News and Reviews: 27th February 2016
Friday 26 February 2016.Chas & Dave live at The Theatre Royal,Windsor.
I first saw them in 1976 at Hammersmith Odeon supporting 10cc.
I saw them headline The Royal Albert Hall in April 2014.
Chas & Dave are an English pop rock duo, most notable as creators and performers of a musical style labelled "rockney" (a portmanteau of "rock" and "cockney"), which mixes "pub singalong, music-hall humour, boogie-woogie piano and pre-Beatles rock 'n' roll".For a time, "Rockney" was also the name of their record label, and they achieved several British chart hits, their major breakthrough being "Gertcha" in 1979, which peaked at No. 20 in the UK Singles Chart, and was the first of eight Top 40 hit singles the duo played on. They also had nine best-selling albums. In October 2013 they released That's What Happens, their first studio album in 18 years.
------------------------
Got in the area around an hour before the gig to have a wander by the nearby Eton College which is just
5 mins over the bridge from Windsor.
Funny to see the Eton boys at 7pm still in their full uniforms in the shops as they live-in at the college.
Windsor & Eton is a lovely place to visit...even more so in the summer down by the riverside pubs.
I get to the venue and the cosy 600 plus all seated historic venue is sold out.
Chas & Dave gigs always have groups of boozed up blokes sinking loads of pints.
Chas & Dave were on stage for 1 hour 40 mins over two sets of 40 mins and 60 mins.
Three of them on stage including a drummer.
The first set was mainly songs they played on the pub circuit in the early 1970s including tracks by
Chuck Berry,Jerry Lee Lewis and Lonnie Donnegan.
They ended the first set with their big hit 'Gercha'.
The second set got some folks up and dancing at the sides as there were plenty of hits in it
with tracks played including 'London Girls','Margate','When Two Worlds Collide',
'Thats What I Like','Roll Out The Barrel','Rabbit','Ain't No Pleasing You' and
'The Sideboard Song (Got My Beer In The Sideboard Here)'.
An enjoyable show.
Thursday 25 February 2016...8.15pm to 11.15pm
Ferrari 488 Spider - launch party - at Watches of Switzerland, 155 Regent Street,London, W1.
We arrive at the store which is all lit up in Ferrari Red.
Around 250 smartly dressed folks here over the two levels of this venue.
We have a random sighting of footie manager Mick McCarthy who is currently at Ipswich Town F.C.
Mick stuck to bottles of beer all night rather than the champers or cocktails.
Made In Chelsea stars Lucy Watson, James Dunmore, Oliver Proudlock and Mark Francis Vandelli joined Tallia Storm at Watches of Switzerland for Ferrari's new 488 car launch party.
Also Jamie Campbell-Bower joined the party with Becky Tong, Vogue Williams and Sarah Ann Macklin.
Husband and wife Alex Goward and Laura Hamilton were also here.
We have a Ferrari Racing Car parked outside the venue and the new Ferrari 488 Spider is inside the store.
We have a demo where the car is started up to get that amazing Ferrari purr.
There is a big screen in one corner showing tv adverts and feature film clips featuring Ferrari cars.
Lots of fantastic Italian hospitality with lots of complimentary drinks and tasty Italian food including
Veuve Clicquot champers,different cocktails,wines,beers and canapés.
All guests got a large print of the new Ferrari 488 Spider.
A very nice event.
Wednesday 24 February 2016...I went to two events tonight...
6.45pm to 9pm
RICS - Roux at Parliament Square - Showcase ,12 Great George Street,Westminster,London SW1.
Roux at Parliament Square is fronted by Michelin-starred chef Michael Roux Jr.
Chef Michel Roux Jr is here chatting to everyone.
The building has a first class restaurant as well as meeting rooms that can be hired out for
private parties and conferences.
It also has a 5th floor terrace with stunning views over Parliament Square.
Guests tonight enjoyed complimentary presecco,wines and lots of their tasty food.
www.parliamentsquare.org
Visit their website here.
www.rouxatparliamentsquare.co.uk
Visit their website here.
then
11pm to 3.30am
The BRIT Awards 2016 (BRITs) - Sony Music party - The Arts Club, 40 Dover Street, Mayfair,London, W1.
The BRIT Awards is the one time where the record companies splash the cash like the old days.
The last two years i attended the Warner Music BRITs party but this year i am at Sony.
A massive party with 600 on the guest list over all the floors of this plush private members club.
Adele was here to celebrate her four BRIT wins...but did not stay long...
Others included Louis Tomlinson(One Direction),Craig David, Fleur East, Olly Murs and Labrinth.
Mark Ronson and Ellie Goulding were also here.
Other guests and music lovers at the event were Simon Pegg, Gary Oldman, Jessica Wright, Mark Wright and Sinitta.
Paloma Faith and Rebecca Ferguson both took to the stage to perform short sets during the evening.
There was a fun casino in the basement.
Some of the artists stayed only a short while before going to other parties.
Djs playing on each floor with the first floor the liveliest and totally buzzing.
Loads of complimentary drinks and food all night including Lanson champers,different cocktails,wines,beers.
Loads of food including sushi and oysters.
All guests got a nice goodie bag.
An excellent party.
Tuesday 23 February 2016...I went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 7.15pm
Ron Arad Rocks - private view - Louisa Guinness Gallery, First Floor, 45 Conduit Street, London, W1.
This gallery is a few yards down the road from the Vivienne Westwood store.
Ron Arad now aged 64 is an Israeli industrial designer, artist, and architect.
He has been designing for over 30 years which included the now iconic Rover Chair.
Some stunning jewellery here from his 'Rocks' series.
Prices start from £1500 upwards.
One of the guests here was one of The Rolling Stones personal security guys from the 1980s.
Either it was Jim Callaghan or one of the other ones...not sure..
Complimentary wines for all guests.
www.louisaguinnessgallery.com
Visit the website for more info.
then
7.30pm to 10.15pm
Alt:Ego - showcase - Salmontini Le Resto, 1 Pont Street, Belgravia,London SW1.
Very nice to be at Salmontini - The Award Winning Sushi and Sashimi Restaurant in Belgravia.
We are here to see the art from IAIN ALEXANDER where they are around 20 portraits of
David Bowie and other icons of music and the silver screen including Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain.
I looked at one for the price...£12,000...they are very colourful and vibrant...
They will be on display for eight weeks.
The artist Iain Alexander is here as is 80s pop star Sinitta.
A nice buzzing atmosphere as the tables have been cleared away in the middle as we have a singer
playing a few tunes and the dj is playing tunes including David Bowie.
Complimentary Moët champers,vodka cocktails and some great food.
www.salmontini.co.uk
Visit their website for more info.
Tuesday 23 February 2016.
40 years ago today on Monday February 23, 1976, AC/DC, complete with bagpipers, played ‘It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock and Roll) on the back of a flatbed truck down Swanston Street, Melbourne and made their historic music video.
Check out the video on YouTube
Monday 22 February 2016.
The Daily Mail reported this today.
'Time to rewind' as cassette tapes make comeback.
After LPs and record players made a return recently, it's the turn of the cassette tape, as music fans on both sides of the Atlantic are returning to the format two decades after CDs replaced tapes. Sales of music tapes are rising so fast in the US that the Recording Industry Association of America is investigating ways to track sales for the first time since the 1990s.
Sunday 21 February 2016.
Whatsonstage.com Awards and Concert at Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street, London, W1.
Tonight's host was Steve Furst.
Major theatre ticket selling website holds it's annual awards.
Stage and screen awards for some of the best theatrical performances of the past twelve months.
Hamlet at the Barbican and Gypsy both won four awards (Hamlet – Best Actor in a Play for Benedict Cumberbatch, Best Play Revival, Best Set Design and Best Lighting and Gypsy – Best Actress for Imelda Staunton, Best Supporting Actress for Lara Pulver, Best Direction and Best Musical Revival) and Kinky Boots took three (Best New Musical, Best Actor for Matt Henry and Best Choreography).
Nicole Kidman won Best Actress in a Play for her performance in Photograph 51 and the show also won Best New Play. Other winners included Judi Dench, Mark Gatiss and David Bedella. Mary Poppins won Best Regional Production, Carrie – Best Off-West End Production and Les Miserables took Best West End Show.
Nicole Kidman was here but Benedict Cumberbatch sent a video.
Shame there was not an award for best name of a musical as an off-west end production nominee was called
'You Won't Succeed On Broadway If You Don't Have Any Jews'.
The event was two hours in length over two sets and between the awards we had some live songs performed
by cast members of various musicals including Pixie Lott singing 'Moon River' from the upcoming stage
production 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' which she stars in from June 2016 at Theatre Royal,Haymarket.
Amelia Lily sung a song.
www.whatsonstage.com
Visit their website for more info and winners list.
------------------------------------
then the afterparty for this event...9.45pm to 11.45pm at Radisson Blu Edwardian Hampshire Hotel,
31-36 Leicester Square, London, WC2.
A big crowd of around 300 folks here.
Cast members from the show including Pixie Lott and Amelia Lily were here.
Also Sarah Hadland (Stevie in the Miranda tv show) and leading theatrical booking agent Jonathan Shalit.
Also Claire Sweeney,Arlene Phillips and Kimberley Walsh were here.
Complimentary presecco,wines,soft drinks and canapés for all guests.
Saturday 20 February 2016.
Thunder + Terrorvision live at Wembley Arena,London.
Thunder play their biggest ever London headline show at the end of their five date UK arena tour.
I have seen Thunder around 15 times since 1990.
Thunder have had 18 Top 40 UK hits.
I have seen Terrorvision around 10 times since 1994.
Terrorvision have had 13 Top 40 UK hits in their 1990s heyday.
-----------------------------------
The venue was around three quarters full tonight.
Terrorvision arrived on stage at 7.45pm and played for 45 mins.
Most of the crowd are in early as they are a well known band.
They are given two big screens at the sides to show live footage.
Terrorvision hail from Bradford and were part of that 'lad rock' era of the 90s.
The singer does a good job of getting the crowd involved.
Nice to hear most of their hits played live here tonight.
Full setlist played...
Discotheque Wreck
Pretend Best Friend
Celebrity Hit List
My House
Some People Say
Josephine
D'Ya Wanna Go Faster
Middleman
Babylon
Oblivion
Bad Actress
Alice What's the Matter
Perseverance
-----------------------------
Thunder arrived on stage at 8.55pm and played for 1 hour 45 mins.
Thunder have three big screens and a decent light show.
The band attract a lot more females than bigger name rock bands.
Lots of catchy good time rock n roll tunes played.
Singer Danny Bowes gives off that 'your mate down the pub' vibe to the crowd.
Danny said "it's really great to finally play Wembley without someone else coming on after them"
A really good show.
Full setlist played...
Intro(video:Wonder Days)
Wonder Days
Black Water
River of Pain
Resurrection Day
Like a Satellite
The Devil Made Me Do It
Empty City
Backstreet Symphony
I'll Be Waiting
The Thing I Want
When the Music Played
Love Walked In
I Love You More Than Rock 'N' Roll
Encore:
Serpentine
Dirty Love
Friday 19 February 2016...5.15pm to 8.30pm...
Bukowski Grill - Restaurant launch - 10 D'Arblay Street,Soho,London W1.
D'Arblay Street is off Berwick Street and Wardour Street,
Soho is totally buzzing on this Friday evening with its abundance of restaurants,bars and pubs
all doing great business.
We have another addition with Bukowski Grill.
A seriously hearty new menu from the charcoal grill specialists at their new flagship restaurant.
For starters we had some yummy short ribs and wings covered in their homemade sauce.
Also some tender Swaledale Lamb Chops.
For mains we had a Smokey Beast Burger that was massive along with some amazing large chips roasted
in beef dripping along with Buffalo Cauliflower Fritters with Blue Cheese Sauce.
We were so full that we just had ice cream for dessert along with a milk shake and a coffee.
Lots of great drinks too with my fave being the Cherry Bourbon Cocktail.
The staff here were all really nice and eager to serve and please.
A fine addition to Soho that will be very popular for sure.
------------------------------
BBQ Bukowski Grill open their biggest restaurant to date - this one in the heart of Soho. Their 70 seat D'arblay Street spot will be their third restaurant (following Boxpark in Shoreditch and a second one in Brixton Market).
Turns out to be a bit of a homecoming for chef/owner Robin Freeman who used to work down the road at Blacks. His third, all-day restaurant will kick off with weekday breakfasts for the work crowd, serving up burgers and ribs for lunch. Heading into the evening there'll be a huge list of beer from London breweries, as well as wine and cocktails
New to the menu in Soho you'll find:
Pork Nuggets with kimchi remoulade
Buffalo cauliflower fritters with blue cheese sauce and Reuben hash
Swaledale lamb cutlets with smokey chilli jelly
Deep-fried cream cracker coated smoked haddock with clam chowder
There'll also be a new weekend brunch menu featuring, alongside the classics, cornmeal-crusted soft shell crab, poached eggs and hot sauce Hollandaise along with a breakfast Margarita and some special Bloody Mary’s.
Bukowski Grill will open on 22 February 2016 at 10 D’arblay Street, London W1F 8DS. They'll be on soft launch for the first three days with 50% off food only from breakfast through to dinner, opening officially on Thursday 25 February.
www.bukowski-grill.co.uk
Visit their website here for more info.
Friday 19 February 2016.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band confirm UK tour dates.
May 2016
Wednesday 25 Manchester Etihad Stadium
June 2016
Wednesday 1 Glasgow Hampden Park
Friday 3 Coventry Ricoh Arena
Sunday 5 London Wembley Stadium
(Two shows at Dublin Croke Park already confirmed for May 27 and May 29)
Thursday 18 February 2016...I went to two events tonight...
6.45pm to 7.45pm
Bernard Buffet - private view and book launch - at Opera Gallery,134 New Bond Street,London W1.
French artist Bernard Buffet (1928-1999) was born into a rather dysfunctional family (his father divided his time scrupulously between his mistress and his wife and children) and was brought up in a second-floor apartment in the Batignolles district of Paris. His childhood was not a very happy one due to the difficult atmosphere at home, and his adolescent years were spent in a city under the occupation of the Nazis. Academically Buffet struggled, but he could certainly draw and his work was so impressive that at the age of fifteen he was accepted into the famous École des Beaux-Arts. Affected by the years of wartime deprivation and haunted by disturbing images, Buffet's post-war art was 'spare and cheerless', his colour palette various shades of greys and browns, his lines angular, and his characters emaciated, stick-like beings often caught in moments of disenchantment or despair. His bleak images captured the feeling of the times, and before Buffet was in his mid-twenties, he was famous. A hugely prolific painter whose canvases fetched very large sums of money, Buffet was soon part of the Saint-Tropez scene and one of the Gallic 'Fabulous Five' - the others being Francoise Sagan, Roger Vadim, Brigitte Bardot and Yves St Laurent. After a short and unsuccessful first marriage, Buffet's lover and constant companion for eight years was Pierre Bergé (who later became the long-term partner of Yves St Laurent) and it was Bergé who helped Buffet make the transition from scruffy, paint-splattered young artist to the suave and elegantly groomed celebrity painter he rapidly became. Several Rolls Royces, various chateaux, his own island and a beautiful second wife later, Bernard Buffet experienced a complete fall from favour when he fell foul of the art establishment, and Nicholas Foulkes' detailed biography informs the reader how this huge change of fortune came about.
----------------------
Around 150 smartly dressed folks here at this gallery with many of them French.
We have the paintings of Bernard Buffet over the two floors and there is a book launch on the artist.
Bernard Buffet - The Invention Of The Modern Artist by Nicholas Foulkes.
The author Nick Foulkes is signing copies of his book.
Guests here included girl about town Nancy Dell'Olio.
Complimentary Pommery champers for all guests.
then
8pm to 9pm
Victoria Grant's Hat Hall of Fame - private view - at Cafe Royal Hotel,Regent Street,London W1.
Around 100 folks here and many are wearing amazing head wear.
Soho punk and fashion legend Phillip Salon was here.
Quintessential London Milliner, Victoria Grant, scales the heights of luxury headwear, exciting and
shocking designers and customers alike.
VOGUE Italia: – "She has “dressed” the most stylish heads of fashion: from Kate Moss to Cara Delevigne: so many celebrities are hat-addicts and appreciate Grant’s style never missing a chance to show off one of her creations"
16 of her most show-stopping pieces are on display that were worn by Cara Delevigne,Sienna Miller,
Lady Gaga,Madonna,Paloma Faith,Dita Von Teese,Beyonce,Katy Perry and others.
The Rolling Stones tongue exhibition is still on at the other end on the first floor.
Complimentary presecco,wines and beers for all guests.
www.victoriagrant.co.uk
Visit the Victoria Grant website here.
Wednesday 17 February 2016..I went to two events tonight...
Ones of those miserable February days where it rained all bleeding day.
5.30pm to 8.30pm
Low,Slow & Juke - restaurant and bar launch - 1 Abbey Orchard Street,Victoria,London SW1.
A basement smokehouse nestled in between Westminster and Victoria on Abbey Orchard Street.
Just a few mins walk from Big Ben and The Houses Of Parliament.
Serving up low and slow cooked meats alongside the finest smoked cocktails and craft beers
whilst you soak up the sounds of the soulful south.
A buzzing atmosphere here with some lovely food and drinks.
My fave food was the Maple Glazed Baby Ribs and the Chilli & Caramel Chicken Wings.
Some great cocktails here with my fave being the Smoked Cherry Manhattan.
Well worth a visit.
www.lowslowandjuke.com
Visit their website for more info.
then
10pm to 11.45pm
The War of the Worlds - press night & afterparty - Rosewood Hotel,High Holborn,London WC2.
This was the party for the musical theatre event earlier at The Dominion Theatre.
A massive crowd of around 500 folks here including cast members and other celebs.
Jimmy Nail, Heidi Range, Daniel Bedingfield, Michael Praed and Madalena Alberto took to the stage at the Dominion Theatre to present Jeff Wayne's musical production of the War of the Worlds, adapted from HG Wells' classic. After the curtain fall, Wayne and his ensemble cast headed to the afterparty held at Rosewood London, where Beverley Knight, Alex Partakis, Matt Cardle, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Daniel Boys and Jenny Seagrove helped raise a glass to the American musician, who was supported by his wife Geraldine Wayne, his daughters Anna-Marie and Jemma, and his daughter-in-law Olivia Wayne.
Also here were Sophie Ellis Bextor and her husband Richard Jones(The Feeling).
A jazz band are playing in the corner.
Complimentary wines and beers but i stuck to Diet Cokes here.
Also lots of bowl food,pulled pork rolls,canapés and various desserts
The show is at The Dominion until 30 April 2016.
Tuesday 16 February 2016....I went to three events tonight...
5.30pm to 6.30pm
Soho Square Restaurant & Bar showcase at 11 Soho Square,London W1.
A nice cosy venue over four floors on the corner of Soho Square,just off Oxford Street.
The venue is a couple of minutes from Ronnie Scott's and The Borderline Club so you
can easy pop in here for a drink or two before a gig.
Paul McCartneys MPL HQ is across the square at number one.
Tonight we had a female singer and then a male singer perform a couple of songs each.
A dj also played dance tunes here.
Complimentary wines,beers and canapés for all guests.
www.soho-square.co.uk
Visit their website here for more info.
then
6.45pm to 8.45pm
Jaguar - fragrance launch party - The London EDITION Hotel, 10 Berners Street, London, W1.
Around 100 smartly dressed folks at this very nice luxury hotel.
There is a stunning huge ice sculpture of the new fragrance in the middle of the room.
Jaguar launch their latest fragrance to add to the many that have already come out.
Luxury car maker Jaguar has launched a new men’s fragrance Jaguar Pace in celebration of the arrival of the new Jaguar F-Pace family sports car. The launch of the new fragrance was held at the ultra-trendy London Edition hotel attended by the connoisseurs of the fragrance world who were given talks about the new fragrance by the CEO of Jaguar fragrances Roger Von Der Weid and Perfumer at Drom Alexandra Monet while sipping on complimentary Ruinart Champagne.
Also vodka punch cocktails and canapés.
The light but sensual and masculine fragrance is perfect for the style driven, cosmopolitan man that is passionate about cars comes in a grey and blue bottle designed to look like the front of the new jaguar F-Pace car with a compact base that is covered in a sophisticated webbed design that resembles the famous jaguar radiator. Displayed at the centre of the bottle with a shiny round silver emblem is the legendary cat that is unmistakably the signature of the Jaguar brand.
Top notes: Black Pepper, green apple and rosemary
Heart notes: Cashmeran, French Lavender, Orris
Base note: Woody Amber Accord, Patchouli, Crystal Moss
The fragrance will be available in selected department stores and perfumers globally from April 2016.
RRP retailing at £29 for 60ml and £45 for 100ml but shop around to get it cheaper.
www.jaguar.co.uk
Visit their website here for more info.
then
10pm to 11.30pm
Mrs Henderson Presents - press night - party at The National Gallery Cafe,Trafalgar Square,London WC2.
This was the opening night party for this musical theatre event held earlier at The Noel Coward Theatre.
MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS, the hilarious, brand-new, five-star musical based on the much loved film that starred Dame Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins, as it makes its West End debut in February 2016 having left critics in raptures at the Theatre Royal Bath.
It’s London, 1937, and recently widowed eccentric, Laura Henderson, is looking for a way of spending her time and money. After acquiring and renovating the Windmill Theatre, she hires feisty impresario Vivian Van Damm to present a bill of non-stop variety acts. But as war looms something more is required to boost morale and box office... Mrs Henderson comes up with the idea of The Windmill Girls – glamorous young women posing as nude statues - and audiences flock!
A massive party with over 300 folks here including a few well known faces.
Songwriting legend Don Black is here as he wrote the lyrics for tonight's show.
Holly Johnson ex Frankie Goes To Hollywood singer was here.
Also here were Dame Barbara Windsor, Barry Cryer, Gloria Hunniford, Lesley Joseph, Paul O'Grady,
Complimentary wines,beers and canapés for all guests.
Tuesday 16 February 2016.
Alabama Shakes won FOUR Grammy Awards last night in Los Angeles.
ROCK-RELATED GRAMMY WINNERS 2016
Best Rock Album: Muse, Drones
Best Metal Performance: Ghost, Cirice
Best Rock Song: Alabama Shakes, Don’t Wanna Fight
Best Rock Performance: Alabama Shakes, Don’t Wanna Fight
Best Alternative Music Album: Alabama Shakes, Sound & Color
Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical: Alabama Shakes, Sound & Color
Best Blues Album: Buddy Guy, Born to Play Guitar
There were live tributes at the awards to David Bowie,Lemmy and Glenn Frey.
Sunday 14 February 2016.
The BAFTAS were held at The Royal Opera House,London.
The UK's version of the Oscars so many big name film A-listers attended.
With a slight timing delay it is on BBC1 at 9pm on Sunday.
The main winners were...
Best Film : The Revenant
Leading Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant)
Leading Actress: Brie Larson (Room)
Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu (The Revenant)
Fellowship Recipient: Sir Sidney Poitier(accepted via video)
Original Screenplay: Spotlight
Supporting Actress: Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs)
Supporting Actor: Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies)
Original Music: The Hateful Eight
Documentary: Amy
Cinematography: The Revenant
----------------------
11.30pm to 4.30am.
BAFTAs: Weinstein Company Party - at Rosewood Hotel,252 High Holborn, London, WC1.
This was the main party of the four that were held after the awards.
Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein holds his annual BAFTA party.
This was the third time on the trot for me attending.
A massive crowd of around 500 film folks and a few other celebs.
The main A-lister name here was Leonardo DiCaprio complete with a small army of security.
Harvey Weinstein was holding court and floating around the party.
Also here were Stephen Fry,Eddie Izzard,Ricky Wilson,Idris Elba,Dermot O'Leary,Matt Smith,
Cuba Gooding Jr,Taron Egerton,Gemma Chan,Jack Whitehall and others.
BBC film critic Jason Solomans was here.
A nice surprise to see one of those behind the scenes chaps i really admire who was Stephen Woolley.
He collected tickets and sold ice cream at The Screen On The Green cinema in Islington, North London in the late 70s and managing The Scala Cinema near King's Cross railway station in the early 80s before it was turned into a club.
Woolley established Palace Video in the early 1980s to distribute the types of cult cinema and international art films that had been the core of his cinema programmes. He has since produced and directed many films
including the Brian Jones biopic 'Stoned' and his recent success 'Carol'.
A dj is playing classic dance tunes and a sax and trumpet duo are wandering around the room.
The dance floor was packed and half the crowd were still there at 4am.
We have loads of complimentary drinks and food including Ruinart champers, a choice of SEVEN
Grey Goose Vodka Cocktails,Whiskey Cocktails,Wines,Beers,Bowl Food and Canapés.
And the desserts room in the far corner was very popular.
Needless to say an excellent event.
Saturday 14 February 2016.
Very sad news about an up and coming indie rock band from Warrington.
Four members of a British band and their manager have been killed in a horrific car crash in Sweden.
Indie group Viola Beach were said to be driving over a bridge when their Nissan Qashqai smashed through a barrier and plunged 25m (82ft) into a canal.
Their manager Craig Tarry was also in the vehicle when it crashed in the Södertälje area of the capital
Stockholm in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Craig, 32, was killed along with musicians Kris Leonard, 19, River Reeves, 19, Jack Dakin, 24, and 27-year-old Tomas Lowe.
Saturday 13 February 2016.
The Who + Barns Courtney live at Wembley Arena,London.
One off show by The Who in Europe before their American tour.
I have seen The Who play around 25 times since 1975.
I was lucky enough to have seen Keith Moon play with them three times before his death.
Support tonight is the hotly tipped Barns Courtney who is signed to Virgin EMI.
His short 20 mins solo acoustic set included his great track 'Glitter & Gold'.
The venue is totally rammed sold out tonight which is no real surprise.
Lots of middle aged blokes sinking back a few beers.
Guests here included Sex Pistols members Glen Matlock and Paul Cook.
Also here were Ian Broudie(Lightning Seeds) and Gem Archer(Oasis/Beady Eye).
The Who arrive on stage around 8.30pm and play a two hour set.
They have three big screens with the side ones showing live footage and the main one
behind the stage is mixing live footage and brilliant pre-recorded images.
The sound is nice and loud and the band sound great.
Pete and Roger are on top form and Zak Starkey provides powerful drums.
Great fun stage banter mainly from Pete who jokes about "working off the Christmas Pudding"
and how "he cannot see the print on his setlist sheet".
Loads of their mega classic songs played from their 50 year career.
A great show as usual from these rock legends.
Full setlist played tonight...
Who Are You
The Seeker
The Kids Are Alright
I Can See for Miles
My Generation
Pictures of Lily
Behind Blue Eyes
Bargain
Join Together
You Better You Bet
I'm One
The Rock
Love, Reign O'er Me
Eminence Front
Amazing Journey
Sparks
Pinball Wizard
See Me, Feel Me
Baba O'Riley
Won't Get Fooled Again
-----------------------------------------
At this show i bumped into the KISS UK tour manager.
KISS have had a few mainland Europe dates up on their website but over the past week the
shows have been taken off the bands website without any explanation.
I asked him about the tour...he said "yes it has been cancelled".
Friday 12 February 2016...I went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 9.30pm
Pre-BAFTAS Party - Hackett x GQ - at The Savoy Hotel,The Strand,London WC2.
Always nice to be at this famous five star luxury hotel.
British menswear brand and mens monthly magazine co-host a party before the BAFTAS.
Around 150 folks here in one of the many entertaining areas of this hotel.
Guests here included Jeremy Hackett,David Gandy,Alan Yentob,Oliver Cheshire,Luke Evans,
Freddie Fox,Sam Webb,Poppy Jamie and Roxie Nafousi.
A dj is playing some classic dance tracks.
Complimentary Taittinger champers,Green Tea Gin Cocktails,Whiskey Sour Cocktails and nibbles.
All guests got a goodie bag.
www.hackett.com
Visit the Hackett website here.
www.gq-magazine.co.uk
Visit the GQ website here.
then
9.45pm to 11pm
Nell Gwynn - press night afterparty - St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2.
The was the party after the show held earlier at The Apollo Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue.
A big crowd of 300 folks in this basement venue.
The cast and other guests here included Gemma Arterton,Jessica Swale,David Suchet,Sarah Hadland,
Nigel Harman,Lady Colin Campbell,Patricia Hodge and Jay Taylor.
A jazz quartet are playing in the corner.
Complimentary wines for all but i stuck to orange juice.
Lots of different bowl food too.
Thursday 11 February 2016.
Quadrophenia - The Immersive Cinematic Experience - at Hammersmith Apollo,London.
British movie classic Quadrophenia tonight is a fully immersive cinematic and theatrical experience, plunging fans into the sights and sounds of 1964 and capturing the spirit of the era.
Many of the film’s key stars took part in the event for the Q & A session including Phil Daniels who took the central role as disaffected Mod teenager Jimmy Cooper. Joining Daniels were other major names from the cast including Toyah Wilcox, Trevor Laird, Garry Cooper and Daniel Peacock, who together shared their memories in a Q&A to add an extra dimension.
In addition to a screening of the 1979 film, based on The Who’s double-album rock-opera released six years earlier, and the Q&A session, there will be staged re-enactments throughout the night of scenes from the film to conjure up the feel of the mid-60s era in which it is set. The all-important sounds of the day will be performed live by leading Who tribute act Who’s Who, and there will be an exclusive VIP after party with appearances from all the Q&A special guests, plus memorabilia including original Vespas and their real life Mod owners. As any self-respecting Mod knows, it is important to look your best at all times and there will be awards with great prizes for the guests in the “best threads”.
Director Franc Roddam’s film is seen as a classic tale of alienation, disillusionment and escapism, as well as an important document capturing an important part of British youth history and rebellion. Watching the movie has been a rite of passage for millions since its release and the Mod era has been a source of fascination for generations - its fashions and music continuing to resonate.
In the film Daniels stars as bored teenager Jimmy who finds excitement and escape from his undemanding job by seeking thrills with his Mod pals, popping drugs, chasing girls, riding his Lambretta and fighting. After the thrill of a weekend in Brighton, which ends in a riot and a court appearance, he decides to leave his old life behind and head to the coast but finds the reality a harsh letdown!
Significantly for this event, the venue is actually featured in the original artwork for the 1973 Quadrophenia album release, with a photograph of The Who standing in front of the building, then known as the Hammersmith Odeon. It is also mentioned in the sleeve notes, in which Jimmy recalls seeing Who posters being pasted outside the building after he sleeps rough in Hammersmith.
---------------------
A great atmosphere tonight for this massive Mod event with many folks wearing parkas,crombies
and other Mod clothing.
There are 50 scooters parked outside the venue and as a very nice touch all the venue staff are dressed up
as Bell Boys just as Sting was in the movie.
There is memorabilia from the film in the foyer and the dj is playing tunes.
I have a great seat three rows from the front.
The venue is full apart from a couple of the rear corner blocks in the balcony which are unsold.
7.20pm to 9.20pm was the film screening of Quadrophenia which is a brilliant film.
The front few rows were taken out for a dozen actors to act out live scene performances every few mins.
The actors got involved in some of the more sexual scenes that got big cheers from the crowd
including Jimmy having a fiddle on his bed and Jimmy having nookie in the alley.
Best of all was the scene in the film where Jimmy was dancing on the balcony and dives into the crowd.
Tonight we had an actor who did the same as he danced in the balcony and then jumped down
to some discreet cardboard boxes under a black sheet...it was a fantastic stunt.
Chants of 'We Are The Mods,We Are The Mods' ring out from the crowd all through the evening.
9.20pm to 9.50pm...Interval
9.50pm to 10.15pm was the Q & A with Phil Daniels,Toyah Wilcox and others including the director.
Toyah confirmed she gave Sex Pistol John Lydon acting lessons as he was one of three actors
screen tested for the main role of Jimmy that Phil Daniels finally got.
No matter how many times I have seen the film,Phil Daniels does a totally superb job.
The film is close to my heart as a few scenes were filmed in my manor of Shepherds Bush
by Goldhawk Road and at the sadly now closed Cookes Pie n Mash shop.
For many of the cast it was their first acting experience as teenagers and it's always interesting to
see who has gone on to bigger things...and those who have passed away which include
Heavy Metal Kids singer and actor Gary Holton.
10.15pm to 10.20pm was the Best Threads Awards.
10.30pm to 11pm was Who's Who tribute band who played a great 30 mins set of Who classics
including tracks '5.15', 'Bell Boy' and a final gem 'Won't Get Fooled Again'.
Their Keith Moon was the star as he looked,played and acted like him.
All the mods are down the front having a dance.
11pm to 11.30pm I was at the party in the balcony bar.
A big crowd of around 200 guests here with a dj playing some loud tunes.
Three quarters of this crowd had paid extra for a premium ticket that included a goodie bag of merch
and a laminate for the party.
The cast here tonight would nip in and out from the vip room near the party room.
It was a pay bar and I left after around 30 mins.
It was still in full swing when I left.
A great evening.
Wednesday 10 February 2016...6.15pm to 8.45pm...
The Henley Festival - launch party - Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, 47 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1.
Around 70 media folks in the upstairs bar area that is above the main club of this legendary venue.
I went to see Lionel Richie play Henley last year and it was a fantastic unique evening.
Henley is easy to get to on the train from Paddington and Ealing Broadway tube stations.
------------
Tonight we had a couple of cover songs including 'Hallelujah' by pop opera act Blake and
piano player Adam Kay who played a couple of his humorous lyrics based songs.
Blake are playing with Shirley Bassey at Henley and Adam Kay also plays at Henley.
We had a few words from the stage on would be playing this years festival.
------------
The black tie event Henley Festival billed as 'The UK's Most Magical Summer Party' returns to Henley On Thames bringing music, visual arts, fashion, street theatre, comedy and fine dining for 5,000.
The 34th festival by the Thames takes place from Wednesday 6th until Sunday 10th July 2016, culminating in a firework spectacular.
HEADLINERS play on a floating stage.
Wednesday 6th July 2016...Elton John and his band.
Thursday 7th July 2016...Elvis Costello & The Imposters.
Friday 8th July 2016.... Welsh Opera singer Bryn Terfel performing with the Welsh National Opera Orchestra.
Saturday 09 July 2016...Dame Shirley Bassey and Blake.
Sunday 10 July 2016...Will Young will bring Henley Festival to a close on the Sunday night of Family Day, where kids can enjoy festival site and interact with children’s entertainers, musicians, comedians and street entertainers.
This year's comedy line-up and guest include Al Murray, Reginald D Hunter, Nina Conti, Dillie Keane, Richard Herring, Adam Kay, The Boy With Tape On His Face, Hal Cruttenden, Simon Evans, Frisky & Mannish, Lili La Scala, The Pin, Sam Simmons, Jonny Awsum, Eleanor Tiernan, Chris Kent, and Jess Robinson.
-------------
RONNIE SCOTT’S
Brand new for 2016, legendary jazz club Ronnie Scott’s will be making the festival their home for the full five days. Festival goers will be treated to the full Ronnie Scott’s experience, seated at cabaret style tables they will be able to watch performances by the stellar Ronnie Scott’s Allstars under the guidance of Jazz maestro James Pearson while waiters discretely serve cocktails and show stopping food.
-------------
NEW MUSIC STAGE
Also hugely exciting for 2016 is the arrival of the New Music Stage featuring 10 of the brightest names in new music. Taking over the newly erected big top, Henley Festival will showcase up and coming talent with a five day programme of unsigned acts taking place before the floating stage performance each night.
------------
PURE HEAVEN
Legendary nightclub Heaven will be bringing their sister club Pure to the festival, kicking off the dancing each night as soon as the headline act finishes on the floating stage
------------
A full complimentary bar along with canapés and bowls of chunky chips for all guests here tonight.
www.henley-festival.co.uk
Visit their website here for more info and to buy tickets from £35.
Tuesday 9 February 2016...I went to two very nice events tonight...
7.15pm to 9.15pm
Vogue 100: A Century of Style - opening reception - National Portrait Gallery,St Martins Place,London WC2.
A major event as a dozen paparazzi photographers are outside the venue as we go in and leave later.
Around 300 guests here at this huge exhibition that is over a dozen rooms.
There is a Vogue magazine or print from every year in one of the rooms.
Loads of fantastic pictures and articles and prints from over the years.
Models Suki Waterhouse, Karlie Kloss, Jourdan Dunn, Eva Herzigova, Lara Stone, Laura Bailey, Lily Donaldson, Erin O'Connor and newly engaged Jerry Hall all headed to the National Portrait Gallery to catch a first glimpse of the Vogue 100: A Century of Style exhibition. Elizabeth Hurley was seen posing in front of a few of the 280 commissioned pieces, as Dakota Johnson made a surprise appearance following her film premiere earlier, joining March cover girl Edie Campbell and Lottie Moss. Hosts Alexandra Shulman and Leon Max were congratulated as they brought together acclaimed figures from the fashion world including designers Christopher Bailey, Erdem Moralıoğlu, Christopher Kane, Alice Temperley, Bella Freud, Patrick Cox, Charlotte Dellal, Stephen Jones and fashion photographers Mario Testino and Juergen Teller whose work has been an integral part of Vogue's history. Other guests included Natalie Massenet, Donna Air, Amber Le Bon, Yasmin Le Bon, Simon Le Bon,Sophie Dahl, Jamie Cullum,Jillian Hervey,Alan Yentob, Amanda Wakeley and Dame Zandra Rhodes.
Also Lord Linley, Nicky Haslam and Nicky Clarke.
Also Dean and Dan Caten who are identical twin brothers, fashion designers, founders and owners of DSQUARED2, an international fashion house.
Complimentary Perrier Jouet champers,vodka cocktails and canapés for all guests.
It is on until 22 May 2016.
www.npg.org.uk
Visit the National Portrait Gallery for more info and to buy tickets.
then
10pm to 1am
Lexus RX - launch party - The Rumpus Room, Mondrian Hotel, 20 Upper Ground, London, SE1.
Around 300 folks here for this car launch.
Actor Jude Law is here as he fronts their latest tv advert.
Great views of The River Thames from the 12th floor here.
We had a female fronted band sing a few cover versions and a dj is playing some tunes.
The Lexus RX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV sold since 1998 by Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. Originally released in its home market of Japan in late 1997 as the Toyota Harrier, export sales began in March 1998 as the Lexus RX. Three generations of the Lexus RX have been produced to date, the first being compact in size, and the latter two classified as mid-size. Both front- and four-wheel drive configurations have been used on the RX series, and several gasoline powertrain options, including V6 engines and hybrid systems, have been offered. In the Lexus model lineup, the RX sits below the larger GX and LX body-on-frame SUVs, and above the smaller NX crossover. The RX name stands for Radiant Crossover.
Complimentary Perrier Jouet champers,different cocktails,wines,beers,bowl food and canapés.
www.lexus.co.uk
Visit the LEXUS website here for more info.
Monday 8 February 2016.
Sex Pistol Steve Jones radio show Jonesy Jukebox featured Gene Simmons on Friday.
Click on The Sex Pistols link on the right to listen.
The two hour show has been trimmed to 56 mins of chat with the music taken out.
Sunday 7 February 2016.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band confirm return to Ireland in 2016.
The River Tour - Friday 27 May 2016 at Croke Park, Dublin.
On their last visit to Ireland, they played sell out shows around the country in Limerick, Cork and Belfast
before wrapping up their European Tour with 2 nights in Kilkenny.
Now Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band have confirmed a return to Dublin -
last appearing in the city in 2012 - to play for the first time ever at Croke Park.
Tickets for Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band at Croke park on sale Thursday 11 February at 9am.
Ticket prices:
Seated: E65.45 / E116 / E131
General Admission: E98.50
Rumours in Ireland say second and third dates have been reserved for more Dublin shows.
I saw U2 at Croke Park in June 2005 which is a huge outdoor stadium venue.
No news on UK shows but i presume Wembley Stadium is where he is headed.
I have a hunch the London show will be on Saturday 04 June which means a mega clash with
AC/DC who are playing The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park ,Stratford,East London on the same day.
Saturday 06 February 2016.
Saturday i watched a great documentary on Annabel's club in Berkeley Square which was shown on BBC4.
Annabel's has long been the playground for the rich and famous, and now its story comes to life in this 50-year history of the most celebrated nightclub in the world. Renowned for its discretion, and as a haunt of some of our greatest celebrities, the film offers a hitherto unseen glimpse into the rarefied worlds behind the doors of 44 Berkeley Square.
As London's very first members-only nightclub, Annabel's remains the only nightclub visited by the Queen, and once courted infamy for refusing entry to the Beatles. The documentary provides a cultural biopsy of London since the Second World War, and the club's history from inception through to the present day.
I have been there half a dozen times as they have the odd private event where non members are allowed.
Annabel's capacity is 200 at most but a few acts have played there including Bryan Ferry,Grace Jones and
Lady Gaga twice in 2011 and 2013...I saw her there in 2011 which was a mega party for Belvedere Vodka.
Kate Moss and all her gang were at the gig.
Lady Gaga footage from that gig was shown in the documentary.
You can check it out on BBC iPlayer.
Friday 5 February 2016...6.45pm to 9.45pm...
Zoom F1 - charity auction - at The Intercontinental Hotel,Park Lane,London W1.
A big crowd of around 500 smartly dressed folks in the ballroom.
This event was to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.
Zoom is the official charity for Formula 1 Racing.
It is a great event for Formula 1 fans as a few drivers and back room staff are here.
All are friendly and posing for photos and signing stuff.
The host tonight was BBC1 F1 presenter Suzi Perry.
Guests here included Spice Girl Geri Halliwell who is with her new hubby Red Bull F1 boss Christian Horner.
Also here were Charley Boorman,Anthony Hamilton, James Allen, Jennie Gow, Nick Knowles,
Dominic Littlewood, Adrian Newey,Alexander Rossi,Jolyon Palmer,Maximillian Gunther and Charlie Webster.
Also a couple of music folks.....Danny Bowes who sings with Thunder and dj David Jensen.
Around 50 photographs in the auction that lasted over an hour.
Each year, the drivers and team principals of every F1 team are asked to take a photograph of their chosen subject. Images range from Fernando Alonso’s podium shot of the Monza crowd to Nico Rosberg at the wheel of a 1938 W154 and Bernie Ecclestone’s view from his window in Switzerland.
All the photographs were signed.
Most prices were around £1000 to £3000 but a few went for under £500.
Lots of complimentary champers and beers along with burgers,fish n chips,hot Chinese food and canapés
A very nice event.
www.zoom-auction.com
Visit their website here.
Thursday 4 February 2016.
6.30pm to 8.15pm
Neuroblastoma UK - auction - at 6 Queen Square,Bloomsbury,London WC1.
Neuroblastoma is a form of cancer that affects children.
Very nice to be at this historic venue that is owned by The Art Workers Guild.
6 Queen Square is a Georgian house in a quiet square built between 1716 and 1725.
The room is full of old portraits by the artists on the walls.
Camp Channel 4 tv host Alan Carr was the auctioneer tonight and was very entertaining.
Guests included Dame Jacqueline Wilson( children's author).
There were 31 items auctioned with 6 live and 25 in the silent auction.
Complimentary presecco and canapés for all guests.
www.neuroblastoma.org.uk
Visit their website here.
then
8.50pm to 10pm
I was on BBC Radio today...The Mark Forrest Show 7pm to 10pm...recorded at BBC Maida Vale.
There were a couple of new acts in the studio and i was on 9.25pm to 9.40pm talking about gig going.
I was nicely introduced as "the country's most prolific gig-goer" by Mark.
I was told in advance it would be around 15 mins of chat.
It goes so quickly when i could have easily chatted for 30 mins or more.
Items covered included my number one gig ever which was Live Aid in 1985.
The amount of gigs I have been to...now 6408 since 1973...
We chatted about my first gigs and my love of glam rock as a 14 year old in 1973.
We chatted about Sex Pistols gigs and KISS gigs and meeting the bands.
The website got mentioned just the once.
It was over far too quickly but good fun.
The programme was broadcast on all 39 BBC local radio stations in England and the Channel Islands.
The show will be on BBC IPlayer Radio for a period after.
Thursday 04 February 2016...another sad music death...
Maurice White, founder of funk band Earth, Wind & Fire, has died aged 74 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. White, who died at his home in Los Angeles, was diagnosed with the disease in 1992. His brother and band mate Verdine White, 64, said 'While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected'.
I first saw Earth,Wind & Fire in 1975 when they supported Santana at Hammersmith Odeon.
Thursday 04 February 2016.
Veteran singer Sir Van Morrison was dubbed a knight by The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace. After the ceremony, the 70 year old reflected on his 53 years in the music business - 'That's not bad for a blue-eyed soul singer from east Belfast', and adding 'It's amazing, it's very exhilarating, the whole thing'.
-------------------------------------------