News and Reviews: 27th November 2018
Monday 26 Nov 2018.I bought this stunning single when it first came out 42 years ago today.
"Anarchy in the U.K." by The Sex Pistols. It was released as the band's debut single on 26 November 1976 and was later featured on their superb album, "Never Mind the Bollocks".
I was aged 17 and a bit...they were the perfect band at the perfect time...
The record still sounds incredible today...imagine the impact it had back in 1976...
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Happy Birthday to TINA TURNER who is 79 today.
Tonight on BBC1 at 10.45pm is a new interview with her.
A nice bit of promotion for her autobiography 'My Love Story ' that came out last month.
I have seen Tina Turner live several tines including headlining Hammersmith Odeon with Ike Turner in 1974
and headlining Wembley Stadium in 2000.
Saturday 24 November 2018...5.30pm to 7.30pm...
SPURS 3 CHELSEA 1...at Wembley Stadium.
We were again upstairs in Level 5.
A few empty blocks up here but still a huge crowd of 55,465.
Chelsea's unbeaten start to the season came crashing down after an impressive Tottenham win at Wembley.
Dele Alli opened the scoring for the hosts after just seven minutes with a flicked header at the near post.
Harry Kane doubled Spurs' lead when he found the bottom corner after Chelsea let him shoot from distance.
Son Heung-min made it 3-0 early in the second half after the Korean winger produced a sensational solo goal.
Olivier Giroud came off the bench to score a late consolation for Chelsea with a powerful header late on.
Spurs now move above Chelsea in the league table.
Friday 23 November 2018.
THE DAMNED + JOHNNY MOPED live at Shepherds Bush Empire, London.
British punk rock icons The Damned are playing another UK tour for their Tony Visconti
produced album 'Evil Spirits'.
I have seen The Damned play over 30 times...including 10 times in 1977 alone...
I was at their special 40th anniversary show at The Royal Albert Hall in 2016.
The Damned still feature two original members - Dave Vanian and Captain Sensible.
Other members in the band include Paul Gray on bass who was an original member of
Eddie and the Hot Rods and has had previous stints playing with The Damned.
Support act is Johnny Moped.
Johnny Moped became one of the pioneering punk bands that played live in the first few months of London’s now-legendary Roxy Club in early 1977.
I saw them play four times in 1977/1978 including twice when they supported The Damned in 1977.
Chrissie Hynde and Captain Sensible were in the band before their respective big name band success.
A documentary about the band,' Basically, Johnny Moped' , premiered in September 2013.
I saw this documentary which is well worth seeing.
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A punk rock gig so plenty of people here that i know tonight.
JOHNNY MOPED arrived on stage at 8pm and played for 30 mins.
Johnny Moped takes to the stage in his trademark sleeveless and studded leather biker jacket.
Johnny started playing gigs again a few years ago after a lengthy break.
I suppose he never had the quality of the other bands back in 1977 but great to see him live again.
Johnny ended his set with "Hard Lovin’ Man" which appeared on the hit various artists album
'Live at the Roxy WC2' (Harvest Records, 1977).
THE DAMNED arrived on stage at 9pm and played for 1 hour 45 mins.
Lots of fans jumping around front of stage as you would imagine.
Chants of "Sensibles a wanker" ring out but it's a term of endearment here.
Dave Vanian still has his gothic vampire look with slicked back jet black hair.
Lots of tracks from their recent album played along with pure punk classics including
'Love Song', 'New Rose' , 'Neat Neat Neat' and 'Smash it Up'.
The band put on Christmas hats for the last three songs.
A great show.
Full Damned setlist played tonight...
We’re So Nice
Born to Kill
Democracy?
Wait for the Blackout
Lively Arts
Silly Kids Games
Standing on the Edge of Tomorrow
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Stranger on the Town
Devil in Disguise
The History of the World (Part 1)
I Don’t Care
Alone Again Or (Love cover)
Love Song
1 of the 2
New Rose
Neat Neat Neat
Encore:
Curtain Call
Ignite
Encore 2:
There Ain't No Sanity Clause
Smash it Up
Encore 3:
Anti-Pope
Thursday 22 November 2018...I went to three events tonight...
5.30pm to 6.40pm
MOUNT STREET Christmas Lights and The Connaught Christmas Tree Switch On -
Mount Street, Mayfair, London W1.
Around 1000 guests here on this posh Mayfair street full of top quality designer stores and Scott's restaurant.
Buzzcocks guitarist STEVE DIGGLE was a random sighting here.
Upmarket Mayfair hotel The Connaught unveiled their new tree, designed by conceptual artist and Royal Academician Sir Michael Craig-Martin. Craig-Martin is best known for his work The Oak Tree, which hangs proudly in the National Gallery of Australia.
Standing nine metres tall on Carlos Place, the giant Norway spruce is adorned with 12,000 bulbs that, for the next month or so, will constantly change colour, glow and fade throughout the night.
Sir Michael Craig-Martin switched the lights on at 6.30pm.
This is the fourth Christmas collaboration with an artist for the luxury hotel, which has previously worked with Tracey Emin, Sir Anthony Gormley and Damien Hirst.
The Connaught spoilt guests with free mulled wine, mince pies and hot chocolate. Nearby, Mount Street switched on their Christmas lights in unison with the hotel, celebrating with a street party.
Among the festivities were live DJs, Christian Louboutin , Creed and Linda Farrow were serving champagne in store.
Other stores handing out complimentary drinks and mince pies etc.
Estate agents Carter Jonas were giving out decent goodie bags.
then
6.45pm to 8.30pm
PURDEY Awards For Game and Conservation, 57-58 South Audley Street, Mayfair, London W1.
Very handy that this store is located at the end of Mount Street where we were earlier.
Around 150 guests here in this historic country clothing and antique rifle store.
A dozen awards were handed out from 7.15pm to 7.45pm to shooting estates.
English cricket legend DAVID GOWER handed out the awards.
Complimentary Laurent Perrier champers,gin n tonics, wines and canapés for all guests.
www.purdey.com
Visit the Purdey website here for the list of winners.
then
8.45pm to 10.30pm
SOUTH KOREA TOURISM - showcase - Ham Yard Hotel, Soho, London W1.
Around 150 guests in the private area of this hotel where they have a two lanes of bowling and karaoke.
There are pictures and videos and brochures here promoting South Korea and speeches.
There is a full complimentary buffet on tables including some lovely salmon...also wines and beers.
At 9.30pm there was a business card raffle for five prizes with the main one a return flight to South Korea.
Sadly i was not a winner.
All guests got a decent goodie bag on departure.
www.gokorea.co.uk
Visit their website here for more info
Wednesday 21 November 2018...I went to two events tonight...
6pm to 7.45pm
NARNIA TERRACE - launch party - at Bluebird, 350 Kings Road, Chelsea, London SW3.
Narnia comes to the King's Road with the arrival of three new heated wooden chalets on the
Bluebird Chelsea's courtyard this winter.
We are outside in the courtyard but there are plenty of heaters keeping the 150 guests warm.
There is a female dj playing some tunes in the background.
Complimentary vodka cocktails, gin cocktails, mulled wines, Peroni beers, canapes and mince pies.
www.bluebird-restaurant.co.uk
Visit the Bluebird website here for more info.
then
8.15pm to 11.15pm
TACO BELL - launch party - 100 King Street, Hammersmith , London W6.
Taco Bell is an American chain of fast food restaurants based out of Irvine, California and a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. The restaurants serve a variety of Tex-Mex foods that include tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, novelty and specialty items, and a variety of "value menu" items. As of 2018, Taco Bell serves more than 2 billion customers each year at 7,000 restaurants, more than 80 percent of which are owned and operated by independent franchisees and licensees.
Taco Bell opens a restaurant at 100 King Street in Hammersmith, two decades after closing its site at Leicester Square.
A bit odd that they have not been in London at all for that amount of time.
This is the first of three openings in London this month, although they have many outlets across the UK.
Around 70 or 80 guests here including the Indian owners who have their Bentleys parked outside.
Complimentary spirits and mixers along with prosecco and pints of lager and different soft drinks.
We had a selection of tacos and burritos which were nice but the fries were tasteless.
Desserts included some nice classic churros with chocolate or caramel.
The staff were great as they fussed over all guests as they brought food to your table.
There was a dj playing tunes and there was a fun photo booth here.
At 10pm the owners and their friends started doing a bit of 'Bhangra dad dancing' which was good fun.
The venue is five minutes from Hammersmith Apollo so easy to pop in their before a gig there.
Cheap tacos are its speciality (in the US it’s known for its ‘dollar menu’) and here it’ll be doing a sweet Tuesday deal where you get a single taco and a beer for just £2. The first Taco Bell location will be in Hammersmith, but more branches are due to open before Christmas in Holborn, Fulham and Croydon.
All guests got a goodie bag with a Taco Bell umbrella and hot and cold food to take away.
Amazingly it was still going strong at 11.15pm when we departed.
Tuesday 20 November 2018....6.30pm to 10pm...
ROSEWOOD HOTEL CHRISTMAS PARTY, Holborn, London WC1.
Around 500 guests at this annual party.
Opera singer Katherine Jenkins was here with her husband.
Always nice to be at this luxury hotel as it brings back memories of the great BAFTA parties
that disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein used to throw here.
The weather is rain all day so the event has been moved indoors from the courtyard.
At 7.50pm Take That singer GARY BARLOW took to the stage to sing three Take That hits.
1.Greatest Day
2.Back for Good
3.Rule the World
All three songs had the crowd singing along, shame he did not play a bit longer.
The backing band here that Take That use are also the backing band for Jeff Lynne's ELO.
At 8.30pm there was a nice fireworks display in the courtyard....it was still raining.
Complimentary Ruinart champers, different cocktails, wines, mulled wine, beers, canapés,
bowls of steak n dumplings, pork n apple sauce buns, toffee apples, hot chocolate etc.
This event is always a great party.
Tuesday 20 November 2018.
Fact of the day.
Lady Gaga's debut album The Fame, which turns 10 in 2019, has reached a huge milestone in the UK, passing 3 million combined sales across physical, downloads, and streams – which makes it 10-times platinum!
Monday 19 November 2018.
GARY NUMAN WITH SKAPARIS ORCHESTRA live at The Royal Albert Hall, London.
Part of a seven date UK orchestra tour by Gary Numan.
I have seen Gary Numan over 25 times since 1980.
He was a regular when i worked front stage security at Hammersmith Odeon in the 1980s when
he would play two or three nights there on each tour rather than play a night at Wembley Arena.
British electro pioneer Gary Numan makes his Royal Albert Hall debut this year, with The Skaparis Orchestra!
In 2017 Numan released Savage: Songs From A Broken World, and earned the best reviews of his career, entering the UK charts at No.2. This show will feature songs drawn not only from his highly successful Savage album, but also key songs from his vast back catalogue.
Support act is Chris Payne, who was Gary Numan former band keyboard/viola player.
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CHRIS PAYNE was the support act and i saw 30 mins of his set.
Great to see that Gary Numan has invited an ex band mate to support him.
It was mainly keyboard instrumentals but ended with a nice cover of 'Fade to Grey' where he was
joined by another ex band mate of Gary Numan from the 1980s - Russell Webb.
Gary Numan has some of the most loyal fans in music and chants of "Numan , Numan, Numan"
ring out from the crowd all through the interval and between songs in Gary's set.
GARY NUMAN arrived on stage at 8.35pm and played for 2 hours 10 mins.
Around 30 musicians on stage when you add band and orchestra members together.
There was a big screen showing pre-recorded images along with nice lights and lasers.
Gary and the band are dressed in caveman type cloth along with warpaint stripes on their faces.
A nice big hypnotic sound when the synth keyboards and the orchestra are at full tilt.
Older anthems like 'Down In The Park' and 'Are Friends Electric ' are mega but as he is featuring recent
material there is no room for classics like 'Cars' , 'We Are Glass' and '' I Die, You Die'.
Some of the newer songs sounded a bit samey but it was good Gary playing new material.
As it was the first time Gary has played this iconic venue he said "it's the best night of his life".
A great show.
Full Gary Numan setlist played tonight...
Ghost Nation
Metal
Bed of Thorns
Films
Everything Comes Down to This
Pray for the Pain You Serve
Down in the Park
Broken
Splinter
Here in the Black
My Name Is Ruin (performed with his daughter Persia)
Jagged
Mercy
My Breathing (performed with his daughter Persia)
Are 'Friends' Electric?
Encore:
This Wreckage
The End of Things
A Prayer for the Unborn
It Will End Here
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I was sitting right of stage, a couple of rows behind SEX PISTOLS drummer Paul Cook and his wife.
They were with Paul's band mate from The Professionals , Chris McCormack who played with
Gary Numan from 2006 to 2009.
Paul Cooks wife Jeni showed me a great picture of her with Gary Numan in 1980.
I asked Paul "any chance of one or two UK shows by Generation Sex" and he replied " very unlikely".
Sunday 18 November 2018...2pm to 4pm...
ENGLAND 2 CROATIA 1...at Wembley Stadium.
We are up in Level 5 again.
A few empty seats but it's pretty much a 85,000 capacity for this important game.
All seats have a free Three Lions flag on it for ticket holders.
A great second half comeback by England after going a goal down.
Two late goals, from substitute Jesse Lingard and captain Harry Kane, rescued three vital points which meant Gareth Southgate’s side took top spot in Group 4 ahead of Spain and World Cup runners-up Croatia.
England secure their place in the semi-finals of the competition and relegate their opponents.
Saturday 17 November 2018.
MARYLA RODOWICZ live at Shepherds Bush Empire, London.
Maryla Rodowicz is a Polish singer and actress who is very well known back in Poland.
Now aged 72 her career has spanned around 50 Years.
The singer's body of work comprises over 600 recorded songs, with over 20 Polish albums as well as albums in English, Czech, German and Russian.
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Maryla plays to her ex-pats who are now living in London.
There are 1500 here tonight which is pretty good going.
Polish acts can easily headline Shepherds Bush Empire and The Forum these days.
We have two other acts tonight supporting her.
MEE AND THE BAND arrive on stage at 6.50pm and play for 45 mins.
They had some big headwear and dancers on some songs.
The tracks were pretty average.
During the intervals we have dance competitions and karaoke competitions.
The bars are doing a roaring trade as the crowd are knocking the booze back.
CLEO arrives on stage at 7.50pm and plays for 60 mins.
Cleo is a Polish singer who has represented Poland at Eurovision.
A more Poppy sound that including a few recent chart cover hits.
MARYLA RODOWICZ arrived on stage at 9.10pm and played for 90 mins.
Maryla is aged 72 but looks much younger with her blonde wig.
She has a full band and two female backing singers.
During a couple of songs she invited male fans onstage for a dance and it appears to be a custom
for Polish blokes to take their tops off when they have had a few drinks, to big cheers from the crowd.
Most of the songs had a type of Eurovision waltzing pop sound that got the crowd to sway along to.
All her songs were in Polish.
It was all decent enough and the crowd loved it.
Friday 16 November 2018.
U2 are still pulling in massive crowds and dollars.
U2 have wrapped up their “Experience + Innocence: Tour,” which ended Nov. 13 after six months grossing some $126 million over 59 sold-out performances in 30 arenas in the U.S. and Europe.
Thursday 15 November 2018...8pm to 10pm..
ENGLAND 3 USA 0 at Wembley Stadium.
Wayne Rooney to get his 120th cap for his contribution to the National Team.
Harry Kane will hand the captains armband over to Wayne Rooney in the second half.
Wayne Rooney is the top goalscorer for England with 53 goals scored.
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Over 65,000 here including some 10,000 free tickets to community groups and charities.
An easy win for England.
Jesse Lingard opened the scoring on 26 minutes after curling a right-footed effort into the top corner.
Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold soon doubled the lead with his first strike for the Three Lions.
Callum Wilson marked his debut with a goal in the second half to seal a straightforward victory for the hosts.
Wayne Rooney was brought on in the 58th minute but couldn't quite seal his final appearance with a goal.
Wayne came very close to scoring at the end but it was not to be.
Rooney was given a guard of honour before the game as he entered the Wembley pitch with his family.
Usain Bolt was introduced to the crowd at half-time.
The night before this game, Usain Bolt attended the launch party for his Caribbean restaurant in East London.
Thursday 15 November 2018.
Happy Birthday to PETULA CLARK who is 86 today.
Wednesday 14 November 2018...I went to three events tonight...
3.45pm to 5pm
THE EUROPEAN PIZZA AND PASTA SHOW at Olympia, London W14.
This was Day 2 of this three day event for Trade and Press.
Most of the stands and suppliers were from Italy so lots of tasty slices of pizza being given out
along with with some pasta and tastings of Italian wines,beers and ice-cream.
Wood fired ovens on display and there was a pizza vending machine where you put your money in
and wait for the pizza to get heated up in 3 minutes and out it comes....it tasted pretty good too...
www.pizzapastashow.com
Visit their website here for more info.
then
5.30pm to 6.30pm
MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET - Christmas Lights Switch-On - London NW1.
This time of year many shopping areas of London have a celebrity switch their lights on.
This one is a bit special as it is done by rock legend ROGER DALTREY who does the honours at 6pm.
There is a nice buzzy atmosphere as over 2000 are here with stores giving out mulled wine and mince pies.
Other stores and stands are donating some of today's takings to The Teenage Cancer Trust.
Then after Rogers welcome speech , The Rock Choir sing a few songs and carols on the stage.
then
7pm to 9pm
THE SAPPHIRE RESIDENCES - presentation- Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London W1.
Over 200 guests at this famous five star hotel.
The Sapphire Residences are in Columbo, Sri Lanka.
From 7.30pm to 7.50pm we have the presentation and a video of the five star complex.
There is nowhere quite like the Sapphire Residences. An exquisite collection of apartments and penthouses boasting uninterrupted panoramic views overlooking the Indian Ocean and the Beira Lake.
Rising majestically between the ocean on one side and Beira Lake on the other, this new residential development awaits the arrival of the world’s most discerning residents. Those with a taste for the finest things in life.
These magnificent homes echo the true spirit of vertical living, built on a heightened level of luxury, comfort, security and privacy for the entire family.
Interiors are co-designed by Yoo and legendary French designer Philippe Starck.
Prices from a million dollars upwards.
The two towers are joined by a sky bridge that has it's own infinity pool.
They are calling it the the "One Hyde Park of South Asia".
It is very luxurious with great views of the beach and the city but why choose here when the country has
political turmoil at the moment and there are many other more glamorous cities.
Complimentary Laurent Perrier champers, wines, beers and lots of very tasty food.
All guests got a goodie bag with GQ and Tatler Magazines inside.
www.sapphireresidences.lk
Visit their website here for more info.
Tuesday 13 November 2018.
GUN CONTROL with me on drums are now up on YouTube.
Check out some footage from our little shindig on 10 Nov 2018.
Go to google and type in exactly as this - YouTube Gun Control At The Rocket 10/11/18
It's done on a phone so not perfect quality but it gives you an idea how it was.
Tuesday 13 November 2018.
Supergroup GENERATION SEX have played a second show.
Sex Pistols members Steve Jones and Paul Cook.
Generation X members Billy Idol and Tony James.
After a surprise show in Los Angeles, a few days after they also played in New York.
Tuesday 13 November 2018...6.30pm to 9pm...
SKATE AT SOMERSET HOUSE - launch party - Strand, London WC2.
From 14 November, Somerset House heralds the start of the festive season as its neoclassical courtyard transforms into the capital’s quintessential winter destination.
The signature 40ft Christmas tree welcomes visitors to Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason where unique experiences for all ages await, from learning the art of skating at Skate School, to discovering new music at Skate Lates. Off the ice, guests can relax in the comfort of the alpine-inspired restaurant Fortnum’s Lodge, whilst the Fortnum’s Christmas Arcade offers an array of gifts for festive shoppers. From a warming morning coffee, to a special date night or after-work drinks, Somerset House’s atmospheric setting and central location forms the perfect place for friends and family to enjoy the winter season.
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A big crowd of around 500 guests here with many getting their skates on.
A few celebrity faces including Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet/Nick Mason Band).
Also Donna Air, Alastair Guy, Christopher Kane, Tamara Beckwith, Keith Allen, Georgia Toffolo ,
Sam Rollinson ,Gavin Turk, Kelly Hoppen, Lady Wilnelia Forsyth, Lisa Snowdon, Pips Taylor and
Nick Ferrari, Fortnum & Mason boss Ewan Venters.
We had a few songs from the DREAMGIRLS show which is on The Savoy Theatre until 12 Jan 2019.
Complimentary champers, Bellinis, wines, mulled wine, hot chocolate , burgers and tasty small plates of food.
Also my first mince pies of the season.
All guests got a nice Fortnum & Mason goodie bag with items including a box of Sea Salted Caramel Truffles,
Tin of Biscuits, Jam and Tin of Spiced Green Tea.
www.somersethouse.org.uk
Visit their website for more info and to buy tickets.
Monday 12 November 2018.
MC50 (MC5) + Michael Monroe live at Shepherds Bush Empire, London.
MC50/MC5 celebrate 50 years of their classic American garage rock.
Original member Wayne Kramer has enlisted a core band of musicians hailing from different, yet simpatico backgrounds for MC50: Kim Thayil (Soundgarden, Audioslave); Marcus Durant (Zen Guerilla); Billy Gould (Faith No More); and Brendan Canty (Fugazi).
I saw them play The 100 Club several years ago but they don't play the UK that often.
They had a 30 year hiatus with only a few shows played in America in that time.
Get there early as support act Michael Monroe (ex Hanoi Rocks singer) is great live.
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My kind of garage punk gig as lots of folks here that i know.
I spotted punk rock band The Ruts and Stiff Records singer Jona Lewis here.
Level 3 is closed but a much bigger gig for them this time due to the MC50 all-star band.
MICHAEL MONROE arrived on stage 7.45pm and played for 45 mins.
Michael Monroe is now aged 56 but his skinny blonde frame is a non stop energetic whizz.
He jumped into the crowd a few times at the front and played at bit of sax.
A 45 mins set with 12 songs crammed in.
Loads of his best tunes played in a great set.
Full Michael Monroe setlist played tonight...
Ballad of the Lower East Side
Trick of the Wrist
Malibu Beach Nightmare (Hanoi Rocks song)
Old King's Road
This Ain't No Love Song
78
Long Way to Go (Alice Cooper cover)
Nothin's Alright (Demolition 23. song)
Hammersmith Palais (Demolition 23. song)
Not Faking It (Nazareth cover)
Up Around the Bend (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
Dead, Jail or Rock 'n' Roll
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MC50/MC5 arrived on stage at 9.05pm and played for 85 mins.
The first eight songs are all of their classic 'Kick Out The Jams' album.
MC5’s Kick Out The Jams was recorded live 50 years ago.
While it may not have fame on the scale of contemporaries like the Beatles’ White Album, Kick Out The Jams has continued to be listened to. Their raw, energetic sound and revolutionary political outlook are seen as a major influence on the punk, metal and hardcore that followed.
Joining Kramer in the MC50 line-up are figures from some of the many bands they influenced down the line: Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil on guitar, Faith No More’s Billy Gould on bass, Brendan Canty of Fugazi on drums and, a towering presence in the middle of the stage, big curly haired singer Marcus Durrant, of Zen Guerilla.
This band sound much tighter than the one i saw at The 100 Club.
A great show.
Full MC50 setlist played tonight...
Ramblin' Rose
Kick Out the Jams
Come Together
Rocket Reducer No. 62 (Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa)
Borderline
Motor City Is Burning
I Want You Right Now
Starship
Tonight
Shakin' Street
Future/Now
I Can Only Give You Everything (Them cover)
Call Me Animal
Encore:
Sister Anne (with Michael Monroe on sax)
Let Me Try (with Michael Monroe on sax)
Looking at You
Sunday 11 November 2018.
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY - film
Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody is released – with Rami Malek’s as iconic frontman Freddie Mercury.
Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Freddie defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet. The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound. They reach unparalleled success, but in an unexpected turn Freddie, surrounded by darker influences, shuns Queen in pursuit of his solo career. Having suffered greatly without the collaboration of Queen, Freddie manages to reunite with his bandmates just in time for Live Aid. While bravely facing a recent AIDS diagnosis, Freddie leads the band in one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music. Queen cements a legacy that continues to inspire outsiders, dreamers and music lovers to this day.
All the songs sound fantastic in a cinema and all the actors do a great job.
A very enjoyable film to watch and well worth going to.
It has a running time of 2 hours 14 minutes.
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Remember to visit the Queen pop-up store and lights in Carnaby Street in celebration of the film.
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I was lucky to have seen Freddie Mercury singing with Queen 15 times including the greatest concert
of all time which was Live Aid in 1985.
Queen,U2,Who,Paul McCartney,David Bowie,Status Quo,Boomtown Rats,Style Council,Adam Ant,Bryan Ferry,Spandau Ballet,Howard Jones,Phil Collins,Sting,Elton John,Kiki Dee,Wham,Dire Straits,Paul Young,Alison Moyet,Ultravox,Elvis Costello,Nik Kershaw,Sade Wembley Stadium , London 13.07.1985 The greatest day in live music ever .LIVE AID was a very special day.11 hours of the biggest live acts . Worldwide charity fund raiser . A one off that will never be repeated .
Saturday 10 November 2018.
GUN CONTROL live at The Rocket Pub, Chuchfield Road, Acton, London W3.
My band play their first gig since May 1982 - 36 years ago...
Three out of five original members including me on drums...along with our new singer...
Hopefully our two original members who live in Southend and Gosport can get along on the night.
We still have plans to record a two track 7 inch vinyl single in 2019.
It will be a free gig with our fee being donated to Acton Homeless Concern.
Get to the venue for 8pm for a pre-drink and band on at 9pm and dj sounds from 10pm.
Acton Homeless Concern with be there with a collection bucket for any donations on the night.
A taster comeback set with eight original songs from the early 80s and two cover versions.
Nearest station Acton Central is 50 yards away on London Overground (North London Line) services.
Acton Town tube station is 15 mins walk to The Rocket Pub.
The 207 bus stops 5 mins walk away at Acton Park.
Check the band search in www.raysgigs.com for Gun Control gig list 1980 to 1982.
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Chucking it down with rain all day may have put a couple of folks off from going out but the pub
is nicely full with 70 or 80 in the audience.
My friend Frank who does some great punk art as Mal-One has given us a stunning Gun Control backdrop.
I also have a Gun Control logo on my bass drum.
We are playing on the floor as this venue does not have a proper stage.
Our second guitarist (Bill Gaynor) turns up at 8pm after a delayed drive up from Gosport.
He sets his guitar up and we are now ready to rock.
We have our own PA system and mini sound desk
Great to see so many friends in the crowd, many who saw us in the early 1980s.
GUN CONTROL arrived on stage at 9.15pm and played for around 45 mins.
Great for me to see quality bands every week but you cannot replicate the feeling when people are
clapping and cheering for our own original songs.
All the songs we played tonight, including the covers were in our early 1980s set.
It was thrilling to be playing in front of an audience again.
A little bit of nerves but plenty of excitement too.
It all came together on the night well and the feedback from everyone after was great.
The landlord said it was his busiest night in the two years he has been there.
Straight after the show he said " come back at Christmas and do it again".
A great result for all concerned so a pretty amazing night.
Full setlist played tonight...
Teenage Kicks (cover )
Cheap Publicity
No Mercy
Wasted Youth
No Tomorrow
You Mean Nothing To Me
On Parole
Victim
Do I Need You?
Steppin' Stone ( cover)
Encore :
Teenage Kicks (cover ) (reprise)
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Check out this website for more info on Mal-One punk art.
www.eddielock.co.uk
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Total monies raised for Acton Homeless Concern = £390
Band Fee = 200
Extra donation from landlord due to extra pub takings = 100
Acton Homeless Concern Bucket Collection = 90
(Extra thanks to those who put £10 and £5 notes in the bucket)
Friday 09 November 2018...6.15pm to 9.15pm...
My band GUN CONTROL had a rehearsal session in Park Royal/North Acton.
We ran through the setlist a couple of times.
We are still not perfect...but our punk rock attitude means it doesn't need to be perfect.
Most of the crowd will be friends so hopefully they won't be too harsh on us.
After rehearsals we went for a couple of beers in the pub that we are playing tomorrow night.
See you there....
Friday 09 November 2018.
Another musician has sadly passed away.
Cellist Hugh McDowell, who was best known for his work with ELO and Wizzard throughout the 70s,
has died at the age of 65.
I saw him play live with ELO and Wizzard in the 1970s.
Thursday 08 November 2018...I went to three events tonight...
5pm to 6pm
CARNABY STREET CHRISTMAS PARTY , London W1.
There was a stage set up where a band played 30 mins of Queen cover versions.
Always good to hear classics like 'Killer Queen' and 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.
This was a great pairing to the Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen light installation above our heads.
There was pop-up van giving out complimentary Bacardi cocktails.
then
6.15pm to 9.45pm
PAUL RAYMOND PUBLICATIONS AWARDS 2018 at Cafe de Paris, Coventry Street, London W1.
Paul Raymond Publications is a British pornography publisher of monthly softcore pornographic magazine titles: Escort, Club International, Mayfair, Men Only, Men's World, Razzle, Swing Mag, Club DVD and Escort DVD. It also publishes an adult website at www.paulraymond.xxx which features both softcore and hardcore.
The magazines had massive sales in the 1970s and 1980s but sales have declined due to the internet.
Around 400 or 500 guests here including lots of very nice semi-naked females.
The girls were both young and old and much more friendlier than other girls you talk too at parties.
A nice mix of slim girls and plus size girls.
At 6.15pm we had a female string quartet playing which was a bit random for the type of event it was.
At 7pm we had various entertainment from a female comedian , burlesque, pole dancing, fire breather ,
a black male stripper,a rapper performed a few tracks and others.
There were 15 awards handed out.
A full complimentary bar (except champers ) including all sprits it's so i had a few JD n cokes,
also prosecco, wines and beers.
We had a great time here.
then
10pm to 11.45pm
DON QUIXOTE - press night party - Browns Brasserie & Bar, St Martins Lane, London WC2.
This was the party for the theatre first night that was at The Garrick Theatre earlier in the evening.
A big crowd as 400 guests have taken over the entire venue.
Actors David Threlfall and Rufus Hound were here as they have the lead roles.
About Don Quixote...
After a lifetime of reading books on chivalry, one eccentric old man heads off on a rumbustious quest to become a wandering knight accompanied by his faithful and equally ill-suited servant, ‘riotously performed by David Threlfall as Don Quixote and Rufus Hound as Sancho Panza’ (The Times).
Complimentary wines , beers and lots of tasty food including full size burgers, wild salmon,
jumbo Yorkshire sausages with caramelised onions and tubs of Häagen-Dazs ice-cream.
Wednesday 07 November 2018...6.30pm to 9.45pm...
BAFTA BREAKTHROUGH BRITS - reception party - 194 Piccadilly, London SW1.
A big crowd of around 300 guests are at this space below the BAFTA HQ which used to be Barbecoa.
We went to the very nice launch party for Barbecoa steak restaurant which was owned by Jamie Oliver.
It closed earlier this year after only a year in business due to financial problems.
Bond star Gemma Arterton joined fellow judges Stacy Martin and George MacKay at a reception as BAFTA, in partnership with Burberry, unveiled this year's Breakthrough Brits. Tom Hiddelston and Cressida Bonas were among VIP guests at 194 Piccadilly to meet 19 of the UK’s most promising future stars of film, games and television, including actress Jessica Barden, comedian Luisa Omielan and director Daniel Kokotajlo.
At 7.15pm we had a 20 mins presentation of each name along with a clip of their work on the screens.
Complimentary Nyetimber English Sparkling Wines, two different gin cocktails and canapés.
The 19 names are...
Adrienne Law – Games Producer
Annie Price – Presenter
Chris Walley – Actor
Daniel Kokotajlo – Writer/Director
Daniel Lawrence Taylor – Actor/Writer
Ellena Wood – Director
Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly – Producer
Harry Nesbitt – Artist and Game Developer
Jay Armstrong – Game Developer
Jessica Barden – Actress
John Campbell and Katie Goode – Technical Director & Creative Director
Lucy Cohen – Writer/Director
Luisa Omielan – Comedian
Lottie Bevan – Co-Founder & COO
Michael Pearce – Director
Paapa Essiedu – Actor
Ria Zmitrowicz – Actress
Vanessa Whyte – Cinematographer
Tuesday 06 November 2018...8pm to 10pm...
Spurs 2 v PSV Eindhoven 1... UEFA Champions League at Wembley Stadium.
Around 46,000 here including over 4,000 away fans which meant Level 5 was half empty.
PSV have won 11 out of 11 in the Eredivisie this season but they have flattered to deceive in Europe and they have not won a Champions League tie since 2015. They started brightly and De Jong’s goal sparked delirium among their fans, who fired up the atmosphere with their songs and bouncing up and down.
Spurs missed a couple of good chances to draw level in the first half but Harry Kane managed to get two goals in the second half with the winner coming just before the end to the joy of Spurs fans.
Spurs and their fans greeted the final whistle with a mixture of elation and relief as they fashioned a turnaround that was starting to look increasingly unlikely to revive their fading Champions League aspirations.
Pochettino and his players know, however, that they simply must move their game on to another level if they are to get the results they need at home to Inter Milan and then that most daunting of tasks, away to Barcelona, to go through into the knockout stage.
Tuesday 06 November 2018.
THE SEX PISTOLS played their debut show this day in 1975
Forty three years ago, over the course of 15 minutes on a rainy November night in London's Charing Cross Road, four obstreperous youths with spiky haircuts and their famously troublemaking manager changed Western culture forever.
They supported Bazooka Joe (with Adam Ant on bass) at Central Saint Martins College.
Monday 05 November 2018.
2.30pm to 7pm
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET - trade/press/VIP day - Excel, East London.
This massive event features many countries and cities and States (USA) showcasing why you should visit.
WTM London facilitates £2.8 billion in industry deals and has around 5,000 exhibitors from 182 countries and regions and more than 10,000 attending each day.
Many stands have staff in their National dress.
Many stands are giving out complimentary drinks and food.
We have a press list telling us when each country is having an hourly showcase.
We stop of at TURKEY and part of their presentation was the good value.
UK travellers can get £139 more of Turkish Lira than this time last year for £500 currency transaction.
3pm we were at the GREECE stand for a presentation along with wines and canapés.
4pm we attended the TAIWAN tourism showcase.
Around 100 guests with complimentary presecco, beers and canapés.
A nice business card raffle here with four single prizes of return flights to Taiwan...sadly i was not a winner.
Eastenders actor Rudolph Walker was on hosting duties at the TOBAGO stand.
5pm we were at INDIA for a complimentary buffet and dozen dancers performing Bhangra.
6pm we were at HOLLAND for Pornstar Martinis and canapés.
You can go all three days here and still not see everything.
then
7.30pm to 11pm
CUBA TOURISM PARTY at Boisdale, Canary Wharf, East London.
On each of the three nights of WTM , a few countries hold parties away from Excel.
Around 200 guests have taken over this very nice live music venue.
This is where Glen Matlock launched his recent album with a residence of shows.
A Cuban band played two 30 mins sets at 9.15pm and 10.15pm.
Lots of complimentary drinks and food with a Cuban vibe as three different rum cocktails
along with loads of Cuban food.
A great party.
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Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean. It’s also the least expensive. Besides low-cost living, tourists are drawn by perfect winter weather and more than 300 white sandy beaches lapped by turquoise seas.
Highlights include the dramatic karst landscapes of Viñales Valley, Spanish colonial towns such as Trinidad and the capital city itself. Havana belongs in another era, with its vintage American cars, art deco architecture and lack of violent crime.
Sunday 04 November 2018.
2pm to 4.30pm
GUN CONTROL band rehearsals in the Park Royal/North Acton area.
We ran through the setlist a couple of times.
Remember our first gig back is Saturday 10 Nov in Acton.
See my gig list above for full info on the venue etc.
then
OLD DOMINION live at Shepherds Bush Empire, London.
Country music band from Nashville who are very popular back in America.
Both their albums have sold over 100,000 copies over there.
Their music is contemporary country with rock instrumentation, and has pop and hip hop overtones.
American country act Old Dominion are bringing a slice of Nashville over to the UK as they tour second studio album, Happy Endings. The band's musical abilities are highly acclaimed and sought after, having written an impressive string of hits for acts such as Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, and Luke Bryan.
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You wouldn't have heard of Old Dominion unless you were a big fan of 'new country music'.
Amazingly the show tonight is totally sold out.
ERIC PASLAY arrived on stage at 7.30pm and played for 20 mins.
Eric has released one album for EMI Nashville, which contains the singles "Friday Night", "Song About a Girl", and "She Don't Love You". In addition to these, Paslay has written several hit singles for other artists, and has collaborated with Amy Grant, Dierks Bentley, Charles Kelley, among others.
He played a decent set that featured the best tracks from his debut album.
WALKER HAYES and band arrived on stage at 8.05pm and played for 30 mins.
He has released two albums and had success in his home of America.
He has a more of a country pop feeling with some songs having a Justin Timberlake vibe to them.
OLD DOMINION arrived on stage at 9.05pm and played for 85 mins.
Their country songs have great lyrics that the crowd can sing loudly along to.
Some songs sounded a bit samey but they played a decent enough show.
An enjoyable evening of 'new country' acts.
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