News and Reviews: 5th April 2016
Monday 04 April 2016...7.15pm to 11.30pm...The Rolling Stones EXHIBITIONISM - private view - at The Saatchi Gallery,Kings Road, Chelsea,London.
Around 500 guests at this hot ticket invite only event.
I have been to many events at The Saatchi Gallery but even by their standards this is a major event.
Ever since i saw four of their shows at Earls Court in 1976 and at Knebworth the same year The Stones
have always been a big deal whatever they have done.
I arrive at the venue at 6.40pm and a couple of hundred fans are outside the venue lining the barriers.
Doors open at 7pm and an early arrival is legendary New York photographer Bob Gruen.
The security then hold invitees back as The Stones are due to arrive for the photographers.
All of The Rolling Stones turn up by car at 7.10pm and spend five mins signing stuff and posing for photographers.
This was carefully staged as they were at the venue already in the afternoon giving interviews for
the various tv stations to get the 6pm news.
We then all go in and most have a laminate that is checked and scanned at the main entrance then
a visual check is done on laminates at the entrance to the building itself.
The laminate said 'Please bring photo ID with you' but this was not asked for on the door.
I saw Mick and Charlie in the exhibition but not Keith or Ronnie but so many different rooms
it was quite easy to miss people and some I saw just the once through the evening.
Each member of The Stones had their own security guy to stop any unwanted attention.
Guests included Glen Matlock,Donovan(I took a couple of photos of Glen with Donovan as Glen is a big fan).
I had a lovely chat with Donovan about the Reading Town Hall gig I saw him at last year.
I had a nice chat with film & video director Julien Temple (The Rolling Stones,The Sex Pistols and many others),
He said he is currently working on a Keith Richards documentary.
Jeff Beck,Bill Wyman and family,Sir Bob Geldof,Bobby Gillespie,Pam Hogg,Tommy Hilfiger,
Spice Girl Geri Halliwell(Horner) is here with her hubby Christian Horner (Red Bull Formula One Boss),
Kenney Jones,James Bay,Georgia May Jagger,Fearne Cotton with Jesse Wood,Sally Humphries (Wood),
Trinny Woodall,Chris O'Donnell(Thin Lizzy manager in the 1970s),Annie Nightingale,Chris Jagger.
Pattie Hansen,Theodora Richards,Alexandra Richards,Tyrone Wood.
The exhibition itself was fantastic and I will go back to see it a second and third time for sure.
We see the mock up of their very untidy Edith Grove flat with piles of unwashed plates along
with empty milk and beer bottles and the old style gas meter.
There is a mock recording studio where you can mix your fave Stones tracks as you like to hear them.
A stunning collection of their guitars and basses.
A stunning collection of their stage wear over the years.
Different setlists and other interesting paperwork.
There are some fantastic replica models of their stadium tours over the years.
We saw the band performing on the big screen with 3D glasses.
At the end of the tour is the massive Rolling Stones gift shop stocking some expensive rock memorabilia.
An Exile on Main Street tuxedo by Turnbull & Asser is on sale for £1500 while a
Ligne 2 cigarette lighter will set customers back £1250.
All the band and most of the celebs have departed by 10pm but Scottish chums Bobby Gillespie and
fashion designer Pam Hogg (Pam also designed this years BRIT Award trophy) are still here at the end.
A female dj was playing tracks all night in the bar areas.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food for all.
Drinks were Nyetimber English Sparkling Wines while walking around the exhibition then on the top floor
were the bar areas with a full bar including whiskey,vodka,gin,wines,beers etc and my fave which was a
doughnut dipped in a flat white martini.
Food was bowl food,burgers,canapés and desserts.
At the end guests could take a copy of Arts & Music magazine which has the whole edition on the exhibition
with photos,interviews and reproduction of iconic Stones tour posters.
Needless to say it was a great event.
After the event Mick Jagger had a private party for Stones band members and The Stones inner sanctum
back at his Cheyne Walk,Chelsea home.
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Taking over the entire two floors of the Saatchi Gallery with 9 thematic galleries, EXHIBITIONISM combines over 500 original Stones' artefacts, with striking cinematic and interactive technologies offering the most comprehensive and immersive insight into the band's fascinating fifty year history.
It's from now until 04 Sept 2016.
They are saying you should allow 90 mins to see all the exhibition.
www.saatchigallery.com
Visit the Saatchi Gallery website for more info and to buy tickets.
UPDATE---on Friday 01 April Keith Richards told The Sun Newspaper that the band planned to play
four or five songs on the lawn outside The Saatchi Gallery for the opening party but
The Chelsea Residents Association poo-pooed the idea.
Keith said that the re-creation of the flat in Keith Grove ,Chelsea is the thing he looking forward to see most.
Brian Jones, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards moved into this flat in Edith Grove late summer 1962 and shared it throughout 1962 and 1963. Also sharing the flat was James Phelge, who would later become a successful photographer.
Phelge's name is used in some of the bands writing credits and he would also later write a book on the Rolling Stones called Phelge's Stones, describing the very young Stones
Brian and Keith would spend days playing guitar while listening to blues recods and Jones taught Jagger how to play the harmonica in this flat.
The flat was far from the luxury the Stones would experience later in their career, it was famously squalid with rising damp and peeling wallpaper. Keith’s mother Doris would visit weekly to take away mounds of dirty clothes to wash for them.
UPDATE - on Sunday 03 April - Former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor has slammed the
Rolling Stones for not inviting him to the opening of their Exhibitionism exhibition in London this week.
“It appears they are using my name and likeness for another multi-million dollar making exercise. I can’t help wondering why nobody has invited me to the opening at Saatchi Gallery?,” Taylor said in a Facebook post.
Taylor joined the Stones as Brian Jones replacement following the death of Jones at age 27. He played with the band 1969-1974 contributing to what is generally considered their greatest works, including the albums ‘Let It Bleed’, ‘Sticky Fingers’ and ‘Exile On Main Street’ as well as the lesser-well received ‘Goats Head Soap’.
Sunday 03 April 2016.
The Olivier Theatre Awards were held at The Royal Opera House,London.
Below are some of the main winners...
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Best New Musical...nominees
Bend It Like Beckham
In the Heights
Mrs Henderson Presents
Kinky Boots (music & lyrics by Cyndi Lauper)
WINNER = Kinky Boots
Cyndi Lauper and Michael Ball performed 'True Colours' on the night.
Best Actor In A Musical was won by Matt Henry - Kinky Boots.
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Best Musical Revival...nominees
Gypsy
Bugsy Malone
Guys and Dolls
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
WINNER = Gypsy
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Best New Opera Production...nominees
Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci = WINNER
The Force of Destiny
Morgen Und Abend
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Outstanding Achievement in Opera...nominees
English National Opera Chorus and Orchestra for The Force of Destiny, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk and The Queen of Spades
Felicity Palmer for The Queen of Spades = WINNER
Antonio Pappano for conducting Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci, Guillaume Tell and Krol Roger
Tamara Wilson for The Force of Destiny
www.olivierawards.com
Check their website for full list of winners.
Saturday 02 April 2016.
BabyMetal live at Wembley Arena,London.
Consisting of three all-singing, all-dancing female Japanese teenagers who don't play any instruments.
Musicians in the background who wear robes and face paint provide the soundtrack.
They come under the novelty factor of metal/pop singers who combine tutus with battle wear.
This is the opening show on a world tour to promote their second album 'Metal Resistance'.
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Not sure how BabyMetal have got themselves headlining this big venue so quickly.
Just a couple of years ago they played their first shows at the main rock festivals then they headlined
The Forum,then Brixton Academy and now here...and the venue is full.
An indication of their popularity was a couple of videos posted on YouTube around 2pm on the afternoon
of the gig where a few hundred were already queuing up for the merch stand.
Lots of Japanese folks here as they are massive back home where they headlined Tokyo Budokan last year
and this year they will headline the 55,000 capacity Toyko Dome.
Tonight's gig was beamed back live to venues in Japan.
The video for the track 'Gimme Chocolate ' from their debut album has had over 45 million views on YouTube.
I have seen their videos so I am expecting a visually great show with some average songs and that is
pretty much what I got.
BabyMetal arrive on stage at 8.45pm and perform for 1 hour 45 mins.
It is a nice stage production with two big screens and columns at the back and plenty of pyros and flames and
a few songs are performed from a second b stage in the middle of the area.
A barrage of red and white lighting (the colours of the Japanese flag).
Plenty of fans dressed up like the girls and there are lively circle pits on the floor standing area.
The three girls are doing their funny robotic stage routines non stop.
The vocals were a bit squeaky and the speed metal backing was a bit samey.
They are however a very unique act.
The best tracks were at the end of the main set with 'Gimme Chocolate' and 'The One'.
For the latter song everyone brought out their national flags and many different countries were covered.
So an enjoyable visual show but I won't be buying any of their albums.
Friday 01 April 2016.
The Sessions - The Beatles at Abbey Road Studios live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
This was the second ever performance of this touring show after a premiere in Liverpool the night before.
Between 1962 and 1969, The Beatles recorded some of their best-known albums at London's Abbey Road Studios, including Revolver, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and the White Album.
Now, these recording sessions are being recreated for a new stage show, The Sessions at Abbey Road, which will be performed at the Royal Albert Hall on April 1 2016 at the start of a UK tour.
Period equipment, and a team of 45 will be used during the show, which will span the band's entire recording career at the studios, and will feature a full-sized reconstruction of Abbey Road's Studio Two.
After other shows in the UK and mainland Europe they play Wembley Arena May 14 and 02 Arena May 15.
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A nice long show of around 2 hours 25 mins over two sets of 75 mins and 70 mins.
The first set was Beatles tracks up to 1966 and the second half was tracks from 1967 onwards.
The show was dedicated to Sir George Martin.
This audio-visual extravaganza is without doubt the closest you will get to being a fly on the wall while The Beatles were creating their timeless masterpieces at Abbey Road studios.
It’s an ambitious concept which tells the story of the Fab Four through their recording career,
from the early days of 'Please Please Me' and 'She Loves You' right up to the final sessions for the 'Abbey Road' album.
The show itself is part dramatic representation - with the figure of Sir George acting as narrator - and part live concert. It is set in a replica of the legendary Studio 2 at Abbey Road, where the vast majority of The Beatles’ recordings were made.
With the audience seated on three sides, the mock-studio was surrounded by transparent screens which acted as a canvas on which text and images were projected, including details about each of the recordings (such as the date, and number of takes needed). Occasionally, these screens would be raised to give us a direct view inside the studio.
You kinda forget how many many Beatles classics clocked in just over two minutes.
There were two actual Beatles tribute bands tonight who looked and sounded like the real thing
and clever use of lighting was used when The Beatles played on one area of the floor then in a blink
the other Beatles were in a different area with different clothing.
There is a scrupulous attention to detail throughout, which is not surprising given that the creative consultant was former Abbey Road sound engineer Geoff Emerick, who worked on nearly all of these recording sessions.
The emphasis is on re-creating the classic singles and album tracks as faithfully as possible, which involves no fewer than 45 people taking to the stage in total - with vocal duties shared between two “Johns”, two “Pauls”, two “Georges”, but only one “Ringo”.
The second half was more colourful and had more use of the orchestra as The Beatles experimented with sound.
It was hard to find fault with any of the performances, but special mention should go to a spine-tinglingly accurate version of 'She’s Leaving Home', and a powerful rendition of 'A Day in the Life',
complete with a 21-piece orchestra to replicate the song’s dramatic arrangement.
An encore of 'Hey Jude' got the crowd singing and swaying along.
A great show that all the crowd loved by giving it a full standing ovation.
Friday 01 April 2016.
Sir Paul McCartney to release 67 track greatest hits album,
The four cd package will cover the period 1970 to 2014.
Sir Paul McCartney has revealed he's to release a post-Beatles album of 67 songs, all of which he has handpicked. The album is available June 10, and McCartney said 'Maybe it is to be enjoyed on a long car journey or an evening at home or at a party with friends? So we got our heads together and came up with these diverse playlists from various periods of my long and winding career'.
Thursday 31 March 2016...I went to four events tonight...
6pm to 7pm
Gered Mankowitz photos - private view - at Snap Galleries,12 Piccadilly Arcade,London SW1.
British music photographer revisits archive of Rolling Stones images taken from the height of their early fame.
'Off The Hook: The Rolling Stones' exhibition and limited edition book, 'Backstage: The Rolling Stones',
which will feature unpublished images. Runs from 01 April until May 28.
A small gallery here that can only hold around 50 people at most.
Gered is here along with Peter York and celebrity photographer Richard Young.
There are 25 great photos of The Stones from the 1960s on the walls.
Both colour and black n white.
The prices to buy them are pretty mental as they start at £1750 and upwards.
The huge book retails for £395 but you can buy on the website for the next month for £250.
All guests got a nice colour brochure that featured all the photos from the exhibition.
Complimentary presecco and beers for all guests.
www.snapgalleries.com
Visit the Snap Galleries website for more info.
then
7.15pm to 8.15pm
Poetry Society's National Poetry Competition / Ted Hughes Award - reception at
The Savile Club, 69 Brook Street,Mayfair, London, W1.
Around 200 folks here at this stunning building that has been a private members club since 1868.
Over 12,000 poems from 73 countries entered for this years award...winner was Eric Berlins 'Night Errand'.
All the shortlisted poems are up on their website.
Complimentary wines and some nice hot canapes for all guests.
All guests got a goodie bag of poetry books.
www.poetrysociety.org.uk
Visit the Poetry Society website for more info.
then
8.30pm to 9.45pm
boohooMAN - party - at Rah Rah Rooms, 215-217 Piccadilly, London, W1.
Scotty T has been unveiled as the new face of Boohoo Man as the Manchester based online retailer launches
a separate website for its menswear range.
The reality TV star swapped partying for posing as he modelled for the brand and showed off the new collection that is packed with skinny jeans, stylish bomber jackets, plain tees and comfortable tracksuits.
Over 200 folks here with a nice buzzy nightclub vibe as the dj played the tunes.
Lots of glammed up females here including Lizzie Cundy,Vicky Pattison,Bianca Gasgoine and Megan Rees.
Complimentary presecco for all guests.
All guests got a goodie bag when leaving.
www.boohooman.com
Visit the BooHooMan website for more info.
Use the code BMLAUNCH to get 30% off until 30 April 2016.
then
10pm to 12pm
How the Other Half Loves - press night & afterparty -
Mint Leaf Restaurant & Bar, Suffolk Place, Haymarket, London, SW1.
This was the afterparty for the play that was held earlier nearby at The Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Gloria Hunniford, Stephen Way,Kate Thornton and Don Black were out to show their support as Tamzin Outhwaite, Nicholas Le Prevost, Jenny Seagrove, Jason Merrells and Gillian Wright graced the West End stage in How the Other Half Loves, Sir Alan Ayckbourn 1969 comedy of marital manners and the drama between three different couples.
A nice surprise to see England football manager Roy Hodgson who was in deep conversation with
Bill Kenwright who is chairman of Everton Football Club as well as a leading West End theatre producer.
A very lavish affair here as the 200 guests were all seated for a three course dinner which is pretty unheard off.
A selection of small dishes for starters and a lovely Tandori Smoked Chicken Masala with rice and veg for mains.
Complimentary presecco,wines,beers and soft drinks with the meal.
Thursday 31 March 2016.
Very sad news that we have lost yet another great entertainer.
Ronnie Corbett has passed away aged 85.
He was always on the tv on various shows as his career spanned over 50 years.
His BBC television comedy show with Ronnie Barker, The Two Ronnies, lasted from 1971 to 1987. Barker and Corbett performed sketches and musical numbers. Corbett presented a monologue. Sitting in a large easy chair (emphasising his small size), and usually wearing a Lyle & Scott golfing V-neck sweater, he would tell a simple joke over several minutes, often allowing himself to appear to lose his train of thought.
Wednesday 30 March 2016...7.15pm to 11.15pm...
CONVERSE - Celebrates 40 Years Of Punk --- at The 100 Club,London W1.
Invite only event hosted by this well known sneakers brand.
When this famous venue got threatened with closure a few years ago CONVERSE
stepped in to sponsor the venue.
Converse have recently brought out the Chuck Taylor All Star Sex Pistols Collection.
Most of the crowd are seated for the film with a few at the back standing.
At 8pm we have on the big screen a showing of the superb Sex Pistols documentary
'The Filth And The Fury'.
I went to the premiere of this film in 2000 at The Screen On The Green,Islington.
I still have the paper razor blade invite somewhere.
So much happened in the two years The Sex Pistols were together.
Julian Temple's documentary charts the rise, decline and fall of the Sex Pistols from their humble beginnings in London's Shepherd's Bush to their disintegration at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. Temple puts the band into historical context with Britain's social situation in the 1970s through archival footage from the period. This film was seen in some ways as an opportunity for the Pistols to tell their side of the story, mostly through interviews with the surviving members of the group, footage shot during the era, and outtakes from The Great Rock and Roll Swindle.
I have seen the film many times but always good to see it on the big screen.
The Pistols soundtrack still sounds amazing as it blasts through the speakers with such classics as
'Anarchy In The UK','God Save The Queen','Pretty Vacant','EMI','Bodies' and many more.
I am in it a few times as they show fans jumping around at The Sex Pistols Notre Dame Hall gig from 1976.
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On the panel afterwards for a Q n A were Sir Tom Baker (Soho fine tailoring with a punk influence )
Viv Albertine(ex Slits) and a couple of members from all girl punk band Skinny Girl Diet who are from London.
The discussion lasted around 45 mins but it was not the film they discussed but how punk attitude
and punk fashion has changed and became a bit corporate etc and their feelings on punk nostalgia.
Politician Jeremy Corbyn came out well as despite looking and dressing like a 66 year old teacher
his general attitude is very punk which is why many young people like him despite the way he looks.
On the decks was dj Ray Gange playing a great mix of punk,soul,disco etc.
A complimentary bar all through the evening along with popcorn.
I had a few JD and cokes along with Baileys with ice.
A nice event.
www.converse.com
Visit the CONVERSE website here.
www.tombakerlondon.com
Visit the SIR TOM BAKER website here.
Wed 30 March---Happy Birthday to Eric Clapton who is 71 today.
Wed 30 March---Johnnie Walker BBC Radio 2 dj (70s rock show on Sundays) is also 71 today.
Tuesday 29 March 2016.
Punk legend JOHN LYDON is losing his sight and fears he will go completely blind.
The Sex Pistols star, 60, now wears glasses on stage “so I don’t fall off the edge”.
His sight was affected by a bout of meningitis in childhood.
He said: “My eyesight is going – it started from the meningitis but it’s getting worse.
“I can’t read anything. Even newspaper headlines are very blurry".
John says he wears glasses now so he doesn't fall off the edge of the stage.
“If I lose my eyesight , I lose my life. I’d rather give up my ears than my eyes, which might sound unusual
for a musician"
“If I couldn’t see the world around me that would be a terrific loss".
“If I lost my vision completely, that would be something I’d have to analyse in my mind".
“It’s gloomy but I can enjoy depression.”
Monday 28 March 2016.
Some of you may have seen this tv clip before that was shown again tonight but it always makes me chuckle.
Guitar legends met The Queen in 2005 and they all had to wear name badges.
Pundits pronounce almost daily on the workings of the Queen’s mind, but few people really know her likes and dislikes.
However, there is at least one certainty: Her Majesty has quite clearly never been a fan of virtuoso electric guitar.
This fact became painfully obvious as the monarch engaged in conversation with some of the greatest exponents of the art produced by Britain during a reception at Buckingham Palace celebrating the country’s music industry.
It started when Brian May of Queen pointed out that it had been his honour to play the national anthem during the rock concert held at the palace in 2002 to mark the Golden Jubilee. “Oh! That was you was it?” replied a surprised monarch, before moving swiftly on to Jimmy Page.
Quite a lot of people would swoon in the presence of such a talent, but the Queen managed somehow to control her excitement. “Are you a guitarist too?” she asked of the Led Zeppelin megastar, as if addressing a member of the 1st Haywards Heath Scouts Band. He nodded.
Eric Clapton was taking no chances and, shaking the Queen firmly by the hand, introduced himself by name. “Have you been playing a long time?” the Queen asked, obviously none the wiser. “It must be 45 years now,” replied a non-plussed blues giant.
Next was Jeff Beck, like Clapton and Page a former Yardbird. Her Majesty was duly informed of the fact. “We’re all from Surrey,” added Clapton, grasping for some point of commonality. Luckily, the Queen had heard of Surrey. Clapton was philosophical as he munched his canapé.
“It’s great to meet her - and it doesn’t matter at all that she did not know who we are or what we do. I wouldn’t expect her to.”
Sunday 27 March 2016.
ABC are to release The Lexicon of Love 2 in May 2016.
Usually the sequel album follows its predecessor by a few years, with rare exceptions.
Now add 80s act ABC to the list of rare exceptions.
According to ABC collaborator Marcus Vere, ABC will be releasing The Lexicon of Love 2 in May ,
or 34 years after the Martin Fry-led band released the stunning original, The Lexicon of Love.
The 1982 album, ABC’s first, featured classics,
"The Look of Love (Part 1)” "All Of My Heart" and “Poison Arrow.” The new edition will feature no
re-orchestrated versions of songs from The Lexicon of Love, and Fry as the sole original member.
The Lexicon of Love album from 1982 is one of my fave albums from that decade.
Saturday 26 March 2016.
Happy Birthday to Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler who is 68 today.
Happy Birthday to Diana Ross who is 72 today.
Friday 25 March 2016.
STATUS QUO announce their last ever electric shows.
One of the hardest working live bands who always seem to be touring.
I have seen them play live around 50 times since 1974.
Status Quo have confirmed that their 2016 live shows will represent their last ever full on Electric tour. Following a final high profile European tour, which will start in October and include UK dates in December 2016, no further electric tours will be booked for this legendary band.
Francis Rossi said, “We’ve talked about it for some time and have decided that it’s time for us to hang up the electrics. It’s getting harder and harder for us to play those shows. It’s 30 years since we last said we were stopping but this is a final decision. It doesn’t mean we won’t do other things, perhaps the odd special, but we’re agreed that the moment has come. There’s more to come from us in the years ahead, but we won’t tour the electric set ever again”.
The London show will be at The 02 Arena on Sunday 11 December 2016.
They always have a great support act on their annual UK Dec tour and this time it's REO SPEEDWAGON.
Friday 25 March 2016.
Happy Birthday to Sir Elton John who is 69 today.
Wednesday 23 March 2016...7pm to 11.30pm...
BARRIO BRIXTON --- press launch --- Barrio Brixton, 30 Acre Lane,Brixton,London SW2.
Following on from the success stories of their Angel, Shoreditch and Soho venues, the latest Barrio site sees a shift towards Peruvian fare. Highlights from the kitchen include Mi Corazon (ox skewers) and The Way to Amarillo (salmon ceviche with Amarillo chilli), while there's to be a brand new cocktail menu featuring a back bar loaded with mezcals, piscos, rums and tequilas. The 200-capacity space will feature an outside 'El Patio' for the warmer months, and it'll of course be open 'til late (2am at weekends) for drinking and debauchery.
Barrio has a long and proud history of offering London's most adventurous revelers an exotic spot to let loose in. Back to combine the fun-loving vibes of South America with that vibrant Brixton spirit, standing out won't be an issue here, either. Brixton’s latest neighbourhood hangout looks ideal for everything from weekend brunch to a late-night session.
We get a nice table at the far end of this very brightly coloured interior, using up-cycled and
reclaimed materials to create a fun and playful environment.
The staff did a great job as it was very full and busy during the entire evening.
We had several small plates of food that were all yummy with the crispy chicken my fave.
We had half a dozen great cocktails from their extensive list and we decided are fave was the
Ol' Dirty Bastard (Bourbon and Rum head to head with a hint of orange for a full flavoured old-fashioned style drink).
A close second was the Voodoo Mama (rum, coffee liquor and fresh pineapple).
We had such a great time here we were one of the last ones to leave the venue.
BARRIO BRIXTON is just two minutes from Brixton Electric gig venue and Brixton Ritzy Cinema.
BARRIO BRIXTON is just a few minutes from Brixton Academy so you can easy pop in here before a gig.
They are doing 50% off offers on food during their opening period and 2-4-1 cocktails before 9pm.
www.welovebarrio.com
Visit the BARRIO websites for more info.
www.barriobars.com
Tuesday 22 March 2016...I went to three events today...
2pm to 4pm
London Transport Museum --- press showcase --- Covent Garden Plaza,London WC2.
This popular tourist venue is showcasing how it can be used for corporate entertaining.
It has a new 121 seater cinema in the basement that will be screening Euro 2016 games
and they can host 180 folks for dinner and 500 folks standing.
In the museum you are taken on a journey through the past,present and future of London's
transport development,with striking displays of iconic posters,vintage vehicles and
interactive exhibits.
For the first hour here we have complimentary prosecco,wines and coffees along with
bowl food,canapés and desserts.
For the second hour we tour the museum where it is great to see all the different buses used etc.
Lots of great film and pictures from the past.
Tickets are £17 to go in here and kids go free.
You can save £1 by booking online in advance.
All tickets are valid for the whole year so you can go along multi-times.
All guests got a goodie bag on the way out.
www.ltmuseum.co.uk
Visit The London Transport Museum website for more info and to buy tickets.
then
6pm to 7.45pm
IET showcase at 2 Savoy Place ,London WC2.
This huge venue is next to The Savoy Hotel and overlooks The River Thames.
This venue has recently undergone a £30 million refurbishment, it offers cutting edge technology.
A big crowd of around 300 folks here with 75% of those females who book events for their companies.
The venue has many different sized rooms including a very plush 400 plus seater theatre/cinema.
It also has a terrace that looks out to The Royal Festival Hall across the River.
We have complimentary prosecco,wines and lots of bowl food and canapés.
There is a racing car simulator and a hand held racing car track that were both very popular.
www.ietvenues.co.uk
Visit the IET website for more info.
then
8pm to 11pm
Dennis Morris: Public Image Ltd - First Issue to Metal Box - Private View - The ICA,The Mall,London SW1.
Exhibition exploring the evolution of music band Public Image Ltd through the photographs of designer and photographer Dennis Morris. Showcase features rare pictures relating to the early stages of the band.
Dennis Morris is a British photographer best known for his images of Bob Marley and the Sex Pistols. In 1979, he created the logo for the company Public Image Limited and the innovative Metal Box album packaging.He then became Art Director of Island Records and designed album covers for the likes of Linton Kwesi Johnson, Marianne Faithfull (Broken English) and Bob Marley.
The exhibition runs from Wed 23 March to Sun 15 May.
A £1 day ticket gets admission to all the exhibitions at The ICA.
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A big crowd of around 300 folks here including Dennis Morris himself and fashion designer Pam Hogg.
Really good to see so many of my gig going punk rock chums here tonight.
The exhibition was smaller that expected but like it said on the (metal) box it was solely early PIL.
We had images from the PIL debut album and the Metal Box album was here in a glass cabinet.
We had a few PIL posters and music paper covers and interviews featuring his PIL photos.
Also a ticket stub from their first ever gig on 25 Dec 1978 at The Rainbow (I was there).
We have a live band called Skinny Girl Diet who play a good 30 mins set with a punky/grunge type sound.
Skinny Girl Diet is a British political punk band female trio formed in London.
We have three djs listed as playing 45 mins sets who were Dave Dorrell,Craig Richards and playing last
was the legendary Andrew Weatherall.
Complimentary spirits n mixers,wines and beers for all guests.
A nice buzzing event.
www.ica.org.uk
Visit the ICA website for more info.
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Graffiti scrawled by Johnny Rotten in a run-down house in Denmark Street, London, is being 'honoured by the British state' today (21 March 2016) as an item of cultural importance, in a move that's described as the 'establishment sticking up two fingers at the Sex Pistols'. Historic England has recommended that the building where Rotten wrote 'obscenities' and 'cruel caricatures', should be grade II* listed, saying it is a vital part of Britain's heritage and should be preserved.
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Monday 21 March 2016.
We got in early to the historic area of Greenwich at 4.30pm for a bit of a mooch about before the dinner
as i only get over this way every couple of years.
Greenwich sounds like it would be near North Greenwich where The 02 Arena is, but that's
actually around 30 mins away by DLR/tube or bus.
There are always plenty of tourists floating around here even on a chilly afternoon.
The Cutty Sark is here along with The Old Royal Navy College and the High Street has not one
but two stores selling second-hand vinyl albums.
The Old Royal Navy College has a week of shows every July and this year the headliners are
Joe Bonamassa,Seal,2Cellos,10cc,Roxette and Jamie Cullum.
then
6.15pm to 8.15pm
Bill's Restaurant --- press preview --- 13 Nelson Road,Greenwich,London SE10.
Fast growing Bill's Restaurants now have around 75 locations in the UK.
With their long hours from breakfast through lunch to late dinners a recent trade report said that the
average Bill's Restaurant takes an impressive £30,000 a week in takings.
This Bill's will face plenty of competition as there are many well known restaurant brands in the high street.
The restaurant has great decor with candles on tables and low lighting overall.
Huge lampshades hang from the ceiling and it just has that nice buzzy vibe about it.
The restaurant is over two levels ,with the upstairs a bit more luxurious.
The staff were attentive and there were no food delays.
I had Sweet Ginger and Chilli Chicken Wings for starters.
My mains were Slow Cooked BBQ Style Pork Ribs with sides.
Dessert was Warm Cinnamon Doughnuts.
All the food was tasty and the meat slipped off the ribs nice and easy.
Well worth a visit if you are in the area.
www.bills-website.co.uk
Visit the Bill's Restaurants website here for more info and locations.
Monday 21 March 2016.
An amazing feat completed by Eddie Izzard.
Comedian Eddie Izzard has completed his challenge in South Africa to run 27 marathons in 27 days
for Sport Relief.
The 54-year-old needed to run a double marathon on Sunday to complete his challenge beneath a statue of
Nelson Mandela, in Pretoria.
He finished under a giant statue of Nelson Mandela who spent 27 years in prison.
Izzard attempted a similar feat in South Africa in 2012 but had to pull out for health reasons.
The comedian's endurance feat raised more than £1.35m. The 2016 Sport Relief total stands at £56,984,007.
Monday 21 March 2016.
TWITTER is 10 years old today.
This was when the first tweet was sent.
Six months later,they bought the domain name twitter.com from a bird-watching website
Sunday 20 March 2016.
Happy Birthday to Vera Lynn who reaches the amazing age of 99 today.
Known as the "Forces' Sweetheart," singer Vera Lynn had a popular radio show during World War II and
sang such songs as "The White Cliffs of Dover" and "We'll Meet Again."
Friday 18 March 2016.
39 years ago today
On March 18, 1977, The Clash, four black-clad lads from Notting Hill, London released their first single
"White Riot" ...It went to 38 on the charts.
They didn't yet know how their politically charged lyrics and adrenaline-fueled performances would help define the emerging punk genre. Though the Sex Pistols had kicked in the door of the punk movement, by 1978, they had disbanded, leaving the Clash to lead an inspired generation. Frontman Joe Strummer had plenty to say and penned their punk-rock manifestos, while lead guitarist Mick Jones composed the majority of the music.
I first saw The Clash in Sept 1976 at the legendary 100 Club Punk Rock Festival.
Friday 18 March 2016.
Forty years ago this month.
March 1976 - KISS released their classic album, Destroyer.
Track Listing: Detroit Rock City / King of the Night Time World / God of Thunder / Great Expectations /
Faming Youth / Sweet Pain / Shout It out Loud / Beth / Do You Love Me.
I saw them play Hammersmith Odeon twice in May 1976 to promote this album on their debut UK tour.
Thursday 17 March 2016...7.10pm to 11pm...
Terrence Higgins Trust - The Auction - Christie's London, 8 King Street, St James's,London, SW1.
I have been to this event a few times over the past decade.
Around 400 smartly dressed folks here with a high percentage of gay men.
Most had paid £160 to be here.
Girl about town Nancy Dell'Olio is here and is a regular attendee.
Also a regular is Leee John who was the singer in 80s band Imagination.
They had massive success and I saw them several times at Hammersmith Odeon and Hammersmith Palais.
I had a nice chat with him about me working at Hammersmith Odeon when they played there.
Leee said "there is a DVD out of those shows and he is currently playing solo shows along with a film project".
In 2015 this auction raised a staggering £316,000. Over its history the event has raised £3 million to
make a difference to the lives of people living with and affected by HIV.
A standing reception for an hour then at 8.15pm we are seated in their main auction room for an hour
as the 25 or so lots are auctioned.
Tracey Emin donated an item and sent a video message from Hong Kong.
One of the final lots were two tickets to see Leee John in Paris with a meet and greet.
Leee went up on stage and sung a great few lines from his big hit 'Just An Illusion'.
This fetched £1800.
Another music lot was two tickets to see The Pet Shop Boys at their next London show with a meet and greet.
This went for £3500.
After the auction we had a jazz band playing some cover versions and for the second half of their set
they played in the middle of the room which was great fun as folks sung along to some classic tunes.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food all night including champers,a choice of two cocktails,
bowl food,canapés and desserts.
This event is always really good.
www.tht.org.uk
Visit the Terrence Higgins Trust website for more info.
www.leeejohn.com
Visit the Leee John website for his future gigs and projects.
Thursday 17 March 2016.
Paul Daniels has died at the age of 77, his publicist has confirmed.
The magician and TV personality had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in February. According to The Mirror, Daniels had been undergoing treatment at the Royal Berkshire Hospital but decided to return to his home in Henley-on-Thames on Sunday (March 13) to spend his final days with family.
He was one of those who was always on the telly when I was growing up.
He achieved international fame through his television series The Paul Daniels Magic Show,
which ran on the BBC from 1979 to 1994.
Current popular magician Dynamo said he was a major inspiration.
Also....
BBC presenter Cliff Michelmore dies.
The broadcaster, whose career spanned four decades, has died in hospital at the age of 96. Described as one of TV's best loved presenters, Michelmore interviewed The Prince of Wales, Harold Wilson, and a 17 year old David Bowie during his time, as well as fronting Twenty-Four Hours and Holiday. He's survived by his children Guy and Jenny.
Thursday 17 March 2016.
Malcolm McLaren's son to burn punk collection.
Joe Corré, the son of Vivienne Westwood and the late Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren is planning to burn his collection of punk memorabilia, estimated to be worth £5m, in protest at the way 'punk's legacy has been co-opted by the mainstream'. The founder of lingerie brand Agent Provocateur says the ceremonial burning will take place in Camden, London, November 26, to coincide with the anniversary of the Sex Pistols single Anarchy in the UK.
Wednesday 16 March 2016...I went to two events tonight....
6.30pm to 9pm
ZIMA launch party at ZIMA ,45 Frith Street,Soho,London W1.
ZIMA is the Russian word for Winter.
ZIMA is a Russian Street Food & Bar in the basement of Jean-Jacques Brasserie with a great location
as it is right next to the legendary Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club.
ZIMA is a totally new concept that combines Russian street food and drink in a kitsch speakeasy atmosphere,
and it will open to the public on the 31st of March.
Street and gourmet food combine in an array of tapas-style creations featuring classic ingredients
from all corners of this vast country : sturgeon, herring, scallops, crab, venison and, of course, caviar.
Also there are several Vodka infusion drinks along with prosecco,wines and Russian beers.
They are aiming for a more casual way of having caviar as ZIMA.
Looking like a Soviet-era speakeasy vodka bar, the restaurant is adorned with
propaganda slogans and symbols embossed on porcelain.
The staff did a great job of explaining the ingredients and areas that all the food came from.
The company that owns ZIMA also runs a few English pubs in Moscow.
We enjoyed a great selection of plates of food and drinks here tonight.
Well worth a visit when you are in Soho or pop in before Ronnie Scott's.
www.zimabar.com
Check out the Zima website here for more info or tel 0207 494 9111.
www.theupcoming.co.uk
Check out their website under the Food & Drinks section which features great
pictures of the event showing the food and guests and if you look closely you will see me in a couple of them.
then
PURSON live at The 100 Club,London.
Purson are a psychedelic rock band from London, England. Founded by Rosalie Cunningham. Purson formed after Cunningham disbanded her previous project Ipso Facto.They are signed with Spinefarm / Universal.
Rosalie Cunningham describes the sound as "vaudeville carny psych".
I saw them a year ago supporting Alan Parsons Live Project at Shepherds Bush Empire.
The band are on a UK tour to promote their second album 'Desires Magic Theatre'...out April 2016...
Purson arrived on stage at 9.30pm and played a 70 mins set.
It is pretty full in here as the band are gradually making a name for themselves.
They certainly looked the part as all of them are dressed in early 1970s attire.
They played a decent set that ticked along nicely and the highlight for me was their new single
'Electric Landlady' with its Hendrix vibe that has also got a great official video up on YouTube.
-----------------------------------------
Sadly i was on the guest list for this but I could not get along as the same time as the ZIMA event.
Michael Gaffney: The Champ: My Year with Muhammad Ali - launch party
Proud Gallery Camden, Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1.
The beautiful photographs show Ali, the first boxer ever to become the Heavyweight Champion of the World three times, during the later years of his career, around 1977 - 78.
They will be on show until 15 May 2016.
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