News and Reviews: 31st March 2008

31 Mar 2008.The Enemy live at The Astoria, London.This was number 4 of 6 sell out shows here at this venue for this Coventry band on the back of the success of their debut album. Its a lively crowd.The singer has the swagger of Paul Weller/Liam G and their sound appeals to those fans.Only a short but energetic 55 mins set inc "Had Enough","Youre Not Alone","We Will Live And Die In These Towns" and "Away From Here".Encores inc "Happy Birthday Jane" and a surprise cover of Sex Pistols "God Save The Queen".The vocals were a bit muffled but it was a good show............ 30 Mar 2008.Jean Michel Jarre live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.This was a sold out show to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his "Oxygene" album which sold over 12 million copies.I was never a big fan but those big one off shows in places like Docklands with loads of lights and lasers looked great on the tv.It did not start well.JMJ and his three band mates all have 5 or 6 keyboards around them so over 20 keyboards on stage should have been enough for me to run out of the venue screaming.The 1 hour 40 mins set was plain boring and the lightshow was average and the keyboard instrumentals soooo dreary. The only light relief was the hit single "Part IV".With no mega lightshow and no lasers it was simply the most boring show i have seen for ages but the crowd liked it.......................... 28 Mar 2008.Only Ones live at Koko,Camden, London.One of my fave bands from the late 1970s New Wave period.All four original members are here but singer Peter Perret looks very frail after years of drug abuse.Lots of great songs in the 75 mins set inc "Miles From Nowhere", "Programme","Me And My Shadow" and "No Solution". They played a couple of new tracks which they will also do on Jools Holland tv show next week. Lots of drug related lyrics that Peter sings in that brilliant nasal tone.Superb versions of "The Big Sleep","Another Girl Another Planet" and "The Beast" went down a treat.Great gig. Last years show at The Shepherds Bush Empire is now out on dvd. See aftershow page for this gig.............................................. 27 Mar 2008.Launch party for Playstation 3 Gran Turismo 5 Prolouge at Hyde Park Corner Underground Carpark,London.Invite only bash for 500 to launch one of the top computer driving games.Editions 1 to 4 have sold a staggering 50 million copies. Superb choice of venue made it a special event.The theme is a pit lane so you have some 20 classic racing cars along with tyre walls, pit marshalls and pit girls.Also pods to play the game along with djs free cocktails and food all night.Hosted by Tony Jardine from ITV F1 team.The game will sell loads for sure........ 26 Mar 2008.The Eagles live at 02 Arena,London. This was their fourth of five shows here and the second time i had been.Back again to see these legends who have sold over 120 million albums.Pretty much the same show and starts again dead on 7.45pm.The sound is great and all four main members take it in turn to sing vocals and the combined harmonies are fab. The guitar players are just both brilliant. Stunning again was "Hotel California","One Of These Nights","The Boys Of Summer","Take It To The Limit","Lifes Been Good","Dirty Laundry" and "Life In The Fast Lane".The two sets lasted 2 hours 45 mins tonight which was 10 mins less and two songs less in the encores than the much livier Saturday show i went to.They still finished with "Take It Easy" and "Desperado" but did not play "Rocky Mountain Way" tonight. Another great show still though.................. 25 Mar 2008.Velvet Revolver live at Brixton Academy,London.First of two sell out shows at this venue and the place is really buzzing.As usual its loud very loud with guitars,drums and bass turned up to 10 but this means Scott Weilands vocals are drowned out a bit.The band all really still look like rock stars.A nice mix of tracks from both their albums and three Guns N Roses tracks inc "Sucker Train Blues","Do It For The Kids","Big Machine",Patience","Fall To Pieces" "Its So Easy" and encores inc "Mr Brownstone" and "Slither".The 1 hour 40 mins set still rocked but they need to write a few more better tunes as second album stuff was a bit average and samey but with tensions between band members at an all time high will there ever be a third Velvet Revolver album??............... 24 Mar 2008.R.E.M. + Robyn Hitchcock + Duke Spirit + Foals live at The Royal Albert Hall,London. Nice touch by the headliners to have three name support bands who all played 20 to 30 mins.Up first Foals played a noisy set of tracks inc "Cassius","Red Socks Pugie" and "Olympic Airways" from their "Antidotes" album out this week.Then Duke Spirit with their foxy female singer played a few.They were joined by the legend that is Terry Edwards on trumpet.Then a nice surprise as Robyn Hitchcock was joined for all his set by Led Zep legend John Paul Jones for tracks inc "Television", "Raining Twilight Coast" and a song about New York Doll Arthur Kane where they were joined by 3 members of R.E.M.We have great seats just 5 rows from the stage in the stalls.This show was to promote the new album "Accelerate" out next week so we had a few tracks off that and a few oldies inc "Drive","Man Sized Wreath" the new single "Supernatural Superserious","Final Straw", "Losing My Religion" and "The Great Beyond". Michael Stipe is still a great front man. Encores inc "Imitation Of Life" and "Man On The Moon".While it was very good the fact is they only played 16 songs in 75 mins on stage and so there were loads of their great songs not played but i suppose we will have wait until the UK stadium shows at the end of August to hear them.So for me it should have been a longer set than what it was. Check aftershow page for this gig................ 23 Mar 2008.Chuck Berry live at The 100 Club, London.81 year old rock and roll legend plays a secret gig at this legendary rock and roll venue for 250 hardcore fans with most paying £125 for tickets.Ever since i saw The Sex Pistols at this venue in 1976 it has retained its status by hosting special gigs and this was another one. Chuck arrives on stage in a pale blue shiny top with his navy cap to wild applause.Still playing with a huge smile on his face he treats us to a host of rock n roll gems inc "School Day", "Every Day I Have The Blues","Rock And Roll Music","You Never Can Tell" and even a mass singalong to "My Ding-A-Ling".He sometimes forgot the lyrics but just improvised and got away with it by joking around.He also played "Little Queenie " and "Reelin And Rockin" and a bunch of girls were invited on stage to dance with him at the end before he walked off side of stage to play on a table before walking through the crowd and out of the venue still playing his guitar.Primal Scream singer Bobby Gillespie was in the crowd.An amazing 60 mins show................. 22 Mar 2008.The Eagles live at 02 Arena,London. Show number two of five at this venue.They all arrive in black suits,black ties and white shirts but it does not really suit them. They are on stage for a whopping 2 hours 55 mins over two sets of 65 mins and 110 mins.The first four tracks are tame efforts from recent album "Long Road Out Of Eden" then its a bunch of stunning oldies inc "Hotel California","One Of These Nights", "Lyin Eyes","The Boys Of Summer","In The City" and "The Long Run".Second half opened with a few new tracks inc title track of the album then more oldies inc "Take It To The Limit",a superb "Lifes Been Good" sung by Joe Walsh with images of him in the old days up on the video screen.Then "Dirty Laundry","Heartache Tonight" and "Life In The Fast Lane" with encores inc a brilliant "Rocky Mountain Way","All She Wants To Do Is Dance", "Take It Easy" and "Desperado".The overall sound was perfect although could have been a notch louder.So many great songs and both guitar players on top form.An excellent show..................... Thursday was a great day as i was at a music awards in the afternoon and a gig in the evening. 20 Mar 2008.Noon to 5.30pm = Capital Radio Music Awards(For Help A London Child) at The Park Plaza Hotel,Albert Embankment,London SE1.Invite only event for 500 people for one of Londons most popular commercial radio stations.Champagne reception for an hour then a lovely 3 course lunch.Hosted by Johnny Vaughn(very funny) and Denise Van Outen there were 11 awards given out. Lots of faces here to present or get an award inc 2 Spice Girls (Emma Bunton and Mel C),3 of Girls Aloud,Jason Donovan,Duncan James,Jodie Kidd, Erin O'Connor,Beverley Knight,Peter Andre,Katie "Jordan" Price,Craig David,Charlene Spitteri, Alicia Dixon,Simon Webbe,Scouting For Girls, Robyn,The Feeling,Hoosiers,Caprice,Kelly Rowland. After the awards finished there was some drinks and live music.All the celebs did a runner but The Hoosiers stayed and made the most of it.Up and coming David Jordan played three songs inc "Sun Goes Down" and Scouting For Girls played three songs inc "Elvis Aint Dead" and "Shes So Lovely".An excellent bash then over to see....... The Cure + 65 Days Of Static live at Wembley Arena,London.Support band did an interesting 30 mins of mad instrumentals with a stunning drummer.This was The Cure's only UK show as part of their world tour so a total sell out.They promised a 3 hour show and we got a mammoth 3 hours 15 mins set with some 40 songs played. The first hour was a bit average but then it got really good with lots of hits inc "Friday Im In Love","Inbetween Days","Just Like Heaven", and encores inc "A Forest","The Lovecats","Lets Go To Bed","Close To Me","Boys Dont Cry" and their late 1970s classic "Killing An Arab".Robert Smith still has the birds nest hair and make up but to his fans he really is an icon.A great show..... .................................................. 18 Mar 2008.The Jersey Boys - The Story Of Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons live at The Prince Edward Theatre,London.This was the opening night for press ,vips and cast members guests. Another big musical to hit the West End .It had major success on Broadway.Its about young working class kids who made good with a dash of Saturday Night Fever/Grease in it.Loads of great songs from their 1960s and 1970s heyday inc "Sherry","Walk Like A Man","Big Girls Dont Cry","Rag Doll","Working My Way Back To You", "December 63(Oh What A Night)" and "Who Loves You".Will probably appeal more to the older folks who like Frank Sinatra etc but it was great fun. See www.jerseyboyslondon.com or to buy tix on 0844 482 5151 See aftershow page for this event. ................................................. 17 Mar 2008.The Coral live at the Cobden Club, London W10.Invite only St Patricks Day gig for 500 comp winners and guests of Jameson Irish Whiskey.The sponsors are giving everyone tokens for whiskey cocktails which puts all in a party mood.Over three floors the room where The Coral played is packed.The three band members at the front are all sitting on stools.It kinda fits the 1960s feel their scouse pop has.The 65 mins set inc "Jacqueline" then Ian Broudie ex Lightning Seeds joined them for three songs "Goodbye","Pass It On" and "Leizah" then it was "Dreaming Of You" and neat versions of "In The Morning" and "Put The Sun Back".They are still promoting their "Roots And Echoes" album.They finished with a couple of covers inc "Bye Bye Love".A decent gig and a good lively party. Channel 4 filmed it for a tv showing............. 16 Mar 2008.Asia live at Shepherds Bush Empire, London.Prog rock supergroup with all four original members from bands inc ELP,Yes,King Crimson and err Buggles.Never fashionable in the early 1980s let alone now i was not expecting much.Two sets of 65 mins and 60 mins with a nice mix of lots of old material from Asia and their other bands and a couple of new tracks. First set inc "Daylight",opening track from new album "Phoenix" called "Never Again" then Yes track "Roundabout","Ride Easy","Voice Of America" and "Open Your Eyes".It was all a bit too prog rock muso hell for me but at least it got better in the second half.A great version of ELP "Fanfare For The Common Man" then "Without You" then a very Spinal Tap version of King Crimsons "In The Court Of The Crimson King" then the Buggles hit "Video Killed The Radio Star" then "The Heat Goes On" which ended with a great Carl Palmer drum solo then their big hit "Heat Of The Moment" and encores "Dont Cry" and "Sole Survivor".Nice use of video screen showing live images from tonight mixed in with old footage.So it was a dodgy gig in parts and a good gig in parts................................ 14 and 15 Mar 2008.Neil Young live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.I was at both these last two Neil Young shows which finished off his European Tour and along with the opening night meant i caught three of his six shows here.Acts like Neil Young you have to see more than once as he only tours every few years and he changes the set every night by 3 or 4 songs.The venue is totally packed and the anticipation is high. Neil Young has a devoted set of fans who laugh and cheer at anything he says.The acoustic set lasted 75 mins and the electric set lasted 85 mins but on the last night we got a third song encore to take the electric set to 90 mins. Setlists inc "Sad Movies","A Man Needs A Maid", mega versions of "Harvest" and "After The Goldrush","Love Art Blues" and "Dont Let It Bring You Down" Then it got rockier for the electric set with "Dirty Old Man","Spirit Road", "Powderfinger","Hey Hey My My","Too Far Gone" and "No Hidden Path".Fri encoes were "Cinnamon Girl" and "Tonights The Night" and Sat encores inc "Tonights The Night" and "The Sultan".Neils voice,lyrics and musicianship were top notch and he really is one of those legends of rock. At Fridays show Thom Yorke and other members of Radiohead were in the stalls as was 1980s singer Paul Young.Both nights were filmed.............. 13 Mar 2008.Childline Rocks at 02 Indigo,London. feat Roger Daltrey,Lulu,Marillion(acoustic), Thunder,Fish,Zombies,Glenn Hughes,Ian Paice,Russ Ballard.What a great night of classic rock. A bunch of acts doing between 1 and 4 songs each. The host is radio and OGWT legend Bob Harris. Up first are Thunder who play four songs inc "River Of Pain","Love Walked In" and "I Love You More Than Rock And Roll".They also acted as the house band in the second half.Then Fish played three songs inc "Incommunicado" Then a short interval then The Zombies played three songs "I Love You","Time Of The Season" and "She's Not There".Then it was Russ Ballard And Thunder to sing "Hold Your Head Up" then Marillion acoustic for four songs inc "Runaway","Sympathy" and "Made Again" where Steve Hogarth produced a big Tutankamon hat to wear that he had bought while visiting the exhibition in the afternoon. Then it was Glenn Hughes With Ian Paice And Thunder for a great "Mistreated" and "Might Just Take Your Life". Russ Ballard With Ian Paice And Thunder for "Since Youve Been Gone" which is the massive Rainbow hit written by Russ then Fish,Ian Paice and Thunder for a cover of Alex Harveys "Faithealer" then Lulu With Thunder did a couple inc "Shout".Roger Daltrey And Thunder did three tracks inc "The Kids Are Alright" and "Behind Blue Eyes".Great encore as everyone except Roger Daltrey and Zombies sang "With A Little Help From My Friends".Excellent gig. See afterparty page for this show............... 12 Mar 2008.Childrens Champions Awards Dinner 2008 feat Ronan Keating + Shayne Ward + Scala + Brian Conley at The Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel,London WC1.About 250 people are here on 20 tables to celebrate children and adults who have shown bravery and courage related to children.7pm to 8.15pm is champagne reception then 8.15pm to 9.30pm about 12 awards are giving out and then 9.30pm to 10.30pm a lovely 3 course dinner.I am seated on the same table as male singing quartet Teatro.Lots of faces here inc Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife, Royal Mail boss Adam Crozier,England Football Coach Fabio Capello,Emma Bunton,Alex Best,Barbara Windsor,Wendy Richards,Nancy Dialio,Ross Kemp,Caprice,Dame Kelly Holmes,Amanda Holden, Linda Lusardi,Michelle Collins and members of Eastenders,Coronation Street,The Bill and Big Brother.It was very emotional and there were tears in the crowd.Live we then had Scala who are a lovely looking female quartet who play classical pop rock in the style of Bond.Then X Factor Shayne Ward sung three songs then Ronan Keating sung three inc a great "Life Is A Rollercoaster".Then Brian Conley did a very funny 10 mins comedy routine.From midnight to 1am it was disco and free bar.The live music was a bit average but the event overall was excellent. Highlughts of the awards are shown this Sunday 16 March 2008 at 6pm on SKY tv................... 11 Mar 2008.Bryan Adams live at St James Church, Piccadilly,London.This was a solo acoustic show for 500 comp winners to promote Bryans new album "11".Lots of his female fans run to the front of this lovely venue as soon as he comes on.A nice mix of old and new tracks in the 55 mins set inc "Back To You","I'd Thought I'd Seen Everything","Cant Stop This Thing We Started", "Cuts Like A Knife","Oxygen","Summer Of 69", "Heaven" and "Run To You" and encores of "Staight From The Heart" and "The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You".Lots of fun banter with the fans down front and a good show. Great to see him in a tiny venue like this but not as good as a full rock show with his band. He returns with his band to play a full UK arena tour in Nov...................................... 10 Mar 2008.Siouxsie + Blood Red Shoes live at Shepherds Bush Empire,London.Blood Red Shoes are a duo of female guitar and vocals and male drums and vocals which is always quite good to watch in a White Stripes sort of way.Female punk icon Siouxsie back for another short UK tour to promote last years "Mantaray" album.At age 50 she looks stunning in a slinky catsuit.You cannot take your eyes off her the whole of the 85 mins set.The set was focused on the album with a few Banshees classics inc "Here Comes That Day",new single "About To Happen",great versions of "Hong Kong Garden" and "Nightshift" then a superb "Into A Swan".Siouxsie dancing with arms aloft for every song.Encores were "Israel", "Arabian Knights","These Boots Are Made For Walking","Cish Cash" and "Spellbound".I first saw her in 1976 and she is still superb to watch. Morrissey was in Level 1 VIP area................ 08 Mar 2008.Zombies live at Shepherds Bush Empire,London.This was the second of three shows here to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their album "Odessey And Oracle" which was released in 1968 a year after they split up and Paul Weller once said it was his fave album ever. Tonight is being filmed for future dvd release. On stage for 2 hours over two sets of 55 mins and 65 mins.The first set started with three songs they recorded in 1964 then "What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted" then three songs from Colin Blunstones solo career inc "Say You Dont Mind" then some Argent songs inc a brilliant "Hold Your Head Up".Each song was nicely given its connection to Zombies history.Second set was introduced by Al Kooper the American singer who has flown over to see all three shows.They play all the album and are joined by a horn section.The album is very Brian Wilson/Beach Boys in style and its amazing to see that they have Brian Wilsons current keyboard player and musical arranger on stage to help with the harmonies etc.Songs played inc "A Rose For Emily","Beachwood Park","Butchers Tail","Friends Of Mine" and the big hit "Time Of The Season" and great encores of "Tell Her No" and "Shes Not There".A very good gig......then over to the 02 Arena midnight to 3am for the big fight.Its a 20,000 sell out with loads of Oasis types with lots of lager flowing but the atmosphere is great.Saw three of the support fights inc the excellent Carl Johanneson v Carl Mitchell bout. Before the main event some big boxing names take a bow Evander Holyfield,Frank Bruno,Amir Khan and Joe Calzaghe.The main fight only lasts 5 mins as David Howe whacked Enzo Maccarenneli in the second round and that was it.................... 07 Mar 2008.Hanoi Rocks live at LA2 Astoria, London.One of my least fave venues in London. Hanoi Rocks were on the verge of big things until that car crash that killed drummer Razzle in 1984 which caused the band to fizzle out. The line up still includes singer Michael Monroe who is a great front man and guitarist Andy McCoy.They played a really good 90 mins of simple catchy rock n roll with a nice mix of older tracks with some from the new album "Street Poetry" which was very 1980s sounding. Set inc "Teenage Revolution","Fashion","This Ones For Rock n Roll","Dont You Ever Leave Me","Tragedy","Million Miles Away" and encores inc "Motorvatin","Taxi Driver" and "Up Around The Bend".Nice to see their sleazy rock and roll again............................................ 06 Mar 2008.Dirty Pretty Things + Foals live at The Hoxton Bar,Shoreditch,London.Invite only party for 300 people to celebrate the 100th birthday of Converse footwear.Very lively young crowd with free booze all night.Up and coming support The Foals are loved by NME but they sound like all the other jangly indie guitar bands to me in their 30 mins set.Converse are about to launch a massive worldwide advertising campaign feat "Cultural Heroes" who wore Converse inc James Dean,Sid Vicious,Ian Curtis ,Joan Jett etc. Dirty Pretty Things played a lively 30 mins set. Carl Barat is so cool and they finish off with a pukka "Bang Bang You're Dead".Nice goody bag of a pair of Converse Ramones style All Stars and Recruit headphones.A very good party............. 05 Mar 2008.Neil Young + Pegi Young live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.First of six sell out shows by Neil Young here.Up first was his wife Pegi Young who played a 40 mins set.It was decent enough but hardly exciting.Neil Young played two sets of 60 mins and 95 mins.The first was acoustic and the second was electric with his band.The show finished at a very late 11.40pm. The venue is really rammed and all the top gig photographers and critics are here.Even Kate Moss is here.The atmosphere is buzzing. For the acoustic set he played mouth organ,piano, guitar and banjo.Set inc "No One Seems To Know","Harvest" and "Love Art Blues".He had a painter working all night at the back of the stage.He also mentioned that when he played this same venue way back in 1976(i was there - see 1976 in my gig list)he met up with Jesus.Not THE Jesus but a mad hippy gig goer who used to bang his tamborine at every gig. Things really upped a gear when it went electric. His great voice and stunning guitar playing really at full tilt.Set inc "Dirty Old Man", "Down By The River","Hey Hey My My","Too Far Gone","The Believer","Powderfinger" and superb encores "Cinnamon Girl" and "Like A Hurricane". This 62 year has still got it................... Very sad news that the Canadian blues guitarist Jeff Healey who was blind and played the guitar on his lap has died of cancer aged only 41.I saw him play live and it was just amazing........... 03 Mar 2008.6pm Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds live at HMV ,Oxford Street,London.A big crowd of some 500 people inc Peaches Geldof for this free show to promote their new album "Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!" which is released today and has already had loads of great reviews.The 9 song 50 mins set focused on the new material with setlist inc "Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!","Midnight Man","We Call Up The Author","Lie Down Here(And Be My Baby)", "More News From Nowhere" and encore "Accidents Will Happen".Nick Cave as always in his preacher style vocals gesturing away.Loads of great sounds being made by the band.Age 50 now Nick Cave has more vitality and creative edge than most.The band return to play Hammersmith Apollo on May 7,8,9....then a short walk up the road to see Queen musical "We Will Rock You" at The Dominion Theatre,London .Now in its 6th year i think i end up seeing it once a year as they update the storyline.Its great fun even though its a bit naff in parts.Those fantastic Queen songs belted out loud by the live band are just brillant as ever.Still the best musical now running in The West End i reckon. For ticket info check www.livenation.co.uk....... Whitney Houston plays her first proper UK show for years on 08 May 2008 at The Battersea Evolution Arena for The Caudwell Charity......... Brian Wilson returns to the UK to play his greatest hits with a London show at The Royal Albert Hall on July 1 ........................... 01 Mar 2008.David Gest 55th Birthday Party With The Stylistics + Peabo Bryson + Candi Staton At The Royal Garden Hotel,Kensington,London.He was of course married to Liza Minnelli and more recently he was in "Im A Celebrity" but David Gest knows how to throw a party.Some 500 people are here with loads of well known faces. 8.15pm to 9.30pm its champers and canopes then 9.30pm to 10.30pm its a sit down roast beef dinner and dessert.(On our table is both The Cheeky Girls and the Coronation Street actor that looks like an Indian David Essex).Others here inc Petula Clark + Sinitta + Peter Andre and Katie "Jordan" Price + Heidi From Sugababes with Dave Berry ,Arsenal player Mathieu Flamini + Bobby Davro + Jason Donovan + Donny from Towers Of London + Faith Brown + Rula Lenska + Matt Willis + Vanessa Felz and others then 10.30pm an auction of David Gest massive music collection where over 100,000 quid was raised for The Caudwell Childrens Charity which inc Peter Andre paying 14,500 quid for a gold disc of "Yellow Submarine" that was owned by Michael Jackson. Then we had three classic soul acts play 30 mins sets each.First The Stylistics whose set inc "Rockin Roll Baby","Betcha By Golly Wow","You Are Everything"(where they were joined by X Factor winner Shayne Ward)then "Im Stone In Love With You","Lets Put It All Together","Cant Give You Anything(But My Love)" and "You Make Me Feel Brand New".A great set.Petula Clark was dancing front of stage like a starstruck teenager.Indeed the free booze all night meant a superb relaxed event with all the celebs dancing. Next up it was American grammy award winner Peabo Bryson whose set inc "Tonight I Celebrate My Love For You" and "A Whole New World" then Candi Staton whose set inc "Young Hearts Run Free","Nights On Broadway" and "You Got The Love".David Gest was the perfect host full of fun and introducing everyone and at 1.30am we departed.Excellent bash................ 29 Feb 2008.The Mission live at Shepherds Bush Empire,London.This was night 3 of 4 shows here before The Mission split up for good.Focus is on a different album each night with tonights being "Children" and the band have rehearsed 65 songs. The Mission fans are very goth looking as expected.Many of the blokes in clumsy boots and long coats and loads of the girls in black raunchy outfits but loyal they really are. The 90 mins set inc "Beyond The Pale","Wing And A Prayer","Heaven On Earth","Dream On" and encores inc "Like A Hurricane" ,"1969" ,"Shelter From The Storm" and "Tower Of Strength".For the encores the fans really went for it and the site of half a dozen people standing on their friends shoulders supported by friends below as they sung all the songs back to Wayne Hussey with arms outstreched was pretty amazing to see. A good show overall................................ 28 Feb 2008.NME Awards Big Gig at The O2 Arena with Manic Street Preachers(60 mins set) + Kaiser Chiefs(50 mins set) + Bloc Party(40 mins set) + Klaxons(30 mins set) + Cribs with Johnny Marr(20 mins set).Excellent five band line up to celebrate The NME Awards held in the afternoon. A revolving stage made changeovers very quick. A very lively crowd who from the first band at 7pm were nearly all up and dancing with a bit of help from Zane Lowe on the dj decks.Cribs had Johnny Marr on guitar which was a nice touch.They had their own fans moshing down front.....Klaxons came on in sinister black outfits and their indie dance rave goes down well.....Bloc Party go down a storm.The crowd love it and they had the most fireworks and lasers on the night.The set inc "Banquet","This Modern Love","Flux" and "Helicopter".Very impressive.......Kaiser Chiefs are always superb live and their setlist inc "Everyday I Love You Less And Less","Ruby", "Modern Way","I Predict A Riot","The Angry Mob" and "Oh My God".Ricky Wilson on vocals going for walkies into the crowd was great stuff.......... The crowd was a bit subdued after the Kaisers who sell more tickets than The Manics these days but as The Manics won The Godlike Genius Award earlier its really their night.They came on to a full set of bagpipers and then played some great tunes inc "Motorcycle Emptiness","You Love Us","If You Tolerate This Then Your Children Will Be Next","Everything Must Go" then covers of Rhiannas "Umbrella" and The Cults "She Sells Sanctuary" then "Motown Junk" then for "You Stole The Sun From My Heart" they were joined by Cerys Mathews then "A Design For Life" closed the set.Overall a great night of live music......

Posted 31st March 2008