Sweet - Wednesday 18th December - Islington Assembly Hall

Brief review: My last show of the year is a decent one as Sweet step up a notch in venue size at the Islington Assembly Hall. With ex Cats In Space vocalist Paul Manzi now the permanent frontman this was an enjoyable romp through all the hits you'd expect to hear. I really do enjoy Andy Scott's guitar playing too.

Setlist
Action
New York Groove (with 'New York' by Alicia Keys snippet)
Hell Raiser
Burn on the Flame
The Six Teens
Peppermint Twist
AC/DC
Turn It Down
Set Me Free
Teenage Rampage
Wig-Wam Bam
Little Willy
Love Is Like Oxygen / Fanfare for the Common Man
Fox on the Run
+
Blockbuster
The Ballroom Blitz

Rod Stewart - Tuesday 17th December - O2 Arena

Brief review: A decent set from Rod. The voice is still there, even if a touch of energy has gone as he moves into his mid-seventies. Very enjoyable, although wish we could have afforded floor seats.

Setlist
Some Guys Have All the Luck
Having a Party 
It Takes Two 
Rhythm of My Heart 
Forever Young
The Killing of Georgie (Part I and II)
Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)
+
Maggie May
Downtown Train 
Dirty Old Town 
The First Cut Is the Deepest 
I Don't Want to Talk About It 
Gasoline Alley
Every Beat of My Heart
Stay With Me 
Handbags and Gladrags 
You're in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)
Grace 
Have I Told You Lately 
Go Your Own Way (band only)
Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?
+
Sailing 

Dan Baird & Homemade Sin - Thursday 5th December - Face Bar, Reading

Brief review: A rearranged show in Reading. No London date on this batch of shows, so the joys of GWR were bought into play. Good fun as always with the band - and although nothing was mentioned at the show - rumours abound that this was a "farewell" as Dan is retiring. That would be really sad as his music has been part of my life for over 30 years. There is a certain rounding of the circle if it is true though, having first seen Dan in The Georgia Satellites at the Reading Festival in 1987.

All the best for your retirement Dan!

Setlist
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Bernice Ehrlich - Tuesday 3rd December - Cologne Weihnachtsmarkt

One Line review: Caught the end of Bernice's Christmas set in Cologne which was very pleasant. "Klaus" was on guitar. We had a nice chat with Bernice after the show with some photos - which may or may not have been induced by the Gluhwein consumed amongst our group. Luckily, her English was flawless.

The full show is available here