News and Reviews: 30th June 2008

30 June 2008.Lou Reed live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.This was a show where Lou Reeds 1973 album "Berlin" was performed in full.The album originally got bad reviews and was a commercial failure but 30 years later its been hailed as a masterpiece of its time.There are some 30 people on stage inc a mini orchestra and 12 piece New London Childrens Choir.The first 75 mins of the 1 hour 50 mins set was based on "Berlin".Some of it great and and some of it hard going.The best bits were when the orchestra and choir really got going."Men Of Good Fortune" and "Caroline Says" were good and the last song "Sad Song" was just stunning as it was extended to some 10 or 15 mins with the choir really singing.The encores inc a reworked "Satelite Of Love" long version that was great.So like i said very good in some parts and hard work in other parts. The was the 32nd time "Berlin" has been performed since 2006 and a live dvd from New York 2006 is due out soon.................................... 29 June 2008.Hard Rock Calling Day 2 with The Police + Carbon Silicon + Flying Padovanis + The Bangles live at Hyde Park,London.A big crowd of 35,000 which is a lot considering how many times The Police have played in the last year.On the main stage are all girl band The Bangles who look great all in black.A good 30 mins set inc "Manic Monday" and "Eternal Flame"....then off to second stage which is inside a tent and feels like a nice club gig rather than the main stage where you are miles away.The Flying Padovanis have reformed and they still sound cool.Henry the guitarist was in The Police before Andy Summers.He is joined by Chris Musto on drums and their mainly instrumental based tunes are great.The 40 mins set inc "Murder","Jack The Ripper", "Wipeout" and "Rattleshake"......next is Carbon Silicon who also do a great set.The sound was perfect for both bands.Their 50 mins set inc "War on Culture","The News","Really The Blues" and "Why Do Men Fight".Mick Jones and Tony James really enjoying it....then over to Hard Rock tent for a freebie 3 course meal and drinks.We also watch the first half of The Euro 2008 footie final here. Eddie Jordan is here......Its hard to get excited by The Police as this is the fifth time i have seen their reunion shows.Tonight is the last one they will ever do in the UK.The 1 hour 40 mins set is the same as the Isle Of Wight show i saw only two weeks ago.All the hits of course and they go down well.Again when the show was over we popped into Hard Rock tent for drinks for an hour. See aftershow page for this gig.................. 28 June 2008.Hard Rock Calling Day 1 with Eric Clapton + Sheryl Crow + John Mayer live at Hyde Park,London.A massive crowd here of some 40,000.Like last year in the afternoon we get into one of the best gig hospitality areas of the year.The Hard Rock Cafe tent here backstage.Over 500 guests have free HR food and cocktails all day and all the walls are covered with stuff from a typical Hard Rock Cafe with guitars,costumes etc.I have my photo taken with Gene Simmons bass and a canon used by AC/DC at one of their Donington shows.The Hard Rock serving staff are superb.Nico McBrain from Iron Maiden was here.Must focus on the music.Up first is John Mayer who is soooooooooooo boring.He was the first act to play Hammersmith Apollo with stalls standing a few years ago and its just the same.He is dating Jennifer Anniston....Next up is Sheryl Crow who is looking great in white. She plays a good hits based 65 mins set. Nice summary songs inc "A Change Would Do You Good","All I Wanna Do","First Cut Is The Deepest","If It Makes You Happy" and "Everyday Is A Winding Road".....Eric Clapton is a great guitarist but hes more suited to indoors.The first hour of the 1 hour 50 mins is just too polite and does not offer any real excitement. Too much laidback blues.It gets better near the end with "Wonderful Tonight","Layla" and "Cocaine" and a great encore of "Crossroads" with Sheryl Crow and John Mayer joining him. After the show back to Hard Rock for cocktails. So overall a good day but nothing special........ 27 June 2008.Bon Jovi + Biffy Clyro live at Twickenham Stadium.Biffy Clyro are all in tight white jeans and not wearing any shirts.Not sure why but they do a decent 40 mins set.This was the first of two shows here by Bon Jovi who are still a massive live act in the UK.Some 45,000 are here tonight.Over 100m albums sold.They are not the rock band they were 20 years ago.Those amazing Hammersmith Odeon shows from 1986 when "Slippery When Wet" came out were quite something.The many women here drool over John Bon Jovi and their music does appeal more to girl fans these days.They opened up with two of their early hits "Living On A Prayer" and "You Give Love A Bad Name" which were great but surely would have been better played near the end.Wisely only a couple of tunes from recent album "Lost Highway" that got awful reviews when it came out.Lots of rock pop hits here though inc "Runaway","I'll Sleep When I'm Dead", a medley of "Twist And Shout/Start Me Up","Blaze Of Glory", and the girls swooning and singing along to "Always" and "In These Arms".More goodies inc "Its My Life","Keep The Faith" and a superb "Bad Medicine" and encores included a brilliant "Wanted Dead Or Alive".A show lasting 2 hours 20 mins that was really good........................ 26 June 2008.Def Leppard + Whitesnake live at Wembley Arena,London.Excellent double bill of classic rock.I have seen both bands loads of times over the last 30 years and both have always been great live.Up first we have Whitesnake who are promoting new album "Good To Be Bad".David Coverdale is now age 56 but looks great and makes full use of the walkway that extends into the crowd..The band also all look the part too. They play for 85 mins with oldies and newies mixed inc "Fool For Your Loving","Love Aint No Stranger","Is This Love","Aint No Love In The Heart Of The City" with all the crowd singing. Also "Give Me All Your Love" and great versions of "Here I Go Again" and "Still Of The Night". He dedicated a song to his daughter and pointed in our direction.She was sitting next to me. A great set...Def Leppard also played for 85 mins which inc a couple from their new album "Songs From The Sparkle Lounge" but mainly it was those great rock pop hits inc "Animal","Rock On"(their David Essex cover),"Two Steps Behind","Bringing On The Heartbreak" and "Armageddon It".A trio of songs really raised the roof "Photograph", "Pour Some Sugar On Me" and "Rock Of Ages".The encore of "Lets Get Rocked" was superb.The band look and sound great with that wall of sound. See aftershow page for this gig.................. 25 June 2008.Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band live at The San Siro Stadium,Milan,Italy. Wow.Here we are in one of the most famous football stadiums in the world for a 75,000 sold out show by Bruce and the boys.I was on pitch standing with a good view.Everything about this show was better than both his Emirates shows in London.He played a full 3 hour set which was 15 mins longer than London.The legendary Italian crowd were amazing.Bruce spoke lots of Italian and just seemed to enjoy it more here.Again about 200 fans brought their song requests on cards at the front and again Bruce spent many times up close to them.His energy level is incredible. Highlights inc "Out on The Street","Hungry Heart","Candys Room","Because The Night" feat Nils playing a guitar solo while spinning.Also "Racing In The Street","The Rising","Badlands" and encores inc a blinding "Born To Run" and "Dancing In The Dark".A totally superb show. Check www.brucespringsteen.net for full setlist. After the show for a couple of hours we went to one of Milans coolest clubs The Cavalli Cafe for a party to celebrate the end of Milan Fashion Week for Men.Very stylish crowd here............. 24 June 2008.KISS live at The Datch Forum, Assago,Milan,Italy.After KISS stunning show at Donington i just had to find the time to see them indoors.This venue is same in size to Wembley Arena.Again i am 10 rows from the front stage left on the floor."You Wanted The Best You Got The Best" and we really did.KISS live are just second to none.Visually amazing with great tunes. Same set as Donington at over 2 hours.So many highlights inc "Strutter","Hotter Than Hell","Cmon And Love Me","Gold Gin","Black Diamond" and of course "Rock And Roll All Nite".Encores again inc "Shout It Out Loud","Lick It Up","I Was Made For Loving You","Love Gun" and "Detroit Rock City". Loads of explosions and fireworks etc although there were more at Donington as that was outdoors.Paul Stanley said a few words in Italian.Gene Simmons was great.Interesting that Virgin Radio are quite big in Italy it seems as they are one of the sponsors for KISS and Bruce shows in Milan and gave out nice freebie posters. A friend in Paris took some nice photos of their Bercy show last week.To look at them go to http://rockerparis.blogspot.com/................. 22 June 2008.Santana live at The 02 Arena,London. Sadly missed support Beverley Knight as she came on at the silly time of 6.55pm for her 30 mins. Pretty impressive that Santana can still fill venues of this size.Opening with "Jingo" in a set lasting 2 hours 30 mins.A lot of the songs were 10 mins long but when Carlos on superb lead guitar got in a groove with the drummer and two percussionists it gave out a great dance feel that had the crowd up on its feet for most of the night.The two singers when on stage were pretty average really."Maria Maria" went down well.Beverley Knight came on to sing a couple of songs.She is the new Tina Turner.Oldies like "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va" at the end were great as was "Smooth" the big hit single from the mega selling "Supernatural" album.Encores inc a great twin solo from both the percussion players.An enjoyable show. Ex England soccer coach Steve McClaren was here(the plonker that failed to get us to Euro 2008). ........... Saturday was another great day where i went to see two shows but more important the first one (P.Weller) was my 5000th gig .YES 5000th......... 21 June 2008.Paul Weller + The Rifles live at Koko,Camden,London.2pm to 4.30pm.This was the main show of XFM Radio 104.9fm All Day Breakfast where 8 bands played 8 free gigs over London to comp winners on the radio station.Up first is The Rifles who play a decent 30 mins set.Its mid afternoon but the venue is packed with Paul Weller fans for a full 70 mins set with his band. Still promoting his recent "22 Dreams" album. Setlist inc "From The Floorboards Up","Wild Blue Yonder","Shadow Of The Sun","Wishing On A Star", "Empty Ring","Peacock Suit","Echoes Round The Sun" and superb versions of "Come On Lets Go" and "Eton Rifles".Encore was "Mermaids".A very good set from The Modfather...................... 21 June 2008.Neil Diamond live at The 02 Arena, London.This was the first of four London shows by ND.(3 at 02 Arena and 1 at Wembley Arena).The venue is totally rammed with not a spare seat in the house for this 67 year old who was massive in the late 60s/early 70s and has sold over 125m albums.He is promoting his new hit album "Home Before Dark" which was produced by Rick Rubin.Neil picked up The Songwriting Award earlier in the week at The MOJO Awards.Neil is a bit middle of the road but like the other times i have seen him the crowd are up and dancing every other song.A big band with a mini orchestra did a great job.Setlist inc "Dont Go There","Pretty Amazing Grace","Home Before Dark", "Red Red Wine"(his song covered by UB40),then a superb versions "I Am I Said", "Forever In Blue Jeans" and "Sweet Caroline".He had a great podium at the edge of the stage that he stood still on but it glided across the stage so all the front had a great view.One of the backing singers duetted on "You Dont Bring Me Flowers" then "Song Sung Blue" and "Im A Believer"(his song covered by The Monkees) and encore of "Crackling Rose" sealed a good show. On stage for just over 2 hours Neil Diamond sent everyone home very happy indeed............. 20 June 2008.Gang Of Four + Tom Tom Club live at The Royal Festival Hall,London.Back again for the third night on the trot at this venue for another Meltdown Festival gig.A neat double bill of two acts from the early 1980s.Up first we have Tom Tom Club who feature Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz from Talking Heads.They play an hour of New York pop funk.The first 30 mins was pretty average but then it got really good with "Genius Of Love",a quirky cover of Hot Chocolates "You Sexy Thing", "Wordy Rappinghood" and encore of "Take Me To The River".Then Gang Of Four whose main era was post punk 1979-1983.They played an 80 mins set which included Gail Ann Dorsey on bass.Opening with "At Home Hes A Tourist" and a bit later on "Anthrax" then the singer sang a song while smashing up a microwave oven with a baseball bat??.Their guitarist Andy Gill gave a masterclass in his angry chopping guitar playing style.Encores were "A Love A Man In A Uniform" and "Damaged Goods".Another really good evening here at Meltdown.................... 19 June 2008.Grace Jones live at The Royal Festival Hall,London.A rare London show for this disco diva which has been sold out for ages.A very cool looking crowd here.Most were probably expecting her to turn up late and play only for an hour but Grace does a full 2 hours 10 mins set.The first 40 mins is superb with opening tracks inc "Nighclubbing","Private Life" and "My Jamaican Guy" Grace is age 60 but her body is toned and she looks half her age.There are 6 or 7 outfits and headwear changes including a very skimpy black basque that shows off her long legs and bum cheeks.Still very statuesque. The sound is a healthy mix of reggae,funk and disco.The middle part stumbled along a bit as songs were dragged out a bit.As a performer you cannot take your eyes off her.Set also inc "Demolition Man","Man Eating Machine", "La Vie En Rose" and the lasers came out again for a brilliant "Love Is The Drug".Encores were all great as she played "Pull Up To The Bumper" where she invited 50 fans on stage for a boogie then "Warm Leatherette" and a brilliant "Slave To The Rhythm".A very good show......................... 18 June 2008.Busy evening with two great gigs. 7pm.Coldplay live at The BBC Television Centre, Shepherds Bush,London.This was a free gig for 600 or 700 comp winners,media and BBC staff to promote their new album "Viva La Vida" which came out this week and is selling loads all over the world.The 45 mins set was treated as a proper gig as it was live on BBC 2 tv.A nice mix of the best tracks off the new album and a stunning bunch of oldies.Chris Martin is on good form with some friendly and funny stage banter.Set started with an instrumental then "Violet Hill", "Clocks","In My Place","Viva La Vida","42","Trouble","Lost",then they moved to a mini stage for a great version of "Yellow" and finally "Lovers In Japan" with confetti cannons over the crowd.It was same as on tv with no extra songs for the crowd here.Celebs here inc Ricky Gervais and Jay Z.Superb.......... then a dash over for 9pm.Stiff Little Fingers live at The Royal Festival Hall,London.This was one of the shows for this years Meltdown Festival which is being curated by Massive Attack.Its a posh venue for this punk band but thankfully the security is relaxed and there is plenty of jumping around front of stage.I am front row left of stage.SLF are on top form tonight with an excellent 90 mins set inc "Silver Lining", "Strummerville" and "At The Edge" then the band play their debut album classic "Inflammable Material" track by track.So many lethal songs here inc "Suspect Device","Wasted Life","Barbed Wire Love","Law And Order","Johnny Was" and of course "Alternative Ulster".Encores were "It Doesnt Make It Alright" by The Specials and their own gem "Tin Soldiers".Just brilliant. Check www.southbankcentre.co.uk for other gigs and events planned for The Meltdown Festival. See aftershow page for this gig.................. 17 June 2008.Journey + John Parr live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.First London show for John Parr in 23 years.A decent enough 40 mins set that ends with his big hit "St Elmos Fire".Over the past few years Journey have had problems with singers.This story is amazing.Neal Schon the Journey guitarist was looking at youtube and came across this Filipino singer in a bar band who covered Journey songs.Anyway one thing led to another and Arnel Pineda got the job.First of all he has that Steve Perry type voice and hes a fun performer shaking hands with the front rows and smiling all night and bursting with energy.We have an amazing front row leaning on stage view in front of Neal Schon for the 1 hour 55 mins set.The tour is to promote new album "Revelation" which has 11 new tracks and 11 oldies with this singer.There are loads of Filipinos and Thais in the crowd tonight too which was nice to see. Highlights inc "Seperate Ways","Only The Young", "Whos Crying Now","Wheel In The Sky" and superb versions of "Faithfully" and "Dont Stop Believing".Encores were "Escape" and "Any Way You Want It".A great show and it looks like Journey have found the singer they were always looking for.The crowd loved him.................. 16 June 2008.Metalhammer Golden Gods Awards Feat Disturbed + In Flames + Childen Of Bodom + Apocalyptica + Testament At The 02 Indigo,London. Some 1000 comp winners downstairs and we are part of the 500 media and guests upstairs enjoying the all night free booze.The great thing about this event is there is not the posing like other music awards as everyone just wants to have a good time and get wrecked.Hosted brilliantly by the singer of Gwar who is in full costume. Testament play a couple of good tunes ......then Apocalyptica play their unique heavy metal with cellos for a couple of songs....Children Of Bodom play a couple of good thrashy songs .....then In Flames play a couple.....headliners Disturbed play a really good and heavy 5 song set...faces here giving out or recieving awards inc Saxon,Girlschool, Within Temptation, Airbourne and members of Slayer....then off to afterparty in town at Sin in Tottenham Court Road for a couple of hours of free booze and a live thrash band called Amon Amath went down well.The whole evening had a great lets party atmosphere to it................ 15 June 2008.The Police + Kooks + James + Starsailor live at The Isle Of Wight Festival. All the guest areas here have great views of the stage which is very rare at a big festival. Starsailor have gone off the radar over the past couple of years but they are really good.Great songs "Four To The Floor","Silence Is Easy" and "Good Souls" go down well......James are in good form for their 60 mins which inc new tracks and oldies inc "Come Home","Shes A Star","Sometimes" and for "Laid" they get 20 of their mates on stage for a dance....The Kooks play a decent 60 mins of their indie jangly guitar stuff...then The Police play a full 1 hour 40 mins set.This was the fourth time i have seen them on their reunion tour.Loads of hits inc "Message In A Bottle","Walking On The Moon","Dont Stand So Close To Me" and "I Cant Stand Losing You" etc . Encores inc "Roxanne","King Of Pain" and "So Lonely" and "Every Breathe You Take".Another good Police show................................. 14 June 2008.Sex Pistols + Ian Brown + Iggy Pop And The Stooges live at The Isle Of Wight Festival.Got here after a 300 mile drive and ferry south from The Download Festival.On the boat collecting our tickets i see a face i know.Its Marc Bolans brother Harry. My first time here at this Festival which had all its 55,000 weekend tickets sold out by Dec without any bands confirmed.Its in a lovely location. We see John Lydons car getting a full police escort as we get to the venue.We see Iggy Pop And The Stooges play a stunning 60 mins set inc "I Wanna Be Your Dog","TV Eye","No Fun" .Iggy is teasing the crowd at the front with his energy and wild stage persona.They play a rare "Search And Destroy".....then its Ian Brown whose 50 mins set is boring and lacklustre to say the least.He seems a bit out of it and lets face it he cannot sing.......then the mighty Sex Pistols play a full 85 mins set.Its pretty much all the classics from the Birmingham show with an extra version of "Pretty Vacant" done in a slow lounge style and they add Hawkwinds "Silver Machine" at the end. The band look and sound great and Lydon is winding the crowd up as usual.Great.............. 13 June 2008.KISS + Judas Priest + Motorhead + Disturbed live at Download Festival,Donington Park,Derbyshire.An excellent classic rock bill on the opening day here.Disturbed play a really good 50 mins set and are much better than expected.......then Motorhead play a brilliant 60 mins set inc "Killed By Death","Ace Of Spades" and "Overkill".....then Judas Priest who have brought a full stage production for their 90 mins set.Rob Halford looks a bit silly in his heavy long coats and clumsy boots but the sound of the twin guitars is just great.Gems played inc "Metal Gods","Breaking The Law" and for the encores inc "Hell Bent For Leather" Rob Halford came out on the trademark motorcycle....KISS are one of my fave bands and this was their first UK show for 9 years.They played a really stunning two hour set of all old classics.In full make up with loads of pyros,flames,explosions and visual treats for our enjoyment.I have an amazing view just 10 rows from the stage.The main set feat tracks from their debut live album "Alive" inc "Strutter","Hotter Than Hell","Parasite","Nothing To Lose", a smoke filled drum solo, a guitar solo with rocket firing guitars,"Gold Gin","Black Diamond" and a stunning "Rock And Roll All Night".Encores inc "Shout It Out Loud","Lick It Up","God Of Thunder" with Genes blood spitting antics then "I Was Made For Loving You" then "Love Gun" with Paul Stanley flying over the crowd on a wire. Just a totally incredible show................... 11 June 2008. Sex Pistols live at Birmingham Academy.A warm up show for some 2500/3000 fans in this sweaty hotter than hell venue that sold out in under an hour.Its the only indoor show before the bands massive headlining festival slots all over Europe and Japan and their first show in Birmingham for nearly 32 years.I dont like this venue really as a lot of the crowd cannot see much of the stage.Lots of friends from London have made the trip up here and others from all over the UK.Thankfully due to my help with www.sex-pistols.net i have an access all areas pass to watch the band from side of stage.The band come on to "They'll Always Be An England" and a great reception and launch into "Pretty Vacant".Its 2008 and yet some idiots are still spitting and throwing stuff on the stage.John Lydon does a great job of ignoring it and gets even closer to the fans front of stage.Matlock,Cook and Jones play great together as they blast out superb tracks including "Submission","No Fun" "Did No Wrong", "EMI","Problems","Bodies", "Holidays In The Sun","God Save The Queen" , "Baghdad(Belsen) Was A Gas" and "Anarchy In The UK" and other gems.The area in front of stage is a mess of bodies jumping around.A couple of songs before the end the band walked offstage for a couple of mins as Lydon was suffering in the extreme conditions.There was a second set of encores planned ("Silver Machine" and "Roadrunner") but were not played.The songs here mean so much to me as i was lucky enough to be a teenager when The Pistols took on the world in 1976-1978 and they cannot do any wrong in my eyes.Roll on Isle Of Wight where they play to 50,000 fans.A hot night of quality rock n roll. See aftershow page for this gig.................. 10 June 2008.Reo Speedwagon live at 02 Indigo, London.Reo were huge in America in the late 70s and early 80s with their radio friendly rock.Got a great view at the front just a few feet from the band.They opened up with two of their biggest hits "Dont Let Him Go" and "Take It On The Run" which were great.The singer joked how clean and modern the venue was compared to some of the dives they played early on in their career.They played a few good tracks off last years album "Find Your Own Way Home".Then it was "Tough Guys" and all the crowd singing "Cant Fight This Feeling" then "Time For Me To Fly" and "Back On The Road Again" and then the whole crowd singing along again to a stunning "Keep On Loving You" and then "Roll With The Changes". One encore of "Riding The Storm Out" finished a really good 85 mins set.Even managed to get some plectrums and the setlist at the end........ 09 June 2008.Launch party for "Pimms Summerfest : A Week Of Comedy" at The Holland Park Theatre, London.The freebie Pimms drinks and canopes are flowing at this lovely venue that is outdoors but covered and holds some 1200 people.Just perfect on a sunny day like this. The comedy event will have 25 acts over 5 nights from Aug 27 to 31 with acts inc Jo Brand,Russell Howard, Lucy Porter,Stephen Lynch,Puppetry Of The Penis etc. adm 22.50 per show from the promoters www.festivalrepublic.com and sponsors Pimms will be at many music festivals inc Latitude.......... 08 June 2008.Sparks + Royworld live at The Islington Academy,London.This was show number 18 of 21 in London for Sparks who are playing a different album every night.Pretty amazing as thats over 200 songs rehearsed.Tonights album is "Balls".They have a different up and coming support act each evening.Tonight was Royworld who played a really good 30 mins set of tracks from their album "Man In The Machine".Well crafted songs in the Keane/Snow Patrol style. Sadly missed the shows feat Sparks classic albums "Propaganda" and "Kimono My House" as i was at Roger Waters gigs.On stage for 75 mins they play all the "Balls" album.The title track is pure Prodigy techno rock then others inc "Aeroflot" "Irreplaceable" and "The Angels".They both look great on stage.Amazing that i saw them in 1974 headlining Hammersmith Odeon in their heyday. Encore of rare track "What Would Katherine Hepburn Say".They are always great to watch. The band play the last show at Shepherds Bush Empire on Friday 13 June where they will play the new album in the first set and greatest hits in the second set................................... The Scorpions play a short UK tour in October with Hammersmith Apollo on Oct 18................ 07 June 2008.7pm to 11pm. The Sex Pistols Experience + Punk Rock Disco live on The River Thames,London.Here we are again with 100 hardcore Pistols fans and Buzzcock Steve Diggle to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the Pistols boat party gig on the same boat the Pistols used in 1976.A lovely evening cruising up and down the River Thames.Earlier that day SPE played a wedding reception gig on this boat and they were surprised that guests included Clash members Mick Jones and Paul Simonon and artist Tracey Emin.Tonight the SPE play a superb 70 mins set with all those Pistols classics "Pretty Vacant","Liar", "Problems","EMI","Bodies","God Save The Queen","Anarchy In The UK" etc.Loads of dancing around front of stage and people falling into the equipment but its all such great fun.The atmosphere on board was party party and its was such a unique event.I even won a rare Steve Jones poster in the raffle.Check www.sexpistolsexperience.co.uk for future gigs by the UKs number 1 Pistols tribute.............. 06 June 2008.Foo Fighters live at Wembley Stadium,London.First of two massive shows here for the Foos.Dave Grohl said on stage there had been 86,000 tix sold for tonight.Wow.The stage production looks fab as they are in the round but not in the centre of the pitch.A huge walkway lets Dave Grohl strut up and down it. The 2 hours 10 mins set really rocked.The pitch standing area is a heaving mess of bodies.Loads of great songs inc "Times Like These","Learn To Fly","Breakout","Stacked Actos" then the stage revolved for Taylor Hawkins drum solo."Skin And Bones" was played at an angle then more gems like "My Hero","Everlong","Monkey Wrench", "All My Life" then for encores they turned the stage to the back for the 5000 fans who had stared at the bands bums for most of the show. "DOA","Generator" and "The Best Of You" sealed a great show.Dave Grohl said and did all the right things and a huge firworks display at the end.The UK loves the Foos....................... 05 June 2008.Petula Clark live at The Fairfield Hall,Croydon.Not many acts can get me out of my London comfort area but a long trek to Croydon to see one of the UKs top female music and stage icons was always going to be worth it.Petula and her band with mini orchestra played for two hours over two sets.She looks fantastic for her age of 75.Some 60 years of music,stage and screen.Lots of great tunes inc "Dont Sleep In The Subway","This Is My Song(written by Charlie Chaplin)" and "A Sign Of The Times".She sung a couple of good songs from the new album which went down well.Lots of warm on stage banter with great stories of legends she has met and performed with.She also threw in some French as she has recorded many songs in French and i think she still lives there now.The second half inc "Color My Mind" and a few songs from the many films and musicals she has been in. Then more gems "Kiss Me Goodbye","My Love" and of course "Downtown" which got her a full standing ovation and half a dozen flower bouquets.Encore of "I Couldn't Leave Without Your Love" sealed a great show.Petulas new album "Here And Now" is out on 16 June 2008 and her dvd "Live At The Paris Olympia 2004" is out now.For more info and gig dates check www.petulaclark.net.......then up the road from 11.30pm to 2.30am for the aftershow party for one of the biggest charity nights of the year.The Ark Gala Dinner At The Old Royal Naval College,Greenwich which is lit up with lasers and there are loads of other stuff in this amazing venue.Around 1000 big money earners in the city paid up to 10,000 quid each to be here.Yes 10,000.With the auction it raised a staggering 25m quid.The dinner is over when i get there but the cocktails are still flowing.Some faces here inc Tony Blair,Cherie Blair,Nick Mason,Bob Geldof,Jemima Khan,Liz Hurley,Simon Cowell,Sinitta, David Furnish and Patrick Cox.They have flown in soul legend Stevie Wonder for a 70 mins set.The first three songs feel more like a soundcheck then he steps up a gear to play loads of hits which is what this crowd wants inc "Living In The City", Master Blaster(Jammin),"Higher Ground","Dont You Worry About A Thing","Sir Duke","I Wish", "Signed Sealed Delivered I'm Yours","My Cherie Amour","I Just Called To Say I Love You", "Superstition" and "Isn't She Lovely".I had a great view near the front.So a mad night with two events south of the river.Stevie Wonder comes back to the UK for a few dates in September...... 04 June 2008.Ratt + Zodiac Mindwarp live at The Astoria 2,London.I must i was really looking forward to tonights show as Ratt have not played the UK since 1990.Nice to see support Zodiac Mindwarp again playing their scuzz rock.They were joined by six female dancers in bikinis and high heels which went down well.I get myself into the second row from the stage like some 18 year old.I first came across Ratt in 1986 when i saw all four shows of them supporting Ozzy Osbourne at Hammersmith Odeon when they had their great album "Invasion Of Your Privacy" out.I taped the last show and have been playing it the last week.A brilliant 90 mins set inc "Sweet Cheetah", "You Think Youre Tough","Back For More" and a trio of superb Ratt gems "Lay It Down","Youre In Love" and "Dangerous But Worth The Risk".The pyros and big stage production have long gone but those brilliant riffs are still there.Encores of "Body Talk" and "Round And Round" sealed off a great show....................................... 03 June 2008.Sex Pistols Experience + Rebel Yell live at Proud Gallery,Camden,London.Tonight was the launch party for the "No One Is Innocent" collection of around 50 classic Sid Vicious and Sex Pistols photos.On from 6pm to 11pm and the free booze is flowing.Lots of faces here from the old days John Tiberi,Rodent and Steve English and photographers Dennis Norris and Ian Dickson. These are new premises for Camden Proud and its a lovely huge space.Up first are Rebel Yell from Leeds who are excellent.Young ,fresh and lively with stand up bass and stand up drummer. Their 30 mins set had a great Stray Cats/Clash feel to it.Sex Pistols Experience played a 55 mins set. The look,the sound,the swagger is all there as they do superb versions of all the Pistols gems inc "Pretty Vacant","Holidays In The Sun","EMI", "Bodies","God Save The Queen","Anarchy In The UK" etc .They are just great and a good time was had by all here.See www.sex-pistols.net and www.proud.co.uk for full info on the Sid photos exhibition....................................... 02 June 2008.The London Club And Bar Awards at The Riverbank Plaza Hotel,London SE1.This was the main awards bash for all the coolest bars and clubs in London.A dressed up crowd of 600 enjoyed free cocktails 7.30pm to 9pm then 9pm to 11pm there was a three course dinner and some 15 awards given out.Winners inc Boujis, Mahiki, Maddox,Movida and Maya.Soul star Alexander O'Neal presented an award.Very lively and noisy bash for this hyper crowd.Then afterparty at Amika in Kensington High Street which was very loud,busy with an up for it party crowd.Free booze still flowing,laser show,waiters dancing on the tables.Excellent event.................... 01 June 2008.The Osmonds live at The 02 Arena, London.The original boy band back in town for the last of three London arena shows and its the last night of their UK tour.Celebrating a staggering 50 years since their first tv audition.This was their first UK tour with all seven members for 27 years.I saw them live in 1979.On stage for two hours over two sets they opened with a brilliant "Crazy Horses" complete with flames and dry ice.Also played was "Down By The Lazy River","The Proud One" and "Let Me In".Then Marie sung a few on her own. Marie looks great for a mum of EIGHT.Best bit was when she got a male punter on stage for some very funny audience participation.Problem was Martin from Kent could not dance or sing at all. Loads of fantastic video footage from the old days up on the big screens behind the band. The Osmonds came back and did a few songs from their dodgy 1970s concept album "The Plan". The many women here swooned for Donnys solo spot as he sung "The Twelth Of Never","Any Dream Will Do" and of course "Puppy Love".Marie sang "Paper Roses".Then Jimmy sang "Long Haired Lover From Liverpool".Then all The Osmonds on for "One Bad Apple","Going Home" and an emotional encore of "Love Me For A Reason".You can scorn at bands like the Osmonds but their fans clearly feel the same way as i do about The Sex Pistols and that only be a good thing.A decent and very entertaining gig.About 500 fans in the queue after for a live cd of that nights show from www.livenation.co.uk............................. June is always a great month for live shows as the big outdoor events kick in and some of the biggest bands in the world tour.Two of my fave bands(Sex Pistols and KISS) are playing UK and Europe this month.I will also be going to Milan in Italy for a couple of days to see KISS on June 24 and Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band on June 25.........rumours that The Sex Pistols will be playing a couple of new cover versions in their set that they have NEVER played before. This months MOJO mag out June 01 has a massive multi page article on the band.......

Posted 30th June 2008