Ray's Gigs

Daily news and reviews of gigs bars clubs restaurants product launches films theatre fashion shows books art galleries hotels competitions interesting places to visit ...and much more!

News and Reviews: 19th June 2019

Tuesday 18 June 2019.
FLEETWOOD MAC + THE PRETENDERS live at Wembley Stadium, London.
I am back to see Fleetwood Mac play the second of two massive shows at Wembley Stadium.
Even though it is a Tuesday there is a huge crowd of over 55,000 here tonight.
It was pouring with rain at 6pm but luckily for those on the pitch it never rained when the bands were on.
THE PRETENDERS swopped the setlist order a bit and Ali Campbell did not join Chrissie tonight on stage.
They added an extra song called "Thumbelina" near the end so 60 mins on stage tonight.
Chrissie dedicated a song to Paul McCartney as it was his birthday today and dedicated a track to
Ray Davies whose birthday it is next week.
FLEETWOOD MAC came on stage five mins later than on Sunday.
Fleetwood Mac have one of the most turbulent band histories in the music business.
Their acrimonious split with guitarist/ songwriter Lindsey Buckingham in 2018 after 43 years together
will soon be debated in the courts as Lindsey is suing the band.
There will always a few that say that the Lindsey Buckingham Fleetwood Mac was not as good as
the Peter Green line-up and the new line-up was not as good as the Lindsey Buckingham line-up.
Stevie Nicks got the most cheers as her weaving and spinning around the stage in her black couture drapery, below a chandelier went down well. Quite a few of the females here were wearing "Stevie type" lace dresses.
Stevie's voice is a lower register these days but she is certainly still bewitching.
The two new members did a great job but Lindsey Buckingham was more exciting to watch.
Mick Fleetwood's extended drum solo went on a bit too much
The encore of "Free Fallin'" with a photo montage of Tom Petty on the screens was mega.
Their set had sooooo many great songs that the crowd sang along to.
A downside of big outdoor shows in daylight is that the light show only fully kicks for the last
30/45 mins of the headline act when it gets darker.
Fleetwood Mac, still going strong after more than 50 years since their formation.





Tuesday 18 June 2019.
Happy Birthday to PAUL McCARTNEY who is 77 today.
------------------
This week will see Joy Division's debut album Unknown Pleasures make its Top 40 debut on the Official Albums Chart, exactly 40 years after it was released.
The record - acclaimed from the moment it was released - came out on June 15 1979 has been re-released to mark its 40th anniversary. It's often considered one of the greatest British albums ever made.
The collection is at Number 5 on the latest Official Chart Update - an early glimpse of how the Official UK Charts are shaping up ahead of their final positions, announced on Fridays.
I bought it in the first week of release in 1979 from the original Rough Trade store.




Monday 17 June 2019...I went to two events tonight...
4pm to 8pm
GOFFS & QIPCO London Sale - Perks Field, Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8.
The weather is perfect as the sunshine has come out for this outdoor event.
GOFFFS is Ireland's premier thoroughbred auction house.
This horse auction is always held on the eve of Royal Ascot in this superb location.
Over 500 guests here with most coming from the Horse Racing community.
Also here were Jackie St Clair, Alistair Guy and a nice surprise to see football manager Barry Fry (now aged 74).
He has managed Dunstable Town, Bedford Town, Maidstone United, Southend United, Barnet, Birmingham City and, most recently, Peterborough United. Fry is currently director of football at Peterborough.
A couple of tv presenters were interviewing guests.
All the horses were paraded in the field next door before the auction.
From 5pm to 6pm the 23 horses were auctioned off.
From 6pm to 7pm was an acoustic covers band playing whose name was Fairvue.
Complimentary gin & tonics, Pimms, Rose wines and beers.
Complimentary fish tacos, mini-hotdogs , finger sandwiches, canapés, mini-doughnuts and pastries.
A very nice event.
www.goffslondonsale.com
Visit their website here for more info.
then a walk through the park to...
BRYAN FERRY live at The Royal Albert Hall, London.
I have seen Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry solo many times since the 1970s.
Chris Spedding is still playing guitar for Bryan's tour.
Chris was playing guitar for Bryan Ferry when i saw him at this same venue in 1977.
-------------------
The venue is totally rammed solid sold out tonight.
BRYAN FERRY & band arrived on stage at 9pm and played for 1 hour 40 mins.
Hard to believe that Bryan is now aged 73 , as he still looks so good in his smart suit.
He is the unflappable king of cool, so stylish he should be hanging in the Tate.
For several songs in the first half he was sat behind keyboards.
Bryan was great on mouth organ a couple of times.
Chris Spedding is now aged 75 and still playing lots of nifty guitar licks.
His band also included two backing singers.
"In Every Dream Home a Heartache" was a perfect opener and "Oh Yeah" was superb.
The second half was full of Roxy Music classics.
"Virginia Plain" may have come out in 1972 but it still sounds incredible today.
That got the crowd up and dancing for the last few songs.
A great show.
Full setlist played by Bryan Ferry tonight...
In Every Dream Home a Heartache (Roxy Music song)
Out of the Blue (Roxy Music song)
The Space Between (Roxy Music song)
The 39 Steps
Slave to Love
Don't Stop the Dance
Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues (Bob Dylan cover)
Oh Yeah (Roxy Music song)
Boys and Girls
Can't Let Go
My Only Love (Roxy Music song)
Take a Chance With Me (Roxy Music song)
To Turn You On (Roxy Music song)
If There Is Something (Roxy Music song)
Dance Away (Roxy Music song)
More Than This (Roxy Music song)
Avalon (Roxy Music song)
Love Is the Drug (Roxy Music song)
Virginia Plain (Roxy Music song)
Jealous Guy (John Lennon cover)
Encore:
Let's Stick Together (Wilbert Harrison cover)




Sunday 16 June 2019.
FLEETWOOD MAC + THE PRETENDERS live at Wembley Stadium, London.
Fleetwood Mac play the first of two massive shows at Wembley Stadium.
Lindsey Buckingham has been replaced by with two new members: Mike Campbell, longtime lead guitarist for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and Crowded House frontman Neil Finn.
Their album "Rumours" is in the Top 20 best selling albums of all time.
Having won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1978, "Rumours" has since sold over 40 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time.
I have seen Fleetwood Mac a few times before at Earls Court and The 02 Arena.
I have seen The Pretenders around 20 times since an early gig at The Nashville Pub in 1979.
-----------------
Tonight is pitch seating so there is a reduced capacity of 65,000 and there are around 57,000 here.
Pretty impressive when you see the best seat ticket prices are a whopping £200 and £155.
Ticket prices for this show were £75, £90, £125, £155 and £200 + fees.
THE PRETENDERS arrived on stage at 6.30pm for their 55 mins set.
A good thing about massive gigs at Wembley Stadium is that the support act will always be a big name.
They had use of the three big screens and some of the lights.
They played many of their classic tracks in their set.
For "I Got You Babe" Chrissie duetted with UB40s Ali Campbell.
A mega rendition of "I'll Stand By You".
For "Brass in Pocket" Chrissie took off her jacket to reveal her still slender 67 year old frame.
A very good set.
Full Pretenders setlist played tonight...
Hate for Sale
Gotta Wait
Message of Love
Kid
Down the Wrong Way (Chrissie Hynde song)
Talk of the Town
I Got You Babe (Sonny & Cher cover) (with Ali Campbell from UB40)
Back on the Chain Gang
Stop Your Sobbing (The Kinks cover)
I'll Stand By You
Don't Get Me Wrong
Cuban Slide
Brass in Pocket
Middle of the Road
FLEETWOOD MAC arrived on stage at 8pm and played for 2 hours 5 mins.
Their stage production is pretty average compared to visual spectaculars here recently including
BTS, Capital Radio Summertime Ball and The Spice Girls.
They have three big screens but the two smaller side ones are the size that most bands use for
indoor arenas rather than huge outdoor stadium gigs like this.
However the sound quality overall was excellent considering it's a big open air show.
Loads of their greatest hits played in the set, with great harmonies.
They did a nice version of "Oh Well" and dedicated it to original member Peter Green.
Drummer Mick Fleetwoid took charge of most of the on stage banter.
The added advantage of having the new members is that Fleetwood Mac can now play
classics by Crowded House and Tom Petty in their set.
A great evening with two quality bands.
Full Fleetwood Mac setlist played tonight...
The Chain
Little Lies
Dreams
Second Hand News
Say You Love Me
Black Magic Woman
Everywhere
Rhiannon
World Turning
Gypsy
Oh Well
Don't Dream It's Over (Crowded House cover)
Landslide
Hold Me
Monday Morning
You Make Loving Fun
Gold Dust Woman
Go Your Own Way
Encore:
Free Fallin' (Tom Petty cover)
Don't Stop
Tape outro - Albatross





Saturday 15 June 2019.
SPICE GIRLS + JESS GLYNNE live at Wembley Stadium, London.
I am back again to see this show for a second time.
I am nearer to the stage so i enjoy it a bit more than last night.
JESS GLYNNE was on stage again on at 7.15pm for her good 45 mins set.
A nice busy weekend for Jess with three support sets for The Spice Girls on Thurs, Fri, Sat
and then The Isle of Wight Festival on Sunday.
A couple of side blocks unsold but still an enormous crowd here of around 75,000.
Nearly all female crowd here again...and a few blokes dressed in Spice Girls outfits.
SPICE GIRLS on stage again at 8.30pm for two hours.
This was the last night of their UK tour tour so they are milking that by saying
"We are saving the best to last".
The times they were again off the stage(interludes for costume changes) confused a lot of people at the show.
Plenty of stage banter that the crowd loved, and they do appear to be a real gang of female best friends.
Geri said this tour has sold an incredible 700,000 tickets.
Geri said of her departure during their heyday "sorry for leaving the band, i was just being a brat".
The last 45 mins is again a highlight with thousands of wristbands lighting up the stadium as darkness fell.
For "Mama" they invited their mums and kids on stage - three generations.
"Girl Power" has certainly come along way in the past 25 years.
See both acts setlists below in the previous review.





Fruday 14 June 2019
SPICE GIRLS + JESS GLYNNE live Wembley Stadium, London.
The Spice Girls play the second of three massive sold out shows at this venue.
The Spice Girls UK tour will be thirteen stadium shows including three at Wembley Stadium.
Expect a big production with lots of costume changes and dancers.
Victoria Beckham is not involved but the other four Spice Girls are here for these enormous gigs.
During a five year spell at the end of the 1990s , The Spice Girls had a staggering NINE number one UK hits.
I saw them in 1997 and 1998 during their heyday as well as their reunion tour a decade ago.
Their classic video for debut single "Wannabe" has now passed 400 million views on Vevo/YouTube.
Several music legends are playing Wembley Stadium this summer but only Spice Girls are playing three nights.
----------------------
A massive crowd here of around 80,000.
Must be at least 90% female as expected.
Many are dressed as their fave Spice Girl for a girls night out party.
We have had rain in London the last few days but it stayed dry tonight.
JESS GLYNNE on stage at 7.15pm for her 45 mins set.
Jess Glynne is an ideal support act as she has had loads of hit singles.
Full Jess Glynne setlist played tonight...
Hold My Hand
No One
These Days (Rudimental cover)
Thursday
Don't Be So Hard on Yourself
One Touch (Jess Glynne & Jax Jones cover)
Take Me Home
So Real (Warriors) / Real Love / My Love / Rather Be
All I Am
I'll Be There
SPICE GIRLS on stage at 8.30pm for two hours.
A fantastic stage production with two big screens and a circular stage walkway that acts as the gold circle.
The Spice World circular stage featured Spice Girls slogans above it on the mini-screens.
Half a dozen costume changes, along with lasers and strobes and pyros.
The vocals overall could have been a bit louder.
The crowd were given wristbands that lit up in different colours which looked nice when it fell dark.
The show was a bit mixed really as the first 15 mins and last 45 mins were great but the middle hour plodded.
Emerging to fireworks and launching into "Spice Up Your Life", each member encircled by their own
dance crew, it felt like very little time had elapsed since their heyday.
With the exception of Mel C’s contributions, vocals were often weak, while the frequent costume changes were masked by lengthy dance interludes that lacked any narrative.
A Seventies disco-covers section mid-set felt incongruous, and when the quartet strayed into their own deep cuts they unwittingly exposed the flimsiness of their back catalogue.
Basically this crowd were really only interested in hearing the hits.
The last half dozen hit songs were very enjoyable and a finale of "Wannabe" was great.
So a show that was great for an hour, and pretty average for the other hour.
Full Spice Girls setlist played tonight....
Spice Up Your Life
If U Can't Dance
Who Do You Think You Are
Do It
Something Kinda Funny
Move Over
Sound Off (Dance interlude)
Holler/Sound Off (reprise)
Queer Tango (Dance interlude)
Viva Forever
Let Love Lead the Way
Goodbye
Car Wash (Dance interlude)
Never Give Up on the Good Times
We Are Family (Sister Sledge cover)
Love Thing
Band introductions/We Will Rock You/Park Life cover snippets
The Lady Is a Vamp
The Last Waltz (Dance interlude)
Too Much
Say You'll Be There
2 Become 1
Girl Power (Video)
Encore:
Stop
Mama
Wannabe



Thursday 13 June 2019...I went to two events tonight...
6.30pm to 9pm.
APPLEBY'S FISH - launch party - Queens Walk, Hungerford Bridge, London SE1.
Graham Applebee and his team of fishmongers offer the catch of the day and prepare it to their customers’ requirements. Applebee’s Fish has everything on ice, from lobster and large Madagascan prawns to halibut, snapper, sea bass, salmon and crab. Produce is wild and line caught whenever possible.
This is a pop-up that will be here throughout the summer to September.
The venue is open air and it's a bit noisy as it's directly under the railway bridge near The Royal Festival Hall.
Lots of complimentary food and drinks for the 150 guests here tonight.
Collet champers, five different cocktails including Espresso Martinis, prosecco, wines, beers.
Full size cod & chips & mushy peas, oysters, large prawns in batter, sea bass , salmon, crab and more.
Oddly though they do not serve desserts here.
A male singer/ guitarist performed an hour of cover versions.
A dj played tunes in the background after the singer performed.
A very nice event.
----------------------
then
MUNGO JERRY live The 100 Club, London.
Ray Dorsey , now aged 73 , still fronts the band who had number one UK hits with
"In The Summertime" (1970) and "Baby Jump" (1971).
I saw them last year in Ealing but Mungo Jerry don't play London as often as you would think.
Jona Lewie was here, best known for his 1980 UK hits "You'll Always Find Me in the Kitchen at Parties"
and "Stop the Cavalry".
Also here were Del and Mannie from West London punk legends - The Satellites.
I caught the last 60 mins of Mungo Jerry planned 80/90 mins set.
Ray Dorsey still has the big afro hair and big smile.
Plenty of good time lyrics that has everyone singing along.
Highlights included....
Lady Rose
Alright, Alright, Alright
Long Legged Woman
In The Summertime
Baby Jump
----------------
A few minutes after the show Ray Dorsey came out to sign CDs and pose for photos.




Wednesday 12 June 2019.
STEREOLAB + VANISHING TWIN live at Shepherds Bush Empire, London.
Stereolab play the first of two shows at this venue on their UK tour.
10 years on from their hiatus, Stereolab are returning to the stage to coincide with their seven-album reissue campaign.
Stereolab are an English-French avant-pop band formed in London in 1990. Led by the songwriting team of Tim Gane and Lætitia Sadier, the group's music combined influences from krautrock, lounge and 1960s pop music, often incorporating a repetitive motorik beat with heavy use of vintage electronic keyboards and female vocals sung in English and French. On stage, they played in a more feedback-driven and guitar-oriented style. The band also drew from funk, jazz and Brazilian music, and were one of the first artists to be dubbed "post-rock". They are regarded among the most innovative and influential groups of the 1990s.
----------------------
Both bands have their equipment pushed to the front of the stage.
Both bands have a minimal light show.
VANISHING TWIN arrive on stage at 8pm and play for 35 mins.
The band members may come from Belgium, Japan, Italy, France and America but they have all made England their home. The Age Of Immunology album (which is sung in all the primary languages of the musicians who made it as well as English).
A bit too low-fi boring for me.
STEREOLAB arrive on stage at 9pm and play for 90 mins.
I know their name but I am going in blind as i do not know any Stereolab material.
The critics have always loved their arty niche sound.
French female vocals and a dreamy indie low-fi sound.
The hardcore crowd know all the songs and nod along studiously.
It ticked along nicely but nothing really excited me that much.
The merch stands were very popular tonight as this crowd like their vinyl and t-shirts.
Full Stereolab setlist played tonight...
Come and Play in the Milky Night
Brakhage
French Disko
Baby Lulu
Miss Modular
Fluorescences
Metronomic Underground
Anamorphose
Need to Be
Ping Pong
Percolator
Crest
Lo Boob Oscillator
Encore:
The Extension Trip
Blue Milk
Contronatura




Wednesday 12 June 2019.
Sad news that Philomena Lynott, the mother of Thin Lizzy great Phil Lynott has died at the age of 88.
Hot Press report that she had been battling cancer for a number of years, and had made the decision not to
go through chemotherapy.
She famously wrote the best-selling 1995 book My Boy detailing her early life with her son and his rise to fame as the frontman of Thin Lizzy, and was instrumental in the campaign to have the Phil Lynott statue erected in Dublin’s Harry Street.
I met her a couple of times at The Classic Rock Awards when she represented Phil.



Wednesday 12 June 2019.
This is a nice article about a little known English Prog band called CZAR.
In 1970 they brought out one album on Fontana Records.
One of their tracks "Today" has been sampled by rapper Tyler the Creator for the track "Puppet"
for his number one album in America titled IGOR.
Their guitarist and songwriter Mick Ware is now in line for a nice chunk of royalties.
Tyler, the Creator's 'PUPPET' sample of Czar's 'Today' | WhoSampled
"PUPPET" by Tyler, the Creator sampled Czar's "Today". Listen to both songs on WhoSampled, the ultimate database of sampled music, cover songs and remixes.




Tuesday 11 June 2019.
LENNY KRAVITZ + Corinne Bailey Rae live at The 02 Arena, London.
Lenny on a world tour to celebrate 30 years since his debut album "Let Love Rule" was released in 1989.
I have seen Lenny Kravitz several times since 1990.
Lenny Kravitz is an American rock star who has been touring and releasing music albums since the end of the 1980s. His unique style is a fusion of several music genres including rock, blues and soul, as well as jazz and pop. During four years in a row, from 1999 to 2002, he won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Male Vocal.Lenny has sold over 40 million albums worldwide including 10 million copies of his "Greatest Hits" album.
Support comes from Leeds pop soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae.
Her first two albums have together sold over five million copies worldwide.
Her third album, The Heart Speaks in Whispers, was released on 13 May 2016.
--------------------
Level 4 is closed off tonight as unsold, which may have been deliberate as Lenny played
Wembley Arena only 12 months ago.
I didn't go to that show as annoyingly it clashed with The Foo Fighters at The London Stadium.
Must be at least 8000 or 9000 here though.
CORINNE BAILEY RAE arrived on stage at 7.45pm for her 30 mins set.
Nice to her on stage again as she has been a bit quiet after her early success.
She played her cool summery breakthrough hit "Put Your Records On".
Her uptempo songs were a bit Beverley Knight and the ballads were more Sade.
LENNY KRAVITZ arrived on stage at 8.45pm and played a mammoth 2 hours 25 mins set.
At the start , Lenny said "I have been told there is a 11pm curfew here and if i go over i will be fined",....
Lenny then said "Well, i had better write the cheque out now"...and he did go over 11pm by 10 mins.
Sunglasses wearer Lenny is still one of the coolest looking / acting rockers out there.
A great band who included Gail Ann Dorsey on bass and a three man brass section.
The first 30 mins was brilliantly full tilt then it calmed down a bit in the middle.
There were no big screens but the light show was stunning.
Lenny still oozes sex appeal so there are plenty of swooning rock chicks in the crowd.
Throughout his career Lenny has resolutely held true to his unique blend of psychedelia, funk and soul, a jet-setting rock that transcends the boundaries of musical trends.
He played all his biggest tunes.
Amazing finale with Lenny walking through the crowd around the whole venue during an
extended version of "Let Love Rule".
An excellent show.
Full Lenny Kravitz setlist played tonight...
We Can Get It All Together
Fly Away
Dig In
Bring It On
American Woman (The Guess Who cover)
Get Up, Stand Up (The Wailers cover)
Fields of Joy
Freedom Train
Who Really Are the Monsters?
Stillness of Heart
It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over
Can't Get You Off My Mind
Low
I Belong to You
5 More Days 'Til Summer
Mr. Cab Driver
Bank Robber Man
Where Are We Runnin'?
Are You Gonna Go My Way
Love Revolution
Encore:
Here to Love
Let Love Rule (Lenny went for a full wander in the crowd around the venue)





Monday 10 June 2019...6.45pm to 11.30pm...
THE NATIONAL RESTAURANT AWARDS at Hurlingham Park, Fulham, London.
Many different awards are given out on the night.
On the night of the awards, they reveal the list of the 100 best restaurants in the UK.
----------------------
I have been to this great event a few times before.
Usually for this event it is lovely spring sunshine but today it is pissing down with rain all day so some
of the food stations are inside but the food vans are still outside and there are marquees put
up outside for punters to protect them from the rain, wind and cold.
Safe to say nobody is playing tennis, bowls or croquet at this private members club today.
Around 500 guests including top level chefs like Fergus Henderson.
Lots of top notch complimentary drinks and food for all the guests here.
Piper-Heidsieck champers and cocktails including Espresso Martinis and Jack Daniels based.
Also wines along with beers from sponsors Estrella Damm.
Full size cheeseburgers from Burger & Beyond
BBQ Chicken portions from Bayou New Orleans
Pizza from Born & Raised.
Also BBQ Ribs, French pastries, ice-cream, chocs etc.
Guests got a goodie bag with beers and glasses from sponsors from Estrella Damm.
From 8.15pm to 9.15pm we were seated indoors for the individual awards and Top 100 restaurants.
The 100 best restaurants had a one by one countdown on the big screen.
More than 50 of the Top 100 were in the London area.
Here are the Top 20.
1.Moor Hall
2.Brat, London
3.Cornerstone, London
4.Core by Clare Smyth, London
5.Sabor, London
6.L’Enclume
7.Mere, London
8.Claude Bosi at Bibendum, London
9.Ynyshir
10.The Ledbury, London
11.A Wong, London
12.The River Café, London
13.The Sportsman
14.Restaurant Sat Bains
15.Kiln, London
16.Paul Ainsworth at No. 6
17.Lyle’s, London
18.Forest Side
19.Casamia
20.House of Tides



Monday 10 June 2019.
The first video from our gig last night is now up on YouTube.com
"Do I Need You?"
Search Gun Control The Rocket Acton reunion 9/6/2019 Do I Need You



Sunday 09 June 2019.
GUN CONTROL live at The Rocket Pub, Churchfield Road, Acton, London W3...free entry...
My band from the early 80s played a successful comeback gig on 10 Nov 2018.
This will be our second comeback gig and first gig for us this year.
Four original members still there including me on drums...along with our new singer.
Tonight will also double up as a 60th birthday celebration for me.
As it is a Sunday we will be off the stage early so folks with travel can get home ok.
Check the band search in www.raysgigs.com for Gun Control gig list 1980 to 1982.
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 - YouTube Gun Control At The Rocket 10/11/18
Type in exactly as above as there are many Gun Control related videos up.
It's done on a phone so not perfect quality but it gives you an idea how it was.
Two videos - one of 23 mins and one of 3 mins...
---------------------
Here we are just three minutes from Acton Town Hall where in Nov 2002 i attended
Joe Strummer's last ever London show before he sadly passed away just six weeks later.
When we played here last year we had to play on the floor but now they have a proper stage
which is a foot or so off the floor.
Around 50 or 60 watching us tonight with many I have known for 40 years or more.
GUN CONTROL take to the stage at 9.15pm and play for around 50 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.
My hi-hat and backing vocal microphone was playing up by moving away from me but dealt with that ok.
It all came together on the night well and the feedback from everyone after was positive.
Pretty good considering we only had one rehearsal for this gig.
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)
Open Your Heart ( extra song added to the set from the last gig in 2018)
Encore :
All the band and crowd sing happy birthday to me.
Teenage Kicks (cover ) (reprise)
-------------------
Two more of the band members will be 60 in November so we are a planning a special show at
The Shepherds Bush Club in Goldhawk Road , which is where The Who played a few times in the 60s.



Saturday 08 June 2019...2.30pm to 10pm...
CAPITAL RADIO Summertime Ball live at Wembley Stadium.
Over a dozen pop acts will be performing short sets opening with Mark Ronson at 2.30pm.
Also there performing in no particular will be...
Halsey
Anne-Marie
Jonas Brothers
Jess Glynne
5 Seconds Of Summer
Khalid
Ellie Goulding
Sigala
Rita Ora
Jax Jones
Mabel
Jonas Bue
Sigrid
Ava Max
Tom Walker
Lauv
Maroon 5
Calvin Harris (in 2007 I saw him dj at a clothing launch party for 150 people and now to date he has been
involved with 26 Top 10 UK hits including a staggering 10 number ones).
------------------
Amazingly a very gloomy morning did not produce any rain at all during the day.
CAPITAL RADIO is a popular radio station that plays commercial pop.
A massive crowd of maybe 80,000 are here.
Loads of young women but there are quite a few adults around.
A large gold circle area where folks have paid £125 to be there.
The huge stage looks fantastic with the two side screens showing live footage and the middle bit
showing eye-catching pre-recorded images.
All the acts were on stage for two songs (10 mins) to six songs (30 mins) apart from
headliner Calvin Harris who took the stage at 9.15pm for his 35 mins set.
Some had just backing tapes and some had their own bands (not 100% sure they were plugged in).
A walkway to the b-stage in the middle...along with dancers, pyros, flames, ticker-tape, streamers.
Lots of quick changeovers and Capital Radio djs talking between some acts.
Many of the acts can headline The 02 Arena on their own and have sold a few million singles.
I didn't really see anything mega but plenty of good performances.
Mark Ronson , Jess Glynne and Anne-Marie came on early as they had other gigs in the evening.
All did good sets and Mark Ronson set included "Valerie" and "Uptown Funk".
Rita Ora was good and newer females Mabel and Halsey were good.
Jonas Brothers and 5 Seconds Of Summer got the girls screaming but not my cup of tea.
Tom Walker only did two songs but his big hit "Leave a Light On" was great.
Ellie Goulding arrived on stage at 6.45pm and did a good 30 mins set.
I Need Your Love (Calvin Harris cover) (extended intro)
Close to Me (Ellie Goulding, Diplo & Swae Lee cover)
Sixteen
On My Mind
Love Me Like You Do
Burn
Maroon 5 were on from 8.35pm for 30 mins and played their catchy hits "This Love" ,
"She Will Be Loved" and "Move Like Jagger".
Dusk fell for Calvin Harris as the light show kicked in for his dj based set.
An enjoyable day.
--------------------
After a decade at Wembley the pr girl told me the event would next year be held at Spurs new ground.




Friday 07 June 2019.
THE SEX PISTOLS Jubilee boat trip gig was 42 years ago today in 1977.
The Sex Pistols boat trip down the Thames on 7 June 1977 was to herald the release of their classic single
"God Save the Queen".
---------------------
Happy Birthday to TOM JONES who is 79 today.
---------------------
Sad news that DR JOHN has passed away.
Dr. John, a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a six-time Grammy winner, died Thursday morning from a heart attack, said publicist and social media manager Karen Beninato...he was aged 77.
The first time I saw him live was in 1997 when the support act was......Dr. Robert.



Thursday 06 June 2019...I went to two events tonight...
6pm to 9pm
SUMMER GARDEN PARTY - Mount Street Gardens, Mayfair, London W1.
Most of the 500 guests have paid £50 to be here...and thankfully the rain has stayed away.
I have been here a few times before so i know it's a great event.
Guests enjoyed top notch complimentary food & drinks from half a dozen restaurants in the area including
Indian food from Chutney Mary
Cheeseburgers from Morton's Club
Oysters from Wilton 's of St James
Desserts from Annabel's
Canapés from The Connaught , The Westbury and The Hide.
Two different cocktails, prosecco, wines and beers.
At 8pm there was a raffle and Chesterton's lucky dip (i won five pairs of tickets for future Royal Academy events).
There is a jazz band playing for an hour then a pop covers band play for an hour.
A fun casino from Palm Beach
Guests were dancing in front of the stage for the last 30 mins at this very enjoyable event.
then
9.30pm to 11.30pm
SOHO RADIO x FORA - building opening party - 33 Broadwick Street, Soho, London W1.
Despite starting at 6pm , this party was still in full flow in their bar and space downstairs.
Around 150 guests here and some are dancing to the cool dj sounds.
Complimentary drinks including two different cocktails, prosecco, wines, beers and doughnuts.
Pioneering online radio station Soho Radio – with its global audience, live to vinyl sessions and a huge array of DJ royalty – will expand into the very front of Fora’s newest building, redefining the use of lobby space and giving Soho Radio a central Soho location to be seen and enjoyed by all.
‘Pro-working’ provider Fora is excited to announce a partnership with world-famous, London celebrated brand Soho Radio in its new space at 33 Broadwick Street, Soho. The partnership will create three state-of-the-art podcast studios alongside a radio station, catering to Soho Radio’s 4 million listeners.
The partnership between Fora and Soho Radio will take place in the former Hearst Magazines London Headquarters, a company that has been a linchpin of the traditional print media industry since 1910 and publishes titles including Esquire, ELLE and Cosmopolitan. Fora will breathe new life into the iconic and internationally renowned building by offering an inspirational and collaborative space for Fora Residents, celebrated musicians, cultural figures and thought leaders to come together to create.
www.sohoradiolondon.com
Visit their website here for more info and to listen online.



Wednesday 05 June 2019.
LIAM GALLAGHER live at The Round Chapel, Hackney, London.
Liam is playing an intimate gig at The Round Chapel, Hackney.
Liam Gallagher has announced his new single ‘Shockwave’ will be released on 7th June through Warner. The single is the first taste of Liam Gallagher since his mega-successful ‘As You Were’ comeback album.
Needless to say all the cheapish £30 tickets sold out pronto.
This will be Liam's opening show of his summer tour schedule which includes Glastonbury Festival.
--------------------
Liam is playing a special show for sponsors ADIDAS SPEZIAL.
Adidas are filming the show and all the bar staff are wearing white Adidas sports shirts.
A proper trek across London for me to get here.
A stunning venue that i have never been to before as it rarely gets used by big names but both
Blondie and Coldplay have played special shows here over the years.
Around 500 folks here with 350 floor standing and 150 guests in seats upstairs.
I spotted Miles Kane here.
Guests were from Live Nation / Adidas / Warner Music / press / Liam's friends & family.
Classic tunes over the pa before Liam came on stage including The Stone Roses.
Liam & band arrived on stage at 8.35pm and were on stage for 60 mins.
Man City flags hang over the amps and oddly there is picture of Leo Sayer on the bass drum.
Liam arrives on stage in one of his long macs and keeps it on all through the show, despite sweating buckets.
A fantastic pair of Oasis songs open the show and the crowd go bonkers.
It eases down a bit for his solo material which will never match the best Oasis classics.
The crowd are chanting "As You Fucking Were" , "As You Fucking Were".
Finale of "Cigarettes & Alcohol" and "Champagne Supernova" were mega.
A shortish set but that was reflected in the ticket prices.
Really great to see him up close at this venue.
Full Liam Gallagher setlist played tonight....
Tape intro song - Fuckin' in the Bushes (Oasis song)
Rock 'n' Roll Star (Oasis song)
Morning Glory (Oasis song)
Wall of Glass
Greedy Soul
For What It's Worth
Shockwave (Live debut)
Columbia (Oasis cover) (Live debut by Liam solo, first time since 2013 when was played with Beady Eye)
Some Might Say (Oasis song)
Soul Love (Beady Eye song)
Lyla (Oasis song) (Live debut by Liam solo, first time played by an Oasis member since their last gig at The V Festival)
Cigarettes & Alcohol (Oasis song)
Champagne Supernova (Oasis song)




Tuesday 04 June 2019...7pm to 9.30pm...
RICHARD ORLINSKI - gallery opening party - 106 New Bond Street, Mayfair, London W1.
Richard Orlinski is a French pop-art artist born in Paris (now aged 53) .A sculptor since 2004, his work, is conceived around the concept "Born Wild" in a style and with contemporary materials available for a large audience, including children. His creations act on archaisms. His works are exhibited both at FIAC on the slopes of Courchevel and in 90 galleries worldwide. Since 2011, he has been ranked in the Top 10 of the best selling French artists in the world by Art Price; one of his works was sold for €680,000.
----------------------
Around 150 guests here including KELLY OSBOURNE at this buzzing gallery opening.
Playing loud tunes is Kate Moss fave dj FAT TONY.
Richard is here and looks cool in a leather bomber jacket and def has rock star / actor looks and vibe.
He even has a personal security guard following him close everywhere he goes.
He went behind the dj console for a couple of tracks and the venue turned into a full on dance club vibe.
He was joined by a couple of female singers/dancers for his dance track "Heartbeat" which has had
over 9 million views on YouTube.
Many of his sculptures feature his trademark Kong Gorilla.
A couple of them have music acts emblazoned on them including AC/DC and David Bowie.
There was a fun photo booth in the corner.
There were a couple of guys filming the event for him so expect it be on his website soon.
Amazingly there were three different complimentary champers brands throughout the evening along with canapés.
First it was Taittinger, then Veuve Clicquot , then Laurent Perrier.
All guests got a goodie bag of a baseball cap with his Kong logo and a six inch Kong chocolate box.
www.galerie-orlinski.com
Visit the gallery website here for more info.





Monday 03 June 2019...I went to two events tonight...
6pm to 7.45pm
The Hexagon Society for United Artists For Europe - auction - Hotel Cafe Royal, Regent Street, London W1.
Hexagon is a pro-European Franco-British charitable organisation promoting the values of democracy.
Around 150 guests here in the second floor space of this famous hotel...with 50 of them seated.
At 6.45pm we have speeches from Bernard-Henri Lévy, Simon de Pury and Thaddaeus Ropac.
At 7pm the 30 lots were auctioned.
Complimentary Veuve Clicquot champers, wines and canapés for all the guests.
www.artistsforeurope.org
Visit their website here for more info.
then
8pm to 11pm
MONTBLANC x KIPLING - launch party , Annabel's, Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1.
Always nice to be at this well known luxury members club...in their "Jungle" bar.
Montblanc fountainpens are world-renowned for their quality in both aesthetic and design.
Montblanc are launching their new fountain pen - The 2019 Writer’s Edition Rudyard Kipling.
They have a couple on display...they will retail for a few hundred pounds.
Around 150 guests here in their stunning basement including Lottie Moss, Anais Gallagher and Rafferty Law.
Also the actors Cressida Bonas and Gala Gordon, models Leomie Anderson and Betty Bachz.
We had a duo performing a dance routine in leopard skin costumes , a nod to The Jungle Book.
We also had a couple of poetry readings , one was from George The Poet.
There was a fun photo booth in the corner.
All guests got a Montblanc Rudyard Kipling Notebook that retails for around £30.
Complimentary Pol Roger champers, three different cocktails and canapés for guests.
www.montblanc.com
Visit the Montblanc website here for more info.



Monday 03 June 2019.
Happy Birthday to IAN HUNTER who is 80 today.
Happy Birthday to SUZI QUATRO who is 69 today.



Sunday 02 June 2019...6pm to 9pm...
My band GUN CONTROL (with me on drums) had a rehearsal today in North Acton.
We ran through the set a couple of times.
Save the date...Sunday 09 June 2019...
We are playing The Rocket Pub, Churchfield Road, Acton....free entry...
We are on 9pm to 10pm so folks can get home if they come a long way.
Full info above in my gig list.



Saturday 02 June 2019.
BTS live at Wembley Stadium, London.
BTS play the first of two massive gigs at Wembley Stadium.
They are pretty much the Asian One Direction as they are playing huge stadiums worldwide.
BTS, an acronym of Bangtan Sonyeondan or “Beyond the Scene”, is a South Korean boyband that is capturing the hearts of millions of fans globally.
A meteoric rise to stardom as they were playing free gigs back home for 200 fans just 5 years ago.
How have they become so popular in the UK?...youtube & streaming i suppose...
They were the first K-pop act to win a Billboard Music Award and to perform at the American Music Awards. They just released their seventh album, "Map of the Soul: Persona."
20 April 2019 update---BTS debut at Number 1 on this week's Official Albums Chart with " Map of The Soul: Persona".
The seven-member group are the first Korean act to score a chart-topping album in the UK.
Map of The Soul is BTS's fourth collection to chart in the UK Top 40, following their three part Love Yourself album series.
Their Love Yourself: Speak Yourself world tour, which kicks off on May 4 and reaches the UK on June 1 for two shows at London's Wembley Stadium.
--------------------
Just how did K-Pop get so popular in the UK?
Many K-Pop bands having success playing theatres, arenas and now bleeding Wembley Stadium.
The crowd is pretty 90% girls aged 10 to 30.
There is best seating on the pitch with prices of £160 (for Block A) and £130 (for Block B).
Must be at least 50,000 fans here tonight.
Many of the young girls are no doubt going to their very ever concert...and are very excitable.
At 7.30pm we have BTS videos on the big screens and there is plenty of screaming.
At 7.40pm BTS arrive on stage and play for a mammoth 2 hours 35 mins.
Seven of them on stage with a visually stunning production that included massive screens, pyros,
a staircase and a huge B-stage in the middle of the pitch at the end of the walkway.
There is no backing band...IT IS ALL SUNG TO BACKING TAPES , but this crowd don't care.
Plenty of dance routines and costume changes...and girl fans screaming every 30 seconds.
For some songs all of them were all on stage and other songs had solo spots and four of them etc.
A few songs had 20 male dancers joining them.
The lyrics seem to mainly Korean but they use some English.
Some of you may have gone to the Coldplay tour where there gave out tecky wristbands that light up
in sync with the music for a stunning visual stunt, well BTS get their fans to pay for it.
Globe light sticks at a whacking £45 each have been bought by over 5000 fans here.
As darkness fell the torches changing colour with the music and looked incredible.
The songs were decent enough and there was much talking and video clips between songs.
Some songs were uptempo and some were ballads...a piano on stage but not sure if it was plugged in.
Visually a surprisingly enjoyable show.
--------------------
Sat 01 June---Happy Birthday to RONNIE WOOD who is 72 today.
Sun 02 June---Happy Birthday to CHARLIE WATTS who is 78 today.


---------------------