News and Reviews: 11th September 2016
Saturday 10 September 2016.BILLY JOEL live at Wembley Stadium,London.
Billy Joel now aged 67 plays a massive outdoor show at Wembley Stadium.
Only two shows in Europe---this one at Wembley and the week before in Frankfurt,Germany.
He has a current contract to play one show a month for three years at Madison Square Garden....36 shows...
He has sold over 150 million records.
He has not produced any new music for over 20 years.
Is Billy Joel still popular enough to play a massive show at Wembley Stadium?.
Ticket update...the day before the show The Standard had a full page ad saying the show was SOLD OUT.
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It was raining on the way to the show but thankfully no rain at the venue while he played.
Amazingly it is like the promoters said, a full house tonight.
This weekend is pretty much the last of the outdoor shows season so at 8pm
it was pretty dark from the start of the show so that helped the light show.
Billy Joel and his band arrive on stage just after 8pm and play for 2 hours 30 mins.
The stage is circular with no part of it in front of the PA system.
He has three big screens that come in handy tonight as for all the show except four songs
he is sitting at the piano (two songs in the middle and the first two songs of the encores).
He has had his hips replaced so he is no Mick Jagger running around stage all night.
Lots of on stage banter from Billy between songs.
In a recent interview Billy said 'I get fed up with gold chain guys down the front so I send my road crew
out to the cheap seats and find the cutest girls to bring down the front'.
The film cameras certainly focused on these girls tonight whenever they could.
He played all his greatest hits which were really great.
Other tracks seemed a bit average and there were a couple of cover versions too.
For a few songs he got the audience to vote for their fave of the two song choice.
It was not a typical all bells and whistles Wembley Stadium show and the production was more suited
to Madison Square Garden indoors than here so maybe he should have played three or four nights at The 02.
Or maybe he could played in the middle of the pitch on his circular stage.
A very enjoyable show overall.
Full setlist played...
Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)
Prelude/Angry Young Man
Just the Way You Are (Audience vote over The Stranger )
The Entertainer
Zanzibar (Audience vote over Big Man On Mulberry Street)
My Life (with "Ode to Joy" and "Rule Britannia")
Vienna (Audience vote over Summer Highland Falls)
The Longest Time (Audience vote over Say Goodbye to Hollywood and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" snippet)
Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
Leningrad (Audience vote over And So It Goes)
Allentown
New York State of Mind
With a Little Help From My Friends (The Beatles cover)
Don't Ask Me Why
Sometimes a Fantasy
Highway to Hell (AC/DC cover) (sung by road crew member)
We Didn't Start the Fire
She's Always a Woman
Keeping the Faith
The River of Dreams / A Hard Day's Night
Nessun dorma (Giacomo Puccini cover) (sung by guest opera vocalist)
Scenes From an Italian Restaurant
Piano Man
Encore:
Uptown Girl
It's Still Rock and Roll to Me
Only the Good Die Young
You May Be Right
Saturday 10 September 2016.
Happy Birthday to Aerosmith guitartist Joe Perry who is 66 today.
Friday 09 September 2016...9pm to 11.30pm
'ANGELS' closing down party at STRINGFELLOWS, 16-19 Upper St Martin's Lane,
Covent Garden, London, WC2.
A bit odd to have a celebration for a club that is CLOSING DOWN but Angels Gentlemans Club has closed
after 10 years in Wardour Street,Soho and merged with its big sister club Stringfellows.
Owner Peter Stringfellow is now aged 75 and is here tonight greeting all the guests.
LEMMY was a good friend of Peter's and was a regular here over the years.
A bit quiet at 9pm but by 10pm it was maybe 25 girl dancers and 75 guests including a couple of girls.
Always nice to see pretty young girls dancing topless in their underwear and heels.
Those that wanted could pay £20 for a nude private dance.
Both the clubs were very similar in design with a bar area upstairs and a bigger space downstairs.
Complimentary glass of Moët champers on arrival then complimentary spirits (including JD n cokes),
wines and beers.
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The old Angels club had a special place in my heart as that building used to be a venue i visited as a
teenager when it was a disco (Crackers) and then a punk club (Vortex).
Here are the gigs I saw there back in the day....
Adverts + Johnny Moped + Rezillos --- at Crackers on 15 July 1977
Slits + Prefects --- at Vortex on 15 Aug 1977
Penetration + New Hearts --- at Vortex on 12 Sept 1977
Slaughter And The Dogs --- at Vortex on 14 Nov 1977
Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers + Depressions --- at Vortex on 21 Nov 1977
Sham 69 - at Vortex on 03 Jan 1978
Friday 09 September 2016.
After the success of The Shires another British Country act have done the business.
Country duo Ward Thomas have become the first British country act to top the UK album chart.
Cartwheels, their second album, entered the chart at number one - improving on their debut, which peaked at 41.
The band comprises twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas, who grew up on a farm in Hampshire.
Inspired by the Dixie Chicks, they started writing in their teens and got a break when their singing teacher
sent a demo tape to friends in Nashville.
Thursday 08 September 2016...I went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 9pm
HACKETT x ASTON MARTIN launch party - Hackett, 193-197 Regent Street, London, W1.
Standing the test of time as one of fashion and racing’s greatest partnerships, Hackett London and Aston Martin Racing’s long-standing relationship is a thing of true class.
As the team’s longest continual sponsor, having started the collaboration in 2005, Hackett are the official clothing partner to the team with a rich history of racing inspired garments in the archive.
A big crowd of around 200 folks here over the two levels of this huge store.
Most guests are men in smart suits which is the ideal crowd for me.
A nice surprise to see Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner here with her hubby Christian Horner from Formula 1.
I had a chat with Geri and mentioned i saw The Spice Girls twice in their heyday of 1997 and 1998.
Also here was Olympics rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave.
Fashion designer Jeremy Hackett was here with Jack Savoretti and male models Paul Sculfor and Robert Konjic.
There was an iconic Aston Martin car in the front window...they must have taken the window out to get it in.
Complimentary Nyetimber English sparking wines,three different cocktails and canapés for all guests.
A very nice event.
www.hackett.com
Visit the Hackett website here for more info.
then
THE MEMBERS live at The 100 Club,London.
The Members play a special show to celebrate 39 years since they first played this famous venue.
I have seen them around 15 times since 1978.
They had two Top 40 hit singles in the UK in 1979.
Original singer Nicky Tesco is not there due to ill health but three original members still in the band.
They are promoting their recent album 'One Law'.
This is a great lyric from one of their best tracks...Same old boring Sunday morning, old men out washing their cars...
Tickets on the door will be around £14.
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While the likes of The Sex Pistols,The Clash,The Buzzcocks and The Damned get all the praise
for being punk legends there were plenty of great underrated bands from the punk/new wave heyday
of the late 1970s and one of those is definitely The Members.
The band arrived on stage just after 9.30pm and played for 65 mins.
They had plenty of great tunes and they were all played tonight.
The band sound nice and tight and JC has some nice on stage banter.
The crowd are all singing along to gems like 'Solitary Confinement' and 'Sound Of The Suburbs'.
A really good show.
Setlist played tonight...
(Unknown)
Soho a Go-Go
Offshore Banking Business
New English Blues
(Unknown)
Solitary Confinement
I Ain't Gonna Be Your Bitch No More
One Law
At the Chelsea Nightclub
Working Girl
Sound of the Suburbs
Encore:
Police Car (Larry Wallis cover)
Muzak Machine
www.themembers.co.uk
Visit their website for more info and upcoming gigs.
Thursday 07 September 2016.
Sad news that Ska legend Prince Buster has died at the age of 78.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, as Cecil Bustmante Campbell, he became a legend of the ska music genre
in the 1960s under the stage name Prince Buster.
British ska revival groups including Madness and The Specials have said the musician
was an influence on them.
Madness actually named themselves after Buster’s song of the same name and titled
their first single The Prince in tribute.
Thursday 08 September 2016.
Some stunning sales results from the auction - I attended the preview this week.
RECORDS TUMBLE IN RM SOTHEBY’S HISTORIC £21.6M ANNIVERSARY LONDON SALE
RM Sotheby’s realizes £21.65 million with 76 per cent of all lots sold at its 10th anniversary London sale,
7 September at Battersea Evolution.
1960 Aston Martin DB4GT is the evening’s top seller, making a record £2,408,000.
Single-owner Porsche Collection steals the show, breaking multiple world records.
An incredible £1,848,000 is paid for a 1995 Porsche 911 GT2, while a 1993 Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight
achieves £974,400.
Bidders hail from 33 countries; over a third of bidders represent first-time clientele.
Wednesday 07 September 2016...I went to two events in South Kensington tonight...
7pm to 9pm
YOU SAY YOU WANT A REVOLUTION: Records And Rebels 1966-70 - private view -
Victoria And Albert Museum, South Kensington,London SW7.
Outside the venue are a couple of cars from the 1960s - an E Type Jaguar and Volkswagen Painted Van.
A massive crowd here as 800 folks are on the guest list.
Guests here included Glen Matlock,Jarvis Cocker,Gary Kemp,Brix Smith Start,Charli XCX,Gizzi Erskine.
Alan Aldridge - who in 1968 became closely involved with graphic images for The Beatles and Apple Corps.
During the 1960s and 1970s, he was responsible for a great many album covers.
He made a big impression with his illustrations for the Beatles Illustrated Song lyrics.
John Giddings - Isle Of Wight Festival promoter and leading live music booking agent.
Alan Edwards - Head of music pr Outside who look after The Who and many others.
We had speeches from Roger Daltrey and Michael Eavis (Glastonbury Festival).
We had a song by SIMON NICOL from FAIRPORT CONVENTION.
He is a founding member of British folk rock group Fairport Convention who played the original
Isle Of Wight Festival in 1968.
I went around the exhibition for around 45 mins which was really great.
One of the highlights was near the end where you have a huge room dedicated to Woodstock.
There are instruments and costumes from the event by some of the musicians who played
and you can lie back on bean bags and stare at the big screens showing Woodstock footage.
For the final hour we had a dj playing some great sounds from the 1960s.
All guests enjoyed complimentary prosecco,Gin sour cocktails,vodka cocktails and canapés.
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The exhibit will also feature a range of over 300 items from the era including posters,artwork,clothing etc.
This major exhibition will explore the era-defining significance and impact of the late 1960s, expressed through some of the greatest music and performances of the 20th century alongside fashion, film, design and political activism.
More than 200 LPs from the collection of the late Radio 1 DJ John Peel will be displayed in the show.
Come along and explore the fabulous music, the avant-garde films, the drugs, the miniskirts, the flares, the hair, the nudity, the sex, the riots, the humour, the absolute refusal to dress anything like your mum or dad.
Open to the public from Saturday 10 September 2016.
www.vam.ac.uk
Visit the website for more info and to buy tickets for £16.
then
9.05pm to 10.15pm
THE EVENING STANDARD Progress 1000: London's Most Influential People 2016 - party -
Science Museum, Exhibition Road,South Kensington, London, SW7.
Londons very popular Mon to Fri daily free newspaper holds it's annual event.
Another big crowd as there must be at least 500 folks here.
As we were at the other event earlier when this event started we missed The Prince of Wales.
The Prince received a special award for Londoner of the Decade.
New London Mayor Sadiq Khan is still here and is being friendly and chatty to all.
Sadiq was named as the number one Most Influential Person on their list.
Also here was Richard Chartres (The Bishop of London) who was number 22 on the list.
Also here was actor John Malkovich,actress Joanna Lumley and high profile businesswoman Karren Brady.
Nigel Farage was leaving as we were arriving.
Complimentary Laurent Perrier champers,wines and very nice bowl food for all guests.
On the way out all guests got a book with biographies of all those on the list.
www.standard.co.uk/the1000
Visit their website to see the full list.
Tuesday 06 September 2016...I went to three events tonight...
6pm to 7.45pm.
RM Classic Cars Auction - private view reception - Battersea Evolution,London SW11.
Today was the day before the auction itself on Wednesday.
There must around 100 stunning cars here...most seem to be from the 1970s and 1980s...
Featuring Edwardian to modern era supercars and a hearse that was used as John Lennon's limousine.
It is a converted 1956 Austin Princess.
There was a John Lennon lookalike standing near the car helping to promote it.
A few cars here had a auction estimate price of £500,000.
Even a couple of 'Rusty Project' cars had a £20,000 estimate value.
Complimentary sparkling wines,wines,beers and canapés for all guests.
www.rmauctions.com
Visit their website for more info and tickets.
then
8.15pm to 9pm.
Bella Freud - fragrance launch party - Fenwick,3rd floor, 63 New Bond Street, London, W1.
Bella Freud launches her new fragrance ' Close to my Heart'.
Around 100 folks here with most being, as expected female.
A nice surprise was to see Sshh Liguz who fronted the band I saw last night.
She told me Zak Starkey will be joining up with The Who in the coming week for Euro shows.
She said Sshh will hopefully play more shows before the end of the year.
A dj was playing tunes in the background.
Guests enjoyed a choice of two different cocktails and canapés.
All guests got a goodie bag with the fragrance in.
www.bellafreud.com
Visit the Bella Freud website here for more info.
then
9.15pm to 11.45pm.
QP Lounge - launch party - Quattro Passi, 34 Dover Street, London, W1.
We arrive at this classy Italian restaurant & bar and it is totally buzzing as there must be maybe 300
folks over the two levels and the outside area.
Ex Chelsea player manager GianLuca Vialli was here.
They have hired gorgeous models dressed in Dolce Vita style black and white flowing dresses.
The restaurant offers fresh, high-quality ingredients and inventive Italian cooking beautifully presented
in a relaxed and vibrant setting.
Lots of fantastic Italian hospitality here as the staff are working their socks off to keep guests happy
with a non stop supply of food & drinks and keeping a smile on their faces.
There is a dj playing some tunes in the corner.
It was still rockin' when I departed.
An excellent event.
Complimentary Vueve Clicquot champers,cocktails,wines,beers and lots of yummy bowl food & canapés.
www.qprestaurants.com
Visit the QP website here for more info.
Tuesday 06 September 2016.
Happy Birthday to Roger Waters who is 73 today.
Tuesday 06 September 2016.
Check out some photos of Ringo Starr,Glen Matlock,Paul Cook ,Zak Starkey,
Sshh Liguz and others from last nights SSHH album launch party.
www.gettyimages.co.uk
Type in SSHH in their search menu.
Monday 05 September 2016...7.30pm to 11pm...
SSHH live at The Box ,Walkers Court ,Soho,London W1.
This was an invite only secret gig at this cool 150 capacity Soho club venue.
It was to launch their debut album 'Issues'.
Lots of folks here i know here and there is a great buzz tonight.
Complimentary passion fruit vodka cocktails from 7.30pm to 9.15pm before the band came on.
SSHH are the band formed by Sshh LIguz and Zak Starkey who have played a few gigs
with various members but tonight for the first time they are with The Sex Pistols ryhthm section.
I saw Glen Matlock play a one off show in 2010 with Zak Starkey in a band called Silver Machine
which also featured three members of Primal Scream.
GLEN MATLOCK - Bass
PAUL COOK - Drums
ZAK STARKEY - Guitar
SSHH LIGUZ - Vocals
The band arrive on stage at 9.15pm and play a seven song 35 mins set.
The album is a covers album of their fave tracks so the setlist tonight was seven covers
which included six that are on the album.
The band sound tight and well rehearsed.
Zak is of course the current drummer with The Who but he plays some great guitar tonight.
Sshh the female singer has got some pure rock n roll stage presence.
Pretty amazing to see Glen and Paul on stage playing together in a non Sex Pistols gig.
A great gig.
Full setlist played tonight...
1.Private Life - (Pretenders cover that was a hit for Grace Jones)
2.One Way Or Another - (Blondie cover)
3.Jah War - (The Ruts cover)
4.Shoot Speed,Kill Light - (Primal Scream instrumental cover but with added Primal Scream lyrics)
5.(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone - (Paul Revere & The Raiders cover that The Sex Pistols also played)
6.Problems - (Sex Pistols cover)
7.All The Young Dudes- (Mott The Hoople cover) (joined by Hollie Cook on vocals)
Really great to see RINGO STARR here to support his son Zak
Other faces here included
Martin Chambers - The Pretenders
Neal X - Sigue Sigue Sputnik
Terry Edwards---currently in PJ Harvey's band
Jay Mehler - ex Kasabian and Beady Eye (goes out with Lee Starkey)
Rhoda Dakar - Bodysnatchers
Steve Connelly, aka Roadent - Former roadie for The Clash and The Sex Pistols
Javier Weyler - was drummer with The Stereophonics for 8 years
Also Jeni Cook,Hollie Cook,Barbara Bach,Lee Starkey,James McCartney,Mary McCartney.
Producer YOUTH was the dj playing mainly reggae tunes.
The show was filmed so keep an eye out for clips.
A white vinyl limited edition copy of the album was for sale at the gig for £35.
It was signed by all the band members and proceeds go to The Teenage Cancer Trust.
www.sshh.co.uk
Visit the bands website for more info.
Monday 05 September 2016.
Meat Loaf is in the UK this week for promo for his new album 'Braver Than We Are'.
Includes BBC Radio London today (Monday) lunchtime on The Robert Elms show.
Thursday evening he has an album signing at HMV Oxford Street.
Saturday 03 September 2016.
Happy Birthday to Sex Pistols guitar hero STEVE JONES who is 61 today.
Looks like Steve will be in London for a long overdue visit in November when his autobiography
'Lonely Boy: Tales from a Sex Pistol' comes out.
Steve lives in Los Angeles and has a radio show over there.
Friday 02 September 2016....I went to two events today...
11am to 4.30pm.
CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE - owners & vip private view - Windsor Castle,Berkshire.
With the gracious permission of Her Majesty The Queen the 2016 Concours of Elegance will take place from
2-4 September at Windsor Castle.
The Concours of Elegance began at Windsor Castle in 2012, before moving to St James’s Palace in 2013, Hampton Court Palace in 2014 and last year the Concours took place at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh (Her Majesty The Queen’s official residence in Scotland).
The Concours of Elegance will once again bring together a selection over 60 of the rarest cars from around the world – many of which will never have been seen before in the UK. Many of the Concours cars will also take part in a 2 day driving tour ‘The Great West Tour’ in the days running up to the main Concours event.
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The tourists are still flocking to the Windsor area as usual as we make our way to The Castle.
We are in the stunning garden of Windsor Castle with its incredible 3 mile drive.
The public are only allowed in the garden here for two or three times a year.
This venue really has the wow factor and is a perfect location for these beautiful cars.
Not much sunshine today but thankfully the rain stayed away.
Visitors have the unique opportunity to see how top level British motorsport began, with a
Delage 155B, Talbot 700, Thomas Special and Halford Special each lining up here.
We also have a few cars from The Royal Household from the past 200 years.
Also loads of models from the UK’s best car clubs, including the Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Jaguar
and Bentley owners’ clubs.
Pretty incredible how well the classic cars have been kept in such tip top condition for presentation.
The classic cars really are visually stunning.
We have a few faces here including...
Prince Michael of Kent...who is taking a keen interest in the cars as he is one of the judges.
Olivia Harrison...George Harrison 1966 Mini with psychedelic paintwork was here...
Ross Brawn...Formula 1...his personal 1960 Ferrari 250 GT was on display...
Adrian Newey...Formula 1
We have a jazz band playing at one end and a mini orchestra playing at the other end.
A very enjoyable day and well worth a visit this Saturday or Sunday.
At noon we had complimentary Taittinger champers and nibbles for an hour.
At 3.30pm we had complimentary afternoon tea with coffee,sandwiches,pasties and
scones with jam & clotted cream.
www.concoursofelegance.co.uk
Visit their info for more info and to buy tickets.
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then
7.30pm to 10pm.
BOBBY DAVRO live at The Beck Theatre,Hayes,Middlesex.
Bobby Davro now aged 57 is an actor and comedian best known for his work as an impressionist.
He made his television debut in 1981 and been on our screens on and off ever since.
Up first we have PETE FIRMAN who performs a very enjoyable 30 mins set.
The man from Middlesbrough sets the pace for comedy-meets-magic with funny one liners
mixed in with some good magic tricks and some audience participation.
Tonight this cosy all seated 600 capacity venue is three quarters full.
Younger comedians from the telly are playing big arena gigs but 80s stars are reduced to small venues.
Such was Bobby's popularity back in the day he had a 'This Is Your Life' special for him in 1987.
He was due to play for 70 mins but ended playing for 90 mins as he said ''i don't get out much these days".
It was a very 80s type show as it was racist in places,sexist in places and very rude in places.
He was very fast paced with jokes being rifled off non stop as he mixed the jokes with some impressions
and some singing.
He had a big screen at the back where he showed some of his tv highlights.
It was a bit sad in a way as Bobby knows he will never hit these heights again as all the tv companies
have turned their back on 80's comedians it seems.
There were soooo many funny bits in this show.
The mainly over 40s crowd loved it.
Thursday 01 September 2016.
4.30pm to 6.30pm.
ROLLING STONES Exhibitionism at The Saatchi Gallery ,Kings Road,Chelsea,London.
I went to the great launch party back in April for this exhibition when all the band turned up.
Lots to see here so you can easily spend a couple of hours mooching about.
Over 500 items of memorabilia over many different rooms.
I went back today for the second time to see it as the last day is THIS SUNDAY.
It is an excellent exhibition that covers around 10 rooms.
Starts off with a replica of their Chelsea flat when they first started out then it is posters,contracts,setlists,
instruments from all members,costumes from all members,a recording studio where you can mix tracks.
We have model replicas of their massive stage productions.
We have videos of The Stones including in one room where you are given 3D glasses.
Due to phenomenal demand, from 4 August every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the opening hours for
Exhibitionism will be extended to 9pm.
www.saatchigallery.com
Check their website for more info and to buy tickets.
The critically-acclaimed event finishes its UK run on 4 September.
Tickets are £20 Monday to Thursday
Tickets are £22 Friday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.
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then
7pm to 9pm.
JOY by PORTCHIE - private view - La Galleria Pall Mall,London SW1.
Portchie is an unusual if not unique phenomenon in South African contemporary art. He paints between 800 and 900 pieces a year and each is snapped up. Ten years ago he was a transport economist with Spoornet.
For Portchie is that rarest of people, a man who discovered his calling fairly late in life and then there was no holding him back. He is arguably the most successful contemporary artist in South Africa.
“I paint universal themes; children hop-scotching, people riding bicycles, people reading – my art doesn’t know any languages and this means it is equally as popular in America, Germany, the United Kingdom or South Africa,” he says. “It is not difficult to understand or appreciate.”
Around 200 smartly dressed folks here with some spilling out on to the pavement.
One of those gallery private views that was much better than expected.
PORTCHIE art is very colourful,bright,simple and happy.
His prices are reasonable so many items are being sold on the night as he is signing everything.
There are paintings,cushions,plates,trays,bags,mugs with his art on.
Complimentary Mumm champers,wines and canapés for all guests.
The exhibition is on here until 14 Sept 2016.
www.portchie.com
Visit the PORTCHIE website here.
Thursday 01 September 2016.
Freddie Mercury Blue Plaque unveiling at 22 Gladstone Avenue ,Feltham.
A memorial stone to Freddie Mercury is already in Feltham High Street .
Feltham was the area where he grew up in the 1960s but this plaque will actually be at his house where
Brian May used to visit him and they would listen to Jimi Hendrix and they would
set the foundations for forming the band.
Brian May attended and said a few words at this lunchtime event.
Freddie Mercury's sister also attended.
The Blue Plaque was unveiled days before Mercury would have celebrated his 70th birthday on 5 September.
He died in 1991 at the age of 45.
Wednesday 31 August 2016.
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in South Kensington is hoping to replicate the success of its
David Bowie exhibition with a major retrospective of Pink Floyd.
The Pink Floyd Exhibition: Their Mortal Remains, marking 50 years since the release of the band's first single,
will include a laser light show and previously unseen concert footage.
The "immersive" show will feature 350 objects and artefacts, including instruments and original artworks.
It will run from May to October 2017.
The V&A promised "an immersive, multi-sensory and theatrical journey through Pink Floyd's extraordinary world" which will "chronicle the music, iconic visuals and staging of the band, from the underground psychedelic scene in 1960s London to the present day".
Wednesday 31 August 2016.
Check out this very funny 15 mins clip on YouTube.
Red Hot Chili Peppers have appeared on James Corden's popular 'Carpool Karaoke' segment,
which sees acts sing songs in a car while the TV host drives them around.
Monday 29 August 2016....4pm to 10.30pm...
MADNESS live at House of Common @ Clapham Common,London.
With support from David Rodigan (dj set) + Mike Skinner (dj set) + Toots And The Maytals +
Lee Scratch Perry + Spring King.
I have seen Madness over 20 times with the first being in 1979 when the ska two-tone boom kicked off.
Madness have had 31 Top 40 hit singles in the UK.
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A perfect sunny day with a massive crowd of around 20,000 here.
Madness are still as popular as ever as they appeal to all generations.
Lots of Fez hats being sold outside and inside the venue.
In the vip/press area during the day i spotted Jerry Dammers (ex The Specials founding member)
and Dave Robinson ( Stiff Records).
Two big screens were used for all the acts.
SPRING KING arrive on stage at 4.20pm and play a 45 mins set.
Spring King are a hotly tipped four-piece art-pop band from Manchester.
They were put together by Tarek Musa, who also sings the lead vocals and plays drums.
The band have had a great 2016 as their debut album came out and they appeared on Later With Jools.
Before this show they also played Reading and Leeds Festivals.
Lots of short uptempo songs which were pretty good.
They played their great track 'Rectifier'.
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LEE SCRATCH PERRY arrives on stage at 5.20pm and plays a 45 mins set.
The reggae and dub legend is now aged 80 and still playing lots of live shows.
He still wears his colourful outfit of bangles,badges,patches and jewellery.
He moves around the stage slowly and his voice is a bit frazzled but the crowd love him.
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TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS arrives on stage at 6.30pm and plays for 60 mins.
They are one of the most influential reggae bands ever.
They played classics including 'Pressure Drop','Monkey Man' and '54-46 Was My Number'.
Also a couple of reggae cover versions 'Take Me Home,Country Roads' and 'Louie Louie'
that ended up having all the crowd singing along.
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MIKE SKINNER (DJ SET)...I popped over to the dance tent to see 30 mins of his set.
Mike Skinner is better known as The Streets and his crew put on a bouncy show along with a full light show.
Blending a spectrum of garage,house,hip-hop and grime as they rapped and dance along to the tracks.
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DAVID RODIGAN (DJ SET)...I popped back to the main stage to catch 30 mins of his set.
A bit odd to see a dj as second headliner on the main stage but David Rodigan is a legendary white dj
who has been showcasing reggae sounds in the UK for over 35 years.
He played plenty of classic tunes including Bob Marley.
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MADNESS arrive on stage at 8.55pm and play for 90 mins.
For the opening song and a few others Madness have flames in their stage production
which I do not recall them ever using before.
Some recent songs and a couple of new tracks from their upcoming album went down well
but it was those classic oldies the crowd had come to hear.
Lots of hits with superb lyrics and excellent brass section got everyone dancing.
Suggs holding the show together with his fun on stage banter.
Chas Smash has left the band so they are down to six main members.
They mentioned the tv cameras there were from SKY ARTS.
A great show finished with a fireworks display.
Full Madness setlist played tonight...
House of Fun
Embarrassment
The Prince (with Toots Hibbert)
NW5
My Girl
Take It or Leave It
Wings of a Dove
Herbert
The Sun and the Rain
Don't Leave the Past Behind
Chase the Devil (Max Romeo cover)
You Can't Touch Us Now
Bed and Breakfast Man
Girl Why Don't You? (Prince Buster cover)
Shut Up
Chrissy Boy's Showtime (Livin' On A Prayer Karaoke )
One Step Beyond (Prince Buster cover)
Baggy Trousers
Our House
It Must Be Love (Labi Siffre cover)
Encore:
Mr Apples
Madness (Prince Buster cover)
Night Boat to Cairo (with family and friends stage invasion)
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Tonight reminded me of a competition I won on Virgin (now Absolute) Radio a decade ago.
It was dinner & drinks with Suggs hosting in Soho for me and three of my guests.
A great night with just the five of us and i still have the photos somewhere.
I remember giving him a couple of old Chelsea football programmes as he supports them.
Monday 29 August 2016....Very sad news that actor Gene Wilder has died aged 83...
Gene Wilder, who regularly stole the show in such comedic gems as “The Producers,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “Stir Crazy,” died Monday at his home in Stamford, Conn.
His nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman said he died of complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Saturday 27 August 2016...4pm to 10pm.
THE HUMAN LEAGUE live at Windsor Racecourse.
The Human League have had four Top 10 albums and eight Top 10 singles in the UK as well as two US Number 1 singles.
The Human League have sold more than 20 million records worldwide.
I have seen them live around 15 times since 1979.
Apart from the usual music festivals at the weekends more and more venues including racecourses,
forest's and country house estates are being used in the summer for live music events.
A lovely sunny day brings out a big crowd of around 10,000 folks.
It's Ladies Day so lots of girls are dressed up in their nice summer outfits.
I would say half the crowd stay behind to watch the concert.
A great atmosphere as you can wander around and check out the horses close up
in the Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure.
From 4pm to 8pm we get several races...Frankie Dettori is riding today...
Big screens along the course so everyone can see all of each race.
Victoria Pendleton presented the trophy to one of the winners.
The two-time Olympic cycling champion recently demonstrated her capability as a jockey.
The Human League are on stage from 8.15pm to 9.35pm for an 80 mins set.
Their stage production is the same one they have been using the last few years.
Phil Oakey and the two female singers have been together now for over 35 years.
As expected it is pretty much a greatest hits set of their catchy electro pop gems.
They played a track 'Night People' from their most recent album 'Credo' which is the ninth studio album.
It was released in 2011 on Wall of Sound.
There were some costume changes too.
The biggest cheer was of course for 'Don't You Want Me' at the end of the main set.
A great day out.
Full setlist played tonight....
Mirror Man
Heart Like a Wheel
The Sound of the Crowd
Love Action (I Believe in Love)
Night People
Seconds
The Lebanon
Life on Your Own
Louise
All I Ever Wanted
The Things That Dreams Are Made Of
Open Your Heart
Tell Me When
(Keep Feeling) Fascination
Don't You Want Me
Encore:
Being Boiled
Together in Electric Dreams (Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder cover)
www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk
Visit their website here for more info on forthcoming events here.
Saturday 27 August 2016.
Rod Stewart's main fan club SMILER has put up my Kenney Jones review on their
front page along with some photos from the night.
www.rodstewartfanclub.com
Click here to see how it looks.
Saturday 27 August 2016.
Happy Birthday to Sex Pistol Glen Matlock who is 60 today.
Glen is the last of The Sex Pistols to reach his 60th.
Friday 26 August 2016.
KENNEY JONES & THE JONES GANG live at Under The Bridge @ Chelsea F.C.,London.
Legendary British drummer, who's played in the bands Small Faces, Rod Stewart's Faces and The Who.
His band for tonight are Mark Read, Johnson Jay, Robert Hart, Pat Davey and Nick Cook.
Singer Robert Hart was Bad Company's vocalist from 1992 to 1999.
A rare London show as they only seem to play a couple of gigs a year and most seem to be at
private events at Kenney Jones polo club in Surrey.
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Always nice to be at this stunning 500 capacity venue with seats and standing and a great house sound,
house lights and house big screen used behind all the bands.
Also all the rock photo memorabilia on the walls of the venue is also worth a look at.
Kenney Jones & The Jones Gang arrived on stage just after 9pm and played for 80 mins.
Kenney Jones is looking and sounding good for the age of 67.
He is the only member of The Small Faces still alive.
A great setlist that included tracks related to the band members which included gems from The Who,
The Small Faces,The Faces,Bad Company and a couple of tracks from their own album.
Robert Hart is displaying some fantastic old school rock singer vocals.
For a couple of songs they were joined by Dave "Bucket" Colwell on guitar who played with
Robert Hart in Bad Company.
A great show.
Full setlist played tonight...
1.Cant Get Enough (Bad Company cover)
2.The Time Of Your Life (The Jones Gang)
3.Maggie May (Rod Stewart cover)
4.Substitute (The Who cover)
5.Feel Like Making Love (Bad Company cover) (with Dave "Bucket" Colwell on guitar)
6.All or Nothing (The Small Faces cover)
7.Tin Soldier (The Small Faces cover)
8.????? track by The Jones Gang or Bad Company????
9.Angel (The Jones Gang)
10.Itchycoo Park (The Small Faces cover)
11.Stay With Me (The Faces cover)
12.Won't Get Fooled Again (The Who cover)
Encore
13.All Right Now (Free cover) ( with Dave "Bucket" Colwell on guitar)
Thursday 25 August 2016...I went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 7.30pm.
SCALPERS - store launch party - Scalpers, 45 Carnaby Street, London, W1.
A small tie-maker’s shop is the origin of this Spanish menswear brand based in Seville.
Founded by the current Duke of Feria, Rafael Medina, a 21st-century aristocrat and dandy. This company offers the best in ready-to-wear fashion and an impeccable tailoring service using the best fabrics they can get their hands on.
Particularly known for its Black Label slippers, made from linen for summer and velvet for winter and evening wear. These are made in collaboration with Stubbs & Wootton.
We had a few songs from up and coming singer-songwriter/male model Ashley Radford.
He has that shaggy haired Taylor Hawkins look about him.
Complimentary Spanish beers and popcorn for all guests.
then
8pm to 10pm.
THE BRITISH COLLECTIVE - album launch party - The Library, 112 St. Martin's Lane, London, WC2.
This intimate members club is buzzing as the 150 capacity venue is rammed.
A nice mixed crowd of older black and white soul music fans who no doubt remember those great soul shows
at Hammersmith Odeon in the 1980s when i was working front stage security.
The British Collective bring together five of the United Kingdom’s finest ever male R&B artists, Junior Giscombe, Leee John, Omar, Don-E and Noel McKoy. Having sold millions of records worldwide over a period spanning 3 decades as artists, songwriters and musicians, there coming together as ‘The British Collective’ will raise the bar of british R&B to new levels and set the trend for a new era of quality soulful music on a global scale.
At 9.15pm three of the five members appear on stage.
Two are absent as they are on holiday ,but the three here are...
Leee John - lead singer of Imagination.
Junior Giscombe - had a big hit with the classic 'Mama Used To Say' in 1982.
Noel McCoy - he fronted the James Taylor Quartet in the early 1990s.
I was expecting a few live songs but instead we get 30 mins of chat as they discuss the tracks on the album,
how the band came about,their influences and memories of the 1980s British Soul heyday.
After that they sing the one song 'Love Me Tonight' to a backing track.
It's time for a British Soul Renaissance.
The album is released on Fri 02 Sept.
Wednesday 24 August 2016.
John Lydon's Public Image Limited have announced yet more UK shows even though
they played an extensive UK tour in May / June of this year.
First dates confirmed are...
Fri 18 Nov---Birmingham Institute
Sat 19 Nov---Leicester Academy
More dates to be confirmed soon.
Tuesday 23 August 2016...I went two events tonight...
5.30pm to 6.45pm.
Press view - The Real Greek, 54 St Martin's Lane,London WC2.
This popular Greek restaurant has branches in Covent Garden,Soho and a few other places.
We have been invited to check out their 3 dishes set dinner menu that they charge £10.95 for.
That is of course a bargain price for this very central area.
Our choice of main dish was a very nice grilled chicken on a bed of crushed new potatoes.
The other two dishes were more side plates of flatbread,crudités (veggie strips) and various Greek dips.
It is perfect for a pre-theatre visit as there are many theatres in the area.
www.therealgreek.com
Visit their website for more info.
then a few yards up the same street to...
6.50pm to 9.30pm.
CELIA x Library - launch party - Library Club, 112 St Martin's Lane, London, WC2.
Launch party for this Premium Czech Lager.
Traditionally batch brewed in the heart of the world's most famous hop region. The local noble saaz hops create clean, spicy aroma. Ideal to accompany quality food. CELIA has a truly light feel thanks to the benefit of being gluten free and naturally carbonated.
Organic, Hand-crafted, Gluten-free, Suitable for coeliacs and vegans.
It is available in Waitrose,Whole Foods,Ocado,Oddbins and other selected stores.
There was a dj playing dance tunes by the bar.
A few folks we knew here so an enjoyable evening.
All guests enjoyed complimentary CELIA dark lagers (5.7% vol) and light lagers (4.5% vol).
www.celialager.co.uk
Visit their website for more info.
Monday 22 August 2016.
BURBERRY - My Burberry Black - fragrance campaign unveiling & launch party -
Thomas's at Burberry Regent Street, 5 Vigo Street, London, W1.
It is big deal outside the venue as lots of Burberry staff & pr girls and security guys along with photographers
snapping away and around 50 gawping tourists wondering what is going on inside.
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Luxury fashion house Burberry has unveiled its new campaign for the launch of the My Burberry Black fragrance for women, featuring British actress Lily James. The campaign, shot by photographer Mario Testino, includes the track I Put a Spell on You performed by British singer/songwriter Duffy. The TV campaign will go live across multiple platforms globally, including Clear Channel's One Piccadilly and Coventry House screens in Piccadilly, London.
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Around 150 folks here in the Burberry entertaining space.
Both floors have been decorated amazingly with flowers everywhere that make up the fragrance.
Downstairs guests walk through a complete tunnel of flowers and all the way up the stairs and
all over the walls of the main first floor area there were flowers covering every available space.
It looked incredible and must have cost a small fortune.
I was told it was put up during the day and would all come down the following day.
Actress Lily James turned heads as she arrived on the arm of her actor boyfriend Matt Smith (a former Dr Who) to celebrate becoming the new face of My Burberry fragrances. The couple were surrounded by friends including Douglas Booth, Freddie Fox and Ellie Bamber, along with Smith's former Doctor Who colleagues Jenna Coleman and Arthur Darvill. Members of the Downton Abbey cast also came to support James, with Laura Carmichael and Michael Fox making their first joint public appearance together as a couple, and Elizabeth McGovern was spotted mingling with Burberry creative director Christopher Bailey. Party regulars Clara Paget, Cressida Bonas, Lady Alice Manners and Toby Huntington-Whiteley also descended upon Thomas's at Burberry Regent Street to catch a first look at the new ad campaign.
All guests enjoyed a couple of hours of complimentary cocktails,Nyetimber English Sparkling Wines and canapés.
All guests got a very nice goodie bag with a 90ml bottle of the fragrance that retails for £92.
UK.Burberry.com
Visit the BURBERRY website here for more info.
Sunday 21 August 2016.
The Rio Olympics Closing Ceremony Tonight.
It was great watching Team GB having a fantastic Olympics by winning so many medals.
They came second after America in the gold medal table.
Saturday 20 August 2016.
A photographer friend who i see often at West End events has revamped his website.
You can hire him out for events and weddings etc.
www.andybarnesphotographer.co.uk
Visit Andy's website here.
Friday 19 August 2016...I went to two events tonight...
5pm to 7pm.
Press view - The BLOOM Gin Terrace at OXO Tower x Harvey Nichols ,London SE1.
I went to the opening of The BLOOM Gin Terrace a few months ago.
We have been invited back to celebrate its summer success.
Again it is buzzing here as it's a Friday night.
Drinks are brought to your table by the waiters and waitresses.
Stunning views along The River Thames from the 8th floor here.
We had four cocktails each here with my faves being the BLOOM Gin Day Dreamer
and The BLOOM Gin Honey Pot.
It is on here until Sunday 21st August.
A choice of six BLOOM Gin cocktails are £13 each.
There are many other drinks available along with food.
www.harveynichols.com
Visit the website for more info and to reserve a table.
then
7.30pm to 9pm.
Casa Havana pop-up - Night Tube Party - 15 Bateman Street,Soho,London W1.
Havana Club Cuban Rum are hosting a party to celebrate the Night Tube.
Soho is totally buzzing with after work drinkers and tourists spilling out of every bar and pub.
The Night Tube will certainly benefit the venues in Soho.
Two different complimentary cocktails for all guests through the evening - Minty Mojito & Cuba Libre.
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The first Night Tube services will launch on the Central and Victoria lines on Friday 19 August, with services on the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines following in autumn. The Night Tube will offer a 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays.
Up to 100,000 folks are expected to use the Night Tube over the weekend.
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