News and Reviews: 27th July 2016
Tuesday 26 July 2016...I went to two events tonight...6.45pm to 9pm
BERRY BROS - summer party & showcase - 3 St James's Street,St James's,London SW1.
Berry Bros. & Rudd is one of Britain's oldest wine and spirit merchants: in 1698 it opened its doors for the first time at 3 St. James's Street, London, United Kingdom, and today it continues to trade from the same premises. The company also has a discounted store in Basingstoke, Hampshire and offices in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Around 150 folks here in their courtyard space at the rear of the store.
They are also showcasing their cellar and private dining rooms.
Complimentary Berry Bros champers and canapes for all guests.
then
10.15pm to 11.45pm
BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S - press night & afterparty - The Haymarket Hotel, 1 Suffolk Place, London, SW1.
This was the afterparty for the press night that was held earlier at The Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Around 300 folks in the basement area by the swimming pool of this plush hotel.
Singer Pixie Lott has the lead role in this production.
Alesha Dixon, Laura Whitmore, Kimberley Walsh and Melanie Sykes were on hand to watch as Pixie Lott took to the stage at the press night of director Nikolai Foster's Breakfast at Tiffany's. The Mama Do singer was supported by her model boyfriend Oliver Cheshire, who joined the likes of Denise Van Outen, Clara Amfo, Jenni Falconer and Jessica Wright at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Rachel Stevens, Hannah Spearritt, Nicola Hughes and Emily Atack were also in the audience to applaud Lott's turn as Holly Golightly in the stage adaptation of Truman Capote's classic.
Other guests here included well known celebrity agent Jonathan Shalit who is always nice & friendly.
Sir Tom Jones was pictured with Pixie Lott at a preview show on Monday 25 July.
Lots of complimentary booze and food for all guests including a choice of three different cocktails with
names related to the stage show (Moon River,Brazillian Millionaire and Go Lightly),wines,beers and
tasty food including burgers,fish & chips,king prawn tempura and canapés.
It was still lively when i departed as it was on until 1am.
Tuesday 26 July---Happy Birthday to Mick Jagger who is 73 today.
Monday 25 July 2016.
Been away for a couple of days so no chance to update the website until today.
Fri 22 July---Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook 60th birthday party.
Lots of well known faces here and his band The Professionals played a 30 mins set.
Sat 23 July---Day 1 of Ramblin' Man Festival,Maidstone,Kent.
Sun 24 July---Day 2 of Ramblin' Man Festival,Maidstone,Kent.
Check below for the three days of reviews that are now up.
Ramblin' Man Festival live at Mote Park,Maidstone,Kent.
Two days of lovely sunshine for this great rock festival now in its second year.
Saturday 23 July 2016.
DAY ONE
Whitesnake play their only UK show on their European Tour.
I have seen Whitesnake live around 25 times since 1978 with the most recent being just six months ago
when they played with Def Leppard at Wembley Arena.
I saw them play Hammersmith Odeon loads of times when i worked front stage security in the 1980s.
I have seen Thin Lizzy around 35 times since 1975 including 23 times with Phil Lynott before he died.
Thin Lizzy changed their name to Black Star Riders but are reverting back to Thin Lizzy for a few shows
with a special line-up that includes Tom Hamilton from Aerosmith on bass.
In addition to Tom’s appointment on bass, previously announced Motorhead drummer Mikkey Dee has been replaced by Judas Priest Drummer Scott Travis on all shows except August 6th in Sweden,
where Europe drummer Ian Haugland will be on the drum stool.
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A perfect size festival as i was told around 10,000 tickets sold for each day...big screens too...
I have a wristband for the hospitality and press areas left of stage which come in handy when it got too hot
as they have a large covered area over two levels where you can still have good views of the bands.
Also a couple of the bands played intimate gigs here and there was a Morris Dancing display each day.
In the press area some of the bands pose for photo sessions and there is a tent where they hold
the interviews that are shown on the big screens between bands.
There is also a signing tent near The Prog stage where some of the bands met the fans.
INGLORIOUS arrive on stage at 1.15pm and play for around 45 mins.
They play a decent bunch if tracks from their debut album and a cover of Rainbow's 'I Surrender'.
DEAD DAISIES arrive on stage at 2.30pm and play for around 45 mins.
All-star band who include Doug Aldrich,Marco Mendoza,John Corabi played a good set.
They look like proper rock stars too.
MASSIVE WAGONS arrive on The Rising stage and I catch 30 mins of their set.
Stumbled across this band with a fantastic singer while having a mooch about.
They were really good and finished the set with the singer on a fans shoulder going for walkies.
TERRORVISION arrive on stage at 5.35pm and play for around 45 mins.
They played a decent set with their singer bouncing around the stage.
GINGER WILDHEART arrives on stage at 4.45pm and plays for around 50 mins.
I have not seen Ginger play live for ages so was expecting a lot but it was pretty average.
EUROPE arrive on stage at 6pm and play for around 60 mins.
Singer Joey Tempest still looks like a proper rock star and their good set included
'Rock The Night','Cherokee' and a mega as usual 'The Final Countdown'.
THIN LIZZY arrive on stage at 7.35pm and play for around 70 mins.
Great to see Tom Hamilton from Aerosmith on bass here as they played a brilliant set of Lizzy gems.
This year is the 30th anniversary of Phil Lynott's death.
They were joined by Midge Ure for a couple of tracks.
Midge was a member of the band for an American tour back in the day.
Full setlist played tonight...
Jailbreak
Are You Ready
Killer on the Loose
Dancing in the Moonlight
Massacre
Angel of Death
Waiting for an Alibi
Emerald
Rosalie (Bob Seger cover)
Cowboy Song (with Midge Ure)
The Boys Are Back in Town (with Midge Ure)
Whiskey in the Jar
WHITESNAKE arrive on stage and are on for 90 mins.
David Coverdale is still the highlight of the day even though his voice is not like the old days.
He is putting 100% into every song and you can see why there were two guitar solos,a bass solo and
a drum solo so he could rest his voice a bit.
He still looks amazing and is full of rock star charisma and still introduces songs with
"Heres One For Ya".
His band are superb and the show was great.
Full setlist played tonight...
Bad Boys
Slide It In
Love Ain't No Stranger
The Deeper the Love
Fool for Your Loving
Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City / Judgement Day
Guitar Solos
Slow an' Easy
Bass Solo
Crying in the Rain (incl. Drum solo)
Is This Love
Give Me All Your Love
Here I Go Again
Encore:
Still of the Night
Tape outro---We Wish You Well
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Sunday 24 July 2016
DAY TWO
GRAVELTONES arrive on stage at 1.25pm and play for around 35 mins.
They are a two piece like The White Stripes but a bit more bluesy.
KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS arrive on stage at 2.25pm and play for around 45 mins.
They have been going since the 1980s but I think they said it's their first UK tour.
One of the band members son is the drummer in Black Stone Cherry.
THE ANSWER arrive on stage at 3.45pm and play for around 45 mins.
The Answer opened for AC/DC on the 2008 and 2009 legs of the Black Ice World Tour,
and was probably the most worldwide exposure the band has received to date.
A good show from this band from Northern Ireland.
THE CADILLAC THREE arrive on stage at 5pm and play for 45 mins.
Another Southern Blues Rock band---pretty average stuff.
AIRBOURNE arrive on stage at 6.15pm and play for around 50 mins.
Airbourne from Australia are like a speeded up version of AC/DC.
They play in front of a massive wall of Marshall amps.
The singer had a fun pretend row with his tour manager who told him off for climbing up the stage scaffolding
then the singer said "Fuck You" and wandered into the crowd on his roadies shoulders...the crowd loved it...
HAWKWIND are on The Prog stage and I catch the last 30 mins of their set.
I am actually on stage to watch them from the side.
Still going strong after more than 40 years with their no compromise attitude.
They dedicated a great encore of 'Silver Machine' to Lemmy.
THUNDER are on stage for an hour or so.
I have seen them many times but they are always great to see.
Like Hawkwind I am on the side of their stage to watch them.
Gems played included 'Back Street Symphony' and 'Dirty Love'.
BLACK STONE CHERRY arrive on stage at 9pm and play for around 90 mins.
They are really pleased to be headlining a major UK festival.
They said they flew in from America the day before the show and will fly back again the day after.
Perhaps it's their success which has spawned so many Southern Blues Rock Bands that are
popping over from across the pond and getting signed up by labels including SPINEFARM.
The guitarist and bassist are a bundle of energy as the rush around the stage and swop sides
and get the crowd worked up when standing on their stage podiums.
A good set but not a patch on the Whitesnake headline slot last night.
Just like last year here , overall the Saturday was much better than the Sunday.
Friday 22 July 2016...9pm to 12.30pm..
The Elgin Pub - 96 Ladbroke Grove,London W11.
SEX PISTOLS drummer PAUL COOK 60th birthday party at this historic pub for around 100 folks.
Paul is here proudly displaying his 60 badge with his wife Jeni and his daughter Hollie.
The Elgin was a mod venue in the 1960s and a punk rock one in the 1970s.
In May 1975 The 101ers were offered a weekly residency there which led to a nine-month stay.
The 101ers of course had Joe Strummer on vocals who would later join The Clash.
Lots of Paul's mates from the punk era are here including Siouxsie Sioux with designer Pam Hogg,
Mick Jones,Julien Temple,Jordan,Vic Godard,Marco Pirroni,Martin Chambers,Slim Jim Phantom,
John 'Boogie ' Tiberi ,Philip Sallon, Rhoda Dakar (The Bodysnatchers singer) and jeweller Stephen Webster.
Also here was Zak Starkey and Never Mind The Bollocks album producer Chris Thomas.
Also Ken Topley - drummer with 4 Be 2s whose singer in the early 1980s featured John Lydon's brother.
Ken also played with Jock McDonald.
Also here was Youth who is a member of Killing Joke and The Orb, and produced The Verve and
Richard Ashcroft, and Paul McCartney (The Fireman) and Pink Floyd.
Members of Big Audio Dynamite and Patti Palladin.
Also here were long time music journos Chris Salewicz and Peter Makowski.
Top celebrity photographer Richard Young was here taking photos.
Glen Matlock was not here as he was away in Corsica.
Paul laid on a complimentary bar for all guests and a fab time was had by all.
At 10.45pm Paul and his post Sex Pistols band The Professionals played a rockin' 30 mins set.
Full setlist played tonight...
1,2,3,
Just Another Dream
Silly Thing (Sex Pistols cover)
Kick Down the Doors
C'mon Everybody (Eddie Cochran cover) (with Slim Jim Phantom)
Rave On (Buddy Holly cover) (with Slim Jim Phantom)
Mystery Train (Elvis Presley cover)
Thursday 21 July 2016...I went to two events in South Kensington tonight...
6.15pm to 7.15pm
Power Up - launch party - Science Museum, Exhibition Road, London, SW7.
Power UP is the perfect, family-friendly summer holiday solution for kids who are dying to spend their scant few weeks of liberty hitting gadget overload, and mums and dads who'd rather their pixelated progeny got some culture along with their consoles.
This hands-on, fully interactive gaming event features the very best video games and consoles from the past 40 years, and is as much a social and technological history as it is a full-on player's bonanza of the greatest games ever made.
With classic games both old and new on offer, from Pong and Pacman to Lego and Halo, there's something to suit beginners and experts, competitive parents, multiplayers, retro fans and everybody else in between. If you're a gamer girl or boy, get ready to give your thumbs the workout of a lifetime and enjoy a museum experience like no other.
With over 160 systems to play on it can get hot and humid in here.
It was great fun seeing and playing some of the old games.
It is on here until 07 August 2016.
Adult prices are £8 and 4-16 year olds are £6.50 for a 90 mins session.
Complimentary wines,beers,soft drinks and pizza for all guests tonight.
www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/powerup
Visit the website for full info and family ticket prices.
then
7.30pm to 10pm
Revlon's Choose Love Masquerade Ball - Victoria & Albert Museum,Cromwell Road,London SW7.
A big crowd of over 300 guests here with lots of glammed up young females in stunning outfits.
Newly blonde Revlon ambassador Michelle Keegan turned heads as she joined Jessica Wright, Kimberley Garner, Lydia Rose Bright, Rosie Fortescue, Sophie Hermann, Fran Newman-Young and Tiffany Watson for the beauty brand's love themed masquerade ball. Donning Venetian style eye masks, VIPs made their way into the V&A for the black tie party - held in conjunction with the museum's underwear exhibition, Undressed - where other famous faces included Becca Dudley, Tanya Burr, Chloe Lewis, Zara Martin, Shanie Ryan, Rachel O'Connor, Hatty Keane and Grace Woodward.
We had a few models dancing on podiums in sexy underwear which was nice.
We had a dj that started off quietly in the background then got folks dancing for the last hour.
Complimentary prosecco,pink passion cocktails and canapés for all guests.
All guests got a goodie bag with some Revlon products inside.
A very enjoyable event.
www.revlon.co.uk
Visit the REVLON website for more info on their products.
Wednesday 20 July 2016...a busy full day out in the sunshine...
3pm to 3.30pm.
ANARCHY IN THE UK - punk photos exhibition - Richard Young Gallery,4 Holland Street,London W8.
This small gallery is located just off Kensington High Street.
London celebrity photographer is showing a collection of his photos to celebrate 40 years of punk.
Richard Young has been taking photos of the famous for over 40 years.
He was there for The Sex Pistols signing in 1977 of their contract with A&M outside Buckingham Palace.
He was also at the band’s 1976 gig at The Notre Dame Hall just of Leicester Square...(I was there too).
He also had photo sessions with The Sex Pistols in 1976.
ANARCHY IN THE UK is on display until EXTENDED date of 12 August 2016...free admission...daytime only.
Prices for the works on offer start at a most reasonable sum of just £60.
Glen Matlock attended the opening preview evening.
It's been on for a couple of months but i finally got along to see it this afternoon.
Lots of superb pictures of The Sex Pistols and the other main punk legends.
There is a fantastic one of The Ramones with Marc Bolan.
There are also great photos of non-music celebrity photos over the years.
I ended up buying a Pistols poster of one of his 1976 images which was signed by Richard...cost just £10.
Oddly enough I met Richard Young at an event later that evening....He is still going strong.
Richard is still one of the few photographers that always gets allowed inside venues at private events.
www.richardyounggallery.co.uk
Visit the gallery here for more info.
then
4pm to 4.30pm
F & F Tesco Clothing - Christmas in July - London W1.
As some of you know i am a big supporter of F & F Tesco clothing.
I have a full time link on the front page of my website and i am wearing F & F clothing today.
Some good value clothing here.
Sky blue shirts,navy slim fit jeans and navy bomber jacket looks smart as a full outfit.
www.clothingattesco.com
Visit the F & F Tesco website here for info and current special offers.
then
5pm to 6pm
Liberty x The Royal Ballet - Christmas in July - London W1.
This corner of the store is nicely dressed up with a Nutcracker theme.
They have a nice selection of gifts they hope will be popular at Christmas.
My fave was a set of National Heritage Plates they are selling as dinner plates.
The set of six include the famous 'Jimi Hendrix lived here' one that dads would love.
All guests enjoyed complimentary prosecco and cup cakes.
All guests got a goodie bag.
www.liberty.co.uk
Visit the Liberty website for more info.
then
6.15pm to 7.45pm
Limonbello - launch party - The Club at The Ivy, 9 West Street, London, WC2.
Nancy Dell'Olio launches her new drink....Nancy still looks great for age 54...
Nancy Dell'Olio had an affair with former England football team manager Sven Goran Erikson.
Since then she has been 'girl about town' at many celebrity showbiz parties.
Nancy Dell’Olio was joined by friends Grayson Perry, Sue Webster and Elizabeth Emanuel to launch her new 'drink with an edge', Limonbello. F1 drivers Struan Moore and Jamie Chadwick were also among guests to sample Dell’Olio's take on the Italian classic, Limoncello, with socialites Basia Briggs and Henry Conway, artist Sandra Esquilant, model Doina Ciobanu and R&B singer Hatty Keane.
Around 150 guests at this smart members club.
All the main celebrity photographers are here including Richard Young and Dave Benett.
There were four different types of complimentary cocktails featuring her new drink....my fave was the Mojito.
Some nice canapés here too.
then
Pet Shop Boys live at The Royal Opera House,London.
This was the first of four sold out shows for them at this prestigious venue.
Only English shows on their European Tour.
Pet Shop Boys are celebrating their 30th anniversary.
Pet Shop Boys are on stage from 8pm to 9.50pm for 1 hour 50 mins.
The Pet Shop Boys always put on a visually great show with lasers,lights,big screen visuals and costume changes.
The show is designed by regular Pet Shop Boys designer Es Devlin and choreographer Lynne Page. Devlin has also designed tours for Muse, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Take That and Goldfrapp.
As expected the gay community have come out in large numbers to see them.
The critics love Pet Shop Boys for their take on arty electro pop disco.
They played some tracks from their new album 'Super' which were decent enough.
The older hits got all the crowd up and dancing.
We had a robotic dancer early on.
All the band for different songs are wearing different types of Metropolis type head wear.
To round off the spectacle, they unveiled an army of dancers in coloured inflatable fat suits,
animating the closing hits Go West and Always On My Mind like marching jelly babies.
An enjoyable show.
Full setlist played tonight...
Inner Sanctum (debut)
West End Girls
The Pop Kids (debut)
In the Night (debut)
Burn (debut)
Love Is a Bourgeois Construct
New York City Boy
Se A Vida É (That's The Way Life Is)
Twenty-something (debut)
Love Comes Quickly
Love Etc.
The Dictator Decides (debut)
Inside a Dream (debut)
Winner
Home and Dry
Vocal
The Sodom and Gomorrah Show
It's a Sin
Left to My Own Devices
Go West (Village People cover)
Encore:
Domino Dancing
Always on My Mind (Brenda Lee cover)
The Pop Kids (Reprise)
Wednesday 20 July 2016.
Tennis star Andy Murray is auctioning the shirt he wore at the 2016 Wimbledon final via CharityStars to raise money for Malaria No More UK. The shirt, signed by Murray and accompanied by a letter from his manager, is being auctioned on the CharityStars website until July 28, and Murray commented 'I'm proud to donate the t-shirt I wore when I won Wimbledon 2016 to help make malaria no more. We have a real shot at winning the fight against this disease and saving millions of lives. Please bid generously!'.
Wed 20 July---Happy Birthday to Sex Pistols drummer PAUL COOK who is 60 today.
Monday 18 July 2016...I went to three events tonight...
6.15pm to 7.15pm
Strand Palace Hotel - showcase - 372 Strand,London WC2.
Four star hotel opposite The Savoy Hotel are showcasing their downstairs space that
can be hired out for dinner events or stand-up events for up to 200 or so folks.
Complimentary Bellini's ,wines,canapés and a sit-down carvery for all guests here.
www.strandpalacehotel.co.uk
Visit their website here for more info.
then
7.20pm to 8pm
William Eggleston Portraits - private view - National Portrait Gallery, St Martin's Place, London, WC2.
Around 200 folks here at The National Portrait Gallery.
William Eggleston is a pioneering American photographer renowned for his vivid, poetic and mysterious images. This exhibition of 100 works surveys Eggleston’s full career from the 1960s to the present day and is the most comprehensive display of his portrait photography ever.
The display will include a selection of never-before seen vintage black and white prints from the 1960s. Featuring people in diners, petrol stations and markets in and around the artist’s home in Memphis, Tennessee, they help illustrate Eggleston’s unique view of the world.
Never-before-seen images of punk pioneer Joe Strummer and maverick Hollywood actor
Dennis Hopper are to be unveiled at a new exhibition.
The National Portrait Gallery in London is showcasing the work of American photographer William Eggleston,
who is said to have inspired film directors David Lynch and Sofia Coppola.
Strummer, pictured in 1980 at the height of his fame with rock band The Clash, is shown dressed in a leather jacket and a straw hat, casually drinking with his arms folded.
JOE STRUMMER in The National Portrait Gallery...PUNK IS EVERYWHERE...
The exhibition is on until 23 Oct 2016.
Complimentary wines and soft drinks for all guests.
www.npg.org.uk
Visit their website for more info and to buy tickets...£8 including a £1 donation...
then
8.15pm to 9.15pm
SYCO - summer garden party - Lancaster House, St James's Palace, London, SW1.
Tv and music mogul SIMON COWELL is hosting a lavish bash for his entertainment company.
The company operates a record label, talent agency, film, music, and television production company, as well as a music publishing house. It operates a global joint venture between Cowell and Sony Music
Entertainment focused on the production and marketing of music, television, film and digital content.
The venue is a stunning historic mansion that was finished in 1840.
It is just a couple of hundred yards from Buckingham Palace so there are armed police on the door
and you need photo id to be shown to gain entrance.
Simon Cowell's gleaming Bentley Continental is parked up near the entrance.
We should have got here earlier but didn't want to let the previous two events down after being invited.
Around 300 folks in this impressive garden area.
We have one of Simons young bands play a few songs...not sure what they were called.
Folks here included Louis Walsh ,Sinitta,Cheryl,James Arthur,Ella Henderson and Lizzie Cundy.
Music biz folks here included live music agent John Giddings (Iggy Pop,U2 ,Isle Of Wight Festival etc) and
Jonathan Shalit who looks after many tv celebs.
Complimentary Taittenger champers,different cocktails,wines,beers and lots of food for all guests.
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During the evening I got a text saying a friend I worked with from 1984 to 1998 had sadly died.
I raised a glass to Bob and thought of the great times we had when going to work was enjoyable and fun.
Monday 18 July 2016.
Jack Daniels becomes bestselling whisky in Britain.
Jack Daniels has overtaken Famous Grouse as the bestselling whisky in Britain according to The Grocer magazine, which reports a 9.3% rise in sales of the American drink in the past year. The growth takes Jack Daniels from 11th to ninth in the list of most popular alcohol brands.
My fave drink is Jack Daniels with Honey over ice....oh yeah!
Monday 18 July 2016.
U2 singer Bono was 'rescued from a restaurant' in Nice on Bastille Day, it has been revealed. The rock star was dining at La Petite Maison near the seafront when the massacre began, where he was told to 'hide and stay calm' before being led to Massena Square by armed officers. Bono was in the country holidaying with friends at his home in nearby Eze.
Saturday 16 July 2016.
Let's Rock London - The 80s Retro Festival live at Clapham Common,London SW4.
13 acts from the 1980s who all had at least one hit single play shortish sets at this all day festival.
At it was a lunchtime start i miss the first seven acts ,some of whom play with the house band.
Some of the early bands are only playing two or three songs.
The six acts i see all have their own bands with them.
All six bar one i saw many times in their 1980s heyday when they played multi-nights at
Hammersmith Odeon when i worked front stage security.
The only expection was Spandau Ballet who played Wembley Arena on their tours and have still never
played Hammersmith.
Three of the acts Spandau Ballet,Ultravox and Nik Kershaw i saw at the legendary LIVE AID event in 1985.
We have perfect sunshine all day which is nice considering the crap weather recently.
One of the djs on stage said 8000 folks were here with quite a few in 1980s outfits.
Easy to get a good view near the front....and there are big screens too.
Very popular dj from the 1980s Pat Sharp played the tunes between the acts.
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NIK KERSHAW arrives on stage at 4.55pm and plays for 35 mins.
He plays all his big hit singles in a good set.
Full setlist played tonight...
Wide Boy
Dancing Girls
The Riddle
Ashes to Ashes (David Bowie cover)
Wouldn't It Be Good
The One and Only (Chesney Hawkes cover)(written by Nik Kershaw)
I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
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ALEXANDER O'NEAL arrives on stage at 6pm and plays for 20 mins.
His band spend ages sound-checking before they came on stage so maybe
that was why they played only 20 mins instead of 30 mins.
Again he played his biggest hits.
In 1986 I saw him at Hammersmith Odeon seven times...that's how popular he was back then...
Full setlist played tonight...
Criticize
Kiss / 1999 (Prince covers medley)
If You Were Here Tonight
Fake
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MIDGE URE arrives on stage at 6.45pm and plays for 30 mins.
Just a couple of weeks ago i saw him back with Glen Matlock at The Rich Kids re-union show.
Lots of Ultravox gems played in his set.
Full setlist played tonight...
Hymn (Ultravox song)
Passing Strangers (Ultravox song)
Fade to Grey (Visage song)(co-written by Midge)
If I Was
Vienna (Ultravox song)
Dancing With Tears in My Eyes (Ultravox song)
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ABC arrive on stage at 7.35pm and play for 30 mins.
I saw ABC play three times at Hammersmith Odeon in 1982 on the back of the success of their classic
debut album 'Lexicon Of Love'.
Martin Fry arrives on stage in a smart suit and the band play a slick brilliant set.
Five hit singles from the old days and their recent comeback single 'Viva Love'.
The track 'All Of My Heart' is my fave track of today...one of those songs I know every word..
Full setlist played tonight...
Poison Arrow
The Night You Murdered Love
Viva Love
All of My Heart
When Smokey Sings
The Look of Love
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TONY HADLEY arrives on stage at 8.35pm and plays for 45 mins.
I would say he is the most popular act of the day as the females all pile down the front for him.
He still has a great voice and plays a mix of Spandau gems and cover versions.
Full setlist played tonight...
Feeling Good (Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley cover)
To Cut a Long Story Short (Spandau Ballet song)
Lifeline (Spandau Ballet song)
Take Back Everything
Through the Barricades (Spandau Ballet song)
Somebody to Love (Queen cover)
True (Spandau Ballet song)
Dakota (Stereophonics cover)
Gold (Spandau Ballet song)
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HOLLY JOHNSON arrives on stage at 9.35pm and plays for 55 mins.
I presume he is headlining due to the fact Frankie Goes To Hollywood had three massive number one
hits in the UK with their first three singles.
I was at all six of their Hammersmith Odeon shows in 1985 when they were massive.
Holly's voice is not as strong as Tony Hadley or Martin Fry but he plays a good set of FGTH gems and
solo material and closes his set with the three big number ones that FGTH had.
Full setlist played tonight...
Warriors of the Wasteland (Frankie Goes to Hollywood song)
Welcome to the Pleasuredome (Frankie Goes to Hollywood song)
Rage Hard (Frankie Goes to Hollywood song)
Heaven's Here
Americanos
Love Train
Ascension
Watching the Wildlife (Frankie Goes to Hollywood song)
Relax (Frankie Goes to Hollywood song)
Two Tribes (Frankie Goes to Hollywood song)
The Power of Love (Frankie Goes to Hollywood song)
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An excellent day with so many great tracks from the 1980s played.
Friday 15 July 2016...7.30pm to 11pm...
MERCANTE - restaurant preview - Mercante,Sheraton Park Lane Hotel,Piccadilly,London W1.
This new Italian restaurant is 200 yards from The Hard Rock Cafe and opposite St James's Park.
It is set within the very nicely refurbished Sheraton Park Lane Hotel.
Their sign outside says 'From Italian Market to Mayfair Table'.
The restaurant can host around 100 covers which is divided by a very homely kitchen.
I would say it is more casual dining than a typical fine dining restaurant set in a five star hotel.
They use the best fresh ingredients from Italy.
Dishes come in small,medium and large and sharing is encouraged.
The dishes we had included meat balls,baby octopus,cheesy croquettes,roast pigeon risotto,
duck ragu, beef and my dessert was tiramisu - all of which were very tasty.
This was washed down by a couple of cocktails each and a bottle of wine.
The manager Roberto and Moroccan waiter Mahmoud? could not have been more helpful
as they explained the dishes to us in a most friendly engaging manner.
An excellent experience here that will not break the bank ,even if you are in Mayfair.
They have an opening offer of 50% off all food until 31 July 2016.
www.mercanterestaurant.com
Visit their website here for more info.
An update from The Serpentine Gallery party on 06 July 2016.
I did wonder why we had 'just a calypso band ' playing a 30 mins set rather than the usual name band
but it turns out it was legendary calypso singer CALYPSO ROSE.
Calypso Rose is now aged 76.
She was born in Trinidad and Tobago and for the last 30 years has lived in New York.
She began writing songs at the age of 15, turned professional in 1964 and has written more than
800 songs and recorded more than 20 albums.
She has another album out this month called 'Far From Home'.
Thursday 14 July 2016...I went to four events tonight...
4.45pm to 5.15pm
CARLUCCIOS - Christmas In July - St Christophers Place,London W1.
Carluccio's is a popular Italian restaurant chain founded in London in 1999.
Today, Carluccio's operates from over 95 UK locations.
Their stores have a gift section where you can buy the products they use including hampers,
wines,pasta,sauces,olive oil,chocolate,cakes etc.
I had a complimentary cocktail and some of their lovely food.
www.carluccios.com
Visit Carluccio's website here to buy online.
then
5.30pm to 6pm
HOUSE OF FRASER - Christmas In July - 2 Soho Square ,London W1.
The first thing I notice about this location is it is right next door to the headquarters of
Paul McCartney - MPL.
House of Fraser is a British department store group with over 60 stores across the UK and Ireland.
It was established in Glasgow, Scotland in 1849 as Arthur and Fraser.
I browed their Christmas gift items over a couple of rooms.
I had a complimentary cocktail and some canapés here.
www.houseoffraser.co.uk
Visit the House Of Fraser website here.
then
6.15pm to 9pm
THE SHIRES - showcase - One Embankment, 8 Victoria Embankment, London, WC2.
DECCA / UNIVERSAL are hosting a special invite only show.
Around 700 folks here and we are part of the 200 press and guests upstairs where there is
complimentary vodka cocktails,wines,beers and canapés.
The Shires have had a pretty amazing success story over the past year or two.
The first UK country act ever to have a top 10 album in their home country, The Shires have been at the forefront of the British Country music movement which has seen a sea change in the opinion of the British public, who have embraced the genre and UK bands making music inspired by US country artists. The Shires success has been unparalleled, with the band becoming one of the biggest breakthrough acts of 2015 (alongside the likes of James Bay and Years & Years), performing at Glastonbury Festival, the Grand Ole Opry and last year even saw their debut go Gold - a huge achievement for any British artist. Embraced by national radio in the UK, where they’ve had 7 play listed singles from one album, The Shires also made numerous TV appearances in promotion of their debut record, including performing at the BBC Music Awards and gracing the sofa on Graham Norton’s show alongside Ann Hathaway and Robert De Niro.
A combination of great catchy radio friendly songs,hard work and solid promotion have built a loyal fan base.
I saw them supporting The Corrs at The 02 Arena earlier in the year where they got a standing ovation.
BBC Radio legend Bob Harris introduced the band as he has been a long time supporter.
The band are showcasing some new songs from their second album 'My Universe' which is released on 07 Oct 2016.
They take to the stage at 7pm for a 10 song setlist that included gems from their last album
'Nashville Blue Skies' ,'Brave' and 'Friday Night' and tracks from the new album that included
'My Universe' ,'Daddy's Little Girl' and tonight's encore 'Desperate'.
I would not be surprise if the new album went straight in at number one on its release.
At the end of the show they said that they will be at a photo booth in the back corner and that anyone
that wanted too could get a photo. They were still posing with fans over AN HOUR after coming offstage.
Here are the dates for The Shires summer shows...
Cornbury Music Festival - Sunday 10th July, 2016 @ 12:00 pm. City: Chipping Norton. Venue: Great Tew Park
Platform Festival – Saturday 16th July, 2016 @ 1:00 pm. City: York, Venue: The Old Station, Pocklington
Lakes Festival - Saturday 16th July, 2016 @ 6:00 pm. City: Skegness. Venue: Sycamore Lakes Park
Bracknell Festival – Saturday 30th July, 2016 @ 12:00 pm. City: Bracknell. Venue: South Hill Park Grounds
Lytham Festival – Tuesday 2nd August, 2016 @ 6:00 pm. City: Lytham. Venue: Lytham Green
Supporting Tom Jones - Sunday 7th August, 2016 @ 5:00 pm. City: Bedford. Venue: Bedford Park
Castle Roc Music Festival – Saturday 20th August, 2016 @ 12:00 pm. City: Chepstow. Venue: Chepstow Castle
Cottingham Music Festival - Sunday 28th August, 2016 @ 7:30 pm. City: Cottingham. Venue: Civic Hall
Winter UK Tour Dates go on sale from 22 July 2016 and include Shepherds Bush Empire on 11 Dec 2016.
www.theshiresmusic.com
Visit The Shires website for more info including tour dates.
then
9.30pm to 10.30pm
MORGANS HOTEL GROUP - summer party - Sanderson Hotel,Berners Street,London W1.
MHG owns or partially owns and manages thirteen hotels in London, Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, New York and San Francisco comprising over 3,000 rooms. Each of its hotels was designed by a world−renowned designer.
A big crowd of around 300 folks here at this plush five star hotel.
It has a stunning courtyard garden with huge flowers,plants and water features.
A dj is playing tunes pretty loud so there are folks dancing in one end of the room.
Complimentary wines,beers and canapés.
www.morganshotelgroup.com
Visit their website here for more info.
Wednesday 13 July 2016...I went to three events tonight...
6.15pm to 7.45pm.
AFTERNOON TEA AWARDS 2016 - The Court Suite ,Grosvenor House Hotel, 86-90 Park Lane, London, W1.
Around 200 folks here from all the plush hotels that put on sumptuous afternoon tea events.
Giving out the awards was Martha Collison who has a new cook book out this week.
The four winners were...
Best Traditional Afternoon Tea - Claridge's,London W1.
Best Contemporary Afternoon Tea - Mandarin Oriental Hotel Hyde Park Knightsbridge
Best Themed Afternoon Tea - Sanderson Hotel,London W1.
Best Family Friendly Afternoon Tea - Grosvenor House Hotel,London W1.
All guests enjoyed Lanson champers and a full afternoon tea buffet of finger sandwiches and yummy cakes.
All guests got a nice goodie bag.
www.afternoontea.co.uk
Visit their website for a list of of over 400 afternoon tea venues nationwide.
then
8.15pm to 9.15pm.
THE TAKEOVER Bar Launch - 12-13 Greek Street,Soho,London W1.
The Takeover Bar + Club is a versatile new pop-up space that’s coming to Soho for a six-month stay.
A secretive gem that’s found in a low-slung basement along the bustling Greek Street, The Takeover is an unmistakably cool one-stop-shop for casual drinks after work, late night dancing and creative pop-up events alike.
The Takeover is pegged as a dynamic destination for quality drinks, with seasonal, limited edition beers involved and boutique spirits used in the short but delightfully formed cockail list. There’s a whole wall of wine taps if you’d prefer to keep to the vino.
Head here for live music nights and DJ sets or book out your own private party; The Takeover was created to host special celebrations and exclusive parties, with all the DJ equipment you could need and a licence that runs ‘til 3am.
A cool black door entrance leads down to a bigger than expected basement area.
Complimentary cocktails,wines and beers for all the guests here.
then
9.30pm to 1am.
SONY MUSIC Summer Party at Sexy Fish,Berkeley Square,London W1.
Over a dozen photographers outside the venue as you go in.
This was a very lavish party at one of London's coolest restaurants.
Over 200 folks here as they have taken over the entire venue.
Craig David took to the decks and entertained the likes of Professor Green and Laura Mvula with his classic hits at this year's Sony Summer Party. It was a family affair for Bee Gee Barry Gibb, who recently signed a new record contract with the label, as he was joined on the dancefloor at London's Sexy Fish restaurant by wife Linda and son Ashley. Other VIPs on hand included Rebecca Ferguson, Scott Mills, Yasmin Evans, The Glitter Beats, Katie Waissel and celebrity manager Jonathan Shalit.
Other djs here played a nice mix of new and old tracks including loads of Prince classic tunes.
Lots of complimentary booze & food all night including Ruinart champers,three different cocktails,wines,beers
and a full selection of food from this top rated restaurant including burgers, wagu beef ,tempura,
king prawns and desserts.
An excellent event.
Tuesday 12 July 2016...I went to two events tonight...
6pm to 8.45pm
THE REAL GREEK book launch party - The Real Greek, 50 Berwick Street, Soho, London, W1.
A few celebs were at this buzzing party for 150 folks.
Dr Hilary Jones, David Emanuel,Scott Ashley, Nina Wadia, Zara Holland,Ashley James.
Also here was Cleo Rocos who was Kenny Everett's glamourous assistant in his 1980s tv show.
She is always lovely and friendly as I bump into her a lot at these type of events.
She put her arms around me in for photos for the photographers here so if I see the result on the web
I will put the link up.
We are in a Greek restaurant to launch a Greek cooking book so no surprise it is all complimentary
Greek food and drinks during the evening so Metaxa cocktails,wines and beers.
Lots of very yummy food & desserts too.
All guests got a nice goodie bag that included a copy of the book.
The book retails for £20 but Amazon are selling it for £13.60.
About the book...
A stunning collaboration between the team of experienced chefs at The Real Greek and the restaurant's consultant Tonia Buxton, this is a comprehensive guide to creating restaurant-standard food in the comfort of your own home. From delicious meze dishes to scrumptious feasts of lamb kleftiko and Loukaniko this book will be the perfect companion for the restaurant's loyal customers as well as for those looking to explore the wonders of Greek food. Providing a brief glimpse into the fascinating history of The Real Greek, its suppliers of authentic ingredients and the ideology at the very heart of its menu these recipes will leave you salivating over the page.
www.therealgreek.com
Visit The Real Greek restaurant website here.
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then
9.15pm to 10.45pm
press launch party - The Fitzrovia Belle ,174 Tottenham Court Road,London W1.
The Fitzrovia Belle Public House & Hotel is located on Tottenham Court Road between Warren Street &
Goodge Street tube stations. Enjoy a warm welcome from professional & attentive staff.
Four giant SONY screens along with free WiFi and plenty of power points available for lap tops.
This pub comes under The Sports Bar & Grill chain which has six venues across London.
Fitzrovia,Victoria,Canary Wharf, Farringdon, Marylebone and Waterloo.
They are launching their 100 FREE HOT DOGS EACH DAY promotion for 9 days only in July.
Tonight we have a couple of complimentary hot dogs and a couple of beers each.
Like gourmet burgers , gourmet hot dogs are popular in London.
They have a choice of ten with two or three different toppings on each.
My fave was The Oaklahoma which had BBQ sauce and cheese in a nice bun.
The retail price is a bit mental as they are normally £9.95,£10.95 and £11.95.
You sit down at tables like a proper restaurant meal as it gets served on a plate.
www.sportsbarandgrill.co.uk
Visit their website to get a FREE HOT DOG voucher.
The offer is valid on July 11,12,13,18,19,20,25,26,27.
The voucher is valid at all six locations.
Monday 11 July 2016.
Kaiser Chiefs live at The Palladium,London.
Kaiser Chiefs last single ‘Parachute’ was released 14 June on Fiction/Caroline International.
‘Parachute’ was produced by Brian Higgins (Xenomania, Girls Aloud, Pet Shop Boys, New Order), mixed by
Serban Ghenea (The Weeknd, Rihanna, Beck, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake) and is the
first track taken from the band’s forthcoming 6th album ‘Stay Together’ which is out in October.
The band are on a UK and European tour of outdoor venues and festivals and this is smallish indoor venue.
They played T In The Park Festival in Scotland the past weekend.
-----------------------------
At 8pm we had a UK comedian called Andrew O'Neill for 30 mins.
Wearing heels he said he was a heterosexual transvestite.
A decent set with some bits funnier than others.
At 9pm The Kaiser Chiefs took the stage and played for 95 mins.
More bands are playing this famous venue this year as there is no big theatre production there
for this summer so the bands can finally say they played this prestigious venue.
I have seen Kaiser Chiefs over a dozen times as they are always great to watch live.
Despite the all seated venue the crowd are all up and dancing by the second song.
The band have scaffolding behind the stage with a huge KC sign in the middle.
Singer Ricky Wilson climbs up the scaffolding a couple of times and is full of energy as he runs around
the stage and winds the crowd up with his audience banter which sometimes veered towards panto.
Loads of their great uptempo gems played along with a few new album tracks.
Another really good KC show.
Full setlist played tonight...
We Stay Together
Everyday I Love You Less and Less
Ruffians on Parade
Everything Is Average Nowadays
Parachute
Never Miss a Beat
Modern Way
Why Do You Do It To Me?
Ruby
Hole in My Soul
The Angry Mob
I Predict a Riot
Take My Temperature
Pinball Wizard (The Who cover)
Coming Home
Encore:
Press Rewind
Misery Company
Oh My God
Sunday 10 July 2016.
A huge day in sport as three big events are held so a nice day indoors by the telly.
Lewis Hamilton won the British Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone.
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Andy Murray won the Wimbledon Mens Tennis Final for a second time.
Andy Murray took advantage of the fact Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer got knocked out earlier.
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EURO 2016 Football Final in Paris...Portugal 1 France 0...live on tv 8pm...
Despite Ronaldo going off injured in the first half ,Portugal stole a win in extra time.
France never really got going as they were expected too.
Saturday 09 July 2016.
THE GLEN MATLOCK BAND live at The Brooklyn Bowl at The 02 Arena complex,London.
Original Sex Pistol Glen Matlock brings his all-star lineup to The Bowl to celebrate 40 years of punk.
This was a one-off UK show with this line-up.
Glen Matlock - acoustic guitar and lead vocals
Slim Jim Phantom (Stray Cats) - stand-up drums
Chris Spedding - lead guitar ( Chris Spedding produced the early Sex Pistols demos )
James Halligan - stand-up double bass
-----------------------------
I must admit i really like this venue even though it is a trek from West London.
A spacious venue with the stage at a perfect height and the floor standing space where all get a good view.
Lots of folks here I know which is always nice.
Glen & the band are on stage from 9.45pm for 70 mins.
Pretty amazing how many different music projects and bands Glen gets stuck into.
Just two weeks ago was The Rich Kids gig and now a totally different set of songs with another band.
Tonight as the band includes stand-up drums and stand-up double bass there is a distinct rockabilly feel.
Some brand new songs are mixed in with classics from The Sex Pistols, Stray Cats and
Chris Speddings big hit Motorbikin' from the 1970s and some other great cover versions.
The band look impressive with the four of them lined up across the front of stage with Slim Jim on the right.
Glen gets everyone to clap along to the simple rockabilly beat.
Chris Spedding is now aged 72 but his deft guitar playing really is something special.
It was a brilliant show and someone needs to sort out a full UK tour for them in the future pronto.
Full setlist played...
Happy
Blank Generation
Cloud Cuckoo Land
God Save The Queen
Hook In You
Sexy Beast
Speak Too Soon
The Price Of Love
Motorbikin' (Chris Spedding on vocals)
John I'm Only Dancing
Chill
Honey Hush
Couldn't Give A Damn
Keep On Pushing
Rock This Town (Slim Jim Phantom on vocals)
Pretty Vacant
Encore
Steppin' Stone
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Some 15 or 20 mins after the show the band all came out to say hello and sign stuff and pose for photos.
Thursday 07 July 2016...3pm to 11pm...
House Festival 2016 at Marble Hill House & Gardens,Richmond Road,Twickenham,Middlesex.
Private members club SOHO HOUSE hold their annual summer party where around 8000 folks have paid
£228 each that includes 12 bands split between 6 name bands on the main stage and 6 new acts
on the smaller stage as well as free booze and food from all the many stands here.
The sets are from 30 mins to 60 mins each.
Also included in the ticket was a full funfair including dodgem cars.
Like Glastonbury the tickets sell out pronto without the bands being confirmed until nearer the date.
Most of the bands do not even mention they are playing here on their websites.
The drinks included Collet champers,prosecco,a choice of different cocktails,wines and beers.
Also Jaxe Coconut drinks,a full range of coffees.
Food included lobster,grilled chicken,pork pies,Churros,Gelato Gusto ice-cream,waffles,
Neil Rankin duck wraps,tacos,hot dogs and Dirty Burger.
Girls can get complementary nails done and hair makeover.
Half the folks are not even that bothered about the live music.
Lots of corporate entertainment tents from the likes of YouTube,Google,Samsung,Yahoo,UKTV,
ITV,Conde Nast,TalkTalk,Sky tv,BBC Worldwide and others.
I spotted Sophie Ellis-Bextor walking around with her hubby Richard Jones from The Feeling.
ROISON MURPHY was on from 3.20pm for a 30 mins set.
This is the third time I have seen her this year and she gets better and better.
Each song has a different wacky head-dress and is visually great to watch.
A nice electro pop set including Moloko hits 'Forever More' and 'Sing It Back'.
JOHN NEWMAN was on from 5.25pm for a 35 mins set.
He has the full band with three member brass section and two female backing vocals.
He has a stunning white boy soul voice and finished his set with three big hits
'Blame','Come And Get It ' and 'Love Me Again'.
JESS GLYNNE was on from 6.40pm for a 45 mins set.
She finished with her big hit 'Rather Be' and the crowd loved her set.
Jess plays a UK arena headline tour later in the year.
NOTHING BUT THIEVES were on from 7.25pm for a 35 mins set.
They are the only band I see on the second stage.
I saw them support Muse earlier in the year and again they play a rockin' show.
TINIE TEMPAH is on at 8pm for a 50 mins set.
There is no band ,just a dj and backing tracks.
He played big hits including 'Pass Out' and 'Written In The Stars'.
Each act had a guest presenter from tv or radio including Ant and Dec,Jo Whiley,Dave Berry
Nick Grimshaw but a nice surprise that James Cordon is back in the UK to introduce Kylie.
KYLIE MINOGUE was the headliner and she played an excellent 60 mins set from 9.35pm.
Kylie has a full production with big screen and dancers.
Kylie looks stunning for the age of 48 and is such a professional performer as she gets stuck into
the stage routines with that amazing smile of hers.
Full Kylie setlist played tonight...
Better the Devil You Know
What Do I Have to Do?
Wow
Step Back in Time
Spinning Around
Slow
Can't Get You Out of My Head
I Should Be So Lucky
The Loco-Motion (Carole King cover)
Kids (Robbie Williams cover) (with John Newman)
Love at First Sight
Celebration (Kool & The Gang cover)
All the Lovers
Into the Blue
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If only all festivals were like this one.
Thurs 07 July---The Royal Mail are to celebrate 50 years of Pink Floyd with a set of stamps out today.
The 10 stamps will mark 50 years since the group turned professional, and will include innovative album covers such as The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, The Dark Side Of The Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals and Atom Heart Mother.
Some of the stamps will celebrate the band's live performances, which broke new ground with extensive use of lights and projection of films.
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