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: 6th December 2019

Thursday 05 December 2019...I went to three events today...
12.45pm to 3.45pm
WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2019 - Royal Horseguards Hotel, London SW1.
Around 150 guests at this very nice five star hotel.
From 1.15pm to 2.15pm we are seated for the award in the adjacent room.
There were 151 entries and the 6 shortlisted authors are interviewed on stage by Mark Lawson.
Tom Watt is here , who played Lofty in Eastenders in the 1980s...he is a co-author for a book here.
1.The Rise of the Ultra Runners - (Adharanand Finn) - running in the desert of Oman
2. The Great Romantic : Cricket and the Golden Age of Neville Cardus (Duncan Hamilton) - cricket
3. How Boxing Brought Hope in the Troubles (Donald McRae) - boxing in Northern Ireland
4. Riding the World's Wildest Horse Race ( Lara Prior - Palmer) - Mongol Derby 1000km race on wild horses
5. Commander in Cheat : How Golf Explains Trump (Rick Kelly ) - Donald Trump golfing deceptions
6. Position of Trust : A Football Dream Portrayed (Andy Woodward with Tom Watt) - child sex abuse in football
THE WINNER - Duncan Hamilton’s The Great Romantic: Cricket and the Golden Age of Neville Cardus
“The judges were bowled over by the quality of the writing and the way in which Hamilton brings to life the characters that defined cricket between the two world wars. The author explains that Neville Cardus was unknowable but this book does a very fine job indeed of guiding us through his career and motivations.”
Complimentary Moët champers, wines, beers, hot & cold canapés and macaroons for all guests.
then
4.30pm to 5.30pm
THE CLASH : London Calling at The Museum of London,150 London Wall, Barbican, London EC2.
40th anniversary exhibition of the bands classic third album that was released in 1979.
I finally get along to see this exhibition.
A few friends had told me it was smaller than expected.
That would explain why it is free entry rather than a paid ticket.
The display features the London Calling album and their two American tours in 1979.
I saw The Clash live in Sept 1979 in Boston, USA on their "Take the 5th " tour.
I saw The Clash live 20 times from 1976 to 1984 - they were a superb live band.
Tour diaries, stage clothes, guitars including Paul's broken Fender bass from their 1979 New York show.
Lots of hand written notes and other bits n pieces.
The Clash songs are playing in the background.
I did notice an error though.
They said The Clash gig for Kampuchea in Dec 1979 was at Hammersmith Palais, it was Hammersmith Odeon.
The exhibition is well worth a visit.
15 November 2019 – 19 April 2020 - FREE ENTRY
www.museumoflondon.org.uk
Visit their website here for more info.
then
SNOW PATROL live at The Royal Albert Hall, London.
Snow Patrol play the second of two sold out shows at The Royal Albert Hall.
I have seen them play live a few times before.
Their major-label debut album, "Final Straw", eventually sold over 3 million copies worldwide. Their next studio album," Eyes Open " (2006), and its hit single, "Chasing Cars" – the most widely played song of the 21st century on UK radio – propelled the band to greater international fame. The album topped the UK Albums Chart and was the best-selling British album of the year, selling over 6 million copies worldwide. The band's third compilation album, "Reworked," was released in November 2019 and features reworked versions of old songs and three new tracks.
"Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol has been named the most-played song on British radio this century.
The epic ballad was released in 2006 and only reached a high of No 6 in the UK charts, but went on to spend a total of 166 weeks in the Top 100.
Music licensing body PPL calculated that it received the most plays, ahead of I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas, and Happy by Pharrell.
-----------------
The venue is totally rammed sold out.
The band are on stage for two hours over two sets of 45 mins and 75 mins.
Around a dozen musicians on stage including strings, brass and percussion.
Some stripped lighting.
The first set was mainly down tempo and the second set was much more livelier.
They played all of their hits but I think I preferred the original versions to the reworked versions.
Great crowd singalong for big tracks like "Run" and "Chasing Cars".
Plenty of fun stage banter by singer Gary Lightbody.
Gary said tonight was the 5th time they had played this venue in their 25 year career.
Actress Minnie Driver joined them for one song.
A very enjoyable show.
Full Snow Patrol setlist played tonight...
FIRST SET
You're All I Have
New York
Warmer Climate
I Think of Home
Crack the Shutters
Lifening
Made of Something Different Now (First time played live)
Take Back the City
SECOND SET
Spitting Games
Chocolate
A Dark Switch
Run
Heal Me
Set the Fire to the Third Bar (with Minnie Driver)
Empress
Called Out in the Dark
Shut Your Eyes
Chasing Cars
Open Your Eyes
Encore:
What If This Is All the Love You Ever Get?
Just Say Yes




Wednesday 04 December 2019...8pm to 11.30pm...
Christmas Reunion Drinks in Wimbledon.
Meeting up with the folks i worked with throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Around 15 of us are here.
A couple of them i see at gigs , but most i only see at this annual meet up.
Great to catch up with everyone.
We are all now aged 55 to 70, so more of us are up the doctors and hospitals more often.
Some nostalgic chat about the good old days.
Always a very nice evening.




Tuesday 03 December 2019.
MUNA live at Shepherds Bush Empire, London.
Female trio from America who supported Harry Styles on tour last year.
All three members identify as queer.Initially wary of being pigeonholed as a "queer girl band", they later came to embrace the opportunity to use their musical notoriety to help inspire younger people to be comfortable with their identities.
They will be promoting their second album "Saves The Day" which is out on on RCA.
--------------------
Around 1200 are here out of the 2000 capacity.
FAKE LAUGH arrived on stage at 7.30pm and played for 30 mins.
They played some decent indie-pop tunes.
L DEVINE arrived on stage at 8.15pm and played for 30 mins.
L Devine songs are full of Charli XCX’s exuberance as she bounces around the stage.
MUNA arrived on stage at 9.20pm and played for 85 mins.
The three girls are joined by a male drummer & male bass player.
Early on, one of the girls says " I honestly believe we are the greatest fucking band in the world".
Their indie-pop tunes all had nice melodies and ticked along nicely.
A couple of songs had " rockin' out " moments in them.
The euphoria of fan favourite I Know a Place, the penultimate song, seems gargantuan and unstoppable as it swells around a crowd that is packed with women and LGBTQ people, sharing in a space that’s been carved out for them.
A good show and you can see them playing bigger venues this time next year.
Full Muna setlist played tonight....
Number One Fan
Stayaway
Crying On The Bathroom Floor
Around U
Never
Navy Blue
Everything
Winterbreak
Pink Light
Who
Hands Off
Good News (Ya-Ya Song)
Loudspeaker
I Know A Place
It's Gonna Be Okay, Baby
-------------------
Happy Birthday to rock legend OZZY OSBOURNE who is 71 today.



Monday 02 December 2019...I went to FOUR events tonight...
6.30pm to 7.30pm
ST GERMAIN WINTER BLOOM - launch party - Heddon Street Kitchen, Heddon Street, London W1.
As the festive season starts, French elderflower liqueur company St Germain will bring back its spectacular Winter Bloom Experience. The venue at Heddon Street Kitchen will be transformed into a floral winter wonderland.
The experience will finish on the 31st January 2020.
The venue is just off Regent Street so handy to pop in when shopping or visiting the Christmas lights.
In March 2012 a plaque was unveiled at 23 Heddon Street in London on the site where David Bowie was photographed for his 1972 Ziggy Stardust album cover.
There are four different St German based cocktails for guests...My fave was the Cidre Chaud.
Delicious canapés including fried calamari as it is a Gordon Ramsay restaurant.
www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com
Visit their website here for more info.
then
7.45pm to 8.45pm
CHRISTIES - London Art Week Party - King Street, St James's, London SW1.
A big crowd as around 500 guests are at this well known gallery that was founded back in 1766.
Lots of nice paintings on display and for sale.
Complimentary Taittinger champers , wines and canapés for all guests.
www.christies.com
Visit their website here for more info.
then
8.50pm to 9.50pm
BAD SEX IN FICTION AWARD - 4 St James's Square, St James's, London W1.
The In & Out, Naval and Military Club, is a private members club in an historic, elegant building in St James's Square.
Two writers have won the 2019 Literary Review Bad Sex In Fiction Award, after the judges struggled to pick just one winner from the less than sizzling passages. French author Didier Decoin and John Harvey, a life fellow at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, were announced as winners of the tongue-in-cheek prize.
Around 200 guests here including style guru Peter York.
Complimentary champers, Gin & Tonics, wines, beers and Indian food for all guests.
All guests got a goodie on departure with a few items inside.
then
10pm to 11.30pm
COLNAGHI GALLERY - London Art Week Party - 26 Bury Street, St James's, London SW1.
Another historic gallery that was founded back in 1760.
Around 150 guests here and it is nice and buzzy.
Lots of nice paintings here on display that are also for sale.
Complimentary Prosecco, Gin & Tonics, wines, beers and cheeses.
www.colnaghi.com
Visit their website here for more info.





Sunday 01 December 2019.
ELVIS PRESLEY In Concert - Live on Screen at The 02 Arena, London.
With the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and the Legendary TCB Band plus Priscilla Presley & Jerry Schilling - The Greatest Hits Tour.
One of the most unique concert experiences of recent years is set to return for 2019 having won the hearts of critics and fans a-like, as Elvis is set once again to be back!
The show will see the King once again up close on screen alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra live on stage, with this year being extra special as they will also be joined by The TCB Band – Elvis’ original and long time backing band. This is the only chance to experience the man who changed the course of popular music, selling an unparalleled 1 billion records worldwide.
Marking 50 years since Elvis’ triumphant return to live performing - as he took up his infamous Las Vegas residency in 1969 - the 2019 tour will feature very special personal appearances from Priscilla Presley and long term Elvis associate Jerry Schilling, who will be sharing intimate stories, personal photos plus rare home movies.
-------------------
We have a perfect view in the guest list block 112 right of stage.
BRIAN MAY from Queen is sitting within the mixing desk area.
I spotted a few Elvis lookalikes and many are dressed in rock n roll clothing.
Half of Level 4 has black curtains up as unsold but still an impressive 10,000 folks are here.
Pretty amazing when you think that Elvis Presley died 42 years ago in 1977.
The show started at 7.40pm and was on for 2 hours 10 mins over two sets of 65 mins.
Priscilla Presley introduced the the evening with a few words about Elvis and told us that
Elvis always wanted to play with an orchestra in London...but famously never came to the UK to perform.
She may have had plastic surgery but hard to believe that Priscilla Presley is aged 74 as she looks stunning.
She was married to Elvis Presley from 1967 to 1973, and is chairwoman of Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE), the company that turned Graceland, Elvis' mansion, into one of the top tourist attractions in the United States.
There are around 30 musicians on stage including band, orchestra and three backing vocalists.
For half of each set they were joined by three members of the TCB band (Glen Hardin on piano, James Burton on lead guitar, and Ron Tutt on drums) although Ron Tutt just did basic drumming as the other drummer did the proper stuff.
All three were interviewed on stage by Priscilla Presley and Jerry Schilling.
Two side screens showed what was going on live on stage and the big middle screen featured Elvis.
The songs on the big screen featured Elvis from his 1969 shows in Las Vegas.
The second set included stunning versions of "Suspicious Minds" and "The Wonder of You".
The sound quality was excellent.
The second set included home videos on the big screen that included Elvis, Priscilla and Jerry Schilling.
Many of the crowd were up and dancing for the last 30 mins.
A very enjoyable evening.




Saturday 30 November 2019.
GUN CONTROL with me on drums return to The Rocket Pub, Churchfield Road, Acton, London W3.
60th birthday party gig for both our guitarists (Bill and Mario) who reached the big 60 in November.
We will be on at 9pm to 10pm and there will be dj tunes before and after...free entry to all.
Remember the more you spend at the bar, the more we get paid...LOL!
The pub is 200 yards from Acton Central on the North London Overground Line and around
15 mins from Acton Town on The Piccadilly Line.
This will be our third gig since reforming this time last year.
Gig date---Sun 09 June 2019---My band GUN CONTROL with me on drums played our most recent gig.
A video from our gig in Acton is now up on YouTube.com ---"Do I Need You?"
Search - Gun Control The Rocket Acton reunion 9/6/2019 Do I Need You.
--------------------
The pub is full with maybe 70 or 80 folks here.
GUN CONTROL arrived on stage at 9.20pm and we played for around 55 mins.
We had a great DIY banner made for us last time and now we have another more official one.
6 ft 6 inches square hanging behind me with our band logo that matches my bass drum band logo
and the 200 band logo badges we have had done.
We have all our own equipment including pa, mixing desk, instruments, microphones etc.
Again my hi-hit slipped away from me during each song so will have to sort that proper next time.
We made a couple of mistakes but it was nice and loud and it was great to see the girls dancing
down the front and big cheers and clapping at the end of each song.
The band and the crowd wished our guitarist Mario a Happy Birthday.
We had a request to play a certain song again for a second time so we did that in the encore.
Overall a superb night and it looks like the next gig will be in Feb 2020.
Full Gun Control 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?
Open Your Heart
Steppin' Stone ( cover)
Encore :
You Mean Nothing To Me (reprise)
Teenage Kicks (cover ) (reprise)
--------------------
Happy Birthday to BILLY IDOL who is 64 today.



Friday 29 November 2019.
PRIMAL SCREAM + WILD DAUGHTER live at The Forum, London.
Primal Scream play the first of two sold out shows at this venue on their tour that ends in Glasgow.
I have them seen them play live several times since 1997.
In May 2019 Primal Scream released a retrospective singles compilation 'Maximum Rock'n'Roll'.
-----------------
WILD DAUGHTER arrived on stage at 8pm and played for 30 mins.
Wild Daughter are purveyors of their own brand of 'garage rock kink'.
The male singer is 6 ft 6 inches in high heels, bare chested and wearing leather chaps.
He bends over and rolls around the stage exposing his bum cheeks to the crowd.
He looks like a cross between Marilyn Manson and Joey Ramone.
PRIMAL SCREAM arrived on stage at 9.10pm and played for 1 hour 45 mins.
Primal Scream are still one of the coolest dance rock bands.
Singer Bobby Gillespie, still rake thin in a bright pink suit , is accompanied by riff-master Andrew Innes on guitar, wearing a pork pie hat.
There is a big screen showing great pre-recorded images.
Visually, this is Gillespie’s show and he very much leads from the front. Clapping, dancing and shaking his maracas for all he’s worth, Gillespie is as much as a cheerleader as a singer, leading the crowd into regular sing along sections and leaning his microphone into the throng in front of him.
They have not had a Top 40 hit for over a decade but they play plenty of gems from their Creation Records heyday.
The last half a dozen songs tonight get the crowd fully revved up.
A great show.
Full Primal Scream setlist played tonight...
INTRO TAPE London Calling (The Clash)
Don't Fight It, Feel It
Swastika Eyes
Miss Lucifer
Can't Go Back
Accelerator
Kill All Hippies
(I'm Gonna) Cry Myself Blind
I'm Losing More Than I'll Ever Have
Velocity Girl
Dolls (Sweet Rock and Roll)
Burning Wheel
100% or Nothing
Loaded
Movin' On Up
Country Girl
Encore:
Come Together
Jailbird
Rocks
--------------------
Sad news that Terry de Havilland has passed away.
Terry de Havilland, the shoe designer behind The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has died aged 81.
Nicknamed “the rock’n’roll cobbler” for his spirited, outré designs and down-to-earth charm, it is also a reference to his long list of celebrity clientele, which included David Bowie, Cher and Kate Moss.
He opened a shop on Kings Road, London in 1972 called Cobblers To The World. Regularly visited by London scenesters such as Angie Bowie, Rudolph Nureyev and members of Led Zeppelin, he told the Independent of the time American socialite Lee Radziwill stopped by: “One day this woman came in to buy a pair of leather thigh boots lined in red satin with saucy drawstrings for her sister…it turned out to be Lee Radziwill,” he said, “her sister was Jackie Onassis.”





Thursday 28 November 2019.
CIGARETTES AFTER SEX + FILM live at Shepherds Bush Empire, London.
This show is sold out so an extra show for London at Hammersmith Apollo in 2020 has been added.
They sold out Brixton Academy last year and sold out The Roundhouse in 2017.
Cigarettes After Sex is an American ambient pop band formed in El Paso, Texas, in 2008, founded by Greg Gonzalez. The band is known for their ethereal, limerent and often dream-like musical style, lyrics often based on the themes of romance and love, as well as Gonzalez's voice, described as "androgynous".While marketed as an ambient pop band, Cigarettes After Sex are also considered to be shoegaze, dream pop and slowcore.
They are on a a Euro & UK tour to promote their second album "Cry".
Both their albums have got into the UK Top 40.
Are we set for a Reo Speedwagon revival???...as
Cigarettes After Sex do a great version of "Keep On Loving You" (over 30 million views on YouTube) and
The John Lewis' 2019 Christmas advert song is Reo Speedwagon's " Can't Fight This Feeling".
In 2017 their " Hi Infidelity" album received the Diamond Award for official U.S. sales of over 10 million copies.
-------------------
The band with the very odd name play London, but in a way it is a memorable name i suppose.
The thing that sticks out about tonight is the BLACK & WHITE theme that is everywhere.
All the bands different merch t-shirts were black with a light white image.
All the bands videos are in black & white.
At 8.30pm we get a 30 mins black & white film that was just rain falling on the sea with some slogans.
CIGARETTES AFTER SEX arrive on stage at 9pm and play a shortish set of only 75 mins.
The band are all dressed in black and play against a black background, and only white lighting is used.
They have a big screen showing black & white images.
It is minimal equipment on stage that includes a drummer with no tom toms on his tiny kit.
The slow paced dreamy songs were hypnotic at times but at times sound very samey.
Their stripped down version of REO Speedwagon's "Keep On Loving You" was great.
A good show.
Full Cigarettes After Sex setlist played tonight...
Opera House
Crush
John Wayne
Don't Let Me Go
Sweet
Falling in Love
Affection
Touch
Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby
Sunsetz
K.
Keep On Loving You (REO Speedwagon cover)
Apocalypse
Encore:
Heavenly
Dreaming of You




Wednesday 27 November 2019.
Very sad news that tv presenter & journalist CLIVE JAMES has died aged 80.
His often coarse, dead-pan style peaked in popularity in the 80s with the show "Clive James on Television".
He would lampoon clips of absurd international television shows, in particular a Japanese contest called "Endurance".
James, who was known for his dry wit, went on to write a newspaper column titled "Reports of My Death" after being diagnosed with leukaemia in 2010. In 2016 he said his longevity after announcing his illness was "embarrassing".



Tuesday 26 November 2019.
HAWKWIND live at he Royal Albert Hall, London.
Final show on their 50th anniversary tour.
I have seen Hawkwind over 15 times since 1976.
Hawkwind have announced they will release a new album, their 32nd, on October 25 through Cherry Red. All Aboard The Skylark sees the band return to their space rock sound of Top 40 albums The Machine Stops Here (2016) and Into The Woods (2017) after the orchestrated Road To Utopia (2018).
Support comes from The Blackheart Orchestra who are promoting the release of their new studio album. The two-piece group features Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington and they are well known for creating music that is as emotionally deep as it is memorable. Their music paints emotional landscapes by fusing electronica and classical instrumentation, haunting vocals and multi-layered harmonies.
----------------
The corner blocks of the circle are unsold but still pretty full tonight.
There is floor standing tonight in front of stage.
Lots of older blokes in their 50s and 60s here tonight.
Left on each seat is a Hawkwind 50th anniversary flag as a souvenir.
On the big screen between before the bands The Hawks have teamed up with the DogLost website to screen images of lost and stolen dogs from each area reached on this extensive 50th anniversary tour. They’re also supporting the campaign to have dog theft taken more seriously. The band are also keen supporters of Extinction Rebellion.
THE BLACKHEART ORCHESTRA arrived on stage at 7.30pm and played for 30 mins.
They played a decent enough set and thanked Hawkwind for letting them play on the tour.
HAWKWIND arrived on stage at 8.30pm and played for 1 hour 55 mins.
A totally stunning laser show that was used the entire set for EVERY song played.
Also great pre-recorded images on the big screen.
ERIC CLAPTON joined them for a few songs the night before in Guildford and tonight they are joined by
PHIL CAMPBELL (ex Motörhead) for a few songs.
Hawkwind, the legendary pioneers of space rock, have always done things their own way.
Highlights included mega versions of "Silver Machine" and "Master of the Universe".
Original member Dave Brock is getting fab weird sounds from his hand wand machine.
A great show.
Full Hawkwind setlist played tonight...
Motorway City
Flesh Fondue
Last Man on Earth
The Song of the Gremlin (Robert Calvert song)
Born to Go / You Shoudn't Do That / Born to Go
65 Million Years Ago
In The Beginning
Spirit of the Age
The Fantasy of Faldum
The Watcher (with Phil Campbell)
Silver Machine (with Phil Campbell)
Assault and Battery
The Golden Void
Right to Decide
Hurry on Sundown
Master of the Universe (with Phil Campbell)
Welcome to the Future (with Phil Campbell)
----------------
Happy Birthday to TINA TURNER who is 80 today.
THE SEX PISTOLS classic debut single "Anarchy In The UK " was released today in 1976.
I bought it on the first day of release.
I was aged 17 and six months....at that age i was totally ready for all things punk rock.



Monday 25 November 2019.
RACE CHASER LIVE! live at The Shepherds Bush Empire, London.
RACE CHASER is the current hit podcast devoted to the discussion and dissection of every episode of RuPaul's Drag Race starting from the very beginning.
Hosted by two of the most iconic American queens to ever compete on the show: Alaska (Season 5, All-Stars 2) and Willam (Season 4, Drag U), Race Chaser is an insider's look at the worldwide phenomena that is RuPaul's Drag Race. Expect Drag Race analysis and dishy behind-the-scene stories!
With help from support acts Victoria Secret and Courtney Act.
Over the past couple of years Drag Acts are playing bigger venues including Shepherds Bush Empire, Troxy,
Hammersmith Apollo and even Wembley Arena (RuPaul himself performs there on 11 May 2020).
Around 600 here tonight, all seated in the stalls and Level 1.
There is a big screen showing video clips and images throughout the evening.
At 7.55pm Victoria Secret (from Dublin) performs a 15 mins set.
Some OTT singing along to backing tapes.
At 8.25pm Alaska and William are on stage for two hours over two sets.
They are seated on two thrones as they show videos of RuPauls Drag Race and discuss it with the crowd.
Some audience participation where they get three audience members to design an outfit of only duct tape.
For the second set they are joined by Courtney Act (from Australia , now living in Hackney).
Some of the show was funny with hilarious drag banter...and some of it very smutty as expected.
-------------------
This looks good...tickets go on sale Friday 29 Nov 2019.
‘ERIC CLAPTON & FRIENDS : A Tribute to Ginger Baker’ will take place on 17 February 2020 at London’s Hammersmith Apollo. The full line-up is yet to be announced.




Sunday 24 November 2019...6pm to 9pm...
GUN CONTROL with me on drums had a rehearsal today in North Acton for our gig in Acton on Sat 30 Nov.
Our bass player has just bought a limited ORANGE bass (made by the same people that make the amps).
We went through all of our songs two or three times.
Pretty good how it all comes together even though we haven't played together for six months.
It won't be perfect on the night, but should be good fun.
Reminder - Gun Control play The Rocket Pub in Acton on Sat 30 Nov....FREE ADMISSION.
-------------------
It was 28 years ago today on 24 Nov 1991 that both these musicians passed away.
Freddie Mercury and KISS drummer Eric Carr.




Saturday 23 November 2019.
THE SELECTER + RHODA DAKAR live at Shepherds Bush Empire, London.
2-Tone icons, The Selecter play the final show on their 40th anniversary UK tour.
I have seen them around a dozen times since 1979 when they supported on the original 2-Tone tour.
Support comes from Rhoda Dakar, best known as the lead singer of The Bodysnatchers, who were also
signed to the 2 Tone record label back in the day.
The Selecter are celebrating 40 years since starting off but don't mention that 1981 to 1991 they were inactive.
----------------
Not sold out tonight as Level 2 and 3 are closed as unsold but must 1200 here out of 2000 capacity.
Lots of older ska fans here between the ages of 40 to 60 and a few younger ones too.
Lynval Golding from The Specials was in the Level 1 area.
RHODA DAKAR does not actually have her own band but she is the dj before the band comes on
and she joins The Selecter for a few songs at the end of their set.
Rhoda plays some cool ska and soul classics on the turntable.
THE SELECTER arrive on stage at 9pm and play for 1 hour 45 mins.
The band still feature originals Pauline Black and Gaps on shared vocals, both are wearing silver jackets.
The band feature keyboards and sax.
There is a big screen showing old band photos and other pictures of other ska legends and also
Boris Johnson with an extended nose and Ranking Roger RIP.
Also a picture of the first original 2-Tone package tour members from 1979 - I was there.
(Specials,Madness,Selecter,Modettes Electric Ballroom, London 21.07.1979)
The great ska sound makes it compulsive to move your body for a little dance.
Chants of "Rude Girl, Rude Girl" and "Rude Boy, Rude Boy" ring out from the crowd during the show.
Pauline mentioned how they visited Shepherds Bush back in the day for several TOTP appearances.
A really good show.
Full setlist played by The Selecter tonight...
The Avengers Theme (Laurie Johnson Orchestra cover)
Three Minute Hero (number 16 hit in 1980)
Out on the Streets
Time Hard (Everyday) (George Dekker cover)
Frontline
Breakdown
Celebrate the Bullet
Murder
Danger
(Who Likes) Facing Situations
Missing Words (number 23 hit in 1980)
Remember Me
The Whisper (number 36 hit in 1980)
See Them A Come
Train to Skaville (The Ethiopians cover)
James Bond Theme (Monty Norman cover)
Carry Go Bring Come (Justin Hinds & The Dominoes cover)
On My Radio (number 8 hit in 1979)
Ruder Than You (The Bodysnatchers cover) (Rhoda Dakar on vocals, no Pauline or Gaps) (number 22 hit in 1980)
Let's Do Rock Steady (The Bodysnatchers cover) (Rhoda Dakar on vocals , no Pauline or Gaps)
Too Much Pressure / Pressure Drop / Too Much Pressure (with Rhoda Dakar)
Madness (Prince Buster cover) (with Rhoda Dakar)
Can't Get Used to Losing You (Andy Williams cover) (with Rhoda Dakar) (dedicated to Ranking Roger RIP)




Friday 22 November 2019.
FEEDER + ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION live at The Roundhouse, London.
Feeder play the first of two shows at this venue on their UK tour.
I have seen Feeder several times with the first times being at Reading Festivals 1999 and 2001.
Feeder are ready to come full circle. More than two decades after their first show the band are reinvigorated, tapping into the essential, primal energy that first inspired them, with their new 10th studio album "Tallulah".
Feeder have had three Top 10 UK hits including the mega "Buck Rogers" in 2001.
Support band ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION is a Japanese alternative rock band formed in Yokohama, Japan, in 1996. For its entire career, the band has consisted of the same four original members.Asian Kung-Fu Generation has been cited as one of the best, most balanced modern rock bands to emerge from Japan in the 2000s.
They have released several albums.
---------------------
ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION arrived on stage at 7.35pm and played for 40 mins.
They played a decent set of their slightly quirky indie rock.
FEEDER arrived on stage at 8.45pm and played for two hours.
They have a nice stage production with loads of lights and strobes and a big screen showing images.
Lots of well known catchy rock songs played as they have had 20 x Top 40 hit singles in the UK.
The new album tracks sound pretty good.
The mosh pit gets very lively down the front.
Singer Grant Nicholas is like the nice bloke you met at the pub who really likes music. ... Yet the singer-songwriter is clearly just someone who's really passionate about what he does.
At the end of the main set we get Feeder’s biggest hit single “Buck Rogers,” which opens with the quirky lyrics: “He’s got a brand new car, looks like a Jaguar, it’s got leather seats, it’s got a CD player.”.The entire venue is bouncing.
A great show.
Full setlist played by Feeder tonight....
‪Youth‬
Lost & Found
Feeling a Moment
Shapes and Sounds
Daily Habit
Figure You Out
Fear of Flying
Just the Way I'm Feeling
‪Kyoto‬
‪Eskimo‬
‪Kite‬
Tallulah (with streamers over the crowd)
Comfort in Sound
Come Back Around
Universe of Life
Insomnia
Guillotine
‪High
‪Turn‬
Yesterday Went Too Soon
Seven Days in the Sun
Rock medley instrumental feat Nirvana, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Van Halen etc.
Buck Rogers
Encore:
Blue Sky Blue
Just a Day ( with ticket-tape over the crowd)




Thursday 21 November 2019.
RONNIE WOOD + JACK BROADBENT live at The Shepherds Bush Empire,London.
This show sold out pronto when tickets went on sale.
The Rolling Stones guitarist will release Ronnie Wood With His Wild Five – Mad Lad: A Live Tribute To Chuck Berry on November 15 through BMG.
It was recorded at Wimborne’s Tivoli Theatre in 2018 – a night that saw guest appearances from singer Imelda May and pianist Ben Waters.
It looks like Ronnie Wood & Imelda May will share vocals tonight.
I saw Ronnie Wood play this venue in 2001 when Glen Matlock was the support and Slash joined Ronnie for 30 mins.
Other Ronnie Wood shows i have seen include...
2005 - Theatre Royal , Drury Lane
2010 - Ambassadors Theatre
2012 - Hammersmith Apollo
2013 - Royal Albert Hall
I have seen Imelda May play The Royal Albert Hall and Ronnie Scott's.
I saw Chuck Berry several times with the first being at Hammersmith Odeon in 1975 and the last time
was 2008 at The 100 Club.
Tonight was one of the most annoying gig clashes of the year as across London at The Barbican,
IGGY POP was playing a one-off show.As i saw Iggy a couple of years ago at The Royal Albert Hall,
Ronnie Wood got my vote tonight.
-----------------
4.30pm to 5.15pm - Ronnie Wood soundcheck for the soundcheck.
Around 100 fans are here for the soundcheck.
First we are held in a holding bay but can hear the band playing through the doors.
Ben Waters plays some piano including Boomtown Rats then Ronnie does a few songs to
sort out his vocals with the band, then Imelda May does the same.
5.15pm to 5.35pm - Ronnie Wood & band play a 20 mins soundcheck.
The 100 fans are then let into the front stalls to watch Ronnie & the band.
Tracks played included "Run Rudolph Run", "Rock and Roll Music", "Mad Lad", "Memphis Tennessee".
The crowd were due to leave after Ronnie's soundcheck but after a few mins discussion they were
allowed to stay inside and keep their prized standing space...maybe because it was freezing outside.
6.10pm to 6.25pm - Jack Broadbent 15 mins soundcheck in front of the 100 fans already here.
-----------------
JACK BROADBENT arrived on stage at 8pm and played for 40 mins.
Jack played some nice slide guitar, mixing cover versions and original songs.
He was joined by his dad on bass & vocals for a couple of songs.
RONNIE WOOD WITH HIS WILD FIVE arrived on stage at 9pm and played for 1 hour 45 mins.
A dozen guests are watching side of stage including his wife Sally Wood.
The band play a couple of warm up songs then Ronnie appears on stage, looking great for age 72.
For the first song only he uses a hands free radio microphone on his face.
He was joined by Imelda May and Lulu on a few songs , who both have great vocals.
Ronnie himself is not so great on vocals but his rock star charisma shines brightly.
Ben Waters on boogie woogie piano was superb.
His band included two female backing singers and a two man brass section.
Ronnie clearly has always loved Chuck Berry and is on a mission to keep his music alive.
Chuck Berry pretty much invented the classic blues rock n roll guitar riff.
A great show.
Full Ronnie Wood setlist played tonight...
Ben Waters & band without Ronnie play a couple of boogie woogie tracks
No Particular Place to Go (Chuck Berry cover)
Roll Over Beethoven (Chuck Berry cover)
Sweet Little Sixteen (Chuck Berry cover)
Little Queenie (Chuck Berry cover)
I'm Talking About You (Chuck Berry cover)
Don't Lie To Me
Blue Feeling (Chuck Berry cover)
Wee Wee Hours (with Imelda May) (Chuck Berry cover)
Sweet Little Rock & Roller (with Imelda May)(Chuck Berry cover)
Tribute to Chuck Berry
Mad Lad (Chuck Berry cover)
Hideaway
Back In The USA
Memphis, Tennessee (Chuck Berry cover)
Run Rudolph Run (with Lulu) (Chuck Berry cover)
Betty Jean
No Money Down
Let It Rock/Train kept a rollin
Rock and Roll Music (with Imelda May) (Chuck Berry cover)
Bye Bye Johnny (with Lulu and Imelda May)(Chuck Berry cover)
Carol (with Imelda May) (Chuck Berry cover)
Johnny B. Goode (with Lulu and Imelda May)(Chuck Berry cover)
------------------
Ronnie said on stage that a couple of Rod Stewarts backing band were here tonight
but no sign of Rod Stewart , Mick Jagger or any other well known names watching.




Wednesday 20 November 2019.
SUEDE + THE PRETENDERS + Danny & The Champions of The World
play Shepherds Bush Empire, London.
SUEDE + THE PRETENDERS play a co-headline show at Shepherds Bush Empire.
The bands will join forces to raise money for their beloved long-standing crew member, John Brandham, who suffered a stroke. The Pretenders and Suede also share the same management and press team.
I have seen both the headline bands many times.
Really looking forward to this great double bill.
-----------------
The venue is totally rammed sold out tonight.
Guests here included Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cooks wife (Jeni) and their daughter (Hollie).
Jeni told me that Paul was recording an EP with The Professionals in the countryside.
Danny & The Champions of The World arrive on stage at 7.15pm and played for 25 mins.
Some nice pedal steel guitar in their Americana type songs played.
-----------------
THE PRETENDERS arrived on stage at 8pm and played for 70 mins.
Chrissie Hynde is now aged 68, and stills looks and moves like a proper rock chick,
with her slim frame and black boots and tight jeans.
A great set with loads of their classic hits played.
Full setlist played by The Pretenders tonight...
Alone
Gotta Wait
Message of Love
Kid
Down the Wrong Way (Chrissie Hynde song)
Talk of the Town
I Go to Sleep (The Kinks cover)
Back on the Chain Gang
Private Life
Stop Your Sobbing (The Kinks cover)
Night in My Veins
Don't Get Me Wrong
Cuban Slide
Brass in Pocket
Mystery Achievement
Encore:
Middle of the Road
-----------------
SUEDE arrived on stage at 9.30pm and played for 80 mins.
Brett Anderson on vocals is on top form as usual tonight as he gives it 100%.
His slim tall frame prowls the stage and many times he is in the front pit , up close with the fans.
Most of the hardcore fans down the front appear to be Suede fans rather than Pretenders fans.
With their lyrics, Suede are a grand articulation of the alienated, the disenfranchised, the outsider.
During the encore Brett sings the praises of the local area...
Thank You Shepherds Bush Empire
Thank You Shepherds Bush Green
Thank You Shepherds Bush Roundabout
Thank You Uxbridge Road
Loads of their classic tracks played and it was another great set.
Full setlist played by Suede tonight...
As One
Outsiders
We Are the Pigs
So Young
Metal Mickey
Killing of a Flashboy
Pantomime Horse
Pale Snow
The Drowners
It Starts and Ends With You
Filmstar
Brass in Pocket (The Pretenders cover)
Trash
Animal Nitrate
The Wild Ones (Brett solo acoustic unplugged)
Beautiful Ones
Encore:
Life Is Golden
New Generation




Tuesday 19 November 2019.
7.30pm to 9.30pm
PHILLIPS GALLERY - private view - 30 Berkeley Square , Mayfair , London W1.
Phillips is pleased to announce Trinity: B.A.T. 5-7-9, an exhibition showcasing three of Alfa Romeo's iconic 1950s concept cars. B.A.T. 5, B.A.T. 7 and B.A.T. 9 will go on view to the public at 30 Berkeley Square, from 20 to 23 November. Icons of 20th century design and automotive history, they represent three of the most daring, visionary and futuristic concept cars ever built. The product of the collaborative efforts of coachbuilder Bertone and designer Franco Scaglione, these cars showcase the fascinating avant-garde creativity and artistic craftsmanship developed by independent Italian design studios in the 1950s.Trinity: B.A.T. 5-7-9 presents a rare opportunity to see all three cars displayed together in Europe.
The three concept cars look stunning and are in immaculate condition.
Around 200 guests here, including many Italians.
Complimentary gin & tonics, white wines and very nice canapés from Last Supper.
The free exhibition is on this weekend only - Nov 20 to Nov 23.
www.phillips.com
Visa their website here for more info.
then
10pm to 1am
DEAR EVAN HANSEN - opening night press party - Banqueting House, Whitehall, London SW1.
A massive party for over 500 guests at this prestigious venue.
It was very lavish , with loads of different food stations, bowl food, desserts etc.
Also prosecco, a sky blue gin cocktail, different sprints including JD n cokes, wines, beers.
A dj was playing dance tracks.
Lily James, David Tennant, Graham Norton and Andrew Lloyd Webber were among a host of VIP guests who arrived on a blue carpet for the opening night of Broadway hit Dear Evan Hansen. Newcomer Sam Tutty plays the leading role alongside Lauren Ward and Rupert Young as the play comes to the West End's Noel Coward Theatre for the first time. The show's award winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul attended along with Kevin McHale, Beverley Knight, Barbara Broccoli, Arlene Phillips , Ella Henderson, Michael Grade and Jonathan Shalit.
www.noelcowardtheatre.co.uk
Visit their website here for more info and to buy tickets.




Monday 18 November 2019...I went to two events tonight...
6.15pm to 7.45pm
THE CREATIVE DIMENSION TRUST - launch party - Bonham's , New Bond Street, London W1.
The Creative Dimension Trust (TCDT) offers fine craft skills courses to 14-18 year olds with exceptional talent and potential. The courses are taught by Craft Specialists who are acknowledged leaders in their professions.
This includes model making, stone carving, sign writing on skateboards, glass blowing, puppet making etc.
Around 150 guests here including style guru PETER YORK.
There were a couple of speeches at 7pm.
Complimentary Fortnum & Mason champers and cheese sticks for all guests.
www.thecreativedimension.org
Visit their website here for a list of 2020 courses and dates.
then
MARILLION with mini-orchestra live at The Royal Albert Hall, London.
Marillion play the first of two sold out shows at this venue.
I have seen Marillion many times with original singer Fish in the 1980s as well as their current singer.
I saw them on their last tour at this venue in 2017.
This year Marillion frontman Steve Hogarth, celebrates 30 years since joining the band.
As well as his long-standing bandmates – bassist Pete Trewavas, guitarist Steve Rothery, keyboardist Mark Kelly and drummer Ian Mosley – Hogarth is backed by a string quartet, French horn and flute.
------------------
MARILLION with mini-orchestra arrived on stage at 8.30 pm and they played for 2 hours 5 mins.
A great stage production with loads of lights and some lasers and a big screen showing pre-recorded images.
I must admit i prefer the Fish era songs that were more commercial but the loyal Marillion fans seem
very happy with how Steve Hogarth has moved the band forward to a more prog-lite sound.
After a turbulent time in the 1990s, the band consciously uncoupled from the
standard music business model in 2000, and became one of the first bands to get their fans to pay in advance
for the band to record an album, embracing crowdfunding long before Kickstarter became cool.
You have to admire the way they do things their own way due to their very loyal fans.
Steve Hogarth enters the stage via the stalls seating area.
The swooping, self-dramatising singer strives to elevate every song into an epic – which reminded me of how Michael Hutchence performed on stage – while also providing some appealingly frazzled between-song repartee and nipping off stage to change into a series of dystopian sci-fi jackets.
The band have a nice big sound and the mini-string section sound great when at full tilt.
Several songs are around 10 minutes long and are a bit proggy for me.
The New Kings, a 2016 four-song suite roasting Russian oligarchs, is greeted enthusiastically, but bemused me.
At the end Steve Hogath asks the crowd "who's coming to tomorrow?" and half the crowd shout back.
For the encores the crowd got up.
An enjoyable show.




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