News and Reviews: 8th October 2015
Wednesday 07 October 2015...I went to two events tonight...7pm to 8.15pm.
Book launch at Christies,King Street,London SW1.
A very upmarket posh crowd of around 300 folks here including Elizabeth Hurley.
Also here was The Duchess of Rutland who made a speech and thanked everyone for coming.
The staff were handing out drinks in full tweed outfits which was a nice touch.
They showed great video clips of the castle and the gardens.
Complimentary champers and canapés for all guests.
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Capability Brown & Belvoir – Discovering a Lost Landscape
The new book by The Duchess of Rutland with Jane Pruden
Photographs by Nick Hugh McCann
Forward by Alan Titchmarsh
The Story of the Book
In the early 1800s, the Duke of Rutland’s gardens at Belvoir Castle – rumoured to be the work of Capability Brown (1716-1783) – were considered to be amongst the finest in the land. Since then they have been largely forgotten, until now. By chance, Brown’s astonishing plans for Belvoir -lost for nearly 200 years – were recently discovered in the archives. While at first glance, much of Brown’s design is still instantly identifiable in the landscape, closer scrutiny of his plans has revealed huge insights into his creative direction in the latter stages of his career. But how faithful was the implementation and why did it take over 45 years to complete?
then
8.30pm to 11pm.
'Made In Chelsea' cast and crew and friends screening at The Ham Yard Hotel,London W1.
Around 200 folks here at this venue with its own plush screening room.
For those of you that have not seen the show it's about
The lives and loves of a group of twenty-somethings who live in and around London's exclusive postcodes.
They all good with perfect teeth,hair and skin.
The locations are always quite good but the dialogue they use is a bit banal.
Before and after the screening of the first episode of the new series we had complimentary
wines,beers,canapés and ox cheek burgers.
A few of the cast members are here including Spencer Matthews,Ollie Locke,
Merk Francis Vandelli and others.
Tuesday 06 October 2015...I went to two events tonight...
Leo Sayer + Michael Armstrong live at The Hippodrome Casino,London WC2.
Up first we have Michael Armstrong as the support act who has finally brought out his
debut album after slogging away for more than a decade.
He played a guitar or keyboards with tracks from his album and a couple of cover versions.
Leo Sayer was very popular in the UK and America in the 1970s.
He had 13 x Top 40 hits in the UK and his hits in America included two number ones in 1977.
Leo was another artist who was ripped off in the 1970s so Leo sued his manager(Adam Faith)
and his record company (Chrysalis) in the 1980s.
I saw him play three shows in the 1970s including a show at Hammersmith Odeon in 1979
that was part of a five night stint by Leo at that venue.
Leo is on a full month long UK tour.
This is a lovely venue to see a band as it only holds 200 and everyone is close to the stage.
This was the second of two shows here but not sure why he chose such a small venue.
I suppose that way he can charge higher prices as tonight was £85,£75,£50 and £40.
Leo and his band are on stage for 1 hour 45 mins and the set is full of his old hits and a few tracks
from his new album in the middle of the set.
Now aged 67 Leo looks just as he did 40 years ago.
He has lots of great stage banter about getting old etc.
Leo plays some nice harmonica on a few tunes.
Lulu is here and she helped him out on vocals for one song.
The crowd were up and dancing for the last 30 mins.
It was a great show with loads of songs played from his heyday.
Full setlist played tonight...
Train
More Than I Can Say (The Crickets cover)
The Show Must Go On
One Man Band
Moonlighting
Orchard Road
Sometimes Things Go Wrong
Restless Years
How Did We Get So Old
To The River
Have You Ever Been in Love
Dreamin'......written by Leo and a hit for Cliff Richard.
Thunder in My Heart
You Make Me Feel Like Dancing...Lulu joined him to sing this in the crowd with both standing on chairs.
When I Need You (Albert Hammond cover)
Long Tall Glasses
How Much Love
Encore
Giving It All Away......written by Leo and a hit for Roger Daltrey.
Raining in My Heart (Buddy Holly cover)
watch the video here
▶ 3:44
Roger Daltrey guest stars on "The Leo Sayer Show" 20 Feb 1984.
Together they sing 'Giving It All Away'.
then
10.45pm to 12pm.
Specsavers Spectacle Wearer Of The Year 2015 Awards at 8 Northumberland Avenue,London WC2.
I went to the afterparty for this awards event from this well known high street opticians.
The host tonight was Bradley Walsh who was just winding up as i got there.
Around 400 folks here with lots of glammed up girls.
A few celeb faces including Emma Bunton,Louis Walsh,Twiggy,Brian McFadden,Jeff Banks,
Natasha Hamilton,Anne Robinson,Ritchie Neville,Joey Essex,Lizzie Cundy,Sarah Harding,Vicki Michelle and others.
Complimentary drinks and food still flowing along with a dj (Sarah Harding) playing tunes.
I had a couple of whiskey n cokes and some grub.
All guests got a goodie bag.
Tuesday 06 October 2015.
Following their announcement earlier this month that the iconic Bay City Rollers would be reuniting for a reunion tour, the original members Les McKeown, Alan Longmuir and Stuart Wood have now announced a huge London show to top it off.
They play Hammersmith Apollo on 30 Dec 2015.
They were one of the biggest bands in the world in the 1970s selling over 100 million records.
They had a big legal battle with Arista Records over unpaid royalties.
Mon 05 Oct---Happy Birthday to AC/DC singer Brian Johnson who is 68 today.
Mon 05 Oct---Happy Birthday to Bob Geldof who is 64 today.
Sunday 04 October 2015.
Weird Al Yankovic live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.
A rare London show on his world tour from Weird Al who is massive in America.
Since his first-aired comedy song in 1976, he has sold over 12 million albums.
His latest album, Mandatory Fun (2014), became his first number-one album on its debut week in America.
“Weird Al” Yankovic is the biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history. Now in his fourth career decade, he has won Grammys and countless accolades for classics like “Eat It,” “Like a Surgeon,” “Yoda,” “Smells Like Nirvana,” “Amish Paradise” and “White & Nerdy.” For the rollout of his 14th studio album, Mandatory Fun, Weird Al world-premiered eight videos in eight days, taking the Internet by storm. The videos, including parodies of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” (“Tacky”), Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” (“Word Crimes”), Lorde’s “Royals” (“Foil”), and Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” (“Handy”), garnered over 46 million views in the first week. Yankovic also set the U.S. record for having the most tracks from one album on Spotify’s viral top 10 at one time, taking the first 4 spots. In addition, “Word Crimes” debuted in the Billboard Top 40, making Al one of only three people to have had Top 40 singles in each of the last four decades (the other two are Michael Jackson and Madonna).
He always asks for permission from artists he spoofs and only Prince has turned him down
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Tonight the all seated venue is full.
Australian comedian Benny Boot did a decent 20 mins warm up set.
The merch stand is as busy as any rock gig.
Weird Al Yankovic arrives on stage at 8.25pm and is on stage for two hours.
He has a four piece band with him and a big screen.
Al is full of zany energy and there are loads of fast costume changes.
Between crazy costume changes there are funny clips on the big screen.
Like all comedy shows some bits work better than others but there were lots of fun had here.
Overall an enjoyable show.
Full setlist played tonight...
Tacky (Weird Al started singing outside the theatre then walked his way in through the crowd )
Lame Claim to Fame
Now That's What I Call Polka!.........Polka medley parody of Miley Cirus,Daft Punk and others.
Perform This Way..........parody of Born This Way by Lady Gaga
Dare to Be Stupid
Fat..........parody of Bad
First World Problems
Foil..........parody of Royals by Lorde
Smells Like Nirvana..........parody of Smells Like Teen Spirit
Party in the CIA / It's All About the Pentiums / Handy / Bedrock Anthem / Another One Rides the Bus / Ode to a Superhero / Gump / Inactive / eBay
Canadian Idiot..........parody of American Idiot
Wanna B Ur Lovr
Eat It / I Lost on Jeopardy / I Love Rocky Road / Like a Surgeon
(Acoustic medley, "Eat It" was played to the music of Eric Clapton's "Layla")
White & Nerdy.........parody of Eminem
Word Crimes..........parody of Blurred Lines
Amish Paradise..........parody of Gangsters Paradise
Encore:
We All Have Cell Phones
The Saga Begins..........parody of American Pie
Yoda..........parody of Lola
Saturday 03 October 2015.
David Gilmour live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
David Gilmour plays the last of five sold out shows at The Royal Albert Hall.
Check out my reviews from the first and third of his five shows.
His new album has got to number one in around 10 countries and has gone Top 10 in many more.
watch the video here
Pink Floyd re-union at Live 8 in Hyde Park July 2005...▶ 24:02...HD quality...
I was at this show and the rehearsals the day before in Hyde Park in front of a few hundred guests.
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Back at this famous venue to see David Gilmour for a third time on this tour.
Nice that there is an eight day gap since I saw last saw him.
Also i have watched it from three different viewing areas.
Still cannot get over the fact for that Friday 25th Sept show where i had a perfect view in the
nearest stalls block left of stage where there were around 20 unused seats in the guest list / members area.
Pretty criminal really when you think what a hot ticket these shows were.
David Gilmour and band arrive on stage at 7.46pm tonight.
It's the same 2 hours 30 mins on stage over two sets.
The crowd give out big cheers to the opening bars of any Pink Floyd classic.
The highlights for me are still 'Run Like Hell' and 'Comfortably Numb' which were amazing each night.
Of the three shows i saw the opening night would have to edge it as
the best one as David Gilmour was joined on vocals for three songs by David Crosby and Graham Nash.
Another great show.
I spotted David Gilmours promoter Harvey Goldsmith in the crowd.
Also in the crowd was top live music booking agent and Isle Of Wight Festival promoter John Giddings.
I know he is a big Pink Floyd fan but could David Gilmour be lined up to play Isle Of Wight?.
I have been told David Gilmour is to add more dates to the tour that will eventually finish in June 2016 and
Isle Of Wight Festival is held....in June...a slim chance maybe?.
Friday 02 October 2015.
Public Image Limited live at Shepherds Bush Empire,London.
PIL on a UK and European Tour to promote their new album 'What The World Needs Now'.
It entered the charts at number 29 on 11 Sept 2015 on its debut week.
Like the previous album it was recorded at Steve Winwood's studio in The Cotswolds.
For this show you can order an instant live cd of the gig and pick it up after the show ends.
I saw Public Image Limited first ever show on Christmas Day in 1978 at The Rainbow.
watch the video here
Public Image Limited single 'Double Trouble' released Friday 21 Aug 2015...▶ 4:07
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As the singer of The Sex Pistols there is no doubt John Lydon is 'The King Of Punk Rock'.
A nice and buzzing Friday evening down in The Bush.
PIL take to the stage just after 9pm and are on stage for 1 hour 45 mins.
Some things are the same as the last tour.
They have the huge PIL circular back drop behind on stage but it's navy blue instead of black.
John has brought his lyric book on stage to prompt him just in case.
John gargles whiskey every few songs for his throat then spits it into a bin.
The lighting is above and behind him but no spotlights from the front so his face is hidden a bit at times
or maybe that is to disguise the fact he wears glasses for some songs.
His usual band since 2009 are all still here and they really are top notch musicians.
The sound is fantastic and the band create create a fantastic dance vibe.
They have been touring every year so no surprise really.
John is on top form and there is plenty of fun banter.
A few new album tracks mixed in with older gems including great versions of
'Public Image' and 'Rise' for the encores.
A great show.
Full setlist played tonight...
Double Trouble
Know Now
This Is Not A Love Song
Deeper Water
Disappointed
The One
Poptones
Corporate
Death Disco
The Body
Warrior
Bags / Chant
One Drop
Religion
Encore:
Public Image
Rise
As expected quite a few folks here that I know.
Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook told me rehearsals are going well for his long awaited
re-union shows with his post Sex Pistols band The Professionals.
Thursday 01 October 2015...I went to two events tonight...
One of those nights where things did not really go to plan due to a late text coming in
at 6pm saying "big event with George Clooney and Cindy Crawford later" that sidetracked me.
The idea was to go to a gallery private view then maybe to a gig but
The Wombats at Alexandra Palace (hate the venue and a nightmare to get to from West London)
and Diana Krall at The Royal Albert Hall(pop jazz that is not that exciting) both did not grab me.
7pm to 8.15pm.
Alberto Burri private view at Mazzoleni Gallery,27 Albemarle Street,London W1.
Mazzoleni London announces its forthcoming landmark exhibition of works by Alberto Burri, on display from 2 October – 30 November. Burri was an undisputed master of 20th century art; his oeuvre brought a new language to Post-War art and his use of unconventional materials created a new aesthetic that paved the way for many younger artists.
Around 100 folks here who are mainly well dressed Italians.
Complimentary champers and wines for all guests.
then
We headed over to the George Clooney event and as expected there were security and police everywhere
so pretty much impossible to get in without an advance guest list sorted out.
The venue was the very nice Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair which is five star luxury.
I actually attended an amazing press event there a year ago when it first opened where we had a superb
four course dinner and various cocktails and Jarvis Cocker was on the next table to us.
The event was a late starting event as George Clooney had flown in from New York that day.
It was too late by then to head to a gig.
9pm to 10pm.
The Blind Spot bar showcase at St Martins Lane Hotel,London W1.
This bar in this luxury five star hotel used to be called The Light Bar.
A hidden entrance, carefully shadowed by day and illuminated by the energy of the city at night, leads guests behind the lobby’s tea counter into St Martins Lane’s newest golden cocktail sanctuary. Experience the enchanting and unknown with drinks by master mixologist Andrew Loudon and incredible bar snacks by Chef Tien Ho. Tea made its journey from Asia to Great Britain in the 1660s, forever linking the continents and inspiring our culinary palates. The link has never been more deliciously expressed than in this hidden gem of a bar. Blind Spot takes a cue from its external façade – the lobby tea counter –with signature cocktails inspired by flavours of the ancient tea trade and sweet and savoury British colonial-style snacks. Guests can meet for a quick pre-meeting bite or an express post-dinner cocktail, hidden in plain sight. Blind Spot offers modern British elegance with an intriguing Asian flavour, an innovation cross-culture of tea time and happy hour in a stirring, secluded atmosphere.
Complimentary cocktails and canapés in this cosy and cool lounge bar as a dj played in the background.
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Some info that came out the following day on the George Clooney and Cindy Crawford event.
George Clooney and Cindy Crawford joined forces in London as they launched Crawford's new book Becoming as well as Clooney's venture - Casamigos Tequila. Looking every inch the supermodel still, at 49, Crawford posed by a selection of iconic images from throughout her career, which feature in her coffee table book, as she welcomed A-listers including Lewis Hamilton, Mario Testino, Noel Gallagher and Jeremy Piven to The Beaumont, where guests were served with Casamigos Tequila infused cocktails. Co-founder of the drink brand Michael Meldman was also at the London launch, mingling with VIPs Melissa Odabash, Donna Air, Kelly Hoppen, Tamara Beckwith,David Furnish and others.
Wednesday 30 September 2015...I went to three events tonight...
6.30pm to 7.30pm.
'What's In Your DNA?' art auction at Christies,King Street,St James's,London SW1.
Around 300 smartly dressed folks here for this auction that benefits Cancer Research UK.
Folks here included designer Henry Holland and interior designer Celia Sawyer.
Complimentary champers,wines and nice canapés for all guests.
We left just as the folks sat down for the auction.
Between 29 June – 6 September 2015, 21 DNA-inspired double helix sculptures designed by some of the biggest names in art and design took to the streets of London, creating Cancer Research UK’s very first art trail in some of the capital’s most iconic locations.
The trail has now come to an end, and the sculptures are being auctioned to raise funds to complete the construction of the Francis Crick Institute, an exciting new biomedical research facility being built in London’s King’s Cross. The institute is named after Francis Crick, the British scientist who co-discovered the DNA double helix in 1953.
Nine of the double helix sculptures were sold in a live auction at Christie’s on 30 September. The remaining 12 unique sculptures are being sold, together with other donated artworks, in an online auction which runs until 13 October at 3pm.
www.cancerresearchuk.org
Visit the Cancer Research UK website for more info.
then
7.45pm to 9pm.
Bugatti showcase at Bugatti,24/26 Brompton Road,Knightsbridge,London SW1.
Around 100 folks here at this luxury store opposite Harrods.
Some very nice items here...with prices to match.
Complimentary champers and canapés for all guests.
Bugatti, the car manufacturer made immortal for producing the world’s fastest land car, the Veyron, has an ethos of ‘Arte, Forme, Technique’, meaning it champions outstanding design, engineering and function. Unsurprising, then, that the brand’s recent foray into clothing and accessory design is nearly as impressive as the Veyron itself. Nearly.
The collection, named after the company’s founding father Ettore Bugatti, features an comprehensive array of sharp tailoring, sumptuous knitwear, sturdy outerwear and beautifully crafted leather accessories, all available from the new Bugatti Lifestyle Boutique on Knightsbridge’s Brompton Road.
then
9.30pm to 11pm.
National Reality TV Awards at Porchester Hall,Bayswater,London W2.
Around 250 people here at this lesser known awards ceremony.
Pretty much all the girls are wearing stunning outfits and flashing the flesh.
The awards started earlier at 8pm so we missed 75% of them.
Its always a bit shambolic with folks chatting and walking about.
We had an X Factor finalist sing a song and a comedian from Britain's Got Talent did a routine.
There is always a few faces here including Kerry Katona ( who was really nice and friendly to all),
Sinitta (in a very revealing black gown),Calum Best,Lizzie Cundy,Antony Costa from Blue,Matthew Wright,
Penny Lancaster(Rod Stewarts wife),Caprice(one of Rod Stewart ex girlfriends),Bobby Davro,
Paul Danan,Bianca Gasgoine,Nikki Grahame and others.
Complimentary drinks for all guests.
All guests got a goodie bag.
Tuesday 29 September 2015...I went to three events tonight.
7pm to 8.15pm.
Seat Ibiza launch party at Carousel,17 Blandford Street,London W1.
Around 100 folks here in the basement of this three level restaurant and space.
Faces here included Zoe Hardman,Tyrone Wood(one of Ronnie Woods sons),
Diana Vickers,Brian McFadden,Ashley James,Lilah Parsons,Luke Friend and others.
Complimentary drinks and food including a couple of different cocktails,wines,beers,
bowl food and canapés.
Zoe Hardman helped out with dj duties.
An ok event but i must admit I was expecting a much bigger and better event for this one.
then
8.30pm to 9.30pm.
Tallia Storm 'Pop Girl' book launch party at Tape London,17 Hanover Square,London W1.
Around 100 folks here including a few of the guests from the previous event.
I missed the short set by Tallia Storm but the dj is still playing tunes.
Conor Maynard was here.
Complimentary cocktails and canapés here.
All guests got a complimentary copy of the book and a goodie bag.
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Pop Girl, Tallia Storm's debut novel, is published on 1st October 2015 by Scholastic UK.
A fictional tale based on the young singer's own experiences, it follows Storm Hall as she sets out to make a name in music, with the pitfalls and triumphs of being a teenager!
Back in the real work, Tallia Storm's life changed forever in 2012. After spontaneously leaving her demo with Sir Elton John's partner, David Furnish, in a hotel restaurant, the teen singer/songwriter was amazed when Sir Elton John called within 24 hours and invited her to open his football stadium concert in Scotland. She was just 13 years old. In the two years since, Storm has performed across the world with her trademark big hair and quirky, fearless sense of style and sound.
then
10pm to 11pm.
'Pure Imagination-The Songs Of Leslie Bricusse' opening press night afterparty at St James Theatre,London SW1.
Around 300 folks here for the party after the opening press/vip night.
Dame Joan Collins, her husband Percy Gibson, Petula Clark, Lord Jeffrey Archer, Eve Pollard,
Michael Brandon left the venue after the show and did not bother with the afterparty.
A few faces here at the party included Gloria Hunniford,Carol Thatcher,
Babs Powell(ex dancer in Pans People),Hayley Mills,Nanette Newman,Theo Fennell and a few others.
Leslie Bricusse is here with all the cast.
Complimentary wines and beers but no food.
I cannot remember the last time there was no food at a theatre afterparty.
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Leslie Bricusse was involved in many famous songs in the 1960s and 1970s.
Working solely as a lyricist, he collaborated with composer Cyril Ornadel on Pickwick (1963), based on Charles Dickens' The Pickwick Papers, a successful vehicle for Harry Secombe. Later collaborators included Henry Mancini (Victor Victoria in 1982) and John Williams (Hook in 1991). As composer and lyricist he scored the successful film Doctor Doolittle (1967), for which he received an Academy Award for Best Original Song ("Talk to the Animals"), and the less-successful Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969).
Sammy Davis, Jr. had hits with two of Bricusse's songs, "What Kind of Fool Am I?" (from Stop the World - I Want to Get Off) and the No. 1 hit "The Candy Man" (from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory).Other recording artists who have had popular success with his songs include Nina Simone ("Feeling Good"), Matt Monro and Frank Sinatra ("My Kind of Girl"), Shirley Bassey ("Goldfinger"), Harry Secombe ("If I Ruled the World"), Nancy Sinatra ("You Only Live Twice"), The Turtles ("A Guide for the Married Man"), Maureen McGovern ("Can You Read My Mind"), and Diana Krall ("When I Look in Your Eyes").
Bricusse partnered with George Tipton to write the opening theme of the US television series It's a Living.
The show features all his famous songs and is on until 17 October 2015.
Tuesday 29 September 2015.
Roger Waters 'The Wall' is in selected cinemas for one day only.
This production was one of the most successful live music tours of all time.
I saw this great show three times at The 02 Arena in 2011 and at Wembley Stadium in 2013.
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Today Roger Waters revealed he is working with the team behind Sir Elton Johns musical
'Billy Elliot' to bring a stage version of 'The Wall' to The West End.
Monday 28 September 2015.
Rod Stewart to play eight outdoor venues in June 2016 which will include some football stadiums.
Norwich City FC (4 June)
Plymouth Argyle FC (7 June)
Southampton Bowl (10 June)
Cardiff FC (11 June)
Hull KC Stadium (14 June)
Kilmarnock Rugby Club(17 June)
Inverness FC (18 June)
Carlisle FC (21 June)
Known for his love of football, Stewart has toured and played at football clubs across the UK for more than a decade but apart from Plymouth and Inverness all venues on the 2016 tour are new to Stewart and it will also see him play for the first time in Southampton at the home of Hampshire Cricket Club.
The tour announcement coincides with Stewart’s new album Another Country which is released on October 30.
Tickets go on sale Friday 02 October 2015.
Sunday 27 September 2015...I went to three events today...
3.15pm to 4.45pm.
THE JAM 'About The Young Idea' exhibition at Somerset House,The Strand,London WC2.
Today was the last day of The Jam exhibition at Somerset House.
Well worth a visit as it has around 10 rooms of band memorabilia.
Includes hand written lyrics, original stage outfits, personal photographs and footage, badges,
unreleased music videos, single and album covers from around the world and much more.
I went to the private view opening night a couple of months ago when guests that night included
Paul Weller,Bruce Foxton,Glen Matlock and Paul Cook.
Ex Jam drummer Rick Buckler was here this afternoon.
The Jam played their first London gig at The Fulham Greyhound.
I saw them six times between 1977 and 1980.
Paul Weller wrote so many great tunes at such a young age.
There is talk of it visiting other cities overseas including Tokyo.
then
5pm to 6pm.
I went to THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY,St Martins Place,London WC2.
Always good to have a wander around this prestigious gallery every now and then.
I am mainly here today to see the 20 photographs by Ringo Starr.
Even though he is an ex Beatle how can he have 20 photographs on display here?.
The reason is he is not part of the main works on display but his photos and the book to
go with it 'Photograph : Ringo Starr' are in a small room....by the gift shop.
Each has a print run of 25 and are signed by Ringo...they cost a snip at £1900 each...yikes.
then
I went to see the newly released film LEGEND which has got some great reviews.
Legend is a British crime thriller film written and directed by Brian Helgeland. The film is based on the book The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins by John Pearson,which deals with the rise and fall of the Kray twins; the relationship that bound them together, and charts their gruesome career to their downfall and imprisonment for life in 1969.
This is the fifth feature film directed by Helgeland. Tom Hardy, Emily Browning and Christopher Eccleston star with Paul Bettany, Colin Morgan, David Thewlis, Tara Fitzgerald, and Taron Egerton featured in supporting roles.
Tom Hardy does a fantastic job playing both the Kray twins.
It was on for around 2 hours 15 mins and very enjoyable.
Sunday 27 September 2015.
Check out these great album covers in Mosaic including
Sex Pistols 'Never Mind The Bollocks'.
www.themosaicstudio.com/#!tribute-series/c21p1
Visit the Mosaic Studio website here.
Saturday 26 September 2015.
The debut novel by Morrissey has been getting terrible reviews across the board.
Morrissey's first attempt at writing fiction has perhaps not been received in the way the singer may have hoped.
List Of The Lost, published by Penguin, is about a 1970s relay team who are cursed after murdering a demon.
It hit the shops on Thursday and is already being discussed by critics and fans alike.
Morrissey gave a hint to what it's about on his website True To You: "The theme is demonology ... the left-handed path of black magic.
"It is about a sports relay team in 1970s America who accidentally kill a wretch who, in esoteric language, might be known as a Fetch ... a discarnate entity in physical form."
Michael Hann of The Guardian was given the perhaps unenviable task of reading the novel and may now wish he hadn't.
"Do not read this book; do not sully yourself with it, no matter how temptingly brief it seems," he wrote.
"All those who shepherded it to print should hang their heads in shame, for it's hard to imagine anything this bad has been put between covers by anyone other than a vanity publisher.
"It is an unpolished turd of a book, the stale excrement of Morrissey’s imagination."
A sex scene in the book has also been mocked on social media after the phrase "bulbous salutation" was used.
One passage in particular reads, "Eliza and Ezra rolled together into the one giggling snowball of full-figured copulation, screaming and shouting as they playfully bit and pulled at each other in a dangerous and clamorous rollercoaster coil of sexually violent rotation with Eliza’s breasts barrel-rolled across Ezra’s howling mouth and the pained frenzy of his bulbous salutation extenuating his excitement as it smacked its way into every muscle of Eliza’s body except for the otherwise central zone."
In a statement, the Literary Review – who judge the Bad Sex In Fiction Award – described the book as a "obvious frontrunner" for the prize.
They added, "Morrissey's sex scene is an astonishing bid by a first time novelist for this year's Literary Review Bad Bad Sex In Fiction Award. It's convoluted, overwrought and profoundly unsexy. The List Of The Lost could have done with less of lust."
The Bad Sex in Fiction Awards are held in early December.
Friday 25 September 2015.
David Gilmour live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
David Gilmour plays the third of five sold out shows at The Royal Albert Hall.
This was the second time for me but scroll down for my review and setlist of his first show.
As predicted David's new album had gone straight at number one in the charts today.
Many bands would milk that fact on stage but David Gilmour did not say a word about it.
Like on Wednesday there are many overseas folks in the crowd.
As with the first night David and band arrive on stage dead on 7.48pm.
It says David Gilmour on the ticket but it was pretty much a Pink Floyd type show presentation.
Reading the tour programme it's clear there is a small army of folks putting this show together.
It's the same 2 hours 30 mins setlist over two sets of 65 mins and 85 mins.
Although this time we have no special guests joining him for any of the tracks.
David now aged 69 and is again wearing a simple black t-shirt.
He does not say much and prefers to let his amazing guitar playing do the talking.
The show is well paced with the first set pretty mellow then the second set gets a bit rockier.
Some great harmonies when all the band and backing singers singing together.
The sax player played his part with some nifty solos when needed.
Apart from the obvious classic tracks there are hidden gems in the set.
New album title track 'Rattle That Lock' ticks along very nicely.
The second half opens with 'Astronomy Domine' which is a mega psychedelic Floyd track from 1967.
Also 'Sorrow' a Floyd track from 1987 gets into a fab groove with wonderful guitar over the funky bass.
Again the crowd rush the front of stage for a blistering 'Run Like Hell'.
Again 'Comfortably Numb' was beyond mega as first green lasers spread out across the venue
and then red lasers spread out across the venue in a stunning finale.
Another great show.
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watch the video here
David Bowie featuring David Bowie 'Comfortably Numb'...► 9:28
HD and multi-camera from The Royal Albert Hall in 2006.
Thursday 24 September 2015...I went to two events tonight...
6pm to 7pm.
SIR BRUCE FORSYTH book launch at Fortnum and Mason,4th Floor,181 Piccadilly,London W1.
Around 100 folks here in this historic venue.
British showbiz legend now aged 87 is a television presenter and entertainer whose career spans 75 years. In 2012, the Guinness World Records recognised Forsyth as having the longest television career for a male entertainer.
I shook hands with Bruce and said "Thanks for entertaining the country for so many years".
His reply was "It's been my pleasure".
Carry On star Barbara Windsor joined her long-time friend Bruce Forsyth as he marked the release of his memoirs, 'Strictly Bruce: Stories of My Life'. The showbiz pair toasted the launch in Fortnum and Mason's Drawing Room alongside Forsyth's wife Lady Wilnelia (who is an ex Miss World winner in 1975) and jewellery designer Stephen Webster. The book takes a look at the stalwart entertainer's illustrious career through a collection of his favourite photographs.
Also here was Russ Abbott who was very popular on tv in the 1980s
Complimentary Fortnum and Mason champers and very nice canapés for all guests.
then
7.30pm to 10.15pm.
DRAKE & MORGAN bar and restaurant launch party at 6 Pancras Square,Kings Cross,London N1.
This venue really has the wow factor as it is absolutely massive as there must be 600 or 700 guests here over
the two levels and the outside terrace area.
The whole area has undergone a huge re-building programme so there are new bars and restaurants
along with new office buildings including the new Google HQ.
It was totally buzzing all night as the dj played dance tracks in the background.
Loads of complimentary drinks and food for all guests.
Pommery champers,prosecco,three different cocktails,wines and beers.
Yummy food included fish n chips,breaded lobster mac n cheese,BBQ pork skewers,Sirloin steak skewers,
chicken burgers and canapés.
All guests got a goodie bag.
Well worth a visit....it is a few mins walk behind the train/tube station.
www.drakeandmorgan-kings cross.co.uk
Visit the Drake & Morgan Kings Cross website here.
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The latest from Drake and Morgan - who also run the Folly, The Anthologist and the Fable - is coming to King's Cross, but this time they're keeping their own name. This new bar and restaurant will simply be called Drake and Morgan at King's Cross.
As for the place itself, it should have that familiar but different approach to their other venues. It'll be a bar and restaurant on two floors (with an outside terrace too) and they'll have one of their gourmet delis too. It'll also have "a fully-connected lounge for remote working" which may be useful for commuters plus a private dining room and what they're calling a series of bookable kitchen ‘pods’. Plus plenty of outside terrace seating (with blankets which may be handy when it opens).
Drinks-wise, there will be a new cocktail collection, plenty of craft beers on tap and the food is being headed up by head chef Dave Green who comes from Dean Street Town House and their exec chef Robert Mitchell - with the menu all based around the grill.
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This one I did not get along to but a friend text me some attendees.
Pele Exhibition 'Art,Life,Football' private view at Halcyon Gallery,144-146 New Bond Street,London W1.
Legendary footballer hosts exhibition to celebrate his 75th birthday.
It is on from 26 Sept to 18 Oct.
Pele himself was there and Ronnie Wood attended as he has three paintings in the exhibition.
Wednesday 23 September 2015.
David Gilmour live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
David Gilmour plays the first of five sold out shows at The Royal Albert Hall.
It's a very hot ticket as £100 floor seats are selling for £200 to £400 on touting websites.
These are his only shows in the UK apart from the warm up preview show in Brighton a couple of weeks ago.
I reckon this is a taster for him to come back next year for a full UK tour.
David Gilmour releases his new solo album 'Rattle That Lock' on 18 Sept 2015.
The album reviews have been pretty average overall---the album has three instrumental tracks.
In the midweek charts it is at number one spot in the run up to the Fri 25 Sept announcement.
The show will include old and new solo material along with lots of Pink Floyd classics.
He’ll be joined by guitarist Phil Manzanera, bassist Guy Pratt, keyboardists Jon Carin and Kevin McAlea,
drummer Stevie DiStanislao and backing vocalists.
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A nice stage production with a big circular screen showing pre-recorded images along with lights around it.
The show is on for around 2 hours 30 mins over two sets of 65 mins and 85 mins.
As a first night treat David is joined on vocals for three songs by David Crosby and Graham Nash.
This looks like a one off for tonight as they have just finished their UK tour and now head into mainland Europe.
They both watched all the show from side stage left where the roadies changing the guitars were.
In the main crowd i spotted Sir Tim Rice.
David Gilmour plays some fantastic guitar and his band are top notch.
Pretty amazing how many Pink Floyd classics we get in his show.
You would never get Paul Weller or Morrissey to do the same with the bands that made them famous.
It is of course the Floyd gems that go down the best.
From 'Run Like Hell' the crowd run down the front as David Gilmour puts on some sunglasses as i presume
to protect his eyes from the stunning barrage of lights on the stage for that song.
As usual 'Comfortably Numb' is beyond mega as the lasers spread across the venue.
A great show.
Full setlist played tonight...
Set 1:
5 A.M.
Rattle That Lock
Faces of Stone
Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd song)
A Boat Lies Waiting (featuring David Crosby and Graham Nash)
The Blue
Money (Pink Floyd song)
Us and Them (Pink Floyd song)
In Any Tongue
High Hopes (Pink Floyd song)
Set 2:
Astronomy Domine (Pink Floyd song)
Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts I-V) (Pink Floyd song)
Fat Old Sun (Pink Floyd song)
On an Island (featuring David Crosby and Graham Nash)
The Girl in the Yellow Dress
Today
Sorrow (Pink Floyd song)
Run Like Hell (Pink Floyd song)
Encore:
Time (Pink Floyd song)
Breathe (Reprise) (Pink Floyd song)
Comfortably Numb (Pink Floyd song) (featuring David Crosby and Graham Nash)
Tuesday 22 September 2015.
watch the video here
Morrissey 'Everyday is Like Sunday'...▶ 3:50
Multi-camera and High Definition...live from a few years ago...
Tuesday 22 September 2015
Libertine, égalité, fraternité… Pete Doherty, the reformed bad boy of British Indie, has shocked the French. It’s not anything to do with bad language, drunkenness or incorrect use of the word tu.
No. Doherty, 36, has abandoned the bright lights of Paris and the French Riviera to set up home in Melun, a dull commuter town south-east of the French capital.
One French news site suggested that this was equivalent to Serge Gainsbourg, the enfant terrible of French popular music in the 1960s and 1970s, choosing to live in Croydon.
The singer made the revelation in a conversation with a writer from the newspaper Le Parisien during the “Rock en Seine” music festival near Paris. He also startled the interviewer by standing up and urinating in the corner of his dressing room.
“Things were getting out of hand for me in Paris,” he said, in French. “I’ve got more space in Melun. The love of my life and her family are French. I like buying old stuff in the antique markets and playing pétanque [boules] in my garden.”
Melun, population 37, 835, is a sleepy commuter town with a struggling shopping street, a couple of malls and troublesome council estates.
For the Rugby World Cup the French team are staying at a hotel in......Croydon.
Monday 21 September 2015.
Morrissey live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.
Morrissey plays the second of two shows here so I am back to see him again.
Morrissey said last week that tonight is LIKELY be his last ever UK show....although i doubt it will be...
Tonight downstairs was full but the rear corner blocks in the circle have not been sold.
The atmosphere maybe not as crazy as it was last night but it still feels like a proper live music event.
We get the same music and film clips on the big screen and again Moz appears dead on 9.04pm.
He was on stage for 1 hour 35 mins and as expected he has changed the setlist by adding and dropping
a few songs and playing other songs in different order.
The band really are top notch,they remind me of The Bad Seeds a bit.
When Morrissey talks between songs the whole venue goes dead quiet.
Morrissey is never going to play a greatest hits set of any kind so like last night we get
a few tracks from last year’s 'World Peace Is None of Your Business' album.
It gets very lively down the front for the last couple of songs as folks try to get on the stage and hug him.
Again security let them touch hands with Morrissey but there was no hugging Morrissey on stage tonight.
Morrissey threw his shirt into the crowd at the end again as usual.
Russell Brand was sitting a couple of rows in front of me.
Another really good show.
Full setlist played...
You'll Be Gone (Elvis Presley cover)
Let the Right One Slip In
Suedehead
Speedway
Ganglord
Boxers
World Peace Is None of Your Business
Kiss Me a Lot
Staircase at the University
Alma Matters
Will Never Marry
My Dearest Love
The Bullfighter Dies
The World Is Full of Crashing Bores
Oboe Concerto
Meat Is Murder (The Smiths song)
Now My Heart Is Full
Mama Lay Softly on the Riverbed
I Will See You in Far-Off Places
Everyday Is Like Sunday
Encore:
The Queen Is Dead (The Smiths song)
Sunday 20 September 2015.
Morrissey live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.
First of two shows at this venue for Moz.
Although I have seen Morrissey play solo a dozen times I never got round to seeing The Smiths.
I think it was due to me being busy working shows front of stage security at Hammersmith Odeon in the 1980s.
I was working front stage when he played here in 1991 and he asked the security to leave the front
even though there were the usual stage jumpers...this resulted in broken seats and a £2000 bill for Morrissey.
This time the stalls will be stalls standing as they didn't have this option back then.
Also in 1995 i saw him as the support act to David Bowie at Wembley Arena.
Also in 2002 at Brixton Academy when Morrissey was supported by...The Libertines.
Morrissey now charging top dollar as tickets for this show are £75,£65,£55 plus booking fees.
The higher than normal ticket prices have upset a few fans.
On 17 Sept Morrissey issued this statement...
Morrissey has commented:
"There is absolutely no way that we can generate any interest from record labels in the United Kingdom, therefore the imminent two nights at Hammersmith are likely to be our final ever UK shows. We are obsessively grateful for all interest and loyalty from our audience ... throughout 28 years ... but without new releases, there is no point in any additional touring. Thank you for so many absolutely incredible times. The pleasure and privilege is mine ... "
watch the video here
Morrissey - 'Everyday Is Like Sunday'...official video...
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Get to the venue and tonight is a totally rammed sold out 5000 capacity crowd.
The floor standing is heaving and the circle is all sold.
My security mate said folks have been arriving since early morning from all over the UK to get in
the queue for those prized front stalls standing places so they might touch hands with Moz.
Morrissey loyal fans as usual make it a fantastic atmosphere with chants of
"Morrissey,Morrissey,Morrissey" throughout the evening.
At around 8.30pm we have 34 mins of classic music and film clips on the big screen from the likes of
The Ramones,New York Dolls,Leo Sayer and Charles Aznavour.
Morrissey took to the stage at 9.04pm and was on stage for around 1 hour 40 mins but
that included a power cut for three or four minutes near the end of the main set.
After the power cut Morrissey came back on stage and said..
''Can you hear me now? It's a conspiracy! It's Buckingham Palace! They're gonna get me! And I'm not kidding either!''.
We have a big screen showing pre-recorded images.
His band were great although only Boz Boorer on guitar is the only British member.
You cannot take your eyes off Morrissey.
The show started brilliantly with 'Suedehead' and 'Alma Matters' and then ticked along nicely.
'Meat Is Murder' was excellent and the graphic video could easily put you off meat forever.
The highlight for me was 'Everyday Is Like Sunday' with all the crowd signing loudly along.
It got very lively down the front during the end as folks tried to get on stage but a small army of
security chaps in the pit and on the stage did a good job of not letting one person on stage so a chosen few
got an outstretched touch by Moz.
At the end Morrissey even gave out a bit of self promotion by saying that "part 2 of the Battle of Britain will be
on this stage tomorrow, so if you're cycling by, why not come along to the show".
A couple of celebs were spotted who were David Walliams and Linda Robson(Birds Of A Feather).
A really good show.
Full setlist played...
Suedehead
Alma Matters
Speedway
Ganglord
Staircase at the University
Kiss Me a Lot
World Peace Is None of Your Business
I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris
Istanbul
The World Is Full of Crashing Bores
I'm Not a Man
The Bullfighter Dies
Mama Lay Softly on the Riverbed
Yes, I Am Blind
Oboe Concerto
I Will See You in Far-Off Places
Meat Is Murder (The Smiths song)(graphic video played on the big screen)
You'll Be Gone (Elvis Presley cover)(followed by the power cut for a few mins)
Everyday Is Like Sunday
Encore:
What She Said (The Smiths song) (with "Rubber Ring" outro)
At the end of the show Morrissey threw his shirt into the crowd as usual.
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