News and Reviews: 21st November 2016
Sunday 20 November 2016.Sex Pistol Glen Matlock attended The Olympia Music Fair today.
Sunday 20 November 2016.
The Steve Jones interviews and reviews related to his book are starting to come in.
The Daily Mirror and The Guardian newspapers gave it decent reviews.
Also a great transatlantic 20 mins plus phone interview on BBC Radio 5 live.
Check www.sex-pistols.net website link on the right to listen to it and read the reviews.
Saturday 19 November 2016...7pm to 10pm...
CLARIDGE'S - Christmas Tree launch party - Claridge's, Brook Street,London W1.
Always nice to be at this famous five star luxury hotel...cheapest rooms are £450 a night...
Over 250 folks here on the first floor area above the Christmas Tree that's set within the entrance staircase.
Sir Jony Ive the British designer behind many of Apple's iconic products will work with his chum and
collaborator Marc Newson to decorate the five-star Mayfair hotel for the festive season.
I have been to this annual event a few times over the past decade and it has always been on a
Wed or Thurs but this year for some reason it is held on a Saturday night.
A few well known faces here including...
NICK MASON - Pink Floyd drummer - told me he was busy with the 2017 Pink Floyd exhibition at the V & A.
WOODY HARRELSON - actor - told me he is in London to make his directorial debut with a film called Lost in London.
He talks just like he does in Cheers...very laid back....I saw him chatting to Nick Mason for a bit...
Also here were the tree's designers Marc Newson and Sir Jony Ive.
Also here were Sir Paul Smith,Suzy Menkez,Lily Cole,Stephen Jones,Lady Kitty Spencer,Matthew Freud,
Charlotte Tilbury,Laura Bailey,Nicolas Kirkwood ,Sam McKnight and no doubt a couple of faces i missed.
Complimentary Laurent Perrier champers,Gin cocktails and tasty canapés for all guests.
Always a good event.
www.claridges.co.uk
Visit the Claridge's Hotel website here for more info.
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The Rolling Stones were on Channel 4 tv Saturday night...
The Rolling Stones Olé Olé Olé!: A Trip Across Latin America is a feature documentary that follows The Rolling Stones’ tour of early 2016 through 10 Latin American cities. The film combines electrifying live performances from across the tour and from their historic tour finale as the first ever rock band to perform in Havana, with an intimate insight into the world of The Rolling Stones.
A great mix of live footage and band member interviews.
The South American crowds are pretty crazy compared to jaded 'seen it all before' London crowds.
Great how Mick Jagger makes an effort to say a few words in the local language of each country.
Saturday 19 November 2016.
Another sad death to report.
Sharon Jones, lead singer of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, has died at the age of 60.
The singer was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2013 but went into remission nine months later. However, at last year’s premiere of a film about her life, Miss Sharon Jones!, she revealed that the cancer had sadly returned.
I saw her perform at The Shepherds Bush Empire in 2012.
Friday 18 November 2016.
WILLIAM BELL + TONY MOMRELLE live at The Barbican,London.
Now aged 77 William Bell was a long-time recording artist for Stax Records in the 1960s and 1970s.
He co-wrote Billy Idol's 1986 hit "To Be a Lover", which was first a hit for Bell under its original title "I Forgot to Be Your Lover", and the blues classic "Born Under A Bad Sign", popularised by both Albert King and Cream.
He had two top 40 hits in the UK which were both in 1968.
His new album 'This Is Where I Live' heralds William Bell's return to Stax, the label on which he made his name – and the “This” of the title is soul music itself. William Bell, 77, is of impeccable soul vintage.
This show was part of The London Jazz Festival.
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TONY MOMRELLE and his band arrived on at stage at 7.30pm and played for 35 mins.
Tony Momrelle is currently one of the singers with Brit soul/funk band Incognito.
He released an album called 'Keep Pushing' last year which he is promoting tonight.
He is backed by seven musicians which included a brass section.
The set bounced along nicely with some catchy soul songs including...
Love Me Again
Keep Pushing
Remember (he performed it on Jools Holland tv show last month)
Pick Me Up
WILLIAM BELL and his band arrived on stage at 8.30pm and played for 1 hour 40 mins.
He was backed by an eight piece band including a brass section and female backing singer.
William Bell’s voice and the warm Stax sound are intact. But – as is clear from the first lines of track 'The Three of Me', in which the narrator looks at past, present and future versions of himself – his mastery of the craft of songwriting is also undimmed. 'Poison in the Well' is quintessential Bell, addressing universal themes with simple words and familiar images. His tragic hero is fatally weakened by a lover: “She put poison in the well and I drank it.”
He told some stories on the ups and downs of his career including when he was called to join the military
in America just as he had some success and then he could only watch as other soul singers would get
more popular than he was.
He said "Born Under a Bad Sign" ( written by Booker T. Jones and William Bell ) was covered by
Homer Simpson on the album 'The Simpsons Sing The Blues' which he said sold over 3 million copies
and some wag in the crowd shouted out..."Kerching".
His soul vocals with a hint of blues were great and the overall sound of the band was top notch.
A really enjoyable show.
The crowd gave him a full standing ovation at the end.
Tracks played included...
The Three Of Me ( his new single)
Poison In The Well
Mississippi-Arkansaw Bridge
Trying To Love Two
I Will Take Care Of You
This Is Where I Live
Everybody Loves A Winner
Private Number
Every Day Is Like A Holiday
Eloise (Hang On In There)
You Don't Miss Your Water ( check out a nice video on YouTube where he sings it for President Obama at
The White House and his band features Booker T Jones on keyboards)
I Forgot To Be A Lover
Born Under A Bad Sign
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After the show William Bell signed copies of his new album in the foyer.
Thursday 17 November 2016.
STEVE JONES (Sex Pistols guitarist) autobiography is released today.
'Lonely Boy : Tales From A Sex Pistol'.
Retail price is £20 but click on my Amazon link above to buy it for £13.60.
The publisher describes the guitarist's life as a "modern Dickensian tale." Jones was born in West London in 1955 and grew up not knowing who his father was, all the while facing abuse from his stepfather. He supported himself with thievery, but turned his life around after falling in love with the glam rock of David Bowie and Roxy Music.
Also his love for Rod Stewart & The Faces and Mott The Hoople.
In 1972, he decided to form a band – originally named Kutie Jones and His Sex Pistols – with drummer Paul Cook and guitarist Wally Nightingale. He served as the group's singer and would pick up guitar after Nightingale's departure at the insistence of manager Malcolm McLaren, who brought in a vocalist whom Jones dubbed "Johnny Rotten." They'd record Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols in 1977 and break up the next year.
He had some romps with Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders which i think was also mentioned in her recent book.
The book will chronicle Jones' "self-imposed exiles" in New York and Los Angeles, where he worked through alcohol, heroin and sex addictions. It will also touch on his solo recordings (1987's Mercy and 1989's Fire and Gasoline), and his work as a record producer (Joan Jett's Bad Reputation, Buckcherry) and as an actor (Californication, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains).
Also talking about Sex Pistols gigs from the old days up until their last shows in 2008.
Steve said that the amazing show at Hammersmith Apollo in 2008 was one of the best ever because
(like me) he had a lot of history related to that venue as he nicked equipment from bands there in the 1970s.
Steve said "he like many of the locals would sneak in for free through the maze of tunnels and fire exits".
I would say 9 out 10 shows in the 1970s at Hammersmith Odeon I got in that way...great days...
That's why i ended up seeing so many legends from different genres from rock ,punk,soul,jazz,country,blues,pop etc.
He insists that he has a different tour bus to John Lydon so he can avoid his tantrums.
Steve ,Paul and Glen travel in one tour bus and John and his manager Rambo are in another tour bus.
He has given up all his addictions...except eating...and it shows.
On The Sex Pistols possible re-union shows for 2017 he says "I cannot see us doing it for scraps
but if we get offered Rolling Stones type money we might do it, who knows".
Jones lives in Los Angeles and hosts the radio program Jonesy's Jukebox on 95.5 KLOS FM,
Mondays through Fridays, between noon and 2:00 p.m.
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I went to the same school as Steve Jones and Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook in White City,Shepherds Bush.
They were three years old than me but I was aware they were in a band which is how I
saw them play three times in 1976.
I still report on Sex Pistols related topics for www.sex-pistols.net
The Sex Pistol classic single 'God Save The Queen' was released on 27 May 1977- my 18th birthday...
Many thanks to the publishers who sent me a copy of the book that arrived on the release date.
They confirmed that Steve will sadly NOT be coming to the UK for any signings etc.
Steve has signed 1500 inserts that will be making their way to UK stores.
Most are going to Waterstones stores and a few to Rough Trade East.
Thursday 17 November 2016.
41 years ago this week on 18 Nov 1975 and 24 Nov 1975 i attended both the
debut UK shows by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band which were at Hammersmith Odeon.
These shows have gone down in rock n roll folklore.
Thursday 17 November 2016.
Fred Perry filmed all of The Specials at The Troxy on Wed 16 November and have put
it all up on the Fred Perry Facebook page.
Wednesday 16 November 2016...I went to two events tonight...
6.15pm to 7.30pm
SKETCH - Christmas installations launch party - 9 Conduit Street,London W1.
After her exhibit at Sketch's first Mayfair Flower Show, florist Carly Rogers return to create a forest-inspired entrance called 'Hollow Way'. She last blanketed sketch's iconic bathroom with a woodland creation, building an ecosystem of moss, shrub, ferns and plants together. For winter, the restaurant will echo the chill by carpeting the bathroom with snow-covered shrubs in 'Let It Snow'. Another welcome return is JamJar, a bespoke florist duo made up of i-D magazine designer, Jocelyn Lloyd and former Take 2 Models Director, Melissa Richardson. After designing an upside down meadow for Sketch's champagne bar at the flower show, they're back to create a woodland bar at the Glade, where afternoon tea or cocktails are served in the duo's 'The Faraway Tree'.
Sketch is a great venue I have been to a few times before.
A big crowd over two rooms ,with a dj in their circular bar area.
Complimentary Pommery champers and canapés for all guests.
sketch.london
Visit the Sketch website here for more info.
then
DEACON BLUE live at The Royal Festival Hall,London.
Scottish band Deacon Blue play a sold out London show on their UK tour to promote new album 'Believers'.
They had 16 Top 40 hits in the UK.
They were massive in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
I saw them several times at Hammersmith Odeon in their heyday when i worked there.
Deacon Blue arrive on stage at 8.30pm and play for 2 hours 10 mins.
A great atmosphere here as half the crowd seem to be Scots folks who now live in London.
Also they have sold four rows behind the stage which does not happen that often at rock/pop gigs here.
After a few songs all the crowd are standing up and singing along to their big catchy hits.
Singer Ricky Ross is mingling with fans down the front.
Their big 'Dignity' is played with the house lights on.
A really good show.
Full setlist played tonight...
Come Awake
Gone
Your Town
The Rest
Chocolate Girl (with The Human League's Human snippet)
Your Swaying Arms
This Is A Love Song
Stars
Real Gone Kid
The Believers
Twist and Shout
Cover From the Sky
Birds
Love and Regret
Delivery Man
Bethlehem's Gate
Wages Day
Fergus Sings the Blues
That's What We Can Do
Encore:
Born in a Storm
Raintown
When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring)
Dignity
Covers medley
Queen of the New Year
Encore 2:
Dream Baby (Roy Orbison cover)
Tuesday 15 November 2016...I went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 7.45pm
LYON & TURNBULL - Auction highlights private view - La Galleria , Pall Mall, London SW1.
Operating since 1826, Lyon & Turnbull are one of the longest established fine art and antiques
auction houses in the United Kingdom.
They are showcasing paintings,jewellery and watches that will be in their next auction.
Around 100 guests here including Nancy Dell'Olio.
Complimentary Springbank whisky drinks,wines and canapés for all guests.
www.lyonandturnbull.com
Visit their website here for more info.
then
8.30pm to 11pm
KITTY HAWK - Restaurant launch - 11 South Place, Moorgate ,London EC2.
The Kitty Hawk designed by the internationally renowned Russell Sage Studio. An elegant and sophisticated mix of bar, restaurant, casual dining and café culture, with a ‘touch’ of retail.
Offering 450 covers, with two bars, an all-day dining counter, open grill restaurant,
separate coffee / deli shop and private dining room.
Kitty Hawk is a huge space with the main bar at ground level and the main dining room downstairs.
This multi-million pound building looks amazing i must say.
As it is near Liverpool Street the area is full of top notch restaurants & bars to attract The City crowd.
For starters i have a Duck Salad and a Crab Salad.
For mains i have a Steak with sides of Boulangere Potatoes and Grilled Mushrooms with Garlic.
For dessert i have Lemon Cheesecake & Ice Cream.
The quality of the food was excellent and the staff did a good job.
The ambience,decor and vibe was great and the background music was just at the right level.
A very enjoyable evening.
Monday 14 November 2016...I went to two events tonight...
6.15pm to 9.30pm
SAKAGURA - restaurant launch party - Sakagura, 8 Heddon Street,London W1.
This Japanese restaurant is a few yards from the Blue Plaque that is in this street
in tribute to the David Bowie album cover picture for 'Ziggy Stardust' which was taken in Heddon Street.
Sakagura is the latest London restaurant from The Japan Centre Group (they're also behind Shoryu Ramen).
This new place also sees them linking up with some other partners - including The Araki so it'll be a much
more high-end venture for them than before.
Serving a Southern Japanese menu, by their Executive Chef Kanji Furukawa and Head Chef Jin Yackshin. It'll primarily be serving ‘Washoku’ which uses rice, miso and fish in each meal.
They'll also have Hakata yakitori, grilled skewers, hand-made udon and soba noodles and freshly made sushi.
As for what's on the menu? First up is the Hakata yakitori, including:
Kurobuta – Berkshire black pork belly with halen mon sea salt
Tuna Nigiri Sushi – freshly prepared tuna sushi hand brushed with soy sauce
Wagyu Steak – Japanese wagyu beef steak served with hojiso
Next up is the sushi and sashimi and larger dishes including:
Maguro Avocado Tartare with Cotswold Legbar yolk and yuzu lemongrass
Kampachi Carpaccio – yellowtail served with house sudachi dressing
Tiger Ebi – tiger prawns with moshio salt & lemon
Lobster – fresh lobster served on individual Japanese shichirin stoves.
They also have Shokado Bento which has seven dishes: sashimi, agemono, tofu, salad, yakimono, seasonal rice & miso soup
For the drinks, there will be a sake bar run by sake company Gekkeikan - so expect a big range there served in masu cups - and there will be sake-based cocktails there too (including Whisky Risky – a herbal blend of Hakushu 12-year whisky, green Chartreuse, Namazake, citrus fruits and mint leaves).
And as for the look of the place, they're going for contemporary Japanese, with small booths or a large kappo counter to sit at, watching the chefs in action.
All the seats got taken pronto as it was a 6pm start and it got pretty crowded for standing folks.
We had Japanese drummers playing a couple of short sets.
At 7.15pm we had speeches from the owners.
Lots of Japanese folks here...and a lot of bowing.
Lots of complimentary champers,sake based cocktails,wines,beers and very tasty food.
All guests got a complimentary bottle of Gekkeikan Sake on departure.
Really enjoyable evening here.
www.sakaguralondon.com
Visit the SAKAGURA website here for more info.
then
10.15pm to 11.30pm
SCHOOL OF ROCK - afterparty - Tropicana Beach Club, Parker Street,London WC2.
This party was held after next door to the main event which was at The New London Theatre.
Based on the iconic, hit movie, this irresistible new musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a supply teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight –A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out?
A big crowd of around 400 folks here including lots of school kids from the show.
TV presenter Mylene Klass was among VIPs out to celebrate the opening night of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest hit theatrical production, School of Rock: The Musical at New London Theatre. The musical maverick was joined by his wife Madeleine Gurdon and co-creator Lord Julian Fellowes as well as a host of high profile guests including, notably, Sir Cliff Richard, as well as Jimmy Carr, David Baddiel, Arlene Phillips, Jodie Kidd, David Haye, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, Sophie Ellis-Bextor ,Vogue Williams and Janet Street-Porter.
I chatted to leading live music booking agent John Giddings (U2,Madonna,Iggy Pop and others) here.
I said "Surely Sting will be playing more than one London show?'.
John replied "You should be writing the script for my next Sting press release".
We had a live band playing some covers.
Complimentary wines,beers and canapés for all guests.
Also outside the venue were trendy street food trucks with full size portions of Mac n Cheese,
Pie & Mash and BBQ Pulled Pork Rolls.
It was still in full swing when we left as it was due to finish at 1am.
uk.schoolofrockthemusical.com
Visit their website for more info and to buy tickets.
Monday 14 November 2016.
David Gilmour 'too old' to tour.
Former Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour says he's 'too old' to tour any more. The musician played his last concert to promote his solo album Rattle that Lock, at the Royal Albert Hall in September
and told The Daily Mail 'I have finished touring and I'm now in retirement, and very happily so.
I'm 70 and you just can't do this sort of thing for ever'.
Sunday 13 November 2016.
Another sad death to report.
Leon Russell, who played anonymously on dozens of pop hits as a much-in-demand studio pianist in the 1960s before emerging in the '70s as one of rock 'n' roll's most dynamic performers, died on Sunday at the age of 74, according to his website.
Russell, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011, died in his sleep in Nashville, Tennessee, his wife said in a statement on the website.
I saw Leon Russell play live at The Jazz Cafe in London in August 2010.
Sir Elton John left tributes to American singer/songwriter Leon Russell who died in his sleep at the age of 74 over the weekend. The Rocket Man, who wrote the 2010 album The Union with Russell, said 'My darling Leon Russell passed away last night. Thank God we caught up and made The Union... I loved him and always will'.
On 13 November 2015 tragedy forced the Paris venue Le Bataclan to close its doors. The venue was a target of a series of organised terrorist attacks which took place across the French capital and resulted in the deaths of 130 people.
89 people died at Le Bataclan while attending The Eagles of Death Metal concert.
The venue re-opens this week on the first anniversary of the attacks.
We remember the music fans that went out to see a live band and never came back.
Saturday 12 November 2016.
JIM DAVIDSON live at The Beck Theatre,Hayes,Middlesex.
Jim Davidson plays the second of two shows at The Beck Theatre.
62 year old 'old school' comedian and tv presenter who was very popular in the late 1970s,1980s and 1990s.
Jim is on a '40 Years in Showbiz' UK tour.
Jim Davidson is firmly established as one of Britain's top stand-up comedians and he was well known to TV viewers as host of BBC TV game shows Generation Game and Big Break. He received an OBE for his services to charity and has three coveted Showbusiness Personality of The Year' Awards - from the Variety Club of Great Britain; The Grand Order of Water Rats and Comic Heritage.
Jim Davidson is now on wife number five.
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Jim Davidson was on stage for 2 hours 20 mins over two sets of 65 mins and 75 mins.
Obviously this show comes under 'if you are easily offended please stay away'.
It was not just jokes as we had pretty much his entire life story punctuated with some hilarious jokes.
Sure it was very smutty and a bit racist at times but also quite emotional as he went through
the ups and downs of his life and career with complete honesty.
Themes covered included...
His childhood days growing up in South East London.
His Scottish dad being a heavy drinker, as were many of his relatives.
His career taking off in the mid 1970s with the New Faces tv talent contest.
In the early 1970s Jim was a big fan of Emerson,Lake & Palmer and Tomika.
When he became famous Jim said he hung out with Keith Emerson and Bill Wyman at Tramp night club.
Keith Emerson ended being Best Man at two of Jim's weddings.
Jim Davidson hosted The Generation Game (UK TV family quiz show) for several years and got
ELP more exposure as he got the ELP track Welcome Back My Friends used as the show's theme tune.
In the 80s Jim had huge parties at his Wentworth mansion with various rock stars attending.
Jim was one of the first people Keith's wife called when Keith Emerson passed away recently.
Jim said a few words at the funeral.
Jim has given a house to all his ex wives.
On 2 January 2013, as Davidson was set to become a housemate in the eleventh series of Celebrity Big Brother, he was arrested at Heathrow Airport by police officers working on Operation Yewtree.On 20 March, he was arrested again over new allegations of sexual offences. On 21 August, however, it was announced that no further action would be taken in relation to the allegations of historic sex abuse, due to insufficient evidence.
The following year he would eventually go on Celebrity Big Brother and win it.
Surprisingly Brexit and Donald Trump barely got a mention tonight.
Some of the jokes were very naughty but overall a very enjoyable evening.
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This has to be mentioned as it is a huge gesture.
During the interval Jim signs his cds and books and ALL THE MONEY from these sales goes
to a charity which supports war heroes rehabilitation.
www.careaftercombat.org
Visit the Care After Combat website here for more info.
Saturday 12 November 2016.
The auction of David Bowies art collection at Sotheby's on Nov 10 and Nov 11 has been a massive
success with total sales totalling an incredible £32.9m.
Friday 11 November 2016.
Ian Hunter & The Rant Band + Graham Parker & Brinsley Schwarz live at Shepherds Bush Empire,London.
Ian Hunter still rockin' at the grand old age of 77.
He is promoting his new album 'Fingers Crossed' which includes the great single 'Dandy'
which is dedicated to David Bowie who of course wrote the 1970s classic 'All The Young Dudes'.
As a fourteen year old I saw his band Mott The Hoople in Dec 1973 at Hammersmith Odeon (now Apollo)
with a support band called Queen...yes that Queen.
This was the first of over 2000 shows i have seen at this legendary venue.
I have seen Ian Hunter solo around a dozen times and i was at all of Mott The Hooples five
re-union shows at Hammersmith Apollo in 2009.
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The venue is all seated in the stalls which is pretty rare.
They must think the mainly over 50s folks here don't like standing up for three hours...ain't that the truth...
We have special guests who are only playing on the London show of Ian Hunters UK tour.
In the summer of 1975, Graham Parker joined forces with ex-members of three British pub-rock bands to form Graham Parker and the Rumour. The new group included Parker (lead vocals, guitar) and Brinsley Schwarz (lead guitar).
I saw Graham Parker as a headline act and as a support act to the likes of Thin Lizzy and Bob Dylan.
GRAHAM PARKER DUO Feat BRINSLEY SCHWARZ arrive on stage just after 8pm and play for 50 mins.
They play a Graham Parker Best Of set to promote his recent box set 'These Dreams Will Never Sleep 1976-2015'.
Highlights of the good set included...
Fools Gold
It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing
Stick To Me
Under the Mask (Of Happiness)
Long Emotional Ride
Heat Treatment
New York Shuffle
Don't Let It Bring You Down/Here Comes The Sun
Hold Back The Night
Hey Lord,Don't Ask Me Questions
IAN HUNTER & THE RANT BAND arrive on stage at 9.10pm and play for 1 hour 50 mins.
Ian Hunter looking much younger than his age of 77 and still wearing his trademark shades.
He plays a great mix of tracks from his current band as well as Ian Hunter solo and those
fantastic Mott The Hoople classics from the 1970s.
All the crowd stand up from their seats from the third song onwards.
His recent David Bowie tribute single 'Dandy' really is a brilliant tune.
He was joined by Graham Parker for the last two songs including a stunning 'All The Young Dudes'
with all the crowd singing along.
A great show.
Full Ian Hunter setlist played tonight...
That's When The Trouble Starts
Once Bitten Twice Shy (Ian Hunter cover)
When I'm President
Saint
The Truth, the Whole Truth, Nuthin' but the Truth (Ian Hunter cover)
Cleveland Rocks (Ian Hunter cover)
All American Alien Boy (Ian Hunter cover)
Fingers Crossed
Honaloochie Boogie (Mott the Hoople cover)
Dandy
Just Another Night (Ian Hunter cover)
Bow Street Runners
Shrunken Heads (Ian Hunter cover)
American Spy (Ian Hunter cover)
Michael Picasso (Ian Hunter cover)
Ghosts
23A, Swan Hill (Ian Hunter cover)
Sweet Jane (The Velvet Underground cover)
Encore:
All the Way From Memphis (Mott the Hoople cover)
Life
All the Young Dudes (David Bowie cover) (with Graham Parker)
Goodnight, Irene (Lead Belly cover) (with Graham Parker)
Friday 10 November 2016.
Very sad news that Leonard Cohen has passed away.
Leonard Cohen, the baritone-voiced Canadian singer-songwriter who seamlessly blended spirituality
and sexuality in songs like Hallelujah, Suzanne and Bird on a Wire, has died at age 82,
his son said late on Thursday.
I first saw him live in 1985 at Hammersmith Odeon but like Brian Wilson he played quite a few times
over here in the past decade...it was always must see show of total quality...
Thursday 09 November 2016...I went to two events in East London tonight...
6.30pm to 7.45pm
GRAND TRUNK ROAD - Restaurant launch - 219 High Road,South Woodford,London E18.
It's the first solo venture from Rajesh Suri, formerly of Mayfair's Tamarind, plus Imli and Zaika,
who'll be joining forces once more with head chef Dayashankar Sharma.
Authenticity and traditional cooking methods will be the focus here, with an emphasis on regional dishes that would have been consumed in the towns that line the Grand Trunk Road, a 1600 mile long route that spans from Bangladesh to Afghanistan. "I want to remind people of the intricate, fragrant roots of Indian food," said Rajesh.
Diners will be able to choose from the crusted scallops with roasted red pepper, garlic and tomato chutney, or the ground lamb with mint, ginger and seven spice mix. You'll also be able to try Cornish lobster with three types of pepper, mixed mushrooms and fenugreek, while vegetarians have been promised a "lusciously fragrant take on healthy eating". Or, if you're in a big group and in the mood to really go all in, try the Sikandari Raan, a whole slow-braised leg of lamb served at your table, with sweet onion, cashew nut and almond sauce and side dishes.
All guests enjoyed complimentary prosecco,Cobra beers and tasty canapés.
www.gtrrestaurant.co.uk
Visit their website here for more info.
then
8.30pm to 10.30pm
COLLETTE COOPER 'Perfect Girl' - Single release launch party - at
Gresham Blake Shoreditch Atelier ,143 Commercial Street,London E1.
Collette Cooper is a singer/songwriter/actress currently working on her debut album, City of Sin,
and has completed several music videos.
Collette has performed at several fashion, charity and awards shows.
Collette is here tonight and the video of the single is being shown on big screens.
BBC Radio 1 morning show presenter Nick Grimshaw was the dj here tonight.
A cool looking crowd at this menswear store who included actress Sadie Frost.
Complimentary drinks included my fave drink - Jack Daniels with honey and ice.
Also Ridgeview English sparkling wines,Brighton Gin & Tonics and beers.
Wednesday 09 November 2016...I went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 8.45pm
PISTE WINTER BAR - Launch Party - 3/4 Archer Street,Soho,London W1.
This venue is located just behind all the theatres in Shaftesbury Avenue.
Decked out with all the luxuries of a ski lodge, Piste bar offers the perfect après-ski environment for all those missing the slopes during the winter season. Cosying up next to the fire on the fur-lined loungers with a festive cocktail, this venue provides the perfect wintry escape from the cold outside. Piste is an unforgettable destination for events, with its perfect balance of luxury and comfort.
The banquette style booths and alcoves set alongside the reclaimed rafter boards give the venue its rustic-chic feel. The quirky mirrors and wall coverings compliment the long reclaimed metal bar, which provides a stunning focal point to the room.
With a maximum capacity of 250 people, the flexible floor plan of Piste Bar provides the perfect venue for both intimate and large scale events.
We take up a nice cosy position in one of the alcoves.
The dj is playing popular 80s hits.
The talented team of drinks servers and bar staff entertain guests sporadically throughout the evening
with live singing performances of show tunes,Disney tunes and well known covers.
We enjoy complimentary Billecart-Salmon champers and a choice of five different cocktails with
ski-ing related names along with some canapés.
A nice buzzy atmosphere and the staff were great at getting drinks for you so you did not leave your seat.
The cocktails are normally priced around £12....and there is no Happy Hour.
www.archerstreet.co.uk
Visit their website here for more info.
then
9pm to 11pm
DUM BIRYANI HOUSE - Restaurant launch - 187 Wardour Street,Soho, London W1.
A small entrance leads us down to this casual dining restaurant in the basement.
It is decked out in an Indian Art Deco style with Indian paintings and drawings on the walls.
Owner is Dhruv Mittal who's got a good background behind him, having worked at The Fat Duck, Hibiscus and Sat Bains. The food itself is mainly focused on Telugu Cuisine from the regions of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in South India. And the Hyderabadi Biryani is at the centre of it. The name of the restaurant comes from the cooking of that dish - kept on "Dum" which means it is steamed on a low heat for a few hours until the rice and meat is cooked together to perfection.
We shared all of the five starter dishes with our two faves being....
Kodi Veppudu (Chicken Wings in a spicy and sour masala) £4.95
Andhra Fried Shrimp with Coconut and Chilli at £4.95
We had a different mains each...one lamb biryani and one chicken biryani...both were massive portions.
As for the main event - there's "Lamb Shank Biryani served with a Mirch Unda Salan (Hyderabadi curry served with a Green Chilli and a Half Boiled Egg) and Smoked Aubergine Raita priced...priced at £15
For desserts we each had a Rabdi (Indian Milk Pudding) £3
The food was hot and tasty and very filling...and good value for the Soho area...
They also have a full drinks menu.
www.dumlondon.com
Visit their website here for more info.
Wednesday 09 November 2016.
TODAY The Simpsons saw the most absurd prediction in its 27-year history come true –
correctly forecasting Donald Trump would be president.
In an episode aired in 2000, the show portrays a grown up Lisa as the incumbent, who refers to
“inheriting quite a budget crunch from President Trump”.
Tuesday 08 November 2016.
PAUL SIMON + ROTHWELL live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
ROTHWELL the support act played the same 30 mins set as the previous night.
I went back again to see PAUL SIMON play another totally rammed sold out show.
Remember he is now aged 75 so tonight could easily be his last ever London show.
Last nights show got rave five star reviews from both The Standard and The Independent but
tonight was EVEN BETTER as we got a full three extra songs at the end including Simon & Garfunkel
classics 'Mrs Robinson' ,'Bridge Over Troubled Water' and an instrumental track...pretty incredible...
Earlier in the show Paul joked " the second night at the same venue is always better"...but it was.
It was exactly the same setlist as last night for the first 2 hours 15 mins of the show.
It started a bit later than yesterday but we had a full 2 hours 30 mins set that finished at the
very late (for this venue) time of 11.15pm.
I think one of the reasons the show was so good was the choice of venue.
I have seen Paul Simon at The 02 Arena,Wembley Arena and Hyde Park outdoors but none
had the impact of the more intimate setting of this iconic venue.
This is why other rock legends including David Gilmour and Bob Dylan play multi-nights here
rather than at bigger arenas.
His sublime quality multi-racial band are about as good as it's gets...pretty spellbinding...
The between song chat was the same and the setlist was the same...until the added extra songs.
Easily the best Paul Simon shows I have ever seen...Superb.
Monday 07 November 2016.
Paul Simon + Rothwell live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.
American singer-songwriting legend Paul Simon now aged 75 is saying this could be his final world tour.
He has been given 12 Grammy Awards during his career, both as a solo artist and with Simon & Garfunkel.
These concerts will see Simon play classic songs spanning his illustrious career,
as well as a selection of tracks from his recent album 'Stranger to Stranger'.
The album got lots of great reviews and went straight in at number one in the UK album charts.
The lead single track from the new album is called 'Wristband' which rings an apt bell with me.
The hilarious lyrics are about a rock star not being recognised by security at his own show.
The last time i saw him was that big outdoor show in Hyde Park in 2012 to celebrate 25 years since
the release of his classic album 'Graceland' but The Royal Albert Hall is much better suited to his style.
--------------------------------
ROTHWELL and her band arrive on stage at 7.30pm and play for 30 mins.
23 year old Rothwell is a singer-songwriter from Bristol based in London who is clearly happy to be here.
A decent enough set that went down well with the crowd.
PAUL SIMON and his band arrive on stage at 8.40pm and play for 2 hours 15 mins.
There is a whole mass of band equipment all over the stage.
His band feature nine top notch musicians with a couple of them playing multi-instruments.
Lots of different instruments played to create an a unique dance vibe.
They make an incredible sound as they mix African and Latin rhythms with blues,jazz,country & electro.
A sound that makes most folks shimmy in their seats and get up and dance a bit more later on.
So many classic songs played from his solo career and Simon & Garfunkel days in a lengthy set.
A great show.
Full Paul Simon setlist played tonight...
Gumboots (Band Instrumental)
The Boy in the Bubble
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
Dazzling Blue
That Was Your Mother
Rewrite
America (Simon & Garfunkel song)
Mother and Child Reunion
Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard
Spirit Voices
The Obvious Child
Stranger to Stranger
Homeward Bound (Simon & Garfunkel song)
El Condor Pasa (If I Could) (Simon & Garfunkel song) (instrumental)
Duncan
The Werewolf
The Cool, Cool River
Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
You Can Call Me Al
Encore:
Proof (Band instrumental)
Wristband
Graceland
Wheels (Chet Atkins cover)
Still Crazy After All These Years
Encore 2:
Late in the Evening
One Man's Ceiling Is Another Man's Floor
The Boxer (Simon & Garfunkel song)
Encore 3:
The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel song) (Paul Simon on his own)
Monday 07 November 2016.
Sad news that Sir Jimmy Young has passed away at the age of 95
The long-serving host retired in 2002 after having been one of the
first presenters on Radio One when it launched in 1967.
After six years on the station, he moved over to the sister radio channel Radio Two in 1973,
and remained there until his retirement.
He is survived by his wife Alicia, who was with him when he passed away.
Sunday 06 November 2016...I saw two films at the cinema today...
A STREET CAT NAMED BOB
Based on the international best selling book. The true feel good story of how James Bowen, a busker and
recovering drug addict, had his life transformed when he met a stray ginger cat.
I used to see James and his amazing cat a few years ago when they were in Covent Garden.
Bob his ginger cat would just sit quietly by his side or on the bend of his guitar as he played
or on his shoulders...nothing would make him run off.
Before he had the cat busking was tough then with the cat the money started coming in.
Clips were put on YouTube then a local paper did an article then a best-selling book came out in 2012
and now we have the feature film and from being homeless James now owns his own home.
A very enjoyable film.
then
DOCTOR STRANGE
Dr. Stephen Strange's (Benedict Cumberbatch) life changes after a car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he looks for healing, and hope, in a mysterious enclave. He quickly learns that the enclave is at the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying reality. Before long, Strange is forced to choose between his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.
Benedict Cumberbatch does a good American accent in this film and the film has got stunning special effects
but the storyline was not my cup of tea.
Saturday 05 November 2016.
SAXON + FASTWAY live at Shepherds Bush Empire,London.
NWOBHM icons Saxon support their 21st studio album, 'Battering Ram' with a world tour.
After their 40th anniversary tour with Motorhead was cut short by the tragic passing of Lemmy,
the band are eager to return to the stage with more passion and noise than ever.
I have seen Saxon around 25 times since 1979 when they supported Motörhead.
Support act Fastway feature guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke, who was an ex member of Motörhead.
Of Motörhead's classic lineup, which consisted of Lemmy, himself and Phil Taylor, he is the only surviving member.
I saw him play around a dozen times with Motörhead before he left them in 1982 to start Fastway.
I saw Fastway a couple of times in the early 1980s.
Eddie Clarke joined Saxon on stage at Newcastle and Glasgow
in the past week for a very special rendition of 'Ace Of Spades' which should happen again in London.
---------------------------
Everyone has arrived early to see Fastway at this totally rammed sold out show.
I have a great view in Level 1 seats looking down on the floor standing folks crammed very close together.
FASTWAY arrive on stage at 8pm and play for around 40 mins.
Eddie Clarke has been pretty quiet since Fastway disbanded many years ago.
Great to see him as he has a nice guitar sound and playing style.
On drums is Steve Strange who is a leading live music booking agent with X-Ray Touring.
The songs tick along nicely and the crowd give Eddie and the band a good reception.
Full Fastway setlist played tonight...
Misunderstood
All Fired Up
Another Day
Deliver Me
Telephone
Heft!
Feel Me, Touch Me (Do Anything You Want)
Easy Livin'
---------------------------
SAXON arrive on stage at 9.10pm and play for 1 hour 45 mins.
Biff Byford & co deliver a great set as normal.
A few songs off the new album were played along with older classics.
Lots of catchy rock tunes with nifty guitar riffs.
A stunning four song encore included Eddie Clarke joining them for a tribute to Lemmy
with the Motörhead classic 'Ace of Spades'.
I always really enjoy seeing Saxon play live.
Full Saxon setlist played tonight...
Intro tape song--It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll) (AC/DC song)
Battering Ram
Let Me Feel Your Power
Sacrifice
Solid Ball of Rock
Never Surrender
Crusader
Stand Up and Be Counted
The Devil's Footprint
Strong Arm of the Law
Killing Ground
The Eagle Has Landed
Queen of Hearts
And the Bands Played On
Dallas 1 PM
Wheels of Steel
Encore:
Ace of Spades (Motörhead cover) (with Eddie Clarke)
747 (Strangers in the Night)
Encore 2:
Denim and Leather
Princess of the Night
Friday 04 November 2016.
There are lots of videos up on YouTube and elsewhere showing the speeches and songs played at the
Bat Out Of Hell - The Musical launch event i attended on Thursday.
The producers contacted Harley Davidson owners clubs and The Ace Cafe to get the bikers
to show up in return for a pair of tickets when the show opens in June 2017.
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.
Q AWARDS 2016 live at The Roundhouse,London.
Check previous page for a full review and list of winners and who attended.
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