Russ Ballard - Thursday 9th November - Nell's Blues Club, Kensington

Brief review:   I get the same old dreams, same time every night. Well, if those dreams involve Nell’s in Kensington then they are true tonight. Russ Ballard is the name you may not know, but will almost certainly known a few songs of. He’s the man who told us that God Gave Rock ‘n’ Roll to you and the classic “Since You Been Gone” as well as hits for acts as diverse as Three Dog Night and Hot Chocolate.

Venue and View:  Raised table overlooking the stage, front-right (photo from standing on floor)

Setlist
It's Only Money
Playing With Fire
Dream On
In the Night
Time Machine
Hold Your Head Up
The Fire Still Burns
Liar
A Woman Like You
Rene Didn't Do It
Since You Been Gone
Voices
Two Silhouettes
I Can't Hear You No More
+
God Gave Rock and Roll to You

Tom Robinson - Friday 22nd October - Nell's, Kensington

Brief review:  Music and stories from the BBC Radio 6 presenter and eponymous founder of "The Tom Robinson Band" (TRB). Tom is the second performer I've seen this week (after Roger Taylor) who is in his seventies, but he is still able to delivery his music with power and passion. Many of the protest songs are still relevant today, as well as a reminder of what has changed since the 70's. An excellent evening.

Venue and View:  Still one of my favourite venues. Central floor view, a couple of yards from the stage.

Setlist

Up Against the Wall
Never Get Old
Risky Business
Martin
Spain
Too Good to Be True
The Mighty Sword of Justice
Atmospherics: Listen to the Radio
(Sing If You're) Glad to Be Gay
Grey Cortina
War Baby
2-4-6-8 Motorway
+
Only the Now
Power in the Darkness

Quireboys - Sunday 17th September - Nell's Blues Club, Kensington

One Line Review: Good show from the boys, with blues material from their new album mixed in with a few Quireboys classics. Also nice to have a chat & photo with Spike afterwards.

Setlist
Going Down
Leaving Trunk
Misled
There She Goes Again
White Trash Blues
I Wish You Would
Take Out Some Insurance
Mona Lisa Smiled
I Don't Love You Anymore
Tramps and Thieves
Hey You
Crosseyed Cat
Walkin' the Dog
7 O'Clock
+
I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man
Sweet Mary Ann

Woodedz - Kensington Orange - Saturday 7th April

A pleasant evening in Kensington (if you exclude Richard's karaoke version of Slade's "Cum On Feel The Noize" in the pub up the road). We were actually greeted at the door by Rhino which was nice. A good set by the Quo bassist and his sons and a bit busier than last time around. 

2 songs - Gravy Train and Bad News were featured, which should be on Quo's next album.