News and Reviews: 10th November 2004

09 November 2004 .Glen Matlock And The Philistines + Smashing Time ,100 Club , London. Support band feat someone from Grange Hill tv prog and did a neat 40 mins of mod pop songs.. Glen and the band did a superb 60 mins set of catchy rockers with loads from one of my fave albums of 2004 the just released "On Something " . He threw in "Steppin Stone " as well . Stunning encore of "Open Mind" .Glen must be given full respect for sticking to his solo material for these shows . Remember if you want Sex Pistols and Rich Kids songs go along to see Dead Men Walking play live as for now its about the new band and the new songs. 08 November 2004 .Rufus Wainwright + Martha Wainwright , Shepherds Bush Empire , London. Nice to have your sister support at your gigs. Martha has a great voice and is kinda a bit kooky which is a nice combination. Over the past few months there has been a healthy buzz about Rufus .I saw him support Sting while most where still in the bar but tonight he is in his element with a full band and his own vocal fans . His pretty boy looks and his amazing unique voice make this 95 mins set rather special .He floats between the piano and guitar and beautiful songs like " Vibrate " and " Oh What A World " just knock you out .He has been around longer than people think but for Rufus the only way is up. I often get asked which of the 4000 plus shows i have seen since 1973 was the best one . The 1970s punk shows by the Sex Pistols and The Clash stick out but the best as in terms of event and stella line up was easily the Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium in 1985 . It was an 11 hour show with over 20 of the biggest acts in the world inc Paul McCartney ,Queen ,U2 ,David Bowie , Status Quo , Elton John ,The Who ,Bryan Ferry ,Wham ,Spandau Ballet and others. Released this week is a 4 DVD package of that mega day. 06 November 2004 Lionel Richie ,Wembley Arena ,London. Lionel back again at Wembley after a month in Europe . The same 2 hour hour but still just so many good songs. . You can hear every word Lionel sings and the crowd end up singing half the song like at a Rod Stewart show . "Three Times A Lady " " Still " "Dancing On The Ceiling " All Night Long " and others . A really enjoyable night out. 05 November 2004 Placebo + Har Mar Superstar , Wembley Arena , London. Har Mar Superstar did his best but his material is more suited to a club than this big arena. This was a sold out one off show to promote Placebo " The Singles" album release . Brian Molko is clearly delighted that this is their biggest headline show ever in the UK. The 95 mins set is brilliant because we get all the singles . Superb versions of "Pure Morning" and "Special Needs" . Also excellent was "Every You Every Me " and "Taste In Men". Great surprise for the encore when Robert Smith from The Cure came on for "Without You Im Nothing " and The Cures "Boys Dont Cry" . Last song was a mental "Nancy Boy" . It was without doubt the best show i have seen them play. 04 November 2004 .Paul McCartney Book Launch , Proud Gallery ,Camden , London. This was an invite only party for Maccas excellent new book " Each One Believing" which features some superb photos from his 2002/2003 World Tour . Very busy event with about 300 and free booze for all . Event was 7pm to 9.30pm and Paul McCartney and Heather Mills were there for 90 mins . Also here were a couple of the members from his band . No other big names but a few D List like the twat with the dodgy beard and the spiky haired bloke singer from TV show The X Factor. Paul and Heather were very chatty when they stepped out of the VIP area . I had a quick word with him .I asked" is there any chance you will be at any of 2 big events next Thursday (Trevor Horn tribute at Wembley Arena or Hall Of Fame Awards at Hackney Empire)" he replied "Unlikely But You Never Know " . Very good event and the book is a must for any McCartney fan. The photo exibition runs at the gallery until Nov 27. Velvet Revolver have added a fourth London show .They will now play Hammersmith Apollo on Jan 9 which now will be the opening date of their UK tour . Support band for the tour will be The Datsuns. 02 November 2004 .Divine Comedy With 15 Piece Orchestra, Royal Albert Hall ,London. After selling out The Palladium earlier in the year Neil Hannon and chums are back at another posh venue . The show starts great with Neil giving out flowers and straight into an excellent "National Express" .The show was over 2 sets lasting 2 hours. .Neil is a bit quirky with plenty of funny on stage remarks and stories. First set ended with a brilliant "Something For The Weekend ". Plenty of great lyrics to all the songs here tonight. They dedicate a song to John Peel which was a stunning version of Joy Divisions "Atmosphere" .He also did a song for his parents who were in the house tonight. Also played was "Frog Princess " . Good encores of "Songs Of Love " and "Sunrise ". A good show and some of the tunes sounded amazing with the orchestra on them . Exclusive news direct from the promoters . After all the rumours U2 concert tour tickets will go on sale from Friday 12 November 2004 at 9am although there should be a pre sale for those of you who are reg with www.u2.com .Dates confirmed include Dublin Croke Park on June 26 and 27 , Twickenham Stadium on July 2 and 3 and Paris Stade De France on July 12 . Wembley Arena will be closed from Jan to Sept 2005 for a full refurbishment which will include moving the stage area to the opposite end to where it is now . For this period they will use a "supertent " called The Pavillion which will hold 10,000 punters. This is fine for the likes of Westlife and Blue but a lot of the rock bands will not play in a tent and will play multi nights at smaller venues like Brixton Academy and Hammersmith Apollo .This is starting to happen already as the Velvet Revolver and Green Day arena tours for Jan will both call at Brixton and Hammersmith which is great news . Also if you are visting Wembley Arena and are fed up off getting ripped off by overpriced programmes with crap pictures you must buy a copy of " 70 Years Of Wembley Arena " book which has been reduced to a bargain price of only £2.50 . Great sections of decade by decade and top 10 lists of who have played the most gigs over the years .Lots of colour photos and an excellent vfm item.

Posted 10th November 2004