.
Guests here included Cyndi Lauper who was with two security guys at all times.
Also here were Graham Norton and Tom Daley.
A few girls are wearing some nice and sexy 'Kinky Boots'.
Complimentary presecco,a choice of one cocktail,wines,beers along with bowl food and canapés.
The pastry in a couple of dishes was shaped as a 'Kinky Boot'.
I left at 11.30pm but it was due to finish at 1am.
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Kinky Boots the award winning musical opens at The Adelphi Theatre.
Music and lyrics are by Cyndi Lauper.
Cyndi Lauper is currently in London doing publicity for the show.
The musical is based on the Brit flick of the same name about a floundering Northampton shoe factory
for which Cyndi has written the glittering electro-funk score.
It has been performed over 1000 times on Broadway.
Monday 14 September 2015.
Final song of Rods set from Sunday in Hyde Park.
watch the video here
' I Was Only Joking' featuring Jim Cregan on guitar....▶ 6:32
Monday 14 September 2015.
Happy Birthday to my eldest son Marc who is 27 today.
Yes he was named after Marc Bolan.
Sunday 13 September 2015....3pm to 10pm...
BBC Radio 2 'Festival In A Day' live at Hyde Park,London.
50,000 capacity( a couple of the djs said it was 55,000)...sold out...
This all day festival always sells out pronto due to to the great value and quality---only £39 per ticket.
This year’s spectacular line-up includes Rod Stewart with a one-time-only performance of some of his most popular but rarely performed hits, Bryan Adams playing what will be his only UK summer show, The Corrs and their first live performance in a decade, plus sets from Giorgio Moroder (DJ set), Leona Lewis, Will Young, Kate Rusby, Shaun Escoffery and The Shires and Ward Thomas.
The event will be hosted by BBC Radio 2’s Jo Whiley, who will be joined by a whole host of presenters - Anneka Rice, Jeremy Vine, Ken Bruce, Sara Cox, Bob Harris, Paul Gambaccini,Tony Blackburn, Vanessa Feltz, and more - providing entertainment from the main stage, action from backstage, and introducing the artists. Coverage of the event, including full sets and performances from the day, will be available to watch on BBC Red Button, BBC iPlayer and the Radio 2 website, which will also feature exclusive backstage footage, acoustic sessions and interviews.
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A huge crowd and thankfully none of the possible forecast of rain showers.
THE SHIRES with WARD THOMAS.....SHAUN ESCOFFERY---I missed these two opening acts.
The opening few acts had two big screens and the last three acts had three big screens.
Many thanks to the BBC who gave me a couple of guest wristbands for the BBC Garden side of stage.
A nice chilled out area where you had seating and the all important clean toilets with no queues.
All the Radio 2 djs popped in here but the artists have their own area behind the stage.
Scottish football legend Gordon Strachan was here as he is good mates with Rod Stewart.
WILL YOUNG arrived on stage at 3.10pm for a 30 mins set.
He has sold over 8 million albums since winning Pop Idol in 2002.
His most recent release '85% Proof' (2015) became his fourth UK number-one album.
For the final song around 20 huge balloons were released into the audience.
Full setlist played...
Love Revolution
Thank You
Your Game
How Will I Know (Whitney Houston cover)
Leave Right Now
Joy
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KATE RUSBY arrived on stage at 4pm for a 30 mins set.
Kate is one of the UK's top folk artists.
Her set included a couple of tracks from her new album 'Ghost'.
Kate had some warm Yorkshire banter between songs.
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LEONA LEWIS arrived on stage at 4.50pm for a 30 mins set.
Leona Lewis won X Factor in 2006.
Lewis's success continued with the release of her debut album, Spirit, in 2007; it went 10x platinum in the United Kingdom, while the lead single, "Bleeding Love", spent seven weeks at number-one. She achieved international recognition with the album in 2008, when she became the first British female solo artist to top the US Billboard 200 album chart in more than 20 years. Spirit has sold more than eight million copies worldwide, and "Bleeding Love" peaked at number one in over 30 countries, becoming the best-selling single of 2008.
Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has said that performing with Leona Lewis is his greatest achievement
outside of the band.
Page played Zeppelin hit 'Whole Lotta Love' with Lewis on vocals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and has now said that this performance is the one he is most proud of.
Leona played a couple of tracks from her new album and a couple of her big hits.
Full setlist played...
I Am
Better in Time
Fire Under My Feet
Bleeding Love
I Got You
Run (Snow Patrol cover)
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THE CORRS arrived on stage at 5.45pm for a 30 mins set.
This was their first show in a decade.
The girls are still looking good.
You kind of forget how popular they were and how many hits they had.
Full setlist played...
Breathless
Runaway
Dreams (Fleetwood Mac cover)
What Can I Do
Radio
Toss the Feathers ([traditional] cover)
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I made a move down the front for a great view for the last three acts.
BRYAN ADAMS arrived on stage at 6.45pm for a 50 mins set.
As usual Bryan and the band are dressed all in simple black and the screens are all in black and white.
This was the effect he used when playing his 'Reckless' album on his last UK arena tour.
Bryan played loads of his great catchy singalong hits and a couple of brand new tracks.
Full setlist played...
You Belong To Me (Live Debut)
One Night Love Affair
Run to You
Heaven
Summer of '69
It's Only Love
Somebody
Brand New Day (Live Debut)
Encore:
Can't Stop This Thing We Started
The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You
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GIORGIO MORODER(dj set) arrived on stage at 7.45pm for a 30 mins set.
The legendary producer is now aged 75.
He came on just as it went darker and his light and visual show worked well.
He played his own dance anthems by Donna Summer and others.
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ROD STEWART arrived on stage at 8.27pm for an 80 mins set.
As promised Rod played a whole bunch of songs he rarely sings.
Rod Stewart fled his comfort zone. “This isn’t a normal Rod Stewart concert,” he explained. “We won’t be playing Sailing, Maggie May, Do Ya Think I’m Sexy or Baby Jane. I wanted to make tonight special.”
A couple he has not performed at all for over 40 years.
All the songs tonight he performed back in the day apart from the one new track 'Please'.
If you are like me and are a big Rod Stewart fan you are in heaven with this show
and the show last weekend with The Faces.
He has sneaky looks at the teleprompter as they only had a few days rehearsals.
He was joined for one song by Jim Cregan who was his guitarist in the late 1970s and 1980s.
A fantastic show with a unique set Rod may never repeat and overall a great day out.
Full setlist played...
Every Beat of My Heart
The Motown Song (Larry John McNally cover)
What Am I Gonna Do (I'm So in Love With You)
(I Know) I'm Losing You (The Temptations cover)
You Can Make Me Dance, Sing or Anything (Faces song)
Gasoline Alley
The Killing of Georgie (Part I and II)
Ooh La La (Faces song)
Tom Traubert's Blues (Four Sheets to the Wind in Copenhagen) (Tom Waits cover)
Please
Angel (Jimi Hendrix cover)
I'm Every Woman (Chaka Khan cover) (sung by background vocalist as Rod went off for a costume change)
Rollin' and Tumblin' (Hambone Willie Newbern cover)
In a Broken Dream (Python Lee Jackson cover)
Love Is
Can't Stop Me Now
I Was Only Joking (with Jim Cregan)
Saturday 12 September 2015.
THE FACES EXPERIENCE + THE SMALL FAKERS + READY STEADY WHO live at
The George, 20 High Street, Burnham, Bucks.
Only £5 entry to see three tribute bands...doors 2pm and bands 4pm to 9pm.
Held outside in their large car park area.
Burnham is 3 miles from Slough and easy to get to via the M4 and train from Paddington and Ealing.
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This was the biggest happening in Burnham since tv presenter and retail consultant Mary Portas was on Burnham High Street to help for the re-opening of the Nisa supermarket for her Channel 4 programme a year ago.
It is a proper set up in the car park area with a raised stage along with four portaloos and extra security.
Thankfully it was a decent sunny day and there was no rain as forecast.
Around 200 folks here.
What i learned later when i was wondering how does anyone make any money out of this show was that
the same bassist and drummer played in all three bands and two other members played in two bands.
READY STEADY WHO were first on and played a decent 45 mins set of The Who tracks.
They didn't really look like them so overall pretty average for my liking.
THE SMALL FAKERS take to the stage at 6.10pm for a 55 mins set.
Their singer was a great Steve Marriot soundalike and lookalike and their keyboard player
got some fantastic sounds out of his original 1965 Hammond organ.
Setlist included 'Watcha Gonna Do About It','Sha La La La Lee','Hey Girl','All or Nothing',
'Here Comes The Nice','Itchycoo Park','Tin Soldier' and 'Lazy Sunday'.
THE FACES EXPERIENCE take to the stage at 7.50pm for a 70 mins set.
They have the same keyboard player with his Hammond organ.
The singer had a good Rod soundalike voice.
Lots of pukka Faces tracks played and the encores were Rod Stewart solo tracks from 1971
that had Ronnie Wood and Ian McLagan playing on them back then just after Rod went solo.
Also played from 1972 was 'You Wear It Well' which was a Rod solo record but The Faces backed him.
There were a few covers that The Faces played back in their heyday.
Setlist included 'Cindy Accidentally','Debris','You Wear It Well','Maybe I'm Amazed',
'Sweet Little Rock and Roller','Angel','Stay With Me' and encores of
'Someone Like You' and 'Maggie May'.
An enjoyable day out in the sticks.
Friday 11 September 2015.
Ronnie Wood 'In Conversation' at Waterstones,Piccadilly,London.
No doubt it will be similar to the one I went to at The Ambassadors Theatre in April 2015.
To celebrate the September 8th 2015 release of How Can it Be? A Rock & Roll Diary, Ronnie Wood will be appearing at Waterstones, Piccadilly, London on Friday 11th September at 6.30pm.
Admission is £27 which includes a copy of the book with a facsimile signature and commemorative bookplate.
PLEASE NOTE---Ronnie will NOT be signing copies.
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I did not go to it but a friend went along and told me how it went.
Ronnie was interviewed by Noel Fielding for around an hour and was entertaining as usual.
More intimate than The Ambassadors Theatre event but no big screen used to show pages
from the book this time.
Ronnie signed a couple of times on the way out and posed for a couple of pictures.
Thursday 10 September 2015...I went to three events tonight...
6.30pm to 7.45pm
'Revealed' private view at Sofitel,6 Waterloo Place,St James's,London SW1.
Around 200 smartly dressed folks at this luxury five star hotel.
This photo exhibition is going around the world to around 20 cities.
Olivier Picasso gave a speech and other guests included
Jade Parfitt---model and presenter
Nicole Fahri---fashion designer
A dj was upstairs on the balcony playing some tunes in the background.
Complimentary presecco,gin cocktails and canapés for all guests.
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On display from 10 Sep 2015 – 31 Oct 2015, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pablo Picasso's grandson gathers spectacular photographs of famous artists in their workshops for exhibition
at Sofitel St James
Pablo Picasso's grandson Olivier Widmaier Picasso is the brains behind this striking new photography exhibition at Sofitel St James. Taken from the stupendous photo archives of Paris Match, Picasso examines the world's most famous artists in their studios, including his own illustrious grandfather.
Who is Olivier Widmaier Picasso?
Olivier Widmaier Picasso has carved a place for himself in the art world with his fascinating documentaries on contemporary art, opera and influential tastemakers. Soon his most famous publication Picasso, portrait intime will be translated into English and the film Picasso, the legacy will be screened worldwide.
Exhibition highlights
There are 30 unique photographs on display in the Revealed show, including images of Salvador Dali taking in the sights of Paris' Vincennes Zoo, the wild beast Fauvist Kees Van Dongen intimidating blonde bombshell actress Brigitte Bardot and of course Pablo Picasso going about his regular routine. You'll also find star artists like René Magritte, Marc Chagall, Francis Bacon and the king of kitsch Jeff Koons all feature.
A spectacular hidden gem in London, this intimate exhibition will delight art lovers.
then
8pm to 10pm
Warner E Hodges Band + The David Sinclair Four live at The Borderline Club,London.
Warner is the Nashville born guitarist with Jason and The Scorchers.
Up first we have The David Sinclair Four who play a 35 mins set.
A nice surprise here is that James Stevenson is on guitar for the night as their usual guitarist had commitments.
James Stevenson is an English punk/alternative rock guitarist, at one time appearing with The Alarm, Gene Loves Jezebel, Gen X, The Cult, Glen Matlock,Kim Wilde and Chelsea.
He has a great rock n rock guitar sound that is brilliant.
DS4 are still promoting their fourth album that came out May 2015.
Great songs played included 'Sick Of Being Good','Life Gone Cold','Crude Emotion' and 'Coming Off The Rails'.
Warner and his band play some good time uptempo rock n roll.
Warner looks a bit like Robert Plant and has great stage banter a bit like Dave Grohl.
The good set included a couple of Jason and The Scorchers tracks along with his solo material.
His guitarist was wearing an Ace Frehley t-shirt.
I watched around 60 mins of his planned 80 mins set.
then
10.30pm to 11.45pm
Stereophonics album launch party at Drama,35 Hertford Street,Mayfair,London W1.
Their new album 'Keep The Village Alive' is released Friday 11 September 2015.
The party followed a 45 mins album launch gig at Mode to Shortlist Magazine comp winners.
This venue was called Whisky Mist but re-opened last week as Drama after a million pound refurbishment.
It is much bigger and better than the very overrated Whisky Mist.
The dj is playing loud rock tunes including AC/DC.
All the band are here and other guests included rock n roll fashion designer Sir Tom Baker
and Jim Lowe who is the bands producer.
Jim has produce many artists including Glen Matlock and told me he is currently mixing the new
Dandy Warhols album and that the set played earlier featured old and new tracks.
Stereophonics play a UK Arena tour at the end of the year.
Complimentary cocktails,wines and beers for all guests.
Thursday 10 September 2015.
Happy Birthday to Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry who is 65 today.
11 Sept and 12 Sept 1975---40 years since i saw Alice Cooper play two great shows at Wembley Arena.
Wednesday 09 September 2015...7.15pm to 11pm...
Notion Magazine 70th Issue x Swatch party at Chotto Matte,11-13 Frith Street,Soho,London W1.
CHOTTO MATTE brings together the best of Japanese and Peruvian cultures serving up high-quality Nikkei cuisine.
NOTION is a quarterly music,fashion and culture quarterly magazine available at selected stores priced £4.95.
Over 200 folks here on the first floor of this venue with a great buzzy atmosphere.
Guests of honour are PHASE FIVE who are a new All-Male Urban Pop vocal group based out of Los Angeles.
We have five up and coming acts playing 15 mins each with a grime rapper GHETTS going down the best.
Lots of complimentary drinks and yummy food all through the evening.
The drinks were espresso Martinis,vodka cocktails,wines and beers.
We had nine different types of canapés cooked fresh in front of you in their open plan kitchen.
They included sushi,seabass sashimi,chicken miso,octopus,prawn spring rolls,salmon.
All guests got a goodie bag.
A good event.
www.notionmag.com
Visit the NOTION MAG website here.
www.chotto-matte.com
Visit the CHOTTO MATTE website here.
Tuesday 08 September 2015....I went to three events tonight...
6.30pm to 7pm
Varda Caivano private view at Victoria Miro Gallery,14 St George Street,London W1.
Argentinian artist Varda Caivano who lives and works in London holds her third exhibition in London.
It is on until 03 Oct 2015.
Complimentary presecco for all guests.
then
7.05pm to 8pm
Aqua Nueva showcase at 5th floor,240 Regent Street,London W1.
Aqua Nueva is a Spanish restaurant and bar directly opposite The Palladium.
A big crowd of over 200 folks here with 75% females as they are pa's and secretaries who
book venues for their companies.
Despite being on the 5th floor it is a huge space.
Complimentary wines,beers and canapés for all guests.
then
FFS (Franz Ferdinand & Sparks) live at The Forum,Kentish Town,London.
Following a sold out London show at The Troxy at the end of June FFS have been touring
the festivals and venues of Europe over summer and are now back in London for another full house.
They are promoting their debut album that came out a few months ago.
I have seen both acts a dozen times over the years including Sparks shows from their heyday in
1974 and 1975 when they headlined Hammersmith Odeon.
They are both arty pop rockers from different decades but they really are a perfect match.
FFS take to the stage just after 9pm and play for 90 mins.
The setlist featured 11 of the 12 tracks from their album and a sprinkling of hits from Franz Ferdinand
and Sparks.
The stonking choice hits from Franz Ferdinand and Sparks were mega.
Not sure how the Mael brothers manage to keep looking so young.
Ron Mael is still in his usual Sparks guise of an eccentric with slicked back hair and pencil moustache.
Russell Mael and Alex Kapranos share the vocal duties and are both superb.
Ron Mael did his funny dance to much cheering during 'The Number One Song In Heaven'.
I think they said that Sparks track 'Sherlock Holmes' was played for the first time tonight on their tour.
A great show that the crowd loved.
Full setlist played tonight...
Johnny Delusional
The Man Without A Tan
Save Me from Myself
Dictator's Son
Sherlock Holmes (Sparks cover)
The Power Couple
Do You Want To (Franz Ferdinand cover)
Things I Won't Get
So Desu Ne
The Number One Song in Heaven (Sparks cover)
Michael (Franz Ferdinand cover)
This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us (Sparks cover)
Police Encounters
Take Me Out (Franz Ferdinand cover)
Piss Off
No You Girls (Franz Ferdinand cover)
Encore...
When Do I Get to Sing "My Way" (Sparks cover)
Call Girl
Collaborations Don't Work
Tuesday 08 September 2015.
GQ Men Of The Year Awards at The Royal Opera House,London.
An event that always gets an impressive guest list.
Half a dozen names from each of these...music,film,sport,tv,theatre etc.
Jerry Lee Lewis presented Keith Richards with The Legend Award.
Others attending included Ronnie Wood,Lewis Hamilton,Jose Mourinho,Gary Lineker,
Samuel L Jackson,Lionel Richie,Elton John,Sam Smith,Will Ferrell,Naomie Harris.
Blur,Duran Duran,Phil Rudd.
Monday 07 September 2015.
Jasper Carrott + Bev Bevan Band live at The Beck Theatre,Hayes,Middlesex.
Jasper now aged 70 on his first UK tour for over a decade.
He was one of the most popular comedians on tv in the 1970s.
On 15 September 2007 he was inducted into the Birmingham Walk of Stars at the Arts Fest 2007 celebrations. The award was presented by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham. Carrott is the second inductee, following Ozzy Osbourne.
Plus support from The Bev Bevan Band.
Bev was the original drummer with The Move and ELO and had a stint with Black Sabbath in 1983.
Also in the band are Trevor Burton (The Move), Joy Strachan-Brain on vocals (Quill) and
Geoff Turton on vocals (The Rockin’ Berries).
As expected its a mainly older crowd here for this trip down memory Lane.
The show was on for 2 hours 20 mins over two 70 mins set.
Each set Jasper Carrott would do 30 mins of comedy then the band would play for 40 mins.
First set...
Jasper told plenty of good jokes with quite a few about getting old.
The band then take to the stage and i was expecting mainly tracks related to Bevs bands but
it was mainly general covers with just two ELO songs for the encore.
Each act had old photos of themselves on the big screen.
This set included tracks by The Small Faces,The Beatles,Ike n Tina Turner,Fleetwood Mac,
Moody Blues,Marvin Gaye,Martha Reeves and The Vandellas and others.
Second set...
Jasper did another 30 mins of good jokes.
The band played more covers by Joe Cocker,Righteous Brothers,Roy Orbison,The Crystals,
Dusty Springfield,Elvis Presley and others.
then Jasper Carrott joined them for the last few songs.
Addicted To Love---with a very funny video of Jasper and the band dressed like the girls in the video.
Caroline---Status Quo
Funky Moped---Jasper's own hit from 1975 that was produced by his Brummie mate Jeff Lynne.
Rockin All Over The World---John Fogerty/Status Quo
Encore
Mr Blue Sky---ELO
Don't Bring Me Down---ELO
An enjoyable evening but the band should have played a bit more from Bevs bands.
Monday 07 September 2015.
Robert Plant and Ringo Starr and others present Jerry Lee Lewis with an 80th birthday cake
at The London Palladium on Sunday.
watch the video here
▶ 4:28
Saturday 05 September 2015...3pm to 9.30pm...
THE FACES to reform for a one off show at Hurtwood Park Polo Club,Ewhurst,Surrey.
A charity gig for Prostate Cancer UK with advance tickets priced at £75...5000 capacity...sold out...
After a few years of rumours and false starts a gig has been fully confirmed at last.
Rod Stewart,Ronnie Wood and Kenney Jones to play their first proper show together for nearly 40 years.
Hurtwood Park Polo Club is owned by Kenney Jones which is located around 30 miles from South London.
The band, who split in 1975, lost fellow founder members Ronnie Lane in 1997 and Ian ‘Mac’ McLagan last December. Mick Hucknall took Stewart’s place in the line-up for charity shows in 2009, after which the band toured over the following two years with Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock added to the line-up.
I went to a couple of those shows.
watch the video here
The Faces 'Stay With Me' from their final show in London from 1974...▶ 5:47
-----------------------------------------------------
Another one of those out of London gig events that had to be done.
Thanks to Sue for driving us there and back as you really needed a car to get to this place as it was in
the middle of nowhere and those narrow country roads in pitch black on the way home were pretty awkward.
We arrive at the venue just as the polo match is finishing.
We have a wander around the 50 super cars on display...most seem to be Ferraris.
There are lots of Rod Stewart lookalikes in the crowd.
It is all standing outside here so although a bit gloomy there is thankfully no rain.
There are no big screens as everyone has a good view of the stage.
We have a bunch of acts playing short sets with 5 mins max changeovers.
Dj Mick Brown is hyping up the crowd by saying "You are going to witness rock n roll history today".
At 4.40pm the live music starts with a band called CROSS SECTION who played a couple of covers.
They were in the Quadrophenia film from 1978 and have recently reformed.
NOAH JOHNSON was a soul singer who sang a couple of cover tracks.
CHRIS JAGGER played four songs over 20 mins which included 'Lazy Daze' and cover of
the Ronnie Lane track 'Anymore For Anymore'.
MOLLY MARRIOT played a couple of her own tracks.
THE LEO GREEN EXPERIENCE played a 35 mins set of sax based cover tunes with some great female vocals.
Tracks played included 'Proud Mary' and 'River Deep Mountain High' and for the final song they are joined by
Mollie Marriot for a cover of Small Faces track 'Afterglow(Of Your Love)'.
--------------------------------
We then have a large house band on stage featuring Rods old mate Jim Cregan.
They back three great artists who all play four of their best tracks.
STEVE HARLEY set included the George Harrison track 'Here Comes The Sun' and of course the track
he always calls "his pension song" his massive hit 'Make Me Smile(Come Up And See Me)'.
I first saw his band Cockney Rebel in 1975 and 1976 at Hammersmith Odeon when they were a big act.
-----------------------------
MIDGE URE also played a really good 4 song 20 mins set.
If I Was
Dancing With Tears In My Eyes(Ultravox track)
The Boys Are Back In Town(Thin Lizzy cover)---Midge replaced Gary Moore in Thin Lizzy in 1979 and toured
with them for a year and co-wrote the Lynott solo hit 'Yellow Pearl'.
Vienna (Ultravox track)
----------------------------
PAUL CARRACK has written many great songs in various bands he has been in.
Tempted(Squeeze track)
The Living Years (Mike + Mechanics track)
How Long(Ace track)
Over My Shoulder(Mike + Mechanics track)
---------------------------
Before The Faces took to the stage BBC dj Annie Nightingale played 30 mins of related tunes.
THE FACES took to the stage at 8.25pm for a 45 mins seven song set.
It's great to see Rod and Ronnie on stage together clearly enjoying themselves.
Despite their ages they still look like proper rock stars.
Rod said "we have had just a few hours rehearsals so expect some cock ups".
"Just like the old days," added Ronnie.
Rod also said "we discussed more about what clothes we would wear rather than the tracks to be played".
"It's great to be up here with these guys!" declared Rod, arm around the scrawny neck of Ronnie Wood.
In their Seventies glory days, The Faces were celebrated as much for their ragged (and often drink-fuelled) bonhomie as their buccaneering musicianship. Their secret was always their very live-ness, a quality of spontaneity that made each moment really count, accentuated by the feeling that it could all fall apart at any point. They were a band who were so clearly enjoying themselves on stage that it was impossible for audiences not to respond. Forty years of experience has apparently done little to dampen their pleasure or iron out mistakes. "Am I in the right key?" Wood asked at the beginning of a rambunctious version of 'I'm Losing You'.
"Ronnie, you want a drink?" Stewart teased his old foil. "Oh no, you don't do that anymore."
It did feel a bit under-rehearsed and there was a false start but that was expected really,as was the shorter than normal set.
Sadly tracks including 'Cindy Incidently' and 'Debris ' were not played tonight but Ronnie Wood hinted
"we will play them next time" and gave a wink so maybe a full tour may happen next year.
Overall a great day out and pretty amazing to finally see The Faces play live with Rod on vocals.
Full setlist played tonight with seven songs that they recorded back in their heyday.
I Feel So Good (Big Bill Broonzy cover)
You Can Make Me Dance, Sing or Anything
Ooh La La
I'd Rather Go Blind (Etta James cover)
(I Know) I'm Losing You (The Temptations cover)
Stay with Me
Sweet Little Rock & Roller (Chuck Berry cover)
----------------------------
I spotted BBC djs Robert Elms and Johnnie Walker here.
A friend said he saw Bill Wyman.
I had a few words with top London showbiz photographer Richard Young.
A bit of a downer was getting stuck in the car park for over an hour as
just one small exit could not cope with so many cars leaving at the same time.
Friday 04 September 2015.
The Monkees live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.
The Monkees rose to fame when they formed to star in a television show with the same name,
which ran from 1966 until 1968 and made them huge stars around the world.
Original Monkees singer Davy Jones sadly died in 2012.
I saw their last London show with Davy Jones at The Royal Albert Hall in 2011.
Original members Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork are still there.
An evening of music and multi-media splendor, including rare films and images from their series.
Their new show features all of the Monkees hits, plus an intimate acoustic set.
--------------------------------------------
The Monkees have been all over the tv and radio the past three days promoting this gig
but inside the venue the stalls is pretty full but only 400 out of 2000 tickets have been sold for the upstairs.
They are on stage for 1 hour 45 mins over two sets of 40 mins and 65 mins.
They have a big screen showing showing lots of great clips from their tv series.
Both Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork have wrote and sung on Monkees tracks so they
take Davy Jones vocal parts rather than get another singer in.
Lots of their gems played along with some pretty average tracks.
They still have plenty of friendly and funny stage banter.
An enjoyable show.
Full setlist played tonight...
Last Train to Clarksville
Your Auntie Grizelda
A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You
She
Mary, Mary
The Girl I Knew Somewhere
I'll Be Back on My Feet
For Pete's Sake
Randy Scouse Git
Words
No Time
--------------------Intermission-------------------
Tear the Top Right Off My Head (part of song only)
Last Train to Clarksville (Acoustic Bluesy Rendition)
Take a Giant Step
Sometime in the Morning
Midnight Train
Papa Gene's Blues
Porpoise Song
Long Title: Do I Have to Do This All Over Again?
Goin' Down
D.W. Washburn (The Coasters cover)
Sugar, Sugar (The Archies cover)(The Monkees turned down this track before The Archies recorded it)
Saved by the Blues
Daydream Believer
Listen to the Band
That Was Then, This Is Now (The Mosquitos cover)
(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone (Paul Revere and The Raiders cover)
Encore:
Pleasant Valley Sunday (Carole King cover)
I'm a Believer (Neil Diamond cover)
Friday 04 September 2015.
IRON MAIDEN release their new studio album 'The Book of Souls',their first for 5 years.
They will soon announce a massive world tour for 2016 with UK and European shows in the summer.
Tesco will become the first UK supermarket to revive the sale of vinyl records.
They mark the venture with the release of Iron Maiden's new album 'The Book of Souls',
which will be available to buy in 55 of Tesco's largest stores from Friday (September 4).
Thursday 03 September 2015...I went to two events tonight...
5.45pm to 7.45pm.
Brasserie Blanc re-opening party ,60 Threadneedle Street,Bank,London EC2.
A bit hidden away for a first time visitor as 60 Threadneedle Street itself is a huge new office block and
Brasserie Blanc is actually at the right side of it around the corner.
Brasserie Blanc in Threadneedle Street is a firm favourite in the area, with a bustling bar, friendly professional service, great French food, and an open kitchen adding a little theatre. All food is prepared from scratch by our skilled chefs, using the best possible ingredients, so you can order with confidence from our seasonal a la carte menu and our ever changing specials boards. The Menu Prix Fixe is currently not available in Threadneedle street. For meetings or special events, the mezzanine level with booth seating is perfect, and can be booked for exclusive use.
It has a great contemporary look and well worth a visit.
Complimentary prosecco,gin cocktails,wines,beers and as expected lots of lovely food including oysters.
www.brasserieblanc.com
Visit the Brasserie Blanc website here.
then we had a lovely walk over London Bridge checking out the great views along the river.
8pm to 10pm.
Walkers Crisps 'Bring It Back' launch party at Vinopolis, 1 Bank End,London SE1.
Crisp aficionados will be pleased to hear that Walkers are planning to revive a retro flavour from
their back catalogue of favourites.
But there's a catch, or a crunch if you will, only ONE flavour out of five popular retirees will stay back on the shelves.
And its up to you to decide.
What flavour would you bring back?
The British crisp giant are putting the decision to a public vote via their website.
The five flavours-beef and onion, cheese and chive, barbecue, lamb and mint and toasted cheese- are all back on shelves now but crisp fans must vote online to see their favourite flavour stay available.
And if any more incentive was needed to vote, £100,000 will be up for grabs for one lucky voter.
Around 200 folks are here at this retro themed party based on the 1980s and 1990s.
Football legend Gary Lineker was here with his son.
Gary has been the face of Walkers for around 20 years and has starred in all their tv adverts.
A fun party as we had space hopper racing,space invaders machines and pinball machines.
I had a few games of pinball which I love.
I never got around to buying a KISS pinball machine though I have played on one.
A dj is playing great tunes from the 1980s and 1990s.
Complimentary wines,beer,canapés and five staff on roller skates giving out the crisps themselves.
All guests got a goodie bag on leaving.
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