News and Reviews: 29th January 2008

28 + 29 Feb 2008.Linkin Park + Biffy Clyro live at The 02 Arena,London.I went to both these sold out shows by Linkin Park.On the first night only i caught Biffy Clyro.Their last album "Puzzle" was voted number one of 2007 by Kerrang critics and number eight of 2007 by NME critics.The trio play a good 40 mins set with lyrics you can hear. Remind me a bit of Feeder with longer hair. Linkin Park are fantastic on both nights.On stage for around 1 hour 40 mins their brand of heavy crushing rock anthems with hip hop beats sent the place wild from the start.They have sold some 40 million albums inc 24 million for the classic "Hybrid Theory" album.This tour to promote "Minutes To Midnight" album that was released last year. Setlist inc "What Ive Done","Faint","Papercut","Somewhere I Belong", "Points Of Authority" and superb versions of "Numb", Crawling" and "In The End".Also "Bleed It Out" and encores "Breaking The Habit", "Place For My Head" and a mental "One Step Closer".There were a couple of songs that swopped order between the shows.Chester Benningtons vocals were great and the energy was relentless. Only downside was the poor backdrop used and no video screens for the poor sods up in Level 4 but otherwise it was brilliant................. 27 Feb 2008.Alison Moyet live at The London Palladium.The big Essex girl with the big strong voice out on tour to promote her new album "The Turn".She has lots of fun banter with the crowd for all of the 1 hour 40 mins set.The voice still sounds great and its a good mix of material from the last 25 years inc "Windmills Of Your Mind","All Cried Out","Love Resurrection","Love Letters" and Yazoo faves "Only You" and "Dont Go" near the end.It was a good show overall. Yazoo reform to play their first shows for over 20 years in June................................. 25 Feb 2008.Bit of a mad night where i went to two punk related events in West London.8pm "The Ruts with Henry Rollins - Islington Academy July 2007" dvd film premiere at The Shepherds Bush Empire.London with live acts inc Alabama 3,Dirty Strangers, Pain, Vice School,TV Smith, The Members,Captain Sensible,and Henry Rollins. Each act did 2 or 3 songs.Up first Alabama 3 whose set inc the great "Woke Up This Morning" then Dirty Strangers whose set inc the superb "Shepherds Bush City Limits" then Pain who were a bit crap then Vice School(members of Vice Squad and Girlschool) rocked through "Something That I Said" and "West One(Shine On Me)" then TV Smith played "Bored Teenagers" and "Babylons Burning" then The Members(minus Nicky Tesco) set inc "Jah War" and "Sound Of The Suberbs" then Captain Sensible rocked with "Neat Neat Neat" and then Henry Rollins with Captain for a super "Staring At The Rude Boys" .Henry Rollins then spoke for a few mins and the film started but as i was at the actual gig i skipped this to head over to the next gig............ a quick dash up the road over to see Carbon Silicon at The Inn On The Green who came on stage at 10.45pm.It was really hot and humid in this small club that holds about 200 and has a tiny stage only 6 inches off the floor so you can only see heads and shoulders of the band.Mick Jones and Tony James are smiling and really enjoying themselves.The first 40 mins of their 80 mins set was a bit samey but got much better later with great versions of "The News" and "What The Fuck".The encore for me was dream ticket punk rock heaven as first Sex Pistol Glen Matlock sang vocals and played bass for a belting "Twist And Shout" and then Sex Pistol Paul Cook joined them for drums with Glen Matlock again on stunning vocals for "Steppin Stone".So on stage we had members of Clash,Sex Pistols and Generation X .Just an amazing finish to a pukka night of punk rockin in West London where at both events there were loads of old faces i knew. Also in the crowd here was comedian Noel Fielding and Razorlight singer Johnny Borrell............. Chris Rock is coming back to the UK for a massive show at 02 Arena on May 23............... As you know i love all things punk rock so i gotta mention that HMV sale includes live dvds at only 3 quid each by Buzzcocks (Shepherds Bush Empire 2003),Stiff Little Fingers (Ocean Hackney 2004) and UK Subs (Marquee 2002)................. 21 Jan 2008.Mika and The Feeling play an invite only show for press and comp winners from 6.30pm to 9.30pm next to The London Eye to launch the new FIAT 500 car.A bit of a risk to hold an open air event down by the river in January but thankfully the rain stopped just before the event and never came back.About 500 comp winners here from Virgin Radio.They have to watch outside with no food and drink but 5 of them win 1000 quid each in a lucky dip draw from Virgin Radio. I am one of the 500 odd media and VIP guests indoors with a warm covered viewing area who get lovely Italian food,desserts,drinks and a bit of Sushi as well.A few faces are here inc Kelly Osbourne,Jade Jagger,Eddie Irvine, Eva Herzigova,Leah Wood and Lawrence Dallaglio. See the photos on www.fiat.co.uk.We get two live bands who both play short 20 mins sets. First up The Feeling whose set inc the hits "Never Be Lonely" and "Love It When You Call" then at 8pm the car is launched(time was dead on 500 hours into 2008)with a full light show.The car is a cool trendy small car like a mini. Then Mika also plays for 20 mins inc hits "Grace Kelly" and "Love Today".His album "Life In Cartoon Motion" was one of the best selling in the UK last year and is still in the Top 10. On the way out we all got a gift bag of model cars of the new FIAT 500.The live music was a bit tepid on the night but the party was great. ................................................. 20 Jan 2008.Spice Girls live at The 02 Arena, London.Back yet again to see the Spice Girls. This was show number 16 of their staggering 17 nights here and my 4th time.The atmosphere is again just amazing as the mainly hyper female crowd are very excited.I am in the guest list VIP area to right of stage sitting a couple of rows behind Tony Blairs wife Cherie and film chappie Richard Curtis(Four Weddings And A Funeral,Notting Hill,Love Actually etc).David Beckham was not in his usual place and tonight that area was full of Emma Buntons friends and family as it was her birthday.Later on in the show all the crowd sang to her as she blew the candles out on a huge cake.There is an army of people working on a big show.A big band, dancers,costume changes etc. Visually just great fun to watch and pure entertainment.The hits are of course the best.See previous reviews for the setlist in full......................... 17 Jan 2008.Michael Schenker And Friends live at The Boom Boom Club,Sutton Utd F.C,West Sutton, Surrey.This rock club in South London is really going from strength to strength and to bag Michael Schenkers only show in the London area on his current tour is a major booking so its no wonder the 300 tickets sold out pronto.Last summer i saw the band supporting The Scorpions at Hammersmith Apollo and Michael was sloppy but tonight we get the real MS we know and love. He looks great with slicked back short blonde hair and shades and trademark flying v guitar. The guitar playing is just superb as the band play an excellent 75 mins of tracks featuring loads of U.F.O. classics.Highlights inc "Too Hot To Handle","Only You Can Rock Me","Armed And Ready" and a stunning "Lights Out". The riffs were all there and Michael was really enjoying it.Great encores of "Doctor Doctor" and "Rock Bottom" sealed an excellent show. A few mins after Michael came out to sign stuff and gladly pose for photos with the fans. Check www.michaelschenkerhimself.com for dates and for future shows at this great club venue see www.feenstra.co.uk....................... 15 Jan 2008.James Blunt live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.Not really a big fan but to have sold over 10 million copies of your debut album deserves some attention and respect.This was part of his world tour to promote second album " All The Lost Souls".Loads of women here to see this ex serving army officer.JB and his excellent band play a 90 mins set that is better than expected. His on stage banter goes down well and the giant screen with a mix of video clips and live footage worked a treat.Lots of decent songs inc "High","Carry You Home","I'll Take Everything", "Goodbye My Lover", a superb cover of Supertramps "Breakfast In America",the mega hit "You're Beautiful" then "Wise Men" and encores inc "Same Mistake" and "1973".I went along not expecting much but it was surprisingly pretty good. See aftershow page for this gig.................. The Eagles are to play four shows at 02 Arena on March 20,22,23,26.Tix on sale this Friday........ 14 Jan 2008.BRIT AWARDS 2008 Nominations At The Roundhouse,London.5.15pm to 7.45pm.About 1000 people here.500 BRITS school students and comp winners at the front and 500 media and music biz folks at the back.Plenty of free beers in the press room before the event.Kelly Osbourne and Reggie Yates are hosting tonight as its for a tv show.We get four acts playing one song each. The Editors play their superb track "Smokers At The Hospital Doors" then its female singer Bat For Lashes then the hotly tipped Adele then The Hoosiers play their hit "Worried About Ray" (Despite rumours in the press i can deny that this song was written about me and my recent multi visits to see The Spice Girls and Take That).Nice atmosphere as there were loads of music chums here i knew and chatted with. THE BRIT AWARDS 2008 are on Feb 20 At Earls Court Arena with Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne as hosts.The show will open with Kylie Minogue and close with Paul McCartney playing 4 or 5 sings... ................................................. 12 Jan 2008.Spice Girls live at The 02 Arena, London.Well its cold and grey outside so back to see The Spice Girls for their big ,bright fun show for my third time.Spice Girls show number 11 of 17 here.As its a Saturday night they arrive 15 mins later on stage.I have a superb seat in Block A only 10 rows from the stage and in the same row as Geri Halliwells mum.David Beckham is here again in the same seats at end of the walkway. Film producer Michael Winner is also nearby. Its the same well rehearsed show with lots of dancers and the hits mixed in with other stuff. See earlier reviews for the full setlist. Tonight is Mel Cs birthday so the band and venue sing "Happy Birthday" as she blows the candles out on a huge cake.The encore of "Wannabee" is a highlight and the girls seem to really having fun on stage.Another great show.................. Before The Spice Girls show i went to the legendary Tutankhamun Exhibition in The 02 Complex.Not content with just having the most famous music acts at The 02 they also have one of the most famous exhibitions too.Last here in 1972 this collection of over 130 items was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922.Included here are some items found in Tutankhamuns tomb. The workmanship is just staggering.They are over 3000 years old and look amazing.You walk through 11 galleries which takes 60 to 90 mins and is a must see event as it may be another 30 plus years before it comes back to the UK. Over half a million tickets have been sold. It runs until 30 August 2008 and you do it on its own or make a day of it like me by going in an afternoon when they is a show on at 02. For info and tickets check www.kingtut.org and www.visitlondon.com/tut......................... 11 Jan 2008.Take That live at Old Billingsgate, Monument,London.7pm to 1.30am.The first big bash of the year.This was a massive charity event for the Outward Bound Trust.Most of the 1200 people here paid 500 quid a ticket so a mix of corporate folks and hardcore Take That fans.My punk rock credibilty now completely out the window as this is my third Take That show in 6 weeks.The champers is flowing from 7pm to 8.30pm then its a 3 course meal cooked by Jamie Oliver and his team at FIFTEEN.Take That tour has just finished so quite a coup to get them to play. A few celebs were floating around here too. Take Thats comeback album has sold over a staggering 2 million copies in the UK alone. (Bon Jovi played a secret corporate gig to 500 city bankers at this venue last year).The full band is here with a full lights and laser show. They were on for 65 mins and it was different to 02 shows.Setlist was "Shine","Pray","Rule The World","Everything Changes","A Million Love Songs" and they were joined by Bee Gee Barry Gibb for "How Deep Is Your Love" then a medley of a few Beatles songs then "Patience" and "Relight My Fire" with Beverley Knight and "Back For Good" then the encore of "Never Forget" and Beverley Knight came on again to sing with them. Great to be just 10 yards from stage and an excellent evening................................ The Black Crowes play a one off UK show at Brixton Academy on 09 April 2008 to promote their upcoming new album "Warpaint".............. How about this for a mega line up.Dep Leppard + Whitesnake + Black Stone Cherry play UK arenas in June with a London date at Wembley Arena on 26 June.......................................... 09 Jan 2008.Chris Rock live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.Chris has been a huge film ,tv and comedy star in America for the last 10 years. This was his first ever tour of the UK. This was his first of 10 shows in London(8 here and 2 at Brixton Academy).His Hollywood whiter than white teeth smile was as bright as his 90 mins set that was just superb and so funny. The current American presidential race gave him plenty of material at the start before this generations Richard Pryor really got rude with jokes on men,women,sex,race,money and the n word.Just total quality from start to finish. I saw UK comedians Jimmy Carr,Phil Jupitus and Never Mind The Buzzcocks host Simon Amstall here............................................. 08 Jan 2008.Helloween + Gamma Ray live at The Shepherds Bush Empire,London.My first rock show of the year from this double bill of German power metal who are playing just this UK show as part of their European tour.Gamma Ray play ok for 75 mins inc "Fight","From The Ashes" and "Heavy Metal Universe".Helloween have brought a neat Iron Maiden type stage set with them which looked great.The singer looks a bit like Peter Stringfellow.I saw them 3 times in their mid 1980s heyday.Setlist inc "Helloween","Soul Survivor","March In Time","As Long As I Fall", and a very funny version of "Smoke On The Water" with squeaky hellium balloon type voices.Also good was "If I Could Fly" and "Dr Stein" and encores of "Perfect Gentleman" and they were joined by Gamma Ray for "Future World" and "I Want Out" to finish the 1 hour 45 mins set. A decent show overall really..................... Check www.sex-pistols.net as Phil has done an amazing job of putting the whole of the John Lydon press conference(i ask John the first question "What Does He Miss About London?) and our meeting/full interview with John Lydon after the event from 07 Nov 2007 in Hoxton up on the site to watch on www.youtube.com/sexpistolstv ................................................. Last weeks rumours of Michael Jackson playing 10 nights at 02 Arena are gathering pace.The shows could happen as early as Febuary.Will be a great chance for MJ to restart his career after all that dodgy stuff recently.................... 04 Jan 2008.Spice Girls live at The 02 Arena, London.This was show number 6 of 17 at this venue for them and the second time i have seen it. Its Friday night and the place is rammed full of screaming women.Its the same as the one i watched two weeks ago.Very entertaining as its a massive production of lights,lasers,dancers etc.Not sure if any of them can sing that great individually but as a group they work superb. They all look just fab in their numerous Roberto Cavalli outfits.David Beckham is here again sitting in the front row by the catwalk taking some photos.The best bits are the hits of course inc "Spice Up Your Life","Stop","Say You'll Be There","Two Become One","Who Do You Think You Are" and "Mama".Encores were a super "Wannabee" and "Spice Up Your Live" for the second time. A few singalong covers and solo tracks were good. Another visually great fun show................. Queen With Paul Rodgers are soon to announce details of a European Tour starting in Sept. They will play a show at The 02 Arena..........

Posted 29th January 2008