Thursday 12 October 2023

Thursday 12 October 2023. KKs PRIEST live at Shepherds Bush Empire. Ex Judas Priest guitar legend KK Downing will play a set of Judas Priest classics along with solo material. KK Downing is now aged 71, and departed from Judas Priest 12 years ago in 2011. On vocals will be TIM 'RIPPER' OWENS who had a stint in Judas Priest when Rob Halford went solo. They are touring the UK to promote their second album, before heading into mainland Europe. 'Sinner Rides Again' is the second studio album by English band KK's Priest, formed by former Judas Priest guitarist K. K. Downing. It was released on 29 September 2023 through Napalm Records. Four singles preceded the album, including the lead single "One More Shot at Glory". Special guests on all dates will be former IRON MAIDEN vocalist Paul Di'Anno who will be performing a full set of classics straight from the first two MAIDEN records First band on will be all female Swiss metal band BURNING WITCHES. I have seen Judas Priest live around 20 times since 1977. I have seen Iron Maiden live around 30 times since 1980, and that show was the only time i saw then with Paul Di'Anno. ---------- I was really looking forward to this very nice three band rock / metal package. Levels 2 and 3 are closed as unsold, and there is space on the floor and Level 1 so maybe only 700 or 800 folks here out of the 2000 capacity. BURNING WITCHES arrived on stage at 7.30pm for their 30 mins set. Always good to see all girl rock bands rockin' out. Nine photographers for the headliners but seven of them are here early in the pit for Burning Witches. Lots of loud and fast tunes, as the long blonde haired singer did her stuff. They went down well with the crowd. ------ PAUL DI'ANNO arrived on stage at 8.15pm for his 45 mins set. Due to his ill-health Paul performs all his set from sitting in his wheelchair. It was good to see him sing some early Iron Maiden gems. His bass player looks and plays just like Steve Harris. Full PAUL DI'ANNO setlist played tonight... Wrathchild (Iron Maiden song) Sanctuary (Iron Maiden song) Purgatory (Iron Maiden song) Remember Tomorrow (Iron Maiden song) Murders in the Rue Morgue (Iron Maiden song) Killers (Iron Maiden song) Transylvania (Iron Maiden song) Running Free (Iron Maiden song) Phantom of the Opera (Iron Maiden song) ------ KK's PRIEST arrived on stage at 9.30pm for their 90 mins set. A great stage production as we have several screens showing digital images, along with lots of lights, pyros, dry ice bursts, a platform on each side of the stage for band members for standing on. A nice setlist mixing Judas Priest gems and solo material. KK Downing plays his trademark Flying V guitar , and the other guitar player is also played a Flying V. Vocalist Tim 'Ripper' Owens has a great rock /metal voice. Quite a bit of moshing happening on the floor. A great night ,with three rock bands all playing their part. Full KK's PRIEST setlist played tonight... Hellfire Thunderbolt One More Shot at Glory The Ripper (Judas Priest cover) Reap the Whirlwind Night Crawler (Judas Priest cover) Sermons of the Sinner Burn in Hell (Judas Priest cover) Beyond the Realms of Death (Judas Priest cover) Hell Patrol (Judas Priest cover) Brothers of the Road Metal Meltdown (Judas Priest cover) The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown) (Fleetwood Mac cover) Breaking the Law (Judas Priest cover) Victim of Change (Judas Priest cover) Encore: Raise Your Fists Strike of the Viper ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- Wednesday 11 October 2023. I went to two events tonight. 6pm to 6.45pm. JACK BARCLAY - showcase - 18 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1. Jack Barclay Bentley - HR Owen is the oldest Bentley dealer in the world, opening its doors in 1927. They have a few stunning luxury Bentley's on display. A few years ago , they put in a nice central bar. Complimentary champers for all guests. then 7pm to 10.15pm. CHRISTIES x ELLE - Contemporary Art Party - Christie's , King Street , St James's, London SW1. Around 500 folks here related to Frieze Art Week. A few well known faces here including actor BILL NIGHY. Lots of cool art on display including two large canvas paintings from STIK with a auction guide price of £50k. All the rooms were used and a DJ was playing tunes in one room and a photographer was taking photos for the photo booth for us to take home. Complimentary Perrier Jouet champers in different areas and we have three staff from the famous American Bar at The Savoy Hotel giving out three different complimentary cocktails on their bar. Also Peroni beers and canapes. On the way out we got a tote bag of the event with a copy of Elle inside...a great event.

Posted 12th October 2023