News and Reviews: 28th October 2015
Wednesday 28 October 2015...6.45pm to 9pm...Terry O'Neill 'Bond and Beyond' book launch and private view at Ransom Gallery,105 Pimlico Road,London SW1.
One of the UK's most famous photographers of the 1960s and 1970s has a new limited edition book out.
On the walls are some great photographs from the book.
My fave photo would have to be a young Joanna Lumley in her underwear pointing a gun.
Joanna Lumley was a Bond Girl in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969).
A nice buzzy atmosphere here with the crowd spilling out on to the pavement.
A nice touch by the gallery to have outdoor heaters for those outside on the pavement.
Terry O'Neill is here and still looking in good shape.
Complimentary Laurent Perrier champers,wines and canapés for all guests.
The free exhibition is on until 11 November 2015.
Nearest tube is Sloane Square and then it is a 5 mins walk.
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Terry O'Neill now aged 77 is an English photographer. He gained renown documenting the fashions, styles, and celebrities of the 1960s. O'Neill's photographs display his knack for capturing his subjects candidly or in unconventional settings. His work has also been featured in numerous exhibitions. He was awarded The Royal Photographic Society's Centenary medal 'in recognition of a sustained, significant contribution to the art of photography' in 2011.
He took many famous photos of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones in the 1960s.
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Bond and Beyond is an intimate, behind-the-scenes insight into the making of the Bond films, with portraits that Terry O'Neill has shot, from the 1960s to the present day. It features iconic Bonds: from Sean Connery to Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. Among the images are photographs of the stunning Bond girls, such as Ursula Andress, Honor Blackman and Joanna Lumley.
Tuesday 27 October 2015...I went to two events tonight...
7pm to 8.15pm
Daisy London x Laura Whitmore - launch party at Tape London, 17 Hanover Square, London, W1.
London jewellery brand Daisy host a party to launch Laura Whitmore's new collection with them.
Laura Whitmore is here.
Singer Ella Eyre is here.Her UK tour includes a 10 Nov show at Brixton Academy.
Also here were Millie Mackintosh and Pam Hogg.
Female djs are playing tunes to the mainly female crowd.
Complimentary presecco,different cocktails,wines,beers,burgers and canapés.
The two bar staff were working their nuts off as it got busy here.
All guests got a goodie bag here.
Daisy London’s phenomenal success story has resulted in a global distribution network spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, Central America and the USA.
The brand is stocked in over 500 locations worldwide, including independent jewellers, fashion boutiques, major department stores, 5* hotel chains, luxury wellness centres and premium airlines. Daisy London continues to explore, discover and innovate.
www.daisyjewellery.com
Visit their website here.
then
8.30pm to 10.30pm
Cointreau Creative Crew - launch party at Hotel Cafe Royal,Regent Street,London W1.
A big crowd of around 300 folks at this five star luxury hotel.
French supermodel turned actress Laetitia Casta is here.
Cointreau and Laetitia Casta announce their creative partnership. Cointreau, the definitive orange liqueur, and the French actress, emblematic of Parisian style, join forces as the House of Cointreau appoints Laetitia Casta as Creative Director.
Cointreau and Laetitia Casta are crafting a unique creative program that will spawn a wealth of projects, each conveying the essence of the partnership in a way that is both avant-garde and inspiring.
We have a couple of acoustic songs from a singer called Charlie Winston.
Charlie Winston is an English singer-songwriter based in London who has released four albums.
Winston has so far had his most significant commercial success in France.
Laetitia Casta joined him on stage for a dance.
Ella Eyre has followed me up here from the previous party but did not stay long.
Other guests here included Charli XCX,Dionne Bromfield,Natalie Pinkham,Ella Catliff,Donna Air,
Linzi Stoppard,Henry Conway,Noelle Reno,Caprice,Immodesty Blaize,Michelle Gayle,
Brix Smith-Start and Louise Adams(sister of Victoria Beckham).
Djs playing tunes and a dozen folks are dancing.
Complimentary Cointreau cocktails for all and you could order at one bar as normal or at the other bar
where you made your own with various ingredients.
Also lots of nice bowl food,canapés and pastries.
All guests got a goodie bag.
www.cointreau.com
Visit their website here
Monday 26 October 2015...6pm to 9.30pm...
Press launch party for Upstairs in Boston at 68 and Boston, 5 Greek Street, Soho,London W1.
This very nicely decorated venue is split over two floors.
On the ground floor is 68 the wine bar and on the first floor is Boston the cocktail bar.
A cosy buzzing vibe here and we have a bit of a Halloween theme.
It is in the heart of Soho with music venues The Borderline and Ronnie Scott's nearby so
well worth popping in here for a couple of drinks before a gig.
We have a choice of five different cocktails,Pertois-Moriset champers and some nibbles.
One of the five cocktails is a Squid Ink Martini.
My fave was The Trader which included Bacardi with vanilla and coffee and other juices.
A very enjoyable evening.
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> 68 AND BOSTON has just opened. The adventurous new destination is
> created by three leading names in nightlife, wines and cocktails: Eric
> Yu of The Breakfast Group, whose other successful West End outlets
> include Opium and The Social; Martin Malley, co-owner of Planet of the
> Grapes; and Luca Cordiglieri, formerly bar manager at China Tang at
> The Dorchester. On the ground floor, the all-day wine bar ‘68’
> features a list of quality wines, all priced at £20 per bottle.
> Upstairs, the late night cocktail bar ‘Boston’ offers classics and
> originals from £10. Bar food is created by a highly rated neighbour
> restaurant.
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> 68 – Expect a radical take on the concept of a traditional wine bar:
> wines are modestly priced at £20 a bottle, and all will be available
> by the glass. Denise Medrano aka. wine blogger The Wine Sleuth is one
> of the main hosts in 68.
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> BOSTON – Luca Cordiglieri brings his impeccable experience and
> classy welcome from The Dorchester, and prior to that, Harvey Nichols.
> He is also President of the UK Bartenders’ Guild. Luca now creates
> his own ultimate Soho space, and with head bartender, bright new name
> Josh Powell, they have devised a dream list of original cocktails.
> Expect a suave and buzzy mood with a new generation of bartenders in
> white tuxedos. Be surprised by vermouths, sherry, riesling, white port
> or malbec harmonizing with premium spirits and fresh housemade
> infusions.
www.68andboston.com
Visit the 68 and Boston website here.
Saturday 24 October 2015.
Sunshine of Your Love concert at The Roundhouse,London.
Sunshine of Your Love - A Concert Celebrating the Life and Music of Jack Bruce.
Sunshine of Your Love is a tribute concert to the late Jack Bruce on the first anniversary of his sad death.
Jack Bruce played with many bands but is best known as bass player and co-singer in Cream.
Bruce co-wrote most of Cream's single releases with lyricist Pete Brown, including the hits "Sunshine of Your Love", "White Room" and "I Feel Free". Cream broke up in 1968 after only a couple of years together.
I was lucky enough to have seen all four Cream reunion shows at The Royal Albert Hall in May 2005.
The concert at the Roundhouse is in aid of Jack’s favourite charity, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Artists : Ginger Baker, Joss Stone, Phil Manzanera, Ian Anderson, Vernon Reid, Mark King, Liam Bailey,
Bernie Marsden,Hugh Cornwell,Neil Murray,Clem Clempson,Uli Jon Roth and Jack Bruce’s Big Blues Band.
The Musical Director tonight is Nitin Sawhney.
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Tonight is sold out and i get a great view second row from the stage on the right.
A bizarre sight appears before the show as a woman in the front row is doing some knitting and worse
continues doing it in the interval and even worse her husband/partner is putting up with it...very rock n roll eh?...
We have a few words from Jacks widow and she tells us 35 musicians will be on stage during the evening.
The show is on for 2 hours 25 mins over two sets of 60 mins and 95 mins.
We have a couple of house bands backing the musicians and one of them is Jacks own band.
We have a big screen showing live footage of tonight so expect a DVD to come out at some stage.
Also we get shown a few Jack Bruce video clips between changeovers.
Pretty much a different line-up on stage with a backing band for each song so tricky to keep a note.
Ginger Baker turned up for the last two songs as a second drummer but during 'Sunshine of Your Love'
he abruptly left the stage for no reason so Gingers behaviour seems to be nutty as usual.
Nitin Sawhney did a good job of hosting as he introduced everyone for each song.
An enjoyable evening.
First set..
1.Mark King,Clem Clempson with backing band.
2.Mark King,Uli Jon Roth with backing band (I Feel Free)
3.Ian Anderson with backing band
4.Bernie Marsden with backing band
5.Jacks daughter sings a track on the keyboards
6.Bernie Marsden,Clem Clempson,Neil Murray with backing band (White Room)
7.Hugh Cornwell with backing band
8.Mark King,Clem Clempson with backing band
9.Vernon Reid,Neil Murray,Liam Bailey with backing band (Politician)
Second set...
Video messages from the likes of Ringo Starr,Charlie Watts and Gary Husband.
10.Mark King,Vernon Reid with backing band (No Surrender)
11.Female singer sings a track
12.Phil Manzanera,Corin Bruce with backing band
13.Ian Anderson,Bernie Marsden with backing band (Tickets to Waterfalls)
14.Clem Clempson with female singer with backing band
15.One of Jacks daughters sings (Folk Song)
16.Liam Bailey,Mark King,Uli Jon Rith with backing band (Badge)
17.Bernie Marsden with female singer with backing band
18.Bernie Marsden,Phil Manzanera,Neil Murray,Liam Bailey with backing band (I'm So Glad)
19.Joss Stone with backing band (Never tell your mother she's out of tune)
20.Ginger Baker,Neil Murray,Phil Manzanera,Ian Anderson,Jacks daughter on vocals with backing band
21.Ginger Baker and most of the musicians on stage for (Sunshine of Your Love)
At the end most of the musicians including Ginger Baker took a bow front of stage.
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A new collection of the best of Jack Bruce is released on the first anniversary of his sad death.
'Sunshine of Your Love---A Life In Music'.
This 2CD set collates 35 fantastic tracks showcasing the career of a legend - from his work with Cream and much more.
Friday 23 October 2015.
Bob Dylan and his Band live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
Bob Dylan plays the third of five sold out shows at this venue.
I am back to see it for a second time after going to the opening show.
Again it's a prompt 7.30pm start time although it finished at 9.32pm which was a couple of minutes
later than the first show but that could have been the longer wait to come back for an encore.
As expected it is exactly the same setlist and Bob is even wearing the same fedora hat and spats shoes.
Scroll down to the first show for the full setlist.
His band are great again with a special mention for the superb steel guitar playing.
His current vocal style will still not be liked by non fans but sometimes you just have be thankful
you are in the same room watching one of the greatest songwriters in our lifetime.
Still going strong after more than 50 years and still doing it his way.
As the glowing review from The Standard said "this was a legend being legendary".
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This was Bob Dylan's fourth set of dates at this legendary venue.
He played famous shows here in 1965 and 1966 as well as recent shows in 2013 and 2015.
Thursday 22 October 2015...I went to two events tonight,..
7pm to 9pm.
David Collins Studio 30th Birthday Party and Private View at Phillips Gallery, 30 Berkeley Square,London W1.
Around 300 folks at this huge gallery space.
Folks here included Peter York,Jackie St Clair and Amanda Wakeley.
David Collins Studio are the leading architects and designers for luxury interior design.
The exhibition has many stunning photographs of the hotels,stores,restaurants and bars that they have worked on.
They have worked on over 200 venues including more than 50 in London.
Complimentary vodka cocktails,gin cocktails,Nyetimber sparkling wines and beers for all guests.
A very nice buzzing event.
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Imagine a London without Claridge’s Bar, the Wolseley, J Sheekey, Nobu or Bob Bob Ricard. Or even without Pret a Manger, Eat or Harrods' 'Shoe Heaven'. Not only would it fail to be half as vibrant a city, but it wouldn’t be London. These spaces, and the myriad others designed by David Collins Studio over the last 30 years, define some of the most iconic aspects of London’s hospitality sector.
This week, Phillips auction house is hosting a special two-day exhibition, marking three decades since the late interior designer David Collins (1955 – 2013) first established the eponymous studio. Curated by Wallpaper’s own Nick Vinson, with sets designed by Leila Letchin (another alumni of this publication), ‘Past Present Future’ provides a chance to celebrate and showcase the studio’s body of work since its inception in 1985.
David Collins has long been known for his clever use of colour, and famously once said that he would never use a colour not found in nature (though thanks to his extensive travels, nature’s natural spectrums never proved too limiting).
As the title suggests, 'Past Present Future' will also provide an opportunity to explore the studio’s current and upcoming projects, many of which are phenomenal in scale.
Now under the leadership of its senior management team (and guardians of the company's heritage) – Iain Watson, Simon Rawlings, David Kendall and Lewis Taylor – David Collins Studio continues to evolve and grow at an impressive rate.
Staying true to Collins’ ethos and trademarks – glamorous materials, extensive and often surprising attention to detail and that all-important flattering lighting – the designers continue to redefine interior design on a global scale. New projects include the Alexander McQueen flagship stores (most recently the duplex on Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, but also including spaces in Miami, London, New York and Tokyo), the Continental restaurant at Pacific Place Hong Kong, and the Garden Lounge at the Corinthia Hotel, London.
www.davidcollins.com
Visit the David Collins Studio website here.
then
9.15pm to 10pm.
Little Black Dress new collection press launch at Hotel Cafe Royal,Regent Street,London W1.
It's that time of year when the girls have got to get out their LBD or buy a new Little Black Dress for
the upcoming party season and there is a nice full selection on display here.
As expected it is mainly females here in this luxury five star hotel.
Alesha Dixon was here as was Made In Chelsea's Rosie Fortescue, Tallia Storm, Olivia Cox
and Miss Great Britain Zara Holland.
Complimentary cocktails and wines for all guests.
All guests got a goodie bag on leaving.
www.littleblackdress.co.uk
Visit the Little Black Dress website here.
Thursday 22 October 2015.
The Standard,The Guardian and The Telegraph all gave Bob Dylan's opening RAH show 5 stars.
Their reviews are all up on the web.
The Standard said Ronnie Wood was there.
Wednesday 21 October 2015.
Bob Dylan and his Band live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
Bob Dylan plays the first of five sold out nights at The Royal Albert Hall.
Music legend who is now aged 74 is on a UK and European Tour to promote his recent album.
'Shadows in the Night' is the thirty-sixth studio album by Bob Dylan, released by Columbia Records on February 3, 2015.
The album consists of covers of traditional pop standards made famous by Frank Sinatra, chosen by Dylan.
I have seen Bob Dylan live over 25 times with the first being in 1978 where i saw a couple
of his legendary Earls Court Arena shows.
Of his most recent London shows i saw him at The 02 Arena and The Roundhouse in 2009 and
two of the three shows he played at The Royal Albert Hall in 2013.
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Bob Dylan back at the RAH and the venue is totally rammed sold out.
Bobs Never Ending Tour (at least 76 dates every year since 1988), shuffled into London for the first time since 2013.
He is attracting younger generations as well as the usual older fans.
Another one of those shows with lots of overseas folks here.
The loyal fans down the front treat Dylan as more of a calling than a hobby.
It's an early start early finish gig as 7.30pm prompt start and all over at 9.30pm.
Bob and his great band are on stage for 1 hour 40 mins over two sets of 45 mins and 55 mins.
Bob is sometimes singing standing up and sometimes playing a harmonica or sometimes behind the piano.
He still retains that mystery with a light show that pretty much avoids his face and by not saying anything
to the crowd all evening but he does give out smiles and body gestures including a Fonz like stance.
Bob Dylan shows can be a bit underwhelming due to mumbled lyrics,changing songs beyond recognition
and a refusal to play more than a couple of his older classics but tonight his voice is much clearer which
could be down to the cover versions he played tonight which included an Irving Berlin track and a few
Frank Sinatra tracks from his new album.
The fans give him a standing ovation whatever he does but with more recent shows hovering around
an 8 score for me this show would be more of a 9 score as his vocals were great.
Has to be the best Dylan show i have seen for at least 10 years.
Full setlist played...
Set 1:
Things Have Changed
She Belongs to Me
Beyond Here Lies Nothin'
What'll I Do (Irving Berlin cover)
Duquesne Whistle
Melancholy Mood (Frank Sinatra cover)
Pay in Blood
I'm a Fool to Want You (Frank Sinatra cover)
Tangled Up in Blue
Set 2:
High Water (For Charley Patton)
Why Try to Change Me Now (Cy Coleman cover)
Early Roman Kings
The Night We Called It a Day (Frank Sinatra cover)
Spirit on the Water
Scarlet Town
All or Nothing at All (Frank Sinatra cover)
Long and Wasted Years
Autumn Leaves (Yves Montand cover)
Encore:
Blowin' in the Wind
Love Sick
Wednesday 21 October 2015.
This day 39 years ago.
Keith Moon played his final tour date with the Who on Oct. 21, 1976, at the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. It was the final date on the band’s 1976 tour. Within two years, Moon would be found dead from an overdose of Heminevrin, a sedative used to combat his alcoholism. Though Moon would perform with the Who in a couple of special gigs filmed for use in the documentary, The Kids Are Alright, this would be his last official Who date.
I was lucky enough to see Keith Moon play with The Who three times in 1975 and 1976.
Tuesday 20 October 2015...I went to three events tonight...
6.30pm to 7.15pm.
'Second-Hand Stories' by Josh Spero book launch at Bonham's,101 New Bond Street,London W1.
Around 150 folks here with complimentary Nyetimber sparkling wines and nibbles.
Peter York was here.
Peter York is a management consultant, author and broadcaster most famous for co-authoring Harpers & Queen's The Official Sloane Ranger Handbook with Ann Barr. He is also a columnist for The Independent on Sunday, GQ and Management Today.
What the author said....
Every second-hand book you have has a story. It has been owned by one or more people before you, and each of them has a life filled with love, loss, drama and conflict, sometimes on a grand international scale, other times intensely personal. Those are exactly what I found in the lives of the people who used to own my books – and they’re the stories I want to share with you.
As I studied Latin and Greek at university, I went through all my second-hand Classics books, examining the hand-written names and bookplates for clues. What I came up with, after I had tracked down eleven previous owners, was a set of astonishing personal and public stories from around the world, covering a century of triumphs, disasters and intimacies.
then
7.30pm to 8.45pm.
Nanny & Butler launch party at Rosanna UK, 17 Duke Street,London W1.
Nanny & Butler is a leading global Bespoke Search Consultancy. Based in London and Rome they are the leader in the placement of Household Staff. With many years of experience we are able to provide you with a complete bespoke service offering you quality placements that will match your specific personal requirements.
Around 100 smartly dressed folks in this award winning kitchen planning & installation space over two levels.
Complimentary Moncler champers and canapés for all the guests.
In the crowd was up and coming singer Rene Byrd who has a new single out in a couple of weeks titled
'Never,Never,Never' and features reggae legend John Holt which is the last recording he made before he passed away.
www.renebyrd.com
Visit the Rene Byrd website for more info
-------------------------
www.nannybutler.com
Visit the Nanny & Butler website here for more info.
then
9.15pm to 11.30pm.
'The Lobster' film press screening in Soho,London W1.
I should get along to more press film screenings but other things end up taking priority.
This film stars Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz and has got plenty of great five and four star reviews.
In a dystopian near future, single people, according to the laws of The City, are taken to The Hotel, where they are obliged to find a romantic partner in forty-five days or are transformed into beasts and sent off into The Woods.
I must say it is a bit of a bonkers film but it is original,funny,clever and very entertaining.
If you can keep your eyes open for the final scene when Colin Farrell goes into the bathroom you are
a braver person than me.
The film is in cinemas now.
Tuesday 20 October 2015.
Happy Birthday to Tom Petty who is 65 today.
Monday 19 October 2015...I went to two music awards events today...
12.30pm to 5pm.
Q Awards 2015 at The Grosvenor House Hotel,Park Lane,London W1.
Annual music awards event that always gets a great number of known musicians.
A full red carpet outside with 100 press and photographers along with 50 autograph hunters.
Inside it's around 500 seated at 50 tables for complimentary drinks and a three course dinner.
I am on a friendly table near the back.
The vodka cocktails and lager drinks came from the band Queen who have licensed their name out.
There was also wines on the table.
Reception drinks for an hour,then the awards,then dinner,then an hour of mingling.
Sex Pistol Glen Matlock presented Best Live Act to Royal Blood.
Glen was on the same table as Midge Ure,Kim Wilde and Geoff Travis from Rough Trade.
Chris Martin presented Noel Gallagher with Best Album.
Tony Iommi was on the same table as Gary Numan.
Tom Jones was on the same table as La Roux.
Other guests here presenting or just hanging out included Bobby Gillespie and a couple of Primal Screams,
Jean Michel Jarre,Corinne Bailey Rae,Foxes,Ella Eyre,Tim Burgess from The Charlatans,
Danny Goffey ex Supergrass,Charli XCX,Circa Waves,Everything Everything,Gabrielle Aplin,
Jess Glynne,Miguel,Slaves,Soak and Years & Years.
There was a fun photo booth here where you held a guitar with stage wear etc.
All guests got a goodie bag which included a t-shirt from The Cavern Club who were another sponsor.
An excellent event.
All the winners were here apart from Ed Sheeran and Florence + The Machine
The event was hosted by Christian O'Connell from Absolute Radio
Q Best Act in the World Today, presented Queen Bohemian Lager---Foals
Q Best Solo Artist presented by Citroën---Ed Sheeran
Q Best New Act, presented by Orange Amplification---James Bay
Q Best Track, presented by Absolute Radio---The Libertines for Gunga Din( three Libs here but not Pete)
Q Best Album, presented by JBL---Noel Gallagher
Q Hero---Mark Ronson
Q Best Live Act, presented by The Cavern Club---Royal Blood
Q Classic Song---Queen for Bohemian Rhapsody(Roger Taylor only Queen member here)
Q Classic Album---Soul II Soul for Club Classics Vol. One
Q Innovation in Sound, presented by Sony Xperia---Winner: Gary Numan
Gibson Les Paul Award---Tony Iommi
Q Outstanding Contribution To Music--- New Order
Q Icon---Duran Duran
Q Best Video---Florence + The Machine for Ship To Wreck
www.qthemusic.com
Visit the Q Magazine website here for photos,quotes and more on the awards.
then
7pm to 8.30pm.
BMI Awards 2015 at The Dorchester Hotel,Park Lane,London W1.
This awards event celebrates songwriters and publishers.
In 2013 i attended when John Lydon got the main Icon Award.
Complimentary Laurent Perrier champers for all guests.
The main Icon Award tonight went to Graham Gouldman who co-wrote 10cc hits in the 1970s.
Before joining them he wrote a string of hit songs for other acts, many of them million sellers.
Between 1965 and 1967 alone he wrote "For Your Love", "Heart Full of Soul" and "Evil Hearted You" for the Yardbirds, "Look Through Any Window" (with Charles Silverman) and "Bus Stop" for the Hollies, "Listen People", "No Milk Today" and "East West" for Herman's Hermits, "Pamela, Pamela" for Wayne Fontana, "Behind the Door" for St. Louis Union (covered by Cher), "Tallyman" for Jeff Beck and "Going Home", which was a 1967 Australian hit for Normie Rowe.
A few other faces here including Lisa Stansfield,Mark King(Level 42),Sir Tim Rice and John Newman.
Legendary songwriter Don Black here as usual.
Black is perhaps best-known for his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, and for the James Bond theme songs he co-wrote with composer John Barry: "Thunderball", "Diamonds Are Forever" and "The Man with the Golden Gun".
Most of the awards here are given to European songwriters and publishers who have had multi million plays
of their tracks on the radio in America.
Monday 19 October 2015.
40 years ago today in 1975 i saw Blue Oyster Cult and Motörhead play Hammersmith Odeon.
This was one of Motorheads earliest shows.
Sunday 18 October 2015.
Happy Birthday to Chuck Berry who is 89 today.
Saturday 17 October 2015.
Tony Christie + Ranagri live at The Beck Theatre,Hayes,Middlesex.
Now aged 72, Tony Christie was popular in the 1970s.
He has had a few Top 40 hits and is best known for the hits 'Avenues and Alleyways',
'I Did What I Did for Maria' and of course '(Is This The Way To) Amarillo'.
He was ignored by the UK in the 1980s and 1990s and moved to Spain for a decade until the likes of
Jarvis Cocker,Peter Kay and Richard Hawley gave him some much needed credibility.
During that time he continued to have hit albums in Germany.
The re-issue of '(Is This The Way To) Amarillo' was the best selling single of 2005 in the UK.
A couple of years after that i saw Tony Christie headline The Royal Albert Hall.
His latest album 'The Great Irish Song Book' was released on Wrasse / Universal Music Group on September 18th.
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Always nice to be at this cosy 600 capacity all seated tiered venue on the outskirts of West London.
Shame it does not get more current bands.
As expected it is mainly an older audience.
The show was split into three parts.
RANGARI from West London played 30 mins of their own folk songs.
They were band that Tony Christie used when making his new album.
Then they were joined by TONY CHRISTIE for another 30 mins.
They played tracks from 'The Great Irish Song Book'.
Tony dedicated the album to his father who was Irish---Tonys real surname is Fitzgerald.
Tracks played included 'Star Of County Down','On Franklin Road' and 'The Black Velvet Band'.
After the interval TONY CHRISTIE with his own band including keyboards and brass played an 80 mins set.
Tony is looking great for his age and told some good stories between songs.
The setlist was a mix of his own songs including the big hits and some cover versions.
The hits were great but some of the other stuff was a bit average.
Setlist highlights included...
Avenues and Alleyways
Las Vegas
Walk Like A Panther
I Did What I Did For Maria
Solitaire
Encore
(Is This The Way To) Amarillo
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watch the video here
Tony Christie - 'Avenues And Alleyways'.
----------------------------------
watch the video here
Jarvis Cocker 'Walk Like A Panther'......▶ 4:34
Jarvis Cocker sung the song on TOTP when Tony Christie was stuck overseas.
Friday 16 October 2015.
The Professionals + Ed Tudor Pole live at The 100 Club,London.
No real surprise the 350 capacity venue sold out a couple of weeks ago.
The Professionals play London after a warm up show in Bristol on Tues 13 Oct.
To coincide with the release of "The Complete Professionals" (a 3CD set being released by Universal in October) original members Paul Cook, Ray McVeigh and Paul Myers are teaming up with Tom Spencer.
Steve Jones is based in Los Angeles so will not be part of it.
For Cook, McVeigh & Myers this will be the first time in over 30 years since they were last on stage together!
The Professionals were the band that Steve Jones and Paul Cook formed when The Sex Pistols
split up and were together from 1979 to 1982 and recorded two albums.
Erratic band member behaviour,a serious car crash and messy management meant that they
played more shows in America than the UK and never actually got round to playing London back in the day.
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Needless to say i was really looking forward to this show.
Lots of folks here in the crowd that i know.
A few faces here including Glen Matlock,Charlie Harper,Rusty Egan,Spizz Energi,
Steve English (The Professionals tour manager/security) from back in the day.
Up first we had Ed Tudor Pole who did his usual 40 mins acoustic set and ended
with his hit 'Swords Of A Thousand Men'.
The Professionals take to the stage at 9.35pm for a 70 mins 15 song set.
All the singles 'Just Another Dream',' 1-2-3-','Join The Professionals' and 'The Magnificent' are played.
Paul Cooks drumming is solid throughout and great to see Ray McVeigh on guitar prowling the stage.
He was in Glen Matlocks band when i went on tour with them a decade ago.
The Professionals sound is a bit like Glens band with loads of great catchy uptempo rockin' tunes.
Tom Spencer on vocals does a good job although nobody can replace Steve Jones of course.
It was really great to finally see The Professionals live...maybe next year with Steve Jones?...
15 mins after they finished all the band came out for a chat and to sign stuff etc.
Setlist included...
Just Another Dream
Northern Slide
Payola
The Magnificent
1,2,3
Friday Night Square
Join The Professionals
Kick Down The Doors
Silly Thing(Sex Pistols cover that was a Cook n Jones song)
Encore
White Light/White Heat(Velvet Underground cover) joined on stage by Ed Tudor Pole
Little Boys In Blue
Thursday 15 October 2015.
Squeeze + John Cooper Clarke live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
Squeeze on a UK tour to promote their first album in 17 years.
'Cradle To The Crave' is the first new album from Squeeze since 1998.
Squeeze have provided the songs to the great BBC2 tv show of the same name.
I saw both these acts in the late 1970s when they first started to get noticed.
I first saw Squeeze in 1978 when they were a support band and over a dozen times after.
I first saw John Cooper Clarke in 1978 when he was a support act and a few times after.
Squeeze have had 12 Top 40 hits in the UK.
Support is the legendary Mancunian punk poet JCC who is now a Dr.
To have him as the support act is a perfect choice.
JCC is on for 55 mins and is really great as usual.
Interestingly Cooper Clarke's appeal grows increasingly multifaceted; where once he battled through poems at breakneck speed in front of restless and rowdy punk audiences, now he's a poet that commands concentration, a comedian always searching for the unseen twist, an engaging raconteur, an occasional singer, one part bon vivant and another part best mate.
Wriggling on his stick thin legs, his bottle black hair long and tamed in a bobble rather than stood on its usual skyward-pointing end, he gets quickly stuck in to the verse.
Closing rant 'I Wanna Be Yours' was the one The Arctic Monkeys put to music.
Highlights of his set included...
The Official Guest-list
Get Back On Drugs You Fat Fuck
Beasley Street
Bed Blocker Blues
Trouble at Mall
Evidently Chickentown
I Wanna Be Yours
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Squeeze were on stage for just under two hours at 1 hour 55 mins.
They have a big screen showing pre-recorded images.
They start off with three great oldies then a few new album tracks then loads more classic hits.
Loads of clever and witty lyrics in their songs as Chris and Glenn share the vocals.
All of Squeeze's hits were written by band members Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook, with the former penning the lyrics and the latter handling the composition. The duo were hailed as "the heirs to Lennon and McCartney's throne" during their peak of popularity in the early 1980s.
The crowd were up and dancing for the last 30 mins.
They have had more hits than you remember.
Both acts tonight were great and a perfect double bill that complemented each other.
Full setlist played tonight...
Hourglass
Is That Love
Another Nail in My Heart
Electric Trains
Only 15
Beautiful Game
Some Fantastic Place
The Truth
Nirvana
The Elephant Ride
Everything
Labelled With Love
Slap and Tickle
Goodbye Girl
Black Coffee In Bed
Open
From The Cradle To The Grave
Harper Valley PTA (Jeannie C. Riley cover)
I Don't Wanna Grow Up (Tom Waits cover)
Tempted
Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)
Up the Junction
Encore:
Snap, Crackle and Pop
Happy Days
Cool for Cats
Take Me I'm Yours
Wednesday 14 October 2015...I went to three events tonight...
6.45pm to 9pm.
Mind Charity benefit evening at Bulgari Hotel,Knightsbridge,London SW1.
Around 200 well dressed folks in the bar area of this luxury five star hotel.
Alice Sheffield was here.She is the sister in law to Prime Minister David Cameron.
We had a singer and guitarist playing in the background.
Complimentary Ruinart champers,wines,burgers and canapés.
Bulgari Hotel & Residences have collaborated with Roberta Moore contemporary artist Stuart Semple as part of this year’s Frieze Week, to create a unique artwork in the centre of London.
Stuart Semple has taken up residence at Bulgari Hotel & Residences, London, for the whole of Frieze week, where he will create giant temporary painting on the inside of the lobby windows. The 127m long painting is designed to document the individual experience of Semple’s stay, in the form of a giant glow in the dark Mind Map. To accompany this project, nine original works on paper, created by Semple, are also on display in the hotel, and are available exclusively for purchase from Roberta Moore Contemporary, with a percentage of the sale going to mental health charity Mind.
then
9.15pm to 10pm.
Zaha Hadid showcase at Sackler Gallery,Kensington Gardens,London W2.
Architect of this building hosts a showcase evening.
We missed the champers but the complimentary wines and beers are still flowing.
All guests got a goodie bag.
then
11.30pm to 1am.
Attitude Magazine Awards 2015 at Banqueting House,Whitehall,London SW1.
Attitude (often stylized as attitude) is a popular British gay lifestyle magazine.
The first issue of attitude appeared in May 1994.
It gets many exclusive interviews from actors and musicians.
I went to the afterparty that was held after the dinner and the awards.
Around 300 folks here including a good celeb count as usual including...
Tonight's host Ana Matronic (Scissor Sisters)
Evan Davis (BBC presenter) won Man Of The Year.
Adam Lambert (Queen singer) won The Music Award.
Antony Cotton(Coronation Street) won TV Personality of the year.
Yoko Ono won The Icon Award.
Lorraine Kelly (ITV presenter) won Honorary Gay.
Other guests included Boy George, Marilyn, Holly Johnson, Dr Christian Jessen ,David Furnish ,Marc Almond, Sir Ian McKellen, Jodie Harsh, Julian Macdonald, Katie Piper,Michelle Collins, Philip Salon,Tulisa Contostavlos ,VV Brown,
Sally Lindsay,Peter Tatchell and Dan Gillespie(The Feeling).
Folks were dancing to the dj sounds and there was a fun photo booth.
Complimentary champers,pink cocktails and wines for all.
All guests got a goodie bag.
Tuesday 13 October 2015.
Cliff Richard live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
Sir Cliff Richard plays the second of six nights at The Royal Albert Hall.
Cliff on a UK tour to celebrate his 75th birthday which is 14 Oct 2015.
Cliff is one of longest surviving musicians from the 1950s.
Now going under the name Cliff Richard, an appearance on the TV show ‘Oh Boy!’ catapulted Cliff to sex symbol status.
In 1958, Hank Marvin and Bruce Welch joined 'The Drifters', and by 1959 the band changed their name to ‘The Shadows’. It was also around this time that Cliff made his film debut in ‘Serious Charge’. The film produced the hit ‘Living Doll’, Cliff’s first number one hit.
How about these staggering figures for Cliff Richard...
Cliff Richard has had over 100 Top 40 singles in the UK.
Cliff Richard has had over 50 Top 40 albums in the UK.
Cliff has sold more than 250 million records worldwide, and is the third top-selling singles artist in UK chart history.
Cliff has a very loyal fan base of mainly middle aged women who are out in force tonight.
They are up and dancing with arms swaying for a few songs tonight and rush the front for the last 30 mins.
Cliff and his band were on stage for 2 hours 5 mins over two sets.
Some lighthearted banter between songs and he dedicated one to Cilla Black.
Half the show was cheesy 1950s / 1960s cover versions to keep the crowd happy.
The best tracks were his own hits including 'Miss You Nights','Summer Holiday','The Young Ones',
'Devil Woman','We Don't Talk Anymore','Wired For Sound' and 'Congratulations'.
An enjoyable show even though too many lame cover versions.
Full setlist played...
Golden
Roll Over Beethoven
A Little in Love
Living Doll (Cliff Richard & The Shadows song)
Cathy's Clown
Memphis Tennessee
It's Better To Dream
Reunited
Miss You Nights
Summer Holiday (Cliff Richard & The Shadows song)
The Next Time (Cliff Richard & The Shadows song)
The Young Ones (Cliff Richard & The Shadows song)
When the Girl in Your Arms is the Girl in Your Heart
All My Love
What Car
Interval
Singing the Blues
Move It (Cliff Richard & The Shadows song)
Butterfly
Sweet Little Sixteen
Ocean Deep
Devil Woman
Suddenly
Rip It Up
We Don't Talk Anymore
Wired for Sound
Encore:
Congratulations
Gee Whiz It's You / Please Don't Tease / On The Beach / Do You Wanna Dance
Great Balls Of Fire / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On
Monday 12 October 2015...7.45pm to 12.30pm...
Mademoiselle Prive and Chanel private view at Saatchi Gallery,Kings Road,Chelsea,London SW3.
WOW.... this really was one of the best parties of the year.
Around 500 well dressed fashion folks here for the opening of this exhibition.
The exhibition is on the ground floor and the upstairs has been turned into a proper nightclub.
The exhibition features classic dresses,jewellery and short films.
There are loads of security and staff all over the building.
We had dj sets from Lily Allen and Jarvis Cocker.
Cara Delevingne sung a few songs as did her girlfriend St Vincent.
Cara is the muse of the labels creative director Karl Lagerfeld.
Multi bars with complimentary Perrier Jouet champers and cocktails and any drink you wanted.
Also lots of food including bowl food, lobster rolls ,burgers and canapés.
Karl Lagerfeld was here along with Rita Ora,Poppy Delevingne,Daisy Lowe,Lara Stone,Erin O'Connor,Sophie Dahl.
Also Lily-Rose Depp and her mum Vanessa Paradis, Cressida Bonas, Julianne Moore, Isabelle Huppert, Georgia May Jagger, Laura Bailey,Nicky Haslam and Trinny Woodall were just some of Chanel's 'friends and family' on hand to celebrate at the private view of the fashion house's re-issued 1932 'Bijoux de Diamants' jewellery collection (the only jewellery ever created by Coco Chanel, in 1932). A cool crowd with many having been at Chanel's PFW show this time last week.
A no expense spared superb 10/10 event.
The exhibition is on until 01 November 2015---Free admission.
Sunday 11 October 2015.
Tom Jones In Conversation and In Concert at The Royal Festival Hall,London.
Sir Tom Jones now aged 75 is celebrating over 50 years in the music biz with his autobiography.
Tom Jones’ latest album “Long Lost Suitcase” will be released in October, accompanied by his long awaited autobiography “Over the Top and Back”. As with 2010’s “Praise & Blame” and 2012’s “Spirit in the Room”, the album sees Jones embracing his roots and tackling a strong selection of country, folk and R&B songs that have inspired him over the years. Fans of the first two albums will be pleased to know that Jones reunited with producer Ethan Johns for this third in the trilogy of albums.
-----------------------------------------
The show was over two parts with 55 mins of conversation in the first half and 75 mins of live music in the second half.
The interview on stage with Tom was hosted by BBC6 music presenter Matt Everitt.
We have a big screen showing some photos from the book.
Tom is a great talker as he started chatting about his early days in the valleys of South Wales.
Singing in the tough miners working men's clubs.
Being discovered by London music manager Gordon Mills.
Coming to London in 1964 and living in Ladbroke Grove and Shepherds Bush.
In 1965 he had a number one and a worldwide hit with 'It's Not Unusual'.
In 1965 he appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show.
He met Elvis in America.
The current AC/DC drummer Chris Slade drummed on some of his 1960s albums.
In the 1970s Tom admitted he went "a bit cheesy in Las Vegas'.
In the 1980s his manager Gordon Mills dies and Toms son Mark replaced him.
Mark told him to sing a different type of song to get back some credibility.
In 1988 he recorded Kiss with The Art Of Noise which became a worldwide hit.
He said playing Glastonbury Festival in 1992 was a big live moment.
The rest they say is history.
-----------------------------------
After the interval Tom and his band play a 75 mins set.
One of his guitarists was Robbie McIntosh.
The new album has got some good four star reviews.
He avoided most of his obvious hits and instead he went off down some varied country lanes, gratefully introducing 'Opportunity To Cry' as a song he’d only heard as a Willie Nelson demo.
Best of all, a remarkable Gillian Welch song,' Elvis Presley Blues', in memory of a man he said he was honoured to have known as a friend and featuring lyrics like: “I was thinking about Elvis the day he died.”
Played with two vibrantly electric guitars but no bass or drums, Sir Tom said Priscilla Presley told him just
two weeks ago how much she loved it at an LA party they’d both attended.
“It’s a haunting tribute to Elvis , thank you for recording it,” she’d told him.
Some excellent blues rock on 'I Wish You Would'.
Tom still has a fantastic powerful voice.
A really good show.
Full setlist played tonight...
It's Not Unusual
(Unknown)
Honey, Honey (The Milk Carton Kids cover)
Why Don't You Love Me (Hank Williams cover)
Opportunity to Cry (Willie Nelson cover)
(Unknown)
Elvis Presley Blues (Gillian Welch cover)
(Unknown)
Burning Hell (John Lee Hooker cover)
What Good Am I? (Bob Dylan cover)
I Wish You Would (Billy Boy Arnold cover)
Kiss (Prince cover)
Encore:
Tower of Song (Leonard Cohen cover)
Strange Things (Sister Rosetta Tharpe cover)
Sunday 11 October 2015.
Visit the IconicPix website link on the right of this page for some great photos
from the first night of David Gilmour at The Royal Albert Hall.
Saturday 10 October 2015...video of the day...
AC/DC with Bon Scott on Top Of The Pops from June 1978.
watch the video here
AC/DC 'Rock n Roll Damnation'.
Thursday 08 October 2015...I went to FIVE events today...
11.30am to 1.15pm.
Mercury Rev live at BBC Maida Vale,London W9.
BBC 6 Music Live host five special lunchtime shows at BBC Maida Vale.
Bloc Party,Leftfield,The Staves,Mercury Rev and New Order this week.
Lauren Laverne show is on 10am to 1pm with the bands playing an hour from noon.
Each show shown on tv each evening on BBC iPlayer and stays up there for a while.
This is the week of shows where last year i saw The Smashing Pumpkins.
Mercury Rev return with their 9th studio album 'The Light In You'.
It is seven years since their last album release.
I first saw Mercury Rev back in 1998.
Around 200 comp winners here and a few press.
The press are let in first so i get a nice front row left position.
The band are on stage for 55 mins which included seven songs live and a few
questions from Lauren Laverne and the crowd to the band.
The band said they recorded four John Peel Sessions in this building.
Jonathan's vocal is fragile and superb as ever.
The new album tracks sound good.
The band create a great wall of sound on epic versions of 'Opus 40' and
'The Dark is Rising' as the guitars,keyboards,bass and drums all rock out at full tilt.
A great show in an intimate setting.
Full setlist played...
Holes
The Queen of Swans
Autumn's in the Air
(Unknown)
Central Park East
Opus 40
The Dark Is Rising
A full UK and European Tour by the band takes place in November 2015.
watch the video here
Mercury Rev 'The Dark is Rising'...▶ 3:57...a blast from their past...
then
2.30pm to 5pm.
Drake & Morgan press dinner,6 Pancras Square,Kings Cross,London N1.
Last month this huge bar & restaurant opened with a launch party for 500 folks.
The pr folks have kindly invited me back for a full sit down dinner and drinks.
We have a very nice three course meal and four different cocktails each.
The staff were great as they really looked after us.
This place is well worth a visit if you are in the Kings across area for anything.
www.drakeandmorgan-kingscross.co.uk
Visit the Drake & Morgan website here.
then
6.30pm to 7.15pm.
Lucy Choi London Boutique Launch Party ,18 Connaught Street,London W1.
Lucy Choi is here to open her boutique around the corner from Tony Blairs house.
The entrepreneurial niece of shoe tycoon Jimmy Choo is following in his footsteps and planning a flurry of UK shops.
Lucy Choi footwear has been spotted on Girls Aloud members and other celebs.
Lots of very well dressed females here.
Complimentary champers and cocktails for all guests.
It is a small store so half the guests are outside drinking on the pavement.
www.lucychoilondoncom
Visit the Lucy Choi website here.
then
7.30pm to 8.30pm.
Simon De Pury and Kasia Kulczyk gallery preview ,3 Grafton Street,London W1.
Exhibition by Russian artist Erik Bulatov in this huge space with a stunning marble staircase.
Complimentary Pommery champers and canapés for all guests.
then
9pm to 11.15pm.
Launch party for W AMSTERDAM Hotel,Temple Pier,London.
Here we are on a boat on the River Thames with stunning views of London at night.
Around 100 guests here and Becky Tong is the dj.
Celeb faces here included Diana Vickers,Millie Mackintosh and Jamie Winstone.
The hotel is located on Dam Square in the heart of Amsterdam, behind the Royal Palace and close to the city’s iconic canal district with its vibrant restaurants, bars and nightlife scene. It spans two iconic buildings that used to house the Telephone Exchange and KAS Bank.
The 238-room W Amsterdam offers 414sqm of meetings and event space over three different rooms, which combined can host up to 430 delegates.
We have various complimentary cocktails tonight including Espresso Martinis,wines,beers and canapes.
There was a fun photo booth and all guests got a free pair of clogs to design your own way.
I kept mine pretty basic but some of the girls efforts looked amazing.
A really good lively fun event.
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