Saturday 04 November 2023.

Saturday 04 November 2023. LEVEL 42 + THE CHRISTIANS live at Hammersmith Apollo. This is the last show on their UK tour. Both bands had hits in the 1980s and 1990s. Just to give you an idea of how popular the jazz- funk of Level 42 was back in the day. In 1990 they played 15 , yes 15 shows at this same venue...I worked front stage security for 12 of them. They always played Hammersmith Odeon on their UK tours, so I have seen them over 25 times. Level 42 last studio album release was in 2006. I have seen The Christians a few times before. -------- There is no sold out sign, but the venue looks full. Lots of middle aged folks as expected. THE CHRISTIANS arrived on stage at 7.45pm and played for 40 mins. Warmly received first were The Christians who entertained in fine style with their wonderful vocals and harmonies being as smooth as ever on the likes of ' Ideal World' and 'Forgotten Town'. With front man Gary Christian’s voice taking centre stage before their short set was brought to a close with ' Hooverville' and the hit song cover of The Isley Brothers 'Harvest For The World'. LEVEL 42 arrived on stage at 9pm and played for 1 hour 40 mins. All the band members are wearing colourful shirts. The band were joined by a three man brass section The band are all top notch musicians , and create a really nice jazz-funk sound. Mark King still has his amazing thumb-slap bass guitar technique. The massive drum kit looks incredible , and would put many a rock band to shame. They play all their hits as usual. A great show. Full LEVEL 42 setlist played tonight... Almost There To Be With You Again Running in the Family Micro Kid The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up) Children Say Heathrow Love Meeting Love Kansas City Milkman World Machine Love Games Starchild Something About You Lessons in Love Encore: Heaven in My Hands The Chinese Way Hot Water ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ Friday 03 November 2023. I went to three events today. 4.30pm to 7.30pm. RM AUCTIONS - preview party - Marlborough House, Pall Mall , St James's, London SW1. Over 50 stunning classic cars are on display in the huge marquee in advance of the auction the following day. Around 20 of them are Ferraris. Many have an estimate of a million quid plus. A highlight for me was seeing a navy Bentley Continental Convertible which has been owned by Jay Kay ( Jamiroquai) for the past 23 years and has featured in a couple of the bands videos. Around 300 guests are here. There is a DJ playing tunes in the background. Commentary Havana Rum cocktails, prosecco, wines, beers and canapes. then 7.45pm to 9pm. VISITBRASIL.COM - Trafalgar Square, London SW1. The Brazilian Embassy are hosting a pre-party in advance of next week's World Travel Market. They are showcasing six different regions. We miss the dance display and the food but have complimentary Cachaca (Brazilian Rum) cocktails, wines and beers. All guests got a nice goodie bag on departure. then 9.15pm to 11pm...after-party in the upstairs bar at The Coliseum for the press/ VIP evening for ENO’s production of 7 Deaths of Maria Callas will be at the London Coliseum from 3 – 11 November 2023. A packed bar of maybe 150 guests here including several well known faces including American Actor WILLIAM DEFOE, MARIA ABRAMOVIC, NICK RHODES, IMELDA MAY, DANIEL LISMORE, LORRAINE CHASE, PHILIP SALLON, FIONA SHAW ( actress in Killing Eve etc) and no doubt a couple I missed. Complimentary prosecco, wines and beers.

Posted 4th November 2023