News and Reviews: 14th November 2017
Monday 13 November 2017.PROPHETS OF RAGE live at The Forum, London.
I saw them play a great show at Brixton Academy a few months ago.
In September their debut album went in the charts at number six.
Prophets of Rage is an American rap rock supergroup. Formed in 2016, the group consists of three members of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave (bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello, and drummer Brad Wilk), two members of Public Enemy (DJ Lord and rapper Chuck D), and rapper B-Real of Cypress Hill.
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8.50pm DJ Lord plays a 20 mins set of tunes and does a good job to warm up the crowd.
We get some Black Sabbath, White Stripes and Nirvana classics.
PROPHETS OF RAGE arrive on stage at 9.10pm and play for around 95 mins.
They arrive on stage to air raid sirens and it's bedlam from the start.
I am upstairs looking down on the floor standing area which is a mass of bouncing heaving bodies.
Near me is legendary live music booking agent Rod MacSween who books Prophets and many more.
His fellow ITB booking agent Steve Zapp (Biffy Clyro and others) was also here.
This is politically charged rabble-rousing rap-rock of the finest quality.
New album tracks like 'Unfuck The World' mix in well with the older classics.
Tom Morello has his guitar up high on his chest as usual and plays some nifty guitar.
He says "it's great to back at this venue that we played in 1992 when our debut album came out".
Tom introduced his guitar tech who was there in 1992 and is still tuning Tom's guitar.
Tom plays the guitar with his teeth for one song and on the reverse of the guitar it says 'Fuck Trump'.
Final song was the anthem 'Killing in the Name ' which was amazing.
An excellent show.
Full setlist played tonight...
Prophets of Rage (Public Enemy cover)
Testify (Rage Against the Machine cover)
Take the Power Back (Rage Against the Machine cover)
Living on the 110
Hail to the Chief
Guerrilla Radio (Rage Against the Machine cover)
Fight the Power (Public Enemy cover)
Harder Than You Think / Dr. Greenthumb / Can't Truss It / Insane in the Brain / Bring the Noise / I Ain't Goin' Out Like That / Welcome to the Terrordome / Jump Around
Sleep Now in the Fire (Rage Against the Machine cover)
Like a Stone (Audioslave cover) (instrumental) (with the crowd singing all the lyrics)
Know Your Enemy (Rage Against the Machine cover)
Bullet in the Head (Rage Against the Machine cover)
Radical Eyes
Unfuck The World
How I Could Just Kill a Man (Cypress Hill cover)
Bulls on Parade (Rage Against the Machine cover)
Killing in the Name (Rage Against the Machine cover)
Monday 13 November 2017.
Today Jeff Lynne’s ELO Announce 2018 UK Arena Tour for Sept / Oct.
There is space for extra London shows to be added.
Sep 30: Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
Oct 03: Glasgow SSE Hydro Arena
Oct 05: Manchester Arena
Oct 09: Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
Oct 10: Birmingham Arena
Oct 15: Leeds First Direct Arena
Oct 17: London O2 Arena
Oct 23: Liverpool Echo Arena
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'Wembley Or Bust’ Live CD/DVD Released 17th November 2017.
I was at that great Wembley Stadium show held 24 June 2017.
Sunday 12 November 2017.
Isle Of Wight Festival tickets are now on sale for June 2018.
Grab them now for special 'early bird ' prices.
See my link for them on the right of this page.
Saturday 11 November 2017.
MTV PRESENTS U2 + David Guetta (dj) live in Trafalgar Square, London.
One of the biggest bands in the world are playing a gig for MTV.
A free gig for 7000 competition winners.
I would imagine they will play 30 mins to 60 mins rather than the usual two hours.
A frontrunner for Pollstar’s Tour of the year is officially in the books as U2 has submitted the reports for its
5-month “Joshua Tree Tour” in 2017.
In total the tour had 50 headline shows in North America, Europe, and South America, which grossed a
combined reported total of approximately $316 million...wow!
I have seen U2 over 20 times since 1980 when they supported Talking Heads.
I only saw one of their Twickenham shows this summer as the second one clashed with Tom Petty
in Hyde Park and luckily we went to see Tom Petty as that ended up being his last ever show in Europe.
David Guetta is a very popular 'superstar dj' who has played many iconic venues around the world.
David Guetta (French pronunciation: [david geta]; now aged 50 ) is a French DJ, songwriter, record producer and remixer.
He six albums have sold a total of 9 million copies worldwide and he has sold 30 million singles and has had
an impressive six number one hits in the UK.
Guetta achieved mainstream success with his 2009 album 'One Love' which included the hit singles "When Love Takes Over", "Gettin' Over You", "Sexy Bitch", and "Memories", the first three of which reached number one in the UK.
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A stunning iconic location as the stage is set up in front of Nelson's Column.
This event must have cost MTV a fortune as roads around Trafalgar Square are closed off and high fences
make sure nobody can get a sneaky view without a ticket.
There are hundreds of security and police everywhere.
Hosts introducing U2 are MTV presenter Laura Whitmore and London Major Sadiq Khan.
For whatever reason , U2 take the stage first tonight.
I have a great view 10 yards from the stage left for both acts.
U2 are on from 7.18pm to 8.05pm so 47 minutes on stage.
There are two big screens but they are at 3pm and 9pm rather than to the side of the stage.
Both acts had huge columns behind them that were used well.
Loads of mega U2 anthems played along with a couple of new songs.
Needless to say seeing U2 in this special setting was gig perfection.
Full U2 setlist played tonight...
Tape intro song.....People Have the Power (Patti Smith song)
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Pride (In the Name of Love)
Get Out of Your Own Way.....(live debut; with "Gift" snippet)
You're the Best Thing About Me
Beautiful Day.....(with "Starman" snippet)
Elevation
Vertigo.....(with "Rebel Rebel" snippet)
One.....(with "Invisible" snippet)
Get Out of Your Own Way.....(re-prise with poster slogans given to front rows)
Slogans included 'Bite Back' ,Resistance' , 'Make Poverty History', and
'Lets Put The Smart People In Charge'.
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A few U2 fans leave the venue but over 90% stay to see David Guetta.
It's feasible that most of the under 30s are more interested in David Guetta than U2.
DAVID GUETTA is on stage from 8.40pm to 9.40pm so 60 mins on stage.
He actually has a bigger stage production than U2 as djs need to do that.
David stands behind a massive dj console and visually he puts on a great show.
There are lasers, lights, pyros and the heat of his flames warm me up nicely.
He played a lively mix of his own songs and other artists dance anthems.
He certainly got folks in the 'party party vibe' and was much better than expected.
Thursday 09 November 2017.
7pm to 10pm
TAIWAN TOURIST BUREAU - showcase - Tower Millennium Pier, London EC3.
Another evening event related to this weeks World Travel Market at Excel.
Around 150 guests are all seated on a large boat on The River Thames.
Great to see London at night as we headed out West to Battersea and back again.
Complimentary prosecco, wines, beers and full Taiwan food buffet are brought to our tables.
We have a few video presentations and speeches about Taiwan.
The reps from hotels, airlines and resorts come to our table to promote their companies.
CHINA AIRLINES have just secured a new direct route from Gatwick to Taipei from 01 Dec 2017.
They will use brand new Airbus 350-900 XWB with a special offer price from £509 return.
www.china-airlines.com
Visit the CHINA AIRLINES website here for more info.
Taiwan really does look like a great place to visit.
Other countries like Japan and Thailand get more publicity but Taiwan is certainly up and coming.
At 9.20pm we had three songs from SIRENS who are a five piece acappela group from Taiwan.
Three males and two females, all with great voices.
At the end of the night there was a raffle for three big prizes of a return flight to Taiwan and a week
at a good hotel there with excursions included and i as lucky enough to WIN one of them...yippee..
Needless to say a great evening.
eng.taiwan.net.tw
Visit the TAIWAN TOURISM website here for more info.
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then
10pm to 11.30pm.
COPPA CLUB ,Lower Thames Street, Tower Hill, London EC3.
Before the river boat cruise we had 30 minutes wandering up and down Tower Bridge.
We then noticed a very cool looking bar that we said we would come back to at 10pm.
We left the boat and had a couple of Espresso Martinis at Coppa Club.
Coppa Club's Thames-side PVC igloos at Tower Bridge are back and more magical than ever.
Back in 2016 the photo-loving folk of London went absolutely bonkers for the riverside huts,
with extra staff hired just to cope with the demand.
This year it’s the same drill as before: book long in advance for the igloos' sparkling Shard views,
snuggly blankets and festive cocktails.
It was busy earlier but we had our drinks in an igloo that had just been vacated at 10pm.
Great fun and totally unique so well worth a visit if you are down that way.
www.coppaclub.co.uk
Visit the COPPA CLUB website for more info and pictures of their riverside PVC igloos.
Wednesday 08 November 2017.
Can it really be 10 years ago this week?
THE SEX PISTOLS played five mega shows at Brixton Academy in 2007 on
08 Nov, 09 Nov, 10 Nov, 12 Nov ,14 Nov.
I went to all five shows and all five after-parties.
Wednesday 08 November 2017..,.I went to three events tonight....
6.30pm to 7.30pm
Travel Weekly - Travel Agents Destination Showcase at The Grand Connaught Rooms, London WC2.
This was one of the evening events related to The World Travel Market week at Excel.
Around 20 countries and a couple of American States are showcasing here at their stands.
Oakland, California and Tampa Bay, Florida are here.
I had a nice chat to the girl at the Oakland stand about their main venue The Coliseum which
hosts NFL, Baseball and big bands including U2 and Green Day.
The Portugal stand had trays of their famous custard tarts which were very yummy.
Pastéis de Nata. Portuguese Custard Tarts.... with a rich egg custard nestled in shatteringly crisp pastry.
Complimentary prosecco, wines, beers and canapés for all.
then
7.45pm to 9.45pm
JPR Media Group 3rd Anniversary Party - Archer Street Bar, Archer Street, Soho, London W1.
A very lively party downstairs in their basement bar area.
It started badly as we are given only ONE token each to get a cocktail as they have invited too many.
It is three deep at the bar but half the crowd leave when they finish their ONE drink.
Luckily my friend knew the vodka sponsor rep - Anthony from ANGEL TEARS VODKA.
Their vodka bottles come in the shape of an Angel.
He gave me three extra tokens so i tried three other cocktails.
Also some canapés were floating around.
We had a couple of singers performing covers and a dj playing loud tunes.
then
10pm to 11.30pm
BIG FISH - THE MUSICAL 'Gala Opening Night Party ' The Other Palace, London SW1.
Over 200 guests are in the huge bar area of this theatre near Buckingham Palace.
The cast is led by American film & tv star KELSEY GRAMMER....one of my fave tv stars...
His superb show 'Frasier' is still repeated every morning on Channel 4 tv.
Kelsey is here but stays seated in the vip reserved area with a security guard keeping a watchful eye.
Also here were Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tony Blackburn and Samantha Womack.
Also Alfie Boe, Penny Smith, Patricia Hodge , Paul Whitehouse and a few other faces.
Complimentary Gin & Tonics, wines , beers and canapés for all guests.
www.theotherpalace.co.uk
Visit their website here for more info and to buy tickets.
Wednesday 08 November 2017.
Another sad death to report.
Celebrity chef Antonio Carluccio has died aged 80 after a fall at his London home .Often referred to as 'the godfather of Italian cooking', Carluccio was known for his eponymous chain of restaurants and appearances on TV shows including Two Greedy Italians. Sources close to the family said his death was 'totally unexpected and a complete shock', while many fans paid tribute on social media.
Wednesday 08 November 2017.
Happy Birthday to comedian KEN DODD who reaches the grand age of 90 today.
Incredibly he is still touring around the country.
Tuesday 07 November 2017.
6.45pm to 11pm
SPEARS WEALTH MANANGEMENT AWARDS 2017 at The Dorchester Hotel , Park Lane, London W1.
Always nice to be at this world famous five star hotel.
I have been to this awards a couple of times before.
Spears Magazine covers Wealth, Business, Culture etc.
Around 400 guests here with more women than you would think although still mainly suits.
From 8.15pm for an hour we are seated in the ballroom for the 18 awards that were handed out.
Ex Spurs and England defender Ledley King gives out an award as Spurs are one of the sponsors.
Also here were radio dj Mike Read and Sir Rocco Forte.
Categories range from Entrepreneur of the Year and Philanthropist of the Year to Private Banker, Family Lawyer and Property Adviser, covering every aspect of the High Net Worth world that matters to their readers.
Complimentary prosecco, Remy Martin cocktails, Gin cocktails, wines, beers and tasty canapés.
All guests got a goodie bag on departure.
www.spearswms.com
Visit the Spears website here for more info.
then
11pm to 11.30pm
After the event finished we popped next door for a bit.
We took a Remy Martin on the rocks to the piano bar of The Dorchester Hotel.
Monday 06 November 2017....I went to two events today...
1.15pm to 6.15pm
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET - press day - at Excel, East London.
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET: World Travel Market London is the leading global event for the travel industry, generating more than £2.8 billions of business contracts between attendees, this show attracts a global audience that shape the travel industry. Over three days, the travel industry comes together as almost 5,000 exhibiting destinations, technology and private sector companies to find and network with 51,000 travel professionals, key industry buyers, journalists, digital influencers, students and tourism Ministers. This vibrant event offers the opportunity to discover the world under one roof, and be inspired by industry leaders discussing trends, issues and innovations in the travel industry.
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A massive event as there must be over 10,000 here visiting the stands of the 100 plus countries.
Very colourful as many are in traditional national dress...and some are wearing comical outfits.
Seeing all the videos shown really does make you want to book a trip overseas pronto.
2.15pm to 3.15pm we are gathered in the press room for Greece presentation then drinks & canapés.
Former 60s model and now tv presenter JOANNA LUMLEY is here promoting Greece.
Joanna is looking amazing for age 71 and spoke very positively about her visits to Greece.
Joanna recently made a series of four tv programmes on her love of Greece.
All guests got a nice Greece presentation box of 500ml Virgin Olive Oil with Greek food items.
www.visitgreece.gr
Visit the Greece website here for more info.
3.30pm to 4.30pm - we had rum cocktails on the Barbados stand.
Cricketing legend SIR GARFIELD ( GARRY ) SOBERS is here promoting Barbados.
He looks great for age 81 and I had a few words with him and got an autograph.
His incredible six sixes in one over from 1968 is worth a view on YouTube.
4.30pm to 5.30pm - we are gathered at the Taiwan stand for their press showcase.
We had a buffet and drinks throughout the presentation.
At the end of their presentation they had an amazing business card raffle draw.
A dozen prizes including THREE pairs of flights tickets with a week accom to Taiwan.
sadly I was not a winner...
then back into town for...
7pm to 9pm
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET - Visit Flanders Party - The Royal Academy, Piccadilly, London W1.
Around 150 guests here in the Flemish Masters area of The Royal Academy.
We have a couple of presentations on why we should visit The Flanders area of Belguim.
The Flanders area is in the North of Belguim and includes Antwerp.
Complimentary food & drink from Belguim including wines, beers, food including chips with mayonaisse
and of course chocolates.
Again there was a raffle prize and one of my friends won it - a trip for two including return flights from
London City Airport to Antwerp and two nights in a four star hotel.
All guests got a small goodie bag on departure.
www.visitflanders.com
Visit the Flanders website here for more info.
Sunday 05 November 2017.
GEORGE MICHAEL tribute live at The Swan Theatre, High Wycombe.
Faith- The George Michael Legacy features international George Michael tribute artist Wayne Dilks together with his incredible 7 piece band and backing singers. A musical journey of 35 years of hit records from Wham to George’s solo career, this show is based upon the George Michael 25 live tour using actual video footage.
I saw this really good tribute show earlier this year at The Beck Theatre, Hayes on 31 Aug 2017.
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My sister liked my review of this show just a couple of months ago so she has bought some tickets
for her and her mates and i have tagged along to see it for a second time.
This cosy all seated venue has around 750 folks here so it is pretty much three quarters full.
Again the show is over two hours long which is spread over two sets.
It is pretty much the same show as last time with many of the same stories between songs.
The big screen is showing computer images and a few George Michael videos.
The mainly female crowd are up and dancing and singing along loudly whenever they can.
A great mix of George Michael solo gems, Wham hits and a couple of covers that George played live.
They did an extra track tonight as 'Last Christmas' was performed as it's coming up to Christmas.
An enjoyable show.
Sunday 05 November 2017.
Little Steven had a Beatle join him for a Beatles classic in London on Saturday night (yesterday ).
Paul McCartney joined in for ‘I Saw Her Standing There’ at The Roundhouse.
Sunday 05 November 2017.
Happy Birthday to Canadian rocker Bryan Adams who is 58 today.
Bryan is playing another UK arena tour in 2018.
Saturday 04 November 2017.
ABC + KID CREOLE & THE COCONUTS live at The Palladium, London.
I have seen both acts play many times over the years including in their 1980s heyday.
I first saw ABC in November 1982 when they played Hammersmith Odeon on their debut UK tour.
I saw Kid Creole several times headlining at Hammersmith Odeon in the 1980s.
ABC debut album from 1982 'The Lexicon of Love' is one of my fave albums of that decade.
Both bands had three Top 10 hits in 1982....was that really 35 years ago...
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In Soho before the show i saw comedy legend Sir Billy Connolly walking on his own.
A sold out show here tonight with this great double bill of big in the 1980s bands.
KID CREOLE & THE COCONUTS arrived on stage at 7.35pm and played for 45 mins.
Kid Creole is looking super cool in his Zoot suit and his three coconuts are still looking great
with their grass hula skirts and legs that went on forever.
Always a very visual band with that great calypso pop sound that is very dance infectious.
Only six songs played including the big hits but all were extended with one ending up as a conga
as they got two female fans from the front to join them on stage.
A great set.
Full Kid Creole setlist played tonight...
Caroline Was a Drop-Out
Don't Take My Coconuts
Stool Pigeon
No Fish Today
Annie I'm Not Your Daddy
I'm A Wonderful Thing, Baby
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ABC arrived on stage at 8.50pm and played for 85 mins.
A big screen nicely mixes live gig footage with classic ABC videos.
There are 13 musicians on stage including a female string section.
Strings have featured a lot in ABC tracks and really do create a great lush sound.
All the crowd love Martin Fry's warm personality.
Just like Kid Creole set, the crowd stand up and dance for the last few songs.
Most of the big hits were played at the end including a mega 'All Of My Heart'.
A great show.
Full ABC setlist played tonight...
Viva Love
The Flames Of Desire
The Night You Murdered Love
(How To Be A) Millionaire
Singer Not the Song
Ten Below Zero
Be Near Me
The Life and Times of a Troubadour
Vanity Kills
4 Ever 2 Gether
King Without a Crown
Look Good Tonight
Show Me
Tears Are Not Enough
All Of My Heart
When Smokey Sings
Encore:
Poison Arrow
The Look of Love
Saturday 04 November 2017.
Gregory Porter has landed his highest UK album chart position ever and is #3 on the UK album chart with his amazing new record 'Nat King Cole & Me'. Gregory is also the biggest selling Jazz artist in the UK this year!
Gregory plays a full UK tour in April 2018 that ends with two shows on 18/19 April at
The Royal Albert Hall (with orchestra).
Friday 03 November 2017.
JOHN MAYALL + BUDDY WHITTINGTON BAND live at The Cadogan Hall, Chelsea , London.
John Mayall plays the second of two shows at The Cadogan Hall.
Two London shows as part of John Mayall massive six week UK tour.
John is now the grand old age of 83 and still rockin'.
For over 50 years, John Mayall has served as a pioneer of blues music, rightly earning him the title, ‘
'The Godfather of British Blues’.
Regarded by many as blues’ most influential artist, John’s band The Bluesbreakers, launched the careers of many true legends including Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Peter Green and Mick Taylor.
The support act guitarist Buddy Whittington from Texas played with John Mayall from 1993 to 2008.
In Mayall's band Whittington sang occasionally and contributed to songwriting. When, after fifteen years, Mayall disbanded the Bluesbreakers, Whittington continued to gig in Texas.
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An older crowd here as expected for these two Blues bands.
This great all seated 950 capacity venue is pretty full with maybe just 50 seats unsold.
BUDDY WHITTINGTON BAND arrived on stage at 7.35pm and played for 40 mins.
Buddy is a big build of a chap but plays some nifty Blues guitar including a couple of BB King covers.
JOHN MAYALL arrived on stage at 8.40pm and played for 95 mins.
John looks amazing for 83 and stands up for the entire show.
He is playing mainly keyboards but also some nice guitar and some harmonica.
His bass player and drummer are top notch musicians from America and both played some great solos.
An enjoyable show.
This setlist was around two thirds of the songs played...
Mother-In-Law Blues.....(Little Junior Parker cover)
Voodoo Music.....(J.B. Lenoir cover)
Help Me.....(Sonny Boy Williamson cover)
Talk About That
One Life to Live.....(John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers song)
Nature's Disappearing
The Devil Must Be Laughing
California.....(incl. bass & drum solos)
Encore:
Room To Move
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Straight after the show John Mayall signed stuff in the foyer and posed for photos.
I got a flyer of the gig signed by him.
Thursday 02 November 2017...I went to two events tonight...
6pm to 8pm
SALON QP - Gala evening - The Saatchi Gallery , Kings Road, Chelsea, London SW3.
Salon QP returns to The Saatchi Gallery on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week.
The UK's premier luxury watch fair returns to London's iconic Saatchi Gallery.
In its ninth year, Salon QP is the must-attend event for watch connoisseurs.
A big crowd of over 500 guests here in this massive gallery space which held The Rolling Stones Exhibition.
Must be over 100 top notch watch brands showcasing and selling on their stands.
Complimentary prosecco , gin & tonics and canapés for all guests.
I got a decent goodie bag in the press office with four different male products from
L'OREAL MEN EXPERT BARBER CLUB and a 20ml luxury fragrance from STRANGLOVE NYC.
www.salonqp.com
Visit their website here for more info.
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then
This gig was my 6700th gig seen by me since 1973....yes 6700.
See the article on the right...the UK's number one gig goer...
MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST live at Shepherds Bush Empire, London.
The Michael Schenker Fest will unite rock fans as it brings vocalists from the original M.S.G.
The gig will feature the original Michael/McAuley Schenker Group vocalists Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley, plus MSG musicians Steve Mann (guitar, keys), Chris Glen (bass) and Ted McKenna (drums).
I have seen guitar legend Michael Schenker over a dozen times since his 1980s heyday.
Chris Glen and Ted McKenna i saw many times with The Sensational Alex Harvey Band in the 1970s.
This included when they were the main support to The Who @ Charlton F.C. on 31 May 1976.
All MS band members are all drawn from MSG line-ups from 1980 to 1989.
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Michael and band arrived on stage around 9pm and played a full two hour show.
A great idea to have each of the three singers who has been with MS sing a few songs each then
they all sing together on the UFO classics for the encores.
However the fact is Michael Schenker is still the star of the show with plenty of superb guitar riffs and solos.
He still has that rockin' sideways guitar style with his trademark Flying V guitar.
The bunch of UFO classics at the end was a stunning highlight.
A great show.
Full setlist played tonight...
Searching for Freedom
Into the Arena.....(Michael Schenker Group song)
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie.....(Michael Schenker Group song) (Gary Barden on vocals)
Victim of Illusion.....(Michael Schenker Group song) (Gary Barden on vocals)
Cry for the Nations.....(Michael Schenker Group song) (Gary Barden on vocals)
Attack of the Mad Axeman.....(Michael Schenker Group song) (Gary Barden on vocals)
Armed and Ready.....(Michael Schenker Group song) (Gary Barden on vocals)
Coast to Coast.....(Scorpions song)
Desert Song.....(Michael Schenker Group song) (Graham Bonnet on vocals, mike failure near end of song)
Dancer.....(Michael Schenker Group song) (Graham Bonnet on vocals, assisted by Barden and Mcauley)
Assault Attack.....(Michael Schenker Group song) (Graham Bonnet on vocals)
Captain Nemo.....(Michael Schenker Group song)
No Time for Losers.....(McAuley-Schenker Group song) (Robin McAuley on vocals)
Save Yourself.....(McAuley-Schenker Group song) (Robin McAuley on vocals)
Bad Boys.....(McAuley-Schenker Group song) (Robin McAuley on vocals)
Love Is Not a Game.....(McAuley-Schenker Group song) (Robin McAuley on vocals)
Rock Bottom.....(UFO song) (Robin McAuley on vocals)
Encore:
Doctor Doctor.....(UFO song) (McAuley, Bonnet and Barden on vocals)
Shoot Shoot.....(UFO song) (McAuley and Barden on vocals)
Natural Thing.....(UFO song) (McAuley and Barden on vocals, with Tyson Schenker on guitar)
Lights Out.....(UFO song) (McAuley, Bonnet and Barden on vocals)
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11pm to 12pm
After-show party in the Level 1 bar.
A pretty tame event as only 30 people here and it's a pay bar.
A couple of the singers were here along with Chris Glen and Ted McKenna.
Michael Schenker is not here as he had a bit a booze problem a decade ago so now avoids it.
Great to see my old class mate from secondary school here Leon Lawson who was
Michael Schenker's guitar tech roadie for a few years.
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Remaining shows on the UK leg of his European Tour
3rd November: (UK) – Sheffield, O2 Academy
4th November: (UK) – Manchester, O2 Ritz
5th November: (UK) – Hull, City Hall
Wednesday 01 November 2017...I went to two events tonight...
6.15pm to 7.45pm
MOTORING BOOK OF THE YEAR 2017 - The RAC , 89 Pall Mall, London SW1.
Always nice to be in this stunning building that rivals most five star hotels.
The Royal Automobile Club is one of the foremost private members’ clubs in the world with a diverse membership, an extensive events programme, and two beautiful and unique clubhouses, alongside first-class accommodation, dining and sports facilities including a swimming pool.
Around 150 folks here in the first floor Mountbatten Room.
DAMON HILL (1996 F1 World Champion) is here as his book is one of the six shortlisted.
HOWDEN GANLEY New Zealand F1 driver from the early 1970s spoke for a few minutes on his career
from the early 1970s when racing really was scary as many drivers died in crashes.
Complimentary champers, wines and canapés for all guests.
www.londonmotorweek.co.uk
Visit their website here for more info.
Sat 04 Nov---Regent Street Motor Show -100 plus Veteran Cars on display ahead of Sundays Car Run.
Sun 05 Nov---London to Brighton Veteran Car Run - 400 plus cars from around the world.
then
8pm to 10.30pm
FORTY DEAN STREET - re-opening party - 40 Dean Street, Soho, London W1.
This affordable Italian restaurant in the heart of Soho re-opens after it closed due a big fire.
It is a small, family-run restaurant dedicated to providing incredible food at incredible prices.
Around 100 guests here and very buzzy and lively due to the smallish space.
We have a few well known faces here including...
LINDA LUSARDI (well known Page 3 topless model from the 1980s , still looking great at 59)
VICKI MICHELLE MBE (best known for her role in BBC television comedy series 'Allo 'Allo! and looking great for 66)
Dr HILARY JONES is an English general practitioner, presenter and writer on medical issues, known for his media appearances, most especially on ITV morning television.
Complimentary presecco,wines,slices of fresh pizza and Italian canapés.
www.fortydeanstreet.com
Visit their website here for more info.
Wednesday 01 November 2017.
There ain't nothing like brotherly love...
This is what NOEL GALLAGHER says of his brother Liam...ouch!
“I’m trying to soar like an eagle and I’m being asked to comment on the ramblings of a common pigeon.”
Wednesday 01 November 2017.
One Direction's solo success rivals The Beatles.
The solo albums of former One Direction members Niall Horan, Harry Styles and Zayn Malik have reached No 1 in the American charts, marking the second time in history three members of a chart-topping band have done so. The Beatles members Sir Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison were the first to set the record in the 1970s. The other former members of One Direction, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne, have yet to release solo albums.
Tuesday 31 October 2017...6.45pm to 9pm...
PHILLIPS GALLERY 'Photographs' - private view - 30 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1.
Phillip's present key moments in photography from the past century in addition to notable
contemporary artists of today including Bruce Weber, Steven Meisel and David Sims.
I love being in this gallery space as it is so huge.
Over 200 guests here but it can easily host 500 guests if needed.
Lots of folks here i know made it a nice social event.
Some very nice Rum & Mango cocktails and wines for all guests.
www.phillips.com
Visit the Phillips website here for more info.
Monday 30 October 2017...I went to two events at the same venue...
5.45pm to 6.45pm
LANGHAM HOTEL - showcase - 1 Portland Place, London W1.
The Langham, London is one of the largest and best known traditional style grand hotels in London.
It dates back to 1865 so it is over 150 years old.
It is a luxury five star hotel with 380 rooms and many different sized meetings rooms.
It is located north of Oxford Street tube , and just across the road from the BBC.
We are in the first floor space chatting to the hotel reps about the hotel.
Complimentary Perrier-Jouet champers, wines and canapés for all guests.
All guests got a small goodie bag on departure.
www.langhamhotels.com
Visit their website here for more info.
then
6.45pm to 9.45pm
LUXURY BRIEFING AWARDS 2017 at The Langham Hotel, 1 Portland Place, London W1.
Around 400 guests are standing in the hotels very impressive ballroom area.
Sir Eric Peacock hosted the awards.
Guests included Nadja Swarovski and tv presenter Judith Chalmers.
THE AYOUB SISTERS performed three songs including a cover of 'Uptown Funk'.
They have recently signed with Decca/Universal.
The two Scottish-Egyptian Ayoub Sisters are unique, classically trained, multi-instrumentalists who
cross the boundaries between classical and contemporary.
At 8pm the dozen awards were given out.
Luxury brands...small, medium and large are nominated.
Stella McCartney won an award but sent a staff member to pick it up.
Complimentary Perrier-Jouet champers, Remy Martin cocktails and tasty canapés for all guests.
A very nice evening.
www.luxury-briefing.com
Visit their website here for more info.
Sunday 29 October 2017.
STEELY DAN + DOOBIE BROTHERS live at The 02 Arena, London.
Steely Dan + Doobie Brothers play a big London show that sold out a month ago.
03 Sept update---Ahead of a headline gig at Bluesfest next month, it has been announced that Steely Dan co-founder, guitarist and backing vocalist Walter Becker has died.
He passed away today (03 Sept) aged 67 following reports that he had been "very ill"
and that he had underwent surgery last month.
Steely Dan are one of those American bands that rarely play overseas.
When I first saw Steely Dan in 1996 at Wembley Arena, that was their first London show for 20 years.
Original member Donald Fagen is still there.
Another quality double bill at BluesFest as Doobie Brothers are also a big name.
They still feature three members from their 1970s line-up but not singer Michael McDonald who is still solo.
Both acts have sold over 40 million albums worldwide over the past 45 years.
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Being into punk rock and heavy rock in the 1970s i was not into buying the albums by these two bands
and all I knew of them were the odd hit single they had.
They joined the likes of other American bands The Allman Brothers and Grateful Dead that i totally avoided.
Most of the crowd are men in their 50s and 60s reliving the music of their youth.
As I arrived I saw BBC Radio 2 70s dj Johnnie Walker and his wife.
I was listening to his Sunday afternoon show a bit earlier today that featured Steely Dan.
DOOBIE BROTHERS arrive on stage at 7.15pm and played for around 70 mins.
Most of the crowd are in early to see their 'special guests' spot.
They have use of the two big screens either side of the stage.
No surprise The Doobies are super tight on stage and the sound is perfect as the musicians are top notch.
They included keyboards, sax, fiddle and some nifty guitar solos.
A really good set that went down well with the crowd.
Full Doobie Brothers setlist played tonight...
Jesus Is Just Alright (The Art Reynolds Singers cover)
Rockin' Down the Highway
Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While) (Kim Weston cover)
Dark Eyed Cajun Woman
Spirit
Sweet Maxine
Eyes of Silver
Clear as the Driven Snow
Takin' It to the Streets
The Doctor
Black Water
Long Train Runnin'
China Grove
Encore:
Without You
Listen to the Music
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STEELY DAN arrive on stage at 8.55pm and played for around 95 mins.
I think it was 12 musicians on stage including a brass section and three female backing vocals.
They also have use of the two big screens either side of the side.
Donald Fagen is front of stage sitting behind his keyboards.
Becker and Fagen met as students in 1967 with a common interest in jazz, soul music, Chicago blues,
contemporary literature, particularly ‘black humour’ – their lyrics and rhythm transcends the popular culture of their time.
Like The Doobies , Steely Dan are all top notch musicians including a stunning drummer who a few times
played some great jazz drum solos during certain songs.
During the band introductions Donald Fagen gets a full standing ovation from the crowd.
A great encore of 'Reelin' in the Years' with all the crowd dancing and a very enjoyable evening.
Full Steely Dan setlist played tonight...
Bodhisattva
Black Cow
Hey Nineteen
New Frontier (Donald Fagen song)
Aja
Black Friday
Babylon Sisters
Time Out of Mind
Dirty Work
Peg
I Want To (Do Everything for You) (Joe Tex cover)
Josie
My Old School
Kid Charlemagne
Encore:
Reelin' in the Years
The Untouchables (Nelson Riddle cover)
Saturday 29 October 2017.
HALL & OATES + CHRIS ISAAK live at The 02 Arena, London.
I have seen Hall & Oates several times since 1980 when they played Hammersmith Odeon.
I saw their last London show which was at Hammersmith Apollo in July 2014.
This show will be their biggest ever headline gig in the UK.
Hall & Oates had six Top 40 hits in the UK.
Support comes from Chris Isaak who is playing a rare UK show as only comes here every five years.
Chris has headlined Hammersmith Apollo and Shepherds Bush Empire on his last visits.
---------------------------
I was expecting there to be many unsold blocks of tickets but surprisingly the venue is 95% sold
even though most tickets are £85 and block A down the front is a whopping £125.
Legendary live music booking agent Rod MacSween is here as he looks after support act Chris Isaak.
Both bands were introduced by BBC Radio London dj Robert Elms.
CHRIS ISAAK arrives on stage at 7.05pm and plays a full 75 mins set.
He is more of a 'special guest' so gets an extended time allowed on stage.
Chris is now aged 61 but still has that great rockabilly look along with a snazzy rhinestone stage outfit.
Loads of great stories and chat from Chris between songs.
He has a great band who he said are the same members as 32 years ago when he got signed.
As a child spinning his parents 45s in their Stockton, California home, this deeply committed artist has been obsessed with the glory days of Memphis’ Sun Studio and the visionary artists who got their starts there—including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis—all of them influence his sound.
Chris was given the use of two big screens.
He played his older classics 'Blue Hotel' and 'Wicked Game' in a really good set.
Full Chris Isaak setlist played tonight...
Beautiful Homes
I Believe
Two Hearts
Ring of Fire (Merle Kilgore cover)
Somebody's Crying
Blue Hotel
San Francisco Days
Wicked Game
Go Walking Down There
Oh, Pretty Woman (Roy Orbison cover)
Western Stars
Only the Lonely (Roy Orbison cover)
Worked It Out Wrong
I'll Go Crazy (James Brown cover)
Speak of the Devil
Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing
Big Wide Wonderful World
The Way Things Really Are
------------------------------
HALL & OATES arrive on stage at 8.50pm and play for 90 mins.
They had three big screens and stuck to pretty much a greatest hits set.
They are clearly happy to be playing 'this big room".
The middle aged crowd got up and danced whenever they could.
They are more suited to venues the size of Hammersmith Apollo rather than this huge venue.
Only 14 songs played which seemed a bit short but it was all the tracks the crowd wanted to hear.
Overall a quality double bill of acts.
Full Hall & Oates setlist played tonight...
Family Man
Maneater
Out of Touch
Say It Isn't So
You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' (The Righteous Brothers cover)
One on One
She's Gone
Sara Smile
Is It a Star
I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)
Encore:
Rich Girl
Kiss on My List
Private Eyes
You Make My Dreams Come True
Saturday 28 October 2017.
Today is the 40th anniversary of my fave album of all time which is the total classic that is
The Sex Pistols 'Never Mind The Bollocks' that was released 28 Oct 1977.
I bought when it came out...I was aged 18...PLAY IT LOUD over the weekend in celebration.
Friday 27 October 2017.
TEARS FOR FEARS live at The Royal Albert Hall, London.
Tears For Fears play a one off sold out pronto UK show.
I saw them several times at Hammersmith Odeon in their 1980s heyday.
The previous night (Thursday) they played a special show for the BBC which is up on The Red Button.
They are promoting the new album ' Rule The World' ,a collection of greatest hits + two brand new songs.
They have sold over 30 million albums worldwide.
In the UK they had two number one albums and seven Top 10 hit singles.
------------------------
FREYA RIDINGS arrived on stage at 7.30pm and played for 30 mins.
Freya is in her early 20s and played a decent set of mainly piano based songs.
During the interval i saw Rusty Egan (Rich Kids/Visage etc ) and Gail Porter.
TEARS FOR FEARS arrived on stage at 8.30pm and played for one hour 40 mins.
They still feature original members Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith.
They were backed by an excellent sounding drums, keyboard , guitarist and male backing vocals.
A great for this venue stage production and the overall sound was perfect.
They played all their greatest hits as we were taken down memory lane.
Their tunes were very radio friendly and easy to sing along too.
A surprise cover of Radioheads 'Creep' was good.
Singer Roland Orzabal walked in amongst the crowd either side of the stage.
This was where we were sitting so at one stage he is just five feet from us.
A great show.
Full Tears For Fears setlist played tonight...
Intro tape ("Everybody Wants to Rule The World" Lorde version)
Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Secret World
Sowing the Seeds of Love
Pale Shelter
Break It Down Again
Everybody Loves a Happy Ending
Change
Mad World
Memories Fade
Closest Thing to Heaven
Creep (Radiohead cover)
Advice for the Young at Heart
Badman's Song
Head Over Heels / Broken (Reprise)
Encore:
Woman in Chains
Shout
Note: Had a chance to play one or both of their new songs from the new greatest hits album. Opted not to.
------------------------------
Tears For Fears are playing a full World Tour in 2018 which includes eight UK arena shows.
Support act will be Alison Moyet.
London date is The 02 Arena on 10 May 2018.
Thursday 26 October 2017....I went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 8.30pm
LONGINES - Heritage Watches Collection Launch Party at Purl, 50-54 Blandford Street, London.
My first time at this cool speakeasy type basement bar near The Chiltern Firehouse.
Around 100 guests here in the bigger than expected sprawling space.
A nice surprise to see British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor here.
For the film '12 Years a Slave', he received Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations,
along with the BAFTA Award for Best Actor.
Also here was Alistair Guy.
The five heritage watches were in glass cabinets but there were a couple of staff with white gloves
ready to show them up close to you if required.
A jazz band played played a set in the corner.
Complimentary Moët champers , a choice of three cocktails including a very nice Tequila sour and canapés.
A very nice event.
www.longines.com
Visit the Longines website here for more info.
then
TOM ROBINSON BAND live at The 100 Club, London.
Tom Robinson plays the last of three sold out shows at The 100 Club.
Tom plays his first full UK tour with a band for many years.
Tom's 4-piece band will be performing the entire ' Power In The Darkness' album live on tour to mark
the 40th Anniversary of his debut single 2-4-6-8 Motorway.
I have seen him live around 20 times including several times in his heyday period of success
in 1977/1978 when he had a few hit singles.
Tom now aged 67 has kept a low profile gig wise as he has been a BBC Radio dj for many years.
---------------------------
Tom and his band are on stage for around 75 mins.
They play the 10 tracks on the 'Power In The Darkness ' album in order.
Then a pretend encore where they didn't leave the stage as such as they played four more gems.
Many of what Tom was writing about in the 70s is still very much what is current.
Gay Rights, Racism, Political issues etc as he still believes in tolerance and freedom and liberty—
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Really great to see him playing these songs again and guitarist Danny Kustow who was in TRB in the late 70s
joined the band on stage for the last two songs.
Full Tom Robinson Band setlist played tonight...
Up Against the Wall
Grey Cortina
Too Good to Be True
Ain't Gonna Take It
Long Hot Summer
The Winter of '79
Man You Never Saw
Better Decide Which Side You’re On
You Gotta Survive
Power in the Darkness
Martin
(Sing If You're) Glad to Be Gay
2-4-6-8 Motorway
Don't Take No for an Answer
Note: original TRB guitarist Danny Kustow joined them for last two songs
Thursday 26 October 2017.
METALLICA break attendance record for The 02 Arena.
On Sunday (October 22) , Metallica obliterated the old record for the biggest crowds in London’s 02 history.
22,211 people were on hand for the show, beating the old record of 21,000 set by Muse last year.
The extra bodies were fit in because of Metallica’s staging their show in-the-round.
Wednesday 25 October 2017...I went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 8.15pm
BAFTA BREAKTHROUGH BRITS - reception - Burberry Store , 121 Regent Street, London W1.
Over 300 guests here in the huge impressive ground floor space at the Burberry flagship store.
I saw Kaiser Chiefs play at a launch event here a couple of years ago.
Victoria star Jenna Coleman stepped out in head to toe Burberry as a juror for this year's BAFTA Breakthrough Brits ceremony, sponsored by the luxury fashion brand. Presenter of the moment Maya Jama was on hosting duties, sharing the stage with British actors Vicky McClure, Suranne Jones and Joe Dempsie as they announced the latest selection of up and coming UK talent featured in this year's list. Chewing Gum star Susan Wokoma, Three Girls actress Molly Windsor, The Last Post star Jessie Buckley and both director (Francis Lee) and star (Josh O'Connor) of acclaimed film God's Own Country were among those in the 2017 list to celebrate at Burberry's flagship store, alongside some Breakthrough Brits from previous years including Florence Pugh, Nell Hudson, Clara Paget, Malachi Kirby, Ray Panthaki and Greta Bellamacina.
Most of the 20 actors and actresses tipped for bigger things on the list are paraded on the stage.
Complimentary Nyetimber English sparkling wines, beers, mini burgers, mini fish n chips and canapés.
www.bafta.org
Visit the BAFTA website here for more info and the full list of Breakthrough Brits.
then
8.30pm to 10pm
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM - Christmas Ice Rink - launch party, London SW7.
Over 300 guests here at one of the many ice rinks that open up in London for Christmas.
We had a quick skate for 15 mins...good fun even though I am a novice.
We had a couple of goes on the carousel (usually £3.50 a go).
Complimentary prosecco, wines,beers and canapés in their restaurant & bar area.
It's on until 07 Jan 2018.
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