Fleetwood Bac - Friday 30th December - Boom Boom, Sutton

Brief review:  Fleetwood Bac appear to be considered the primary tribute band for Fleetwood Mac and this show probably showed why. Excellent musicianship, faithfully reproduced songs and vocals. Personally, I'm not sure about tribute bands with wigs (does anyone really need the musicians to try and look like the band they are emulating?), but that was only a minor distraction. 

Personally, I'd have liked one or two more of the blues period songs in addition to "Oh Well" and as I'm sure I've mentioned before, any Fleetwood Mac (or tribute) show could be enhanced by omitting "Tusk" IMHO :)  A few favourites were missing ("Seven Wonders", "Eyes of The World", "Oh Diane"), but it was nice to include "Say You Love Me" and "Hold Me" as lesser hits). We even got a Stevie Nicks solo track ("Edge of Seventeen") which I gather is now popular with a younger audience. The rendition of "Songbird" - dedicated to Christine McVie was especially moving.

If the middle of the set was a little "hardcore" (in that as an average "Mac" fan there were a few songs I didn't know), the overall show was well worth it and a good time seemed to be had by all.

Venue and View:  Reserved seats on the left, half way back. Sold out and pretty crowded.

Bryan Adams - Wednesday 14th December - O2 Arena

Brief review:  This show was postponed from earlier in the year when we suspect poor ticket sales (around the time when many BA fans had forked out for 3 nights of Royal Albert Hall tickets) had forced the date to be moved. Unfortunately this time around there was a national rail strike, so all things considered there was a decent turn out, albeit the standing pit was not sold out which made for a comfortable experience for those of us there.

The gap in shows also allowed the set to sound fresher to my ears and there were some excellent seldom played requests (Take Me Back, On A Day Like Today & Rebel) which were highlights. It's also the first time I've heard him do Christmas Time live, so that was a bonus.

An excellent evening, despite the travel hassle and the last of 6 Bryan Adams shows for me this year (it's like being back in the 90's!)

Venue and View:  Front "pit" standing  - right hand side, excellent view and plenty of breathing space

Setlist
Kick Ass
Can't Stop This Thing We Started
Somebody
One Night Love Affair
Shine a Light
Heaven
Go Down Rockin'
It's Only Love
You Belong to Me
I've Been Looking for You
The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You
Here I Am
When You're Gone
(Everything I Do) I Do It for You
Back to You
These Are the Moments That Make Up My Life
18 til I Die
Summer of '69
Take Me Back
On a Day Like Today
Rebel
Please Forgive Me
Cuts Like a Knife
+
So Happy It Hurts
Run to You
Can't Take My Eyes Off You
Straight From the Heart
All for Love
Christmas Time

Nordoff Robbins Christmas Carols - Tuesday 13th December - St Lukes Church, Chelsea

Brief review:  A charity evening in Chelsea. Purchased initially as The Who were meant to be performing, but they dropped out for unexplained reasons. We decided to go anyway and support the charity who do excellent musical therapy work - primarily with disabled youngsters. As well as some traditional Christmas Carols and readings in this grand location, there were 2 "substitute" guests.

First up was Richie Sambora (ex Bon Jovi guitarist and songwriter). Richie has had some well documented addiction issues in the past and let's just say he appeared a little "distracted" here and provoked a few mutterings around us. His choice of a guitar pedal that attempted to convert the sound into a Church organ effect just about worked on the first number - Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah", but soon became quite grating on the Bon Jovi numbers. Being a fan of both JBJ and Richie from years gone by, the performance - whilst unique (and for a good cause) - was quite a disappointment.

By contrast, other than observing that Nile Rodgers seems to be the darling of the BBC (can a charity concert they broadcast be performed without him and / or Emeli Sandé?), I had reasonably low expectations. He always comes across as a decent bloke, but doesn't really play the style of music I go for. Credit where credit is due though, he and the 2 singers (under the guise of "Chic") were excellent, basically serving up a mini "Greatest Hits" set of songs he wrote or co-wrote. You wouldn't really catch me dancing at the best of times, but his excellence as a musician shone through.

Mince pies and mulled wine followed and we even saw the BBC's Wendy Hurrell who had done an interview slot early for BBC London. Bearing in mind some of the rubbish that BBC London News frequently send her to, hopefully this was a more enjoyable evening for her as it was for the rest of us.

Venue and View:  Right hand side on ground floor, pews at the front (just behind sponsors)

Setlist - Nile Rodgers and Chic 
Everybody Dance
We Are Family
Get Lucky
Le Freak
Good Times / Rapper's Delight
We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Setlist - Richie Sambora 
Hallelujah
It's My Life
Wanted Dead or Alive
I'll Be There for You
Livin' on a Prayer

Scouting For Girls - Friday 9th December - O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

Singer Roy Stride goes walkabout to the balcony

Brief review:  My pet hate for the SBE is that the seats are usually unreserved so if you want to sit together (or at all) you have to get in early. That was the plan (to arrive at doors opening) until a train delay and missed connection meant we were 15 minutes late. And the advertised time must have been wrong as the first support act was already mid set and 3/4 of the seats were full! Still at least we got some and on the end of a row too which was useful for bar access, but did mean we were up and down like a yo-yo for the 2 supports and main act!

Scouting for Girls have realised that everyone loves their first album and so they rightly milk the contents of that whilst interspersing other favourites and new songs around it. You know their show will be fun and well performed with lots of sing-a-long anthems and this was no exception. Rumour has it that they are due to headline Cheam's FeastyFest next year.

Venue and View:  Level 1 seats. Towards back on far left, but with a clear view of the stage

Setlist
I Wish I Was James Bond
It's Not About You
Heartbeat
Michaela Strachan
The Airplane Song
Keep On Walking
Famous
Butterflies
Love How It Hurts
Posh Girls
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
This Ain't a Love Song
Song I Can't Forget
Elvis Ain't Dead / Can't Help Falling in Love
+
Christmas in the Air (Tonight)
She's So Lovely

Plastic Elvis - Friday 2nd December - Cheam Village Christmas Lights

Brief review:  The Cheam Christmas lights are switched on by Plastic Elvis (aka Time Vine). 3 Christmas songs in the style of Elvis before the plunger was errr... plunged.

Venue and View:  No need to get close - children first...

Status Quo - Wednesday 30th November - Brighton Centre

Brief review: Status Quo in Brighton supported, bizarrely, by Shakin’ Stevens. I sat in the row behind ‘Shaky’, in the stand at Plough Lane (Wimbledon) circa 1981 for a charity football match. A dozen teenage girls were pointing in my direction and screaming excitedly - what was I to think? In the 2nd half, Mr Stevens moved down to the touchline from his seat and appeared as a substitute for ten minutes. It was only then that I realised the attention was not for me - damn! 

He seems to have a reduced effect today, for ladies of a certain age. We are actually feeling quite young tonight. I would have hoped "Mr Stevens" would have thrown a few more hits into his set - it was OK, but nothing more. Of more interest was the bizarre scuffle that broke out at the front when a front row seat holder took objection to a guy from the 4th row wanting to enjoy "Merry Christmas Everyone" near the barrier!

Quo were good as normal and we got some decent solos from Mr Rossi as you'd expect. Additionally, Richard and I both commented that Rhino's vocals are now more than acceptable on the handful he sings on. Practice makes perfect!

Venue and View:  Central seats on the floor, about 5 rows back.

Setlist (Status Quo)
Caroline
Rain
Little Lady
Softer Ride
Beginning of the End
Hold You Back
Rock 'n' Roll 'n' You
Twenty Wild Horses
Medley: What You're Proposing / Down the Dustpipe / Something 'bout You Baby I Like / Wild Side Of Life / Rollin' Home / Railroad / Again and Again / Mystery Song
The Oriental
In My Chair
Cut Me Some Slack
Liberty Lane
In the Army Now
Roll Over Lay Down
Down Down
Whatever You Want
Rockin' All Over the World
+
Burning Bridges (On and Off and on Again)

Setlist (Shakin' Stevens)

How Could It Be Like That

Turning Away

Radio

Down Into Muddy Water

The Fire in Her Blood

Green Door

Beyond The Illusion

Have You Ever Seen the Rain?

Don't You Lie to Me

Marie Marie

This Ole House

Last Man Alive

Fire Down Below

Merry Christmas Everyone

Rod Stewart - Friday 25th November - O2 Arena

Brief review:  Top tier curtained off for this one, perhaps due to a clash with England's World Cup snore-draw with the USA. Bizarrely, it appeared that many of the (not too young) audience were absolutely hammered. Lots of people in the wrong seats, scuffles breaking out around us (some wanting to stand, others not) and the bizarre O2 policy of routing people with floor tickets to walk down staircases blocking the view of those seated in tier one. And lots of pressure on the young stewards getting in the neck from other punters with not too much support to help them.

It would have been easy to be distracted by that (and we were for the first 4-5 songs), but afterwards Rod delivered a decent show. The vocals may be a bit hit and miss these days (mainly "hit"), but the songs themselves bring a smile to most. 

Venue and View:  Lower tier, 2/3 of the way back on the right. Just the correct side of the World's busiest staircase to and from the floor.

Setlist
Addicted to Love
You Wear It Well
Ooh La La
Having a Party
Some Guys Have All the Luck
This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)
Forever Young
The First Cut Is the Deepest
Maggie May
I'd Rather Go Blind
Young Turks
Rhythm of My Heart
Hot Stuff [Backing Singers]
The Killing of Georgie, Part I [Acoustic]
People Get Ready [Acoustic]
I Don't Want to Talk About It [Acoustic]
Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright) [Acoustic]
You're in My Heart (The Final Acclaim) [Acoustic]
Have I Told You Lately [Acoustic]
Lady Marmalade [Backing Singers]
Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?
Baby Jane
Sailing
+
Stay With Me

Jackie Lynton - Saturday 19th November - Scratchers, Farncombe

Brief review:  Last minute decision to go and see Jack and I'm glad I did. He may not be in the best of health, but this was a fun show, mixed in with the usual array of stories and jokes. I bought his new CD and book afterwards and had a nice chat. And as he said in the show, of course there is no B&Q in Woking. Boom Boom.

Venue and View:  Seated in the lower section, a few yards from the stage

Setlist
[Set 1]
Call Me The Breeze
A Mess Of The Blues / Lawdy Miss Clawdy
Rock And Roll Whiskey Blues
Drift Away
Sea Cruise
I Hear You Knocking
You Can't Always Get What You Want
+
[Set 2]
I'm Ready
Unchain My Heart
Promised Land [Guest Eric on vocals]
The Wheels on The Bus / Run Rabbit Run / The Sun Has Got His Hat On
Run Run Rudolph
??? / You Keep a Knockin' / You Wanna Rock n Roll (Like Status Quo) / Down Down / Caroline

Gary Moore Blues Tribute - Thursday 17th November - Cavern, Raynes Park

Brief review:  As it said on the tin - Gary Moore tribute, blues experience. This didn't wash with the bloke standing next to me who thought it outrageous that they didn't play any of Gary's non blues material. Still, I enjoyed it.

Venue and View:  High table near the entrance. Central and 10 yards from the stage.

Pat McManus - Wednesday 16th November - Half Moon, Putney

Brief review:  Return trip to see Pat at the Half Moon again. Missed the first song which meant getting a place to stand without blocking others was a little tricky, but it worked out OK. Different set from earlier in the year, but still very good.

Venue and View:  Just behind the tables, on the right

Rhino's Revenge - Sunday 30th October - Half Moon, Putney

Brief review:  The one show that survived from Rhino's mini tour. Jim Kirkpatrick was away with FM and so son Freddie subbed on guitar. A decent show as ever including the requisite number of Quo covers.

Venue and View:  Left hand side, towards the back.

Setlist
Once Bitten Twice Shy
Busy Doing Nothin'
One Note Blues
Secretary
The Strange One
Spend Spend Spend
Belavista Man
Gravy Train
Jungle Love
Obstruction Day
Two Way Traffic
Jam Side Down
My Name Is Stan
Bad News
Never Too Old (To Rock'n'Roll)
Let's Work Together

Kingdom of Madness - Friday 28th October - 100 Club, London

Brief review:  I'll be upfront and say that I had low expectations for this one and if Rhino's Revenge in Carshalton had not been cancelled then I wouldn't have been here. I've not seen Mark Stanway's new outfit before, but the constant lineup changes and postponements didn't bode well.

I'm pleased to report that it was excellent from start to finish with a decent selection in the 100% "Classic Magnum" set. Vocals, guitar and everything else were excellent. What a pleasant surprise - I shall return.

Venue and View:  Front and central (by centre pillar). 2 yards from the stage.

Setlist
Changes
Back to Earth
Just Like an Arrow
Wild Swan
The Prize
Need a Lot of Love
Les Morts Dansant
Love's a Stranger
Start Talking Love
Rockin' Chair
Soldier Of The Line
The Tall Ships
Only in America
[Micky Barker] Drum Solo
Midnight (You Won't Be Sleeping)
On a Storyteller's Night
Kingdom of Madness
+
The Lights Burned Out
Sacred Hour

Elio Pace - Monday 24th October - Wimbledon New Theatre

Brief review:  "Hits" show (The Billy Joel Songbook). I've seen the previous incarnation of the show which was good and this was equally as enjoyable.

Venue and View:  Stalls, a third of the way back on the left.

Setlist
Prelude / Angry Young Man
Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
My Life
This Night
The Longest Time
Classical Intros 
Pressure
Say Goodbye to Hollywood
New York State of Mind
Root Beer Rag 
She's Always a Woman
Scenes From an Italian Restaurant
+
Goodnight Saigon
Allentown
Captain Jack
It's Still Rock and Roll to Me
An Innocent Man
She's Got a Way
Just the Way You Are
Don't Ask Me Why
Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)
We Didn't Start the Fire
The River of Dreams
Tell Her About It
Uptown Girl
+
You May Be Right
Piano Man

Cregan and Co - Friday 21st October - Boom Boom, Sutton

Brief review:  The normal excellent show from Jim and the boys. The "new" material fits in well and I'd certainly not heard them do Joe Cocker's "N'oubliez Jamais" before. I gather Jim may be producing another Quireboys album soon, so we may even get a reference there. Still, it's the Rod Stewart songs that the audience comes to sing and the Boom Boom crowd was in fine voice. 

Venue and View:  Midway back on the floor

Setlist
The First Cut Is the Deepest
The Wild Side of Life
So Many Rumours
Forever Young
Hot Legs
Best of The Bad Boys
You're in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)
I Was Only Joking
Downtown Train
N'oubliez Jamais
I Saw Her Standing There
Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)
Blondes (Have More Fun)
Baby Jane
Young Turks
Maggie May
+
Passion
Stay With Me

Billy Idol - Wednesday 19th October - Wembley Arena

Brief review:  Mr Broad has moved from his regular London Venue (Brixton Academy) to the hanger that is Wembley Empire Pool (sorry, I mean the OVO Wembley Arena). Ably supported by Toyah and less ably by Killing Joke. I'm still not sure if the latter are a novelty band or if their image is just "be weird". Not my cup of tea at all!

Billy was good, but our view was not as good as you would expect from the 2nd row. Sound and set were decent though (and Billy's little sister was in the audience - namechecked in White Wedding), but I couldn't help but think that original support The Go-Go's would have upped the overall entertainment level quite significantly. 

Venue and View:  2nd row on the right. view obstructed by articles left on the stage and a huge black covering, so no view of drummer throughout as well as the big screen!

Setlist
Dancing With Myself
Cradle of Love
Flesh for Fantasy
Cage
Speed
Bitter Taste
Eyes Without a Face
Mony Mony
Running From the Ghost
One Hundred Punks
Blue Highway
Rebel Yell
+
Rebel Like You
Born to Lose
White Wedding

Warner E Hodges - Thursday 13th October - Water Rats, Kings Cross

Brief review:
Warner has toured a few times since Homemade Sin (specifically Dan Baird) called it a day. He delivered another high energy show of classic country rock with some well chosen covers. He always makes time for fans and it was nice to have a brief chat afterwards whilst he signed a CD for me.

Venue and View: Centre standing, about 10 yards from stage - very busy!

Elio Pace - Wednesday 12th October - Epsom Playhouse

Brief review:  The fact that this was an "albums" and not "hits" show was well advertised. Despite that, many had not got the memo! Whilst they may have left frustrated, I enjoyed hearing Elio and his talented band tackle 2 of Billy Joel's lesser albums. Sadly even Elio couldn't turn "Big Man on Mulberry Street" into a classic, but that one song aside, I really enjoyed the performance. I believe 2 more album shows are due for next year.

Venue and View:  Rear left, decent view

Setlist
[THE BRIDGE]
RUNNING ON ICE
THIS IS THE TIME
A MATTER OF TRUST
MODERN WOMAN
BABY GRAND
BIG MAN ON MULBERRY STREET
TEMPTATION
CODE OF SILENCE
GETTING CLOSER
+
[TURNSTILES]
SAY GOODBYE TO HOLLYWOOD
SUMMER, HIGHLAND FALLS
ALL YOU WANNA DO IS DANCE
NEW YORK STATE OF MIND
JAMES
PRELUDE / ANGRY YOUNG MAN
I'VE LOVED THESE DAYS
MIAMI 2017 (SEEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT ON BROADWAY)
+
[ENCORE]
SCENES FROM AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Seasick Steve - Friday 30th September - Pryzm, Kingston

Brief review:  A Banquet Records event. I know absolutely none of Steve's material, but had seen him on Jools Holland's TV show a few times. It was actually quite enjoyable, although I don't know how much for the "hobo" image is an act or if there is truly a need for a piece of string to be the guitar strap. Well worth the low entrance fee.

Venue and View:  Front Right. Pretty busy, but room to breathe.

Setlist
Don't Know Why She Love Me But She Do
Put That in Your Pipe
Hobo Low
St. Louis Slim
Crash and Burn
How Do You Do
Treasures
Soul Food
Summertime Boy
Train Wreck
Bring It On
Blue Room
Thunderbird

Counterfeit Quo - Friday 23rd September - Conservative Clue, Belmont

Brief review:  Competent Quo tribute act who I'd not seen before who also included some "newer" material in their set. I enjoyed it, despite the crowd numbering less than 20. Personally, I don't see that the wigs add any value to the band whatsoever, but that is a personal choice. Very strange choice of venue for this type of show. I can only assume the people of Belmont are not really Quo fans or it needs a while for the music evenings to gain in popularity. Maybe, with hindsight, it wasn't the best idea to play on the weekend of the Quo Convention, thus losing much of your potential fanbase.

Venue and View:  Large rear room at the back of the club with low stage. Seated next to the dancefloor. Excellent view, good staff and cheap bar prices.

Creedence Clearwater Review - Friday 16th September - Boom Boom, Sutton

Brief review:  Excellent tribute band playing a mix of CCR and John Fogerty classics very well indeed. Must remember to wear a checked shirt next time! And hopefully they will get the bigger crowd that they deserve.

Venue and View:  Slightly right of centre standing, 10 yards from the stage, but you could basically stand where you wanted.

Toploader - Sunday 11th September - Feastyfest, Cheam

Brief review:  The Annual FeastyFest festival in Cheam Park. Amazingly they didn't run out of beer this year! Having only known one Toploader song (Dancing In The Moonlight), I thought they were quite pleasant and sensibly threw in some well known covers to keep the crowd engaged. Certainly I didn't see many leaving during their set which is always a good sign!

Venue and View:  Miles away on the hill in camping chairs! (photo excepted)

Setlist *
A Balance to All Things
Higher State
Roll With the Punches
Achilles Heel
Breathe
Only for a While
The Whole of the Moon 
Signs of Life
Turn It Around
Let the People Know
Dancing in the Moonlight 
+
Dancing in the Dark

* this setlist may not be 100% correct (it is taken from the next show they played), but was very similar. Please correct if you have the definitive version.

Chris Slade - Friday 9th September - New Cross Inn

Brief review:  Ex AC/DC drummer in one of my favourite pub venues. Loud and with a set list as eclectic as the audience. Chris has performed with Manfred Mann, Tom Jones and Gary Moore amongst several others. 2 vocalists were employed - one handled the AC/DC portion of the set and the other the quieter numbers. Very enjoyable.

Venue and View:  To the left of the stage, near the window. Grabbed some high stools

Setlist
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
Big Gun
Joybringer
High Voltage
July Morning
Sin City
Parisienne Walkways
Back in Black
Vengeance
Hells Bells
Blinded By The Light
You Shook Me All Night Long
Delilah 
Comfortably Numb 
Kashmir 
Thunderstruck
The Razors Edge
Highway to Hell

Slim Jim Phantom - Thursday 8th September - O'Neills, Leytonstone

Brief review:  Off to Essex tonight and a bit off a pub crawl in Leytonstone - the undoubted highlight of which was The North Star with an excellent range of beers. Earlier, there was a very loud band on in Luna which highlighted the problem you get if one of the band is good (the lead guitarist), but the rest aren't (or at least don't know the songs). We grabbed the swiftest of halves whilst they murdered Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit".

Slim Jim had finished the large burger and chips we saw him eating when we picked up the tickets earlier in the evening and was playing the function room attached to the pub. In a 'T' Shirt and jeans, I had made nowhere near as much of an effort as most of the crowd in their rockabilly gear and fantastic hair styles.

The show was as you'd have hoped - lots of 50's/60's rocking covers and some Stray Cats classics. The always-excellent Darrell Higham was on lead guitar and there was impromptu guest spot from Jim Jones.  Marvellous!

Venue and View:  Front left on floor.

Quireboys - Saturday 3rd September - Forum, Kentish Town

Brief review: The much postponed "Orchestral Show", reduced to a single night from the 2 sold pre-Covid. Now Spike-less, this was always going to be a challenge for the band, but I think they came through it well. A varied set list with some rarely played favourites, the "Orchestra" turned out to be 4-5 (excellent) musicians on strings and wind sections. It worked well as a one off and it will be interesting to hear if the upcoming CD / DVD of the performance captures how well it came across in the room.

I do think the real challenge for the band going forward is how to grow their fan base - it must be hard for them to be profitable currently without outside interests.

Venue and View:  Front left on the floor. Very sparse, so lots of room!

Setlist
Gracie B
Roses & Rings
There She Goes Again
Mona Lisa Smiled
Hello
Blackwater
The Promise
Stubborn Kinda Heart
Late Nite Saturday Call
I Don't Love You Anymore
I Love This Dirty Town
Louder
This Is Rock 'n' Roll
Original Black Eyed Son
7 O'Clock
+
Sex Party

John Verity - Thursday 25th August - Cavern, Raynes Park

Brief review:  I knew pretty much nothing of John Verity before this show other than that he was in Argent. Some excellent covers (Cocaine, I Put A Spell On You, Purple Haze) were mixed with an enjoyable set and the 2 Argent big hitters of "Hold Your Head Up" and "God Gave Rock and Roll To You". More than decent, I shall be back if he plays here again.

Venue and View:  Front left on stools. 

Ann Wilson - Tuesday 26th July - Sony Hall, New York

Brief review:  When travelling, I always keep an eye out for concerts in the vicinity. Being a fan of Heart, I was pleased that Ann was stopping off in NYC whilst I was there. Her excellent new album purchased in advance, this was a lovely evening with Ann's trademark powerhouse vocals to the fore. Being picky, I'd have loved to have heard one or two of Heart's big 80's hits, but then again, hopefully the band will do the rounds again soon so that I can. The cover of The Who's Love Reign O'er Me was fantastic. Dollars well spent!

Venue and View:  Raised section towards the back. Directly facing stage overlooking the floor audience. Decent view and in-seat waitress service in an old fashioned underground ballroom.

Setlist

[Set 1]
Even It Up
Straight On
Black Wing
Magic Man
Greed
Forget Her
Love Reign O'er Me
+
[Set 2]
Crazy on You
The Revolution Starts...
Bridge of Sighs
Love of My Life
Rain of Hell
Mistral Wind
Barracuda
+
Going to California
Black Dog

John Coghlan's Quo - Saturday 16th July - Half Moon, Putney

Brief review:  John is retiring from touring and, having cancelled a previous show at The Cavern, was our last chance to see him before he does. A packed Half Moon was treated to some classic Quo, but the fact that John had to take a break for around 1/3 of the set showed that he is hanging up his drumsticks at the right time.

An invaluable member of the Frantic Four - thanks for the memories John and best of luck for the future.

Venue and View:  Central, towards the back.

The Rolling Stones - Sunday 3rd July - Hyde Park, BST Presents…

Brief review:  The Rolling Stones are synonymous with Hyde Park. I really enjoyed the last time I saw them at the Olympic Stadium, so despite reservations about the high cost, their age and "standing in a field miles from the stage", decided to go along. It was a good decision. The band looked remarkably sprightly for their age and Mick Jagger in particular was full of energy and delivered vocally too. Surely this really is the last time, but if so, what a great way to bow out.

Venue and View:  Hyde Park. Outside of Golden Circle, so at least 100 yards from the stage on the left hand side. Sound a bit louder & clearer than normal for this venue. Decent view of the big screens.

Setlist
Get Off of My Cloud
19th Nervous Breakdown
Tumbling Dice
Out of Time 
Angie 
You Can't Always Get What You Want
Like a Rolling Stone
You Got Me Rocking
Honky Tonk Women
You Got the Silver
Happy
Miss You
Midnight Rambler
Paint It Black
Start Me Up
Gimme Shelter
Jumpin' Jack Flash
+
Sympathy for the Devil
(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction

Roger Daltrey - Friday 1st July - Southend Cliffs Pavilion

Roger Daltrey and Friends

Brief review:  A trip to the "Far East" and an afternoon spent in the record shops and pubs of Southend (which were let's say, mixed!). Opted to come here rather than the London Palladium date as we fancied a day out and it was cheaper. Roger's solo shows are usually eclectic - and there are some songs that I'm not especially familiar with. I was thinking that Wilco Johnson may guest (being a local) - apparently he was asked, but was not available.

A bit of a scuffle broke out behind us due to two blokes constantly chatting loudly during the first 2-3 songs. It was clear that they had been enjoying a beverage or two, but having argued with those around them, had the good sense to distance themselves from the situation - which improved everyone else's enjoyment of the evening.

Venue and View:  Back of stalls (due to the price of front!). A fair distance back, but clear line of sight to the stage.

Setlist
Let My Love Open the Door
Freedom Ride
Squeeze Box
Waiting for a Friend
Another Tricky Day
Who Are You
Giving It All Away
The Kids Are Alright
Tattoo
After the Fire
Days of Light
The Way It Is (Simon Townshend)
Some Kind of Hero
As Long As I Have You
I Keep It To Myself 
Baba O'Riley
Without Your Love
Young Man Blues

Melissa Etheridge - Friday 24th June - Shepherds Bush Empire

Brief review:  Not especially busy at the Empire tonight, which is a shame for Melissa, but great from an audience comfort and viewing perspective. I haven't seen her since the 90's, but the show made me realise that had been a mistake. Excellent guitar work and vocals, together with decent, catchy songs too. What's not to like?

Venue and View:  On the floor, front left. Excellent view

Setlist
Ain't It Heavy
Angels Would Fall
Similar Features
Royal Station 4/16
Shriner's Park
I Want to Come Over
Yes I Am
I Know You
Come to My Window
Chrome Plated Heart
Born Under a Bad Sign
If I Wanted To
Like a Preacher
As Cool As You Try
I'm The Only One
+
Bring Me Some Water
Like the Way I Do

State of Quo - Friday 17th June - Boom Boom, Sutton

Brief review:  One of the best Quo tribute bands rocking the house. Decent array of vintage Quo T shirts on display amongst the audience.

Venue and View:  Central, about 10 yards from the stage. Busy enough for an atmosphere, but plenty of room to move around and get to the bar

We Will Rock You (Musical) - Sunday 4th June - Wimbledon New Theatre

Brief review:  Haven't seen this musical based on the music of Queen for a few years. Not much has changed - the plot is terrible, but the music excellent. Bassist Neil Murray was in the live band.

Venue and View:  Circle, front-ish on the left. Decent view

Thunder - Saturday 28th May - Wembley Arena

Brief review:  Nice to see Thunder making progress again to a big arena and an increasingly rare trip to Wembley for me. Support came from Ugly Kid Joe and the Kris Barras band, both of whom were OK (but not to a degree that I'd be tempted to a headline show). Thunder were excellent as normal, even if the set was a little light on "hits".

Venue and View:  Decent seats, front, just left of centre on the floor.

Setlists
Thunder
Last One Out Turn Off the Lights
The Western Sky
Higher Ground
One Day We'll Be Free Again
Resurrection Day
Unraveling
The Devil Made Me Do It
Destruction
Low Life in High Places
Young Man
Black
Love Walked In
Across the Nation
Backstreet Symphony
+
Last Orders
Dancing in the Sunshine
Dirty Love

Ugly Kid Joe
Neighbor
Panhandlin' Prince
No One Survives
Devil's Paradise
Cat's in the Cradle
Funky Fresh Country Club
Everything About You
Ace of Spades

Quireboys - Tuesday 24th May - Guildford Boileroom

Brief review:  A Spike-less Quireboys. He has been sacked by his bandmates which will likely lead to many disputes about the band name. Not going to take sides in this one at all and was happy to go and see the remaining musicians with Guy Griffin on vocals He did a decent job, albeit with fairly short set and small audience.

Venue and View:  Excellent small venue. Very sparse indeed, so could stand wherever you wanted.

Setlist
I Love This Dirty Town
Misled
Gracie B
Turn Away
There She Goes Again
Roses & Rings
Louder
Mona Lisa Smiled
Original Black Eyed Son
Hello
This Is Rock 'n' Roll
I Don't Love You Anymore
7 O'Clock
+
Sex Party

Whitesnake, Foreigner, Europe - Sunday 22nd May - Birmingham Arena

Brief review:  After the fixture clash last week, I bought myself a decent single ticket (and hotel room) for the night. This is billed as Whitesnake's farewell tour as David Coverdale is retiring. We shall see if that is true!

Earlier in the day I had spent 2 hours in a boisterous Aston Villa supporting pub, watching them go from 2-0 up to lose 3-2 at Manchester City to give City the title. Mixed emotions from most in attendance in that it meant "at least Liverpool didn't win", but a tense afternoon of football. After a quick bite to eat, it was off to the venue and a long queue to get it, meaning I arrived just after Europe had come on stage.

I enjoyed all the bands, although it was a shame that Mick Jones didn't join Foreigner as he has done on some of their shows for this tour. Excellent view, good sound and I was in the hotel bar precisely 4 minutes after house lights up.

Venue and View:  Slow access to arena. Front row seat level with front of stage on the left. Great view, but no legroom!

Setlists
Whitesnake
Bad Boys / Children of the Night
Slide It In
Love Ain't No Stranger
Hey You (You Make Me Rock)
Slow an' Easy
Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City
Fool for Your Loving
Guitar and Keyboard Solos
Crying in the Rain
Drum Solo
Is This Love
Give Me All Your Love
Here I Go Again
Still of the Night
Burn

Foreigner

Double Vision
Head Games
Cold as Ice
Dirty White Boy
Feels Like the First Time
Urgent
Keyboard and Drum Solo
Juke Box Hero
+
Long, Long Way From Home
I Want to Know What Love Is
Hot Blooded

Europe
Walk the Earth
Rock the Night
Scream of Anger
Carrie
Last Look at Eden
Ready or Not
Superstitious
Cherokee
The Final Countdown