News and Reviews: 4th November 2016
Thursday 03 November 2016...I went to three events tonight...4.30pm to 7pm
Bat Out Of Hell - The Musical - launch party - The Coliseum,St Martins Lane,London WC2.
This was one of those massive West End theatre launch events as they have closed the street off to cars
and there is a stage set up in the street and 60 Harley Davidsons and their riders are here to make a glorious noise.
It is an early kick off so they can get the event shown on the 6pm tv news.
By 5pm there must be around 1000 folks watching with many not knowing what is actually going on.
The producer of the show and Meat Loaf say a few words about the show.
Meat Loaf is a bit frail these days so will not be performing in the show.
The show is based on that classic album and the songs of Jim Steinman.
The 69 year old Meat Loaf was pictured with cast members who then performed three songs.
There were eight singers on stage along with the live band.
Bat Out Of Hell
Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad
Dead Ringer For Love
It sounds like it will be a must see theatre event with a massive production promised.
Their will be a warm up season of the show in Manchester.
The show will kick off at the London Coliseum from June 5 to July 22, 2017.
From 5.40pm to 7pm was the after party up the road at Browns where 200 folks joined
the cast (but not Meat Loaf) for complimentary wines,beers and canapés.
www.batoutofhellmusical.com
Click here for more info and to buy tickets.
then
7.15pm to 9.15pm
All Bar One Leicester Square - re-launch party - 48 Leicester Square,London WC2.
Massive bar re-opens in a prime position looking out to where they hold the film premieres.
All Bar One, one of the UK’s largest bar and restaurant chains with 51 venues nationwide.
Around 300 guests here over two floors with celebrity guest DJ Laura Whitmore here playing tunes.
They have pushed the boat out as there is complimentary Moët champers,different cocktails,
wines,beers and canapés for all guests.
www.allbarone.co.uk
Visit their website here for more info.
then
9.30pm to 1am
JinJuu - restaurant launch - JinJuu ,39 Albermarle Street,Mayfair,London W1.
Following on from Jinjuu Soho and Hong Kong, the 76-cover restaurant will serve up modern Korean street food with a mix of classics and unique-to-Mayfair dishes. Open for lunch and dinner the menu will feature new offerings such as Joo’s Hoe Dup Bab – slices of raw and fresh seafood with signature Korean dressing; Iberico pork and prime rib-eye steak barbecued skewers marinated in classic Korean barbeque style and, for pudding, shaved ice Bing Su, if you have no idea what that is, we’re told it’s raisins soaked in rum served with brownie bites and mango.
Award winning Group Bar Manager and mixologist Kristian Breivik (previously Trailer Happiness) has created an extensive cocktail menu which focus on the typical Korean spirit Soju. Highlights to include the classic Soju Sour, Kimchi Mary and new drinks such as X.P Plum Snap and Double Truffle made from white truffle-infused Soju, yuja sake, clove and smoked sea salt. And the best part; they’re low-calorie – so you don’t have to worry about drinking your calories as well as eating them. Joining the cocktails will be an extensive wine list, Asian beers and whiskies from around the world including many from the East such as Togouchi, Nikka, Suntory, Kavalan and Hwayo X.P.
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Albermarle Street is getting more and more top quality restaurants,bars,shops and galleries.
This Korean restaurant & bar has a late night vibe so it starts and finishes later than normal.
The place is totally buzzing with cool sounds playing in the background and every table is full.
Footballer DAVID LUIZ is here with one of his Chelsea team mates.
We had around a dozen very yummy dishes to share and a few cocktails.
Our fave dishes were the JinJuu Signature Korean Fried Chicken and The Wagyu Beef with Korean spices.
The staff were fantastic here by making a full fuss of everyone.
An excellent restaurant & bar.
www.jinjuu.com
Visit the JINJUU website for more info.
Wednesday 02 November 2016...5pm to 11pm...
The Q AWARDS 2016 at The Roundhouse,London.
As usual The Q Awards gets a stunning bunch of music legends.
In the house tonight were members of Muse,U2,Coldplay,Blondie,The Sex Pistols,The Rolling Stones,
The Smiths,Madness along with the likes of Meat Loaf and Ray Davies.
I have been to most of The Q Awards over the past decade but to celebrate its 30th birthday
Q have moved to a bigger venue with big screens,a stage and general public allowed in for the first time.
5pm...the drinks reception is in full flow.
Complimentary drinks all night including Jack Daniels,Conker Gin and Red Stripe Lager.
5.30pm to 6.30pm...500 vip guests have dinner on the floor and 50 folks are standing at the back.
Ronnie Wood is here on the same table as Glen Matlock,Midge Ure and Carl Barat.
Music biz legends here include live music booking agent John Giddings (U2,Blondie etc),
Alan Edwards (pr for Bon Jovi,Meat Loaf etc) , Bernard Doherty (pr for The Rolling Stones etc)
and Barbara Charone (pr for Ray Davies etc).
Other musicians here apart from those mentioned below included Jonny Buckland and
Will Champion from Coldplay,Ratboy......and Rick Astley.
Nice to meet up with friends who work for Q Mag and others.
200 paying punters are let in to the balcony to watch the awards.
6.30pm to 8pm...the awards are handed out.
Hosted by Absolute Radio dj Christian O'Connell.
The tables and chairs then taken away and VIPs go upstairs to corner balcony bar for more drinks.
The only musician i saw up here was Suggs.
1000 paying punters are allowed on the main floor to watch The Charlatans.
8.30pm to 9.30pm we had a dj set from Stephen and Gillian from New Order.
At 9.40pm The Charlatans played a full 80 mins set.
A good greatest hits set played.
As always The Q Awards was a totally excellent event.
Full Charlatans setlist played tonight...
With No Shoes
North Country Boy
Tellin' Stories
So Oh
Just When You're Thinkin' Things Over
Let the Good Times Be Never Ending
How Can You Leave Us
One to Another
Can't Get Out of Bed
In the Tall Grass
The Only One I Know
Jesus Hairdo
How High
This Is the End
Encore:
Sproston Green
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Full list of winners...
Best Act in the World Today: Muse...award given by Glen Matlock
Best Solo Artist: James Bay
Best Breakthrough Act: Jack Garratt...award given by Melanie C
Best Track: Bastille for ‘Good Grief’...award given by Midge Ure
Best Album: The 1975 for ‘I Like It When You Sleep’
Best Video: PJ Harvey for ‘The Community Of Hope’
Best Live Act: U2...just The Edge and Adam Clayton here to collect
Hero Award: Meat Loaf
Classic Songwriter: Ray Davies
Classic Album: The Charlatans for Tellin’ Stories...award given by The Vaccines
Innovation in Sound: MIA
Gibson Les Paul Award: The Edge...award given by Ronnie Wood
Outstanding Contribution To Music: Blondie...award given by Johnny Marr
Hall Of Fame: Madness...award given by Ranking Roger from The Beat
Tuesday 01 November 2016...I went to two events tonight...
Both of them on at the same time so only had time to spend an hour at each.
6.45pm to 7.45pm
Spears Wealth Management Awards 2016 at The Dorchester Hotel,Park Lane,London W1.
Always nice to be at this famous luxury hotel.
Over 300 guests here with 90% being males in suits.
Spear’s Wealth Management Awards, acknowledges and honours entrepreneurs, philanthropists and others for their innovation, success and outstanding contribution to the wealth management world and beyond. An A list networking cocktail party and awards ceremony, the Spear’s Wealth Management Awards provide a platform for over 650+ of Europe’s most influential and wealthiest individuals to celebrate and meet the best and most innovative individuals and companies across the high-net-worth world.
Complimentary Laurent Perrier champers,Copperhead gin cocktails,wines and beers for all guests.
www.spearswms.com
Visit their website for a list of winners and those that made the shortlist.
then
8pm to 9pm
C.E.W. (Cosmetic Executive Women) 2016 Achiever Awards at
The Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, Cadogan Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1.
From one five star hotel to another.
Over 300 guests here with 90% being females.
This awards event is pretty much 'The Oscars' of the beauty industry.
A dozen awards are given out to prime achievers in the beauty industry.
Complimentary presecco for all guests but missed the canapés reception.
All guests got a very nice goodie bag that included a dozen female beauty products.
www.cewuk.co.uk
Visit their website for a list of winners.
Monday 31 October 2016.
I went to all three days of BluesFest at The 02 Arena complex including all the main shows.
It was an excellent weekend of quality live music.
Even went there Saturday and Sunday afternoon to see the new bands playing free shows
for all on the two small stages outside of the main ticketed events.
What with three days of travel there and back i feel totally whacked out as if I had been to Glastonbury.
Sunday 30 October 2016....I went to one and a bit gigs tonight...
VAN MORRISON + JEFF BECK live at The 02 Arena,London.
After receiving a knighthood, Van The Man is playing The 02 ,turning 71 years old and the
Northern Irishman has released his 36th studio album called, ‘Keep Me Singing’. Not a bad year...
Up first is Jeff Beck who arrives on stage at 7.15pm and plays for 75 mins.
We are in row E of the vip/guest/press block on the right of stage with a perfect view.
In row A in front of us is Led Zep legend Jimmy Page.Here to support his mate Jeff Beck.
Also spotted here was Roger Taylor(Queen) and songwriting legend Don Black.
Rock photographer Ross Halfin was taking photos of his mate Jeff Beck in the pit.
Guitar legend Jeff Beck is still looking cool and playing some sublime guitar playing.
Half the set was guitar based instrumentals and others had a male or female singer.
A bit rude of Jeff not to introduce them and their names to the crowd.
A good set.
Full Jeff Beck setlist played tonight...
The Revolution Will Be Televised
Freeway Jam
Live in the Dark
The Ballad of the Jersey Wives
You Know You Know (Mahavishnu Orchestra cover)
Morning Dew (Bonnie Dobson cover)
A Change Is Gonna Come (Sam Cooke cover)
Big Block
Cause We've Ended as Lovers (Syreeta cover)
Scared for the Children
Beck's Bolero
Superstition (Stevie Wonder cover)
A Day in the Life (The Beatles cover)
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Level 4 is closed as unsold but still a healthy 8000 folks here.
Van Morrison arrives on stage at 9pm for a 90 mins set.
The musicians are positioned close to Van as if he is playing a small club like Ronnie Scott's.
Some nice vocals from Van as well as good sax and harmonica from him.
Jeff Beck and Chris Farlowe joined him for 'Call It Stormy Monday'.
For this song and a couple of others either side of it we had Steven Van Zandt and Richie Sambora
watch it from front row stalls seats instead of the side view where they had been.
A weird thing happened at the end of the set where 'Gloria' ended up having 10 mins of band solos
as folks waited for Van and possible guests come back for another song but nothing happened.
A good show.
Full setlist played by Van Morrison tonight...
Too Late
Have I Told You Lately
Magic Time
Wavelength
Every Time I See A River (his new single with lyrics by Don Black who was in the crowd)
Baby, Please Don't Go / Don't Start Crying Now
Here Comes the Night (Them song)
Cleaning Windows / Be-Bop-A-Lula
Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just as Bad) (T‐Bone Walker cover) (with Chris Farlowe) (also with Jeff Beck)
Sometimes We Cry (with Chris Farlowe)
Lonely Avenue (Ray Charles cover)
Moondance
In the Afternoon / Ancient Highway / Joe Turner Sings / Raincheck
Help Me (Sonny Boy Williamson cover)
Ballerina
Encore :
Gloria (Them song)
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then
WALTER TROUT live at Indigo @ The 02 Arena complex,London.
We managed to catch the last 30 mins of Walter's set after Van Morrison finished.
Some nice blues rock from this guitarist who was very ill recently.
For a couple of songs they were joined by Steven Van Zandts harmonica player.
Also the singer from The Temperance Movement sung a song.
He talked about his illness and the importance of folks carrying a donor card for body organs.
He had to wait eight months for his liver transplant.
A decent set.
Saturday 29 Oct 2016...I went to two gigs tonight...
BAD COMPANY + RSO ( Richie Sambora + Orianthi) live at The 02 Arena,London.
Bad Co play the final date on their UK arena tour.
They currently feature three original members including vocalist Paul Rodgers.
Bad Co were formed in 1973 by two former Free band members—singer Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke—as well as Mott the Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs and King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell.
Peter Grant, who managed the rock band Led Zeppelin, also managed Bad Company until 1982.
I have seen them a few times including three times in their 1970s heyday and a secret gig for
press at The Hard Rock Cafe in London in 2009 which was to announce and promote their 2010 tour.
Richie Sambora departed Bon Jovi three years ago after a disagreement with Jon Bon Jovi.
I saw RSO a couple of years ago when they supported Aerosmith at their big gig in Clapham Common.
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Arrive at the venue and Level 4 is 75% unsold but still a very healthy 10,000 folks here.
Most are in early to catch Richie Sambora.
Richie & the band hit the stage at 7.50pm and play for around 60 mins.
They are given the two big screens at the sides.
His band feature Orianthi who is a female guitarist who looks and plays amazing.
Richie looks like he has had a bit of plastic surgery done on his face.
A cover of 'I Got You Babe' was not a good idea but really great to hear some Bon Jovi classics
and Steven Van Zandt came on for 'Livin' In A Prayer' with everyone singing along.
A good set.
RSO feat Richie Sambora full setlist played tonight...
When Love Comes to Town (U2 cover)
I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man (Willie Dixon cover)
Heaven in This Hell (Orianthi song)
Midnight Rider (The Allman Brothers Band cover) (Snippet)
Wanted Dead or Alive (Bon Jovi cover)
How Do You Sleep? (Orianthi song)
Lay Your Hands on Me (Bon Jovi cover)
I Got You Babe (Sonny & Cher cover)
Stranger in This Town (Richie Sambora song)
Livin' on a Prayer (Bon Jovi cover) (with Steven Van Zandt)
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Bad Company arrive on stage at 9.15pm and play for 85 mins.
They have loads of big screens at the back and sides.
A nice big rock sound booms out from the stage.
Paul Rodgers is sounding good and tells that Bryan Adams and Roger Taylor (Queen) are here.
Great to hear those 1970s classics again including 'Feel Like Makin' Love' and 'Can't Get Enough'.
A really good set...even though it could have been a bit longer.
Bad Company full setlist played tonight...
Live for the Music
Gone, Gone, Gone
Feel Like Makin' Love
Electricland
Burnin' Sky
Run With the Pack
Ready for Love (Mott the Hoople cover)
Crazy Circles
Troubleshooter
Movin' On
Shooting Star
Can't Get Enough
Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy
Encore:
Bad Company
Encore 2:
Seagull
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then
LITTLE STEVEN & THE DISCIPLES OF SOUL live at Indigo @ The 02 Arena complex,London.
Little Steven plays a one-off European show as part of BluesFest.
Little Steven is not playing any American shows so quite a coup for BluesFest.
American musician, record producer and actor Steven Van Zandt, AKA Little Steven, and guitar player in
Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band plays first London headline show since 1990.
I saw him with this band four times in the 1980s.
Thankfully they made it an 11pm show so folks at Bad Company could go to it with a separate ticket.
Little Steven and his band arrive on stage at 11.15pm and play a nice long set of 2 hours 5 mins.
They were introduced by Dave Clark from The Dave Clark Five.
I think it was 15 musicians backing Steven including five brass and three female backing singers.
The brass section was English but he said the band were a mix of American and British.
They sounded amazing as they tore up the stage with an uptempo mix of rock n soul.
Half a dozen Southside Johnny tracks were played as Steven was a member before he joined
The E Street Band.
A version of Jimmy Barnes 'Ride The Night Away' was stunning.
Richie Sambora joined them for a rousing finale of 'Can I Get A Witness'.
A brilliant show.
Full setlist played tonight...
Soulfire (The Breakers cover)
Killing Floor (Howlin’ Wolf cover)
Coming Back (Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes cover)
Forever
Inside of Me
I Played the Fool (Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes cover)
The Blues Is My Business (Etta James cover)
Until the Good Is Gone
Ride The Night Away (Jimmy Barnes cover) (co written by Steven Van Zandt and Steve Jordan)
Groovin' Is Easy (The Electric Flag cover)
All I Needed Was You (Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes cover)
Love Disease (The Paul Butterfield Blues Band cover)
She Got Me Where She Wants Me (Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes cover)
Some Things Just Don't Change (Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes cover)
Trapped Again (Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes cover)
Down and Out in New York City (James Brown cover)
Freedom
Walking By Myself (Jimmy Rogers cover)
I Don't Want to Go Home (Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes cover)
Bitter fruit
Goodbye
Can I Get a Witness (Marvin Gaye cover) (with Richie Sambora)
Friday 28 Oct 2016.
BILL WYMAN 80th Birthday Gala celebration live at Indigo @ The 02 Arena complex,London.
Bill's Rhythm Kings with guest vocalists confirmed in advance as Robert Plant ,Bob Geldof ,Mark Knopfler,
Mick Hucknall and Imelda May...along with surprise guests.
This gig sold out a month ago even though it was steep ticket prices from £65 to £250.
Lots of great gigs on in London tonight including a big clash between two major gigs.
This gig and Brian Wilson at The Royal Albert Hall.
Brian Wilson back in London only a few months after i saw him play a great show at The Palladium.
I have seen Brian Wilson over 20 times over the past decade since he returned to playing live shows again.
As Bill Wyman's show was a special one off event it got my attendance tonight.
I have a great stalls seat a dozen rows from the stage.
Steven Van Zandt takes his seat near us to watch the first half from there.
At 8pm we have some clips of Bill on the big screen and old blues rock n roll tunes over the pa.
At 8.15pm Bill Wyman takes to the stage and says a few clearly emotional words.
FIRST SET was 65 mins from 8.18pm to 9.23pm
Bill Wyman did not play bass until near the end of the first set.
A few Stones tracks played but lots of old and blues n soul n rock n roll covers.
A nice touch was the original 7 inch single sleeve from each track came up on the big screen.
Joe Brown sung the first three songs 'Ruby Tuesday' ,'Tulsa Time' and 'Summertime Blues'
which was dedicated to 'bald teddy boys'.
Mark Knopfler performed three songs including some nifty guitar playing.
Andy Fairweather-Low was playing on a couple of tracks.
Van Morrison was on top form for three songs including Ray Charles 'I Believe To My Soul'.
Bill Wyman on stage for 'Harlem Shuffle' and 'I Shall Not Be Moved'.
Bill on vocals for Chuck Berry 'You Never Can Tell'.
At the end of the first half Bill shakes hands and signs stuff for a few mins from the stage.
INTERVAL featured great tv clips of Bill over the years including with Rik Mayall and Kenny Everett.
SECOND SET was 90 mins from 9.55pm to 11.25pm
Opening segment was Rhythm Kings guitarist Martin Taylor playing some great melodic jazz guitar instrumtals.
Bill was on stage for most of the second set and watched the rest from side of stage.
Youngster Hollie Stephenson sung 'Beast of Burden' and 'Time is on My Side'.
Bob Geldof and Steven Van Zandt gave glowing tributes to Bill and gave him an award from BluesFest.
Bob sung 'Little Red Rooster' and 'Route 66' backed by Bill and Steven.
Bill Wyman sung his hit solo single 'Jeff Suis un Rock Star' (said it was FIRST ever time he has sung it live).
Mick Hucknall sung three tracks with Bill on bass - 'I'm A King Bee' , 'Reconsider Baby' and ' 634-5789 '.
Beverley Skeete from The Rhythm Kings sung ' It's a Man's World '.
Mike Sanchez sang 'Moving On Down The Line'.
Imelda May sang ' Let The Good Times Roll' and 'I'm Crying' (the Animals' song).
Led Zep legend Robert Plant sang three tracks 'I Feel So Bad','Let The Boogie Woogie Roll'
and ' I Need Your Loving ' with Imelda May.
At the end of the crowd most of musicians except Van Morrison and Mark Knopfler came on stage
to sing 'Happy Birthday ' to Bill and Bob Geldof suggested three cheers for Bill and everyone joined in.
A fantastic evening.
No members if The Rolling Stones here but they sent a video message.
They were playing in America just a couple of days ago so tight to get back in time I suppose.
It was all filmed so hopefully will eventually come out somewhere.
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11.30pm to 1am was the after-party in the venues balcony bar for around 150 folks.
A bit of a surprise in that it was a pay bar.
Most of the musicians turn up but I did not see Van Morrison,Mark Knopfler or Steven Van Zandt.
Bill was here was here with his family - still feeling a bit emotional about how well it all went.
I got a nice photo with him and he chuckled when I said 'same again for your 90th'.
I had a nice chat with Mick Huchnall about his stint singing with The Faces a few years ago.
Others here included Robert Plant,Bob Geldof,Imelda May,Joe Brown,Hollie Stephenson and
members of The Rhythm Kings.
Also promoter Harvey Goldsmith, Mike Batt and Bob Geldof said there were a couple of Boomtown Rats here.
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A late finish so my first experience of the weekend NIGHT TUBE from North Greenwich back to West London.
It went pretty well and loads of people on all the trains...many worse for wear and asleep.
Thursday 27 October 2016...I went to three events tonight...
6.30pm to 7.15pm
MIKIMOTO - The Pearl Necklace - book launch party - Maison Assouline,196 Piccadilly,London W1.
Mikimoto Kōkichi (10 March 1858 – 21 September 1954) was a Japanese entrepreneur who is credited with creating the first cultured pearl and subsequently starting the pearl industry with the establishment of his luxury pearl company Mikimoto.
Around 100 folks here in this upmarket book store.
There are lots of stunning pearl necklaces on display with lots of security guys keeping an eye on them.
Complimentary Rose champers and canapés for all guests.
Guests got a copy of the big book on the way out.
www.mikimoto.co.uk
Visit their website here for more info.
then
7.30pm to 8.45pm
DEBENHAMS HALLOWEEN PARTY - Sanctum Soho Hotel - London W1.
This was an event for 'digital influencers'.
There were four stations here from brands who have concessions at Debenhams including
Urban Decay and OPI Nails and the girls here can get full Halloween facial makeovers.
There is a video screen showing 'scary' videos including Michael Jackson 'Thriller'.
I missed the cocktails but the presecco and wines were still going.
Also bowls of fish & chips, hot dogs & burgers.
Guests got a goodie bag when leaving.
www.debenhams.com
Visit their website for more info.
then
9pm to 9.30pm
#POPSUGARLIFE PARTY - 93 Mortimer Street, London W1.
Popular lifestyle website are hosting a party for around 200 folks.
Mollie King from The Saturdays is the guest dj here.
Other folks here included Bip Ling.
93 Mortimer Street is a stunning new unique event space.The venue has a striking blend of impressive period and modern architecture features including triple height in places and stunning circular rococo/baroque skylights.
Complimentary drinks included great whiskey sours....also burgers and canapés.
Guests got a goodie bag when leaving.
www.popsugar.co.uk
Visit their website for more info.
Wednesday 26 October 2016...I went to three events tonight.
6.15pm to 7.30pm
GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI - flagship store opening party - Giuseppe Zanotti, 46 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London, W1.
Around 200 cool looking fashion folks at this Italian male & female footwear brand.
Some great looking shoes here with mental prices to match...some nice suede loafers i looked at were £565.
Set over three floors and over 2000 square feet it is their biggest store in the world.
The djs tonight are Lady Mary Charteris and musician hubby Robbie Furze (The Big Pink).
Back from filming Britain's Next Top Model in Cape Verde, Abbey Clancy put on Giuseppe Zanotti pumps to attend the opening of the Italian designer's flagship store. The 30 year old model joined singers and fellow fans of the brand Ella Eyre and Fleur East at the Mayfair store, where guests including Millie Mackintosh, Winnie Harlow and Neelam Gill were served with Moët champagne,whiskey sours,bellini cocktails and canapés.
Lots of glammed females including Betty Bachz, Rosanna Falconer ,Amber Le Bon, Lilah Parsons,
Camilla Kerslake, Sinead Harnett, Tess Ward and Portia Freeman.
Quite a few folks here i know including my old mucker Philip Sallon.
A nice buzzing store party.
www.giuseppezanottidesign.com
Visit their website for more info.
then
7.35pm to 8.45pm
MARTINA COLE : Betrayal - book launch party - Aqua Nueva, 30 Argyll Street, London, W1.
Over 200 guests at this nice venue across the road from The London Palladium.
Martina Cole releases her latest book 'Betrayal'.
The book RRP is £19.99 but you can get it cheaper on my Amazon link above.
Guests got a complimentary copy of the book.
Complimentary wines,beers,bowl food and canapés for all guests.
As of 2015 she has released twenty two novels about crime, most of which examine London's gangster underworld. Four of her novels, Dangerous Lady, The Jump, The Take and The Runaway have been adapted into high-rating television dramas. She has achieved sales of over fourteen million in the UK alone and her tenth novel, The Know, spent seven weeks on The Sunday Times's hardback best-sellers list.
then
9pm to 10.15pm
DISARONNO WEARS ETRO - launch - Etro, 14 Old Bond Street, London, W1.
Around 200 folks at this upmarket Italian designer store.
DISARONNO is a very popular Italian liqueur brand.
Many of the crowd from the earlier party at Giuseppe Zanotti have turned up here.
A dj is playing tunes in the background.
We have a choice of three DISARONNO based drinks with my fave being DISARONNO on the rocks.
Also lots of Italian pizza ,canapés and pastries.
www.disaronno.com
Visit the DISARONNO website here.
Tuesday 25 October 2016...6.45pm to 9.15pm...
THE MAYFAIR AWARDS 2016 at The Ritz Hotel,Piccadilly,London SW1.
The Mayfair Magazine are hosting their annual awards at this famous luxury hotel.
Around 200 folks here from top notch establishments based in Mayfair.
It is held in three or four rooms away from the well known afternoon tea area.
There is a string quartet playing covers in the background.
I was there just a few mins when a young woman approached me for an illustration sitting.
She did a great drawing of me that took around 10 mins.
She told me she lived in Paris and the organisers had paid for her Eurostar return trip
and an overnight hotel stay so she must be doing ok over there.
Ayumi Togashi is based at 14 Rue Myrha,75018,Paris
www.ayumitogashi.com
Visit her website here.
At 7.30pm actor Nigel Havers presented the 15 or so awards.
Complimentary Billiecart-Salmon champers,MaCallan whisky drinks,wines and yummy canapés.
All guests got a decent goodie bag with several items inside.
A very nice event.
www.themayfairawards.co.uk
The winners will eventually be listed on their website.
You can see the winners there from previous years.
Monday 24 October 2016...6.30pm to 8.45pm...
LORD MICHAEL HESELTINE and ANNE HESELTINE - Thenford - book launch party -
Grosvenor House Hotel , 86-90 Park Lane, London, W1.
A big crowd of around 300 smartly dressed folks in the smaller of the two ballrooms at this plush hotel.
Lots of suits here and a couple of politicians but I could not place their names.
Lord Michael Heseltine was the deputy Prime Minister to Maggie Thatcher in the 1980s.
At 7.15pm Lord Michael Heseltine and his wife Anne both gave nice speeches.
Anne talked about having to kill 350 squirrels - "awful things" she said.
The pictures in the book of their amazing country house and 1400 acres estate look stunning.
Today, there are about 13,000 varieties of plant catalogued , among them 3,000 trees and shrubs
in the arboretum, 400 different roses, 370 oaks and 342 snowdrops and many more.
Complimentary Lanson champers,wines,beers and canapés for all guests.
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This book is the story of one garden and one family, over a 40-year time period. In their own words, Michael and Anne Heseltine describe the ups and downs of how they set about transforming and expanding a wild, overgrown and often dilapidated woodland into the magnificent garden they have today.
Today, the garden at Thenford has an arboretum which contains more than 3,500 different species of trees and shrubs, including rare plants which were wild-collected by well known plantsmen including Roy Lancaster OBE, Allen Coombes, Keith Rushforth and Chris Chadwell. It is also well-known for its sculpture garden, which has an eclectic collection of work ranging from a white marble Tazza fountain to an enormous statue of Lenin.
Beautifully illustrated with both professional photographs and private family images, this personal story of the creation of an extraordinary garden will delight horticultural experts and novices alike.
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About the authors.
MIchael Heseltine is a former Deputy Prime Minister for the United Kingdom. He has been married to Anne Heseltine since 1969. Their joint passion has been working on the garden at Thenford, their family home since 1977.
The book RRP is £40 but you can get it cheaper on Amazon etc.
Monday 24 October 2016...6.30pm to 8.30pm...
Bill Wyman: Around The World In 80 Years - private view -
Proud Gallery Chelsea, 161 King's Road, London, SW3.
Bill Wyman hosted the private view and party to celebrate his 80th birthday for 60 or so friends & family.
Guests included Kenney Jones ,Steven Van Zandt and Twiggy.
No members of The Roling Stones here as they were still on tour in America.
Bill chose this small gallery as it is just a few minutes from where he lives.
I DID NOT GO.
The photos have all been taken by Bill Wyman and feature rare Rolling Stones photos.
The exhibition is on until 27 Nov 2016...free admission...
Monday 24 October 2016.
Very sad news that Pete Burns has passed away aged 57.
The 'You Spin Me Round' hitmaker's death was confirmed by his manager.In a statement released via social media on Monday, he said: "It is with the greatest sadness that we have to break the tragic news that our beloved Pete Burns of (Dead Or Alive), died suddenly yesterday of a massive cardiac arrest. All of his family and friends are devastated by the loss of our special star.
I saw Dead or Alive live twice in 1984 and 1985 in their heyday.
Pete had spent the last years having numerous operations for plastic surgery.
I would imagine this contributed to his death.
Sunday 23 October 2016.
PETULA CLARK live at The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London.
This was the final night of Petula Clark's UK tour.
I have already reviewed the High Wycombe show earlier in the tour on 07 Oct 2016.
Petula now aged 83 on a UK tour to promote her new album 'From Now On' released on 16 Sept 2016.
The album is available on vinyl as well as cd.
Petula has been on stage since the 1940s and she appeared at The Royal Albert Hall in 1944 age 12.
She would later mix acting with singing and sell millions of records in multi-languages.
Petula had 12 Top 10 hits in the UK in the 1950s and 1960s with the first way back in 1954.
She was the subject of This Is Your Life in February 1964, and twice more, in April 1975 and March 1996,
becoming the only person to receive the television tribute three times.
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Petula said this historic theatre was her fave venue in London and that she always loves playing here.
It was the same setlist as High Wycombe and the same chat between songs as she talked about
folks she had worked with over her career including Fred Astaire and Charlie Chaplin.
Petula lived and recorded many songs in France so we have a full song sung in French and a couple
were split between English and French lyrics.
Petula and her five piece band are on stage for 1 hour 50 mins over two sets.
The band include a piano player and Petula played a couple of songs on it.
Petula was standing up the rest of the time...pretty good going for an 83 year old...
Not many can say they have been around for several decades.
A nice mix of classic oldies,covers and newer material.
Great to hear brilliant gems including 'Don't Sleep In The Subway', 'Colour My World',
'I Couldn't Live Without Your Love' and of course 'Downtown'.
Another really good show.
Full setlist played tonight...
FIRST SET
You and I / Meant To Be
Don't Sleep in the Subway
While You See A Chance (Steve Winwood cover)
Who Am I / Colour My World
Miracle To Me
My Love
Crazy (Gnarls Barkley cover)
Pour Etre Aimee De Toi
Sacrifice My Heart (new single)
I Know a Place / Sign of the Times
This is My Song (Charlie Chaplin cover)
You're the One (Petula mentioned that Jimmy Page played on this track as a session musician in 1965)
SECOND SET
Never Enough
Blackbird (The Beatles cover)
Fever (Peggy Lee cover)
With One Look (Andrew Lloyd Webber cover)
Look To The Rainbow / Gloccamora
60's Medley (dedicated to her regular hit songwriter in the 1960s Tony Hatch)
Living For Today
Reflections
Kiss My Goodbye / Sailor
From Now On
I Couldn't Live Without Your Love
Downtown
Here for You
Saturday 22 October 2016.
Released 40 years ago today.
"New Rose" the classic first single by British punk rock group The Damned was released on
22 October 1976 on Stiff Records. It was the first single by a British punk group.
Friday 21 October. 2016.
The Buzzcocks + The Members live at The Roundhouse,London.
Mancunian Punk legends The Buzzcocks are on a 40th anniversary UK tour.
I have seen The Buzzcocks around 30 times since 1977.
I have seen The Members around 20 times since 1978.
The Members are special guests at the London show only.
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As expected quite a few old punks here i know who still have the energy to go out.
DJ Gary Crowley was here as was Outside Org music pr CEO Alan Edwards who used to look after
press for The Buzzcocks in their early days.
Great to meet up with Mario and Pepe who were my band members back in the early 80s when we had a
band called Gun Control.....Type Gun Control in the search menu to see where we played.
THE MEMBERS arrive on stage at 8.15pm and play for around 40 mins.
I saw The Members at The 100 Club just a couple of months ago.
Their original singer Nicky Tesco has not been with them for their re-union but it's great
to see them play some of their gems from the late 1970s.
Full Members setlist played tonight...
Handling the Big Jets
Flying Again
Offshore Banking Business
New English Blues
Solitary Confinement
Working Girl
I Ain't Gonna Be Your Bitch No More
Sound of the Suburbs
Chelsea Nightclub
THE BUZZCOCKS arrive on stage at 9.15pm and play for around 75 mins.
The Buzzcocks as usual started with a few older gems then slipped in some
new tracks in the middle then finished with a flurry of their biggest pop punk classics.
They whizzed through the songs with the minimum of chat apart from when
guitarist Steve Diggle mumbled a few words.
Steve Diggle still has his lively stage manner compared to singer Pete Shelley.
The crowd seemed a bit quiet overall and i did feel that their club show I saw at
The Garage a year ago had a much better audience vibe to it.
They have so great songs in their set.
Full Buzzcocks setlist played tonight...
Boredom
Fast Cars
Totally From the Heart
I Don't Mind
People Are Strange Machines
What Ever Happened To?
Autonomy
Why She's a Girl From the Chainstore
Moving Away From the Pulsebeat
Nothing Left
Sick City Sometimes
It's Not You
Love You More
Promises
Noise Annoys
You Say You Don't Love Me
Time's Up
Encore:
What Do I Get?
Orgasm Addict
Ever Fallen In Love
Harmony In My Head
Thursday 20 October 2016...6.45pm to 11.45pm...
SHERATON GRAND London Park Lane - re-launch party -
The Ballroom, Sheraton Grand London Park Lane Hotel, Piccadilly, London, W1.
This 90 year old five star hotel re-launches after a multi-million pound refurbishment.
A massive full monty lavish party as 650 folks are on the guest list.
Guests here included Jack Whitehall and singer Ella Eyre.
Also here were Olivia Grant,Sai Bennett and Doina Ciobanu.
Lots of entertainment going on in the different rooms.
We had a blonde burlesque girl doing her thing, there was a covers band,
a covers duo, a Rat Pack covers trio,stilt walkers,circus acts and much more.
At 10pm the main party started closing down and the 60 of 70 folks with wristbands
moved to the after party in their Smith & Whistle bar where there was a dj and bongo player.
I spotted Elle Eyre here but no sign of Jack Whitehall.
Complimentary Moët champers all night along with a choice of three different cocktails,wines,beers
and lots of different food stations with tasty bowl food,small plates ,canapés and desserts.
A great party.
www.sheratonparklane.com
Visit their website here for more info.
Wednesday 19 October 2016....I went to two restaurant launches today...
1pm to 4pm
PISQU - press review - 23 Rathbone Place,London W1.
This cosy Peruvian restaurant is located two minutes from Oxford Street between
Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road tube station on the Northern side.
PISQU brings to London a Peruvian gastronomic experience showcasing mouth-watering flavours of modern day Lima.
Located at a corner position of a charming period building in Fitzrovia and steps from Theatreland and Soho.
Huge glass windows are good for people watching as workers walk past.
Pisqu is a Peruvian restaurant dishing up cuisine native to its capital city, Lima.
Boasting Japanese, Spanish and Chinese influences, Pisqu’s menu is a tribute to natural ingredients indigenous to the Andes and Amazon. There’ll be aji peppers, yuca, Peruvian potatoes and a whole host of South American herbs we’ve barely even heard of - camu and cedron, or maca and achiote anyone?
Signature dishes at Pisqu will include its chicharron - confit pork belly with sweet potato and rocoto pepper sauce, or lomo a la parilla steak served with corn grain cake. Nab one of the counter seats and watch your chef plate up their warm ceviche in spicy yellow aji. Pisco sour in hand, naturally.
Some really tasty food here with our faves being...
Hot Ceviche mixto...sea bass,cod,mussels,prawns,yuyu seaweed,yellow aji tiger's milk...£12
Seafood Chicharron...crispy battered seafood with grilled cassava,aji carretillero sauce...£11
Confit pork belly with sweet potato ,rococo sauce...£9
Lomo Saltado...Peruvian beer stir fry with rice & chips...£9
For desserts we each had PISQU chocolate mousse with Matcha ice cream...£7
Needless to say we had to have a couple of their very yummy PISQU Sour Clasico and
Chicha PISQU cocktails.
We had a lovely relaxed time here and our waitress Alexandria was excellent.
A nice classic rock soundtrack was played in the background.
They have a lower ground opening space opening soon.
Well worth a visit when you up The West End.
OPENING LUNCHTIME OFFER - set menu 2 courses for £9 and 3 courses for £12.
www.PisquLondon.com
Visit the PISQU London website for more info.
then
7pm to 11pm
MANITOBA TIGELLA - launch party - 82 New Oxford Street,London WC1.
Italian kitchen & bar opens just two minutes from Tottenham Court Road tube station.
Manitoba Tigella brings about a brand new culinary experience.
The first Tigella Kitchen Bar in London is individualised by a welcoming environment with a unique identity where Italian tradition and innovation blend perfectly to present you with an extraordinary gastronomic experience.
“Tigella”, which is undoubtedly the main attraction of our kitchen, is a traditional stuffed bread from the regional countryside, whose exact origin has been lost in time, which is to be enjoyed, today just as it was long ago, with the best cheese and salami from its place of birth: Emilia Romagna. Fully prepared in accordance with rural customs, but also with reviewed with a modern light with the creation of a gourmet line thanks to the suggestions of chef Lionello Cera. The offer is complete with imaginative and innovative dishes that are, at the same time, simple and traditional.
TIgella is the size of a wagon wheel and served as a kind of small toastie.
We had a female singer and dj who took it in turns to play some tunes.
Complimentary drinks and food here including different Tigella and other tasty Italian canapés.
Also presecco,wines and beers.
After the speeches at 7.45pm we could have any of the 20 plus cocktails they serve so some
smokey whiskey sours and espresso martinis went down a treat.
Some very generous Italian hospitality ended up with an event that was due to finish at 9pm
continuing with us being part of the last ones to leave at 11pm.
A very nice event.
OPENING OFFER - Two Tigella's and a cocktail for only £8.50...Tuesday's only...
www.manitobatigella.com
Visit the MANITOBA TIGELLA website for more info.
Tuesday 18 October 2016...6.45pm to 9.15pm...
TOM PARKER BOWLES The Cook Book - launch party - Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London, W1.
A bigger event than usual for Fortnum's as they have laid out the red carpet at the front of the store.
That is because Duchess Camilla Parker Bowles (Prince Charles wife ) is arriving to support her son.
Also here was her ex husband Andrew Parker Bowles.
Tom Parker Bowles has put the book together and is signing copies of it later in the evening.
The book features 300 years of the store's most delicious recipes and secrets.
Around 200 folks are here in the 4th floor restaurant & tea room.
Other guests included Dylan Jones,Hugh Bonneville,Nick Ferrari,Claudia Winkleman,
Tess Daly,Lisa Snowdon and model Amanda Cronin.
Top chefs here included Pierre Hoffmann and Fergus Henderson.
At 7.45pm we had speeches from Fortnum's CEO Ewan Venters then by Tom Parker Bowles.
Then we had a five piece band mingling up close with the guests who were good fun.
Complimentary Fortnum & Masons champers,a choice of three different cocktails,wine,beer
and lots of delicious bowls of food and canapés and desserts from Fortnum's kitchen.
All guests got a nice goodie with Fortnum's food items and a Fortnum's tea towel.
A funny sight was Camilla making sure she got a goodie bag on her departure.
The book retails for £30 but you can get it cheaper on Amazon etc.
A very nice event.
Tuesday 18 October 2016.
Happy Birthday to Chuck Berry who reaches the grand old age of 90 today.
Monday 17 October 2016.
TONY HADLEY + DAMIAN WILSON live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
Spandau Ballet singer mixes solo material,cover versions and Spandau hits.
He will be backed by his band and The Southbank Sinfonia Orchestra.
I saw him here three years ago with the orchestra and it was really good.
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DAMIAN WILSON is an English musician, songwriter and vocalist that has appeared on over 70 separate album releases. Damian is mostly known in the progressive metal genre, as the lead singer of Threshold, Headspace and (formerly) Landmarq. He also sang and toured with bands and projects such as for Star One, Ayreon, Praying Mantis and with Rick Wakeman's English Rock Ensemble. As a solo artist he has released 4 solo albums and a live DVD.
Doubt if anyone in the crowd knew the background of this long haired Prog rock vocalist.
Damien was on stage for 30 mins and his powerful voice won the crowd over.
He even went for a walkabout for one song on the floor arena as he was singing and shaking hands.
I have a close-up view left of stage in this venues great swivel seats in the tiered stalls.
TONY HADLEY played a nice long 2 hours 25 mins on stage over two sets of 65 mins and 80 mins.
The first set was solo material and some cover versions.
The second set was all Spandau gems apart from the final song.
Lots of middle aged folks here with the females still swooning over Tony who still looks good for age 56.
Tony still has a strong powerful voice and a 'your mate down the pub' personality.
Between songs he sips his Jack Daniels like a Rat Pack member.
Around 40 musicians on stage with the lush orchestra sounding great.
20 violins playing on many songs sounded incredible.
FIRST SET included a few cover versions...
Life On Mars---David Bowie
Somebody Told Me---The Killers
Time In A Bottle---Jim Croce
New York Minute---Don Henley
Do It For Love (with Shane Richie) (first time performance of their upcoming Children In Need single)
Bridge Over Troubled Water---Simon & Garfunkel
SECOND SET
To Cut A Long Story Short
Highly Strung
Only When You Leave
Musclebound
Soul Boy
Round and Round
I'll Fly For You
True
Through The Barricades
Chant No 1 (I Don't Need This Pressure On)
Lifeline
Instinction
Fight for Ourselves
Encore
Gold
My Way (Frank Sinatra cover)
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