2010-08-08
 

email me at ray@raysgigs.com..................... The Vintage Festival takes place on Aug 13,14,15. at Goodward.Its headlined by The Faces with their new line up inc Mick Hucknell and Glen Matlock playing their first ever festival show alongside loads of other great acts inc Sandie Shaw,Damned,Buzzcocks,Peter Hook and many more. Also a strong fashion theme through the decades. For tix/info see www.vintageatgoodward.com....... The mighty Reading Festival takes place on Aug 27,28,29 with headliners Guns And Roses + Arcade Fire + Blink 182 and 100 other bands over multi stages.For tix/info see www.festivalrepublic.com ................................................. The free monthly magazine from The 02 Arena has an article on my fave gigs at the venue.Its in the Aug 2010 copy.Mentions my name but sadly omitted this website name........................ The Psychedelic Furs at last come back to play a few shows in the UK.The London date is The Kentish Town Forum on 28 Oct 2010.They will play all of their classic album "Talk Talk Talk" and a hits set.Check www.seetickets.com.............. Whitney Houston on 28 April 2010 was gig number 5400 for me...................................... The Rebellion Festival in Blackpool is the UKs number one punk related festival where 5000 punks,skins,mods, rockers and others come together in a very unique atmosphere.This years 200 plus bands is looking to be another corker.Those confirmed inc New York Dolls,Bad Religion, Slaughter And The Dogs,Cockney Rejects,Stiff Little Fingers, Godfathers,999,Vibrators,Peter Murphy,Gallows and many more.Its on from Aug 05 to 08 so along with the seaside and cheap accom all nearby its a great few days.Weekend tickets are £90 until April 30 and £100 from May 01.Day tickets also available.See www.rebellionfestivals.com for more info and to buy tickets..................... In Nov 2008 www.bbc.co.uk made me the UKs number one gig goer with over 5300 gigs seen by me since 1973.Google Ray Morrissey or www.raysgigs.com on the web to find a couple of the 50 odd interviews with radio stations,newspapers and magazines i did on the back of it.......................................

 
 
2010-07-31
 

Sat sees Day 2 of The Sonisphere Festival at Knebworth with headliners Rammstein + Motley Crue + Placebo...........Sun sees Day 3 of The Sonisphere Festival at Knebworth with headliners Iron Maiden + Pendulum + Iggy Pop And The Stooges + The Cult............................... 30 July 2010.Cirque Du Soleils production of Saltimbanco at Wembley Arena,London.Day number three of their five days here.This posh circus usually sells out 20 plus nights every Jan and Feb at The Royal Albert Hall but tonight is only three quarters full so perhaps the upmarket crowd did not fancy slumming it in Wembley. There were two sets of 60 mins each.Lots of bright costumes and a stage full of colour.Over 50 performers inc clowns,mime,ball jugglers,bicycle stunts,highwire,trapeze etc and a rocky band in the background.Lots of audience participation and a decent night out............. 29 July 2010.Went to three events today.First 4.15pm to 6.30pm i was at The Sanderson Hotel,Berners Street,London W1.About three months ago at their 10th anniversary party they gave a years membership to their gym and steam rooms in the goodie bag.Today was my third visit so only going once a month instead of once a week as planned.Its fab here as its a 5 star boutique hotel so the gym is fully equipped state of the art and a personal trainer is on hand.Did a couple of runs and had a stint in the steam room as usual and next week i take the plunge with the personal trainer who step things up a bit upper body wise.I feel great when i come out of the luxury changing rooms.Nice and quiet too as only hotel guests can use it........then 7pm to 9.30pm i was at the launch party for Concierge Magazine at Stringfellows, London.Londons leading in room hotel publication hosts a party to celebrate Peter Stringfellow on the cover with a full interview inside.Freebie champers,spirits,wine,beer are all flowing along with Chinese grub.There are 40 or 50 dancers chatting to guests and doing topless dances.Nice and relaxed as no pressure to buy a private dance until after 9.30pm when the free bar and party ends and it turns into a normal Stringfellows.At 8.30pm Peter Stringfellow gave a speech and then he said "as its Stringfellows 30th anniversary everyone can have a free lap dance worth 20 quid".I nabbed a blonde stunner and it was a lovely 3 mins.Nice surprise on the way out.We saw Motley Crue singer Vince Neil having dinner with friends upstairs.Like Lemmy he always visits Stringfellows when he is in town.Motley Crue play Sonisphere on Saturday. A great party.....then 10pm to 11pm was the party for The Earring Boutique at One Marylebone Road,London.Had a couple of freebie drinks here but we missed the good bits as it was on its last legs.We got goodie bags with earrings and girlie stuff.See www.theearringboutique.com....................... 28 July 2010.Rod Stewart live at The 02 Arena,London.Rod nearly at the end of his huge three month tour of Europe And Russia.This was my third time seeing him on this tour as i saw him in May and June.Its a prompt 8pm on stage again for two sets of 65 mins and 60 mins.Its another full house.For folks my age Rod has been around as a top rocker all our lives.Its the same big bright set.Its a surprise that a couple of the cover versions in the set have changed and "I Dont Want To Talk About It" has replaced "Stay With Me".Penny Lancaster and friends are sitting a few rows in front of us with her own venue secuity guy.Rods voice is more taking it easy rather than full throttle and there are too many crowd pleasing cover versions along with some dodgy dad dancing but there are so many great singalong songs at a Rod show inc "Tonights The Night","You Wear It Well","This Old Heart Of Mine","Have I Told You Lately That I Love You","Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?", "First Cut Is The Deepest","You're In My Heart". When he kicked out the 20 or 30 footballs during "Hot Legs" an amazing thing happened.A couple who were at least 50 yards back both got one."Maggie May" was great as were encores of "Sailing" and "Baby Jane".Another very enjoyable show and hopefully the next time i see him on stage will be with The Faces.............. 27 July 2010.Madness + Plan B + Al Murray + Jason Manford + Rob Deering live at The Royal Festival Hall,London.An evening of music and comedy for the War Child charity.The first half started with 10 mins of Al Murray comedy which was very good as "The Pub Landlord" then Rob Deering mixed comedy with music then Plan B played a 7 song 35 mins set with his full band. Quite a reinvention as he was white boy rapper a couple of years ago and now he is a white boy soul singer in a 60s style suit and tie.His album "The Deflamation Of Strickland Banks" has got great reviews and great sales.Set inc "She Said","Stay Too Long","Praying","What You Gonna Do?" and his Paulo Nutini cover "Coming Up Easy".A good set.The second half started with 15 mins of Al Murray then 15 mins of Jason Manford. Both were very funny.Then Madness who play a great 12 song set(2 recent album tracks and 10 classic hits) in their 45 mins on stage.This is a small gig for them as they are Wembley Arena/02 Arena level status.The crowd are up and dancing from the start to those brilliant lyrics. Set inc "One Step Beyond","Embarrassment","The Prince","My Girl","House Of Fun","Baggy Trousers","It Must Be Love","Madness","Night Boat To Cairo" and for encore they were joined by Plan B and Al Murray for "Our House".So many ska pop gems from Madness.A great night of comedy and music................................. 25 July 2010.Emerson Lake and Palmer + Down n Outz + Joe Bonamassa + Bachman And Turner + UFO live at Day 2 of The High Voltage Festival, Victoria Park,Hackney,London.This was the first High Voltage Classic Rock Festival and even though its £75 a ticket per day there must be 20,000 punters here.Even at age 51 i can be hardcore.For UFO i find myself front row left of stage and decide to stay in the same spot for 8 hours.No food,no drink,no toilet break,nothing. But i have a superb front row view for all the bands today.Always good to see UFO.They have guitar sound problems but finish great with "Rock Bottom" and "Doctor Doctor"....next up are Canadian rockers Bachman And Turner who i loved in the 1970s.I saw them twice at Hammersmith Odeon in 1975 when Thin Lizzy supported them when "The Boys Are Back In Town" came out as a single.Great lyrics and simple riffs.They are looking old and grey now and could be extras in that oldies film "Cocoon". They open with brilliant versions of "Roll On Down The Highway" and "Rock Is My Life And This Is My Song".Also good was "Not Fragile","Hey You","American Woman","Four Wheel Drive","Sledgehammer","Taking Care Of Business" and finally of course "You Aint Seen Nothing Yet".Really great to see them again as they have only played a couple of UK shows in the last 30 years.For me their 60 mins was the best set of the day....Joe Bonamassa played a really good 60 mins of blues rock.He is a stunning guitarist and looks cool in slicked back hair and shades.His band were great as well....Down n Outz feature Def Leppards Joe Elliot and members of the Quireboys playing their fave Mott The Hoople related tracks.First we get a neat 10 minute version of Elton Johns "Love Lies Bleeding".Then its tracks from the "My Re Generation" album inc "Overnight Angels","Shouting And Pointing","One Of The Boys","England Rocks" and "Rock n Roll Queen" then Ian Hunter joins them for "Once Bitten Twice Shy" and "Who Do You Love?".They are about to launch into "All The Young Dudes" when the stage manager says "no your 80 mins is up".Ian Hunter is furious and runs to side of side with his guitar above his head and is about to smash it over the stage manager when roadies and security intervene.A school boy error really as all stage times were prompt today and they were a support band and not the headline act so its their own fault for not keeping an eye on the clock....then its Emerson Lake And Palmer playing their first shows in 12 years.They were one of the biggest live acts in the world in the early 1970s.I saw them live once at their comeback show at The Royal Albert Hall in 1992 as they had gone off the radar in the mid 70s when punk rock kicked overblown prog bands like ELP and Yes out the door.Somehow prog(even the word makes me heave)has made a bit of a comeback the last couple of years with its own magazine and big bands like Muse dipping their toes in.Lots of people from America,Japan and Europe have made the trip.The 90 mins set starts ok with "Welcome Back My Friends To The Show That Never Ends" then there is loads of muso tosh from mainly Keith Emerson and his banks of keyboards.They play "Lucky Man" and "Pictures At An Exhibition" has a couple of cannons firing at the end.The encore is the best as its "Fanfare For The Common Man" which has a drum solo from Carl Palmer and his revolving kit and the bashing of two big gongs and Keith Emerson stabs his keyboard before pushing it to the floor which is stuff they did in the old days and some fireworks.The ELP hardcore loved it.A great day of live music.Hopefully it will be back in 2011............................................. 24 July 2010.Fucked Up + Silver Machine + Peter Hook plays Joy Divisions "Unknown Pleasures" at The 1234 Festival in Shoreditch Park,East London.Around 8000 indie kids here at this hip festival thats held within a huge council housing area.The good thing about smaller festivals is you can get nearer the stage so i am front row for Peter Hook and later on The Silver Machine.This is only the second show for Peter Hook and band after their debut in Manchester a month ago playing Joy Division classics.They play a stunning 50 mins set of Joy Divisions debut album that is now 30 years old but still powerful and emotional.Hooky gives it 100% and the band are great.Tracks inc "Candidate" and "New Dawn Fades" are mega and its even better later for "Shes Lost Control","Shadowplay" and finally a non album bonus track of "Love Will Tear Us Apart".A truly fantastic set.Nip backstage for an hour.All the bands are floating about.Others here inc Pam Hogg and the singer from The Cribs....The Silver Machine are a one off band feat Glen Matlock,Bobby Gillespie,Zak Starkey and a couple of other Primal Screams playing a 50 mins set of their fave garage rock n roll numbers from the likes of The Creation,MC5,Flaming Groovies,Troggs etc.Bobbys distinctive vocals along with great bass playing and backing vocals from Glen and some great rock n roll guitar riffs meant it went down really well with the crowd.The 11 song set was "How Does It Feel?", "Are You Gonna Be There?","Teenage Head","Psychotic Reaction","I Wish You Would", "I Want You","Fire Of Love","Making Time","I Can Only Give You Everything","Sister Ann","Action Woman"....next up were headliners Fucked Up who have a big fat bald headed singer who looks like one of those American wrestlers.They play a lively 50 mins set.The singer spends half the time in the photo pit close up to the fans.So overall a very good live music event............ 23 July 2010.12.45pm to 11pm i spent all day at the last day of Salon Prive in Hurlingham Club,Fulham,London SW6.Back again for the third day on the trot as i love it here.Its like being in the West Sussex countryside.Had lobster lunch and strawberries and cream again.All the cars here old and new are mega.There are around 20 Jaguars from all eras.Today is judging day with a dozen winners.One was Rowan Atkinsons McLaren F1 from the mid 90s that is worth a fortune.Sadly he was not here to pick up the award.We stayed for the evening and had a nice three course meal with champers and wines.A lovely full day here and again no rain........... 22 July 2010.Went to two good events today. First 1.45pm to 6.15pm i was back at Salon Prive at The Hurlingham Club,Fulham,London SW6.There was rain in the morning but thankfully it stays nice and dry here all afternoon in this bit of countryside in the city with its fountains and landscaped gardens.Most have paid £150 to attend today.Its ladies day so lots of the woman in nice summer outfits.I got stuck into the same free food and booze as yesterday.The current Miss Great Britain was here wearing her sash and crown.Also here was Jodie Kidd.Checked out the classic bikes area which i missed yesterday.Also here was www.iconsheene.com which is a superbike under Barry Sheenes name.Suzuki 1400cc turbo limited edition of only 52 bikes costing £107,000 each.Number 7 was Barrys racing number of course.....then off to see Earth Wind And Fire + Brand New Heavies play The 02 Arena,London.The whole of level four is closed as unsold so only 7,000 here which is less than half full.Up first we have old school UK funk outfit Brand New Heavies who play a decent set that goes down well with the crowd.They headline Indigo on Fri 03 Dec 2010....then to EWF who were a massive act in the 1970s.I saw them first way back in 1975.There is 12 of them on stage but no screens.Its a set lasting 1 hour 40 mins. Starts off great with "Boogie Wonderland" then the next 45 mins is pretty average stuff.It gets much better in the second half of the show as they play big hits inc "After The Love Has Gone","Got To Get You Into My Life","Fantasy","September" and "Lets Groove".Philip Bailey still has a great high voice and is one of three original members who have been together for nearly 40 years.But my main man was the funky bass player.Hair and clothes like its 1978 and energy and razzle that made him very enjoyable to watch.A good gig. At the end of the show someone announces that you can meet the band after the show and get your photo taken with them.For free?? no of course not.A cool £100.......................... 21 July 2010.I went to two good events today. First 1pm to 8pm was the opening day of The 5th Salon Prive Super Car Event at The Hurlingham Club,Fulham,London SW6.Over 100 luxury cars and classic cars on display here outdoors inc a Bugatti Veyron on sale for an eye watering 1,451,000 Euros.Most have paid £!75 to get in and you get free food and drink all day inc Lobster and Chicken Kebab lunch with strawberries and cream for dessert and later 4pm afternoon tea with sandwiches and scones.Lots of people here at this lovely members club where some of the oldies are are out playing croquet and bowls just a few yards from the cars.Car fans inc Chris Evans,Jay Kay and Nick Mason have turned up before here but only saw Garth Crooks the BBC football reporter although Nick Mason has got two cars on display.Lots of Pommery champers all afternoon.Got a nice freebie back massage and facial from The Elemis Spa Bus.See www.salonprivelondon.com....then off to see Razorlight at Sandown Racecourse,Esher, Surrey.Over the last couple of years more and more bands are playing racecourse gigs as the venues try to get new punters in for the horse racing that was before the band.A nice outdoor summer atmosphere as a big crowd of 10,000 have stayed behind.Razorlight have been a bit quiet the last year after their drummer left. The crowd seem to know most of the songs and sing along.The 75 mins set inc "In The Morning","Stumble And Fall", "Golden Touch","America","Before I Fall To Pieces" and encores inc a Ramones cover and "Somewhere Else".A good set...................... 20 July 2010.I went to two events today.First 11am to 1.30pm.Mercury Album Prize Shortlist Nominations at The Hospital Club, Covent Garden,London.Over 200 of the main journos,tv,radio and photographers here for the launch for this prestigious award.Coffee and juice reception then 11.30am presenter Lauren Laverne says the 12 shortlisted acts.Biffy Clyro, Corinne Bailey Rae,Dizzee Rascal,Foals,I Am Kloot,Kit Downes Trio,Laura Marling,Mumford And Sons,Paul Weller,The XX,Villagers,Wild Beasts. Then Corinne Bailey Rae sings a song then Villagers sing a song.Then upstairs for the media run and photos.First the two acts here already then Paul Weller,Dizzee Rascal,The XX,Wild Beasts and Foals all turn up.The winner is chosen on 7 Sept.....then later 6.30pm to 8pm was at the Haunch Of Venison Gallery,6 Burlington Gardens,Piccadilly,London for the preview of works by Polly Morgan(shes a taxidermist) and Joana Vasconcelos.A massive crowd of over 500 here in this huge gallery inc Pam Hogg and other arty fashion types.Free beers and wines for all.Open to the public from 21 July............................................. 19 July 2010.Public Image Ltd live at The Shepherds Bush Empire,London.John Lydons first time back at this venue since that superb Sex Pistols reunion show 14 years ago in 1996 that is one of my top gigs of all time.Back playing the UK after some dates over here in Dec 2009. Sadly levels 2 and 3 upstairs are closed as unsold despite John doing loads of press last week.On stage for 2 hours 10 mins its the same songs as six months ago but some are in different order.His band are again superb and John is really getting stuck into the PIL tracks.Set started with "This Is Not A Love Song",also "Poptones",some neat wailing on "Four Enclosed Walls".Some of the songs in the middle were no doubt hard work for the casual fan but the band worked up a great sound."Death Disco" and "Religion" were both superb and encores of "Public Image","Rise" and "Open Up" were all brilliant.A great show.......................... 18 July 2010.Grace Jones + Hot Chip live at Day 3 of The Lovebox Festival,Victoria Park, Hackney,London.Back here again even though i still felt whacked out from yesterday.Hot Chip play for 60 mins.I saw them live only 10 days ago.They are ideal for this dance crowd.They play "Over And Over".Grace Jones is 25 mins late so that makes it an hour between acts which is taking the piss.All that is quickly forgotten as Grace comes on and is totally fantastic.Now age 62 but she is still in towering heels and showing off her long sexy legs and her bum cheeks.Every song gets a different hat or face mask.You cannot take your eyes off her.I have seen her a couple of times in the past year and it was a two hour set but tonight its only 75 mins but its all killer stuff as that means lots of new album tracks were dropped.Set inc "Night Clubbing","My Jamaican Guy","Demolition Man", "Love You To Life","La Vie En Rose" and a stunning "Pull Up To The Bumper" where she sang in the photo pit and ticker tape covered the crowd."Love Is The Drug" was totally rockin with lasers bouncing off her hat.The last song was a brilliant "Slave To The Rhythm" where she put a hoop around her waist and sung the entire song and introduced the band while still hula hooping. This was an amazing live show.................... 17 July 2010.Roxy Music + Mark Ronson And The Business Intl + Paloma Faith + Wild Beasts live at Day 2 of The Lovebox Festival,Victoria Park, Hackney,London.Decent weather here for this cool indie and dance festival that gets around 20,000 punters a day.Around ten stages here and lots of wacky little acts here.Over to the main stage for Wild Beasts who did a good 45 mins set.They are great musicians.I saw them last summer when their second album "Two Dancers" came out to loads of great reviews...next up was Paloma Faith who has had a great last year with the success of her album "Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful?".She looks amazing in a long green velvet dress and a fan type hat.She has a lovely warm on stage personality.The band are dressed smartly and her quirky pop soul is really good with a 45 mins set that inc the album title track and "New York"....next up was Mark Ronson And The Business Intl who i saw only nine days ago.Again its a nice big funky sound in the 65 mins set.Set inc new single "Bang Bang Bang","Oh My God" and "California" then some neat guests came on.Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes came on to sing Marks new album title track "Record Collection" then the other two DD members came on for a stunning version of Duran Durans "Planet Earth" then "Valerie" with The Views singer doing the vocals.....then headliners Roxy Music first UK show for five years.Bryan Ferry looks super cool as always. A nice screen backdrop showing arty images. The first half of the 85 mins set started gently with tracks like "Re-Make Re-Model","More Than This" and "Ladytron" then it got really good for "In Every Dream Home A Heartache","Jealous Guy", "Virginia Plain","Love Is The Drug" and encores "Lets Stick Together" and "Do The Strand".A great set and overall all four bands i watched today made it a really good day.......... 16 July 2010.Ray Manzarek & Robby Krieger of The Doors together with the 50 piece Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra Perform the music of The Doors live at Shepherds Bush Empire,London.I must admit i love it when bands play with full orchestras on stage."How Will It Sound?" and "How Can We Pay All These People?" come to mind.Legends of The late 60s The Doors members are getting on these days as Ray is 71 and Robby is 64.They have sold over 75m albums. They play for nearly 2 hours over sets of 50 mins and 65 mins.Its stalls seating but the crowd soon stand up.The new singer does a decent job although hes no Jim Morrison or Ian Astbury but no doubt a lot cheaper than Ian.Setlist inc "Break On Through","Love Her Madly","Moonlight Drive","People Are Strange","Touch Me","Riders On The Storm","Roadhouse Blues" and the two best songs of the night were brilliant extended versions of "Light My Fire" and encore "L.A.Woman".The overall sound is pretty good considering the band and orchestra only had one rehearsal together on the afternoon of the show.To hear Doors classics with lashings of violins and brass was great.So a very good show and i managed to get a Robby Krieger guitar plectrum with his name on at the end.The dvd of the documentary "When Youre Strange" is in the shops 30 Aug 2010...................................... 15 July 2010.Penn And Teller live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.Their first UK shows for over 15 years for this veteran comedy and illusion duo who have called Las Vegas their home as they have annual stints there in one of the big hotels.This was show number two of five at this venue.On stage for nearly two hours over two sets of 60 mins and 55 mins.Its not the full Vegas production but there are two big screens and Penns microphones are hidden in his glasses. Penn is the big loud talkative one and Teller is his silent sidekick pulling facial expressions. Lots of comedy mixed in with the tricks.The duo are keen to confirm "its all just tricks" and slag off psychics and the like as just "tricksters and bullshit".They even show you how a couple of tricks are done.Lots of audience participation on stage worked really well.Stunts big and small inc levitation,a giant nail gun,a giant water tank,knife throwing,swallowing loads of pins,fire breathing etc.A really entertaining show from start to finish.A very nice touch at the end as straight after the show the duo were outside the venue signing and posing for photos with no sign of any security..................................... 14 July 2010.Went to two good events tonight. First 7pm to 9.30pm was the launch party for "The Yacht" private members club,Temple Pier,Victoria Embankment,London WC2.Around 200 upmarket thirty somethings here with freebie gin cocktails and canopes for all.It looks like a normal Thames tourist boat but inside its 5 star luxury over three floors.Its a floating club/bar/eating place/meeting place but moored. Fantastic views all along the river.Simple idea really as no club will have this kind of view.Fees not cheap at £750 for the basic annual membership and it can go higher.Got some goodie bags with Laurent Perrier Champagne and quality leather luggage accessories from Thomas Lyte. Visit www.theyachtlondon.com...............then 10pm to 11pm was "The White Party" at Stringfellows-Angels,Wardour Street,London W1. Summer party for this lapdancing club.Around 60 girls all in white lingerie.Very nice.About 200 male guests.Freebie champers and canopes for all. The lapdances are not free so the girls chat to you and then try and get you to part with £20. There is plenty of topless stuff a few yards away so no real need to part with any money.Good fun for an hour until the free bar ended........ 13 July 2010.Macy Gray live at The Leicester Square Theatre,London.Grammy award winner whose career has gone off the radar a bit the past few years.We have a great view five rows from the stage in this 400 capacity venue that i saw The Sex Pistols play in Nov 1976 when it was the much tattier Notre Dame Hall.On stage for 1 hour 40 mins with a great funky band it was a mix of old and new along with a couple of cover versions.For the first three songs all the backing band play wearing giant comedy afro wigs. Macy is wearing a long shiny dress.She still has that distinctive raspy voice and along with her two backing singers give out plenty of fun on stage banter.She is promoting new album "The Sellout".Tracks played tonight inc "Ghetto Love","Finally Made Me Happy",a cover of Radioheads "Creep","Why Didnt You Call Me?",a cover of Rod Stewarts "Do Ya Think Im Sexy?","Oblivion" and of course a stunning version of her mega hit "I Try".Encores inc album title track "The Sellout" and recent single "Beauty In The World".The crowd were all dancing for the second half as the band got in a nice Prince type groove.An enjoyable show....... 09 July 2010.Bermondsey Joyriders(feat Gary Lammin ex Cock Sparrer and Rat Scabies ex Damned) + The Dual + The Resistants + Burlesque Dancers live at The 100 Club,London.The night starts well with a nice bit of burlesque dancing and we get a dancer between each of the acts which was a nice touch.The first band The Resistants are blokes my age playing their fave punk anthems so we get Johnny Thunders/NY Dolls/ Buzzcocks/Ramones/999 etc.Next up The Dual with a female singer who looks like early Siouxsie and gives 100% in her singing.I liked them.Then headliners Bermondsey Joyriders.For the last few months they have Rat Scabies on drums.A rare sighting as you dont see him that often these days.Gary Lammin is still in charge with his cockney punk rock blues bottleneck guitar.Tracks played inc "Running Riot" from late 70s Cock Sparrer.Also "Football" and "Who Are Ya?".A tribute song dedicated to Johnny Thunders and another one dedicated to Brian Jones with the chorus of "Hey there goes Brian Jones the real true leader of The Rolling Stones".A good gig. www.myspace.com/thebermondseyjoyridersofficial... 08 July 2010.5.30pm to 11pm.Soho House Festival At Chiswick House And Gardens,Chiswick,London W4. Feat Mark Ronson And The Business Intl + Hot Chip + Friendly Fires + Feeling + Little Boots + Mumford And Sons.I went to this mini festival in 2008 but it was not on in 2009 as it was closed for £12m renovation work.Its not advertised to the general public as its for Soho House members and their guests.Most have paid £175 a ticket but that gets you free booze and food from over 20 quality vendors all day.Limited to a 2500 capacity sellout its how all outdoor festivals should be.Set in this lovely location too. The hosts and djs inc Ant And Dec,Reggie Yates, Richard Bacon and Jo Whiley.I miss Estelle and Paloma Faith but get there for Mumford and Sons. These lads with their folk rock harmonies are really flying these days.NME just made them best live band at Glastonbury 2010.Their set inc "Little Lion Man".Each band play a set lasting 20 to 50 mins of their best tracks. ....Next is Little Boots whose thunder has been stolen by Florence And The Machine as they were both were hotly tipped at the same time.In a gold dress for a good set inc "New In Town"....then The Feeling who headlined in 2008 when they were the flavour.They end being the band of the day.Every song is annoyingly catchy and they bring on guest vocalists.Set inc their hits "Fill My Little World","Never Be Lonely" and "Sewn" and Sophie Ellis Bextor comes on to sing her hit"Murder On The Dancefloor" and 80s nice geezer Paul Young comes on to sing his hits "Come Back And Stay" and "Every Time You Go Away".They went down a storm...then Friendly Fires whose set inc "Skeleton Boy" but they leave their South American dancers at home tonight....then Hot Chip who are the kind of band this yuppie crowd love.They play "Over And Over" and go down well.....Mark Ronson and his new band are odd choices as headliner but he has a great funky band.A 50 mins set inc covers of Radioheads "Just",Kaiser Chiefs "Oh My God",Phantom Planets "California" and Amy Winehouse "Valerie".Mark Ronson has connections with all these records....plenty of time to eat and drink between the acts so i came out pretty stuffed.Like i said before all festivals should be like this one.Excellent...... 07 July 2010.7.30pm to 1.45am.The Grand Prix Ball feat Eddie Jordan And The Robbers + Sugababes + Ben Montague live at The Hurlingham Club,Fulham,London SW6.Set in the stunning grounds of this private members club.There are around 20 classic racing cars outside and inside the room.About 500 people here at this black tie event.Most have paid £300 as its a charity event for Clic Sargent.There are a couple of celeb tables here but its hardly A list.None of the F1 drivers are here and the only F1 face i see is Eddie Jordan.Also here are Beverley Knight,Blake,Darius,Nancy Dell-Olio,Michelle Collins,Rick Parfitt Jr and also Nat Weller.(Nat is the son of Paul Weller).Ben Montague does a few songs in a David Gray sort of way.Then Sugababes do just three songs."Push The Button","The Club" and finally "About You Now" and then their backing tape cuts out.Very messy.Then Eddie Jordan And The Robbers.Eddie is on drums and its 45 mins of cover versions inc Killers,Coldplay,REM,Black Eyed Peas,Van Morrison,U2,Soft Cell.Then dj Seb Fontaine plays some good tunes.The live music was a bit tame but a nice crowd and an enjoyable night.......... 05 July 2010.Went to two good events tonight. First 6.30pm to 8.30pm was the preview evening for Mario Testinos "Kate Who?" at Phillips De Pury Gallery,9 Howick Place,Victoria,London SW1. A massive guest list of over 500 here in this huge gallery to see eighteen giant size photos of Kate Moss.Lots of freebie Laurent Perrier champers,Russian Standard Vodka Cocktails and tasty canopes served by waiters smartly dressed in tails.Supermodel Kate Moss is now age 36 and turned up looking stunning with her fella Jamie Hince and Mario Testino.After all these years she still refuses to do interviews with anyone.She lets the photos do the talking.A mad scrum as loads of photographers here.Lots of big name guests here inc Gwyneth Paltrow,Donatella Versace,Stella McCartney,Graham Norton,Nicky Haslam,Nick Rhodes,Manolo Blahnik(the top female shoe designer),Lulu Guinness,Tyrone Wood,Nancy Dell-Olio,Sir Philip Green(Topshop owner) and no doubt a few more.Excellent bash.On display until 15 July....then to see Them Crooked Vultures live at The Brixton Academy,London.Finally Raymondo gets around to seeing TCV for the first time.I thought their album was pretty average so was never in any real rush to see them.Its a long set of 1 hour 55 mins for a band with only one album out.Great to see John Paul Jones on stage and Dave Grohls relentless drumming is impressive and overall its a decent rock sound but the songs all sounded samey and not one really stood out as a classic.Still sounds a bit too like Queens Of The Stone Age for my liking. So a good show but nothing special............... 04 July 2010.9pm to 1am.Wimbledon Tennis Champions Dinner at The Intercontinental Hotel,Park Lane,London W1.This was held on the evening of the mens tennis final.About 400 seated for the three course black tie dinner and we are part of the 30 press folks standing.Nice freebie champers and canapes here for an hour.Singles winners Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal turn up late with lots of security.Others here inc Cliff Richard,Tim Henman,Annabel Croft,Evonne Goolagong-Cawley and a dozen other lesser known tennis champs past and present.During the dinner we stay in the background.Then at midnight John Inverdale from BBC TV gets all the champs to stand up one by one then interviews Serena and Rafael on the stage which is all covered in grass as the whole venue has a Wimbledon theme to it.Interviews over and a bit of a scramble for photos and autographs.Rafael is much more friendlier than Serena and i get a nice autograph from him for my tennis playing nephew.Had a couple of beers before we left.There was a fleet of 50 Hertz Wimbledon SUVs to take each of the diners home but sadly that did not include the press folks as they had special vouchers with their invites.A bit of a late finish for a Sunday but a nice bash...................................... 03 July 2010.Went to two good events tonight. First was 7.30pm to 8.30pm.Noel Fielding and Michael Fielding art preview night at Maison Beataux,28 Greek Street,London W1.Freebie champers and pastries at this famous Soho cake shop.Under the title "Bryan Ferry v The Jelly Fox"Lots of great drawings and paintings from Noel and Mike here inc a section called "The Church Of Ferry" where there are nine Ferry items.An animated booth downstairs next to Michaels stuff.Noel is suitably casual in a dress,knee high boots and full facepaint.The party spills out into the street and the whole area is buzzing as its Gay Pride celebrations.Faces here at Noels bash inc comedian Vic Reeves and his wife.Also Pixie Geldolf.A couple of others expected but i had to shoot off to see The Prince Of Darkness.Its on until 05 Jan 2011..... Ozzy Osbourne live at The Roundhouse,London.This was show number three of The ITunes Festival at this venue which is on for all of July.All gigs are free for all via ticket lottery competitions.You get a good mix of older acts and new acts.Ozzy is on stage for 95 mins again.Its the same songs played but two have been moved from main set and added to encores so encores were "Mama I'm Coming Home","I Dont Want To Change The World","War Pigs" and the anthem Paranoid".There is a bigger production tonight as ITunes are filming it for tv so we have big screens and lasers.When its shown on tv it looks like the bands are playing Wembley Arena rather than this much smaller venue.You can also download tracks of the gig via www.itunesfestival.co.uk.Like the Ozzy show i saw two days ago this was another corker....... 02 July 2010.Noon to 8pm.Henley Royal Regatta,Oxfordshire.Day four of six days here. June/July is the summer party season for events inc Wimbledon,Ascot,Polo and Henley where its all very quaint olde English.All the girls have summer dresses on and its a beautiful sunny day. Its lovely down here.The river,the small boats,the countryside.You can see why George Harrison had a big house here for the last 30 years of his life.You can watch it at the edges for free and just bring a picnic which a lot of people do.However there is loads of hospitality tents here and more badges of different shapes and colours for guest access than your average rock festival.Noon to 2pm i was in the Avis tent for some freebie champers and lunch.Then into the seated grandstand to watch a couple of hours racing.Then to the Mahiki tent where they are showing the Murray-Nadal tennis and Holland-Brazil football.Very lively in here with the younger crowd.Henley was a really nice day out. Nice surprse to see Mick Ralphs here from Bad Company/Mott The Hoople.He was hobbling a bit. He told me "He Is Going To America Next Week But His Hip Is Really Playing Up".................... 01 July 2010.Ozzy Osbourne live at The Oxford Academy.Third of four small UK shows for this rock legend at the start of his world tour to promote the just released album "Scream".Last time i was at this venue it was called The Zodiac Club.They have made it bigger but it still only holds 1000 people.Ozzy on stage for 95 mins and it was a dream setlist.All his best solo hits with some Sabbath classics and just the one new track off the album which was the single "Let Me Hear You Scream".Chants of "Ozzy,Ozzy,Ozzy" start well before he comes on stage and all through the night from the crowd."Let Me See You Go Fucking Mental" says Ozzy.Its only a few mins into the show before Ozzys trademark of throwing buckets of water over the crowd and himself.He does it about a dozen times.So many classic songs and Ozzy is in top form.The guitar solo and drum solo was a bit long but that was to give him a breather.Full setlist was "Bark At The Moon","Let Me Hear You Scream","Mr Crowley","I Dont Know","Fairies Wear Boots","Suicide Solution","Road To Nowhere", "Shot In The Dark",guitar and drum solo,"Iron Man","I Dont Want To Change A Thing","War Pigs", "Crazy Train" and encores "Mama I'm Coming Home" and a mental "Paranoid".Ozzy was just superb. Also Ozzy has a column in The Sunday Times giving advice to people with drugs,booze and sex problems.Honest this is true..................... 30 June 2010.Went to two events tonight.First 7pm to 8.45pm was the launch of Elements Eight Spiced Rum at Hush,8 Lancashire Court,London W1.First time here at this venue for me which is hidden away off Brook Street.Four different spiced rum freebie cocktails were all very nice so got stuck into them.Stayed here a bit longer than expected so missed the first 30 mins of the gig.....Kings Of Leon live at Hyde Park,London.A massive sold out crowd of 60,000.Pretty amazing how popular KOL are in the UK.They sold more tickets than either Pearl Jam,Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney who all played here the past weekend.Their fourth album "Only By The Night" has sold over 6 million copies worldwide. I missed "Crawl" and "Mollys Chambers" as i saw last 75 mins of their 1 hour 45 mins set.I still hate these big outdoor standing up gigs.The big screens are in black and white.KOL still have a lot of average songs in their set.They played a cover of Pixies "Where Is My Mind".Big hits like "Sex On Fire" and "On Call" went down well.Encores inc "Use Somebody" and "Black Thumbnail".A good show but never really hit that great mark for me...................... 29 June 2010.Melissa Etheridge live at Shepherds Bush Empire,London.Iconic gay activist rocker from America who is a grammy award winner and has sold over 25m albums worldwide.Half the crowd are indeed female couples.A long set of 2 hours 25 mins that was really gteat.A tight band with fantastic lyrics and clear vocals from Melissa that her loyal fans really lapped up. The songs from recent album "Fearless Love" were all excellent.The sound was kinda Bruce Springsteen meets Bryan Adams meets Sheryl Crow.Songs about relationships and her battle with breast cancer.The pace of the show was perfect and the warmness between artist and crowd really was a joy to see.A great gig. Set inc "Similiar Features","I Want To Come Over","Indiana","Fearless Love","Nervous", "Bring Me Some Water" and encore "Gently We Row". ................................................. 27 June 2010.Paul McCartney + Crosby,Stills and Nash plus others live at Hard Rock Calling, Hyde Park,London.Wow this was a great day.For outdoor shows rain is bad but too much sun can be just as bad as i get to venue at 2pm and its roasting hot.Backstage there is a general guest area then about ten tents doing hospitailty within that. The biggest and best is The Hard Rock Cafe tent which is done out like one of their branches with guitars and stuff all over the walls.Loads of great freebie food and booze all day in here. Everyone gets a tshirt with the bands listed. The Hard Rock Cafe and their staff really are the best for hospitality.We watch the England game while eating and drinking in the tent so miss Elvis Costello and Crowded House.Over 500 guests in the tent.I see George Martin,Chrissie Hynde,Phil Manzernera,Bill Wyman.Steven Van Zandt,Dave Robinson(Stiff Records) and Elvis Costello comes in after his set.At 6pm head out after the sun has cooled down.Crosby,Stills and Nash do an hour set.Very laid back and lots of harmonies.Nice to hear songs like "Our House".Then over to the second stage where Steven Van Zandt is introducing three of his bands from his Underground Garage New York Radio Show and Record Label.They each play three songs each.The Len Price 3(a mod type band),Cocktail Slippers(all girl band)and The Breakers(a power pop garage band).These three bands play full sets at the Garage tonight(Monday) then back to the main stage for Macca who plays a great 2 hours 45 mins show.Not as mega as that indoor gig at The 02 Arena before Christmas but still loads of great tunes inc "Jet","All My Loving","Let Me Roll It","The Long And Winding Road","Let Em In","My Love", "Blackbird","Eleanor Rigby",a mega "Band On The Run","Ob La Di,Ob La Da","Paperback Writer","Give Peace A Chance","Let It Be",a mega "Live And Let Die" with flames and fireworks,a mass singalong for "Hey Jude". Encores were "Day Tripper","Lady Madonna","Get Back","Yesterday","Helter Skelter","Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band".A great show. See aftershow page for this gig.................. 26 June 2010.Bon Jovi + Kid Rock live at The 02 Arena,London.Last of twelve Bon Jovi shows here and the fourth time i had seen them on this stint.Kid Rock was support for the last four shows.Nice to see a good support.Kid Rock is on for 55 mins and goes down great.A superb 10 piece band inc sax,percussion,dj and two backing singers.Tracks played inc "Rock n Roll Jesus",a cover of "Tumbling Dice","Cowboy" and his big hit "All Summer Long".The atmosphere tonight is amazing and this run of Bon Jovi shows just got better and better.They have played to 189,000 people in their stint here.Tennis legend John McEnroe is in front of me.They are on fire tonight with a 2 hours 50 mins set and a six song encore.Loads of singalong rock gems as usual.Again a few songs not played on the tour.They play "Blaze Of Glory" and JBJ says this is the 70th different song that has been played in this run here which is just amazing really.We get a cover of Bob Segers "Old Time Rock n Roll" where they are joined by Kid Rock.Encores were "Have A Nice Day","Wanted Dead Or Alive","These Days","Its Hard Letting You Go"(first time they have played it in 15 years), "I Love This Town" and of course "Living On A Prayer".An excellent show........................ 25 June 2010.Pearl Jam live at Hard Rock Calling,Hyde Park,London.Got back late last night so still feeling a bit whacked from Madrid as my poor legs did a lot of walking.On my flight back from Madrid there were half a dozen Spaniards on the plane going to see Pearl Jam. You have to admire Pearl Jam.You dont hear much of them on the radio or see them on tv but their loyal fans have turned out in force tonight.A massive crowd of over 50,000 i reckon here.They never seem to play the same setlist twice.Singer Eddie Vedder comes on with a bottle of wine and wearing a Devo tshirt.Great musicians as they get stuck into their grunge rock groove.They dedicate a song to Joe Strummer.They dont choose an obvious Clash song but "Arms Aloft For Aberdeen" which is an album track from Joe Strummer And The Mescaleros "Streetcore".Others played inc "Even Flow" and "Better Man".For the encores Ben Harper played some neat bottleneck guitar on "Red Mosquito" and later they played "Alive".On stage for 2 hours 20 mins.It was a great set.See www.pearljam.com for full setlist..........................................

 
 
2010-06-25
 

22 June 2010.KISS meet and greet and live show at Palacio De Deportes,Madrid,Spain.Even though i had seen seven KISS UK shows only a month ago i still simply had to see a show overseas.Here in sunny Spain at the same venue i saw Iron Maiden play in 2005.This is no ordinary show as Rod MacSween who is KISS UK and Europe booking agent as well as many other great rock bands has very kindly offered me a guest list place to The KISS Meet And Greet Experience for promoting KISS on this website.For me its an amazing gesture as this usually costs 1000 Euros as KISS and other bands are getting fed up with their autographs being sold on ebay.Get to box office at 6pm to collect laminate and wristband.There are about 40 Spanish KISS fans with me.We are told to meet later left of stage.We are allowed in the venue a few mins before the general crowd are let in.Sadly we cannot take up a front row view because of the meet and greet later.The venue itself is a bit of an ugly concrete slab of a building but the atmosphere is fantastic.A rabid sold out crowd of maybe 12 to 15,000.At 7.45pm we go backstage.We see KISS manager Doc McGhee and Gene Simmons partner and son.We are in a semi circle and told how things will go.We get a bag of swag.A set of four KISS guitar picks,a Sonic Boom tour programme,a glossy 10" by 8" thats presigned by the band,a larger print that is the main item to be signed later by all the band.The band turn up in full costume to cheers.We get two photos each with the band which taken by a photographer who will send the photos in a weeks time."Sonic Boom" album is on in the background and Paul is singing along to it so we get a kinda private little show.Then its autograph time and chats.I get five Gene,four Paul,two Tommy,two Eric.Paul seems impressed when i tell him i was at seven of the UK shows.The hour here goes so quickly but it was a totally amazing and unique experience that any KISS fan would really love to be at.Thanks again to Rod MacSween for arranging it.Then to the show itself.I am standing left of stage 15 rows back.The bands entrance is just mega.The google maps video then the "You Wanted The Best You Got The Best" battle cry and then the band appear from behind the drumkit on a riser.The songs old and new are just brilliant.Like the Italian show i saw a couple of years ago Paul Stanley says a few words in the local language as well as singing a couple of old Spanish songs.The crowd responds with "ole ole ole" every other song.The crowd really are up for it. We also get extra songs to the UK setlist as encores now include "Beth" and "Forever".So many highlights in what is now a 2 hour 15 mins show. They finish as usual with their anthem "Rock n Roll All Nite".Yep KISS destroy Madrid and as Spinal Tap would say this gig went up to 11. See www.kissonline.com.......................... 21 June 2010.9pm to midnight.Simon De Pury party at The Saatchi Gallery,Kings Road,Chelsea London. One of the art worlds leading figures throws a massive party to celebrate his recent wedding. About 400 upmarket people here inc Bianca Jagger,Nick Rhodes from Duran Duran and supermodel Victoria Silvstedt.There are 70 beds,yes beds all covered in different foods and half a dozen guests relax on each one with crates of booze at the side.We have a piano player who plays a 30 mins set of rock tracks.Then downstairs there are 100 cakes on 100 stands made by 100 bakers.Nick Rhodes is taking photos of them.Then the dj for the last hour.A very lavish and amazing party............. 20 June 2010.Bon Jovi + One Republic live at The 02 Arena,London.This was show number eight of twelve here for Bon Jovi and my third show of the stint.Up first are One Republic who have had a couple of hit singles and recently headlined Shepherds Bush Empire.They play a pretty average set inc a cover of Tears For Fears "Shout" and their hit "Apologize".The atmosphere for Bon Jovi is again brilliant for a set lasting 2 hours 30 mins.Early on in the show JBJ asks how many fans have been to a previous show? About half the audience puts their hands up.He then says they have now played over 50 different songs so far.Each night is maybe 30 to 35 songs so we get three or four different each night which is great considering some bands never change their set.The opener "Blood On Blood" is different.Also "In These Arms" and cover versions of "Roadhouse Blues" and "Squeeze Box". Also "These Days" and "Have A Nice Day" were additions to shows i had seen earlier.Loads of great singalong older gems played and even newer songs like "When We Were Beautiful" gets better and better.Encores were "I Love This Town","Wanted Dead Or Alive" and a stunning "Living On A Prayer".Another fantastic Bon Jovi show.................................... 19 June 2010.Green Day + Joan Jett And The Blackhearts live at Wembley Stadium,London. A massive show here for Green Day but there are a few empty blocks of seats.Missed the first act(Frank Turner)as was in the Bobby Moore hospitality area for some free booze and grub. Great to see Joan Jett again who played a 40 mins set.I loved her 1970s all girl band The Runaways who i saw a couple of times.Their documentary comes out in August.Her set inc "Cherry Bomb","Do You Wanna Touch Me?","AC-DC","I Love Playing With Fire" her big hit "I Love Rock n Roll","Crimson And Clover" and "I Hate Myself For Loving You".Green Day on stage for a lenghty 2 hours 50 mins.Full of energy just like the shows i saw at Wembley Arena and The 02 Arena before Christmas.Loads of flames and pyros and three huge screens as they continue to promote their album "21st Century Breakdown".Singer Billie Joe is great at working the crowd and again they get some teenage fans to sing with them then stage dive into the crowd. Loads of brilliant songs in the set inc "Know Your Enemy","East Jesus Nowhere","Holiday","Boulevard Of Broken Dreams", "When I Come Around",a medley of rock covers, "Basket Case","King For A Day","21 Guns","Minority".Encores inc "American Idiot", "Jesus Of Surburbia","Wake Me Up When September Comes" and "Good Riddance(Time Of Your Life). Very entertaining from start to the finish. Great show..................................... 17 June 2010.Went to two good events tonight. First 7pm to 10.45pm was The First Birthday Party for The Kensington Hotel,109 Queens Gate,South Kensington,London SW7.Irish owned boutique hotel which is one of the dozen or so they own worldwide.Only meant to stay here for an hour before the bigger party later but it was so nice here we stayed here.Its a superb hotel in a great location.Lots of freebie Moet champers flowing and we went through their extensive cocktail list.Lots of hot and cold food too.A great draw later where they gave out ten weekend trips with flights to visit their hotels across the world.Main prize was five nights in Washington with flights.Very nice.They had a decent singer playing an acoutic set and a dj too.See www.doylecollection.com....then 11pm to 1am was The Sony Ericsson Pre Wimbledon Party at The Roof Gardens,Kensington High Street,London W8.Annual party that gets a huge crowd of 700 plus people.Its mainly for the female tennis stars to get dressed up before Wimbledon starts on Monday.Those here inc Venus Williams,Serena Williams,Maria Sharapova and non tennis folks like The Sugababes.Very lively with the dancefloor in full swing and plenty of free booze still going.Always great to visit this great venue with its stunning roof garden area that i think is still owned by Sir Richard Branson.......................................... 16 June 2010.7.30pm to 11pm.Went along to a press dinner at the recently opened Tompkins, 3 Pan Peninsular Square,Canary Wharf,London E14. This New York style brasserie and steakhouse has a lovely location by the water at South Quay.The starters of a dozen yummy grilled king prawns was a meal in itself.The steak with pepper sauce was perfect and the raspberry dessert was great.The staff were very attentive all night with drink refills without asking.Overall it was the best dining out experience i have had for ages.Only two mins from Canary Wharf tube which is one stop before North Greenwich and The 02 Arena complex so could easily be done before a gig.For more info check www.tompkins.uk.com or phone them on 0208 858 2437...................... 15 June 2010.Went to two events tonight.A bar launch then a gig.6pm to 7.30pm was the launch of The Terrace Bar at The Langham Hotel,Portland Place,London W1.Always nice to go to this lovely five star hotel.Even though i am not a smoker all venues these days must have a decent area set aside for them and those that just want to be outside.Lovely freebie Laurent Perrier champers is flowing along with sushi.There is an old Cuban guy in the corner rolling huge Cuban cigars so i get one for a friend.Left there after a few drinks then on to see......Aerosmith + Airbourne play The 02 Arena,London.Very naughty of Aerosmith to sell tickets for £95 and £75 for this show when bands like KISS only charged £40.Up first its Airbourne who again play an energy filled 40 mins of rock n roll. Aerosmith are another band i have a lot of history with.I have seen EVERY London show they have done since their first in 1976 at Hammersmith Odeon and inc the secret gig at The Hard Rock Cafe in 2007.Tonight was their first official indoor UK show since the 1997 tour where i saw them twice at Wembley Arena and also at The Bercy,Paris.They have lots of guests standing on each side of the stage inc Jimmy Page.On stage for 1 hour 55 mins.Its pretty much The Donington Festival setlist plus two extra tracks.Steven Tyler spends a lot of the time at the front of the catwalk still looking every inch a proper rock star.Opening with "Love In An Elevator" and "Back In The Saddle".Others inc "Eat The Rich","Pink","Living On The Edge","Crying", and superb versions of "I Dont Want To Miss A Thing" and "Sweet Emotion". Great encores of "Dream On","Walk This Way" and "Toys In The Attic".Aerosmith are always great to see live................................ 14 June 2010.7pm to 11pm.Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards at Indigo,London.1000 ticket holders on the floor and 500 media and guests upstairs with the freebie beer.We had short live sets by some Download Festival bands.Steel Panther,Evile,Five Finger Death Punch,Skindred and Airboune as well as around 15 awards.Steel Panther come on early for three songs inc "Death To All But Metal " and "Turn Out The Lights".They were perfect hosts for the evening.Very rude and very entertaining.Then heavier bands Evile,Five Finger Death Punch and Skindred did three or four songs each that the crowd loved.During sets we had the awards.Some of the newer bands i dont know but a few faces are here.Always good to see gig going regulars like Chris McCormack(ex 3 Colours Red) and Luke Morley(ex Thunder).Joe Perry picked up an award.Zakk Wylde picked up an award.Also Joe Elliot and Scott Gorham here.A highlight was Tony Iommi presenting actor Sir Christopher Lee with an award and rightly calling this horror film legend "the original prince of darkness".Whats more Sir Christopher Lee has at the age of 87 yes 87 brought out an album of "symphonic metal" on Cadiz Music called "Charlemagne: By The Sword And The Cross".Lots of chants of Dio,Dio,Dio during the evening to remember this rock legend.Airbourne finished off the evening with a loud and fast 40 mins of Australian rock n roll.A great night. See www.metalhammer.co.uk for winners............ 13 June 2010.Bon Jovi live at The 02 Arena, London.Show number five of twelve here for Bon Jovi and my second time.Should mention that Bon Jovi are taking advantage of fans loyalty with ticket prices here.Block A seats are £100 and gold circle seats in the front ten rows are a whopping £200.As its a Sunday Bon Jovi come on stage 30 mins earlier.The set is a bit shorter at 2 hours 25 mins so that means four songs dropped and a couple added and a couple changed in the setlist order but overall it made a great set slightly better.As its Sunday lots of references to going to the rock n roll church,i need redemption,i have sinned,testify etc.For tonight they are without their keyboard player as he was back in New York for an awards show as his musical "Memphis" was a big hit.The keyboard player from Southside Johnnys band stands in tonight.The females are drooling over JBJ from the start."Pretty Woman" replaced "Hot Legs" as the cover."Runaway","Dry County" and "Always" were dropped and "In These Arms" was added.Loads of big catchty rock gems to sing along to.The encores were "In These Arms","Wanted Dead Or Alive" and their biggest anthem "Living On A Prayer".Another excellent show................... 11 June 2010.Steve New RIP.1pm arrived at the huge and beautiful Islington And St Pancras Crematorium,High Road,Finchley,London N2.Steve "Stella" New died aged only 50 of cancer.He was the guitarist in The Rich Kids in the early 80s.Glen Matlock was a close friend all his life and Steve joined Glens band and they headed out on a two week UK tour in 2002 where i was the roadie and merch seller and shared a hotel room with Steve a couple of nights.Friends here inc Glen Matlock(Sex Pistols),Mick Jones(Clash/Carbon Silicon),Tony James(Gen X and now Carbon Silicon),James Stephenson(Gen X and now The Alarm),Patti Palladin,Chris McCormack(ex 3 Colours Red) and some of Steves ex bandmates Chris Musto,Ray McVeigh,Terry Edwards and Koozie Johns.A lovely service even though very sad.Check back over the weekend for pics on www.sex-pistols.net....then all up the road for drinks at The Bald Faced Stag then 6pm to 11pm was more drinks at The George in Commerial Road,London E1.This was the venue were Stevs latest band Beastellabeast played most of their shows.Its a battered old pub that lets creative folks in the area jam on stage.Pete Doherty has played a couple of secret gigs here.Terry Edwards played some great trumpet and they showed some films of Steves projects.You can see why Steve loved this venue............................................ 10 June 2010.6pm to 11.45pm.Mojo Magazine Honours List 2010 at The Brewery,Moorgate,London. Around 450 people seated for a three course meal after the drinks reception and 50 people standing at the back for this quality awards show that always gets great names from music past and present.Here tonight presenting,collecting or just hanging out inc Jimmy Page(won an award),Roger Daltrey,Kasabian(won an award),Duane Eddy(won an award),Jean Michel Jarre(won an award),Roy Wood(won an award),Richard Hawley(won an award),Marc Almond(won an award),Richard Thompson(won an award), Daniel Miller-Mute Records(won an award), Sigur Ros(won an award),Teardrop Explodes(won an award)but Julian Cope did not turn up and left band members do it,Hawkwind(won an award),Wilko Johnson and Julian Temple picked up the award for film "Oil City Confidential".Also here Bez,Peter Hammill,Antony Hegarty,Matthew Wright,Geoff Travis,Emmylou Harris,Alex James,Devo,Tony Christie,Scott Gorham,Rufus and Martha Wainwright,JJ Burnel,Peter Blake,Paloma Faith,Bill Nelson,John Foxx,Andy Bell,Andrew Fletcher,John Leckie,Beth Orton,Midlake,Gang Of Four,Chip Taylor,Harry Shearer(Spinal Tap and The Simpsons),Jarvis Cocker and no doubt a few more.An excellent evening.I went to the afterparty across the road from the venue for one drink.Kasabian and a few others were here.See www.mojo4music.com...................... 09 June 2010.7.15pm to 10pm.Amy Macdonald live at The Hard Rock Cafe,London.Before i went here i popped along the road for half an hour to see some of the arrivals for The Royal Academy Of Arts Summer Party,Piccadilly,London W1.Lots of glammed up womwn going in.David Gilmour and Nick Mason(Pink Floyd) turned up as did Razorlight singer Johnny Borrell.No doubt a few more from music and the arts arrived later....then to this invite only gig for 200 comp winners and media.This was for Q Magazine-The Music Club.Free booze and HRC grub for all throughout the evening.Amy Macdonald debut album "This Is The Life" has sold 3 million copies worldwide and her second album "A Curious Thing" came out a couple of months ago.On stage for 50 mins with her band the comparisons to the singer from The Cranberries are fairly spot on.A sprinkling of songs from both albums and a neat cover of Bruce Springsteens "Born To Run".The full set was "Ordinary Life","Love Love","This Pretty Face","Mr Rock n Roll","Troubled Soul","Born To Run","Dont Tell Me That Its Over", "Spark","No Roots","This Is The Life".A decent gig.While in here i was thinking of all the great gigs i have seen here at this small venue since they put the stage in a few years ago which inc Aerosmith,Deep Purple,Bad Company,John Mayer and others................................. 08 June 2010.Bon Jovi + The Side live at The 02 Arena,London.Show number two of twelve here for Bon Jovi who were the first band to play The 02 Arena in June 2007.Up first we have an unsigned act who are one of the five that will open the first bunch of shows.Decent enough but i reckon most Bon Jovi fans wanted a name support.A nice stage production with fans behind the stage and ten rows of seats in a gold circle within a circular walkway and great use of giant screens. Its a long show of around 2 hours 40 mins.The band are promoting recent album "The Circle". I have a lot of history with Bon Jovi.Have seen them on every UK tour at least once and even saw them as a support band to KISS in the mid 1980s when "Runaway" came out and they were yet to take off.25 years later and its 120m albums sold. Of course they are not the electrifying rock band that i saw when "Slippery When Wet" came out and those fantastic shows at Hammersmith Odeon.Its starts pretty average with a couple of new songs inc "Last Man Standing" but its the big BJ anthems we wanna here."You Give Love A Bad Name A Bad Name" is mega.Jon Bon Jovis good looks means there are loads of woman here.Other tracks played "Born To Be My Baby","Lost Highway","Superman Tonight",a superb "Bad Medicine",a cover of Rod Stewarts "Hot Legs",more biggies like "Its My Life","Lay Your Hands On Me" and "Bed Of Roses".A semi acoustic half hour at the front of circular stage was a bit average.Then back to electric "Sleep When I'm Dead","Runaway","Who Says You Cant Go Home" and "Keep The Faith".Encores were "Dry County", "Wanted Dead Or Alive","Always" and a mental "Living On A Prayer".So as expected the new songs were all a bit average but tons of Bon Jovi oldies made it a really good show. They have said they will change the set every night by three or four songs which is good....... 07 June 2010.Went to two good events tonight. First was 6.30pm to 8pm The London Jewellery Week launch party at Goldsmiths Hall,Foster Lane,London EC2.Stunning building that is around 700 years old.Millions of pounds of quality items on display here from various top retailers. Lots of freebie champers,Pimms and canopes.A couple of faces like Sienna Miller were due to turn up but did not show.Always nice to see 70s singer Patti Boulaye who always looks great. See www.londonjewelleryweek.co.uk......then 8.30pm to midnight was The London Club And Bar Awards at The Intercontinental Hotel,Park Lane,London W1.Over 600 people here for the main awards night for Londons coolest clubs and bars .Some 12 awards given out alongside a three course dinner and tons of free booze from every angle.Some faces here inc Rusty Egan(told me he cannot make Steve News funeral on Friday as from Thursday he is djing for four nights at The Isle Of Wight Festival).Others here inc Mark Fuller,Philip Salon,Lee Chapman and Calum Best.Very lively crowd who cannot keep still.Like the time i went a couple of years ago it must be the noiseiest dinner ever.See www.theclubawards.com for winners...... 06 June 2010.Capital Radio 95.8fm "Summertime Ball" live at Wembley Stadium.4pm to 10pm.By rights i should have been at Rage Against The Machine at Finsbury Park but Capital Radio offered me a freebie press review ticket with a nice padded seat in vip block along with free food and booze all day so here i am.A massive crowd of 70,000 for one of the biggest live pop events of the year.Over a dozen acts inc Rihanna,JLS,Cheryl Cole,Dizzee Rascal,Justin Bieber,Tinie Tempah,Ellie Goulding,Scouting For Girls,Alexandra Burke,Chipmunk,Pixie Lott,Jason Derulo,Kesha and Usher.They all play between 3 and 6 songs each so lots of pop hits for the mainly girlie crowd to scream at.A nice big production for each act and very quick changeovers between acts.Of the first half dozen acts i thought Pixie Lott was the best.Four great songs and she looked fantastic on stage. At 6pm for an hour i went into Bobby Moore hospitality area for my sushi,chicken curry,roast beef and yorkshire pudding and desserts washed down with a couple of beers.This meant i watched two or three acts on tv screen. Tinie Tempah was good.Justin Bieber is only 13 and playing this huge venue but the young girls love him.Dizzee Rascal is the best of the day. His stunning crossover success has been amazing and 70,000 all up and jumping to "Bonkers" was brilliant.Cheryl Cole and JLS went down well. Headliner Rihanna started slowly but a great finale of "Umbrella" with hundreds of the crowd putting their umbrellas up was very good.An enjoyable enough show overall.................... 05 June 2010.Went to two music events today.First was 2pm to 5pm.The Carnaby Street Free Festival.Celebrating 60 years of this famous street.A nice sunny afternoon atmosphere with two stages and some of the shops giving out free drinks and nibbles.Lots of tourists about and great to see a few mods in their outfits.The two bands i watched were from the mod scene.First up The Univeral from Liverpool who played a decent 35 mins set with some neat guitar riffs.Their new single is called "Day In Day Out".Then next up is Connett.Their singer is a friend who i used to work with at Hammersmith Odeon.He has done lots of magazine and male model work as he has a perfect mod look.Again a decent 35 mins of catchy tunes and some neat guitar playing.Both bands play The 100 Club on Sunday 18 July......then 8pm The David Sinclair Trio live at The Half Moon,Herne Hill,Lndon SE24. A big old live music pub which brings your mind back to those great pub gigs in the 1970s.A full house here and a very receptive to blues related audience.DST play a sprinkling of tracks from their two albums.Quality blues rock with all their own tunes.Great lyrics that all told a story.Tracks played inc "Years Disappear","Going To Do Something","Perfect In Every Way","Eight Rounds Later" and "Living Like A Yo-Yo".Good gig. See www.myspace.com/davidsinclair................ 04 June 2010.Too hot and humid to go out to a gig tonight so stayed indoors.BBC2 tv showed that Bon Jovi documentary "When We Were Beautiful".Lots of great live footage but it seems Jon Bon Jovi is the bands manager these days and he makes all the decisions and all the other band members inc Richie Sambora just nod and do what he says.There were a couple of vomit inducing moments inc one where Jon Bon Jovi is on the phone telling someone he is "CEO of a major organization".............................. 03 June 2010.Went to two non music events tonight.First was 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Wheelers Of St James,72 St James Street,London SW1.This was to launch the book "William And Harry" by Katie Nicholl who is the Royal Corresspondent for The Mail On Sunday.Very nice upmarket venue. Lots of freebie champers and hot and cold food for all.Mica Paris the singer is here.All the main showbiz photographers are here talking pictures of posh types.Katies agent Jonathan Shalit is here who is always very friendly and really is one of those old school managers/agents who really networks and promotes his clients. Excellent goodie bag for all which inc the book itself which sells for £20,Ted Baker perfume,a voucher worth £100 for a free 60 mins facial at very posh Georgia Skincare Salon in Beauchamp Place,Knightsbridge and other stuff....then 8.45pm to 9.45pm i was at the Coco De Mer store in Monmouth Street,Covent Garden,London WC2.Luxury underwear brand lauches its new range "Circus Child".Lots of the trendy and cool looking fashion crowd here so i look a bit of a twat in the suit i had to wear for the book launch earlier.This store really has got some beautiful and sexy quality items.There is freebie Tequila Patron cocktails flowing and a couple of burlesque performers put on a show..... 02 June 2010.Michael Schenker Group live at The Shepherds Bush Empire,London.Guitar rock legend plays a 30th anniversary tour with an allstar band of oldies that inc Gary Barden,Chris Slade and Chris Glen.Levels 2 and 3 are closed which proves how hard it is for some of these older rockers to sell tickets and survive and why a lot choose smaller venues like The Islington Academy.On stage for 1 hour 40 mins.It started well with "Armed And Ready".Then a bunch of songs that plodded a bit but at least they had lots of nifty guitar riffs from MS and his flying V guitar.Gary Barden waa a bit weak as a vocalist i thought.Neil Murray guested on bass for one song.Then a drummer from The Scorpions guested for a superb "Lights Out".For encores it was great to see ex UFO members Pete Way and Paul Raymond come on for "Doctor Doctor" and Dougie White helped out on vocals for "Rock Bottom".Overall a very enjoyable show........... 01 June 2010.Rod Stewart live at The 02 Arena,London.Back again to see Rod at this venue.This was Rods second of four shows here.Again he is on stage prompt at 8pm so loads of punters still coming in as he takes the stage.Its the same set as Saturday.Loads of fantastic singalong gems from the 1970s and 1980s.Sadly Penny Lancaster does not come on stage for a dance tonight.Some hardcore fans hate the fact he does the soul covers instead of his own material.Rod has not released a decent album for years but like Elton John he has got so many great songs from the old days thats its always a really good night out................... 30 May 2010.Lady Gaga + Semi Precious Weapons live at The 02 Arena,London.The hottest popstar on the planet back at The 02 Arena for the first of two shows.Up first are Semi Precious Weapons who i missed the last time.They are mates of Lady Gaga from New York.Led by a very camp and mouthy male singer and his lively band their 30 mins of catchy shock rock was much better than expected with tunes like "Put A Diamond In It And Bite Down" and "Sticky With Champagne".I saw this same Lady Gaga show in Feb 2010 and tickets were 35 quid and then she won some BRIT Awards and now its 75 quid a ticket.More than double.The promoters say we got got her cheap the last time around.It a way they could be right because Lady Gagas live show is massive. Again its spread over four themes and every half hour a new theme and new stage is produced and every song has something happening visually. Loads of costume changes on stage and props.Its a pure visual treat that will surely be hitting stadiums next year.She is on stage for around 2 hours 10 mins.Nearly all the tracks from her 10 million plus selling album are played.Loads of comparisons with Madonna but Madonna is a better dancer and has loads more better tunes.Lady Gaga has half a dozen great tunes but the rest is average stuff.Good stuff was "Just Dance","Telephone","Alejandro","Poker Face", "Paparazzi" and a brilliant encore of "Bad Romance".Speaking of Paparazzi i noticed some music photographers i know who were the furthest back i have ever seen them.Not in the pit,not at the end of the walkway,not by the mixing desk but behind the level one seats.No doubt even a shot of Lady Gaga with a long lens is worth it. They were over 50 yards behind the mixing desk at the very opposite end to where the stage was. Lady Gagas management putting them there and told take it or leave it......................... 29 May 2010.Rod Stewart live at The 02 Arena,London.First of four shows at The 02 as part of a huge UK and European Tour to promote his covers album "Soulbook".Nearly missed the start of the show as got held up at Green Park tube as London Underground had suspended the Jubilee Line thanks to Millwall fans messing about on the way back from their win at Wembley. Rod on stage for two hours 05 mins over two sets of 65 mins and 60 mins.A nice big glossy stage with big screen and a big band and backing singers.The set was a few covers from his recent album,loads of greatest hits and thankfully nothing from those "American Songbook" albums. Now aged 65 and still looking great.The Jack The Lad of rock whose career spans 40 years and over 30 Top 10 hits makes sure there is plenty of his singalong classics in the set.Tracks played inc "Tonights The Night","Some Guys Have All The Luck","You Wear It Well","This Old Heart Of Mine","Rhythm Of My Heart","Have I Told You Lately That I Love You","Handbags And Gladrags", and for The Faces hit "Stay With Me" he wished the new line up well even though the crowd gave out boos to Mick Hucknalls name.He said he would catch up with them next year.So surely Rod with The Faces is on the cards for next year.Also played was "I Was Only Joking" then his Mrs came on to dance to a couple of songs.Penny Lancaster in heels and short red dress looking stunning. More good tunes inc "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy","First Cut Is The Deepest","You're In My Heart" and then he kicked out a bunch of signed foootballs like he always does during "Hot Legs". Then a superb "Maggie May" and encores of "Sailing" and "Baby Jane".A great show....... 28 May 2010.Pendulum + Sub Focus live at Wembley Arena,London.Rave alert.Rave alert.Getting in early for the support act and the place is already buzzing.Sub Focus is really a dj with a huge circular light show going on in front of his console with him in the middle.He goes down very well.Pendulum have just released their third album "Immersion" to pretty average reviews but it looks set to enter at Number One in the charts on Sunday.They have done things their own way without any help from the media.On stage for 1 hour 45 mins with three big screens their singer says "we have waited three years for tonight" which is their biggest London headline show to date.The energy from the crowd is amazing.I cannot remember the last time a crowd danced and jumped so much for the entire set.They played tracks from all three albums. They even had some fireworks and flames too. Relentless drum and bass with synth riffs.It did feel a bit samey but Pendulum are one of those bands that are ten times better live than on record.All the lights are behind the band and not once was there a spotlight on any of the guys at front.Even when the singer wound the crowd up between songs there was no spotlight on him.Tonight is classic example of why gig going is still so popular.Half the young men on the floor are shirtless at the end as they are sweating so much.There is more moshing than any metal gig.The singer gets the entire crowd to crouch down and all jump up and go mental on his word.As a live show the whole crowd loved it. Prodigy and Pendulum play a sold out show to 50,000 people at Milton Keynes Bowl on 24 July. That will be quite an event.................... 27 May 2010.6.30pm to midnight.Alicia Keys + Kasabian + Bryan Ferry live at St Johns,Smith Square,London SW1.Wow what an amazing event to attend for my 51st birthday.Last night i watched Alicia Keys play to around 18,000 and tonight its a mere 350.This was a £500 a ticket charity ball for Keep A Child Alive with 300 people having a three course meal downstairs and 50 people upstairs.Free cocktails,champers and canopes for everyone all night too.Some faces here too inc Chris Martin from Coldplay who turned very late wearing a hoodie.Actress Thandie Newton.Katie Price,Alex Reid and JLS all on the same table.Also Salmon Rushdie and footballer Sol Campbell.Up and coming rapper Tinchy Stryder.French shoe designer Christian Louboutin whose heels are amongst the most sought after.Alicia Keys wears them.Also here are musiz biz legends Rob Hallet and Rod MacSween.Rod is booking agent to KISS and many other rock giants.He told me this time of year he is criss crossing Europe catching his acts.Indeed the following morning he was off to Budapest to see KISS.Nice.After a 90 mins drinks reception it was the food then Thandie Newton introduced Alicia Keys who thanked us for coming then an auction.Then the live music.At 10.40pm for a 50 mins set Alicia and all her band take to the stage of this venue thats used for classical concerts.They open with a brilliant version of "No One" then Tom and Serge from Kasabian come on sing to two of theirs with Alicias band backing them for "Underdog" and "Where Did All The Love Go?.What a superb couple of songs that was and Alicia on BVs too. Later one of the band said they only had four hours rehearsal to learn the songs.Then Alicia plays a trio of songs inc "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" then Bryan Ferry came on to sing "Love Is The Drug" and "Slave To Love" and again Alicias big band and backing singers really nailed it.Last song was Alicias big hit "Empire State Of Mind".I was watching from just a few feet from stage.A pretty amazing gig.Got a couple of very nice goodie bags that inc Italian trendy designer watches from ToyWatch(Union Jack Crystal Glitter) that retail for 185 quid and Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue Womans Fragrance............................ 26 May 2010.Went to two good events tonight. First 7pm to 8.40pm was the launch of gastro pub The Tommyfield,185 Kennington Lane,London SE11. The name of the pub is better than the area its in.Kennington is only half a dozen stops on the tube from The 02 Arena so a handy stop off tonight.Its a nice looking venue with freebie champers,Pimms,lagers and real ales flowing along with over a dozen tasty bits of grub.....then a dash to see Alicia Keys live at The 02 Arena, London.Her second of two 02 shows to promote recent Number One album "The Element Of Freedom".I get to the venue at 9.20pm and as soon as i get to my seat the lights go down.Alicia must have been saying "I simply cannot start the show until that guy from www.raysgigs.com is here".Unlikely.Its a bigger production than expected from someone who spends a lot of time behind the piano.The band and overall sound is really good but her sole male dancer looked a bit awkward at times.Alicia is a multi grammy award winner with millions of albums sold now.She had four different types of keyboards inc a guitar shaped one that was like a giant key.For opening song she looked great in a tight black outfit as she sang in a giant cage.Her 95 mins set inc "You Dont Know My Name","Fallin'","Sleeping With A Broken Heart","Superwoman" and "I Aint Got You". She was best when she was behind a piano singing with that great voice.Last two songs of the night were excellent "No One" and encore "Empire State Of Mind".A good show....................... 24 May 2010.Mike Batt And Orchestra live at The Cadogan Hall,Chelsea,London.A rare show for this singer,songwriter,arranger,conductor and producer whose 40 year career has covered a wide range of musical projects inc massive success with The Wombles in the 1970s and more recently discovering and writing for Katie Melua.On stage for two sets of around 60 mins each backed by a 50 plus member orchestra.His recent best of album "A Songwriters Tale" was a chart success. "Caravan Song" had Florence Rawlings on vocals. "Imagine Something Yesterday" was a great tribute to The Beatles with the lyrics to these three famous songs all mixed up.Lots of hits he wrote for other artists as Mike has not got the best of voices.He sung a great "Bright Eyes" that was a hit for Art Garfunkel.Things got a bit rockier as he was joined by two guitarist friends well known to me Chris Spedding and Jim Cregan for "Tarota" and "Imbecile".Great to see them.Second set started with a couple of Wombles songs "The Wombling Song" and "To Wimbledon With Love" that both sounded really good with the orchestra.A trio of hits he wrote for others "A Winters Tale"(David Essex),"Please Dont Fall In Love"(Cliff Richard) and "I Feel Like Buddy Holly(Alvin Stardust).All the songs tonight got a nice story about how they came about."The Vanishing" had dj Simon Bates do the talking bit and encore was "The Closest Thing To Crazy" which he wrote for Katie Melua who was in the balcony.Rolf Harris was also here.A good show. See aftershow page for this gig.................. 23 May 2010.Ray Davies Band live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.1960s Ex Kinks legend back in London only six months after i saw him at The Hammersmith Apollo.Perhaps thats why all the balcony is unsold.On stage for two hours 10 mins.The first hour is semi acoustic as there is no drummer.Lots of great oldies in this set inc "Where Have All The Good Times Gone","Dedicated Follower Of Fashion","I'm Not Like Everybody Else","A Well Respected Man","Sunny Afternoon" and "Waterloo Sunset".Lots of crowd singalongs and then the drummer appeared for "Come Dancing", and then half a dozen more recent songs,then "Tired Of Waiting For You","All Day And All Of The Night" and "David Watts".Encores inc "Days", "Lola" but he did not play "You Really Got Me" tonight.A very enjoyable show.................... 22 May 2010.Natalie Merchant live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.Ex singer of 10,000 Maniacs plays her first London show for a few years as part of her European Tour to promote recent album "Leave Your Sleep".Dont know much about her really but i did see 10,000 Maniacs support REM at this venue in 1987 and when they headlined here in 1989.Its a long set as she plays for two hours 30 mins.The first 90 mins is the new album which is classic old childrens poems set to music.She used over 100 musicians on the album.Each song had an introduction with photos on the big screen.Informative but it felt like a school lecture at times.Should have been 30 mins shorter.She has a great voice and every word is nice and clear.The last 60 mins of the show was older material inc "Tell Yourself","Carnival", "Break Your Heart","San Andreas Vault","Dont Talk","These Are The Days","Motherland","Cowboy Romance","Weeping Pilgrim" and finally "Kind And Generous".She was quite a good mover on stage. A standing ovation from the crowd.A decent gig. Her debut solo album "Tigerlily" sold over 4 million copies when it came out in 1995. See aftershow page for this show................. 21 May 2010.Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood live at Wembley Arena,London.The second of two shows here at Wembley as part of their European Tour. Two elder statesmen of the blues.Eric is now aged 65 and Steve is now aged 62.A mainly older crowd who dont mind mind paying 85 quid for tickets.Both together on stage all the way through the 2 hours 10 mins set.The show of course features tracks when they were in Blind Faith and their sole album from 1969 inc "How To Cry Today","Presence Of The Lord" and "Cant Find My Way Home".Plenty of great guitar playing from Eric and Steve is great on the Hammond organ.Its a laid back show as you would expect as no way is Eric into KISS type visuals and even though its a big venue its pretty much just the band and a couple of big screens.The first hour was electric with "Forever Man" and "Georgia On My Mind" both superb.Then an acoustic set for 30 mins inc "Layla".Then back to electric for great versions of "Voodoo Chile", "Cocaine" and encore "Dear Mr Fantasy".A full standing ovartion at the end and a good show. Full setlist on www.whereseric.com............... 20 May 2010.Went to two quality music events today.First noon to 5pm was The 55th Ivor Novello Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel,Park Lane,London W1.This is the UKs main awards show for songwriters.About 1100 seated downstairs for a three course meal and drinks before and after and i am up in the press balcony where there is 100 or so media folks.Hosted by Paul Gambachini.Lily Allen was the main winner picking up three awards.Also winning and turning up were Paulo Nutini,Sir Tim Rice,Bat For Lashes,Paul Weller,Imogen Heap,Trevor Horn,Johnny Marr,Neil Sedaka.Also here to present or just hang out were Noel Gallagher,Glen Matlock,Alex(Franz Ferdinand),Simon Le Bon,The Feeling,Martin Fry,Rod Smallwood,Phil Manzernera,Rolf Harris,Duckworth Lewis Method,Chipmunk, La Roux,Ralf Little,Annie Lennox,Elaine Paige,Dom Jolly,Tom Robinson,Zoe Ball,Tommy Steele,Grant from Feeder and no doubt a few more. An enjoyable afternoon.....then 6.45pm to 1am was Elton John + Peter Andre live at The Butterfly Ball,Battersea Evolution Arena, London.Around 1000 here at this glam event to support Caudwell Childrens Charity.Most here have paid between £500 and £5000 to be here. The women have their best frocks on.A few celebs here inc Sarah Ferguson and Princess Beatrice,Dame Shirley Bassey who was in a fun mood and very friendly to all,Rod Stewarts other half Penny Lancaster is here.Over six foot tall in her heels she looked stunning.Also here Sinatta,Robbie Earle,Alan Hanson,Richard Dunwoody,John Inverdale,Phil Tufnell,Bruno Brookes,Jeff Banks,David Furnish and no doubt a few more.Champers reception for an hour then a ariel display as four gymnasts appeared from the four giant butterfly structures hanging from the ceiling.Then a three course meal with drinks.Peter Andre does a short three song 15 mins set inc "Behind Closed Doors" and "Unconditional Love".A few girls are swooning but most of the crowd are chatting. We have speeches and an auction for an hour. At 11.15pm Elton John takes to the stage with his piano for a fantastic 15 song 75 mins set. I get a great view a few feet from stage right in front of Elton.He really enjoys it.Great tunes one after the other.Full setlist was "Your Song","Border Song","Daniel","Philidelphia Freedom","Tiny Dancer",a brilliant extended version of "Rocket Man","I Guess Thats Why They Call It The Blues","Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word","Candle In The Wind","I'm Still Standing","Dont Let The Sun Go Down On Me","Bennie And The Jets","Crocodile Rock"(with David Furnish and a couple of female friends dancing on stage),"The Circle Of Life" and encore "Can You Feel The Love Tonight?".I have seen Elton John some 30 or 40 times since the 70s and he is always great but tonight was up close and intimate.An excellent show. He plays Watford Football Ground on Sat 29 May with his full band............................... 19 May 2010.7.45pm to 10.30pm.Lastminute.com Summer Kick Off Party at The Penthouse,9th Floor,May Fair Hotel,London W1.Up on the top floor of this five star hotel with its outside terrace.This party was to promote all the other things that you can do via lastminute.com if you want to get away from the World Cup football.Lots of freebie Pimms,beers and hot grub.The djs are Jodie Harsh and Tom Crane.The girls can get their nails done by Lipsy which proved very popular. A few celebs are here inc Ex Arsemal footballer Ian Wright, Kirsty Gallacher,Tara Palmer Tomkinson and ex Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon.A good bash. Got a couple of average goodie bags.............. 18 May 2010.7pm to 10pm.Tanqueray Gin No Ten Terrace Bar launch party at The Fifth Floor,Harvey Nichols,Knightsbridge,London.Always nice to be up here on the top floor of this upmarket store.Only about 50 people here but its in the new corner terrace bar overlooking the streets below.Lots of freebie gin cocktails and canopes flowing.A decent enough evening.......... 17 May 2010.Flight Of The Conchords live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.Monday night in Hammersmith and a few celebs are here in the front balcony for this cult New Zealand folk comedy duo inc Jonathan Ross and his wife Jane Goldman,Jude Law,Richard Curtis,Rob Brydon,Nick Frost and Bill Nighy.I am going in blind to this show as i do not know any of their material but the fact that their UK tour now includes a very impressive two nights here and two nights at Wembley Arena has got me interested.The set lasted one hour 45 mins.Two big screens.There were some great fun lyrics in the comedy based songs.Opening with "Too Many Dicks On The Dancefloor" and in the middle "I'm Not Crying" which were both pretty good but half the show i felt was average even though the crowd loved it. Lots of self mocking chat between songs too. Encore "Sugalumps" was great but not enough laugh out loud bits for me overall.............. having a weekend away from live music as the shows out there will be too average compared to the KISS spectacle.Looking into going to one or two KISS shows in Europe but all the dates coincide with major gigs in London and Download Festival etc.We shall see........................ 14 May 2010.BBC4 TV 9pm to 1am.Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers documentary "Runnin' Down A Dream". Finally got around to seeing this superb FOUR HOUR album by album film from 2007.They took off in 1976/1977 alongside when punk rock was in full flow.Loads of fantastic songs and footage.I saw them a couple of times in the late 1970s and i saw their last London show in 1999 at The Shepherds Bush Empire so over ten years since they played the UK.They gotta come here soon..... 13 May 2010.Went to two good events tonight. First was 6pm to 8pm at the launch of JW Steakhouse at The Grosvenor House Hotel,Park Lane,London W1.Historic five star hotel which is the main awards venue in the UK has had a total refurb over the last couple of years.Their new eating space has great views looking out to Park Lane and Hyde Park and an outside area too on the Park Lane side.The main menu is Prime American Beef cuts and Seafood inc jumbo prawns and oysters.Lots of this yummy grub was being given out along with freebie champers and cocktails.Surprised to see footie legend Gary Lineker here.See www.marriot.co.uk.Everyone got a bottle of Makers Mark Kentucky Whisky in the goodie bag.Shame i had to leave here as it was on until 9pmish but the Gods Of Thunder were waiting......KISS live at Wembley Arena,London.I get to the venue at 8.45pm and KISS come on just after 9pm.Its a great sold out atmosphere tonight.Its the main London show and the last night of their nine UK arena shows before they head into mainland Europe.I was at seven of them which was very impressive i must say.We have superb seats left of stage in guest list block.Near us is Liam Howlett from Prodigy with Natalie Appleton.Her sister Nicole is also here but sadly hubby Liam Gallagher is not.KISS are just jaw dropping brilliant yet again.This band really has got the X Factor for me.There is so much fun,colour and great tunes in their set that somehow they make me feel just great.The last couple of weeks have been really amazing. I will be seeing some great shows this year but none will top this.As Vinnie Jones said "Its Been Emotional".................................. 12 May 2010.KISS live at Wembley Arena,London. This was the extra show to Thursdays sell out. Its only three quaters full and promoters Live Nation have given out 300 or 400 guest list tickets to put bums on seats tonight.Wembley is a long but not wide venue so no space for KISS army flags and the side stage walkways are up against the seats.That means our seats to right of stage have a superb view.On stage at 8.45pm its the same stunning show song for song as the rest of the tour.Simple lyrics they may be so no doubt all the major newspapers will slag them off as usual.I was sitting next to one of the guys from The Times who i know.Paul Stanley asked if anyone was at Hammy Odeon in 1976 when KISS first played London?.Well i was there.Eight rows from stage the first night and front row centre the second night.Tonight was drummer Eric Singers 52nd birthday so we sung him Happy Birthday and the band produced a cake with candles.As expected Led Zeps Jimmy Page was there in the crowd with rock photographer Ross Halfin.These days Jimmy looks old and grey next to the perma tanned Ross.So many highlights as usual.I just love watching this band.Only them and The Sex Pistols would get me to do multi gigs outside of London on the same tour.......... 11 May 2010.Rihanna + Pixie Lott live at The 02 Arena,London.Second of two shows for Rihanna here at the 02 to promote her recent album "Rated R".Up first we have Pixie Lott who is all smiles and looking very yummy.All blonde hair and dressed in a sexy black dress with black boots.Her debut album "Turn It Up" features two number one singles "Mama Do" and "Boys And Girls" and other hit singles "Cry Me Out" and "Gravity" so a good 40 mins set.All the crowd is in early to see her support set. Rihanna has had quite a last year or so.A massive stage production with stage extension,screens,lights,lasers,dancers,a huge pink tank,a pair of giant guns,a giant rotating couch,hydraulic stuff etc.The songs were some good and some average.Lots of raunchy costume changes.On stage for 95 mins.Very surprised to see ex Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt in her band but at least that meant lots of rock riffs.Set inc "Shut Up And Drive","Rude Boy",a cover of "Wonderwall" by Oasis,"Dont Stop The Music" and "Take A Bow".Encores were "Live Your Life","Run This Town" and her massive hit "Umbrella" with pink confetti over the crowd and Nuno playing on top of the tank.So visually a good show but still another female act who cannot touch Madonna or Kylie when it comes to live shows....................................... 10 May 2010.KISS + Taking Dawn live at The Manchester M.E.N. Arena.My fifth KISS show on the tour and i could easily do another five.Last time i was at this venue was AC/DC last year and before that it was The Sex Pistols.Tonight its a full 13,000 here.The bands setlist may be the same but there are always different things at each venue.I see a big queue inside the venue and there are four local make up girls selling KISS painted faces for a fiver and also here posing for photos are Dressed To Kill the UKs number one KISS tribute act.I see some of Taking Dawns support set and they again finish with a cover of Fleetwood Macs "The Chain" with the singer in the crowd.Lots of folks in make up and the merch stalls selling loads.KISS arrive on stage at 9pm which was 15 mins later than the other shows.From start to finish i am blown away by how stunning this live show is even though its the same as the four previous shows.Paul teasing the crowd and doing a fantastic job with the on stage banter.The 2 hours 05 mins set flew past.So many highlights that i have already mentioned from previous nights reviews.I see KISS legendary manager Doc McGhee at the end. The band now move on to Wembley Arena.Dont you dare miss it............................................... 08 May 2010.Dame Julie Andrews with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra live at The 02 Arena,London.Legend of stage and screen for over 60 years gives her first UK show for 30 years.Her mid 1960s films "The Sound Of Music" and "Mary Poppins" are classics.When first announced i thought this show would be more suited to The Royal Albert Hall than this huge venue but the promoters got it right and its a full house despite hefty ticket prices of £95,£75,£50.Backed by a large orchestra of 70 or 80 it was two sets of 65 mins each.As she explained in pre tour interviews it would be a mixture of singing and chat.She looks fantastic for age 74 and must be the oldest artist to headline a show here.She still has that classy very English look about her.She has five singers to help her out with the high notes(3 male and 2 female)as age and vocal surgery in 1997 have tamed her stunning voice.The opening was great with "The Sound Of Music" with Julie singing and footage from the film on the screen behind her.She got a standing ovation after every song she sang.The first half was mainly Rodgers And Hammerstein classics from films and musicals.She sang bits and pieces but the other singers did a lot of it.The last song before the break was a brilliant "Do Re Mi".The second half started with Simeons Gift which was 45 mins of Julie narrating her book but with the other singers singing.It was a concept piece that was a bit boring really.She finished with two brilliant songs inc "Edelweiss" which went down a treat.So great to see this proper legend but i felt she could have sung a few more songs.The other singers were good but the punters have paid to hear Julie Andrews sing not them......... 06 May 2010.Black Eyed Peas + Cheryl Cole live at The 02 Arena,London.Up first its Cheryl Cole from Girls Aloud for a 35 mins set.In the papers daily it seems regards her on /off problems with footballer husband Ashley Cole of Chelsea.She has a full band with backing singers and dancers and costume changes.Plays the tracks inc the hits from her debut album.Pretty good.Black Eyed Peas have had an amazing last year or so.A more poppier sound and bang its four nights at the 02 Arena.Two this week and two at the end of the month.Now the royalies are flowing in its a massive sci-fi fantasy based stage production with extended walkway,lasers,lights,dancers and more.A full two hour visual treat even though half the pop/rap/dance songs seemed average at best.Fergie the female vocalist easily was better than her three male singers.Set inc "Lets Get It Started","Rock That Body" and "My Humps".The motorbike on wires above the crowd was a nice KISS type stunt.Other tracks played inc "Big Girls Dont Cry","Pump It" and the finale was great with "Where Is The Love?" and encores of their two massive recent hits "Boom Boom Pow" and "I Gotta Feeling" which sent the crowd mental.A better show than expected overall......................................... 05 May 2010.KISS + Taking Dawn live at The LG Arena,Birmingham.This was the biggest and best crowd so far.Some 12,000 here out of 14,000 capacity with the floor standing totally rammed. People of all ages in KISS make up as usual. I have a great seat left of stage front row of the guest list block.Spike from The Quireboys is here.I catch the support.Again its decent enough.They are label mates of KISS on Roadrunner Records which is why they got chosen over 101 bands i would have rather have seen than them on this tour.I have been to this venue a few times before but its had a nice big refurb due to the new sponsors with more eating and drink outlets and a huge smoking area.KISS destroy Birmingham just like they destroyed all the other cities.From the amazing entrance to the amazing finish its just brilliant.Even after four shows i want more.I will miss Dublin and Glasgow but will be at Manchester and both Wembley shows next week.......................... 04 May 2010.KISS live at The Echo Arena, Liverpool.Had a nice afternoon in the sunshine here along The Albert Dock and even went for a walk through the Toxteth area.Still loads of boarded up buildings there.Last time i was at this venue was to see the Def Leppard/Whitesnake tour.Sadly only 4,000 here in a venue that holds 10,000 but that is great for me as easy to get ten rows from stage in standing area.KISS as usual very prompt at 8.45pm on stage.Its the same stunning 2 hours 05 mins set.While the KISS club show in March in Islington was intimate and amazing the full KISS arena show is something else.This is an outdoor stadium production indoors for the UK leg.Think Donington indoors. KISS have a guy who walks around the crowd and gives out KISS guitar plectrums to any kids he can see.They also have another guy who gives out a dozen aftershow passes to young females in the crowd.Another really fantastic visual treat..... 03 May 2010.Iggy Pop And The Stooges + Suicide live at The Hammersmith Apollo,London.Second of two sell out shows here for this punk rock godfather.Up first were Suicide who some say where ahead of their time in the 1970s but i thought they were crap then and are still crap.Alan Vega now in in his 70s but still a grumpy old man.Just too much bad noise really.Iggy Pop comes on shirtless from the start.His scrawny old body writhing all over the stage.The front stage pit area is a mass of bodies jumping about.The 80 mins set is based on the "Raw Power" album but is not played in order.Opening with "Raw Power" and "Search And Destroy".Iggy jumps into the crowd three or four times.We have an invited stage invasion with 50 punters dancing.Other tracks inc "Death Trip","I Got A Right" and superb versions of "I Wanna Be Your Dog" and "1970".Also "Open Up And Bleed" and encores "Fun House" and "Kill City".Iggy the legend rules man.See aftershow page for this gig.............................................. 02 May 2010.KISS live at Newcastle Arena.Never been to this venue to see a gig.I think there was 9,000 here in the venue that holds 11,000. As expected the setlist was same as last night. "Modern Day Delilah","Cold Gin","Let Me Go Rock n Roll","Firehouse"(Gene spits fire),"Say Yeah","Deuce","Crazy Crazy Nights","Calling Dr Love","Shock Me"(Tommy Thayer guitar solo with rocket firing guitar),"Im An Animal","100,000 Years","I Love It Loud"(Gene spits blood and sings up in the gods),"Love Gun","Black Diamond","Detroit Rock City"(drumkit elevates), and encores "Lick It Up","Shout It Out Loud","I Was Made For Loving You"(Paul flies through the crowd to sing on the second stage),"God Gave Rock n Roll To You" and "Rock n Roll All Nite"(confetti galore over the crowd and enough pyros and explosions to start World War 3).Again i am on the floor about 20 rows from the front.Its such a visual treat with so many great songs old and new.KISS are just getting better and better.Another stunning show.I must mention at both these Northern venues the bar sold 2 pint supercups of beer.You dont see that in London.After the gig had some drinks in Newcastles Mosley Street bars and nearby.It was a Bank Holiday Sunday so very busy everywhere. Despite freezing conditions all the women still wearing virtually nothing but some cloth and heels.They still dont bother with coats......01 May 2010.KISS + Taking Dawn live at Sheffield Arena.Opening night of KISS "Sonic Boom Over Europe Tour".Been to this venue a couple of times before inc a Paul McCartney show. Up first we have Las Vegas rockers Taking Dawn. They play a decent set and finish with a cover of Fleetwood Macs "The Chain".Great atmosphere in the building but its not sold out.Some 7,000 in a venue that holds 13,000.I spot Tracie Hunter here but no sign of her dad Ian or Joe Elliot and Rick Savage from Def Leppard who played at a benefit in Sheffield the night before but i would imagine they are here.Also here is Dave Ling from Classic Rock mag.They are sponsors of the tour.KISS promised their biggest show yet and rare outings for big hits "Crazy Crazy Nights" and "God Gave Rock n Roll To You" and they delivered that and more.A huge screen that covers all the back of the stage.Two more in the corners and around 40 mini screens the size of Marshall amps.Needless to say there were loads of great costumes,make up,lights,pyros, explosions,flames,rocket firing guitars,Gene spitting blood,elevating drumkit,Paul flying over the crowd for "I Was Made For Loving You".A visually perfect show.On stage for 2 hours and 05 mins it really was a 10 out of 10 gig.You must see them play live.See www.kissnews.de and www.kissonline.com for video clips and photos and more.After the gig i went to the G Casino to watch the Mayweather v Mosely megafight live from Las Vegas.That did not finish until 5.30am..

 
 
2010-05-01
 

30 April 2010.7pm to midnight.New Style Magazine Charity Spring Ball at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel,Cadogan Place,Knightsbridge,London SW1.Black tie event for 250 people held by Russia's leading lifestyle magazine.Singer Katie Melua is here.She is from Georgia which is south of Russia.For the champers reception we are greeted by a striking 6'6" Lady Gaga lookalike in head to toe rubber inc a face mask.This was performance artist www.pandemonia99.com.We had a lovely three course meal with drinks.The entertainment inc burlesque,hola hoop girl and fire eater.Auction and raffle to benefit www.mariaschildren.ru.I bump into a lot of Russians out and about and i like them.Nice Russian hospitality here........................ 29 April 2010.Gorillaz live at The Roundhouse,London.The first of two sold out shows here and their first gigs in London since 2001.I am not the biggest Gorillaz fan as i am really here to see two ex members of The Clash(Mick Jones and Paul Simonon) on stage together in a band for the first time in over 25 years.The first two Gorillaz albums sold loads but their recent album "Plastic Beach" seems to have died a death.The Gorillaz play a 90 mins set with neat cartoon visuals on the big screen.There are over 20 people on stage inc backing singers and choir so its a nice big sound and they get into a nice dance groove.Its loud mainly due to Paul Simonons rumbling bass. Him and Mick Jones are wearing sailors hats and its a delight to see them on stage together.Lots of guest singers.Bobby Womack and Mos Def for "Stylo",other tracks inc "Empire Bats" then "Superfast Jellyfish" with De La Soul.Shaun Ryder came on for "Dare".Encores inc "Sweepstakes" with Mos Def,"Feel Good Inc" with De La Soul and finally "Clint Eastwood".Damon Albarn in charge of one of the hippest acts out there.It was a very good show. See www.nme.com for the full setlist............. 28 April 2010.Went to two events tonight inc back to see Whitney Houston.First was 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the launch of Yo! Sushi in Market Place,Near Great Portland Street,London W1.This is their 50th store in the UK and the first to open in London for five years.Strange to see half a dozen photographers outside but then Kerry Katona pulls up.Perhaps she was paid to be here? Had about ten yummy plates here inc a couple of black cod and the booze is free as well.Got there early so got a seat.Nice party atmosphere here.....then off to see Whitney Houston again at The 02 Arena,London.What can i say but it was much better than Sunday.Its a later start because tubes run later than on Sunday so its 9.15pm on stage.Its another full house.Everyone has seen the dodgy reviews but that makes Whitneys fans even more supportive. Again the first five songs are good then she is off stage for ten mins and the show gets boring in the middle.She seems more relaxed and enjoying it more.She still does not make the high notes but just gets on with it instead of making excuses like on Sunday.The crowd are up and dancing for the last three. A few leave early but nothing compared to Sunday.The show was much more enjoyable tonight although no way near how good it should have been................ 27 April 2010.Went to two events tonight.First was 6.45pm to 8.45pm for the preview launch of The Beatles Hidden Photos at The Mernier Gallery,51 Southwark Street,London SE1.A trek over to the London Bridge area.37 never seen before photos of The Beatles taken in 1963 by Paul Berriff who was a mere 16 year old junior at The Yorkshire Post.Images from shows in Leeds/Bradford/Huddersfield/Manchester.They are on view until Saturday and are all for sale.A classic case of being in the right place at the right time.Freebie champers flowing here for all. See www.the-beatles-hidden-gallery.com......then 9.30pm to midnight i was at The 10th Anniversary Party for The Sanderson Hotel,Berners Street,London W1.Over 500 upmarket posh folks here at this lovely hotel.Guests inc Tamara and Petra Ecclestone and Nicky Haslam.Check out the photos on www.gettyimages.com.Loads of free booze,cocktails and tasty hot grub here.Also the live act is Florence And The Machine.They play a seven song 35 mins set.Tracks from the award winning "Lungs" album include "Rabbit Heart"(Raise It Up) and "You've Got The Love".A decent set even though lots are chatting through it.A nice goodie bag inc some DNKY Mens Fragrence and a years membership to Sanderson Hotel gym,spa,sauna rooms.A quality bash......... 26 April 2010.Went to three events tonight.Two launch parties and the second half of the Grace Jones show.First was 7pm to 7.45pm for the launch of All For Eve cosmetic products at One Marylebone Road ,London.Only about 70 or 80 mainly women here in the smaller upstairs space rather than the larger downstairs space.Lovely freebie chilled champers flowing but the canopes were tasteless.Got a couple of small goodie bags.Channel 4s George Lamb was here.Check out www.allforeve.co.uk.....then 8.15pm to 9.45pm was at the launch of Iceberg Vodka at The Kensington Roof Gardens,London.Always nice to be at this venue wih its outdoor gardens.The presentation went on a bit too long.Iceberg Vodka is Canadian and i cannot see how they can rival quality Russian and Polish vodkas.The freebie vodka based drinks are flowing and some nice hot canopes too.Everyone got a full size bottle of Iceberg Vodka in the goodie bag....then five mins walk to see Grace Jones at The Royal Albert Hall,London.I had seen her play two great shows last year at the Royal Festival Hall and The Roundhouse.With all her wild costumes,capes and crazy headgear she is the original Lady Gaga. I missed the first hour of the two hour set as elsewhere.Missed tracks like "Private Life" and "Le Vie En Rose".I did catch "My Jamaican Guy","Love Is The Drug" which had some stunning lasers.Recent album title track "Hurricane" and encores were brilliant versions of "Pull Up To The Bumper" and "Slave To The Rhythm" with her 61 year old long legs looking amazing.Grace is always the real deal live.She headlines The Lovebox Festival on Sun 18th July at Victoria Park,Hackney..................................... 25 April 2010.Whitney Houston live at The 02 Arena,London.First of three shows at this venue as part of her first UK tour for over 10 years.Dodgy reviews from earlier gigs and postponed shows.Will it be a total car crash or just a scratch on the bumper??.She has had it rough recently with drugs and booze along with mental and physical abuse so its amazing she has made it back on stage at all.Being a Whitney fan is not cheap.Tickets were £100,£75,£50 and even a programme was £20.I saw her in her heyday in 1991 when she played TEN nights at Wembley Arena. A nice big stage production with a big backing band,four male dancers and staircases and screens.Whitney is on for 1 hour 55 mins.The set starts ok with some new tracks off her recent album "I Look To You".Her wholesome good looks are pretty much gone and she looks fragile and the voice is now deeper and huskier.She played old hits "My Love Is Your Love" and "Its Not Right But Its OK".Then it went wromg.She left the stage for a costume change that lasted 10 mins and the buzz went out of the gig.She then played a load of ballads that exposed her voice as she clearly cannot hit the high notes anymore. She was off key and out of breathe.Also lots of rambling chat between songs.Tracks like "Saving All My Love For You" and "Greatest Love Of All" did not sound like the originals.The high bit in "I Will Always Love You" was a mess.Things got lively for "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" and "How Will I Know" but it was all a bit too late.There were no boos at the end just a muted atmosphere.Just one of those shows you know should have been a lot better.So for a classic cliche its "Houston We Still Have A Problem"..... 24 April 2010.In the afternoon i spent a couple of hours at The Olympia Music Fair.Did not buy much this time.Led Zeps Jimmy Page again spent ages looking and buying stuff with his photographer mate Ross Halfin.There was a super rare Sex Pistols "Pretty Vacant" South Africa. Plain sleeve.A bargain at £3000......then later i went to see Gil Scott Heron live at The Royal Festival Hall,London.A sold out show for GSH and easily the hottest ticket of The Ether Festival shows at The Southbank.Now aged 61 Gil is seen by many as The Godfather of Rap mainly due to his 1971 album "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised".The last decade has been blighted by prison,drug abuse and ill health but his new album "I'm Not Here" has got great reviews.His shows come under the "anything can happen" tag. On stage for 1 hour 45 mins with plenty of chat and jokes.Indeed it was a full 15 mins before the first of maybe only a dozen songs at most.There were lots of shouting and leaflet dropping from protesters in the balcony.The reason?.Gil had to confirm later that he was not playing Tel Aviv at the end of May.Tracks played inc "Alien(Hold On To Your Dreams),"Winter In America","Work For Peace","Is That Jazz?","Pieces Of A Man","Your Daddy Loves You" and "Celebrate,Celebrate,Celebrate".The hip crowd gave him a standing ovation.A good show.... 23 April 2010.Australian Pink Floyd live at The 02 Arena,London.Massive gig for this tribute band who have sold over 3 million gig tickets and have overtaken the likes of The Bootleg Beatles and Bjorn Again to be the worlds biggest tribute band.Not a real surprise the venue is only half full but that still means an impressive crowd of 8 or 9,000.On stage for 2 hours 40 mins over two sets of 70 mins and 90 mins.Its pretty much a Floyd greatest hits set with a fantastic light show and cicular screen.Tracks played inc "The Great Gig In The Sky","Time","Breathe","Shine On You Crazy Diamond","Welcome To The Machine","The Division Bell","Us And Them","Take It Back","Another Brick In The Wall","Wish You Were Here" and then a couple of giant inflatables appeared.A superb "Comfortably Numb" and encore of "Run Like Hell".The sound quality and production was top notch.They do it all so well.Even down to having three great female backing singers which the real Floyd do.A great show................... 22 April 2010.Today was Malcolm McLarens funeral. Being a huge Sex Pistols fan i had met him a few times but i doubt he would remember me.A funeral is for family and close friends after all so i was not at the service at St Mary Magdalene Church,Marylebone,London NW1.I did however have a friend who has a motorbike so he would drive me about for the afternoon.Near the church i do not really want to be seen so keep my crash helmet on.There is a great turn out inc Glen Matlock,Paul Cook,Dame Vivienne Westwood,Adam Ant,Annie Lennox,Bobby Gillespie,Eddie Tudor Pole,Jon Savage,Steve Diggle,Pete Shelley,Alan Yentob,Pam Hogg,Philip Salon,Tony James,Don Letts,John Cooper Clarke,David Johansen,Marco Pirroni and no doubt a few more.After the service most go their own ways and do not join the funeral cortege to Highgate Cemetary.A horse drawn carriage with "Too Fast To Live Too Young To Die" on the coffin and a few cars behind and an old green double decker bus with "Nowhere" as the destination on the front and a loud sound system that has some guests in it inc Eddie Tudor Pole.One car has Adam Ant and Vivienne Westwood.The route is via some music venues in the area.Koko,Electric Ballroom,Roundhouse, Barfly and Forum.We follow closely on the bike then overtake it and park up outside the Electric Ballroom and there are quite a few here with us in this punk heartland.We wait for it to go past then back on the bike along with a few other bikes for another 30 mins as the Malcolm related tunes inc Sex Pistols blast out of the bus and a few punks jump on the back of the bus.Its great fun in the sunshine with people and cheers all along the route.We get to Highgate Cemetary but only those from the service earlier are allowed in as there are a few police here.It was all over by 3pm.Quite a send off.....then 4pm to 6pm was Estethica Fashion Show party at Somerset House,London. Lovely venue.We are up on the first floor overlooking the square on one side and the river on the other.Freebie champers and canopes here.Some nice female outfits here....then still on the motorbike 6.45pm to 10.30pm we go to the launch of The Rafayel Hotel,34 Lombard Road,Battersea,London SW11.Very nice looking 5 star hotel by the river right next to the Heliport.Lots of people here as 900 were invited. A stunning outside Japanese Garden Terrace Bar where the freebie champers and wine are flowing as well as an all night bbq.The sun comes down with great river views.We had a singer and band playing cover versions and also a dj.Very good. See www.hotelrafayel.com......................... 21 April 2010.Another busy night out and about. First was 6.45pm to 7.25pm for the drinks reception for The Publican Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel,Park Lane,London W1.Loads of different brands of beer and wine being given out free here.A massive crowd of over 1000.I will come back here later...then 7.30pm to 10.30pm The Courteeners live at The Hard Rock Cafe,London.Invite only gig for 200 press and comp winners for Q Magazine-The Music Club. Recently they have headlined to 10,000 at Manchester Central and 5,000 at Brixton Academy so nice to see them in a small venue.Touted by many as the new Oasis just because they come from Manchester and have a singer with a some Liam G attitude.Its a full 65 mins set of tracks from their two albums.They use lots of synth as well as guitars.Their fans down the front sing loudly.Tracks played inc "Cavorting","Good Times Are Calling","The Opener","Scratch Your Name Upon My Lips","Sycophant",new single "Take Over The World","Not Nineteen Forever" and finally a cover of James "Tomorrow".A good gig.Had far too many JD and cokes here tonight as free booze and HRC food for all....then 10.40pm to midnight back to The Publican Awards five mins up the road.Comedian Michael McIntrye is giving out the awards but he looks a bit bored.No doubt he is thinking "i am getting shed loads of cash for doing this".More free booze flowing and i left while the party was still in full flow........... 20 April 2010.Went to two events tonight.First was 6pm to 7pm at Jigsaw,Duke Of York Square,Kings Road,Chelsea,London.A huge shop with lovely sweeping staircases.Its for the 10th birthday of Cabbages And Roses clothing and accessories and the launch of their new book(their 5th) "At Home With Country" which shows interior design styles from here and America thats in the shops for £19.99.The freebie champers and nicely presented canopes are flowing.Lots of friendly attentive staff too. As expected its a 90% female crowd.A nice goodie bag had a copy of the book in it.Check out www.cabbagesandroses.com.....then 7.30pm to 9.30pm was at the album launch party gig for Alabama 3 at Shadow Lounge,5 Brewer Street,Soho,London W1.Invite only gig for 300 press and friends of the band to launch their new album "Revolver Soul" that comes out 03 May 2010.A great venue that is a gay club.The band arrive on stage in combats and shades.The usual mad mix of rock,soul,disco,country,blues in the 55 mins set.Newies "Jacqueline" and "Keep Your Powder Dry" were good and they encored with oldie "Hypo Full Of Love".Sadly they did not play "Woke Up This Morning" their big hit from Sopranos.You will get that on the tour next month.Lots of crazy banter between songs.Good gig.For more info check out www.alabama3.co.uk Spotted in the crowd were dj Mark Lamarr and 1970s music journo Charles Shaar Murray.......... 19 April 2010.New York Dolls live at Koko, Camden,London.Pretty amazing how often The Dolls are coming over to London these days.They only played The Forum six months ago.That night the sound was dodgy and tonight was not much better.The drums sounded rough and Sylvains guitar had an annoying buzz coming out of it.We have a great view three rows from the stage.Its a 85 mins set with a nice mix of gems from their two 1970s albums and good tracks from their two recent albums.David Johansen looks a bit tired but the songs are so great i try to forget about the dodgy sound.Set was "Looking For A Kiss", "Cause I Sez So","We're All In Love","Private World","Nobody Got No Bizness","Better Than You", "Who Are The Mystery Girls?","Dance Like A Monkey","Gotta Get Away From Tommy","You Cant Put Your Arms Around A Memory"(dedicated to Malcolm McLaren and Johnny Thunders),"Lonely Planet Boy","Pills","Trash","Jet Boy"(special guests were promised to arrive on stage but nobody appeared) and encore "Personality Crisis". At the end David Johansen said "What a mess.I hope it was better than what it sounded".The Dolls are a messy rock n roll band but the sound still needs to be better but i still love em. Up in a box in the balcony was Jonathan Ross who is always playing the band on his radio show and got them on his tv show.His wifes film "Kick Ass" is out this week and The Dolls are on the soundtrack.Also spotted was Charlie Harper from The UK Subs...................................... 17 April 2010.Got to Rough Trade West at 4pm for Record Store Day but the limited edition singles by Beatles and Rolling Stones that i was gonna buy have sold out.Some bands playing free gigs outside the shop.A nice atmosphere.I got most of my punk records in 1976/1977 from the original RT shop a couple of streets away from the new one.The shop still has loads of original gig posters from 1970s on the wall.Most of those gigs i was at.Lots of tourists visiting Portobello Market....Later 9.15pm to midnight i was at the annual party for The Cobden Club,Kensal Road,London W10.One of those areas where folks with lots of cash who can afford private members clubs like this live next to crack riddled council estates.About 200 here for the 1920s Speakeasy Club feel.Most are dressed up 1920s attire.A blind piano player,some dancing girls,a fun casino and freebie cocktails all night.When i left it was still rockin.A good bash.See www.cobdenclub.co.uk.................... 16 April 2010.James live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.A 10 date UK tour by James to promote new mini album "The Night Before".I have seen them a few times before.Usually they play Brixton but singer Tim Booth says this is their first show back here at RAH since they supported The Smiths in 1984.As always lots of Northerners here who live or work in London.A nice rowdy Friday night atmosphere with floor standing.On stage for 1 hour 55 mins.A great entrance as a trumpet player in the balcony introduced the band who came from the back of the hall to play an acoustic version of "Sit Down".Some new tracks played were ok.Then oldies "I Know What Im Here For" and for "Come Home" singer Tim Booth walked into crowd and my row and stood inches in front of me dancing.He still does that brilliant jerky trance dancing.New single "Crazy" then "Getting Away From It","Tomorrow" and encores inc "Sometimes",(with crowd singing loudly)"Laid" and "Say Something".James are always good live............ 15 April 2010.Went to three events today.First i spent an hour at the press launch for Grace Kelly:Style Icon at The V and A Museum,South Kensington,London.One of the most photographed women in the world when she was an actress in the 1950s and then her marriage to Prince Rainier.Her tragic death in a car accident in Sept 1982 shocked the world.Loads of her very stylish dresses are here along with other personal items.Its on until 26 Sept 2010 and adm is 6 quid.Her son Prince Albert was due to attend the evening drinks reception.After i spent a couple of hours looking at other stuff in the V and A.......then over to The City for the launch party for The Anthologist Bar, 58 Gresham Street,Bank,London EC2.I was there 5.45pm to 8.15pm.You walk through the entrance and WOWWWW this venue is truly massive.Over 1000 people here in this huge open plan space for this Bar-Kitchen-Lounge-Deli.A freebie open bar with champers,cocktails,wines, beers and more for all along with some tasty hot grub.Its nice and modern inside with an open plan kitchen visable.The City workers will really love this place.The lovely Cleo Rocos was hosting a drinks area.Smaller rooms too for private parties. For more info see www.theanthologistbar.co.uk.... then The Sex Pistols Experience + Rebel Truce live at The 100 Club,London.This turned into an unofficial memorial tribute night for Malcolm McLaren.Support band Rebel Truce were great.A 50 mins set of Clash gems from their first two albums.Sex Pistols Experience are the UKs number one Pistols tribute band.They play great,they look great and there are many great one liners used on stage.A 90 mins set inc "Pretty Vacant", "EMI","Bodies","Problems","God Save The Queen","Anarchy In The UK" and for encores they went into Public Image Ltd mode.First was "This Is Not A Love Song" then a real coup for the band as original PIL guitarist Keith Levine came on stage for the FIRST TIME IN OVER 20 YEARS. He was on stage with them for all the next songs. They then played "Public Image","Annalisa","Low Life","Death Disco","Poptones" and a reprise of "Public Image".A great gig................... 14 April 2010.6.45pm to 10.30pm.Tonight i was at the launch of Avalon,141-143 Shoreditch High Street,London E1.Back in the day this area was a bit of a mess but now its full of bright young trendy creative folks.A big lively crowd here for this Bar-Lounge-Club that has three main rooms which include a dj and stage area.Lots of freebie champers,cocktails,wines and beers all night as well as loads of tasty hot grub.The decor is great and the bar staff worked hard. We even had a live act.Her name was Rox who has been hotly tipped by many mags and newspapers at the start of the year to be this years Amy Winehouse.She has already been on Jools Hollands tv show.Her 30 mins 6 song set showed off her powerful jazzy soul voice.Her debut album "Memoirs" is out in June on Rough Trade.Her setlist was "My Baby Left Me","No Going Back","Page Unfolds","Breakfast In Bed", "Rocksteady" and her new single out soon "I Dont Believe".You will hear a lot more from her before the end of the year for sure.A good set. Then dj Jodie Harsh got the punters dancing. This was a perfect example of how to put on a launch party.It was still rockin' when i left.... 13 April 2010.A great night as i went to two launch parties then a gig.First from 7pm to 9.15pm was at the launch of The Glasses Direct Spring/Summer 2010 Range at Mahiki,1 Dover Street,London W1.Only started in 2004 Glasses Direct are now The Worlds Largest Online Prescription Eyewear Store.For more info see www.glassesdirect.co.uk.Always nice to be at this posh club.The freebie drinks here were fantastic as we had a choice of TEN Mahiki cocktails inc The Coco Loco which is served in a frozen coconut.Also lots of nice Chinese food. Nice goodie bag where you chose a pair of sunglasses from the range on display.I chose a Fat Face that retails for over 50 quid.This event was much better than expected......then to Swarovski Crystallized,24 Great Marlborough Street,London W1 for the launch of Recognise Magazine Issue Two.A Socially Aware Lifestyle Magazine For Men And Women.They had a smaller party for Issue One but this was more high profile with a few celeb guests but they had all gone by the time i got there.Got a glass of freebie champers and got a couple of average goodie bags then left after 15 mins...then off to see Joe Perry Project at The 100 Club,London. Aerosmith guitar legend plays a small club show at the end of his UK tour with Bad Company.I see the last 60 mins of the 80 mins show.Its preety much his 60 mins arena set with a few extra tracks.Joe is sweating buckets like all bands do when they play here.He had 13 pedals on his guitar effects board.Tracks played inc "Someones Gonna Get Their Heads Kicked In Tonight","Rockin Train",he again played a track by his sons band who are called Tab.Last song of set was a great "Walk This Way" and the encore was "Train Kept A Rollin".Really good to see Joe here at this legendary venue.A few inc me expected Jimmy Page to turn up and play but i do not think he was even at the gig.............................. 12 April 2010.6.45pm to 12.45am.Football Extravaganza 2010 Gala Dinner at The Hilton Hotel,Park Lane,London.One of the biggest football dinners of the year.Most of the 1000 mainly male crowd have paid £350 to be here.Tonight is a Man Utd fans dream as Eric Cantona gets The Legend Of Football Award presented to him by Sir Alex Ferguson.Also on the top table on stage are Ryan Giggs,Peter Schmeichel,Steve Bruce, Ken Loach who directed Eric Cantona's 2009 film "Looking For Eric".Also Simply Reds Mick Hucknall who supports Man Utd. Hosted by Richard Keys from Sky tv.Lots of other football folks here inc Roy Hodgson(Fulham Boss), Teddy Sheringham,Ray Houghton,Alex McLeish,Alan Curbishley,Gary Neville,Graham Sharpe,Andy Gray, Niall Quinn,Barry Fry,Phil Tufnell(cricket), Peter Reid,Peter Powell(1980s Radio 1 dj)Kenny Lynch(1970s comedian and mates with George Best),and Eamonm Holmes(tv presenter).After an hours drinks reception we had opera singer and Man Utd fan Russell Watson sing three songs.Then a nice three course dinner.9.45pm to 11.15pm was an auction of loads of football related items. Over £400,000 was raised for Nordoff Robbins charity tonight.Paul Merson did a really good 20 mins set of mad stories of drink,drugs,divorce and his mad gambling antics when he was a player. Then the main presentation and speeches by Eric Cantona and Sir Alex Ferguson.They all signed a few items at the end.A very good event........... 11 Apr 2010.Bad Company + Joe Perry Project live at Wembley Arena,London.Last show on their UK reunion tour for Bad Company.Joe Perry Project sound much rockier tonight.Maybe because Wembley Arena is more of a rock n roll venue than the middle of the road Brighton Centre.Set again inc goodies like "Rockin Train","Train Kept A Rollin" and "Walk This Way".Other songs were again average and Joe should avoid singing and stick to guitar playing.Jimmy Page watched the JPP from the mixing desk srea.I had a great view left of stage in the guest block.I spot Martin Chambers(Pretenders/Mott) and Verden Allen(Mott).Still surprised there are no shows booked for Mott The Hoople anywhere after the succees of their Hammersmith shows last year.Also an American couple from Michigan sitting next to me tell me they won a weekend in London with hotel,flights,gig tickets and spending money on a US radio station.Bad Company play another great set.Its the same show but we get an extra last encore of "Deal With The Preacher".Highlights again were "Cant Get Enough","Feel Like Makin' Love" and "Shooting Star".Joe Perry did not come on for "Rock And Roll Fantasy" tonight............................ 10 Apr 2010.Bad Company + Joe Perry Project live at The Brighton Centre.Got down to Brighton at 4pm on this lovely sunny afternoon.The seafront is busy and there is a great buzz.Been to this venue a few times.My first was in 1984 when Kiss were supported by Bon Jovi.A great double bill here tonight.Support is Aerosmith guitar player with his Joe Perry Project.They are on stage for 60 mins.Lots of great blues rock guitar playing from Joe's stuning collection of guitars.Most of the songs are from his recent solo album.Pretty average they were.Joe sings a few but his voice is weak.They play "Walking The Dog" and finish well with a great "Walk This Way" but i felt they should have been better.For Joe Perry we were sixth row and for Bad Company we are FRONT ROW middle with a stunning view.I saw Bad Co in their heyday in 1976,1977, and 1979.On stage for 90 mins.Paul Rodgers vocals are superb and they band sound great.Set inc "Cant Get Enough", "Honey Child","Running With The Pack","Burning Sky","Young Blood","Seagull","Electric Land", "Simple Man","Feel Like Making Love","Shooting Star",for "Rock And Roll Fantasy" they were joined by Steve Perry.Finished main set with "Moving On" and encores were "Ready For Love" and "Bad Company".An excellent set of British classic rock at its very best. See aftershow page for this gig.................. 09 Apr 2010.Glitter Band with guests Angie Bowie and Adam Ant + Spizz Energi + Tracie Hunter live at The Scala,London. Amazing evening which finished with Adam Ant playing a secret gig with his new band and his first live show for years. Up first we have Tracie Hunter who plays her 30 mins of standard rock.Next is Spizz Energi who is great as usual.I bought all his neat singles 30 years ago and saw him live back then too. He jerks across the stage and his band sound good.Gems played inc "6000 Crazy","No Room","Soldier Soldier" and finished with a fantastic "Whers Captain Kirk" with all the crowd singing.See www.spizzenergi.com...The poor old Glitter Band have been off the radar the past few years because of the Gary Glitter mess. But they are back with two original members inc the singer and still with twin drums and star shaped guitar like their 70s heyday.It started dodgy as they came on in awful 80s satin outfits. A full 90 mins with loads of their hits and some GG ones too.Nice 70s clips on the screen behind them.Tracks played inc "Rock n Roll(Part 1),"Just For You","Tell Him","Goodbye My Love", then Angie Bowie came on to sing three from her album inc "Fires Are Burning".Then "The Tears I Cried"and then GG anthems "I Love You Love Me Love","I Didnt Know I Loved You","Do You Want To Touch Me" then their own "Angel Face".For the encore we had a real surprise as Adam Ant came on with Angie Bowie to sing "Ant Music" and "C'mon C'mon" with Glitter Band as backing. Adam Ant looks fit and healthy after his recent struggles.Lots of hardcore Adam Ant fans are here.Buts theres more.After the dj played some glam hits.Adam Ant and his new band took to the stage for a 25 mins 5 song set to about 100 people as most of The Glitter Band fans had gone. Tracks were "Get It On","Goody Two Shoes","Red Scab","Physical(You're So)" and "It Doesn't Matter".His first proper gig for years.A 2am finish and quite a mad night really.............. 08 Apr 2010.In the afternoon the texts and calls were coming in to me regards the shock death of legendary Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren who died of cancer aged 64.He did try to rip the band off by keeping monies until the band sued him in the late 1980s buts its safe to say there would be no Sex Pistols without him.He also made some very good solo records in the 1980s. See www.sex-pistols.net for tributes and a recent video interview from 2009 with Malcolm who you can see can still talk for England....... I was at two events this evening.First was 6.30pm to 8.30pm for the 5th anniversary of Chelsea Space Gallery,16 John Islip Street,Pimlico,London SW1.Five of their top exhibitions over the past five years have come back again.For the coming week only Clash legend Mick Jones "The Rock n Roll Public Library" is back but its a smaller size than before.Lots of neat items here from Micks past.Freebie beers and wines flowing.Mick Jones is here all night. Apart from being in one of the greatest bands ever and supporting QPR he really is one of the nicest blokes you could meet.Had a great chat with him about QPRs messy season as i see him up there a lot,his band Carbon Silicon and him playing with Gorillaz on their next tour.Others here inc rock n roll jeweller Stephen Webster and Dee Generate from 1970s punk band Eater..... then 9pm to 10pm was at the launch party for Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Handset at 52 Bedford Square,London WC1.Very nice big house.Not sure if its private or a proper venue.All the trendy tekky folks are here to celebrate Sonys first "Android Phone".Had some freebie champers but it was pretty much two big rooms of people chatting and nothing else.No dj or dancefloor.A couple of years ago i got a couple of nice phones in a goodie bag and ever since then you go to phone launches hoping to get a free phone but you never do.A pretty tame party this one.... 07 Apr 2010.Beverley Knight + Mamas Gun live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.One of the UKs top female soul singers plays a sold out London headline show to promote her recent album "100%". Up first we have Mamas Gun who were very good.A supertight funked up 80s style soul outfit with good tracks inc "Wishing" and "Finger On It".I have a soft spot for BK who has been around for some 15 years now and had a dozen or so Top 40 hits.We have a great view 10 yards from stage.For the entire 1 hour 40 mins BK is hyper and really giving it her all.Half a dozen costume changes and still showing her legs off. She has a fantastic powerful voice and a personality the crowd clearly love.Hints of Tina Turner are there of course.Tracks played inc a great cover of Janis Joplins "Piece Of My Heart",also "100%","In Your Shoes","Gold" and a stunning "Black Butta"(do yourself a favour and go on youtube and see her perform this song on Jools Holland).Also played were excellent versions of "Soul Survivor" and "Come As You Are" and encores "Shoulda Woulda Coulda","Made It Back" and "Flavour Of The Old School".A very good gig from a quality performer. See aftershow page for this gig.................. 04 Apr 2010.Winger + Air Race live at Islington Academy,London.Both these rock bands from the late 1980s/early 1990s never had much success in the UK but Winger were massive in their native America.By accident i caught Air Race four times as a support act with Ted Nugent(1984),Meat Loaf(1984),Krokus(1985) and Sad Cafe(1986).Jason Bonham was their drummer in 1985.Winger i saw supporting Scorpions(1991) at Wembley Arena.Some bands reform for big cash making shows but Air Race reform and are still a support band.They were always a bit second rate but its a decent 45 mins set and its clear they are enjoying being back on stage again.Winger play for 75 mins and its a good solid rock set.They split up in 1994 after grunge killed off hair metal bands.Simple jeans and t shirts for all members tonight actually made them lok like a grunge band.Singer Kip Winger is the main man here but guitarist Reb Beach is superb all night and you can see why he played with Whitesnake a few years ago.Set inc "Easy Come Easy Go","Stone Cold Killer" and big American hits "Headed For A Heartache" and "Seventeen".Encores inc "Miles Away" and for finale both support bands came to help with a cover of "Helter Skelter".Good gig... 01 Apr 2010.Airbourne + Black Spiders live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.The support did an ok set of 30 mins.Good idea to have the bands name on a huge backdrop behind them.They headline The Camden Underworld on 04 May.Aussie rockers Airbourne are playing their biggest London headline show to date.Going into the gig there are more AC/DC shirts being worn than Airbourne ones as their sound is very AC/DC sounding.This show was part of a six week UK and European leg on their world tour to promote recent album "No Guts No Glory".The band work their nuts off for the entire 1 hour 40 mins on stage.The singer cannot keep still and ends up doing an Angus Young by playing guitar up in the balcony.Set inc "Raise The Flag","Hellfire","Diamond In The Rough" and "Back On The Bottle".They know the rock history of the venue as they get the entire crowd to shout "I Will Protect The Hammersmith Odeon" and mentioning The Who played a famous gig at the venue in 1979(i was there).Its all fast relentless rock n roll.Other tracks played inc "Too Much,Too Young,Too Fast" and "No Way But The Hard Way".For the encores the singer throws full cans of lager up into the balcony and the band finish well with "Stand Up For Rock n Roll" and "Blackjack".A good gig.............. 31 Mar 2010.Went to two events tonight.First was 6.45pm to 9pm at The World Cup 2010 Preview event at 86 St James Street,London SW1.A lovely old building with huge rooms.They are having corporate hospitality packages for the World Cup with three course meal,drinks and the game on the big screen and tonight is about promoting it. Lots of free wine and beers and plenty of grub flowing here and a nice friendly crowd.The World Cup Final of 1966 is showing on the big screen.Lots of photos of 1970s soccer world legends on the walls.They have brought in Chelsea legend Ron "Chopper" Harris who gives a 15 mins enjoyable interview on stage.From 1962 to 1980 he played 795 games and was the first Chelsea captain to lift the FA Cup.Got some nice photos signed by him in a picture of him with QPR legend Stan Bowles.He was friendly and chatty to all.I think he still is involved at Stamford Bridge in the hospitality side of things for Chelsea.A nice bash.Visit www.86stjames.com for more info......then 9.15pm to 10.15pm was Lee Store Relaunch Party at 13/14 Carnaby Street,London W1.The free drinks still flowing here for this trendy young crowd. The djs are members of indie bands Mystery Jets and Bombay Bicycle Club.Got a nice goodie bag here of a Lee "Rider" Jean Jacket and Lee T Shirt and Lab Series Skincare For Men............ 30 Mar 2010.Bit of a crazy night as i went to a bar launch then to The Who gig then back to the bar launch.....7.15pm to 8.45pm was the launch of Coquine,160 Old Brompton Road,London SW5.Just 100 yards from the place that opened last week.The venue is located near Gloucester Road/South Kensington tube.A nice upmarket venue.More suited to the late evening crowd rather than the early evening crowd.Dj downstairs playing the tunes.Nice cosy booths downstairs as well.Lots of freebie champers,cocktails and canopes flowing here.A nice surprise to see Jerry Hall here looking fab.Only 10 mins walk from The Royal Albert Hall so ideal for a couple of pre gig drinks.A nice venue ...then a mad dash to see The Who at The Royal Albert Hall,London.The last of The Teenage Cancer Trust shows here and the main event of the series of gigs.The Who play all of Quadrophenia.All the floor stand up and i sneak to the front and end up a mere four rows from the stage with a great view.The sound is mega.Zak Starkey on drums is brilliant.They run through the album.A big screen mixes live footage of the gig with clips from the 1979 film.Tracks inc "The Real Me","5.15","Drowned" and "Bell Boy".The special guests on stage are Eddie Vedder(Pearl Jam) and Tom(Kasabian) who does a brilliant job as The Ace Face.The set lasted for 90 mins.The crowd were expecting 3 or 4 oldies for the encore but we got no encores which left the crowd a bit shocked and stunned and even a few boos were heard.A great gig though.Spotted in the crowd were Bruce Welsh from The Shadows and Ian Broudie from The Lightning Seeds......then 10 mins walk after the gig i was 11pm to 1am back to Coquine which is still buzzing and the freebie cocktails are still flowing.................................... 29 Mar 2010.Specials live at The Royal Albert Hall,London.Another Teenage Cancer Trust show. This is The NME Big Gig Night as The Specials won Outstanding Contribution To Music Award at last months NME Awards.Dont think Specials have ever played this venue.Loads of bald heads and Fred Perrys in this very lively booze fuelled atmosphere.Specials on for 85 mins playing pretty much the same set as i saw at Brixton and Hammersmith but in a slightly different order. Every song is a ska gem really.The floor standing area is bouncing away and the whole crowd is really enjoying it.Set inc "Do The Dog","Dawning Of A New Era","Gangsters","Its Up To You","Monkey Man","Rat Race","Hey Little Rich Girl","Blank Expression","Doesn't Make It Alright","Concrete Jungle","Friday Night/Saturday Morning","Stereotype","Man At C And A","A Message To You Rudy","Do Nothing", "Nite Klub","Too Much Too Young","You're Wondering Now" and encores "Ghost Town" and "Enjoy Yourself".I saw The Specials a few times in their 1979-1981 heyday and like then they always are a fantastic live act............. 27 Mar 2010.Peter Gabriel live at The 02 Arena,London.First of two shows at this venue to promote his covers album "Scratch My Back".The upstairs level 4 seating has loads of empty blocks of seats.Peter Gabriel is now aged 60 but has always been a must see live act as he always has put on great shows but you kinda know tonight will be different.On stage for 2 hours 20 mins over two sets of 60 mins and 80 mins.No band as such as there is a 50 piece orchestra. The first half is all of his covers album.Not sure why someone like PG would resort to putting out a covers album.It starts off decent enough with "Heroes"(David Bowie),"The Boy In The Bubble"(Paul Simon) and "Mirrorball"(Elbow) but the vocals are all too slow and glum and it becomes hard work to listen too but the orchestra sound great.The second half is the old stuff but he does NOT play loads of big tunes inc "Steam","Biko","Games Without Frontiers","Shock The Monkey","Big Time" and we only get 20 seconds of "Sledgehammer" as an intro.We do get "Digging In The Dirt","Signal To Noise","Darkness" and the crowd finally wake up for the best three songs of the night at the end "Solsbury Hill" and encores "In Your Eyes" and "Dont Give Up".The big screen visuals were great but there were none of PG usual stage stuff.So a good show but by PG standard should have been much better............................ 26 Mar 2010.Bad Company live at The BBC Radio Theatre,Portland Place,London W1.Invite only gig for 400 people.All seated with 300 comp winners downstairs and 100 guests of the band upstairs. Introduced by dj Johnnie Walker as their first full UK show for some 30 years.Not counting that semi acoustic show i saw at The Hard Rock Cafe to launch their UK arena tour a few weeks ago.On at 8pm for a 70 mins set.The first five songs are Paul Rodgers related inc "Wishing Well" and "All Right Now" which were both superb then Mick Ralphs joins them for sixth song "Feel Like Makin' Love" which is another rock classic and others "Run With The Pack","Shooting Star" and a superb "Cant Get Enough".Paul Rodgers voice is strong and clear as usual.The two guitars sound great.The encore was "Bad Company".An excellent show.Full setlist was "Wishing Well","Saving Grace","Satisfaction Guaranteed","Ride On Pony","All Right Now","Feel Like Makin' Love","Run With The Pack","Shooting Star","Electricland","Cant Get Enough","Rock n Roll Fantasy","Movin' On" and encore "Bad Company".The show will be on BBC Radio 2 on Saturday 03 April at 11pm and it was filmed for BBC TV so look out for that as should be shown pretty soon.See www.badcompany.com for details of their UK arena tour thats on from April 01 to April 11.New releases from the band are "The Very Best Of Free And Bad Company Feat Paul Rodgers" cd and the "Hard Rock Live-Florida 2008" dvd/cd..................................... 25 Mar 2010.7.30pm to 11pm.Launch party for Bistro K Restaurant And Lounge Bar,117 Old Brompton Road,London SW7.A big guest list of 300 plus upmarket folks for this new venue just a couple of mins from South Kensington tube.From the outside it has an attractive look and its nice and modern inside.They have a dj playing 80s tracks in the background.Lots of freebie champers and wine flowing along with tasty grub inc oysters.In a nice posh location where everyone has a few extra quid.The menu is upmarket European.I really liked it here.Its 10 mins walk from The Royal Albert Hall so you could pop in for a couple of pre gig drinks. See www.bistrok.co.uk for more info.............. 24 Mar 2010.Went to two events tonight.First was 7pm to 9pm at The Tequila Society Party at The Parlour Bar,40 Canada Square,Canary Wharf,London E14.Always nice to come out to the Docklands every now and then.Lively bars everywhere for the many workers in the area.The Parlour bar is very nice and contempory in style.The host and president tonight is Cleo Rocos who was with Kenny Everett BBC tv show in the early 1980s.There is loads of great footage on youtube as he had loads of the big names on inc Freddie Mercury,Rod Stewart and David Essex.He would get them to get involved with sketches as well as sing.Cleo Rocos is really great as she chats to everyone and makes sure all have drinks.Loads of different freebie Tequila cocktails flowing along with Mexican food and donuts.See websites www.thetequilasociety.co.uk or www.tequilasofmexicio.co.uk.A good event then.... 9.30pm to 11pm was GQ Style And Paul Smith Man Up Party at Princes House,37 Kingsway,Holborn, London WC2.A much bigger full on party with djs and dancefloor.More freebie drinks here.Mainly vodka cocktails.Lots of cool looking folks here. Trendy bands inc Friendly Fires and Mumford And Sons were down to attend.Nice goodie bag of Paul Smith Man fragrence 50ml ADT.Lively bash......... 23 Mar 2010.Teenage Cancer Trust Comedy Night at The Royal Albert Hall,London.This year is the 10th anniversary of TCT shows at RAH.Acts were Jimmy Carr,Noel Fielding,Jason Manford,Rich Hall,Rhod Gilbert,Kevin Bridges,Tommy Tiernan. I have been to at least a couple of shows every year since the start.Its always a great atmosphere and of course its for a very good cause.Tonight was hosted by James Corden.There were seven comedians who each did 15 to 20 mins each.All have different styles.Noel Fielding gets the bigggest cheers.He has now dyed his hair blonde and says himself "he looks like all three members of The Police rolled into one".Lots of laughs from all the comedians.Roger Daltrey introduced the second half with a few words on TCT.A good night........................ 22 Mar 2010.Went to two events today.From 2.30pm to 5.30pm i was at the press day at The Ideal Home Exhibition at Earls Court Arena,London.Very popular annual event on tips for your house.Lots of things to see here.The 12 foot square Chocolate Garden was amazing and The Sunseeker yacht in the marina looked good.The venue frontage and ground area is covered in fake grass.Today thy had a Mad Hatters Tea Party for VIPs and press with champers and tea flowing along with sandwiches and cupcakes.Four of the characters are here in costume.Some celebs here inc Sharron Davies(swimmer and Dancing On Ice), Linda Barker(interior designer),Nik Ramli(interior designer) and Christine Hamilton(still does bits of tv work).Its on until Easter Monday 05 April 2010..........then 7pm to 1am i was at The Joe Calzaghe "Help For Hereos" Gala Dinner feat Stereophonics + Joss Stone + Rhydian live at The Grosvenor House Hotel,Park Lane,London W1. Around 800 people here at this black tie charity event to support injured soldiers.Most have paid £450 a ticket.Some very emotional stories told on stage.I missed the drinks reception.The Fron Male Voice Choir sang a few then Rhydian sang a few.We had a minutes silence for boxing commentator Harry Carpenter who died today.We had a nice three course dinner with wines.Then at 10pm a 30 mins interview with Joe Calzaghe on stage.Welsh boxing champ.46 professional fights and retired having never lost a fight.Some funny tales.Then an auction for 30 mins.Faces here inc Alex James from Blur,cricket legend Brian Lara,football legend Ian Rush,boxer Duke McKenzie and actor Tamar Hassan.Joss Stone looked and sounded fab for her four songs which ended with "Free Me".By the time Stereophonics hit the stage its nearly midnight and everyone has had a few drinks and is in a singing mood as we all gathered near stage for close up views. The band played for 50 mins and 11 songs.Only two weeks ago i saw them at The 02 Arena.Set was "Maybe Tomorrow","Pick A Part Thats New","Innocent","Handbags And Gladrags","Have A Nice Day","The Bartender And The Thief","Just Looking","Local Boy In The Photograph","You Can Have It All","Same Size Feet" and for last song "Dakota" they were joined by Joe Calzaghe on vocals.A great set.At the end we just stepped on to stage and nicked some guitar pics from the microphone.You cant do that at The 02 Arena. Check out the websites www.joecalzaghe.com and www.helpforheroes.org.uk......................... By accident i deleted a couple of weeks of gigs and other stuff reviews.Hopefully you read them anyway because i have not got the time to do them again.They inc Laurence Oliver Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel(March 21),Suede at The 100 Club(March 20),Steel Panther live at Brixton Academy(March 19),Alison Moyet + Noisettes live at Hurlingham Club(March 18),Dionne Warwick live at The Hilton Hotel(March 13),Joss Stone live at Shepherds Bush Empire(March 11),Stereophonics live at The 02 Arena(March 10),Fyfe Dangerfield live at The Hard Rock Cafe(March 09),Lily Allen + Dizzie Rascal live at The 02 Arena(March 07), Lynyrd Skynyrd live at The Hammersmith Apollo(March 06),Stiff Little Fingers live at The Kentish Town Forum(March 05),Scouting For Girls live at The Hard Rock Cafe(March 03)............. 24 March 2010.7pm to 9pm was The Tequila Society Event at The Parlour Bar,40 Canada Square,Canary Wharf,London E14.Always nice to come out to the Dockalands area where there are loads of lively venues like The Parlour Bar.The host tonight is the lovely Cleo Rocos from the BBC tv Kenny Everett Show in the 1980s.She is friendly and chatty to all and makes sure everyone has drinks. Lots of yummy tequila based cocktails here.For more info check www.tequilasociety.co.uk and www.tequilasofmexico.co.uk.......................

 
 
2010-03-03
 

02 Mar 2010.KISS live at The Islington Academy,London.Needless to say this was a big night for me.KISS are my fave band after Sex Pistols and The Clash so for them to play a club show for around 800 people is a dream gig.I have seen them at least once on every UK tour since their first London shows in 1976 at Hammersmith Odeon.Also seen them in France,Belgium,Italy and America.I never wear band tshirts but i dig out my 1979 World Tour KISS shirt from when i saw them in Chicago.I get in early just after 7pm and stake my view just 5 rows from stage dead centre.KISS stage logo in place and loads of amps.KISS on from 8.40pm to 9.50pm for a 70 mins set.The band in full make up and costumes and the sound loud and clear.Its fantastic to see them up close in their full glory.Old classics mixed in with tracks from new album "Sonic Boom". The small venue means no pyros or blood spitting antics so just pure rock and roll.Paul Stanley is great with the rock n roll chat between songs and when all three front guys rock out its mega. "Rock n Roll All Nite" was a highlight as tons of white confetti was shot over the crowd the entire song.Also encore of "Detroit Rock City" was brilliant.Like all the best gigs tonight just whizzed by so quickly.You gotta go see them in May when they have the full stage production. Full 12 song setlist played "Modern Day Delilah", "Cold Gin","Let Me Go Rock n Roll","Say Yeah", "Dr Love","Got To Choose","I Love It Loud", "100,000 Years","Love Gun","Black Diamond", "Rock n Roll All Nite" and encore of "Detroit Rock City".I picked up a setlist and guitar pic at the end.The setlist had three songs not played tonight "Deuce","Shout It Out Loud" and "Lick It Up" so they were probably played at the soundcheck which was at the venue the night before but they dropped them on the night.Visit www.kissonline.com for some pix of the gig See aftershow page for this gig.................. 28 Feb 2010.Mika live at The Hammersmith Apollo,London.The first of two shows at this venue for this falsetto singing pop dandy. His debut album "Life In Cartoon Motion" sold a staggering 5 million copies worldwide but last years follow up "The Boy Who Knew Too Much" has not reached half a million sales yet.Lots of screaming women here.A nice big screen behind him showing neat colourful images was good.Full of energy Mika put on a decent 1 hour 40 mins show.Its singalong panto pop all the way.Tracks played inc "Big Girl(You Are Beautiful) with the first of two giant inflatables on stage.Also "Billy Brown" and "Dr John".His voice is great but too much falsetto can grate a bit.The second half was much better than the first as he played great lively versions of "Love Today" and "We Are Golden" and encores inc his mega hit "Grace Kelly" and "Lollipop" with balloons and ticker tape and streamers falling on the crowd.Good gig.............................................. 27 Feb 2010.Elvis Presley tribute show live at Wembley Arena,London.Part of a full arena tour. Music legend who died over 30 years ago still has a loyal following.The merch stands are doing a roaring trade.Not sold out but an impressive 6000 are here with many in Elvis costumes.Featuring members of his original TCB band inc James Burton and backing singers Sweet Inspirations and an orchestra meant some 30 people on stage playing along to Elvis singing on the giant video screen.Two sets of 55 mins and 60 mins.Lots of great footage and great songs that we all know and love.Great versions of "Bridge Over Troubled Water","The Wonder Of You","Suspicious Minds"(this stunning six minute version is up on Youtube),"I Cant Help Falling In Love With You" and "My Way".Lots of footage of Elvis kissing the women in the front row gets loud screams from the females here.The whole production was well done and enjoyable.......... 26 Feb 2010.Lady Gaga + Alphabeat live at The 02 Arena,London.First of two sold out nights here for the three time BRIT Award singer who was the hottest pop act of 2009.Up first we have Danish popstars Alphabeat who despite having a couple of hit singles are crammed into the space of a househouse doormat at the edge of the stage.On for about 30 mins they finish well with "Hole In My Heart" and "Fasination".A long changeover of 50 mins gets a few boos and slow hanclaps.I saw Lady Gaga here a year ago as support to Pussycat Dolls and she was hotly tipped back then. Her album has sold over 4 milion copies.Ms Gaga somehow makes the show last two hours with an 11.25pm finish mainly due to lots of silly chat between songs.A massive stage producton with stage extension and split into four themes with different stage set ups City/Subway/Forest/Monster Ball along with a dozen costume changes and dancers made it a visually fantastic show.Some of the album tracks seemed average compared to her big hits but the quality of the show made them better."Just Dance" was played early on.There was a piano in the boot of a car and for "Speechless" there were flames.A platform raises her 30ft into the air during "So Happy I Could Die"."Poker Face" is mega of course.A brilliant last two songs.A 20ft squid like monster came on for "Paparazzi" and "Bad Romance" went down a treat.A superb show but more quality songs are needed in her set if she wants to take on Madonna.............. 25 Feb 2010.6.30pm to 10pm i was at the relaunch of The Brickhouse,152c Brick Lane,London E1.This venue offers live dinner cabaret and entertainment every night.Venue holds 300 people over three levels.Lots of freebie champers,cocktails,canopes and bowls of sausage and mash for all here tonight.About six dfferent acts on the stage.A female comedian...then a Cirque Du Soliel type gymnast....then a snake woman with three snakes doing tricks.Later on i spent ten minutes with a huge snake around my neck....an old style female hoola hoop act......then some Burlesque but not the Dita Von Teese type.This was the Croydon chav type with baseball cap,white plastic shoes and attitude.Very good...and then some very funny drag acts.It was really good night out. The venue is 5 mins from Liverpool Street. See www.thebrickhouse.co.uk...................... 24 Feb 2010.7pm to midnight.NME Awards at The Brixton Academy,London.Another rainy evening in London.About 1000 paid tickets upstairs and 1000 downstairs with 500 seated and 500 standing. Like last year here we have free booze and some dodgy hotdogs and hamburgers before the show.There are tables here but nobody has dinner. This rowdy lot just want booze.You can see how artists are with the press run.Courtney Love talks to everyone which is a surprise.Lily Allen talks to a couple then gets bored and runs off. 8.30pm the awards start.Some great acts here play one or two songs apart from Paul Weller at the end who plays six.Hosted by Jarvis Cocker.We get Maccabees.Kasabian are joined by Noel Fielding and mad antics.The Specials are superb playing "Gangsters" and "Too Much Too Young".Also Biffy Clyro play one.Hole play a couple inc "Skinny Little Bitch".The Big Pink are joined by Lily Allen for a stunning "Dominos".Paul Wellers set inc "Start","From The Floorboards Up" and mega versions of "Eton Rifles" and "A Town Called Malice".Also artists here to present or collect or just to get pissed inc Slash.I had nice chats with Mick Jones and Glen Matlock.Others here inc Bobby Gillespie,Shane MacGowan,The Mighty Boosh,Muse,Lily Allen,Arctic Monkeys,Kasabian, The Horrors,Bernard Sumner,Blur,Gorillaz,Friendly Fires,La Roux,Courteeners,Little Boots,The Drums,Bombay Bicycle Club,Jamie T,We Are Scientists,Mark Ronson and a few others.We got down to front left VIP area where near us were Lily Allen and funny to see Damon Albarn throwing stuff at Courtney Love when she was presenting.Awards finished at 11.30pm.Did some chatting to folks i knew for 30 mins then home. Aftershow last year was not much cop so did not bother with it this time.A great night........... See www.nme.com for winners,pictures and more info.Highlights on Channel 4 tv Friday 26 Feb.... 23 Feb 2010.30 Seconds To Mars live at Wembley Arena,London.A big London show as part of a UK and Europe arena tour.Do not know much about them apart from the fact that Kerrang readers voted them best band in the world in 2009.The band are all set up in the front half of the stage nice and near to the crowd.Its pretty clear that all the attention is on singer Jared Leto who has the looks and a mohican haircut too but looks more like a cartoon punk as he struts up and down the front of stage.The females love him.Great to see so many young kids really enjoying themselves at a gig.On stage for 1 hour 45 mins and promoting recent album "This Is War". They sound a bit like My Chemical Romance. Some good tracks played inc "Search And Destroy" (their own song and not a cover of Iggys) and the new album title track.We get far too many average songs though.The singer and band play a couple from the middle of the venue.Final song of the night "Kings And Queens" was great as 50 fans came on stage to help them out but overall not enough highpoints for me..................... 22 Feb 2010.Went to three events tonight.First was 7.15pm to 10pm.Amy Macdonald live at The Hard Rock Cafe,London.This was an invite only show for 150 comp winners and media for Absolute Radio.Free HRC food and booze for all here tonight.Scottish singer songwriter whose debut album "This Is The Life" has sold a staggering 3 million copies worldwide.Has been away a while recording the second album "A Curious Thing" which comes out March 8.Only 7 songs in 35 mins tonight.Old and new tracks played inc "Poison Prince","Spark",a cover of Bruce Springsteens "Dancing In The Dark","No Roots","This Is The Life" and new single "Dont Tell Me That Its Over".A nice rockin sound but overall pretty average i thought....then 10.15pm to 11pm was The Osman fashion aftershow party in New Burlington Street,London.Had a couple of free beers in this nice looking club....then 11.30pm to 1am i was at the aftershow party for Elle Magazine Style Awards at The Grand Connaught Rooms,London WC2.This one is always a great party.The awards and dinner earlier had Naomi Campbell,Leona Lewis,Dannii Minogue,Kylie Minogue and a few others but they have all left.Supergrass are here as The Hot Rats playing some covers but sadly missed their short live set as i thought it was a dj only playing.The ginger one from Girls Aloud is here as is fashion party animal Henry Holland.Loads of free Moet champers and cocktails flowing.They have done a fantastic job on the venue.Loads of lovely looking girls here all dressed up.A decent goodie bag of female stuff on the way out too.............................................. 21 Feb 2010.Megan Mullally live at The Vaudeville Theatre,The Strand,London.Last of eight shows over six days at this venue for this actress who is better known for the Emmy Award winning role of Karen Walker in Channel 4 tv American hit comedy "Will And Grace".She has brought out three albums and has been playing shows off and on in America for 12 years but its her first ever shows over here.Lots of gay men in the crowd as the tv show features two gay men.Backed by a great band she is on stage for 1 hour 50 mins over 2 sets of 55 mins.Its a gentle mix of jazz,blues and country western and some "Hillbilly Shit" as Megan said.Lots of great chat between the songs.Cover versions old and more recent.Set included tracks by Ryan Adams,The Decemberists,Rolling Stones,Randy Newman,Chuck Berry,Tom Waits etc.Megan got a full standing ovation at the end for this enjoyable evening................................ 20 Feb 2010.Europe + Diamond Head live at Shepherds Bush Empire,London.Nice double bill of rock acts that i had seen in their glory days both headline Hammersmith Odeon.I saw Diamond Head there in 1982 and 1983 and Europe there in 1987,1989 and 1992.Nice to see Diamond Head again.They were part of the NWOBHM(New Wave Of British Heavy Metal)scene in the UK but got stuck in the shadows of Iron Maidens success. Bands like Metallica and Megadeth say how Diamond Head influenced them.They played a good 45 mins set including their anthem "Am I Evil?" which Metallica have recorded and played live. Europe were Swedens answer to Bon Jovi in the late 1980s.They reformed a few years ago and their 1 hour 45 mins set was really good.Their singer Joey Tempest still looks like a proper rock star as the smile,the hair,the great clear voice and the showmanship are all intact.Plenty of rock n roll babes in the crowd drooling over him.They played a few songs from recent album "Last Look At Eden" which were good.The band sounded great.Set inc "Last Look At Eden","Superstitious","Gonna Get Ready", big hit ballad from the old days "Carrie" then "Always The Pretenders","Seventh Sign","Start From The Dark","Let The Good Times Roll" and two songs that went down great "Cherokee" and another old hit "Rock The Night".Encores were "The Beast" and finally the place went bonkers for their massive hit "The Final Countdown".A great gig.... 19 Feb 2010.Day 1 of London Fashion Week.I went to three fashion related events.First was 5.45pm to 8.15pm at the very nice newly opened The Arch Hotel,50 Great Cumberland Place,London W1 for the press launch of Z by Zandra Rhodes.Like Vivienne Westwood Zandra Rhodes is a UK fashion icon who has been designing for over 30 years.Only about 50 people here in this posh drawing room that feels like a members club.Freebie cocktails are flowing as are snacks and pastries that have Zandra Rhodes images on them that you can eat.A nice touch.Zandra Rhodes gives a few interviews.The stunning Noelle Reno is here as are a couple of other "supermodel" types.See www.zandrarhodes.com......then from 8.30pm to 9.45pm was at the launch of Glass fashion magazine at Libertys,London.Totally opposite atmosphere to the last one.The rowdier fashion crowd are here.Had a couple of free drinks and canopes before moving on....then 10pm to 11pm was at the afterparty for Felder Felder clothing at Sketch,Conduit Street,London W1.Had a couple of freebie cocktails here.Held in the smaller room of this nice venue.The free booze run out at 11pm and thats when we departed along with half the crowd that were here.Check out www.felderfelder.com............................. 18 Feb 2010.Went to two good events tonight. First was 6.30pm to 10pm at the relaunch of The Red Fort,77 Dean Street,Soho,London W1.In July 2009 a massive fire destroyed the building next door and this venue suffered huge smoke and water damage.After a £1.2m refit(i hope their insurance covered it)we have a state of the art quality venue serving Indian food.Upstairs is the main seating area and downstairs is the bar area with dancefloor and dj.We had the choice of five complimentary house cocktails which were great and the food was very yummy with king prawns my fave but the meat and fish dishes were also fab.All of it fresh and hot.Could be a bit expensive here but quality costs as they say.See www.redfort.co.uk......then 11pm to midnight i was at The Landmark Hotel,Marylebone Road,London NW1 for the afterparty for The London Critics Circle Film Awards.The free wine is still flowing.A few big names are including director Quentin Tarentino who got the main award of the night.Also here are John Hurt and Andy Serkis(played Ian Dury in the recent biopic) and probably a few others.A great goodie bag for all stuffed with film dvds(inc the highly rated ones In The Loop and Fish Tank),cds and cosmetics and copies of GQ and Elle magazine.An excellent evening overall................................. 17 Feb 2010.Hole + Foxy Shazam live at The Shepherds Bush Empire,London.American support were a quirky bunch of oddballs with a camp singer but were great musicians.When full tilt with trumpet filling out the sound they were much better than first expected and very entertaining to watch.This was the first UK show by Courtney Love under The Hole name for 11 years.None of the original band are here and two of the new boys are British.I saw her play a small gig at The Bush Hall a couple of years ago but with The Hole name its bigger venues of course.On stage for 75 mins with a neat grunge rock sound with a slice of punky vocals she still is quite a rock n roll chick.Playing a mix of Hole oldies and new material her loyal fans lapped it up.Set opened with "Pretty On The Inside/Sympathy For The Devil" a bit later "Skinny Little Bitch".A few film cameras here.Album title track "Nobobys Daughter" is good and we get great versions of "Malibu" and "Celebrity Skin" then "Samantha". Encores were "Doll Parts","Northern Star" and Never Go Hungry Again".A good gig.Also near me in Level 1 seats were Gary Numan,Noel Fielding and Pixie Geldof................................. 16 Feb 2010.5.30pm to 3am.The BRIT Awards live at Earls Court Arena,London.The UKs most popular music awards hosted by comedian Peter Kay.Get to venue 5.30pm for an hour of freebie champers.We see a few of the artists on the press run walkway but they have their own party area backstage.Then 6.30pm its a three course meal.We have a table in row H.Its by far the biggest catering event of the year.Some 4000 people have the dinner downstairs and 4000 come in later just for the show in the balcony.Then at 8pm the show kicks off and lasts until 10.10pm.Every act has a one song big production number apart from Robbie Williams at the end.Those who played were Lily Allen,JLS(won two awards),Kasabian(won best British group),Lady Gaga(was main winner with three awards),Dizzee Rascal with Florence And The Machine,Jay-Z with Alicia Keys,Cheryl Cole and finally Robbie Williams who played a 20 mins set of mainly hits.About halfway through the show we headed down to the front to VIP Block A where all the artists and top music biz folks are.Others who were here presenting,collecting or just hanging out inc Liam Gallagher,Noddy Holder,Paulo Nutini,Sam Fox,Bat For Lashes,Mel B and Geri Halliwell from The Spice Girls,Courtney Love,Kylie Minogue,Alexandra Burke,Sinitta,Craig David,Ellie Goulding,Meat Loaf,Cat Deeley,Peter Andre,Katherine Jenkins,Suggs,Jonathan Ross,Dame Shirley Bassey,Mika,Leona Lewis,James Blunt,Alan Carr,Rachel Stevens and no doubt a few more.It all goes past so quickly but its great fun. See aftershow page for this event................ 15 Feb 2010.Went to two good events tonight. First was 6.45pm to 8.30pm at The Chinese New Year Party at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Knightsbridge,London.Always nice to be at this lovely 5 star hotel opposite Harvey Nicks.This year its sponsored by Sonatrach Petroleum.Lots of freebie champers and quality grub inc oysters.Normally there are a couple of well known faces but did not spot anyone tonight.... then over to see Nazareth live at The Garage,Highbury And Islington,London.I was lucky enough to have seen these Scottish rock legends a few times at Hammersmith Odeon in the late 70s.This show was part of a huge UK,mainland Europe and Russian tour that goes well into the summer.Really great to see a quality rock band in a "up close and in your face" club setting.They still have two original members. Singer Dan McCafferty whose amazing voice makes AC/DCs Brian Johnson sound like Cliff Richard. Also here is bass player Pete Agnew and his son is on the drums.A brilliant set of around 90 mins with virtually all the classic oldies and a couple off the latest album.As usual "Telegram" opened the set."Turn On Your Reciever" and "Miss Misery" go down well and oldies like "Bad Bad Boy" and "My White Bicycle" go down a storm.Both had some great use of bottleneck guitar.A couple of songs "Hearts Grown Cold" and "Holiday" were from the 1980 album "Malice In Wonderland" when Zal Cleminson was in the band for a while."Hair Of The Dog" featured Dan on some nifty bagpipes. Hits "Love Hurts" and the brilliant "Broken Down Angel" sealed the main set with all the crowd singing loudly. Another track "See Me" from the 2008 album "The News" then "Razamanaz" and finally another old gem "This Flight Tonight".Really enjoyable rock n roll gig. Complete setlist was "Telegram","Turn On Your Reciever","Miss Misery","Bad Bad Boy","The Gathering","My White Bicycle","Hearts Grown Cold","Shanghai'd In Shanghai","Hair Of The Dog", "Holiday",Love Hurts","Broken Down Angel" and encores "See Me","Razamanaz","This Flight Tonight".For info on tour dates and music releases visit www.nazarethdirect.co.uk.......... 14 Feb 2010.Eric Clapton + Jeff Beck live at The 02 Arena,London.Second of two shows here by these guitar legends.First time they have done proper shows together in the UK.They both seem to have been around forever on the music scene.Eric Clapton was in The Yardbirds in Dec 1964 when they were one of the support bands for The Beatles 20 night Christmas stint at Hammersmith Odeon and in March 1965 Jeff Beck replaced Eric Clapton in The Yardbirds.The show basically was Jeff Beck for 50 mins then Eric Clapton for 55 mins then both together for 45 mins.Jeff Beck looks great for his age.He has an orchestra of around 20 behind him.Mainly guitar based instrumentals.His constant use of the guitars tremolo arm is fantastic and he has a more edgier style than Eric Clapton.He had some guests Sharon Corr on violin for one song and later on Imelda May on vocals for one.Joss Stone came on for "People Get Ready" last night but not tonight so we get it as an instrumental.We get a some well known covers "A Day In The Life","Moon River" and opera classic "Nessun Dorma" all done with superb guitar playing.Eric Clapton starts his set semi acoustic with "Nobody Knows You When Youre Down And Out" and "Love Comes Over Me".We get great electric and extended versions of "I Shot The Sheriff" and "Cocaine".His guitar tone is perfect.Then they both played a few songs together which was great to see with lots of guitar dualing and for the encore we are treated to "Hi Ho Silver Lining" with shared vocals.A good gig............ 11 Feb 2010.Spent the evening at two events. First 6.30pm to 8.30pm was the launch of Recognise Magazine at Just St James,12 St James Street,London SW1.Freebie wines and tasty canopes in this superb stylish venue with high ceilings to launch this "Socially Aware Lifestyle Magazine For Men And Women".It features fashion,food and fast cars etc but with more of a lean to green/ethical/charity issues etc than other magazines.Debut issue is in the shops now for £3 at WH Smith and selected outlets and it will be coming out every two months.Check out www.recognisemagazine.com....... ....then a dash to see Massive Attack live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.A sold out charity show for "The Hoping Foundation" to promote their fifth studio album "Heligoland" out this week.These arty trip hoppers from Bristol made one of the classic albums of the 1990s with "Blue Lines".I once saw them in Milan,Italy in 1996 when they were the main support to The Sex Pistols at a festival.The two hour set finishes late at 11.15pm.Four or five different vocalists were used.A neat light show with changing political and social messages on the screen.The oldies still go down the best as "Teardrop" is great and white lights blazing away for a stunning "Safe From Harm".Damon Albarn from Blur joined them for the first two encores.The first as backing vocals then he sung "Saturday Comes Slow" from the new album.The classic gem "Unfinished Symphony" was dedicated to fashion designer Alexander McQueen who had died that day age only 40.Then a couple of more songs.A show of highs and averages but pretty good overall.............................. 10 Feb 2010.Went to three good events today.I spent an hour at the press day launch for "Bob Dylan On Canvas" at the Halcyon Gallery,24 Bruton Street,London W1.The written and online press are outnumbered by many photographers and tv crews here.Bob Dylans original 12 pieces. They have never been seen in public before today. Well laid out at this very prestigious gallery. Each is 122.5cm x 91.5cm which is large poster size.Full of vibrant colours from this creative rock and roll legend who has sold over 100m albums.Open to the public from Sat 13 Feb.Free to get in.See www.halcyongallery.com for more info.Nearest tube is Green Park but Bond Street and Oxford Circus are also near.All here got a nice press pack with a "Bob Dylan On Canvas" book.....then 3pm i went to see Sister Act at The Palladium,London.Based on the film of course. Finally got to see this as its been on a while. Its a great story and its all singing and all dancing.Lots of uplifting mainly disco based tunes with lots of funny lines.Sheila Hancock is Mother Superior and the Whoopi Goldberg part is played superbly by Patina Miller.Two sets of 80 mins and 60 mins.Very enjoyable......then 7.30pm it was Pat Metheny live at The Barbican, London.Leading jazz fusion guitarist who some say is the best guitarist in the world.The only UK show on this leg of a massive world tour to promote recent album "Orchestration".Its a 2 hours 20 mins set of all instrumentals.The tone and sound of his guitar playing is fantastic.But on stage there is something amazing going on. Its a dream Pat Metheny has had for years.He has a full orchestra of about 20 instruments behind him but none have anyone playing them.The drums are all split up and stacked like Marshall amps and you can see the workings of all the other instruments.Somehow they are all played by computers.No wonder Pat Metheny has had so many sleepless nights getting ready for this tour. The equipment finally malfunctions at the end so a track is dropped before he ends with two well known older tracks and a full standing ovation. Quite a unique show here it has to be said. Pat returns to The Barbican on 10 July 2010...... 08 Feb 2010.6.45pm to midnight.TPI(Total Production Industry) Awards at The Novotel,Hammersmith,London.This is the main awards night for folks that work in the background to make live events come together.A different venue but like last year a big crowd of around 1000 people here.We get to the venue and it looks like there is also some kind of fancy dress party going on too at the hotel but we find out its a holding base for the Britains Got Talent auditions that are going on over the road at The Hammersmith Apollo.Adam Ant once sung "Ridicule Is Nothing To Be Scared Of".Indeed.Host is BBC Radio 2 dj Chris Evans.Most of the crowd have paid £150 to be here or their companies have.We have freebie champers for an hour then a nice three course meal with Rump Of Cornish Lamb as mains. Then there are 31 awards.The presenters inc The Pet Shop Boys,Kaiser Chiefs singer Ricky Wilson and a nice rare surprise to see Jah Wobble who was Public Image Ltd bass player back in the day.U2 360 tour won the most awards.Live Production Of The Year = U2,Tour Manager Of The Year = Andy Franks-Coldplay,Catering Company Of The Year = Eat Your Hearts Out,Security Company Of The Year = Showswec,Venue Of The Year = The 02 Arena,Production Manager Of The Year = Jake Berry-U2,Rehearsal Facility Of The Year = Music Bank and loads more.Drinks after for an hour.A good event....................................... 06 Feb 2010.Todd Rundgren live at Hammersmith Apollo,London.A one off UK show for Todd which features all of his 1973 album "A Wizard, A True Star".I first saw TR live at this venue in 1975.I never knew any of his material then as i only went along as he had produced some Sparks albums.35 years later i still dont know any of his material as this cult artist has had more success with producing over the years inc Meat Loafs "Bat Out Of Hell",New York Dolls,XTC and loads more.Its a full house of older punters. In the foyer i see Paul McCartneys keyboard player Paul "Wix" Wickens and also Rough Trade Records head honcho Geoff Travis.We have great seats 10 rows from stage in the centre.The first set is titled Todd Rundgrens Johnson which is Todd and band playing their fave Robert Johnson blues songs.Todd is a superb guitar player and they finish the 40 mins set with "Crossroads". The second set is 70 mins of all his "A Wizard A True Star" album which some critics say is Todds "Pet Sounds".The great band which includes Prairie Prince from The Tubes on drums are all dressed in white morning suits and Todd changes persona and costume nearly every song with wacky outfits inc spaceman,a bird with feathers,a chef,a mr blobby type fatty and more.The first half of the album is cosmic prog rock that is a bit daft but the second half of the album is much better with Todd in an all orange suit for a brilliant "La La Means I Love You" and the crowd all dance to "Cool Jerk". Also good was "Hungry For Love" and "Is It My Name?".The encore is the final song of the album "Just One Victory" which was excellent.The amount of effort Todd put into this show with all the costume changes was amazing and he was sweating buckets at the end of it but overall a much better show than i had expected.................. 05 Feb 2010.8.15pm to 1.30am.The February 1920s Feel-Good Ball At The Sheraton Park Lane Hotel, Piccadilly,London.Most of the 300 guests have paid £125 to be here.Most have stuck to 1920s glamour as stated on the invite.The woman are wearing some amazing dresses and the men have great attire that makes my suit and black tie feel i am underdressed.Free booze and lovely food until 11pm in this very nice five star hotel.Lots of entertainment.Some 1920s dance demonstrations,a band playing 1920s tunes,some tap dancing,some burlesque and then a charity auction held by Channel 5 presenter Jonny Gould.Jockey Richard Dunwoody is here.Also here and very surprised to see me is Rusty Egan who is the dj later on.We chat about his stint at the Rich Kids reunion.He does a lot of dj work these days at trendy places like Boujis in South Kensington but he said he would love to drum on tour with Mick Jones and Carbon Silicon.OK magazine have an exclusive so a couple of pages of photos will be in the issue out Feb 17.We get a set by Kid Creole And The Coconuts.All four are here but no band just backing track but it still goes down great.A 30 mins set with five tracks played inc three of his hits from the early 1980s "Im A Wonderful Thing Baby", "Annie Im Not Your Daddy" ad "Stool Pigeon".All the coconuts have skimpy jungle outfits on and Kid Creole is very dapper as usual.Great fun.Then a female comedian sings a very rude song that has even these posh folks in hysterics.It was called "Im Just A Glamour Model Who Likes It Up The Bum".Lots of the lyrics aimed at John Terry and Chelsea.Then the 1920s band played a few more and Rusty Egan played some dance tracks.A really enjoyable event....... 04 Feb 2010.Rammstein + Combichrist live at Wembley Arena,London.Rammstein first show in London for a few years since that amazing Brixton Academy show has been sold out a couple of months and tickets going for twice face value outside.Up first we have Norway industrial dance rockers Combichrist.Relentless beats from this mutant looking band of two drummers,a keyboard player and a shouty singer.One song was called "This Shit Will Fuck You Up".I liked them and were much more entertaining than most support acts.I have a great seat left of stage. Led Zeps Jimmy Page is a couple of rows in front of me and Gary Numan is a couple of rows behind me.Never i thought would i see the day when a band could play this venue who sing all their songs in German but then again Rammstein are no ordinary band.Over the last 35 years i have seen plenty of big bands have fire in their shows but nobody does fire like this lot.Its a huge production that takes 20 trucks to move around. The 1 hour 40 mins show opened with "Rammstein". Lots of stuff going on to feast your eyes on. We had 20 laser eyed dolls hanging that all exploded at the end one by one.We had a great stunt where a hooded pretend stage invader jumped on the stage and the singer torched him as he run fully on fire to the side of stage. Fireworks and fire virtually every song.One song the three main members put face contraptions on and spurted fire 20 feet into the air.Flake the wacky nerdy keyboard player was great fun doing silly dances.Their anthem "Du Hast" brought yet more fire.Great to hear the crowd singing along in German.At the end the singer sprayed the crowd with foam as they were covered in ticker tape colours of the German flag.The encore inc Frank on a dinghy floating on the hands of the stalls standing crowd.For "Engel" the singer sported giant wings that spurted fire from the tips.An amazing show that suited their brand of industrial rock.It really was an amazing show.Rammstein were just totally on fire tonight.Geddit??........................... 03 Feb 2010.Pixie Lott + Tiffany Page live at The Hard Rock Cafe,London.Invite only show for 200 comp winners and press for Q Magazines The Music Club.Free booze and Hard Rock Cafe grub for all here tonight.Up first we have Tiffany Page who Q Mag have tipped for the future.A nice sultry dark haired female with catchy pop rock tunes.Pixie Lott has had a great last 6 months with two number one singles in the UK.Aged only 19 with a nice happy stage presence along with a great voice and blonde looks and with three BRIT Awards nominations at the Feb 16 event.Her 40 mins set had a mix of her own stuff and some covers.Tracks played inc a cover of Stevie Wonders "Isnt She Lovely", her hit "Boys And Girls",a cover of The Strokes "Last Night" and a cover of The Killers "When You Were Young".Also album track "Nothing Compares".Also the very good new single "Cry Me Out" and finally her debut number one single "Mama Do".A good gig..... 02 Feb 2010.A very busy night as i went to four events inc a gig.First 7pm to 8pm was The 20th anniversary of Elemis Skincare at 1 Marylebone Road,London NW1.Its mainly females here but male grooming is more and more accepted these days.Elemis is my fave brand and every morning i use Elemis Moisture Boost.Freebie champers and canopes for all.Marie Helvin the 1980s supermodel is here....then 8.15pm to 9.15pm was the 135th anniversary party of The Criterian,224 Piccadilly,London W1.Very famous eating place right in the heart of things.Loads of silly tourists waiting in the cold not knowing what the event is but see a red carpet and just gawp.More select than expected as i thought 300 plus would be here but there is maybe 100 but lots of famous faces inc Jo Wood,dj Paul Oakenfold,Trinny Woodall from tv,actor Rhys Ifans(Notting Hill,The Boat That Rocked etc),fashion folks Henry Holland and Pam Hogg,Jodie Kidd,rock n roll jeweller Stephen Webster and a few more inc some from the Elemis party inc Marie Helvin.Freebie champers, cocktails and oysters here......then over to Koko,Camden for the premiere of the film "Oil City Confidential" which is about Canvey Island and Dr Feelgood and the pub rock scene in the 1970s.Sadly missed the film as at the other events but caught the 60 mins live set by Wilko Johnson Band.Its a mix of Dr Feelgood tunes and rock n roll covers.Wilko still has that fantastic jerky machine gun style of playing guitar and Norman Watt Roy is superb on bass.These two just love to play live.We get a vocal treat as Alison Moyet joins them for a few songs inc "Down By The Jetty" and "Boom Boom".Then Wilko took over.NME journo from 1970s Charles Shaar Murray played some mean harmonica.Other tracks played inc "She Does It Right","Wooly Bully","Dont Let Your Daddy Know","Johnny B Goode/Bye Bye Johnny" and "Route 66".A good gig.A funny sight was the films director Julian Temple clearly very drunk mumbling stuff on stage to the crowd......then 11.15pm to 12.15am i was at the aferparty for The Drinks Retailing Awards at The Dorchester Hotel,Park Lane,London W1.The place is awash with free booze as all the sponsors and drinks companies have stands.We stick to Sailor Jerry rum cocktails.All here got a huge goodie bag full of booze.For more info and a list of winners see www.offlicencenews.co.uk............. 01 Feb 2010.6.45pm to 9pm.Conde Nast Traveller Readers Spa Awards at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel,Knightsbridge,London.Always nice to be at this posh 5 star hotel opposite Harvey Nicks where a lot of big names stay when on tour inc Metallica,Tina Turner,Fleetwod Mac,Bon Jovi etc. When i was going in i saw Nigel Lythgoe leaving the hotel who is a current judge on "So You Think You Can Dance" and was Nasty Nigel back in 2000 on Popstars before taking a back seat but making a fortune with his work with Simon Cowell and Simon Fuller.After his divorce he is now dating Jerry Hall.Yes that Jerry Hall.Lots of freebie Laurent Perrier champers and tasty snacks for all here tonight.The awards were for best UK and overseas spas.The full list is in the latest edition of Conde Nast Traveller which is in the shops now.Goodie bags had ESPA boxes of bath oils in them............................. 30 Jan 2010.TNA(Total Nonstop Action)Wrestling live at Wembley Arena,London.When i was a kid watching Saturday afternoon wrestling in the 1970s on ITV was a must with my dad.The likes of Mick McManus and Jackie Pallo were great.These days the UK wrestling scene has been killed off as big American wrestling productions have taken over.Loads of lights and loud music and a loud crowd make it like a gig in many ways.About six bouts over 2 hours 30 mins.Names like Samoa Joe,Beer Money,Team 3D,AJ Styles and Kurt Angle seem the most well known.Its all well rehearsed slapstick wrestling but looks like they can still get injured.One bout had five in the ring and another had six in the ring.The crowd really got into it but even at the end parade the wrestlers just said "its entertainment".Visually it was good to watch and a good laugh............ 28 Jan 2010.Went to two good events tonight. First was 7.15pm to 10pm The launch party for the opening of The Arch Hotel,50 Great Cumberland Place,Marble Arch,London W1.Up the same road from older hotels The Montcalm and The Cumberland.This hotel has 82 stunning individually designed rooms.Its all just total quality.There are tvs in all bathrooms set in the walls.Around 200 or 300 people upmarket folks here inc design guru Peter York.Lots of freebie champers,cocktails and food.Good one. The rooms cost £180 upwards.Their website is www.thearchlondon.com....then 10.30pm to 11.30pm i popped into to The Drapers Etail Awards at Bloomsbury Ballroom,London.Missed the awards and fashion show to celebrate the best of online fashion sellers inc www.mandmdirect.com, www.schuh.co.uk,www.mytights.com,www.coggles.com, www.radley.co.uk,www.farfetch.com,www.girlmeetsdress.com,www.my-wardrobe.com.Had a couple of freebie cocktails and got a couple of average goodie bags on the way out...................... 27 Jan 2010.7.30pm to 10pm.Launch party for James Tudor Underwear at Vendome,Piccadilly, London.Freebie champers and cocktails flowing here for the launch of this quality snug male underwear brand that is mainly online only.There are six male models and two female models in JT underwear walking among the crowd giving out the drinks.The dj booth is in the middle of the dancefloor and revolves.Probably suited for toned and younger males than me.They have a great slogan "Think Outside The Boxer".Goodie bags only had small and mediums in so wil have to give them to my sons i reckon otherwise i will look like Kylie in her gold hotpants. See www.jamestudor.co.uk for pics and info. Normally they retail from £18 each but put in the discount code JT40VE10 for 40% off........... 26 Jan 2010.Went to two very good events today. 12.15pm to 4.45pm was The South Bank Show Awards at The Dorchester Hotel,Park Lane,London W1. Its totally criminal that after 32 years the UKs top tv show for the arts will not be on our screens so this is their final awards show.As usual an excellent bunch of talent here from theatre,film,music,dance,comedy etc inc host Lord Melvyn Bragg,Billy Connolly,Ronnie Wood,Sir Ian McKellen,Rob Brydon,Grayson Perry,Jo Whiley,Dominic West,David Attenborough,Jarvis Cccker,Diversity(well two of them),Rachel Weisz,Andrew Lloyd Webber,Julian Lloyd Webber(both played a couple of songs),Michael McIntrye,Emilia Fox,Miquita Oliver,Peaches Geldof,Vic Reeves and his yummy wife,Sir David Frost,Will Young,Rachel Stevens,Mika,Fearne Cotton,Ronnie Corbett,Elaine Paige,David Morrissey,Michael Ball,Lee Evans,the actors from The Kumars,Tracey Emin,Sir Peter Blake,Timothy Small and no doubt a few more. Freebie cocktails for an hour then a 3 course lunch.I was on a great table.To my left was Miquita Oliver (Channel 4 music presenter) with three friends but we never spoke a word.On my right was the lovely actress Emilia Fox and we chatted lots.She told me her fave new band is Mumford And Sons so shes knows her stuff.She wrote down the two new bands i like (Delphic and The Jim Jones Revue).Also on my table were two guys from dance act Diversity who were great and also Rachel Stevens and Mika.Mika missed all the lunch as he arrived late from a recording session.About 13 awards given out."The Thick Of It" won Best Comedy."Florence And The Machine" won Best Pop."Fish Tank" won Best Film."Red Riding" won Best TV and Lord Melvyn Bragg himself got a standing ovation for the main award of the night for Achievement.More drinks after the awards for an hour.Huge South Bank leather notebooks in goodie bag.Tried to chat to Ronnie Wood but his horrible pr woman would only let him be interviewed by tv cameras.A quality event.The awards are on ITV Sunday 31st Jan around 10.30pm.Seeing i was next to Emilia Fox my ugly mug should be seen a couple of times..... then 7.30pm to 10.30pm was the launch of Abbaworld at Earls Court Arena,London.Hidden in one of the corners of this huge building at the West Brompton end.About 500 guests here for freebie drinks and canopes for an hour.I spotted Boy George,Caprice,Phil Manzernera(Roxy Music),Stephen Baldwin and Sisco(both doing the rounds after coming out of the Big Brother house).Great to see two Abba members here Bjorn and Anni-Frid who both said a few words and picked up a disc from the head of Universal Music for sales of a staggering 375 million albums.The 25 room display has costumes,gold discs,rooms recreating studios and backstage,interactive quiz machines and plenty of memorabilia.You can sing along to Abba on stage.Tickets seem a bit steep at around the 20 quid mark but it was fun and enjoyable.All here tonight got a goodie bag with a Abba book and Abba Gold cd.See www.abbaworld.com............... 25 Jan 2010.7.15pm to 10.45pm.Monkey Shoulder Triple Malt Whisky Burns Night Party at Paramount,London W1.Quality Scotch Whisky brand host in this private members club on the 31st floor of Centrepoint with stunning views to Canary Wharf on one side and all along Oxford Street on the other.Below you can see the flat piece of land where The Astoria used to be.A lively big crowd with yummy Monkey Shoulder cocktails all night including John Barleycorn,Bobby Burns and Ginger Monkey along with yummy Scottish canopes including haggis.We had a Robert Burns reading along with a set from The Red Hot Chili Pipers who are bagpipers with a drummer and electric guitar.Their set included "Smoke On The Water", "Thunderstruck","Rockin All Over The World","We Will Rock You" and others.They went down a treat and then it was on the dancefloor for the dj.Great drinks,great food,great venue,great entertainment.All boxes ticked at this event. See www.monkeyshoulder.com for more info........