2008-12-25
 

email me on ray@raysgigs.com..................... On the afternoon of Thursday 20 Nov 2008 i had an enjoyable interview and photo session with the BBC to celebrate me hitting the 5000 gigs mark a couple of months ago.It should be up on www.bbc.co.uk on 24 Nov 2008.......also interview and photos in The Daily Mirror maybe Tues 2nd Dec ?? or Wed 3rd Dec??......The Daily Mail maybe Tues 2nd Dec?? or Wed 3rd Dec??.......The Independent(100%) on Sat 06 Dec........and lots of phone interviews on radio stations so keep a listen out for them.I will put any good ones i know of up here.Mon 01 Dec on BBC Radio 5 at 11pm with Richard Bacon should be good(see below).....also BBC Radio Newcastle/Metro on Wed 03 Dec 8.30am......and Radio Cork Redfm Wed 03 Dec at 9am......also Fri 05 Dec BBC World Service at 11am............. Please note that the leather jacket with patches that was used in the BBC interview has never been worn by me to a gig or even outside of the house.It was a gig going competition prize from Q Magazine from 1997.The photographers like it for its bright colours etc.Indeed all photos you see of me are photographers ideas,not mine...... Some of you have pointed out that my gig history from 2003 to 2007 is not yet up which is true. Needless to say in those years i still did 150 to 200 gigs a year inc nearly every act that has played 02 Arena including Led Zeppelin.I did all seven Sex Pistols shows on their 2007 UK tour. Also Feb 2007 i saw Aerosmith play a secret gig at The Hard Rock Cafe in London.Loads more but email me for any info on that period............. http://www.nme.com/news/faces/41015............ www.uncut.co.uk...www.billboard.com....teletext..www.planetrock.co.uk and loads of others have picked up on my world exclusive news of The Rod Stewart And The Faces reunion....11 Nov 2008.9pm to 12.30am.Claridges Bar 10th Anniversary Party,Claridges Hotel,London W1.This invite only event was just superb.Plenty of freebie cocktails,champers and canopes flowing in the main bar of this famous 5 star hotel always used by A listers.Lots of faces here include Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster and Rod's daughter Kimberley.I had a lovely chat with Rod Stewart.I asked him "whats the latest news about a Faces reunion?".The answer is a total exclusive to this website.This Monday Rod is meeting up with Ronnie Wood and the others in the studio for their first rehearsal. "Just to check if they can remember the songs". They will use Rod's current tour bass player as Ronnie Lane has sadly passed away.Great news. Also here was the lovely and friendly Cilla Black who was very cosy with Reading F.C. chairman and hotel owner John Madejski.Also Jade Jagger,Ozwald Boateng,Rick Parfitt Jr,Nicky Haslam,Rosamund Pike(actress from James Bond Die Another Day etc),Zandra Rhodes,Donna Air,Leah Wood.A great crowd and dj playing cool tunes. This was a quality bash..............News on 02 Dec 2008 that the first Faces shows have been confirmed as July 4 Limerick,July 5 Dublin,July 7 Cork.......

 
 
2008-12-03
 

Wed sees Slipknot + Machine Head play the last of their three shows at Hammersmith Apollo....Sinnerstar play The 12 Bar Club,Denmark Street,adm 5 quid....and Simply Red play The 02 Arena.....Thurs sees the UKs top Sex Pistols tribute play a pub in Brixton.For info see www.sexpistolsexperience.co.uk.......... Sun sees The Zildjian Drummers Achievement Award at Shepherds Bush Empire.Ginger Baker gets the main award and others performing will include Jack Bruce,Jon Lord and many others.Tickets are 29 quid.Tix and info from www.ticketweb.co.uk.... 02 Dec 2008.The Spectator And GQ Magazines "Politics Meets Style" party at Browns Hotel, Albemarle Street,W1.7pm to 10pm.About 250 people here in this posh hotel for these two top mags.Lots of freebie champers,cocktails and canopes flowing.A few faces here including Dylan Jones and Toby Young from GQ.Hotels owner Sir Rocco Forte.Also Nick Mason from Pink Floyd,Piers Morgan,Quentin Wilson,Nancy Dell'Olio(Svens ex)and turning up right at the end with a rucksack on his back Mayor Boris Johnson.A nice crowd and a good bash............................ 01 Dec 2008.After six quality gigs in seven days it was time for a change so tonight did three drinks parties and a BBC Radio 5 interview... 6.30pm to 8.15pm was the launch party for Ann Summers "Enchantment" collection at 1 Marylebone Road,NW1.Lovely old converted building opposite Great Portland Street Tube.The freebie cocktails and canopes are flowing and there are half a dozen models in Ann Summers underwear.A few faces here including the owner Jaqueline Gold, new face of their advertising campaign actress Lois Winstone who is the daughter of Ray Winstone,Vanessa Felz and the blonde twins from Big Brother.A dj playing tunes and a burlesque show along with a lovely goody bag packed with stuff meant it was a great event....8.30pm to 9.15pm over to The Tatler Travel Awards at The Ritz Piccadilly,W1.Great to be in this famous old luxury hotel.Had a couple of drinks,canopes and goody bags again.The five winning hotels were in Australia,France,South Africa,Indonesia and Italy.More details in the new Tatler mag out this week.....9.20pm to 10.20pm.At Tatler a friend invited me to The Westminster Conservative Christmas Party,Hey Jo Club,Jermyn Street,SW1.Lots of posh folks in a long queue for the buffet with paper plates was a fun sight. Among the crowd was Steve Strange from 80s band Visage who told me he is about to restart his music career with a new single.He still gets fully dressed up which is great.....10.30pm I was at The Hilton Hotel,Park Lane,to meet my BBC car for journey back to BBC Centre,Wood Lane, Shepherds Bush for BBC Radio 5 interview with dj Richard Bacon.On air for about 20 mins from 11.30pm.It was great fun even though the time went very quickly and i only managed to get the raysgigs.com mention in once.Then the BBC drove me home.......................................... 30 Nov 2008.Kid Rock live at Hammersmith Apollo, London.Only UK show by Kid Rock on his winter tour of Europe.He has sold around 25 million albums and has had a great 2008 as he continues to promote recent album "Rock n Roll Jesus".He arrives on stage and looks super cool in whiter than white top,trousers and trainers.He has a brilliant 10 piece band behind him which includes two female backing singers and a dj dropping in some beats.On stage for 1 hour 45 mins Kid Rock knows how to work the stage and entertain the crowd.Set included "Rock n Roll Jesus","Devil Without A Cause","Lowlife(Living The Highlife),and the massive hit single "All Summer Long".New single out this week "Roll On" went down well too.Also "Amen",a great version of his hit "Cowboy" and "Half Your Age" all rocked.The overall sound on stage was perfect and Kid Rock easily mixed up rock/hip hop/blues/country/funk/gospel throughout the set which was great.Plenty of naughty lyrics but the crowd here tonight lapped them all up.Also good was "Forever","3 Sheets To The Wind(Whats My Name) and cover of "Cat Scratch Fever" by fellow Detroit rocker Ted Nugent with Kid Rock playing drums.(He also played keyboard,guitar and even did a spot of dj scratching earlier too).A big finale of massive hit "Bawitdada" sealed off a really good show................................ 29 Nov 2008.Simple Minds + Deacon Blue live at Wembley Arena,London.A double bill of acts from Glasgow.Deacon Blue were quite big in the late 80s/early 90s and were an ideal support.Singer Ricky Ross has a wry sense of humour on stage. The 45 mins set included "Real Gone Kid","Fergus Sings The Blues","Wages Day" and a fine "Dignity" .The venue is sold out tonight for Simple Minds 30th anniversary show.Another band who i have a lot of history with.I have seen them over a dozen times since 1980.Lots of big songs here tonight and a great light show with two giant screens.On stage for two hours they got the place singing with a set including "Waterfront","Mandela Day","Love Song","The American","Someone Somewhere In Summertime", "Promised You A Miracle","Glittering Prize",a superb "Dont You (Forget About Me),also "Belfast Child".Encores included rocking versions of "Sanctify Yourself" and "Alive And Kicking".They are a band who are always great live in concert. Actress Patsy Kensit was sitting a couple of rows in front of me right of stage.She of course used to be married to singer Jim Kerr............ 28 Nov 2008.Primal Scream live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.On a full UK tour to promote recent album "Beautiful Future" Primal Scream were on stage for 1 hour 40 mins.Lots of dirty dance based rock n roll tunes.Set included "Jailbird" and "Beautiful Future".Nice use of a big screen behind them along with strobes and lasers.Great versions of "Swastika Eyes","Moving On Up" and "Rocks".Encores included "Higher Than The Sun" and "Country Girl".As always Bobby Gillespie's vocals were low in the mix but Primal Scream are always good to watch live........................ 26 Nov 2008.Jarvis Cocker live at Shepherds Bush Empire,London.This show was part of the 30th anniversary shows for legendary record shop Rough Trade which was were i bought most of my punk records back in 1976/1977.Jarvis Cocker and band played for around 95 mins.He is a great on stage with plenty of fun banter and charisma. He still twists and shimmys his skinny tall frame across the stage.Set included "Tonight", "Girls Like It Too","I Will Kill Again","Big Stuff",a nice rocky version of "Black Magic". Encores included "Just A Fucking Song","Cunts Are Still Running The World" and "Dont Let Him Waste Your Time".Not many acts would admit like Jarvis did on stage on how on the afternoon of the gig the band had their soundcheck then went over to the new Westfield Shopping Centre in Shepherds Bush for a couple of hours to see what all the fuss was about.A good gig................ 25 Nov 2008.The Alarm live at Islington Academy, London.Last of three Tuesday night shows at this venue for their UK tour to promote their new album "Guerilla Tactics".Another band who i have seen loads of times over the last 25 years.They played for 1 hour 50 mins over two sets.For me Mike Peters really is a Welsh legend.His passion for music and performing is amazing.Set included a few good ones off the new album and loads of great oldies including "Unsafe Building","Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke","Sold Me Down The River","Rain In The Summertime" and "Strength".At the start of the second set Mike Peters played a few acoustic songs in the middle of the floor with crowd around him starting with "Rockin In The Free World" then on stage with the band for "Rescue Me","45rpm","Stand","Marching On","Blaze Of Glory","68 Guns" and encores of "One Step Closer To Home" and "Spirit Of 76". Yet another fantastic Alarm gig.See aftershow page for this gig................................ 24 Nov 2008.Extreme + Hotleg live at The Astoria,London.A nice sold out atmosphere here. Hotleg feature Justin ex Darkness singer on vocals.I quite liked The Darkness but Hotlegs 40 mins set was just pretty average stuff really. I saw Extreme a few times in their 1991/1992 heyday and this is the first London show in some 13 or 14 years as part of their reunion world tour.They were on stage for 2 hours 5 mins and were really good.The sound was great and they still have neat lashings of funk in their rock. Set included "Decadence Dance" ,"Kid Ego" and a couple of tracks "Star" and "Ghost" from their first studio album in 13 years just released "Saudades De Rock".Nuno Bettencourt is still a great guitar player and posing for the ladies. Their big hit "More Than Words" had all the crowd singing. Their superb anthem "Get The Funk Out" is one of the best rock singles ever.Encores were "Am I Ever Gonna Change","Hole Hearted", Led Zeps "Communication Breakdown" and Justin came on to help them for a 10 minute four song Queen medley as it was Freddies anniversary. "I Want To Break Free/Fat Bottomed Girls/Bicycle Race/Tie Your Mother Down".A really great finish. The gig was a huge success for Extreme and i can see them playing the UK every year from now on. ................................................. 22 Nov 2008.Motorhead + Saxon live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.Get to the venue at 7.30pm and there is 100 in the guest list queue so end up missing the first band Danko Jones.The girl in the box office tells me there is a massive 300 or 400 on the guest list tonight.Wow. Saxon play a really good 50 mins of catchy rock. Tunes inc "Motorcycle Man","And The Bands Played On","747(Strangers In The Night" and "Princess Of The Night".The crowd loved it.What can you say about the rock legend that is Lemmy? Motorhead are another band who i have a lot of history with as i have seen them over 25 times since the 1970s.Even now Lemmy stills calls it The Hammersmith Odeon and refuses to say the A word.I was there for "No Sleep Till Hammersmith " live album in the early 1980s.Their dirty wall of noise is just brilliant.The 95 mins set included "Stay Clean","Metropolis", "Over The Top" and their cover of Sex Pistols "God Save The Queen" dedicated To Steve Jones.They played a couple of tracks from new album "Motorizer".Also "Just Because You Got The Power" and a stunning "Killed By Death" where they were joined by five female dancers in underwear with fire tricks.Encores of "Whorehouse Blues" a pukka "Ace Of Spades" where they were joined by Wurzel on guitar and then a perfect "Overkill" with a blaze of strobes and the dancing girls came back on.A great show. This was the last night of their UK tour before they head into mainland Europe for a month.See aftershow page for this gig...................... 19 Nov 2008.The Fratellis live at The Hard Rock Cafe,London.This was an invite only acoustic show for some 250 people for Q Mag Music Club. Its half comp winners and half music biz and media.Free cocktails,beer and Hard Rock grub is flowing all night for all which is great but that means loads of the music biz/media folks at the back are more interested in the free booze and chatting away for the bands entire set.The Fratellis have had a great year with the success of their "Costello Music" album.Tonight they play for 60 mins but never really get going. Set included "Baby Doll","A Heady Tale" neat covers of Pink Floyds "Breathe In The Air" and Led Zeps "Rock And Roll",also "Stacie Anne" and "Whistle For The Choir".They did not play their big hit "Chelsea Dagger".They seemed keen on just getting the gig over with.Maybe with a full band electric gig would have been better but tonights acoustic set was just drab.............. 18 Nov 2008.Leonard Cohen live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.Had to go back and see him again.Its the same setlist as yesterday with even the same six encores but its again superb. Some of the songs here are just sublime perfection that send a tingle down your back.His main heyday was late 60s/early 70s and he can make you feel if you are in a Soho or Parisian cafe from that era.Another fantastic show........ 17 Nov 2008.Leonard Cohen live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.L.C.back in London for the third of four shows after getting fantastic reviews from the 02 Arena gig in July that i was at.The setlist has been changed around a bit too.He is now aged 74 and he was on stage for 2 hours 40 mins over two sets of 60 mins and 100 mins.That golden voice and those lyrics are just amazing with the crowd in total silence as he sings and they hang on to every word.His band are superb as are the three female backing singers.First set included "Aint No Cure For Love","Bird On The Wire","Everybody Knows","Who By Fire","Chelsea Hotel No 2","Hey,Thats No Way To Say Goodbye" and "Anthem".Second set included "Tower Of Song","Suzanne","Boogie Street",a mega "Hallelujah" got another standing ovation, "I'm Your Man",a stunning "A Thousand Kisses Deep" and "Take This Waltz".The six encores were "So Long Marianne","First We Take Manhattan", a superb "Famous Blue Raincoat", a brilliant "If It Be Your Will","Democracy" and "I Tried To Leave You".He sung with his hat on but took it off every time he spoke to the audience.There was plenty of humour from him too.The Royal Albert Hall is much more suited to him than the massive 02 Arena thats for sure. Most of the crowd downstairs had paid 100 and 90 quid to be there but i doubt any felt they did not get good value tonight.Pure quality.......... 16 Nov 2008.Fish live at Shepherds Bush Empire, London.In their 1980s heyday i saw Fish with Marillion 25 times with over of 20 of those at Hammersmith Odeon.They were a great live band. Times have changed and tonight Level 2 and 3 are closed due to lack of ticket sales.Fish was on stage for 2 hours 05 mins.He has a great stage personality which he uses as a part time radio dj now and still has loads of stories to tell between songs.Too many in fact.The opening of "Slaine Mhath" was great and "Warm Wet Circles" and "White Russian" were also good.It dipped a bit in the middle with average songs from new album "13th Star".A cover of SAHBs "Faithhealer" was briliant as Fish walked into the stalls laying his hands on the punters heads."Cliche" was good and the finale of old Marillion gems "Kayleigh" and "Lavender" were great.Encore was a neat "Clutching At Straws". So a mixed show really but enough good bits to send everyone home happy enough.................. 15 Nov 2008.Cliff Richard live at Wembley Arena, London.This was the last of Cliffs four shows at this venue.I was there a few days ago on the first night.As expected its the same set. Again it starts prompt at 7.30pm on the dot. Better atmosphere as the place is rammed with not a spare seat in sight as tonight is being filmed for DVD release on 01 Dec 2008.As mentioned in my full review of his earlier show lots of great songs and lots of average songs. Cliff always mentions all his songwriters on stage.When you consider he started before Beatlemania and has still survived through punk rock,grunge,britpop,indie and all the rest for a staggering 50 years its quite amazing.Near the end it looks like its "What Car" as the cue song for 200 females to storm to the front of stage past the hopeless security to bombard Cliff with cuddly toys,flowers and gifts.Its a nice feel good show to watch.Sir Cliff on stage for 2 hours 30 mins at age 68.Respect is due........... Sat afternoon i was at QPR 1 Burnley 2 where i bumped into Clash legend Mick Jones.He was at Old Trafford for the recent QPR Man Utd game. His band Carbon Silicon play two Christmas Shows at Hammersmith Working Mens Club on Dec 15 and 16 with tickets at 15 quid adv or 20 on door........ 14 Nov 2008.Robin Williams live at The Gielgud Theatre,Shaftesbury Avenue,London W1.There has been an unprecedented number of comedians playing shows the last couple of months inc Lee Evans,Sarah Silverman,French And Saunders,Steve Coogan but all have had average or worse reviews. Robin Williams is an A list actor and comedian who despite being on tv interviews often these are his first stand up comedy shows for some 25 years.This was the last of just three lowkey shows in London which sold out in minutes.On stage for 1 hour 50 mins he was total quality. Talking at 100mph most of the time the laughs came pretty non stop.Politics,sex,rehab etc with loads of different accents and funny faces.For the encores he took questions from the audience with some witty ad libs.Very good................ Have a peek at this famous Sex Pistols clip from when they played in Wales in 1976.Its so funny. www.itvlocal.com/wales type in Sex Pistols....... 13 Nov 2008.Stereophonics live at The Riverside Studios,Hammersmith,London.This was an invite only show for 500 people(400 comp winners and 100 guests and media)to launch their "Decade In The Sun" Best Of/Greatest Hits album.Their last couple of studio albums have been panned by the critics but The Stereophonics deserve more recognition than they get.For the last ren years they have toured constantly to a loyal fanbase that has kept them playing arenas each tour. They now have a whole bunch of great tunes.The 85 mins set included "The Bartender And The Thief","A Thousand Trees","Pick A Part Thats New","Mr Writer","Just Looking","Local Boy In The Photograph" and encores "It Means Nothing", "Maybe Tomorrow","Have A Nice Day","Traffic" and ending with a brilliant "Dakota".I love their Oasis type heavy distortion guitar sound.Kelly Jones on good form and it was an great show. They play the 02 Arena on Sat 20 Dec 2008 as part of their December trek around the UK. See aftershow page for this gig.................. 11 Nov 2008.9pm to 12.30am.Claridges Bar 10th Anniversary Party,Claridges Hotel,London W1.This invite only event was just superb.Plenty of freebie cocktails,champers and canopes flowing in the main bar of this famous 5 star hotel always used by A listers.Lots of faces here include Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster and Rod's daughter Kimberley.I had a lovely chat with Rod Stewart.I asked him "whats the latest news about a Faces reunion?".The answer is a total exclusive to this website.This Monday Rod is meeting up with Ronnie Wood and the others in the studio for their first rehearsal. "Just to check if they can remember the songs". They will use Rod's current tour bass player as Ronnie Lane has sadly passed away.Great news. Also here was the lovely and friendly Cilla Black who was very cosy with Reading F.C. chairman and hotel owner John Madejski.Also Jade Jagger,Ozwald Boateng,Rick Parfitt Jr,Nicky Haslam,Rosamund Pike(actress from James Bond Die Another Day etc),Zandra Rhodes,Donna Air,Leah Wood.A great crowd and dj playing cool tunes. This was a quality bash......................... 10 Nov 2008.Cliff Richard live at Wembley Arena,London.This was the opening show of his UK arena tour and the first of four shows at this venue.Its his 50th yes 50th anniversary tour as his first single came out way back in 1958.It might seem a bit odd that for someone whose fave bands are The Sex Pistols and The Clash to be here but i have seen Cliff before and its always a good show.Despite being aged 68 he is on stage for 2 hours 30 mins over two sets and he danced a fair bit.Backed by a nice big stage production with four video screens ,8 dancers and 4 backing singers his loyal older crowd loved it.Hit after hit with the year of release on the screens and old footage from that year which was fun.Set included "Move It","Living Doll",a really good "Wired For Sound" also "Daddy's Home" and loads more gems "Devil Woman","We Dont Talk Anymore","The Young Ones","Summer Holiday", "Bachelor Boy" and "Congratulations". The second half dipped a bit as there were too many ballads i thought and the songs were less fun and his version of "The Lords Prayer" was plain awful."All I Ask Of You" from Phantom Of The Opera was good as was "Misty Nights","Ocean Deep" and "What Car".The set finished with two average new songs from 2008. A true professional with lots of friendly stage banter Cliff is better than you would think. Tonights show profits went to www.tearfund.org At the end he announced that in 2009 he would reunite with The Shadows for a full UK tour and that his Saturday 15 Nov show would be recorded for a live dvd for shop release on 01 Dec........ Looks like all the rumours were true.Ultravox are reforming for a full UK tour in April 2009 and includes Hammersmith Apollo on April 24...... 07 and 08 Nov 2008.Queen with Paul Rodgers live at The 02 Arena(Fri)and Wembley Arena(Sat),London.Another band with whom i have a lot of history.I saw Queen around a dozen times with Freddie Mercury.First as a support band to Mott The Hoople in 1973 and all the way up to their legendary Live Aid show.I went to both these shows which were the last two of their European Tour.The first six songs of the 2 hours 20 mins set are all gems with "Hammer To Fall","Tie Your Mother Down","Fat Bottomed Girls","Another One Bites The Dust","I Want It All",and "I Want To Break Free".A stunning lightshow and perfect use of the giant screen.Paul Rodgers then plays "Seagull" acoustic and for the middle part of the show the songs are performed on the extended walkway inc Roger Taylors drumkit."A Kind Of Magic" was good.Their new album "The Cosmos Rocks" has had pretty bad reviews and they play four or five songs from it tonight.They play "Bad Company" at The 02 Arena and this was swopped for "Feel Like Making Love" at Wembley Arena.The last 50 mins was fab with "Radio Ga Ga","Crazy Little Thing Called Love", "The Show Must Go On" and a superb "Bohemian Rhapsody" with the first half sung by Freddie on the big screen before Paul Rodgers comes on for the rocky bit.Encores of "Cosmos Rocks", a mega "All Right Now","We Will Rock You" and "We Are The Champions" all had everyone singing. Freddie is of course sadly missed but this was a hugely entertaining live show.The crowd loved it and those Queen classics live on................. 05 Nov 2008.A busy night tonight as attended three very good events....6.15pm to 7.30pm.Status Quo album launch and art auction at Bonhams,New Bond Street,London.A large crowd here of 300 or 400.Lots of free champers and canopes flowing. All of Quo are here.All are very friendly and chatty and posing for photos and signing stuff.Also here was Quo original drummer John Coghlan and 70s pop star Leo Sayer.New album out this week "Pictures - 40 Years Of Hits" and the art auction was 50 one off paintings by musicians and celebs all with a Quo theme.A couple went for over 10k each.Over 100k raised for Prince's Trust Charity..then a mad rush over to see Bryan Adams at The 02 Arena,London.A sold out show here on the last date of his UK tour.And its his birthday today.49 i think.As its Guy Fawkes night we get a full firework display at the start which was a nice touch.He starts on the second stage on the floor with a couple of songs inc "Cant Stop This Thing We Started" then it was loads of catchy pop rock gems from his career.A long set of 2 hours 20 mins inc "Somebody","18 Till I Die",a mega "Summer Of 69","Everything I Do I Do It For You","Cuts Like A Knife" then he gets a girl from the audience to help with "Baby When You're Gone".She does a good job.Halfway through it a pregnant Melanie C comes on to help out to great applause.Then it was "Thought I'd Died And Gone To Heaven","Shes Only Happy When Shes Dancing","Heaven","Its Only Love","The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You",a superb "Run To You".Encores included "Cloud Number Nine","C'mon Everybody","Straight From The Heart" and "When The Night Comes". Another one of those acts i have seen over 20 times and Bryan Adams always puts on a great show.....then back into town midnight to 2am for The Tatler Magazine Little Black Book Top 200 Party at Tramp,London.Legendary 1970s venue thats still going.A posh crowd of all the so called cool and trendiest Sloane Rangers in town. Not sure who was here earlier but Bryan Ferry's kids are still here.The list includes Pippa Middleton,James Blunt,Mika,Alexa Chung,Princess Beatrice,Princess Eugenie,Coco Sumner(Stings daughter)etc .The full list is in this months Tatler Magazine in the shops now.Lots of freebie cocktails,a rockin dj ,canopes and goodie bags.Very good............................ 04 Nov 2008.Bill Wyman And The Rhythm Kings live at The Dorchester Hotel,Mayfair,London.Popped into this posh hotel at 11pm for the entertainment after The Dyslexia Awards evening. Ex Rolling Stones legend Bill Wyman has been playing with this band of his now for over 10 years after taking the brave decision to leave The Rolling Stones.They were on for 55 mins. Mainly covers with a boogie woogie blues feel to it.I imagine a lot of the people that like this would also see The Jools Holland Big Band.They sneaked a Stones song "Honky Tonk Woman" and the set included Chuck Berry's "You Never Can Tell" and a version of "Mustang Sally" was sung by someone who was in the crowd.It all kind of felt a bit average but Bill Wyman really loves playing this music he likes..................... 03 Nov 2008.Classic Rock Awards at The Park Lane Hotel,Piccadilly,London.One of my fave awards events as it always gets such a great mix of big classic rock names and surprises.7pm to 8.30pm its freebie champers reception.Faces here include Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne,Slash,Jon Culshaw(who impersonates Ozzy on the tv),Ronnie Wood (without his new girlfriend),Jeff Beck,David Coverdale,Wayne Kramer(MC5),Martin Turner(Wishbone Ash),Mick Rock,Ross Halfin,lots of big promoters and booking agents include Harvey Goldsmith,John Giddings,Rod McSween,Neil Warnock and others,Toby Jepson(Little Angels),Peter Green (ex Fleetwood Mac),Quireboys,Thunder,Airbourne, Todd Rundgren,Alter Bridge,Jaz Coleman(Killing Joke),nice surprise to see Sex Pistol Paul Cook and Ray McVeigh.They played in a band called The Professionals when the Pistols split in late 1970s and are planning possible reunion gigs in 2009??.Jack Bruce,Phil Manzanera,Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone (both from The Zombies).Primal Scream,Fish,Joe Bonamassa,Gary Moore and the boys from Anvil whose film is out Feb 2009.From 8.30pm to 10pm was the seated 3 course dinner for 400.We are part of the 50 or so media and standing folks at the bar.The 16 awards are 10pm to 11.30pm.Some of the winners were Whitesnake who won Album Of The Year for "Good To Be Bad".It was fantastic to see Paul Stanley of KISS get Showman Of The Year.Sadly we saw some great video clips only as Paul could not turn up.The Classic Album went to Cream for "Disraeli Gears" which Jack Bruce picked up. Outstanding Contribution was presented by Ronnie Wood to Jeff Beck.Finally the main award for Living Legend was presented by Slash to Ozzy Osbourne and we were treated to a brilliant 10 mins of solo and Sabbath video clips.More drinks for 45 mins at the venue.Picked up goody bags. So many great artists here i really love.Superb. The Classic Rock mag issue out on dec 10 will have over 20 pages devoted to the awards show. See aftershow page for this event................ 02 Nov 2008.Focus + Wishbone Ash + Groundhogs live at Shepherds Bush Empire,London.Nice three band rock package of acts that were pretty big in the early 1970s.This was the last night of their UK tour.The Groundhogs were a bit too loose.Tony McPhee on guitar tried his best but it was all pretty average......next Wishbone Ash played a very good 55 mins set.They sounded very tight and played accurate versions of all their oldies despite only having Martin Turner as the sole original member.Four of five songs from their Number 3 in the charts album in 1972 "Argus" went down well as did last song "Jail Bait".....i presume Focus came on last as they dont really tour that much compared to the other two acts.Their 60 mins set was a bit too much prog rock twaddle for me with a drum solo, bass solo,keyboard solo and a flute solo.Their hits from 1973 "Sylvia" and "Hocus Pocus" were good to hear live but the night belonged to Wishbone Ash.13 March 2009 sees Wishbone Ash support Golden Earring at this venue. See aftershow page for this gig.................

 
 
2008-11-01
 

31 Oct 2008.Slayer + Trivium live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.More like a mini festival with four name speed/thrash metal bands on the bill. Part of the "The Unholy Alliance" European Tour. I miss the short sets by Mastodon + Amon Amarth. Slayer and Trivium are pretty much co headliners as they both have long sets and full productions. Trivium are on for 70 mins.Loads of great fast guitar riffs and pounding drums.Their two guitarists sing.One is pretty good but the other has that horrible from the chest growl.Setlist inc "Into The Mouth Of Hell We March","Throes Of Perdition","Rain" and a 100mph cover of Iron Maidens "Iron Maiden".The singer smashes a guitar up at the end and throws it into the crowd.The band all give 100% and you can see why they have become so popular over the last couple of years...Slayer are thrash metal legends.They too have a brilliant lightshow.They also have a full backdrop curtain which looks good.Again the moshpit is mental.The 75 mins set inc "Chemical Warfare","Cult","Dead Skin Mask","Raining Blood" and "Angel Of Death".I will always take old school classic rock over thrash metal but this was a good night out.The cameras were there so expect a dvd out in the coming months............ 30 Oct 2008.Thurs 9am to 2.30pm i was at the launch of the huge Westfield Shopping Centre in Shepherds Bush.Bearing in mind i live 5 mins walk from me this is a big event. The area has been disused for many years and i have seen all this gradually go up over the last couple of years. Over 250 quality shops and over 50 eating places. It looks fantastic and is well worth going to.Got in ok to the media room which is massive and very busy and they give everyone breakfast,lunch and goody bags.At 10.30am Mayor Of London Boris Johnson gives a speech and cuts the ribbon then there is a huge fashion catwalk show featuring Erin O'Connor then girl of the moment Leona Lewis does a 5 song 25 mins set to the huge crowd here. Short set includes new single "Forgive Me" ,also "Whatever It Takes" and her mega hit "Bleeding Love".She had a band but it looked like a playback.I presume Leona was singing live.The crowd loved it anyway. Also due to turn up in the afternoon for signings were Sugababes,Sophie Ellis Bextor and new all girl band The Saturdays.......................... Thurs evening was a great double bill of blues rock feat Stephen Dale Petit + David Sinclair Trio at The 100 Club,London.The support have great lyrics.Songs like "Years Disappear" "Going To Do Something" and "Eight Rounds Later" all go down well here.They have an album out called "Hey" and they play The Half Moon,Herne Hill on Sat 1st Nov.www.myspace.com/davidsinclair ...then Stephen Dale Petit whose new blues album "Guitararama"got a brilliant 8 out of 10 review in Classic Rock mag.The first 30 mins of the set was great.Angry blues guitar with a nice funky band.He was joined by a superb harmonica player and the 85 mins set was a good one. Sadly the rumours that Ronnie Wood and Mick Taylor would appear for the encores were false... 29 Oct 2008.I went to two events tonight.8pm to 10pm .The Harpers Bazaar and Moet And Chandon Party At Vendome,85 Piccadilly, Mayfair. This club is one of the hottest new venues in town after its opening a couple of months ago.A fantastic fully lit dance floor in the centre with a dj booth within it.Only face i saw here was novelist Salman Rushdie who danced clumsily. Plenty of Moet champers and nice canopes and a cool crowd......then on to Wardour Street Stringfellows for a couple of hours for their "James Bond" party.Again the free booze and seafood canopes are flowing.Peter Stringfellow is here with his young partner.Lots of scantily clad girls to look at although they were all trying their best to get 20 a quid a go off me for a private lap dance but i was happy just to look from a distance and chat............ Rumours that Led Zeppelin are threatning to go on tour without Robert Plant are increasing with Roberts refusal to get involved.Rehearsals with various singers in Putney now appear to include Aerosmiths Steven Tyler.Hard to believe that one but todays Sunday Mail says he spent a week in London with the band and struggled a bit......... 25 Oct 2008.Festival New Orleans feat Dr John + Allen Toussaint + Marcia Ball live At The 02 Complex,London.Free all day event for all to promote New Orleans as a tourist attraction after Hurricane Katrina nightmare of a couple of years ago.Over three stages The Pavillion,Indigo and Matter.Not the main arena as Disneys Nemo On Ice is there.You can imagine how busy the place was.I catch Marcia Ball on stage for an hour in Indigo.She was brilliant.A 59 year old white woman who played crosslegged all night at the piano with some dazzling boogie woogie and a great voice and band.Jools Holland probably loves her.....Then over to The Pavillion which holds twice as many as Indigo.Allen Toussaint is a producer/songwriter/singing legend of New Orleans and plays for 70 mins with a fine band. Tracks played included "Working In A Coalmine", "Get Out Of My Life Woman" and a nice finale of "Southern Nights"...then a another legend of New Orleans Dr John looking super cool in a pukka suit and hat.Setlist included a superb "Right Place Wrong Time" and a good newie dedicated to Barack Obama "Time For Change".His funky horns of trombone/trumpet/sax were really good.Nice encore of "Such A Night" sealed an 80 mins set. I am not a massive fan of the New Orleans sound but it was great to see some real New Orleans music legends at this event...................... 24 Oct 2008.The Godfathers + Jim Jones Revue live at The Islington Academy,London.A great double bill of rock n roll.Up first are Jim Jones Revue who play a great set of dirty blues rock.Singer has the Jack White vibe going on and overall they make a great noise.I have seen The Godfathers over 20 times since 1987 and i am so glad they are playing live again after reforming earlier this year with all the original line up. The Godfathers play a superb 80 mins set.Sharp edgy lyrics sung with real conviction along with great harmonies and a band that are on fire. Opening with "This Damn Nation" and "She Gives Me Love" then a stunning "I Want Everything". Other gems include "Those Days Are Over","Love Is Dead","Obsession" and the main set finished with three classics on the bounce "If I Only Had Time","Cause I Said So" and "Birth School Work Death".Great encores included "Cant Leave Her Alone" and "Cold Turkey".A fantastic display of how a rock n roll band should play live.Their 2008 29 track deluxe version of "Hit By Hit" is a must have cd but all their albums really are worth getting.................................... 23 Oct 2008.Level 42 + The Mercurymen live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.The support were three blokes with acoustic guitars who were far too polite and pleasant for their own good but the crowd liked them.When i worked at Hammersmith Odeon in the 1980s i saw Level 42 over 25 times.How about this for a fact.These jazz funkers were so popular that in Dec 1990 they played 15 yes 15 shows at Hammersmith Odeon(now the Apollo)and i worked 12 of them.They played a really good 1 hour 40 mins set of mainly oldies.Mark King is still in my eyes one of the greatest bass players out there.Just fantastic. In fact all the band are brilliant musicians. They soon get into a nice groove.Gems included "Leaving Me Now","Running In The Family","Love Games","Something About You" and "Lessons In Love".Great encores of "The Chines Way" and "Hot Water".Level 42 were never cool or trendy but they are a great live band and their loyal fans always come out in force.Their month long UK tour continues with a show at Croydon Fairfield Halls on Sat 25 Oct.................... 22 Oct 2008.Went to two good events tonight. 7.15pm to 9.15pm launch party for Jonathan Faiers book "Tartan" at Central St Martins College Of Art,Bloomsbury,London.A book on Tartan fashion through the ages.Music of course is in it as Bay City Rollers and Punk Rock fashions used it a lot.Nice Scottish theme to all the free drinks(Scottish ales and Famous Grouse Whisky) , food(Isle Of Mull Crab Pate,Highland Cheeses , Walkers Shortbread Biscuits and even Tunnocks Snowballs and Caramel Wafer Biscuits) and entertainment and video clips.Nice surprise to see 1980s singer Sade here as shes keeps herself very quiet these days.She knew the author and i think she actually attended St Martins...then 10pm to 2am up the road to The Grey Goose And Character Cocktails Party at The Dairy,Wakefield Street,Blooomsbury,London.Very nice upmarket crowd.Most of the 500 here have paid 100 quid as its a benefit for Elton Johns Aids Foundation.Lovely free cocktails and canopes flowing all night in this new venue that has been decked out very lavishly and nice. Faces here include David Furnish,Giles Deacon,Patrick Cox,Theo Fennell,Eva Hertzigova, Lily Allen,David Walliams,Jenson Button,Ozwald Boateng,Nick Grimshaw,Skin,Rick Parfitt Jr.The djs played the wrong music here for this crowd but it was a very good party..................... AC/DC release their first album for several years this week called "Black Ice" and they tour UK arenas in April 2009.Another must see event is Metallica who tour the UK Feb/March 2009...... 21 Oct 2008.The Specsavers Celebrity Spectacle Wearers Of The Year Awards At The Waldorf Hilton Hotel,Aldwych,London.7pm to midnight.A very nice bash in this posh hotel for some 300 or 400 people.From 7pm to 8.15pm its freebie champers and canopes.A few celebs here inc hosts Ben Shephard and Jenni Falconer.Also Gok Wan,Penny Lancaster(Rod Stewarts lovely long legged partner),Gloria Hunniford,Sian Lloyd,Cleo Rocas,Christopher Biggins,Jenny Eclair,Melanie Blatt(ex All Saints)and great to see Sally James from Tiswas tv show from late 1970s.Then we take our seats 8.15pm to 10pm for a full fashion show focusing on the specs the models are wearing of course.The 15 models have won regional heats to be here and all get asked a few questions on stage.Then the three celebrity spectacle wearers awards went to Christopher Biggins(Lifetime), Jenny Eclair(Iconic) and Melanie Blatt(Celebrity Spectacle Wearer Of The Year).Then Gok Wan does a great job on the auction.The main item is afternoon tea with Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster at a 5 star hotel.It went for 10,000 quid and two people paid that as Penny agreed to two sittings.Then 10pm to midnight more free drinks and dj playing some tunes.Gok Wan and Penny Lancaster both attended the afterparty and even though they had 100 plus requests each for photos they both were so friendly and always had a smile.Not sure how much Penny knows about Rods past career but i did ask her about rumours "Will The Faces Ever Reform".She said "Never Say Never".Great goody bag that included a voucher for 150 quid for glasses at Specsavers.Very handy as i do wear specs of course.Very nice evening......................... 20 Oct 2008.Kaiser Chiefs + Late Of The Pier live at The Forum,Kentish Town,London.Support did an ok set of jerky indie pop.First of KC two shows here on a UK theatre tour to promote third album "Off With Their Heads" which comes out today.A lively atmosphere and the band go full tilt for 75 mins.New single "Never Miss A Beat" is great which is then followed by "Everyday I Love You Less And Less" and "Heat Dies Down".The Kaisers really have a great bunch of songs now.The anthem "Ruby" goes down a storm and more gems follow "Everything Is Average Nowadays","Modern Way" and "Oh My God". The light show is impressive for this smallish venue."The Angry Mob" is yet another great tune. The crowd sang happy birthday to drummer Nick and encores included a mental "I Predict A Riot" Singer Ricky Wilson was on top form as he jumps into the crowd 3 or 4 times.Crowd surfs from the mixing desk to the front of stage and sings on the staircases.A great show...................... 19 Oct 2008.Glen Campbell live at The Royal Festival Hall,London.This 72 year old country legend on tour to promote his "Meet Glen Campbell" covers album.Earlier in the month he picked up the Q Award for Legend.He was on stage for 95 mins over two sets.He had a neat backing band that included mandolin and steel guitar.A nice mix of new album tracks and older hits.His daughter Debby sang 2 or 3 songs and duetted with Glen.Set inc "All I Have To Do Is Dream" which he had a hit with in 1970.Also a great cover of Green Days "Good Riddance(Time Of Your Life)" also "Country Boy(You Got Your Feet In LA).A great version of his 1969 hit "Wichita Lineman" then more new album covers "Walls" originally by Tom Petty,"Grow Old With Me" originally by John Lennon and "All I Want Is You "originally by U2.The main set was ended with his lovely old hits "Southern Nights" and "Rhinestone Cowboy" which went down a treat. Encores were two more covers.A stunning version of Foo Fighters "Times Like These" and then Velvet Undergrounds "Jesus".A good show and it was all over by 9.45pm.......................... 18 Oct 2008.Scorpions with Michael Schenker + Uli Jon Roth live at Hammersmith Apollo,London. Another great three act line up of classic rock from promoters Live Nation.Up first we have Uli Jon Roth who plays a good 45 mins set with some fantastic atmospheric rock guitar playing.Then The Scorpions play a superb set of around 1 hour 50 mins mixing new tracks with older classics. Every time i see The Scorpions live they seem to get the sound just right and tonight its the same.They played "Hour 1" and "321" from their last album "Humanity Hour 1" which went down well.Loads of rock gems played included "Coming Home","Bad Boys Running Wild" and "Holiday".They were joined by Uli Jon Roth for a couple of songs then the place erupted for Michael Schenker who looks great as he joined them for four songs inc "Lovedrive" and "Another Piece Of Meat". MS went off then it was "Loving You Sunday Morning","Dynamite","Blackout" then "Big City Nights" finished off the main set in style. Encores were "Loving You Sunday Morning","No One Like You" and then Michael Schenker came on again for "Doctor Doctor" and "Rock You Like A Hurricane".Scorpions are always just great live. The Scorpions have been coming back to the UK every year recently so lets hope they come back again in 2009.The UK loves them.................. The Who are to finish their world tour with two shows at the 2,000 capacity 02 Indigo,London on Dec 14 and 15.Tix only available from website www.thewho.com.As Coldplay are playing the main 02 Arena on the same days this really does confirm that the 02 complex is the worlds most popular live music venue......................... 17 Oct 2008.Oasis live at Wembley Arena,London. Back again to see Oasis here and again the crowd is buzzing and loads are stuck outside without tickets as touts selling for over 100 quid each. They come on a bit later but its the same 1 hour 45 mins set.Oasis do not move much on stage but thankfully so many great singalong songs and one of the best crowds a band can have really make it a top event.The beer sales here must have been higher than any pub although its a bit of a tradition on the floor to drink half your pint and lob the rest in the air which was fun to watch.Another great show......................... 16 Oct 2008.Oasis + Twisted Wheel live at Wembley Arena,London.The support did an ok 30 mins set but sound like a 1000 other bands.The atmosphere was totally rockin by the time Oasis arrived on stage for this show that was going out live on MTV.They are promoting new album "Dig Out Your Soul" which has got very average reviews but still went straight in at Number 1 and 180,000 tickets for this UK arena tour sold out in one hour.The sound is great and the band are tight for their 1 hour 45 mins.A brilliant setlist with loads of gems from their first two albums.Liam keeps his scarf on all night with effortless cool and swagger.The crowd sing loudly all night and the arena standing is a mess of heaving bodies.Setlist inc "Fucking In The Bushes","Rock n Roll Star","Lyla","The Shock Of The Lightning","Cigarettes And Alcohol","The Masterplan","Slide Away","Morning Glory,"Wonderwall" and "Supersonic".Encores inc "Dont Look Back In Anger","Champagne Supanova" and "I Am The Walrus".Love then or loathe them Oasis are always a totally fantastic live band. Oasis + Kasabian + The Enemy play massive UK stadium shows in the 2009 inc two big gigs at Wembley Stadium on July 11 and 12............... 15 Oct 2008.Starsailor live at The Hard Rock Cafe,London.This was a benefit show for cancer charity The Caron Keating Foundation.250 people crammed in here.200 hardcore fans and 50 vips and media in the raised area where i have some freebie drinks and Hard Rock Cafe food. Starsailor have gone off the radar a bit but i have always loved them.They played a brilliant 70 mins set with loads of great songs inc "Poor Misguided Fool","Alcoholic","Fever"and "In The Crossfire".Also "All The Plans We Made" from their fourth album out in early 2009.Then stunning versions of "Keep Us Together","Four To The Floor" and "Silence Is Easy".Lively encores of "Good Souls" and a neat cover of "Champagne Supanova" by Oasis.Dont write Starsailor off yet.With a bit of luck they could easy do an Elbow who also took off big on album four........ 14 Oct 2008.Africa Rising Music And Fashion Show feat Christine Aguilera and Seal Live At The Royal Albert Hall,London.A nice big event production with multi screens and stairways with six live music acts playing 3 to 7 songs each and during each act was a full scale 10 mins fashion catwalk show with around 30 models on the floor area.Up first we have female singer Asa who plays three ok songs then a nice fashion show by Momo then 2Face did a few songs.A lot of the crowd were Nigerian and a lot of these acts are big back home.Then Seal played four songs. He worked the crowd great and used the catwalk very skillfully for tunes inc "This Is A Mans World","Killer" and "Crazy".Then a fashion show by Deola Sagoe.After the interval Youssou Ndour played three songs but was very average.Then a great fashion show by The King Of Bling Chris Aire.Then rapper Dbanj did a lively 3 or 4 songs. Highlight was he got General Colin L.Powell up on stage to dance and rap.The General gave a great speech earlier.Ozwald Boateng was the biggest fashion show tonight.Not sure why Christina Aguilera is at an African event like this but she is very professional in her 7 song 45 mins set that had 4 costume changes and loads of dancers.Set inc "Aint No Other Man","Lady Marmalade","Candyman","Beautiful" and "Keeps Getting Better".A very late finish at 11.45pm but overall a good evening....................... 12 Oct 2008.NBA Basketball At The 02 Arena, London.This was a pre season game from two of Americas top teams.Probably the biggest basketball event of the year in the UK with a 18,000 sold out crowd.New Jersey Nets 94.Miami Heat 92.Its a very close game and full of American razzamataz as each time there is a time out or break there is cheerleaders,dancers, music,gymnastics,stunts.Also t shirts and merch thrown into the crowd so it ends up being nearly three hours of non stop visual entertainment. Plenty of quality basketball.A few faces from football,rugby and swimming in the VIP area and rapper Jay Z was here too.A nice event........... Got home and watched a video of tonights Peter Kays tv spoof " Pop Factor Jesus Christ Superstar Strictly On Ice".Two hours of comedy brilliance....................................... On 06 Oct 2008 two excellent live dvds come out from the Soundstage concert series.Both filmed in Chicago with a dozen cameras giving stunning HD and 5.1 Surround Sound.The first is Reo Speedwagon "Live In The Heartland " which has tracks from their recent album "Find Your Own Way Home" alongside all those old classics including "Take It On The Run","Cant Fight This Feeling","Dont Let Him Go" and "Keep On Loving You".See www.speedwagon.com for full info and tracklisting.I was at their brilliant O2 Indigo show this year and this dvd shows what a great live band they still are....also Heart "Live" shows them in perfect quality.They play songs from their recent album "Jupiters Darling" alongside older classics including "These Dreams","Even It Up","Alone" and "Barracuda".It also has three covers of Led Zeppelin songs "The Battle Of Evermore","Black Dog" and "Misty Mountain Hop".See www.heart-music.com for full info and tracklisting.These dvds are just how live concerts should all be and are a must buy purchase.See www.pbs.org/wttw/soundstage/ for full list of dvds in The Soundstage series....... 08 Oct 2008.6.30pm.John Mellencamp live at The Borderline,London.This was an invite only club show for just 150 comp winners and media.Its his first UK show for over 10 years.Timed nicely a couple of days after John picked up a Q Award for Classic Songwriter.He arrives on stage for his 9 song 40 mins acoustic set with the greatest rock n roll hair that i have seen on any 57 year old.The set is a perfect mix of old and new.His 2008 album "Life,Death,Love And Freedom" has a very folksy blues feel to it as most of the songs are about death and loneliness. Songs played from it included "Longest Days", "Dont Need This Body" and "Troubled Land" He still delivers each song like a mini story. Lots of great onstage banter between songs too. Oldies played included "To Washington","Rain On The Scarecrow","Small Town" and encore "Pink Houses" all had the crowd singing along.A great set and hopefully the audiences plea to come back soon to the UK for a full tour will be answered................then a mad dash over to 9.30pm.Glen Matlock live At Filthys At The Red Lion,Twickenham,Middlesex.This was Glens first solo show since the very successful Sex Pistols summer tour.Its a lowkey gig for the owner of the pub who like Glen is a massive Small Faces fan.Its another really great acoustic set.For 60 mins Glen mixes solo material with covers and Sex Pistols/Rich Kids classics.Set inc "Burning Sounds","Yeah Right","Steppin Stone","White Knuckle Ride","Ghosts Of Princes And Towers", "Ambition","Debris","On Something","Sad Meal For One" and "All Or Nothing".The two encores were stunning with the entire crowd singing along loudly for "Pretty Vacant" and then he was joined by JC from The Members to sing "Sound Of The Suburbs".In the new year Glen will be bringing out an album featuring the best tracks from his three solo albums remixed............... Well the news is in www.raysgigs.com came 46th in the www.btdma.com Top 100 Best Music Blogs. Thanks to everyone that voted.I love you all.... 07 Oct 2008.BMI Awards Feat Bryan Ferry At The Dorchester Hotel,Park Lane,London.A lovely evening for just 280 people in one of the UKs poshest hotels to celebrate mainly successful UK composers in America.7pm to 815pm is the champers reception then 8.15pm to 9.45pm its a lovely three course dinner with wines.We are sitting to a nice chap called Richard Kerr.He has written music to lots of lyrics inc three by Barry Manilow "Looks Like We Made It","Somewhere In The Night" and the amazing piano on Barry's mega hit "Mandy".Richard openly told us that one song more or less paid for his house.Then 9.45pm to 11pm about 20 awards given out mainly to writers you have never heard of but hugely successful. Very interesting which songs have been massive in America by UK acts.Some big winners were Beyonces "Irreplaceable" with two awards and KT Tunstall "Suddenly I See" which also won two. Also some awards for multi million radio plays with the biggest being 7 million plays for Rolling Stones "I Cant Get No Satisfaction" and Eric Claptons "Layla".Faces here inc Lily Allen who picked up an award for "Smile" and both members of Roxette who got an award for 4 million plays of "Listen To Your Heart".Also here to support the main winner Bryan Ferry was Brian Eno,Phil Manzernera and Paul Thompson.Bryan Ferry got a full standing ovation.They showed a fantastic 15 mins of great songs on the screen dating back to that stunning 1972 Top Of The Pops performance of "Virginia Plain".He gave a speech that was quite emotional but it went on a little bit longer than it should of.Bryan said "Sorry if i am repeating myself but i have had a few glasses of wine".He is a bonafide legend so will let him off.11pm to midnight more drinks.A really great night.See www.bmi.com/awards for the full list of songs and composers...................... 06 Oct 2008.Q Music Mag Awards At The Grosvenor House Hotel,Park Lane,London.Noon to 5pm.Always a big turnout of great current acts and some older legendary acts.Get to venue just after midday for 75 mins of freebie cocktails.Had a nice chat with Kaiser Chiefs and Fran Healy but a lot of the acts turn up and skip this.Then into main room for the awards from 1.15pm to 2.45pm where 450 are seated and 50 are standing.This year Alan Carr has replaced Jonathan Ross.He was ok but nobody can touch Jonathan Ross really for sharpness.Those here inc David Gilmour,Adam Ant,Roger Daltrey,Grace Jones,Coldplay,Kaiser Chiefs,Keane,Sugababes,Fran Healy from Travis,Kelly Jones from Stereophonics, Sharleen Spiteri,Michael and Emily Eavis,Goeff Travis from Rough Trade,Cerys Matthews,James Walsh from Starsailor,Phil Manzernera,The Last Shadow Puppets,Vampire Weekend,Fratellis,John Mellencamp,comedian Al Murray,Meat Loaf,Cocteau Twins,Glen Campbell,Kimberley Stewart,Massive Attack,Tom Jones.Of the 15 awards it was great to see John Mellencamp on a very rare UK visit win Best Songwiter.Meat Loaf picked up his award but looked unwell and unsteady on his feet. Cocteau Twins won The Inspiration Award.Glen Campbell won the Legend Award.Kaiser Chiefs won Best Live Act.Coldplay won Best Album and Best Band In The World.Massive Attack won an award. Great to see Adam Ant who picked up The Icon Award.He gave an emotional speech as he has suffered health problems over the last few years. David Gilmour won The Outstanding Contribution Award and dedicated the award to Richard Wright in a moving speech.Then we had a lovely 3 course meal and more cocktails until about 5pm.Great. See aftershow page for this event................ 04 Oct 2008.The Secret Policemans Ball live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.A big comedy event for Amnesty International that was shown live at selected cinemas in the UK,USA and Canada.Two sets lasting over three hours in total.The usual mix of very good and very average.Acts did between 5 mins and 20 mins each.Opening with a funny Frank Skinner then Ed Byrne then Alan Carr was good then Graham Norton.Ross Kemp introduced Mitchell And Webb.Also a few acts whose name i missed.Razorlight opened the second half with two songs "Before I Fall To Pieces" and a new one.Russell Howard went down well.Then Edinburgh Festival Best Newcomer Sarah Milligan was very funny.Sean Lock was good.Eddie Izzard was on last but i did not rate his routine that much at all.A fun evening overall.Highlights on Channel 4 tv 9pm Sunday.................................. 03 Oct 2008.Dragonforce + Turisas live at The Astoria,London.This was the first of two Astoria Dragonforce shows who are on a huge world tour promoting their new album "Ultra Beatdown".On their last tour i saw Swiss rock legends Krokus with them and tonight they have another decent support called Turisas who are Finnish viking metal and are in the Gwar,Lordi OTT style of dress with full viking outfits and warpaint.Good fun with "Battle Metal" and "To Holmgard And Beyond" and their mad version of "Rasputin".Even though they are rarely on tv or radio Dragonforce have built up a very loyal fanbase for their speed/power metal songs that all seem to last 7 or 8 mins or more.The stage production is amazing as they have squeezed everything bar the kitchen sink in here.Walkways,stairways,drum riser,keyboard riser,video screen,podiums and even two mini trampolines.It works wonders.A set lasting 1 hour 50 mins inc ""Heroes Of Our Time", "Reasons To Live","Soldiers Of The Wasteland" and "The Last Journey Home".Loads of superfast guitar playing and great encores of "Valley Of The Damned" and the crowd went mental for "Through The Fire And Flames" which was voted the hardest song to play on Guitar Hero 3.A very enjoyable double bill tonight.................... 02 Oct 2008.A busy night with three good events. 7pm to 8.30pm.Opening night launch for new Swiss Vegetarian restaurant Tibits in Heddon Street,off Regent Street.A big turnout here with lots of champers,pimms and a huge buffet for all.Saw Martin Fry from ABC here.Nice goody bag with a vouchers for a full dinner for two here at a later date.www.tibits.co.uk.......then on to The Horse Hospital in Bloomsbury for menswear fashion label DS Dundees "A Return To Heritage" bash.www.dsdundee.com. Had a couple of cocktails and they gave us a lovely presentation box full of stuff.......then on to Harrods for launch of menswear label "Form".Those here inc Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone and his family and Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.Lots of champers flowing and tasty treats.A posh young crowd.A great night.............................. 01 Oct 2008.A busy night with three good events. 5.30pm to 7pm.MTV Autumn Schedule Launch Party, Home House,Portman Square.Lovely old venue with big rooms and high ceilings.Champers and canopes are flowing nicely.We get a screening of some big events for MTV in the future with the MTV Europe Awards in Liverpool on November 6 and they are showing Oasis live from Wembley Arena on Oct 16.Amongst other items is "Whole Again" where Kerry Katona tries to rectify her boob job.The clip of Kerrys saggy boobs was enough to put me off me grub.Nice goody bag of tshirts,dvds and cds.....then 7.30pm to 10pm was Company Magazine 30th Anniversary Party at Proud Gallery,Camden. Lots of lovely looking women here making up 80% of the crowd.Great atmosphere.Lots of cocktails and canopes flowing and proper birthday cake. Lots of nice treats here for the girls with free haicuts and makeovers.A fun photo booth.Sophie Ellis Bextor and her hubby are the celeb djs. Huge goody bag of girly stuff at the end........ then 10.30pm to midnight The BT Digital Music Awards afterparty at The Roundhouse,Camden.Missed all the dinner and awards.Acts that played or collected awards inc British Sea Power,Ida Maria,Basshunter,Fightstar,Beardyman and Iglu And Hartly.Lots of record company people here.Had a couple of glasses of wine.See www.btdma.com for full results which will also eventually mention where www.raysgigs.com came in Best Music Blog.A great night......................... Judas Priest + Megadeth + Testament play a UK package tour with the London date at Wembley Arena on Sat 21 Feb 2009.Tickets are 37.50 from www.livenation.co.uk............................. Spizz Energi + The Priscillas play The Inn On The Green,near Ladbroke Grove tube on Oct 16. Tickets are 10 quid for an 8pm start............. 30 Sept 2008.Stevie Wonder live at The 02 Arena, London.Stevie back in London for his third of four shows at this venue.Its another long set of some 2 hours 15 mins.I have seen him twice before this year at The 02 Arena and at that amazing secret gig in Greenwich where i had a front row standing and yet again the set is three or four songs different to the other shows.Again he got a standing ovation when he came on stage.The first hour probably had too many newer songs for this crowd that wanted to hear the hits but there were so many great songs here tonight from this Motown legend inc "Master Blaster","Higher Ground","Dont You Worry About A Thing","Living For The City","Part Time Lover","Lately","My Cherie Amour" and for "Signed,Sealed Delivered" (Im Yours) he was joined by Joss Stone on fine vocals.Also "Sir Duke","I Wish","Isn't She Lovely","You Are The Sunshine Of My Life","I Just Called To Say I Love You","Superstition" and "Always".Another great Stevie show............... 29 Sept 2008.7pm.Wired Desire live at The Fly, 36 New Oxford Street,London.A very healthy buzz going around for this young rock band from Glasgow.Fresh from supporting rock legends Nazareth on their last UK tour they played a really good 45 mins of solid rock with hints of AC/DC,Aerosmith and Guns n Roses.Loads of great guitar riffs and uptempo rock n roll just how i like it.Setlist included "No One Sleeps","The Hard Stuff","Badlands" and "Dirty Addiction". While the current market seems to want third rate indie jangly guitar bands i was speaking to a couple of the boys in the band and they were more than ready to fight their way up the rock n roll ladder to bigger things.Their EP "Barely Illegal" is available from next week. Wired Desire play tonight(Tues)at The Metro,19 Oxford Street,London.6 quid adm.For more info check the bands website www.wireddesire.co.uk.... .....then 8.30pm a quick dash to see Siouxsie at Koko,Camden for the last show of her "Mantaray" world tour.This really was the mother of all Siouxsie gigs.I had seen a few of the summer shows with sets lasting 90 mins at most but tonight we get a full two hour show over two sets of 50 mins and 70 mins.She looks better than ever and her outfits are all stunning.The first set had her in a gold catsuit.So many great aongs inc "Hong Kong Garden","Christine"(she wore a tutu for this one),"Happy House","Into A Swan".She highkicks away and is more sex kitten than her ice queen of old.For the second half she wears her silver and black catsuit that KISS Ace Frehley could wear with pride.More gems inc "Israel","Arabian Knights","Here Comes That Day", a cover of The Doors "Hello I Love You" then a totally mesmerising "Nightshift" then a cover of Nancy Sinatras "These Boots Were Made For Walking" and then a superb "Spellbound". Fab encores inc "Nicotine Stain","Cish Cash" and another outfit change as Siouxsie put on a huge black feathered number for "Into A Swan"(Reprise).This really was a top quality gig. Saw a few faces here inc Boy George,Pam Hogg and me old mate Spizz Energi.The whole show was filmed but not sure if its DVD or for TV......... Thanks to everyone who voted for this website in the BT Digital Music Awards.The results should be known in early October........................ Manraze the band featuring Paul Cook from Sex Pistols and Phil Collen from Def Leppard play a few club shows in December. 3rd = Manchester, 4th = Birmingham,8th = Barfly,Camden and 9th = Water Rats,Kings Cross..........The Zombies perform their classic 1968 album "Odessey And Oracle" for the very last time at Hammersmith Apollo on 25 April 2009.....The Killers play a one off show at The Royal Albert Hall on 03 November......ray@raysgigs.com

 
 
2008-09-28
 

27 Sept 2008.Levellers live at The Royal Albert Hall, London.A very posh venue for this band who normally frequent festivals and scuzzier venues. The great thing about The Levellers is they never sold loads of records or were ever that fashionable but they have very loyal fans that always turn up in droves to see them.They play two sets of 45 mins and 60 mins.The first was more semi acoustic and the second more livelier. Promoting new album "Letters From The Underground".Setlist inc "Julie","The Boatman", "What A Beautiful Day" and great encores of "This Garden" and "One Way".Their music is rock based with some violins and tonight a four piece string section.They have been around for some 20 years or so.A bit like The Pogues in a way.Good times music really...................... 26 Sept 2008.The Toast Festival at Olympia,Kensington,London.Feat Jimmy Barnes + Tyrone Noonan + Brooke Supple.About 5000 people a day here for day one of three for this huge antipodean exhibition for the best in food,wine and entertainment from Australia(today),New Zealand(Saturday)and South Africa(Sunday).Brooke Supple did a good set of catchy pop rock and finished well with AC/DCs "You Shook Me All Night Long".....then Tyrone Noonan also played a decent set.His female drummer was fantastic.... then Aussie legend Jimmy Barnes took the stage for a full 1 hour 40 mins set.That great rasping rock voice is still there even though the dodgy acoustics of The Olympia could have been better. Jimmy is promoting recent album "Out In The Blue" so sung two or three songs from that album. The crowd are singing along loudly to nearly every song.Setlist inc "Driving Wheels","I'm Still On Your Side","No Second Prize","Ride The Night Away","Merry Go Round" and for "I Put A Spell On You" he was joined by Andrew Roachford and Mica Paris.Jimmy had clearly put all his recent heart problems out of his mind as he stormed through "Khe Sahn" and "Working Class Man".A good event.www.toastfestivals.co.uk for full band info and tix.......................... 25 Sept 2008.The End Of Summer Ball In Berkeley Square,London W1.A very posh glam bash this one where most of the 800 guests have paid around 700 quid to be here as its for The Princes Trust Charity.7pm for an hour of champers and cocktails then 8pm a lovely 3 course meal by top chef Marco Pierre White.Tonights theme is Vaudeville so between courses we get some burlesque dancers,a raunchy female dance troupe, some drag acts and a human beatbox act.The surprise live act is always pretty good.Rumours are Amy Winehouse is going to turn up and play with the Motown covers band here and she does. Well sort of!!.She comes on for three songs,sits by the side of the stage,does a little bit of mumbled backing vocals,some wild dancing and gives most of the band daggers for singing over her.It was a typically bizarre Amy showing and she looks awful.Now age 25 but looks double that and so skinny.The drugs dont work girl.A few faces here inc Jerry Hall with Jo Wood.From the football world Ian Wright,Tony Adams and Frank Lampard Senior.Cricket legend Phil Tufnell.TV presenters Vernon Kay and his wife Tess Daly. Also Philip Salon,Jenni Falconer,Emma Noble and dancer Brendan Cole.Not many music folks apart from Heidi from The Sugababes but lots of music promoters and agents here as host was Vince Power from The Mean Fiddler.A huge goody bag at midnight.Afterparty at The Pigalle Club but i was stuffed and had too much booze already for that .Needless to say a very nice event.......... 24 Sept 2008.Press launch for Ray Davies "Come Dancing" musical at The Theatre Royal,Stratford East,East London.Kinks legend Ray Davies finally gets his "Come Dancing" musical on the big stage this week.Set in and around the famous Ilford Palais in the rock n roll era of the 1950s.Ray Davies stars in it with a full supporting cast and live band.It features over a dozen new songs and the Kinks "Come Dancing" played 3 or 4 times in the set.Back to a time where the big weekend night out at the local Palais was a real highlight.Great outfits and for over two hours in total its a fun,lively heartwarming story of a period you really wish you were part of.Lots of boy meets girl,girls family dislikes boyfriend and all the bits inbetween. West End musicals like We Will Rock You and Mamma Mia do not feature any members of Queen or Abba on stage but here you get a bonafide Brit music legend and ticket prices much cheaper than the West End so well worth getting along to. Mark my words you will be humming the musicals title song all the way home.This lovely old venue holds only 450 so everyone gets a great view. Its on until 25 October 2008.Tickets 0208 534 0310.Stratford Tube.www.stratfordeast.com for full info........................................ 21 Sept 2008.Nickelback + Staind live at Wembley Arena,London.Staind are a great choice of support band as the venue is nearly full when they come on at 7.30pm.They seem to have gone off the radar a bit since the massive success of their 2001 album "Break The Cycle".A nice rockin grunge type sound went down very well with the 60 mins set inc "Its Been Awhile","Pardon Me", "So Far Away","Believe" and "Outside".Their new album "The Illusion Of Progress" is out now.This was the last night of Nickelbacks European Tour so the band are in party mode.The critics hate them but with 25 million album sales i doubt the band are that bothered about that.Their recent album "All The Right Reasons" has sold millions over the last couple of years.Loads of women here to drool over the singer.The production is fab with loads of screens and lights mixed in with enough fireworks and flames during each song that is second only to Kiss.Yep these boys really love their pyros.Good solid rock songs in the 1 hour 45 mins set.Nice and loud with plenty of distorted guitars.Set inc "Photograph","Far Away",a cover of Elton Johns "Saturday Nights Alright For Fighting" then "If Everyone Cared" then a fun few mins as they got four hand held cannons to blast some 30 tshirts into the crowd. Lots of onstage chat by the singer between each song.Also "Saving Me","Someday" a full drum solo then great versions of "How You Remind Me" and "Too Bad".Encores started with their recent mega hit "Rockstar" and then a member of the crowd threw a pink cowboy hat on stage.Band members wore it to great applause.Then it was "Figured You Out" with a final onslaught of pyros that really sealed an entertaining show.... 20 Sept 2008.Maze + Light Of The World live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.Nice to see UK 1980s funksters LOTW as support.A decent set of soul covers and they finished with their own singles "Number 1 Girl" and "London Town".When i did security for 12 years at Hammersmith Odeon now The Apollo Maze were one of those bands that just blew me away.I have seen them over 20 times and every time have been fantastic.Their last London show was in 1999.Singer Frankie Beverly blamed the gap on 9/11.Always a bit of an underground band even in their native USA.They played for 1 hour 45 mins and soon got into their trademark warm groove that got everyone dancing. Singer Frankie Beverly is age 61 now and looks like old blues man Seasick Steve with his greying beard.So many brilliant tunes here inc "Southern Girl","We Are One","Running Away", "Back In Stride","Happy Feelings" and of course a stunning 12 minute version of their anthem "Joy And Pain" with the entire crowd really singing their hearts out.Then "Before I Let Go" and encore "I Wanna Thank You".It was just another totally fantastic Maze show.............. 18 Sept 2008.The Vodafone Live Music Awards feat Primal Scream,Glasvegas,Will Young,Automatic, Pussycat Dolls,Bryn Christopher,Estelle,James Morrison and The Ting Tings at The Brixton Academy,London.Nice big stage production here.About 2000 comp winners here in the stalls and i am on the media and guest stalls viewing platform where 300 people are guzzling the free booze.Hosted by Juliette Lewis and Channel 4 TVs Steve Jones.The nine live acts here played between one and three songs each.The Ting Tings played a good couple inc "Thats Not My Name" then James Morrison did a couple then Estelle played a couple inc "American Boy" then new pop soul talent Bryn Christopher sung a brilliant "Smiling" then The Pussycat Dolls in very raunchy outfits performed a song.Lots of great live footage of live music events over the past year on the big screen was played inbetween inc Led Zep at 02 Arena and Sex Pistols Isle Of Wight.The Automatic played "Steve McQueen" and Will Young played a song.The final acts were my faves.Glasvegas played their two superb singles "Geraldine" and "Daddys Gone" then Clash legend Mick Jones presented Primal Scream with their Outstanding Contribution To Live Music Award and they then blasted through three songs inc "Rocks".Other faces here presenting or collecting awards inc Freddie Flintoff,Mark Ronson,Lewis Hamilton,Emma Bunton,Alex James. Check www.vodafonemusic.co.uk for winners list. TV highlights this Saturday evening on Channel 4 at 11.35pm....................................... 16 Sept 2008.The Peth live at Marie Claire's 20th Birthday Party,One Marylebone Road,London.London Fashion Week in full flow so hit three of the dozen or so events on today....First to Harrods 4th floor for The Rock And Republic Fashion bash.Champers and canopes from 6pm to 7.30pm. Tamara Beckworth and Harrods owner Mr Al-Fayad were here.Nice posh friendly crowd and great goody bag inc Vera Wang perfume......then to The Met Bar,Park Lane for their Pink Drinks Fashion Candy Party.Very lively but cocktails were a bit sickly.Another nice goody bag....then to the main party of the night 9pm to midnight to celebrate magazine Marie Claires 20th birthday.A great venue with about 500 people here with loads of stunning women all dressed up.The lovely cocktails and canopes are flowing.Pam Hogg does a dj set then its the band.The Peth feature actor Rhys Ifans who seem to play as many gigs at private parties as they do normal gigs.The band inc a couple of Super Furry Animals members. A 30 mins set to promote their debut album "The Mission".They are much better than expected.A great rock n roll Oasis type sound with plenty of swagger.Tracks inc "Lets Go Fucking Mental","Shoot On Sight","Sunset Veranda" and "Last Man Standing".They go off and Sophie Ellis Bextor and her hubby from The Feeling are the celeb djs.Also here was fashion guru and radio dj Robert Elms who also supports Q.P.R too.A great party and another goody bag.......... Very sad news that Richard Wright of Pink Floyd has died of cancer age 65........................ 15 Sept 2008.Metallica live at The 02 Arena, London.Another Metallica show.This time its for fanclub members only and only 5 quid charity donation to get in.The staging is in the round or rectangular so to speak.It works fantastic as there are eight mics that all the band use throughout the show.Floor standing as well.We are in great Level 1 seats.Sadly no pyros that were used at Reading Festival but loads of blazing mainly white lights.Most of the songs from yesterday and a few more.A great mix of old and new.How do Metallica always get their unique stage sound so perfect??.Drummer Lars i could watch all night on his own.For the very last song photographer Ross Halfin is on stage with the band taking close up photos.He points the camera at Lars only for their guitar player to creep up behind Ross and pull his shorts down. Very amusing.They played for two hours and spent another five mins throwing out guitar pics etc. Setlist for this awesome Metallica show was That Was Just Your Life,The End Of The Line, The Thing That Should Not Be,Of Wolf And Man, One,Broken Beat And Scarred,Cyanide,Frantic, Until It Sleeps,Wherever I May Roam, For Whom The Bell Tolls,The Day That Never Comes, Master Of Puppets,Blackened,then encores of Stone Cold Crazy,Jump In The Fire and Seek and Destroy.The band return to the UK in Feb/March. See aftershow page for this gig.................. 14 Sept 2008.Metallica live at The BBC Radio Theatre,London.Three weeks ago they they played to 50,000 plus at The Reading Festival but tonight its just 400 people(300 comp winners on the floor and 100 media and guests upstairs).We are upstairs sitting next to Phil Alexander editor of Kerrang music mag.This building has had a multi million makeover recently and it feels like a real gig venue.The band are loud and awesome and the sound here was fantastic. All four members really going for it.A 10 song 75 mins set that was very special to be at. A great mix of new album tracks and older gems. 01.That Was Just Your Life,02.End Of The Line, 03.Until It Sleeps,04.Broken, Beat, and Scarred, 05.Cyanide,06.Frantic,07.For Whom The Bells Tolls,08.The Day That Never Comes, 09.Master Of Puppets,10. Blackened.No retakes and only one mention to Radio 1 at the end. Their new album "Death Magnetic" tonight went straight into to the top of the UK album chart. The show will be broadcast on Radio 1 on Monday evening and will be up on the web for seven days after to listen to............................... 13 Sept 2008.Magic Numbers live at The Queen Elizabeth Hall,London.This was one of the shows at The Southbank over the weekend to celebrate 18 years of Heavenly Records.I ended up missing support Beth Orton as the free activity outside for the Thames Festival by the RFH was good fun with loads of street entertainers,a few songs by The Chris Jagger Band and a great display of "free running".The cuddly boys and girls of Magic Numbers have been holed up in the studio the past few months so they were keen to blow off some cobwebs in their 95 mins set.Lots of neat catchy indie pop tunes here tonight inc "Take A Chance","Forever Lost","Loves A Game", a neat cover of "Running Up That Hill" by Kate Bush.Also "Mornings Eleven" and "Love Me Like You".For the first encore they were joined by Beth Orton and they finished with "Undecided". So a decent set overall for this act who clearly love being signed to Heavenly Records. I must mention the excellent free programme put on everyones seats.48 pages of great interviews and pictures of Heavenly acts along with the full discography of their 187 singles and 69 albums. Its put to shame most of the overpriced shoddy tour programmes i have seen at gigs recently. Saw Sex Pistol Paul Cook going in to see his old mate Edwyn Collins at The Purcell Room next door to this venue.................................... 12 Sept 2008.6pm Glasvegas live at HMV Store,150 Oxford Street,London.One of the hottest new bands around play a free show to launch their debut album.At these record shop gigs you get between four and ten songs.Sadly we only get a four song 20 mins set tonight but its total quality.Such is the hype and great reviews on their album it looks certain to outsell Metallica to the number one spot in this sundays uk charts. They played the two stunning singles "Geraldine" and "Daddys Gone" with swirling guitars that send tingles down your spine.Check out both the videos on youtube.With a feel and sound of early U2 and a singer with the cool of Ian McCulloch and who looks like Joe Strummer they will be massive. ......and then 7.30pm Bond Street-North Woolwich tube to see Stevie Wonder play show number two of four at The 02 Arena,London.This is the first European Tour for around 10 years for this Motown soul legend.The love and affection that the UK has for Stevie is really great as the whole venue gives him a standing ovation as he is led on stage by his daughter and for most of the show they stay up on their feet.A great band with some 15 people on stage inc backing singers and 3 man percussion.It was a long 2 hours 20 mins set that was mostly great. Early goodies inc "Master Blaster","Higher Ground" and "Dont You Worry About A Thing".In a long set like this there were half a dozen lesser songs when the quality dipped inc a couple of overlong instrumentals.He spent quite a long time talking about the loss of his mother a couple of years ago and bigging up Barack Obama.More gems later though inc a great "Living For The City","Lately","Signed Sealed Delivered(Im Yours),"Sir Duke","My Cherie Amour","Until You Come Back To Me","Do I Do" and a stunning version of "Superstition".A great show overall really. Annie Lennox was a couple of rows in front of me dancing away and singer Omar was here too. Stevie Wonder returns to The 02 Arena on Sept 30 and Oct 1st...................................... 11 Sept 2008.Madonna live at Wembley Stadium, London.A massive sold out show with some 80,000 people here for Madonnas only London show on her massive "Sticky And Sweet" world tour to promote her recent "Hard Cany" album.She keeps the audience waiting until after 9pm but then its a stunning 1 hour 55 mins set.Some 8 costume changes,16 dancers,loads of screens.Show split into four sections Pimp/Old School/Gypsy/Rave. Madonna looks amazing for age 50 and dances with the energy and passion of someone half her age.Raunchy outfit for opening song "Candy Shop" then she came out on a pimpmobile into the extended stage.Lots of songs reworked.Set inc "Vogue","Into The Groove","Borderline","Music", "Miles Away","4 Minutes" and brilliant uptempo versions of "Like A Prayer","Ray Of Light","Hung Up" and "Give It 2 Me".There are loads of great female acts out there but Madonna still rules. So Madonna is still the Queen Of Pop.Nice choice of outro music over the pa at the end with Sex Pistols "God Save The Queen"..................... 10 Sept 2008.Stray Cats live at Brixton Academy, London.A sold out show tonight as surely the coolest looking crowd ever pour into the venue in great clothes and style that is hard to beat. The three guys in the band are dressed superbly too and their equipment looks fantastic.The band are on stage for 1 hour 50 mins.Loads of their greatest hits inc "Rumble In Brighton", "Stray Cat Strut","Runaway Boys","Gina" a cover of Ian Durys "Sweet Gene Vincent","Fishnet Stockings" and "Rock This Town".I felt the overall sound could have been a bit clearer and louder as this would have moved the crowd more. They still play with stand up drums and double bass which visually looks just brillant. Encore of "I Fought The Law" dedicated to Joe Strummer and they were joined by their old producer Dave Edmunds on a couple of tracks inc "The Race Is On".Always great to see The Cats. See aftershow page for this gig.................. 05 and 06 Sept 2008.The Azkena Rock Festival in Vitoria-Gastiez, Northern Spain.Fri 05 = Sex Pistols + Ray Davies + Sonics + Hanoi Rocks and on Sat 06 = Dinosaur Jr + Jayhawks + Gutter Twins + Duff McKagans Loaded + John Cale Band.This was a nice size festival of around 10,000 people over each day over two stages.The crowd look great in huge sideburns with Ramones, Iggy Pop,Dead Boys t shirts etc.Spain loves punk rock which why they are second to the UK in shows played here on this tour by the Pistols with three.The sun is out but its not too hot. A nice few days in Spain with the aim of seeing the last Sex Pistols show on their summer tour. Up first are Hanoi Rocks who play a really good uptempo trashy rock and roll show....then The Sonics who were originals from the 1960s and who have reformed.They go down well here with their old style rock n roll....Ray Davies plays a long set of over 80 mins.The old classic Kinks songs are great inc "You Really Got Me","Sunny Afternoon","Come Dancing","Tired Of Waiting For You","All Day And All Of The Night" and of course "Lola" but he played too many newer ones......... The Sex Pistols are just superb again tonight.For the first 3 songs i am in the photo pit with a great view before getting moved.In the photo pit an object thrown at the band hits me with a thud on the back.Its a tomato.What sort of dickhead brings a tomato to a gig to throw at the band? Also in the show a mobile phone is thrown at John Lydons head.Thankfully it missed.John as you can imagine is totally pissed with whoever threw it. Later on talking to Spanish friends most of them seem to think because he kept saying Espana when this region is in The Basque region.Its like calling someone from Liverpool "a cockney". Steve Jones classic guitar riffs and Glen and Paul keeping it rockin and John Lydon the master. Its the same 90 mins set but so many gems here. There was no mention on stage it was the last of the tour and John did not even thank the crew for three months of hard work setting up stuff. I got a nice VIP wristband for both days that gets me backstage with food and drink too........ Next day we start with The John Cale Band but i cant get into it at all....next up are Duff McKagans Loaded who play a decent hour of rock. Setlist inc solo stuff then some big G n R tracks."Seattle Head","Wasted Heart" and a great version of Neurotic Outsiders "Good News" and dedicates it to Sex Pistol Steve Jones then "Attitude","Dust And Bones","Its So Easy" and a cover of "I Wanna Be Your Dog".A great finish... Then its The Gutter Twins who headlined Shepherds Bush Empire a couple of months ago but are pretty boring......then The Jayhawks who somehow are second headliners.Nice catchy melodic with harmonies inc "Two Hearts" and "Bad Time" and they go down well.....Dinosaur Jr are the headlners tonight.Some 80 mins of grunge noise that passed me by as nothing special.So the second night was pretty average compared to the mighty Sex Pistols show the previous night. See aftershow page for Sex Pistols night......... 03 Sept 2008.Went to a couple of launch parties. 7pm Ripleys Believe It Or Not drinks reception at The Trocadero Centre,Piccadilly. This has hints of Madame Tussauds and London Dungeon and with its perfect location will be a hit no doubt with tourists.Ok for an hour.Celebs here inc Vanessa Felz,John Barnes,Derren Brown, Kelly Rowland,Rick Parfitt Jr and Emma Noble then a walk up the road 8.15pm to 11pm Living TV 15th Birthday Party at No 1 The Piazza in Covent Garden.Very nice lavish bash nicely done out. Freebie cocktails and tasty grub is flowing. There is a games room,lots of human statues,djs, upper body massages.Celebs here inc Kelly Brook, Lisa Snowdon and Brendan Cole.Good one......... 02 Sept 2008.Sex Pistols live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.Get into the area at 7pm and all the pubs are full with Pistols fans who have come from all over the place to see the first ever Sex Pistols gig at this venue where Steve Jones used to nick bands equipment in the 1970s.To say i am very excited about seeing this gig is an understatement.This venue is my old stomping ground.I have seen over 1000 shows yes 1000 shows at this venue alone since 1973. I worked on front stage security for 12 years. I dreamed of the day the Pistols would finally play here.I have seats in front centre balcony although we all stand from the start anyway. Its a great view and the front row in front of us has the partners of John,Paul and Glen.Band arrive on stage and the stalls is a mass of heaving bodies.Steve Jones guitar sounds mega. Sex Pistols outdoors at festivals is great but indoors to hardcore fans is even better.Every song gets wild applause.The same 90 mins set with the four song encore.John Lydon holds court on stage and you cannot take your eyes off him. When he sings of talks its just so entertaining. They play all their anthems and it feels so surreal.This band finally at this venue.Near the end the crowd sing Happy Birthday to Steve Jones as its his birthday tomorrow.For me this really was one of the greatest evenings ever. I have now seen over 5040 shows since 1973 and its safe to say this was up near the top. See aftershow page for this gig................. 31 Aug 2008.Sex Pistols + Gossip + Grinderman + CSS live at The Electric Picnic Festival, Stradbally,County Laois,Ireland. It takes about a 90 mins drive from Dublin into the heart of the beaufiful Irish countryside to get to this massive site.Its a three day multi stage event with a 35,000 sell out crowd.CSS are 4 girls/2 boys in spangly outfits from Brazil who play for 55 mins and their synth disco pop goes down well.Near the end they play their excellent single "Lets Make Love And Listen To Death From Above"...then Grinderman play a really good 65 mins set.Nick Cave and the band really get stuck in.Setlist inc "Get It On","Electric Alice","Honey Bee(Lets Fly To Mars) and a stunning "No Pussy Blues". Encore of "Tupelo"... then its Gossip who are on the main stage and the band before The Pistols which seems odd.They struggle a bit even though Beth Ditto have a great stage personality.They inc a disco cover of Talking Heads "Psycho Killer" and their mega tune "Standing In The Way Of Control"........... I am of course hear for one reason only.To see The Sex Pistols finally play their first EVER show in Ireland.As soon as The Gossip finish i get to front row right of stage in front of Steve Jones but a bit too near the PA but who cares. We get a special intro song over the PA "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" then the band tease us with the country and western version of "Pretty Vacant" before tearing into the real thing. "At last they have let us in " says Johnny and its the usual 90 mins of classics.John is on top form breaking into an Irish accent all through the show.The band sound tight and storm through gems inc "God Save The Queen","EMI" and all the others from the greatest album of all time. Encores of "Bodies","Anarchy In The UK","Silver Machine" and "Roadrunner" knocked us for six. Outro song over the PA was "Its A Long Way To Tipperary" sealed off another stunning gig. No sleep till Hammersmith........................ 28 Aug 2008.Big Star live at Shepherds Bush Empire,London.Big Star featuring Alex Chiltern are one of those American bands with massive credibilty but not much record sales.They were major influences on the likes of REM as they were a 1970s power pop band.The 90 mins set inc "The Ballad Of El Goodo","Way Out West",a neat cover of "Baby Strange" by T.Rex also "September Gurls" and "Thank You Friends".Encore was a cover of The Beach Boys "Wouldnt It Be Nice".Some decent harmonies and an ok gig but not really that exciting to watch.......................... 27 Aug 2008.REM + Editors + Guillemots live at The Rose Bowl Cricket Ground,Southampton.All these three bands play Twickenham Stadium this Saturday but i will be in Dublin to see The Sex Pistols first ever Irish show so had to go down to this nice venue where some 17,000 are gathered.Guillemots play a good 40 mins set. Their debut album was nominated for a Mercury Award a couple of years back.Set inc "Get Over It","Made Up Love Song #43" and "Dont Look Down" then The Editors play a really good 60 mins.They have been the main support for all of REMs huge European Tour.Setlist inc "All Sparks","An End Has A Start","Munich" and a stunning version of "Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors" then "Fingers In The Factories".....REM play for nearly 2 hours and are fantastic.A great set feat loads of classic oldies and a few from recent album "Accelerate".Michael Stipe is on top form and the guitar sound is brilliant.Set inc "Bad Day","Whats The Frequency Kenneth?", "The Great Beyond","Animal","The One I Love", "Nightswimming","Orange Crush","Ignoreland", "Electrolite" and a brilliant "Its The End Of The World As We Know It".The three huge video screens are used to perfection with a mix of live footage and images and spilt between black n white and colour.Encores were great inc "Losing My Religion", "Imitation Of Life" and "Man On The Moon".We had great views front left of stage.As the band left the stage a very drunk NAKED woman tried to get on stage but security nabbed her. A funny end to a great evening................... 26 Aug 2008.QPR 4 Carlisle 0.Rangers looking good.Nice to see two of my fave rockers here Glen Matlock(Sex Pistols)and Mick Jones(The Clash and Carbon Silicon)........................ 25 Aug 2008.George Michael live at Earls Court Arena,London.This was the second of GM shows here over the weekend and rumoured to be his last ever shows in the UK.The 106 date 2 year 25LIVE world tour has played in over 30 countries to over 1.5 million fans.Its the same massive stage production i had seen at Wembley Stadium,Earls Court Arena and Wembley Arena with loads of screens and lasers and that curved stage with that infamous inflatable.GM was on stage for around 2 hours 30 mins over two sets.His loyal fans were certainly up for a good time.I had a superb block A seat very very close up.A great mix of slow then uptempo then slow then uptempo etc inc "Fast Love","I'm Your Man","Father Figure","Everything She Wants","Jesus To A Child" and "Monkey".He praised Barack Obama.A great version of "Faith" and some covers inc Nina Simones "Feeling Good",Roberta Flacks "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face" and "Roxanne" by The Police.A rare version of "Precious Box" was great.A friend told me the set was 3 or 4 songs different from the previous night.More gems inc "Amazing","Flawless(Go To The City),"Shoot The Dog" and "Outside" and he put on his LA cop uniform for that one. The encores really got the crowd singing along loudly to "Careless Whisper","Fantasy" and "Freedom 90".A great night and George said tonights show would be out on DVD for Christmas. ................................................. 24 Aug 2008.Iggy Pop And The Stooges + Supergrass + Gogol Bordello + The Hives live at Get Loaded In The Park Festival,Clapham Common, London.A lovely sunny day for this 20,000 sell out over three stages.The Hives come on very early at 3.30pm.Always fun and entertaining.The singer still calls his own band "The greatest rock n roll band in the world".A bit tongue in check but they play great uptempo garage rock.... ....next up Gogol Bordello who are always a lively festival band but does anyone acually buy any of their albums??Enjoyable to watch though... Next i see Supergrass who have been around for 10 years plus now and have seen better days. They still play a few of their earlier hits...... What can you say about the legend that is Iggy Pop?.Despite celebrating his 60th birthday last year he has more energy and on stage charisma than all the acts put together.Loads of classic Stooges songs played and a couple of his own.A very good day out overall........................ 21 Aug 2008.Kerrang Awards at The Brewery, Moorgate,London.Good idea by Kerrang to hold their awards when all the rock bands are in town for Reading and Leeds Festivals.Some big names here and not so big inc Metallica(arrived in four Merc limos.One band member in each),Rage Against The Machine,Slipknot,Gallows,30 Seconds To Mars, Avenged Sevenfold,Biffy Clyro,Bullet For My Valentine,Trivium,Carl Barat from Dirty Pretty Things and a few others.Lots of burlesque girls. See aftershow page for this event................ 20 Aug 2008.UK film premiere of "The Wackness" at The Curzon Soho,Shaftesbury Avenue,London. I knew i was going to love this film just from the films title and the fact it was set in New Yorks sweltering summer of 1994 against the soundtrack of hip hops finest year.Before the film several of the films stars turned up for the photocall and female singer Adele was here. The films story is about a teen drug dealer who swaps the hard stuff for therapy but falls for the shrinks daughter.A stunning performence by Sir Ben Kingsley.This is a coming of age story about sex,drugs,music with lots of laugh out loud comedy moments.It opens in UK cinemas from 29 August and is well worth checking out.See www.thewackness.co.uk for more information. Went to the afterparty for a couple of hours at the super hip Bungalow 8 club where the cocktails were flowing and the dj was playing some great tunes................................ Metallicas London show for Sept 15 has been confirmed as The O2 Arena with tix only 5 quid each which is a nice gesture..................... 19 Aug 2008.A very weird thing happened today.In the afternoon i was watching a Metallica DVD "The Videos 1989-2004" then a couple of hours later a familiar face walked past me in Shaftesbury Avenue.I shouted out "Hi Ross" thinking it was rock photographer Ross Halfin. No reply.Then i knew why.It was actually Lars Ulrich the drummer from Metallica who is a complete lookalike to Ross but he was 20 yards up the road before i tumbled.School boy error.... 18 Aug 2008.Inamo,134-136 Wardour Street,Soho, London.This was a drinks reception preview for this pioneering Oriental fusion restaurant and bar with an amazing interactive ordering service set within the table.Its a must visit when it opens to the general public on 05 Sept 2008.See www.inamo-restaurant.com 0207 287 7265........... 16 and 17 Aug 2008.V Festival in Chelmsford, Essex.Sat saw Prodigy and Muse.Sunday saw The Verve + Lenny Kravitz + Echo And The Bunnymen+ The Feeling + Scouting Fot Girls + James Walsh(singer from Starsailor)+ One Republic....A massive crowd here of some 50 or 60,000 people for one of the UKs biggest live music weekends over five stages.Its far too big for my liking as i prefer bands indoors and being nearer the stage.For one reason or another i got to the site very late on Saturday. Sadly missed Siouxsie and Carbon Silicon but catch The Prodigy play a stunning show.They played a 70 mins high energy set that really got the crowd jumping.Their two singers dominating the stage and winding the crowd up.Setlist inc "Their Law","Breathe","Spitfire","Firestarter", "Poison","Smack My Bitch Up" and "Out Of Space". Their crunching bass heavy dance rock is superb. ....then dash to the main stage to see The Muse play their last three songs.Loads of lights, lasers and fireworks.It looked good.....Saturday i got to the site a bit earlier.Lenny Kravitz played only for 50 mins so not as long as the Brixton show i saw a couple of days ago but still very good.Then i was in The Virgin Radio VIP tent for a couple of hours where the freebie cocktails and food is flowing.XBOX consoles are here as well to play as well as Virgin Radio djs broadcasting live and some decent acts playing 3 or 4 tracks each to this crowd of 300 or 400. Tony Hadley and Sophie Ellis Bextor are here. Nice posh toilets in here as well.One Republic are getting more and more popular.Their set inc "Stop And Stare","Apologize" and "All Fall Down".Nice to see Starsailors James Walsh play a few songs inc "Four To The Floor" and "Good Souls".Then its Scouting For Girls whose set inc "Heartbeat","Its Not About You","Shes So Lovely" then Tony Hadley joins them for a cover of "Suspicious Minds" then its The Feeling whose set inc "I Thought It Was Over","Never Be Lonely" and "Love It When You Call".Handy to see all these bands up close and getting more drinks in between set changeovers.Headed out to one of the smaller stages to see Echo And The Bunnymen play a brilliant 45 mins set.Ian McCulloch in trademark shades and long heavy overcoat.Loads of great tunes inc "Rescue","Seven Seas","Bring On The Dancing Horses",People Are Strange","The Back Of Love","Nothing Ever Lasts Forever", "The Killing Moon","The Cutter" and "Lips Like Sugar"then over to the main stage for The Verve who play a great 80 mins set.The Verves set brought the first rain of the weekend.Setlist inc "This Is Music","Sonnet","History","The Drugs Dont Work","Lucky Man","The Rolling People" (dedicated to the memory of Issac Hayes) then stunning versions of "Bitter Sweet Symphony" and the brilliant new single "Love Is Noise".A bit odd they did not come back for an encore.So a tiring weekend at Chelmsford but always fun...... 15 Aug 2008.AC/DC video shoot for new single "Rock n Roll Train" at Black Island Studios,Acton,London W3.SONY BMG did a great job of keeping this top secret in the week running up to it.Only letting the 300 competition winners the meeting point at lunchtime on the day.I had a nice tip off at 3pm by my friend Iggy who said i had to be at Victoria Station by 5.30pm at the latest.I was on my way pronto as i was not going to miss a chance to see one of the worlds greatest rock bands up close.At Victoria the comp winners have been told to dress in AC/DC clothing.The guest list girls turn up at 5.30pm and six buses turn up at 6pm.Those with invites get on first four coaches and we are part of the 30 strong crowd without tickets.ALL of us get on the last two coaches and off we go.Result.Everyone is expecting it to be Bray Studios near Windsor which the band have used before but we go up the A40 by the Renault complex before Park Royal to Black Island Studios which has six stages that bands use for tour rehearsals.Arrive at venue just after 7pm where we are briefed on health and safety etc. Apart from a couple of shows AC/DC have been quiet for 7 or 8 years as they have just finished recording their new 15 track album. Director is David Mallet who has done over 100 music videos including loads of AC/DC stuff. The stage is the full monty with giant wheels and cogs along with flames,lights and dry ice.The single is played over the pa a couple of times for the crowd to get used to the chorus.At 8pm AC/DC turn up to wild cheers and the atmosphere is electric.The crowd are really up for it.Over the next 90 mins the band play the song four times with breaks between each for new camera angles etc.Most of the band still smoke a lot so its fag break time.There is no pit and i am second row.The band are mere feet away and i shake hands with both Brian Johnson and Angus Young.Brian Johnson is the most friendly but all sign autographs.My friend Iggy got a staggering FOUR albums signed by ALL five members of the band.The band leave the venue at 9.50pm by thanking the crowd and then the crowd are filmed twice more alone along to the song which i think comes out sometime in September.The track is a trademark classic AC/DC catchy rocker.I cannot wait to see AC/DC live when they play again. After the shoot we all collect a bag of food and drink on the way out which was great and everyone got an AC/DC t shirt as well although sadly it was just a normal one with no mention of todays event/date on it.On the coach back the driver turns AC/DC up to 10 on the sound level. Back to Victoria at 11pm.Amezing night........... Oasis have announced a UK arena tour to support their new album "Dig Out Your Soul".They play Wembley Arena on Oct 16 and 17................... 13 Aug 2008.Lenny Kravitz live at Brixton Academy,London.Lennys last couple of albums have not sold that well but tonights show has been sold out for a month.He still attracts loads of adoring women judging by this crowd.The band sound great and are beefed up with two sax players for a nice funk rock brass sound and the lights are great too.On stage for nearly 2 hours. Lenny still as cool looking on stage as ever. Loads of great tracks inc "It Aint Over Til Its Over" and "All I Ever Wanted" then a few tracks of the recent album.Most were slower paced but still pretty good. We also had a full guitar solo and drum solo.More gems nearer the end inc "American Woman" and a brilliant "Fly Away" then "Let Love Rule" with Lenny jumping into the front rows.Encores of "Love Revolution" and a superb "Are You Gonna Go My Way" sealed off a very good show.He plays V Festival this weekend. See aftershow page for this gig.................. Its what i have known all along as my manor Shepherds Bush has been voted the most rock and roll place per head in the UK.A population of 11,000 has produced band members from The Who, The Sex Pistols and The Clash and many more says www.guitarrockstar.co.uk.See the full story on www.bignewsday.com and www.lifestyleextra.com.... 10 Aug 2008.Status Quo + David Essex + Les McKeowns Bay City Rollers live at Central Park,Dagenham,Essex.5pm to 10pm.This was a benefit concert for Cancer Research UK and St Dunstans Blind Charity.Would not normally trek 30 stops on the tube over to Dagenham but there is not much else going on this time of year.About 5 or 6,000 people here and it rains off and on all evening.The host is dj legend Tony Blackburn who is great fun and informs us he has released 17 singles.A few were hits as well.Lots of older folks here as its a 1970s theme.Les McKeowns Bay City Rollers play a decent 40 mins set.There is tartan worn on stage and his website girls do a great job of handing out cheap Tartan scarves to the crowd so it looks like the old days.Hits inc "Summer Love Sensation" and "Give A Little Love" and a few dodgy cover versions. The set finishes well with "Shang-A-Lang" and "Bye Bye Baby" and its all good fun.The sun comes out as soon as they finish...David Essex is very grey now and looks like Peter Gabriel but the women still love him.He has done well for an East End lad.His songs have some of the simplest lyrics ever written but i like him.The 55 mins set inc "If I Could","Lamplight" and "All The Fun Of The Fair".(This is the title of his opcoming musical that tours the UK this winter. Check www.allthefunofthefair.com)then more gems like "Rock On","Hold Me Close","Silver Dream Machine" and "Gonna Make You A Star"......we get an amazing rainbow in the sky during the interval then Status Quo came and played a 1 hour 40 mins set.Started great with "Caroline","Rain" and "Paper Plane" then a few average tracks from their last two studio albums then back to gems inc "In The Army Now","Roll Over Lay Down","Down Down" and "Whatever You Want".Encores inc "Rockin All Over The World" and "Bye Bye Johnny" and a full fireworks display sealed a great if a bit damp evening..................................... 09 Aug 2008.The opening game of The Championship Footie.My team QPR have new owners and we have got some exciting new players.We are tipped for promotion to The Premier League.Should be an interesting season.QPR won 2-1................... Back home after a few days in France and Belgium.August is always a quiet month for gigs as the big bands stick to playing weekend festivals all over Europe.....I will be going to the last three shows of Sex Pistols Summer Tour which are Aug 31 Ireland,Sept 2 Hammersmith Apollo and Sept 5 Spain..........................

 
 
2008-08-03
 

02 Aug 2008.Sex Pistols + New York Dolls + Buzzcocks + The Kids live at The Lokerse Festival near Gent,Belgium.A great line up of punk legends here tonight.In the town square with a full house of 15,000 by the time The Pistols came on.Up first we have Belgium punk band The Kids.They are a bit third rate but the locals love them and they finish well with Sham 69s "If The Kids Are United"....next up are The Buzzcocks who play a great 45 mins set.Steve Diggle on guitar is well up for it probably due to his booze intake before the show backstage. Loads of great tunes inc "Boredom","Fast Cars","Autonomy","Breakdown","What Do I Get", "Promises","Harmony In My Head","Orgasm Addict" and "Ever Fallen In Love".At the end Steve Diggle pushes the drum kit over in true rock n roll style.Excellent.....This was only the second time The New York Dolls had played on the same bill as The Sex Pistols.They played for an hour and were brilliant.Loads of great tracks inc "Babylon","We're All In Love","Private World", "Dancing On The Lip Of A Volcano","Looking For A Kiss","Rainbow Store","Pills","You Cant Put Your Arms Around A Memory","Dance Like A Monkey", "Trash" and "Jet Boy".Excellent stuff......The Sex Pistols come on at midnight and play a fantastic 90 mins set.The place is now rammed. Watch the first three songs from the photo pit then the rest of the show in the main crowd. So many great songs inc "Pretty Vacant","Holidays In The Sun","No Fun","Steppin Stone","Seventeen","Problems","God Save The Queen" and "EMI".Encores of "Bodies",Anarchy In The UK","Silver Machine" and "Roadrunner".John Lydon is on top form with his onstage banter and the band are great.This was the third time i have seen them on this summer tour.Superb. See aftershow page for this gig.................. 31 July 2008.Billy Idol live at Brixton Academy. London.This was Billy Idols last show on this European Tour.He has sold over 20 million albums. He is promoting another greatest hits album "Idolize Yourself" which has just come out. Now aged 52 he still has a body that the girls swoon over.Loads of catchy pop rock tunes in the 1 hour 45 mins set inc "Cradle Of Love","Dancing With Myself","To Be A Lover","Sweet Sixteen", "White Wedding","Eyes Without A Face","Ready Steady Go" and "Rebel Yell".Guitarist Steve Stevens was on top form and ended up doing three solo guitar spots.Encores inc "Hot In The City" "Speed" and "Mony Mony".A very good show. See aftershow page for this show................ 30 July 2008.Deep Purple live at Excel,Docklands. Only UK show on their current European Tour. Its a pain getting to this venue but its a lovely summers evening in the fresh air instead of some sweaty humid club.Its a near sellout tonight and more people here than at the Blondie show.Again i am standing 20 yards from stage left.These classic rock legends played a solid 95 mins set. Setlist inc "Into The Fire","Strange Kind Of Woman" recent album title track "Rapture Of The Deep" also "Mary Long".We had solo sections from ALL of them. First it was guitar and keyboards and later on drums and bass.More gems later inc "Space Trucking","Highway Star" and of course "Smoke on The Water".Encores of "Hush" and "Black Night".A good one..................... 29 July 2008.Kylie Minogue live at The 02 Arena, London.Back again to see Kylie here for the second time.Its her third show of seven 02 shows.Great seat to the right of stage where Dita Von Teese is behind me and 1970s NME writer and music expert Paul Morley is in front of me.Of course its the same show as three days ago.This really is a full monty stage production that is more Cirque De Soliel/West End Theatre than a run of the mill pop show.Its visually brilliant with so much going on.While Madonna is still the female Queen Of Pop for live shows Kylie must surely be The Princess Of Pop live... ................................................ 28 July 2008.Blondie live at Excel,Docklands, London.This was show number six of ten live music events at The British Motor Show.This venue holds 6,000 and is basically held in one of Excels carparks with a stage.This Blondie tour is to promote the 30th anniversary of their 1978 album "Parallel Lines".Needless to say i saw Blondie twice in 1977 and twice in 1978 and many times after.Debbie is dressed in black and white stripes like the cover and the stage backdrop is the same.The 90 mins set had a few tracks off the last two studio albums buts its the old hits this crowd want to hear.Setlist inc "Hanging On The Telephone","One Way Or Another", "Picture This","Sunday Girl" and "Heart Of Glass".Debbie then threw her shoes out into the crowd which are a nice item for any Blondie fan. Weird thing that there were three teenage girls dancing by the band ON stage left who seemed like promoters friends but Blondie left them to it. Also "Maria" and a neat version of "Rapture" then "Call Me".Debbie Harry and Chris Stein looked like they were going through the motions a bit but the sterile venue did not help.Clem Burke is fantastic on drums as usual.Great encores of "Atomic","The Tide Is High" and a cover of The Rolling Stones "Get Off Of My Cloud".Overall it was a good show but i have seen them better.They are more suited to indoor venues........................................... 27 July 2008.This was the UKs biggest polo event for 25,000 people at Windsor Great Park which was attended by Prince Charles.Try telling this upmarket lot there is a credit crunch going on. In the evening 7pm to 11.30pm was the legendary Chinawhite afterparty for 3,000 people.Most have paid 100 quid just for the party ticket.Quite a few have even flown in to be here the weekend. Mark Ronson is the guest dj and he does a superb job on the decks with a great choice of tunes and getting the place really rocking.The non stop lasers and confetti really helped.So many great looking girls here in their designer dresses and heels dancing on tables and chairs and really going for it.Got into the VIP area for a couple of hours.A few faces here inc actresses Kelly Brook and Lana Holloway.Also Dita Von Teese and ex Blue members Duncan James and Simon Webbe who go to lots of stuff.Biggest surprise was seeing author Salmon Rushdie here with his new girlfriend half his age.A bit surreal dancing next to him on the VIP viewing platform overlooking the stage as he was a bit worse for wear.Also worse for drink were Luke Blackall from The Londonpaper and The Evening Standards main showbiz snapper Dave Benett.Both of whom i see all the time but normally they pace it a bit but even they got carried away tonight.It really is one of THE best parties of the year.Put it in your diary for next year.Its always the last Saturday in July................. 26 July 2008.Kylie Minogue live at The 02 Arena, London.This was Kylies first of seven shows here and comes at the end of a 3 month 50 plus gigs European Tour.A very lavish show with rumours of it costing 10 million quid to put together.It was 2 hours 20 mins long with two sets of 60 mins and 80 mins.A mix of hits and material from her latest album "X".Kylie celebrated her 40th birthday in May and she recently got an OBE. I counted eight different costume changes inc cheerleader and beach party girl designed by John Paul Gaultier.The band stuck in the two corners as Kylie and her army of dancers took over the stage for dance routines.The massive sloped stage production was similiar to last years George Michael show.It looked fantastic.Her entrance was within a huge contraption.Setlist inc "Cant Get You Out Of My Head","In Your Eyes", "Shocked" a cover of Barry Manilows "Copacabana", "Spinning Around".For "Like A Drug" she was sat astride a huge skull and "Slow" was really good. Second set "Come Into My World" with a Chinese theme then a trio of songs that were great "On A Night Like This","Kids" and "Step Back In Time". Encores had gold streamers and balloons fall from the ceiling for "Love At First Sight" and "I Should Be So Lucky".As always Kylie live was great fun and a visual treat..................... 25 July 2008.Another busy day with two events. First at 4pm "Monkey - Journey To The West" at The Royal Opera House,London.This is the pop opera that is composed by Damon Albarn with design and animation from Jamie Hewlett.This was show number 4 of 7 sold out shows at this famous venue that holds 2400.The two hour set is visually great to look at with a 30 plus troupe of circus acts,dancers,martial arts and animation.Based on a 400 year old Chinese story and the 1970s cult tv show "Monkey".In Mandarin with subtitles.Some superb fight sequences and nice to watch with great costumes full of colour but it was hard going in parts and just an interesting event overall........................ then 8pm Adele live at The Bush Hall,London. This was an invite only show for 250 comp winners and press for www.capitolradio.com 95.8FM.At the end of 2007 Duffy and Adele were the two new names tipped for great things.Duffy has won the album sales race with 2 million plus sold but Adele seems to be more in favour with the critics.Indeed only this week her album "19" got a Mercury Music Award shortlist nomination o