Saturday 30 September 2023.

Saturday 30 September 2023. PUBLIC IMAGE LIMITED live at The Forum. Punk legend JONN LYDON & PIL play the last date of their U.K. tour, before they head into mainland Europe. Public Image Ltd. (PiL) have decided to continue plans to announce their 11th studio album and first album in 8 years, End of World, following the sad passing of John's Lydons wife of more than four decades, Nora Forster, on 5th April. 'End of World ' will be released on 11th August 2023 on PiL Official via Cargo UK Distribution, followed by a 38-date UK and European Tour. The album went into the charts at number 33 on it's first week of release. I have seen PIL over a dozen times since their debut gig at The Rainbow, Finsbury Park - 25 Dec 1978. Support comes from Irish singer-songwriter-producer MERYL STREEK. He will be playing tracks from his 2022 debut album '796'. ----------------- Like HAWKWIND the night before it is pretty much an older male crowd. The show is not sold out, but it's pretty full. Over 100 folks on the guest list, including many of John Lydons North London mates, including Reggie who John has written a song for in the past. NENEH CHERRY was also on a VIP table upstairs. I ended up missing the support act. There is a huge banner hanging over the balcony that says "FUCK DISNEY" but not sure if the band or fans put it there...that's related to last year's court case. PUBLIC IMAGE LIMITED on stage at 9.10pm tor 95 mins. First thing John says is " put your phone cameras down and enjoy the moment". John has his usual lectern with his book of lyrics in front of him, and still sips between songs and spits into the black bin near him. His manager/security/best friend Rambo is side of stage telling the security in the pit to stay by the amps and out of John Lydons eyesight. John's band are sooo tight, with Lu playing nifty guitar licks and the bass and drums spot on. The overall sound is perfect. John Lydon is in great form. New album tracks can be a tough listen , but are much better live. All his best tracks played including ' This Is Not A Love Song' and a stunning trio of songs for the encore 'Public Image' , 'Open Up' and 'Rise'. John finished the show by dedicating it to his late wife in a touching moment. A great show. Full PiL setlist played tonight... Penge Albatross Being Stupid Again This Is Not a Love Song Poptones Death Disco The Room I Am In Flowers of Romance Memories Car Chase The Body Warrior Shoom Encore: Public Image Open Up (Leftfield cover) Rise ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ Friday 29 September 2023. HAWKWIND live at The Royal Albert Hall. It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact starting point of Hawkwind, the seminal space rockers whose phenomenal career spans six decades. According to the internet, Dave Brock first formed the band in 1969. Since then, the band has released at least 35 studio albums, countless live releases, and a substantial number of compilations....expect a nice light show including lasers , and stage projections. I have seen HAWKWIND over 20 times since 1976 as they were regulars at Hammersmith Odeon. They are best known for their number 3 UK hit ' Silver Machine' in 1976. --------- The circle is pretty much 90 % unsold tonight. As expected it's mainly older folks here tonight. Support tonight comes from The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. He is best known for his number 1 UK hit 'Fire' from 1968. I have seen him live a couple of times before. Arthur and his band arrive on stage at 7.30pm and play for 45 mins. Arthur and all the band are dressed up in crazy outfits. Arthur looks in great shape for his 81 years. Arthur had a few amazing costume changes. The big screen is showing digital images. His big hit ' Fire' was played early on in the set. A very nice visual show. During the interval i bump into ex work mate Ray and his wife Di. They are the parents of comedian and tv presenter NOEL FIELDING. HAWKWIND arrive on stage at 8.45pm and play for 2 hours 5 mins. They have great lasers throughout the show, along with nice images on the big screen and behind. Space rockers ticked along nice and some of their tracks have surprisingly catchy chorus singalongs. Arthur Brown joined them for a couple of spoken word parts. Highlights included ' Spirit of the Age' and 'Master of the Universe' but sadly they do not play 'Silver Machine'. Always good to see HAWKWIND. Full HAWKWIND setlist played tonight... Levitation You'd Better Believe It The Psychedelic Warlords (Disappear in Smoke) / You Know You're Only Dreaming / The Psychedelic Warlords (Disappear in Smoke) Arrival in Utopia (with William Orbit) Rama (The Prophecy) (with William Orbit) The Beginning (with William Orbit) Spirit of the Age (with William Orbit) Assault and Battery / The Golden Void (with William Orbit) Peace (with William Orbit) Right to Decide (with William Orbit) Ten Seconds of Forever (with Arthur Brown) Born to Go / You Shouldn't Do That / Born to Go Encore: Brainstorm / The Black Corridor / Brainstorm (with Arthur Brown) Master of the Universe Welcome to the Future

Posted 30th September 2023