News and Reviews: 10th February 2018
Sunday 11 February 2018.A friend has invited me to play drums at a rehearsal studios in the afternoon.
I am a bit rusty as the last time i bashed a kit for a bit was around five years ago.
Then in the evening I will check into my hotel.
EASY HOTEL - press stay - Sun, Mon, Tues in Central London.
www.easyhotel.com
Visit the EASY HOTEL for good value rooms in the UK & Europe.
Saturday 10 February 2018.
HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES play UK shows as part of their European Tour.
The band feature Alice Cooper, Joe Perry and Johnny Depp.
The support bands on the tour will be The Darkness and The Damned.
16 June - Genting Arena Birmingham, UK
17 June - Manchester Arena Manchester, UK
19 June - Glasgow SEE Hydro Glasgow, UK
20 June - Wembley Arena London, UK
Friday 09 February 2018.
Sad news that Pat Torpey, the longtime drummer for rock supergroup Mr. Big, died on Wednesday.
He was 64.
Mr. Big released a statement on its Twitter account on Thursday, confirming the news of Torpey’s death due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.
I saw him on stage just a couple of months ago on 19 Nov 2017 when Mr Big played Shepherds Bush Empire.
He was not well enough to play drums the entire show so played gentle percussion in the background.
I saw Mr Big in their 1990s heyday when they headlined and when they supported Aerosmith.
Thursday 08 February 2018...I went to two events tonight...
6.45pm to 9pm
PHILIP MOULD GALLERY - private view - 18-19 Pall Mall, St James's, London SW1.
Around 150 guests here at this gallery that always attracts the cooler art crowd.
Guests included Hilary Alexander OBE (well known fashion journo) and Liz Brewer (well known pr).
Philip Mould & Co. presents a collaboration between British portrait artist Lorna May Wadsworth and celebrated hat designer Victoria Grant. This unique event celebrates the enduring cross-pollination between portraiture and fashion in anticipation of London Fashion Week.
A choice of four different complimentary cocktails including my fave Espresso Martinis along with canapés.
The exhibition is on until 18 Feb 2018.
www.philipmould.com
Visit the gallery website here for more info.
www.victoriagrant.co.uk
Visit the Victoria Grant website here or visit her in Notting Hill Gate.
then
9.15pm to 11.30pm
HORNI - launch party - The Cuckoo Club, Swallow Street, London W1.
The Cuckoo Club was one of Londons hottest club venues around a decade ago.
This is where in July 2006 i saw Guns N Roses play a secret gig after their Wembley Arena show.
It was a 75 mins semi-acoustic set from 4.15am to 5.30am...it was daylight when we came out...
HORNI is a premium men's underwear. Boxer briefs, classic briefs and hipster trunks available.
Ethically produced, and on a mission to help save the endangered rhino.
10% of all their profits go towards rhino conservation efforts.
Did you notice that HORNI is an anagram of RHINO?
Around 150 guests here and it's a nice buzzy club atmosphere with the dj playing tunes.
Lots of people here i know and there were a couple of faces from The Made In Chelsea tv show.
Complimentary prosecco, Alize vodka cocktails and beers for all guests.
Got a couple of goodie bags with the very nice quality men's boxer shorts inside.
The boxer shorts retail for £20 each.
www.horniunderwear.com
Visit the HORNI website here for more info and to buy online.
www.savetherhino.org
Visit the SAVE THE RHINO website here for more info.
Thursday 08 January 2018.
I think the newspaper world has gone a bit pc mad.
The scantily clad girls at the ICE Totally Gaming event at Excel that i attended has somehow made the
FRONT PAGE of The Guardian with an article and pictures....must have been a quiet day for serious news.
The following is what The Guardian had to say about it....
Gambling companies have defied calls to stamp out sexism at an industry conference, with guests being entertained by pole dancers and a Playboy-themed show, and hostesses claiming to have been harassed and propositioned.
The ICE Totally Gaming conference, held at London’s Excel centre, drew a warning earlier this week from the UK gambling regulator. The Gambling Commission’s chief executive, Sarah Harrison, threatened to boycott the event, at which she said women were “expected to wear nothing more than swimsuits”.
Less than 24 hours later, the gaming software company Microgaming kicked off the conference with a Playboy-themed dance show, celebrating the release of a gambling game based on the glamour magazine.
Another gambling company, Endorphina, hosted a popular stand at which pole dancers entertained a mostly male audience, some of whom filmed the show on their phones and had pictures taken with the women. The dancers, who wore high heels, fishnet stockings and lingerie, performed in front of a screen featuring words such as “provocative” and “sensual”.
www.theguardian.com
Visit The Guardian website for their secretly filmed videos and photos.
Wednesday 07 February 2018...I went to three events today...
3pm to 6pm
ICE Totally Gaming at Excel, East London.
This was day 2 of the 3 days of this massive event ---Tues 06 Feb to Thurs 08 Feb.
I went to this event a few times when it was at Olympia but press articles this year have said that
Excel will be twice the size of Olympia due to the rise in online gaming and gambling.
ICE Totally Gaming is the only gaming event that truly brings together the international online and offline gaming sectors.
Must be over 5000 guests each day here as this massive event for the casino and gaming industry.
Over 100 stands including PLAYTECH,VIKINGS, NOVOMATIC , SIS GREYHOUND CHANNEL,
BETRADER, GOLDEN RACE, PARADICE, ARISTOCRAT,BMIT, JCM, AMATIC, MERKUR and others.
Lots of noise and neon and you can have a go on all types of gaming machines and consoles.
Even though the darts and Formula 1 have put a ban on promotion girls there are plenty of scantily glad
young females promoting the stands as many are from Germany and other mainland European countries.
A couple of dancers from Stringfellow's are handing out vouchers for free admission and a free lap dance at the club.
There is plenty of complimentary drinks and food here including different cocktails, spirits with mixers,
wines, beers and small plates of food on many of the stands.
www.icetotallygaming.com
Visit their website here for more info.
then
6.30pm to 8.30pm
ONE CANADA SQUARE - Chinese New Year Party - Canary Wharf, London E14.
The event is held in their Thirty One Lounge Bar which is on the 31st floor of this city skyscraper.
It is only open to the many staff who work in the building and their clients & guests.
Around 200 guests here with maybe half being Chinese.
There is a couple of acts playing Chinese music on the stage at one end.
Stunning views of the city and the other skyscrapers.
They have a great wall of photos and models showing how the area has drastically changed over the
past 30 years since it was the old dockyards.
A professional photographer is here and takes a great photo of the three of us and we all get a hard copy.
Complimentary prosecco, wines, beers, fresh orange juice and lots of tasty Chinese food.
then
9.30pm to 11.45pm
PLAYTECH party at Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London SW8.
PLAYTECH is the world's largest supplier of online gaming and sports betting software.
A massive event as there must be around 1000 guests here who were at the casino show held earlier.
We have three djs on the big stage doing a live set each.
AFISHAL is the main turn as he takes the stage at 10.30pm for a 50 mins set.
AFISHAL is a dj and live drummer decked out in shiny sunglasses and a tight V-neck playing live improv sessions on a set of glow-in-the-dark bongos. But that's precisely what Michael Fish, aka Afishal, does for a living, a self-styled nightclub dj.
He had big screens and pyros and got the crowd going but i would have preferred a live band.
There were circus performers around the venue including trapeze and girls skating on the ice bar tops.
Loads of complimentary booze and food including Moët champers, different cocktails, spirits and mixers,
prosecco, wines, beers , plates of sushi, burgers, bowls of shepherds pie etc and desserts.
It was still very lively when we departed at 11.45pm as it was due to finish at 1.30am.
A proper 'money no object lavish party'.
www.playtech.com
Visit the PLAYTECH website here for more info.
Tuesday 06 February 2018...I went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 9pm
STEINWAY & SONS 'SUNBURST COLLECTION' - launch party -
Abbey Road Studios, St Johns Wood, London NW8.
Always nice to be at this world famous recording studio that The Beatles and George Martin used.
Also many other great albums recorded here by other artists.
Around 200 guests are here in Studio 1.
On one side is the famous 'Mrs Mills' piano that The Beatles used back in the day.
We got a couple of photos with it.
Many legendary guitarists have used guitars with a sunburst finish.
The vibrant colour burst , bright yellow to dark red and black.
So it's a simple idea really...transfer the colours to the new Steinway.
The piano is on stage and looks stunning with the main lid and the keys lid covered in glorious Sunburst.
At 7.10pm we had a speech from Steinway CEO then some live music featuring the new piano.
BAP are one of Germany's top rock bands and two members play a couple of songs.
Then Myleene Klass plays a couple of piano instrumentals.
Francis Dunnery (ex It Bites) for five songs played guitar and sang as a session guy played the piano.
Everyone on stage to play a song for the finale.
Complimentary Dericbourg Champers, wines, beers and canapés for all guests.
All guests got a small goodie bag on departure.
eu.steinway.com
Visit the Steinway website here for more info.
then
9.30pm to 11.45pm
ICE TOTALLY GAMING 'LONDON BABY' party at Cafe de Paris, 3 Coventry Street, London W1.
A big crowd of around 500 here who were at Excel earlier for the daytime event.
As expected it is at least a 90% male crowd.
There is a dj playing in the background.
Complimentary bar included various spirits and mixers including Jack Daniels n coke, wines, beers,
mini-burgers , mini-hotdogs and canapés.
Tuesday 06 February 2018.
TAIWAN EARTHQUAKE : at least nine dead and two hundred injured...plus many still missing.
A powerful earthquake struck Taiwan 10 minutes before midnight on Tuesday, causing buildings to collapse in the city of Hualien and killing two people, according to the authorities.
The 6.4-magnitude quake was recorded at 11:50 p.m. and was centered about 14 miles northeast of Hualien, a city of 110,000 on Taiwan’s east coast, the United States Geological Survey reported.
----------------------------
I spent three days at two different hotels in Hualien less than three weeks ago when i toured Taiwan.
Hualien had another bad earthquake a couple of years ago and others before that.
Tuesday 06 February 2018.
Some facts on how popular The Jam were in the brief five years they were together.
They had 18 consecutive Top 40 singles in the United Kingdom, from their debut in 1977 to their break-up in December 1982, including four number one hits. As of 2007, "That's Entertainment" and "Just Who Is the 5 O'Clock Hero?" remained the best-selling import singles of all time in the UK.They released one live album and six studio albums, the last of which, The Gift, hit number one on the UK Albums Chart. When the group disbanded in 1982, their first 15 singles were re-released and all placed within the top 100.
I saw The Jam play live six times.
Monday 05 February 2018.
Sad news that one of the actors from one of my fave ever tv series has passed away.
John Mahoney, of "Frasier" fame, died on Sunday in Chicago aged 77.
Paul Martino, the star's long director, confirmed that Mahoney died shortly after he was hospitalized. The cause of death was not immediately announced.
Mahoney, who starred as Martin Crane for more than 10 years, reportedly died in a hospice for the elderly.
Mahoney was born in England in June 1940, recently appeared in an episode of the British television drama "The War of Foyle" in 2015.
He never married or had any children.
Repeats of "Frasier" are still being shown every morning on Channel 4 tv even though the last episode was
recorded way back in 2004.
Monday 05 February 2018.
Guess which Guns N Roses video has reached nearly a staggering billion views on YouTube?
November Rain - 939,000,000 plus views
Sweet Child O' Mine - 618,000,000 plus views
Don't Cry - 448,000,000 plus views
Paradise City - 359,000,000 plus views
Welcome To The Jungle - 256,000,000 plus views
Patience - 253,000,000 plus views
Sunday 04 February 2018.
The weekly free edition of Time Out is always worth picking up if you see it anywhere as
it always has good news on gigs, cinema, theatre, eating, bars , places to visit etc.
This week has a great interview with a chap who has been to see films at his local cinema
The Odeon, Swiss Cottage every week since 1945...yes every week since 1945.
John Gale reckons he has seen over 7500 films at this one cinema.
He has seen all the refurbishments from one big cinema then smaller ones and now it has
luxury seats and sounds very nice.
www.timeout.com
You can read the interview on their website via search.
Sunday 04 February 2018.
I am still a bit of a technophobe when it comes to putting photos online but a friend
has posted a great picture on my FaceBook page under Ray Morrissey.
It is a picture of me that has been in a couple of books by Dennis Morris.
The legendary Sex Pistols Jubilee Boat Gig in June 1977.
This was the queue of people (with me at the back) that did not get on the boat.
We didn't even have a departure time let alone any ticket or proper invite.
Sid told me about a couple of days before and we just turned up.
It was leaving just as we got there so they must have got everyone on board an hour or so earlier.
Nice photo though.
Sunday 04 February 2018.
Happy Birthday to rock legend ALICE COOPER who is 70 today.
Snakes, straight jackets, blood and an execution by guillotine — they've all been part of Alice Cooper's horror shows. The cult star has inspired heavy metal musicians for the past 50 years.
I have seen him live over 20 times since 1975...he aways puts on a fantastic show...
Friday 02 February 2018.
Sid Vicious was found dead this day in 1979...39 years ago...
The 21-year-old Sex Pistols bassist was found dead in bed ahead of his trial for
the murder of former girlfriend Nancy Spungen.
An autopsy confirmed Vicious (born John Simon Ritchie) died from an accumulation of fluid on the lungs –
a symptom characteristic of heroin abuse.
How many people can say they saw Sid Vicious play with three different bands?
I saw him play with...
Siouxsie and The Banshees at The 100 Club in Sept 1976...Sid on drums just for their debut show.
Sex Pistols at Screen on The Green , Islington in April 1977.
Vicious White Cats at The Electric Ballroom, Camden in April 1978...Glen Matlock also in the band.
In early June 1977 i chatted with Sid Vicious at a Ramones gig at The Roundhouse and he told me about
The Sex Pistols Jubilee secret boat gig that would happen a couple of days later.
We went down there but we did not know the early start time so just missed it....so we went off
to Earls Court Arena to see Queen play their Jubilee gig instead.
Friday 02 February 2018.
Some Guys Have All The Luck - The Rod Stewart Story live at The Beck Theatre, Hayes, Middx.
I saw this enjoyable Rod Stewart tribute show a couple of years ago at this same cosy theatre.
It is a near sell out as around 550 seated tickets sold , out of a capacity of 600.
A couple of Rod lookalikes in the crowd and a few more are wearing tartan scarves.
A nice long show of 2 hours 15 mins over two sets of 70 mins and 65 mins.
Paul Metcalfe as Rod has the spiky haired barnet for which Sir Roderick is known for and
he talks and sings just like Rod and has that Rod swagger.
Throughout the first act, ‘Rod’ and his pukka four piece backing band give us the old hits from
Stewart’s early days from his humble beginnings in the r 'n b clubs of the 60's through to
worldwide superstardom and record sales in excess of 100 million!
Pretty much every song has a few words on the history of the track.
There is a big screen showing pictures of Rod including single covers, album covers ,press clippings
and Rod relaxing with his various girlfriends and wives that he has had over the past 50 years.
The second half was more lively as the crowd stood up and danced and sang loudly to most songs.
Rod Stewart has recorded so many great songs over the years which were played tonight.
A very enjoyable show.
Full show setlist was as follows...
FIRST SET
Hot Legs
Can't Stop Me Now
Handbags & Gladrags
Jeff Beck Group song???
In A Broken Dream
Every Picture Tells A Story
Reason to Believe
Maggie May
Ohh La La
Stay With Me
Sweet Little Rock n Roller
You Wear It Well
This Old Heart of Mine
Some Guys Have All The Luck
SECOND SET
Young Turks
The Motown Song
Tonight's The Night (Gonna Be Alright)
The Killing of Georgie (Parts 1 and 2)
You're in My Heart
The First Cut Is The Deepest
Rhythm Of My Heart
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me ) Higher and Higher
Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?
Baby Jane
Sailing
Encore :
Maggie May (reprise)
www.someguyshavealltheluck.com
Check the website here for upcoming tour dates.
Friday 02 February 2018.
Sad news that Dennis Edwards of The Temptations has passed away aged 74.
The star, who was born in Birmingham, Alabama on February 3, became a member of The Temptations after the group sacked David Ruffin in 1968. He sung the lead on ‘Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone’ and ‘Cloud Nine’, which both received Grammy awards. He was fired in 1977, but returned in 1980 when the soul act returned to their previous label home of Motown.
I saw him perform live a few times.
Thursday 01 February 2018...I went to three events tonight...
6pm to 6.30pm
CARPENTERS WORKSHOP GALLERY - private view - 4 Albemarle Street, London W1.
Carpenters Workshop Gallery | London is pleased to present Lust for Life, a solo exhibition by Atelier van Lieshout, from February 1 to May 11, 2018. After the successful solo show Furnification presented at the gallery in Paris last fall, followed by the Domestikator, a twelve-meter high inhabitable sculpture censored by the Louvre Museum and subsequently installed at the Piazza Centre Pompidou; Lust for Life continues to explore van Lieshout’s recent sculptural experiments to invent a new material vocabulary that questions civilization.
A couple of very interesting works here which was a stunning chandelier made from around
200 pairs of spectacles and a grandfather clock which had an image of a guy in the clock face
and every minute he would rub out the minute hand and marker in the next minute.I was looking
at it transfixed for 10 mins and the timing was spot on.Very clever.
Complimentary white wines for all guests.
www.carpentersworkshopgallery.com
Visit their website here for more info and photos.
then
6.35pm to 8.30pm
THE PURE PACKAGE WELLNESS AWARDS 2018 at BAFTA, Piccadilly,London W1.
Around 200 guests here with around a 75% female crowd in nice glam outfits.
A few celebrity faces here including Piers Morgan who earlier this week had an exclusive
interview with President Donald Trump for ITV.
Gok Wan was the dj here before the awards.
Celebrity faces here included Jo Wood, Leah Wood, Robert Pirez, Angela Rippon, Colin Jackson,
Arlene Phillips, Amber Le Bon, Noelle Reno, Sarah Jane-Crawford, Jessica Wright, Sinitta,
Olivia Cox, Stephen Belafonte and others.
At around 7.45pm the 10 awards were handed out with just the one male recipient.
Debbie Moore OBE, founder of Pineapple Dance Studios, picked up an award.
Debbie said next year she is celebrating 40 years since her well known dance studios started.
Complimentary Taittenger champers, Mojito cocktails, wines, beers and canapés for all guests.
All guests got a bulky goodie bag on departure.
www.purepackage.com
Visit the Pure Package website here for info on Healthy Eating & Fitness.
then
8.40pm to 9.30pm
BENTLEY MOMENTUM UNLIMITED - FRAGRANCE LAUNCH -
The Croc Bowling Alley @ The Ham Yard Hotel, Soho, London W1.
Luxury brand Bentley Fragrances launch their new mens fragrance.
The Croc Bowling Alley is a very nice private events space which houses an original 1950's two lane
bowling alley, stylish lounge, bar and dance floor. Imported from Texas.
Around 150 guests here which kept the two lanes of bowling popular.
The fragrance comes in a very stylish heavy glass bottle with the Bentley "B in Wings' iconic logo.
It is exclusive to Harrods from March and then rolls out to other luxury stores worldwide.
Complimentary Pommery champers and canapés for all guests.
All guests got a nice 100ml bottle of the fragrance in the goodie bag on departure.
www.bentley-fragrances.com
Visit their website here for more info on all Bentley Fragrances.
Thursday 01 February 2018.
The UK Americana Awards at The Hackney Empire, East London.
Congrats to rock legend Robert Plant who picked up The Lifetime Achievement Award.
His band were due to play one or two songs on the night.
Indie Country superstar Courtney Marie Andrews won International Artist Of The Year.
UK fans fell for Courtney’s breakthrough album 'Honest Life' last year, when as the BBC put it, she became an “overnight success” after 10 years trying to break into the business... she has been on the road since she was 16 years old, when she left home in Arizona for her first tour (sleeping under bridges!!).
Thursday 01 February 2018.
A couple of facts about the legendary 100 Club in Oxford Street.
It first starting putting on shows way back in October 1942.
On 23 February 1986 The Rolling Stones played a tribute secret gig show there
for their recently deceased pianist Ian Stewart, a concert that was their only live
performance anywhere between 1982 and 1989.
Wednesday 31 January 2018...6.45pm to 9.15pm...
OCEAN LINERS : SPEED and STYLE - private view - V & A Museum, South Kensington, London SW7.
A big crowd of around 500 guests are here tonight.
Guests included actor Julian Fellowes and 80s style guru Peter York.
Experience a unique journey through the design stories of the world's greatest ocean liners, including the Titanic, Normandie, the Queen Mary and the Canberra, and find out how these impressive vessels helped shape the modern world.
At 8.15pm i spent 30 mins walking through the dozen rooms of the exhibition.
Over 250 items on display including original posters, models of ships, wall panels,
furniture, textiles, fashion etc...and video footage of life on the QE2 and other ships.
The exhibition focuses on the heyday era of 1859 to 1969.
It included a wooden panel that is the the largest surviving piece that was in The Titanic.
Also a five metre-high lacquered gold leaf panel from the 1930s French ship Normandie.
Really good to see such a great exhibition....makes you want to go on a cruise....
A nice touch here was a couple of female djs in vintage clothing actually playing 78 vinyl
that would have been the music on the ships on old wind-up record players.
It is on until June....General adult tickets are £18 each.
Complimentary sparkling wines, White Lady Cocktails , Negroni's , wines and canapés for all guests.
Next week on Channel 5 tv there are two series being shown.
Firstly a series of the iconic QE2 cruise ship and the second Cruising with Jane McDonald.
www.vam.ac.uk
Visit their website here for more info and to buy tickets.
Wednesday 31 January 2018.
Happy Birthday to John Lydon who is 62 today
Tuesday 30 January 2018....I went to three events tonight...
At 6.15pm i bumped into Buzzcocks guitarist Steve Diggle in New Bond Street.
He was carrying some shopping bags with his other half.
then
6.30pm to 7.30pm
The Columbia Threadneedle Prize: Figurative Art Today , The Mall Galleries, London SW1.
Over 200 guests here at this gallery a few yards from The ICA.
Over 4000 works were submitted and 104 have been shortlisted and are being shown here.
One artist is chosen to win the £20,000 prize.
Complimentary champers, wines , Moscow Mule cocktails and nibbles.
It is on from 31 January 2018 to 17 February 2018...10am to 5pm (closes 1pm on final day)
www.mallgalleries.org.uk
Visit their website here for more info.
then
7.40pm to 9pm
COSTA Book of The Year Award , Quaglino's , Bury Street, St James's, London SW1.
At this event in Jan 2015 David Gilmour gave me exclusive news on his 'Rattle That Lock' album
that would come out later that year in September.
Around 300 guests here tonight including a few well known faces.
Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet), Ian Hislop, Anneka Rice, Imogen Stubbs, Sian Williams,
Sophie Raworth, Fern Britton, Robert Peston, Kate Adie, Laura Bailey and Art Malik.
The host was Penny Smith who was wearing a sparkly outfit.
The winner - Book of the Year: Inside the Wave by Helen Dunmore
Helen Dunmore died of cancer in June 2017, aged 64. Inside the Wave gathers the poetry
she wrote in the final months of her life, a poignant reflection on being close to death.
Complimentary sparkling wines (was Veuve Clicquot champers in previous years ), cocktails,
wines, beers and canapés.
All guests got a small goodie bag which included one of the shortlisted books.
then
9.10pm to 11.30pm
RADIO TIMES COVERS PARTY , Claridge's, Brook Street, London W1.
Annual party that celebrates those that made the cover of Radio Times in the past year.
Around 300 guests at this famous five star hotel.
Well known faces here included Paul Merton and Richard Osman (his brother is in Suede).
Also Coronation Street actresses Kym Marsh and Sally Dynevor.
Also Gareth Malone, Wilnelia Forsyth, Nick Robinson and a few others i missed.
Complimentary champers , wines and lots of yummy food including cheeseburgers, bacon rolls,
fish n chips, tempura, canapés etc.
Vip's and press got a very nice bulky goodie bag with a dozen items in.
Tuesday 30 January 2018.
Happy Birthday to Phil Collins who is 67 today.
Happy Birthday to Gene Hackman who is 88 today.
Happy Birthday to Peter Crouch who is still playing Premier League football at Stoke aged 37.
Monday 29 January 2018.
During Sunday night’s Grammy Awards Ed Sheeran won both of the awards he was up for,
Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance for ‘Shape Of You’.
However ,although he is not touring at the moment, he did not turn up to collect his awards.
Bruno Mars picked up six awards including Best Album.
Fact of the day...
It took an incredible 25 songwriters to write the FIVE SONGS nominated for Grammy Song of the Year.
The winning song ‘That’s What I Like’ by Bruno Mars had EIGHT SONGWRITERS.
Sunday 28 January 2018.
June always has some big clashes and this year it's already getting booked up...
Friday 22 June
Lenny Kravitz - Wembley Arena
Foo Fighters - London Stadium
Kris Kristofferson - Kew Gardens
Taylor Swift - Wembley Stadium
Sat 23 June
Billy Idol - Brixton Academy
Foo Fighters - London Stadium
Taylor Swift - Wembley Stadium
Plus it's also The Isle of Wight Festival Weekend with Kasabian, Killers, Depeche Mode , Liam G etc.
Saturday 27 January 2018.
Happy Birthday to Pink Floyd's Nick Mason who is 74 today.
Saturday 27 January 2018.
I came across this great full show by STEEL PANTHER on YouTube.
It is an official webcast so great sound quality with multi cameras.
Type in google - Steel Panther, House of Blues, Hollywood , 2015.
On 42 mins is Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme) playing 'You Really Got Me ' (Van Halen version) with them.
On 80 mins Steel Panther play a great version of Van Halen's 'Panama' followed
by Billy Ray Cyrus joining them to sing 'Rebel Yell' by Billy Idol.
Plus of course various female fans joining them on stage through the show for a dance.
Friday 26 January 2018....I went to two gigs tonight...
5.45pm to 6.45pm
HOLLIE COOK live at Rough Trade West, Portobello Road, London.
This was a free in-store intimate gig for around 30 people crammed into this small space.
Hollie is the daughter of Sex Pistols/Professionals drummer Paul Cook who is here to support her.
Today was the release day for Hollie's new album 'Vessel of Love'.
It is her third album and her first for Merge Records.
The new album was produced by Martin “Youth " Glover, founding member and bassist of Killing Joke.
Hollie Cook started at 6.05pm for a five song 25 mins set.
She was backed by an acoustic guitar and keyboards.
There is no stage and the audience is proper 'in your face' close up.
Hollie sings five tracks from her new album 'Angel Fire', 'Ghostly Fading', 'Lunar Addiction',
'Stay Alive' and 'Survive'.
Hollie has a great voice and her lovely big smile and warm friendly easy going banter
perfectly matches her cool 'tropical pop' sound.
I got the new album signed by Hollie after the set.
-----------------------------
then
STEEL PANTHER + INGLORIOUS + WAYWARD SONS live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.
Steel Panther play the second of two London shows as part of their UK tour.
Steel Panther are touring to promote their fourth album 'Lower the Bar' that came out in 2017.
With support from Inglorious who released their second album in 2017.
Steel Panthers Shepherds Empire Empire gig a few days before got a slagging in The Standard paper.
Stating that in the era of Times Up and #MeToo there surely couldn't be a worse time to
be a sexist hair metal parady band, saying "Times's Up for this tired bunch".
The band themselves have had plenty of stick like that in their career so are used to it.
With stage comments like " a lot of people are calling our singer the Harvey Weinstein of rock n roll" and
when inviting a girls only stage invasion "bring the titties to the stage"....they plainly don't care...
I have seen their show a few times and it's great fun and their music rocks too.
-------------------------------
Tonight we have a nice three band rock package from promoters Live Nation.
WAYWARD SONS arrived on stage at 7.30pm and played for 30 mins.
Wayward Sons feature Toby Jepson on vocals who was the singer with Little Angels in the
late 1980s / early 1990s who i saw several times including when they headlined Hammersmith Odeon
and when they supported Van Halen, Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams.
They played a really good set of tracks from their debut album that came out in 2017.
Wayward Sons full setlist played tonight...
Alive
Ghost
Killing Time
Crush
Small Talk
Something Wrong
Until the End
INGLORIOUS arrived on stage at 8.15pm and played for 30 mins.
Inglorious are definitely one of the newer rock bands whose star is rising.
Their second album went to number 22 in the UK charts last year.
Though very much a band project, former reality show hopeful and Trans Siberian Orchestra vocalist Nathan James will always be the focal point with his leonine appearance and a voice that combines the deep throaty blues of a prime time Coverdale with effortless high pitched screams.
A really good set.
Full Inglorious setlist played tonight...
Read All About It
Breakaway
Change Is Coming
Warning
Taking the Blame
I Don't Need Your Loving
Holy Water
Until I Die
STEEL PANTHER arrived on stage at 9.15pm and played for 1 hour 45 mins.
In the crowd are plenty of Steel Panther lookalikes with the wigs and headbands.
Also loads of women in proper 'rock chick' attire.
In the rock world you either love Steel Panther or loathe them.
Steel Panther shows are half ‘80s heavy metal heaven and half stand-up x-rated comedy shows.
Their sound has elements of Poison, Motley Crue, Van Halen etc all mixed in.
As usual there was plenty of hilarious but very smutty stage banter between songs.
From the start the band encouraged females down the front to get their tits out...and they did.
Looking at the song titles below will give you a taster of what to expect.
The bottom line is the mix of great songs and great comedy makes for a great show.
Full Steel Panther setlist played tonight...
Intro tape Everybody Wants Some!! (Van Halen song)
Eyes of a Panther
Goin' in the Backdoor
Eruption (Van Halen cover) (during band presentation)
Asian Hooker
Tomorrow Night
Wasted Too Much Time
Poontang Boomerang
Guitar Solo (classic rock guitar riffs)
That's When You Came In
Weenie Ride
17 Girls in a Row (100 female fans dancing on stage with the band )
Gloryhole (100 female fans dancing on stage with the band)
Death to All but Metal
Encore:
Community Property
Party All Day (Fuck All Night)
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During the show the singer said "we can confirm we will be back
in the summer to play The Ramblin' Man Festival in Maidstone, Kent".
Thursday 25 January 2018...I went to two events today...
11.45am to 4pm.
THE SEAFISH NATIONAL FISH & CHIP AWARDS - The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London W2.
Celebrating their 30th anniversary, the awards bring together the UK’s best fish and chip shops to
award excellence in 15 different categories, before crowning the nation’s number one shop.
The awards will be hosted by Nigel Barden who is the food and drink presenter for BBC London TV,
Radio and Online.
Forget your trendy Vietnamese street food, kebabs, burgers or even fried chicken. When it comes to takeaway meals, us British still love our fish and chips. There are currently 10,500 specialist fish and chip shops nationwide, and 22 per cent of us visit one of them every week. Overall, we eat 382 million portions of fish and chips every year, adding up to a 1.2 billion pound industry - not to mention the boost it provides to vinegar manufacturers, ketchup makers and seagulls.
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I arrive for the Cava drinks reception and the hotel foyer is buzzing with guests chatting.
At 12.15pm the big crowd of 650 take to their seats for the three course lunch and the awards.
SEAFISH CEO Marcus Coleman gave a welcome speech.
I am on a very friendly table and the very yummy three course lunch was as follows...
Starter - Pastrami of salmon, warm smoked salmon croquette, citrus hot smoked salmon and cucumber,
caper and parsley mayonnaise.
Mains - Roasted cod fillet , shellfish pie, saffron mash, mushy peas, spring onion butter sauce.
Dessert - Sticky toffee pudding, salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream
Coffee with petit fours.
Red & White wines on the table.
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From 2.15pm to 3.45pm were the main awards presentation with host Nigel Barden.
Poppies Fish & Chips in Soho were the only London nomination today.
Best Newcomer Award went to Malt & Anchor, Cirencester, Gloucestershire.
NFFF Fish and Chip Quality Champion Award went to Towngate Fisheries, Idle, Bradford, West Yorks.
From Field to Frier Award went to Mister C's ,Selby, North Yorkshire.
The Good Catch Sustainable Seafood Award went to Fish City , Belfast.
Staff Training & Development Award went to Penaluna's Famous Fish & Chips, Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Marketing Innovation Award went to Krispie's Fish & Chips , Exmouth, Devon.
Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year Award went to The Pelican ,Barnstable, Devon.
Best Multiple Fish and Chip Operator Award went to The Good Catch (Cheshire and surrounding areas).
Best Foodservice Operator Award went to The Marcia Inn, Bishopthorpe, York , North Yorkshire.
Best Seafood Week Campaign Award went to The Pelican Barnstable, Devon.
Fish & Chip Friday School Meal Education Award went to North Tyneside Council.
Healthy Eating Fish & Chips Award went to Fish City, Belfast.
Best Mobile Fish and Chip Operator Award went to Starchip Enterprise , Worcestershire.
Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year Award went to Peter Calvert at Mister C's , North Yorkshire.
The main award for Fish and Chip Shop of the Year went to
First place • MILLLER'S FISH & CHIPS, Haxby, North Yorkshire (North East England)
Second place • Burton Road Chippy, Lincoln, Lincolnshire (Eastern England)
Third place • Harbourside Fish & Chips, Plymouth, Devon (South & West England)
A very enjoyable event.
Reminder, it's Friday today which is the perfect day to treat yourself to some fish & chips.
www.fishandchipawards.com
Visit their website here for more info.
then
4.45pm to 8.15pm.
ARCHITECT@WORK showcase at Olympia, West Kensington, London W14.
Architects and interior designers are showcasing over 300 innovative products and services
by manufacturers and distributors.
All exhibitors go through a strict process with an external judging panel, ensuring the presence
of high calibre innovations.
Many top notch names from around Europe are here.
From the UK we have BreezeFree who have been making outdoor space work
at bars & restaurants for the last 20 years with imaginative design.
www.breezefree.com
Visit their website here for more info.
Some amazing photos of architects work on houses and buildings from around the world on display.
I love the small scale models they use.
Complimentary wines, beers, platters of various rolls and glazed donuts all through the event.
www.architectatwork.com
Visit their website here for more info.
Thursday 25 January 2018.
Shock news that MARK E. SMITH ,the irascible frontman of Manchester post-punk band the Fall, has died at the age of 60.
Smith formed the Fall in 1976 in Prestwich and was the only constant member of the band. He was known for his tempestuous relationship with his bandmates, and frequently fired them – there have been 66 different members over the years, with a third of them lasting less than a year. Smith famously once said: “If it’s me and yer granny on bongos, it’s The Fall.”
He was a famously prolific musician. Last year the Fall released their 32nd studio album, New Facts Emerge, and had been fitfully touring in recent months when Smith’s health would allow. The band played London’s 100 Club in July, while Smith performed from a wheelchair in Wakefield in October.
The Fall were John Peel’s favourite band and they recorded twenty-four sessions for his radio show
over the years – more than any other artist.
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I remember buying their debut album when it came out in 1979.
I saw them a few times with the first time supporting The Buzzcocks at The Marquee Club in 1977
and headline shows at Hammersmith Odeon in 1988 and The Forum in 1995.
I also went to his autobiography book launch party.
Wednesday 24 January 2018.
Happy Birthday to Jools Holland who is 60 today.
Tuesday 23 January 2018...I went to two events today...
Noon to 3pm.
LONGINES Worlds Best Racecourse & LONGINES Worlds Best Horse Race Ceremony,
Claridges , Brook Street, London W1.
Back to this famous five star hotel for the second time in two days.
Around 200 guests including Victoria Pendleton are seated here for the three course lunch.
Lots of big name owners and trainers here from the horse racing world.
We are part of the 25 press folks including various camera crews standing around the venue.
Qatar’s growing stature on the global racing scene was acknowledged in no uncertain terms yesterday with the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winning the 2017 Longines World’s Best Horse Race award at a gala function held at the iconic Claridge’s Hotel in London.
This is the second time the race is winning the prestigious honour, following its success at the inaugural awards in 2015.
Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club General Manager Nasser bin Sherida al-Kaabi, France Galop President Edouard de Rothschild and General Manager Olivier Delloye were in London to accept the prize. The awards were adjudged jointly by Swiss watchmaking brand Longines and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA)
The Longines World’s Best Racehorse title went – for the second year in a row – to the American colt Arrogate with a rating of 134. The Australian mare Winx took second place with 132, followed by Cracksman (GB) and Gun Runner (USA), who were tied at 130.
The Longines World’s Best Horse Race Award recognises the highest rated race of all the Group 1 international races, with the ratings of the top four finishers in each race serving as basis for the assessment.
Complimentary Laurent Perrier champers , wines and canapés for the entire three hours here for me.
All guests got a nice quality scarf in the goodie bag on departure.
then
6pm to 8pm.
TORNABUONI ART LONDON - private view - 46 Albemarle Street , London W1.
This trendy Italian gallery is hosting works by Piero Dorazio.
Around 150 guests here including a healthy Italian contingent.
Complimentary prosecco, wines and canapés for all guests.
www.tornabuoniart.com
Visit their website here for more info and items in the exhibition.
Tuesday 23 January 2018.
Sad news that ex Judas Priest drummer DAVE HOLLAND has died aged 69.
Holland was drummer for Priest during their classic period, appearing on British Steel (1980), Point of Entry (1981), Screaming With Vengeance (1982), Defenders of the Faith (1984), Turbo (1986) and Ram It Down (1988).
He left the band in 1989 due to family and health problems.
I saw him play many times in the 1980s when the band played Hammersmith Odeon on every tour.
Tuesday 23 January 2018.
Sad news that legendary South African jazz trumpeter HUGH MASEKELA has died age 78.
I saw him play as part of a special show that was held on 29 April 2001.
R.E.M .+ The Corrs + Atomic Kitten + Labi Siffre + Dave Stewart +Ladysmith Black Mambazo + Beverley Knight + Hugh Masekela + speech by Nelson Mandela Trafalgar Square , London
invite only show for 17,000 to celebrate South Africa Day.A cold and rainy day. Each act did 1 to 3 songs apart from REM who did a good 6 song 30 mins set but highlight of the day for me was Labi Siffre singing Something Inside So Strong which was just stunning .
Monday 22 January 2018...6.45pm to 9.15pm...
THE COMMUNITY AWARDS of Mayfair & St James's at Claridge's ,Brook Street, London W1.
Always nice to at this famous five star hotel.
Around 400 guests standing here in the ballroom.
Guests included Mark-Francis Vandelli who rose to fame on the E4 series Made in Chelsea.
Also here was Alistair Guy.
I was at this event in Jan 2016 when Christine McVie from Fleetwood Mac presented an award.
Tonight's main presenter is tv presenter, comedian and singer Alexander Armstrong who is
probably best known for hosting the tv quiz programme Pointless.
He said he had recorded four episodes earlier that day before the awards.
Nine Awards were given out.
The Awards ensure that the community that binds Mayfair & St James’s together is recognised, nurtured and celebrated.
Robin Birley won an award for his Mayfair members club 5 Hertford Street.
Joan Burstein was given The Lifetime Achievement Award.
In the 1970s before there were multi-brand boutiques she founded Browns Boutique in South Molton Street.
After the awards classically-trained singer Natalie Rushdie performed a couple of songs.
Complimentary Harrods champers, fig & cinnamon martini cocktails and wines for all guests.
Also canapés from Chutney Mary (73 St James's Street, London SW1) and
luxury cakes and desserts from GC Couture (25 Dover Street ,London W1).
All guests got a goodie bag with some items from Harrods.
Sunday 21 January 2018.
Back in London ok and it's cold and rainy.
My press trip review to Taiwan is now finished.
Scroll back to 08 Jan to 20 Jan to see it.
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