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: 4th March 2020

Tuesday 03 March 2020...7.10pm to 11.10pm...
THE AUCTION at Christies, King Street, St James's, London SW1.
Around 500 guests at this event that i have been too several times before - it is always a great event.
Most of the guests have paid £150 to attend.
As usual around 75% of those here are gay men.
A few celebrity faces including Tracey Emin, Wayne Sleep, Lorraine Chase.
From 8.10pm to 9.10pm we are all seated for the auction lots.
One lot included dinner with Tracey Emin and Beverley Knight, that went for £4,000.
Nice works of art here.
After the auction we had a live band playing some dance covers that got some folks dancing.
Complimentary Nicolas Courtin champers, vodka cocktails, gin cocktails and wines all through the evening.
Lots of very nice canapés during the evening and pastries for the final hour.
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The Auction is hosted by The Terrence Higgins Trust.
Last year the online and live auctions combined raised over £210,000. Over its history the event has raised over £4.7 million to make a difference to the lives of people living with and affected by HIV.
www.tht.org.uk
Visit their website here for more info on the good work they do.




Tuesday 03 March 2020.
THE FIRST MAJOR CANCELLATION in the UK due to Coronavirus.
It looks only a matter of time before some concerts and football in the UK are cancelled i reckon.
London Book Fair cancelled. Reed Exhibitions has announced that The London Book Fair 2020, scheduled to take place at Olympia, London, from 10 to 12 March will be cancelled following the escalation of COVID-19 Coronavirus in Europe.




Monday 02 March 2020.
LENNON STELLA live at Shepherds Bush Empire, London.
Lennon Stella plays the first of two sold out shows at this venue.
20 year old female singer who is best known for the musical drama tv series Nashville (2012–18).
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A mainly 75% female crowd here tonight.
JP SAXE arrived on stage at 8pm for his 30 mins set.
Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter JP Saxe is a soulful performer who makes yearning, R&B-influenced pop. A native of Toronto, Canada.He performed a good set that featured a great track called " 3 Minutes".
LENNON STELLA arrived on stage at 9pm for her 70 mins set.
She played with a band at the start and the end parts of the set and in the middle she was solo
with her piano or guitar.
A big screen showed pre-recorded images for some songs.
Lennon has pretty much changed her style from country music to catchy R & B - influenced pop songs.
Lennon played a couple of good covers and had some nice songs including "Kissing Other People".
Sony Music were here filming the show for future use on tv and DVD.
An enjoyable show.
Full Lennon Stella setlist played tonight...
Black Light
Bad
Feelings
Pretty Boy
Breakaway
Umbrella (Rihanna cover)
Die Average
Paperweight
Takeaway
Girls Just Want to Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper cover)
Like Everybody Else
Kissing Other People
Fear of Being Alone
Golf on TV (performed with JP Saxe)
Fortress
Huey Lewis
BITCH (takes one to know one)
La Di Da
Goodnight




Monday 02 March 2020.
02 March 2010---It was 10 years ago i attended this mega gig.
KISS played a club show (in full make-up ) for 800 at The Islington Academy.
Full setlist played...
Modern Day Delilah
Cold Gin
Let Me Go, Rock 'N' Roll
Say Yeah
Calling Dr. Love
Got to Choose
I Love It Loud
100,000 Years
Love Gun
Black Diamond
Rock and Roll All Nite
Encore:
Detroit Rock City
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Happy Birthday to JON BON JOVI who is 58 today.





Sunday 01 March 2020.
The Carabao Cup final marks the first major domestic silverware opportunity of the season
in English football and the final took place at Wembley Stadium.
The kick-off time was 4.30pm.
Aston Villa 1 Man City 2
Man City win this cup for the fourth time in five years which is pretty amazing.
A massive crowd of over 82,000 here for this very enjoyable game.
There are three types of freebie Man City flags in their seats at their end of the stadium.
We are up in Level 5 with the Man City fans who were singing this fan song non-stop...
We're going up,
We're going down,
We're going up,
We're going down,
City's going down with a billion in the bank,
A billion in the bank, a billion in the bank,
City's going down with a billion in the bank,
A billion in the bank, a billion in the bank...
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Happy Birthday to rock legend ROGER DALTREY who is 76 today.



Saturday 29 February 2020.
CAVETOWN live at Shepherds Bush Empire, London.
Robin Daniel Skinner [age 22 ) known professionally as Cavetown, is an English singer-songwriter and YouTuber based in Cambridge. His style blends elements of indie rock, indie pop and bedroom pop with mellow, gentle ukulele ballads.
He has had multi-million views on all streaming channels.
Skinner released his third studio album, Lemon Boy, in July 2018.
His first album on a major label is released on Sire Records in March 2020.
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Tonight has been sold out my ages.
My chums on security said there were over 200 here in the afternoon queuing despite the freezing weather.
A young crowd that was pretty much 75% females aged 14 to 24.
The merch queues were huge throughout the evening and after the show.
FOR ALL THEEE ACTS we have an incredible female sign-language interpreter, to the left of stage.
CHLOE MORIONDO arrived on stage at 7.30pm and played for 30 mins.
Chloe is a 17 year old from North America who has been produced by tonight's headliner.
She had a bit of a Billie Eilish vibe about her, and the crowd knew her material.
HUNNY arrived on stage at 8.15pm and played for 30 mins.
Los Angeles based Alt-indie rock band HUNNY signed to Epitaph Records in 2018.
Some good catchy tunes played that reminded me of 1990s Brit-Pop.
CAVETOWN arrived on stage at 9.15pm and played for 85 mins.
My first thoughts were , he sounds like Ed Sheeran and looks like Harry Potter.
He has an armchair and a table and lamp, and halfway through sings a couple of tunes in the chair.
The crowd singalong to pretty much every song even though he has had no hit singles but has
got that huge presence on the internet.
He played a nice Randy Newman cover of " You've Got a Friend in Me" for all the mums and dads
who have been dragged out by their kids tonight.
A pleasant enough show.




Friday 28 February 2020.
GLEN MATLOCK BAND + THE GOLDBORNS live at The Red Lion Ballroom, Leytonstone, London E11.
Sex Pistols legend Glen Matlock is playing a UK tour.
This recently refurbished venue has a 250 capacity and is a new addition to the areas live music scene.
Glen's band feature Earl Slick (guitar legend ,who has played with David Bowie and John Lennon),
Chris Musto (drums ,who has played with Johnny Thunders) ) and
Jim Lowe (bass, who has produced a few Stereophonics albums).
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Sometimes for the sake of seeing some quality rock n roll you have to make the odd trek.
23 stops on the Central Line for me tonight , from Ealing Broadway to Leytonstone.
This pub is massive , with the pub itself on the ground floor and the ballroom on the second floor.
It looks great with drapes everywhere and sofas around the sides.
I caught 20 mins of THE GOLDBORNS support act set.
Their debut EP was produced by Mick Jones of The Clash.
GLEN MATLOCK BAND arrived on stage at 9.25pm and played for 95 mins.
The band sound nice and loud and are firing on all cylinders from the start.
Earl Slick stills looks full monty rock star cool under a sweep of jet-black spiky hair and sunglasses.
The crowd are close to the stage to see a rare sight of these rock legends in this part of East London.
A couple of new songs feature Glens very anti-Brexit thoughts.
Glen works the crowd well with his onstage banter.
Glens solo material has been constantly really good throughout the years and the encore
featured two classics that had the fans singing loudly along and sent them home very happy.
A great show.
Glen Matlock setlist played tonight...
Won't Put The Brakes on Me
Wanderlust
Consequences Coming
Sexy Beast (with a guest on stage playing some nifty mouth organ)
Hook In You
Montague Terrace (in Blue) (Scott Walker cover)
Magic Carpet Ride
Couldn't Give A Damn
Hot Water
Blank Generation (Richard Hell & The Voidoids cover)
On Something (Glen Matlock & the Philistines song)
Can't Be Myself
Born Running (Glen Matlock & the Philistines song)
Who's Side Are You On ?
Keep On Pushing
Encore:
Pretty Vacant (Sex Pistols song)
All or Nothing (Small Faces cover)
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Glen meets the fans and signs stuff a few minutes after the end of each show.



Thursday 27 February 2020...I went to three events tonight...
6pm to 7pm
PENSEE - new collection launch party - Christian Louboutin, 17 Mount Street, Mayfair, London W1.
Christian Louboutin is a French fashion designer whose high-end stiletto footwear incorporates shiny, red-lacquered soles that have become his signature. Initially a freelance designer for fashion houses, he started his own shoe salon in Paris, with his shoes finding favor with celebrity clientele.
Minimalist and elegant, the Pensée pouch takes inspiration from the world of Pop Art made famous by Andy Warhol and much admired by Mr Christian Louboutin. Its bright colour and playful shape give it a bold style. - two-tone, in black suede and banana yellow - three-petal flower with black edge and centre....it comes with a hefty price tag...
Not surprisingly it is 90 % females here with many wearing those very sexy Louboutin high heels.
Complimentary Ruinart champers and canapes for all guests.
then
7.05pm to 7.55pm
GEORGIE HOPTON / GARY HUME - private view - Lyndsey Ingram, 20 Bourdon Street, Mayfair, London W1.
My first time at this gallery around the rear of Phillips Gallery in Berkeley Square.
A cool arty crowd here and very nice to see JARVIS COCKER who arrived just after us.
Complimentary prosecco and Moscow Mule cocktails for all guests.
www.lindsayingram.com
Visit their website here for more info.
then
8pm to 9.30pm
AMEX - party - Hackett, 193-197 Regent Street, London W1.
Around 100 guests here in this smart store.
Home of the ‘Essential British Kit’ Hackett on Regent Street is the largest in the world. A crisp and sophisticated collection of menswear ensures no modern man will want to leave empty handed. Absorb the essence of British culture with understated tones of refinement in the suave Regent Street store.
Complimentary Louis Roederer champers, whiskey sour cocktails, gin & tonics and canapés for all guests.
www.hackett.com
Visit the Hackett website here for more info.




Wednesday 26 February 2020....I went to three events today...
3.30pm to 6pm
BUSINESS TRAVEL SHOW at Olympia, West Kensington, London.
Very busy here as there must be a few thousand folks here.
The big players are here showcasing including travel companies, hotels, hire car companies,airlines etc.
Live entertainment included a breakdancing & body popping team dance routine next to the Addison Lee
stand every 30 minutes.
Many of the stands have complimentary booze drinks, coffees, canapés and doughnuts.
then
6.05pm to 8pm
TTIHUB - party - The Albion , West Kensington, London.
Just a short walk to this pub near Olympia.
TTIHUB have taken over the pub for the evening.
TTIhubs are about networking; bringing travel and technology people together to chat and drink in a convivial atmosphere.
Held to coincide with Business Travel Show/Travel Technology Europe.
Complimentary drinks including JD n cokes and Guinness along with fresh pizza.
then
8.15pm to 10.30pm
EGENCIA - party - The Prince, 14 Lillie Road, Earls Court, London SW5.
A big crowd of around 300 guests at this massive pub near to West Brompton tube station.
A Rio Carnival themed party to celebrate the opening of Business Travel Show.
There are girls dressed in Rio Carnival type dress and there are drummers playing Latin rythyms.
The Latin dj beats got a dozen folks on the dance floor.
Compimentary drinks here included Espresso Martinis, Pornstar Martinins, Guinness, etc.
All guests got a £10 food voucher to use in one of the four food stations here.
I got a nice cheeseburger with fries mixed with sardines from Patty & Bun.
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Will coronavirus hit the UK badly in the coming weeks?
UK schools could be shut and football matches, music concerts and church services cancelled if the killer coronavirus becomes a pandemic, top doctors warn.
Northern Italy is suffering badly at the moment.



Tuesday 25 February 2020.
Mick Fleetwood special show to celebrate the music of Peter Green and the early years of Fleetwood Mac.
The concert will take place on February 25 at the London Palladium and will see Fleetwood joined onstage by a raft of musicians including former Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Johnny Lang, Andy Fairweather Low, John Mayall, Zak Starkey, Bill Wyman and his Fleetwood Mac bandmate Christine McVie.
The house band will feature Mick Fleetwood on drums and Andy Fairweather Low on guitar.
On the day before the show Mick Fleetwood said that Noel Gallagher and Neil Finn will perform.
Peter Green co-founded Fleetwood Mac in 1967 and departed the band in 1969.
Needless to say the show sold out very quickly.
The show will be in cinemas on 02 June and 07 June and will be also coming out on DVD box set.
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This show sold out pronto before i could even find out what the ticket prices were.
I found out later that they ranged from £75 up to £250....so not cheap.
They could have sold twice as many tickets if they had booked the show in for Hammersmith Apollo.
I was up the venue from 7pm to 8.30pm and sadly did not get in.
Just three touts here as the others were all at Chelsea v Bayern Munich.
I know all the touts and they said they only got three tickets between them the whole night.
Around 20 or 30 punters looking for tickets so the three tickets were easily sold for over face value.
It was just one of those shows where pretty much nobody turned up with spare tickets.
A friend told me there were lots of half price tickets for the Ginger Baker tribute show last week.
I saw Olivia Harrison, Ian Broudie and Sir Bob Geldof going in to see the show.
Hopefully a few decent clips will turn up on YouTube.



Monday 24 February 2020.
ON YOUR FEET! live at The New Wimbledon Theatre, London SW19.
The musical is touring the UK after it's successful West End run.
ON YOUR FEET! features many of the original West End cast, this ‘exhilarating extravaganza’ (Whatsonstage) is the inspiring true love story of Emilio and Gloria and charts their journey from its origins in Cuba, onto the streets of Miami and finally to international superstardom. Featuring all of their smash hits including ‘Rhythm Is Gonna Get You’, ‘Conga’, ‘Get On Your Feet’, ‘Don’t Want To Lose You Now’ ‘Dr.Beat’ and ‘1-2-3’.
Starring Philippa Stefani (RENT, In the Heights, Grease), as Gloria Estefan, George Ioannides (Annie, Mamma Mia!, An Officer and a Gentleman) as Emilio Estefan, Madalena Alberto (Evita, Cats, Les Misérables) as Gloria Fajardo and Karen Mann (Sister Act, Fiddler on the Roof, Sweeney Todd) as Consuelo.
Gloria Estefan has sold over 120 million records worldwide.
Gloria was massive in North America & South America and even in the UK she had 27 x Top 40 hits.
www.agttickets.com/wimbledon
Click here for more info and to buy tickets.
It is in Wimbledon from Mon 24 Feb to Sat 29 Feb.
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This was the opening press night for the show which is in Wimbledon all this week.
The show is on for around 2 hours 15 mins over two sets of 75 mins and 60 mins.
A nice mix of dialogue and song & dance numbers throughout the show.
The first half included the humble beginnings of Gloria & Emilio and the clashes with their record company.
The second half had proper stage costumes as the band became more successful.
The live band did a great job with their catchy percussive dance hits.
The second half included her serious injury due to a tour bus crash.
In March 1990, Gloria Estefan had a severe accident in her tour bus. She made her comeback in March 1991 with a new world tour and album called " Into the Light".
All the crowd were up and dancing for the medley of hits finale.
A very enjoyable show and remember the ticket prices here are much cheaper than when it was in the
West End , as here the tickets start from a mere £13.




Sunday 23 February 2020.
BABYMETAL + CREEPER live at Hammersmith Apollo, London.
I saw Babymetal headline Wembley Arena in 2016, which has come out as a live DVD.
That show was the first ever headline show at that venue by a Japanese act.
They are promoting their third album "Metal Galaxy" with a world tour.
Babymetal are fronted by three Japanese girls in colourful costumes who are backed by a male metal band.
Lots of quirky dance routines too.
Support comes from Southampton based punk rockers Creeper who are showcasing their second album
"Sex, Death & the Infinite Void".
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It is pretty full tonight , with maybe 4500 out of a 5000 capacity.
CREEPER arrived on stage at 8pm for their 35 mins set.
Their singer is dressed all in black and the other five members are all dressed in white outfits.
A decent set of punky emo tunes played.
The Babymetal combination of J-pop and heavy metal has cast a wide net in terms of a following. Fans entering the venue range from young women and kids emulating the band’s fashion style to 40-year-old metalheads who would fit right in at a Slayer concert.
BABYMETAL arrived on stage at 9.05pm and played for a mere 60 mins.
Each song had an energetic dance routine , which would explain the short set.
A massive screen took up the area at the back and mixed pre-recorded images and live footage.
Lots of lights and flames and visually the show was great to look at.
The band are at the back, playing relentless metal and are all wearing menacing masks.
The crowd are creating very lively moshing circles in the stalls and many are crowd surfing.
Some songs were a bit "Riverdance" in dance moves and "Pinky & Perky" in the vocals.
The band seemed to have outlived their novelty status that they had in the early days.
The only tune of theirs i knew was "Gimme Chocolate!!" which was good.
A very enjoyable show to watch.
Full Babymetal setlist played tonight...
tape intro - FUTURE METAL
DA DA DANCE
Gimme Chocolate!!
Shanti Shanti Shanti
BxMxC
Kagerou (with Kami Band intro.)
Oh! MAJINAI
Megitsune
PA PA YA!!
Distortion
KARATE
Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!
Encore:
Road of Resistance
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Check out their live official video for "Gimme Chocolate!!" on YouTube.
Now with over 100 million views.




Saturday 22 February 2020...3.30pm to 5.30pm...
THE LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW - Olympia, West Kensington, London.
For the first time, the London Classic Car Show takes place at Olympia London, with what claims to be one of the UK's widest collections of classic cars on show. Over 500 motors are there for the ogling, plus there's a special Car Stories stage hosted by motoring expert Max Girardo.
www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk
Visit their website here for more info and buy tickets from £25.
It is on from Thurs 20 Feb to Sun 23 Feb.
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Loads of stunning cars from the big names here including Aston Martin, Jaguar, Ferrari, Porsche,
Rolls Royce,Bentley, Maserati, Lotus, McLaren , Lamborghini etc which are all in immaculate condition.
I love looking at the restoration projects where they have before and after photos on display.
It is clear some car owners really love their cars like i love live music.
There was a rusty old 1968 Mini Cooper for sale as a project for £8,000.
It was found rotting away in a shed and still had the last tax disc on its windscreen dated 1979.
There was a nice talk on Aston Martin cars used in James Bond films.
Aston Martin are to bring out 25 special edition Janes Bond cars complete with guns in indicators,
revolving number plates, smoke machine in the rear...but sadly no injector seat.
There are classic cars whose engines have been converted to electric.
Upstairs was a full range of car accessories including vintage car posters and Corgi Model Cars.
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The belt returns to the UK.
"The Gypsy King" TYSON FURY is Heavyweight Champion of the World.
An incredible boxing display from the 6 ft 9 inches giant.
The fight was live on pay per view but there are good highlights now up on YouTube.




Friday 21 February 2020.
PALAYE ROYALE live at Shepherds Bush Empire, London.
Fashion Art Rock band from North America will play tracks from their two albums.
Palaye Royale has opened for Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson all over North America
on the Twins of Evil Tour during the summer of 2019.
In 2019 they got good reviews from UK shows at Download /Reading / Leeds Festivals.
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It is a near sell out tonight, maybe 1800 tickets out of 2000 sold.
The crowd is on the mainly young side , who probably read Kerrang.
There is a large amount of goth/ emo/ indie girls screaming for all three bands.
CHARMING LIARS arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 30 mins set.
They played a decent set of rock tunes.
COUNTERFEIT arrived on stage at 8.30pm for their 30 mins set.
They played a good set of rock tunes, with a singer full of angst and passion.
The crowd seem to know a few of their songs and the stalls standing fans bounce along to them.
PALAYE ROYALE arrived on stage at 9.30pm and played for 70 mins.
The band arrive on stage and all look like proper rock stars, with the guitarists in 1970s retro attire.
You can even forgive the singer for looking like Julian Clary , with his studded dog collar around his neck.
There must be at least 15 photographers in the photo pit.
The music is non-stop uptempo rock that was really good.
The band members do not keep still as the energy is 100% full tilt.
Every rock pose cliche is used as the band make use of the two podiums either side of the microphone.
The crowd are bouncing throughout the show.
The singer jumps into the crowd during the main set , then went up to Level 1 during the final encore.
The band have to stop the show a couple of times as girls are fainting.
For the encore the singer is just wearing a tartan skirt.
A great live band who will surely be at Brixton Academy or Hammersmith Apollo next time.
Full setlist played by Palaye Royale tonight...
Fucking With My Head
You'll Be Fine
Death Dance
Don't Feel Quite Right
Teenage Heartbreak Queen
Dying in a Hot Tub
Hang On To Yourself
Massacre, the New American Dream
Warhol
Ma Chérie
How Do You Do? (with ticket- tape cannons)
Encore:
Mr. Doctor Man
Get Higher ( the singer goes up to Level 1 to sing in the crowd)



Thursday 20 February 2020.
Happy Birthday to football legend JIMMY GREAVES who is 80 today.
Football legend Jimmy Greaves has been told by doctors he will never walk again.
The former England and Spurs icon is coming to terms with spending the rest of his life in a wheelchair – after a stroke nearly killed him.
Doctors gave the star the heartbreaking prognosis after hundreds of bouts of ­intensive private rehab treatment left him still unable to move his legs.



Wednesday 19 February 2020.
MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE - press/vip night - The Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, London WC2.
Choreography by Kate Prince, based on the songs of Sting.
Combining hip hop and contemporary dance with breath-taking athleticism from 3 time Olivier nominated choreographer Kate Prince, Message In A Bottle is set to the iconic hits of 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist Sting, including Every Breath You Take, Roxanne, Walking On The Moon, Fields Of Gold, Englishman In New York and Shape Of My Heart.
Once upon a time in another land there was a family – a father, a mother and their three teenage children. War breaks out and they are faced with an impossible choice: stay and try to survive or leave their country in search of safety.
Message In A Bottle is a story of loss, resilience, unexpected possibilities and hope.
The show features new vocals from Sting with new arrangements by Alex Lacamoire (Hamilton, The Greatest Showman), with guest vocals from Beverly Knight MBE and Lynval Golding (The Specials).
www.sadlerswells.com
Visit the website for more info and to buy tickets.
6 Feb - 21 Mar 2020...Tickets from £14...ticket office 020 7863 8222
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The show is on for around 90 mins over two sets.
Most of the time there are around 15 dancers on stage combining hip hop and contemporary dance moves.
Sting and hip hop dance in the same show may seem an odd pairing at first but it's a perfect partnership.
The lyrics of Sting ( including solo and The Police) have been re-worked and the sound system here is fantastic.
A very enjoyable show to watch and listen too.
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9.45pm to 11.15pm - after-party at Sway Bar, 61-65 Great Queen Street, London WC2.
Around 250 guests at this venue just five minutes from where the theatre show was.
All the cast were here along with...
Stings wife Trudie Styler
Robert Lindsay (actor)
Sarah Hadland (actress best known for playing Stevie in tv show Miranda)
Lynval Golding (The Specials )
A few celebs including Bananarama and members of The Pussycats Dolls attended the show but not the party.
At 11pm there were a couple of speeches.
Sting was not here as he is currently on tour overseas.
Complimentary prosecco, wines, beers along with hot & cold canapés.
I stuck to soft drinks as my stomach was still feeling delicate from the Brits Party.





Tuesday 18 February 2020....11.30pm to 4am...
WARNER MUSIC BRITS AFTER-PARTY - The Chiltern Firehouse, Marylebone , London.
Around 300 guests here at one of Londons coolest venues.
Guests here included Stormzy (with a huge personal security guy) ,Lizzo, Eve, Mahalia, Naomi Campbell,
Winnie Harlow, Adwoa Aboah, Courtney Love, Jack Whitehall, Laura Whitmore and Charli XCX.
Noel Gallagher arrived late as he popped into the Sony Music party first.
A full complimentary bar all night including Ruinart champers , different cocktails and anything you wanted.
Also fresh pizza throughout the night.
Djs playing dance tunes in different rooms.
An excellent party.



Tuesday 18 February 2020.
Happy Birthday to YOKO ONO who is 87 today.
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Sad news that DJ and producer Andrew Weatherall has died aged 56 after a pulmonary embolism.
The famed producer - responsible for Primal Scream's iconic Screamadelica - was being treated in Whipps Cross Hospital, London, but then tragically died when the blood clot reached his heart.



Monday 17 February 2020.
ERIC CLAPTON & FRIENDS : 'A Tribute to Ginger Baker’ live at Hammersmith Apollo, London.
The setlist for the concert will look to honour Baker’s lifetime in music and will, of course, include Clapton and Baker’s work together in Cream and Blind Faith.
The show sold out in a couple of hours.
I have seen Eric Clapton play live around 25 times since 1976.
I saw all four Cream reunion shows - Royal Albert Hall London May 2-3-5-6, 2005.
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The venue is totally rammed solid sold out , both upstairs and stalls standing.
Balcony standing at the sides and back packed just like the old days at this venue.
ERIC CLAPTON & FRIENDS arrived on stage at 8pm and played for 1 hour 45 mins.
Some of the crowd were a bit bemused that the show was all over by 10pm.
They should know Eric Clapton never plays long shows.
Lots of equipment on stage including FOUR drum kits.
For some songs there were two or three drummers playing at the same time and for the encore,
all FOUR drummers were playing together.
A nice big screen showing live footage that worked best when Kofi Baker superb drumming
was mixed in with videos of his dad playing the same in sync.
Eric is on stage throughout and the guests including Ronnie Wood, Roger Waters , Nile Rodgers,
Steve Winwood, Kofi Baker, Paul Carrack, Kenney Jones and others come and go.
Two female backing singers were used.
A great evening.
Full setlist played tonight...
Intro - video highlights on the big screen of Ginger Baker playing with Cream
Sunshine of Your Love (Cream song) (with Roger Waters)
Strange Brew (Cream song) (with Roger Waters)
White Room (Cream song) (with Roger Waters) (also with Ronnie Wood and Kenney Jones )
I Feel Free (Cream song) (with Nile Rodgers) (also with Paul Carrack on organ & vocals)
Tales of Brave Ulysses (Cream song) (with Nile Rodgers)
Sweet Wine (Cream song) (with Paul Carrack on organ & vocals, & Will Johns on guitar)
Blue Condition (Cream song)
Badge (Cream song) (with Ron Wood) (also with Henry Spinetti on 3rd drumkit)
Pressed Rat and Wart Hog (Cream song) (with Kofi Baker on drums & vocals)
Had to Cry Today (Blind Faith song) (with Steve Winwood) (also with Nile Rodgers on guitar & Kofi Baker on drums)
Presence of The Lord (Blind Faith song) (with Nile Rodgers) (also with Steve Winwood on organ & vocals, & Kofi Baker on drums)
Can't Find My Way Home (Blind Faith song) (with Kofi Baker) (also with Steve Winwood on organ & vocals, & Nile Rodgers on guitar)
Well All Right (Buddy Holly cover) (with Nile Rodgers) (also with Steve Winwood on guitar & vocals)
Do What You Like / Toad (Blind Faith song) (with Steve Winwood) (also with Ronnie Wood, Nile Rodgers, & including drum solo by Kofi Baker)
Encore:
Cross Road Blues (Robert Johnson cover) (With everyone on stage and Roger Waters on cowbell for the last half)
All four drum kits used for the above song.
Nile Rodgers instrumental jam outro on his own
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Aftershow in the balcony bar...
Around 200 guests and it is a pay bar.
Kofi Baker, Henry Spinetti and Paul Carrack turned up but that was it from those that were on stage.
Henry Spinetti is a Welsh session drummer whose playing has featured on many prominent rock and pop albums.
Oddly i was front balcony and did not see any well known musicians watching the show from the guest area.





Monday 17 February 2020.
It was 40 years ago this week that I attended these very nice gigs...
Madness,Modettes Hammersmith Odeon, London 16.02.1980 11am start Saturday morning special
Clash,Joe Ely Electric Ballroom, London 16.02.1980 the clash played 3 venues in 3 days
Clash,Joe Ely Lyceum Theatre, London 17.02.1980
Clash,Joe Ely Lewisham Odeon, London 18.02.1980 all 3 nights were incredible
Athletico Spizz Marquee Club, London 19.02.1980
Joy Division,Killing Joke,Certain Ratio Town Hall , High Wycombe 20.02.1980 well worth the drive up the A40/M40
Ramones,Boys,Ten Pole Tudor Electric Ballroom, London 22.02.1980
Only Ones,Simple Minds,Martha And The Muffins Lyceum Theatre, London 24.02.1980




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