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