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