Goodbye 2023...

 Well 2023 was certainly a year of ups & downs - mostly downs in the latter part...

I learned more about other people and how they can be a lot more complicated than they appear - and in the process I learned more about myself. Including that apparently (to quote a song written by Lemmy) "I ain't no nice guy after all"

"My shine wore off as time wore on" Ain't that the truth... ♠

That episode in the summer triggered another of my periods of self doubt and lack of confidence. It made me take a closer look at myself. Another thing I learned: On top of OCD (which I think I have had most my life without even realising it) I have now also discovered 'Imposter Syndrome' is a thing - a thing I seem to have.

For 2024: Press 'Control/Alt/Delete' to restart...

Pubs don't want to take my money!

It seems like an increasing number of pubs don't want my money. I went to the Good Mixer in Camden on Thursday night to see a band. No real ale available, or any other beer I particularly want to drink. I know at most dedicated live music venues and clubs this isn't unusual, but the Mixer is a pub that just has bands on sometimes. I guess they aren't that bothered about catering for my ale needs so I don't drink much in there.

On Friday I went to the Dublin Castle in Camden - a well known pub and music venue. There used to be three or four real ale pumps on the bar here - so at least I could usually get a pint of Trooper or similar, although the quality of the ales they served often wasn't good as the pub didn't seem to know how to look after them. Sadly the Dublin Castle has recently stripped out all the real ale pumps from it's bar, but at least I could still get a bottle of my old faithful standby - Newcastle Brown Ale. Now they even seem to have stopped serving that. I'd normally sink several pints in a night at the Dublin Castle, but on Friday I only bothered with one as there was really no beer in the pub that I really wanted to drink. They don't seem to be bothered about my custom so I don't bother to drink much these days when I'm there.

When I'm in Camden I like to drop into BrewDog before and after gigs. No real ales in there, but in spite of that they do always have a variety of tasty beers I actually want to drink. Not cheap, and the strongest beers aren't served in pints, but it's a handy port of call if I'm in a rush to get a couple of high strength liveners in before heading to a music venue where I might not drink at all due to the poor quality and high prices. I like to drop into BrewDog after gigs as well for a nice beer or two before jumping on the tube at nearby Camden Town station. However, although it's advertised as being open until midnight Thursday-Saturday it often seems to close earlier. More than once recently I've walked in there around 11.30 after a gig only to be refused service as the bar staff tell me they are closing. I have even gone there about 11.00 to find the place shut and all the lights out. Don't they want my money?

Last night I was planning to go to a gig in Greenwich - at a pub that apparently serves real ales. However, I found out too late that the band I wanted to see and I assumed were headlining were actually going on earlier than I expected. I realised that as it would probably take at least an hour and a half to get to the pub I was going to miss the band. So I'm showered and all dressed up with nowhere to go.

Disappointed but not wanting to put all that effort to waste on a hot summer night I decide on Plan B -  to take a late stroll down to my local. The Railway Bell seems an oddly run place at times. Tonight is one of them. This pub stays open until 1AM but rather bizarrely won't let anyone in after midnight - which means when I often get off the train at New Barnet virtually within sight of the pub around 11.58 I am denied admission by security to a pub which is still serving for another hour! This seems a strange policy as in the last hour of opening there are usually very few people in in the pub - in fact the number of security people present combined with the bar staff is around the same as the number of drinkers for the last hour so they can't be making any money. And yet they still won't let me in to contribute to the money taken at the bar. But last night shouldn't have been a problem as I rolled up around 11.00 - with two hours drinking time to go. When I tried to get in I found the doors were locked! The pub was obviously still open as I could see customers inside - although not many for a summer Saturday night. I point to my watch and try to have a conversation with a security guy through the window pane of the door which he won't open, but I can only hear him shouting that they are shut. At 11.00 on a Saturday night. Once again the Railway Bell doesn't seem to want my money.

Plan B has also fallen though. Disconsolately I turn round and start to walk home - all I wanted was a few beers in a pub on a hot Saturday night. There are actually three other pubs within a hundred yards, but one is a McMullens house and I don't like their ales, the other is expensive with ales that are average at best - plus I don't like it's 'sports bar' atmosphere, while the third is really expensive with ales that aren't as good as they used to be.

Then I realise High Barnet is only a short bus ride away and Ye Olde Mitre Inne is open until 1AM. I put Plan C into action and about ten minutes later I am in what is probably the best (and definitely the oldest) pub in Barnet and finally enjoying a pint of quality ale in a pub that actually want's my money.

7/5/2023 The Molotovs + The Priscillas in Kennington

A bit of an adventure in South London for me today - South of the river - what could possibly go wrong?!! I get off the tube at Kennington - I'm sure I've never been to this station before but it looks familiar. 😕 Then I notice the station building's unique dome - and realise that I have seen this Grade 2 Listed building featured in one of my favourite TV series: Secrets of the London Underground. Unfortunately I don't have time to admire the architecture of the tube network's oldest surviving building and have to head off to a nearby rather more recently built housing estate...

So why am I actually in South London on a Sunday afternoon? I am at a Coronation related event - not something I would normally head this far south for. Chas is getting a new hat and that's all very nice and everything, but I'm actually here to see a couple of bands: The Priscillas are always fun and it's worth the trip just to see them, but I've also been wanting to see The Molotovs for a while - so finding them both playing on the same bill at a free show is a result! The gig is actually just a stage set up at a street market event on a housing estate by the Brandon Tenants & Residents Association. It's an early summer's day and the weather is nice - what's not to like?

I guessed there might not be a bar so I bought my own booze just in case. I was right - no bar. Or toilets either. But there was a pub virtually next door - so I needn't have worried. The Canterbury Arms provided all the facilities I required - apart from real ale. It's a typical 'estate' pub - a dive probably loved by some of the locals, but absolutely nothing to make anyone other than locals ever set foot in the place. It's main (only) claim to fame seems to be it's (self proclaimed?) resemblance to the pub featured in the Shameless TV comedy series - which I have never actually seen. Still - any port in a storm... It seemed friendly enough though.

Each of the two bands playing are doing two sets, but by the time I have got my shit together and dragged my sorry arse down to South London I have missed the first sets by each band. This is the first time I have seen the Molotovs and they are excellent!

There is a strong Mod influence to this band's look and sound. The Jam must be a big influence although The Molotovs are playing their own songs.

There is a definite punk influence as well though, and the band are also reminicent of 1980's UK Power Pop and New Wave.

The Molotovs set is fast and very energetic - they are a good band to get the crowd moving and grooving!

This band sound really tight and well rehearsed. I think getting quite a lot of gigs under their belts must have really helped as well - they must have worked hard to get this good this early in their career. It's all paying off as they seem to have a wide appeal to the South London locals.

As far as the way they are dressed the band seem to have really got into the Coronation spirit - while still keeping a strong Mod look.

There is something in the Molotovs tight and punchy sound that grabs your attention and makes you listen while your feet are tapping - it's hard to keep still.

As well as dressing for the occasion the Molotovs also play the 'National Anthem' - or at least the punk version of it with a spirited rendition of the Sex Pistols 'God Save The Queen', although they didn't take the opportunity to change the lyric to God Save The King to keep it more current.

I thought the Molotovs were great and will definitely be going to see them again. The next band I have seen many times over the years.

The Priscillas band lineup has changed on many occasions over the years, with singer Jenny Drag being the only constant member.

However, the only other constant thing about this band is that they are always fun! Today's show is no exception.

Punk is the Priscillas main influence, but there is also 1950's rock & roll - mixed in with 60's pop.

It's all entertaining stuff with a wide appeal - and the local kids are getting well into it as well.

The band bring their North London vibe into South London with songs about their home turf like 'All The Way From Holloway'. And also a more serious side with their latest single 'Angela' a warning of the dangers of predatory men in clubs and bars.

The Priscillas draw a weird and wonderful crowd from all parts of London with their broad appeal.

Among the throng I see quite a few familiar faces - some Phobics  (who I only saw last night) from South London not too far from their Deptford stamping grounds, and some musicians and DJs all the way from North London where the Priscillas hail from.

In between bands I find myself in the neighbouring pub. Well I needed to use their 'facilities', and having done that it's only good form to enjoy their hospitality and have a drink or two to show my appreciation and not take the piss by just having a piss in their pub. Do the right thing.

It's an enjoyable event overall with good music, a nice atmosphere and a friendly vibe - maybe South London isn't so bad? It turns out there is also an aftershow at a nearby hall. Well I have also finished off my own supply of booze I brought with me assuming there would be no bar - and there is a bar at the aftershow so it would be rude not to go.

The aftershow winds down and I remember I am quite a long way from home so it seems like a good time to make a move. I can remember how to get to Kennington tube from the event I was at earlier - but I'm not there - I'm somewhere else that isn't on the route back to the station. Well it can't be far - how difficult can it be? Actually, more difficult than expected... I have a smartphone, but they don't always give you the information you need when you actually need it. So I walk in what I think is the right direction. Actually, it is the right direction, but the streetlighting is shit and so is the badly repaired road surface so I trip and fall arse-over-tit. Nothing to do with booze of course. Well maybe a bit., but I wasn't that pissed. No really - I wasn't. 

Not much bloodletting, but I liked those jeans - they had served me well. Now I'll look like one of those fucking posers with deliberately ripped/cut jeans! I hate that shit - I like to keep things real. Soon after that I got on a bus to Brixton - all plain sailing from there. And I made friends with the mice at Highbury & Islington station

Anyway, I enjoyed my South London adventure! Same time next year?

6/5/2023 Johnny Throttle + Desperate Fun + The Phobics @ New River Studios

New River Studios is an interesting Arts Centre venue in North London walking distance from Manor House tube station. I've played there and it was one of the most 'punk rock' venues I've ever been to, but not in a bad way. There is a decent bar and kitchen too.

Three bands for only a fiver on a Saturday night - you can't go wrong really! Well worth it just for one good band really, but we get more than that. It's not often Deptford's finest The Phobics venture this far North of the river. The River Thames that is, but here they are north of the New River - Camden or Islington is about as far North as they normally venture, but here they are in a North London venue that suits them well.

There is quite a decent turnout for a gig with virtually no promotion at a venue which is unknown to most people, but there are quite a few familiar faces in attendance - many of them musicians from other bands in the underground scene. The Phobics are always good fun and tonight is no exception. Tom Crossley is an engaging frontman and like the rest of the band have been playing punk rock on the underground scene for many years in various bands before The Phobics. Although they are very much a (South) London band there is a noticable New York rock 'n' roll influence in their sound as well - if you like the Heartbreakers and Ramones you'll probably dig The Phobics too.

The next band is less enjoyable. For some reason deliberate or otherwise they are ear-splittingly LOUD, and the sound mix is consequently shit. As is often is when a band or sound engineer seems to think sheer volume is far more important than sound quality and it just becomes impossible to actually enjoy the actual music. As a result Desperate Fun come across as far more Desperate than actual Fun.

One or two songs is all I can take as it becomes physically painful and I need to escape to protect both my hearing and my sanity. I leave the room and head for the refuge of the bar - determined not to return until the band have finished. It's a shame as they seemed decent enough musicians.

Fortunately things improve greatly for the final band of the night. I've seen Johnny Throttle a few times over the years but thought they had split up as they seemed to have disappeared a while ago. They have a punk 'in-your-face' attitude but are actually a really great rock 'n' roll band!

This is how you play rock 'n' roll.

And this is what happens!

This was a really great end to the evening - I hope we haven't seen the last of this terrific rock 'n' roll band. Two out of three bands were well worth seeing, and it was an absolute bargain at only a fiver!

15/4/2023 Electrics @ The Spice Of Life

Saturday night finds me heading down to the Spice of Life for the second time this year - to see the same band. Low door tax, four bands, and real ale at a reasonable price in the downstairs bar where the bands play - what's not to like?

I missed Hoaxes who were first band on. Fortunately I was in time to see 🗲Electrics🗲 on next.

I am getting to quite like their brand of NYC influenced rock 'n' roll. Sax player Nat returns for this gig to add some flavour to the sound. Jenny is back on bass as well to liven things up!

Next up we have Taurus Trakker. I first saw this band a few years ago at The Rhythm Factory in Whitechapel - a venue since closed.

I was impressed by the band back then, but they seemed to have slipped off my radar until recently.

They are a pretty good stripped down no frills rock 'n' roll band who turn in a spirited performance. I hope to see them again soon...

Last band of the evening is the Boomsticks - a good name, but sadly I can't remember anything else about them as I write this over a year later.

The guitarist has a distinctive look and seems to give a performance that intends to get the audience involved...

...but I head back upstairs to the main bar and then off to the BrewDog within sight of the Spice of Life.

12/4/2023 Bad Nerves & Black Honey @ KOKO

A bit of an unexpected gig for me until a friend suggested it, but good company and a night in Camden was too good to miss so... Thursday night has been 'The new Friday Night' a few times recently, but tonight Wednesday night is the new 'Thursday Night'. All the 'Weekend Warriors' who never go out during the week miss out on so much good stuff. This was my first visit to this venue since the massive fire which seemed sure to be the end of it - I really thought there was no chance of it ever reopening, but like Camden's Hawley Arms it has also risen Phoenix like from the ashes. I must say they have done an amazing job of rebuilding it - you really wouldn't guess that the place had been gutted by fire several years ago.

We were actually there because of the support band as my friend really wanted to see them. Essex punkers Bad Nerves were very lively and surprisingly danceable - although I wasn't the one dancing as I'd only had one pint! Good tunes too - nothing not to like here.

I'd heard some stuff on the radio by headliners Black Honey and they seemed OK. They were definitely worth sticking around for.

Marketed as more of a 'rock' band than their commercial sounding pop/rock sound and image suggests, but they were polished and professional - maybe a little bit too slick but certainly worth checking out.

Decent tunes, and although they had mostly slipped under my rock radar they managed to fill a fair sized Camden venue like KOKO.

A good evening's entertainment, but the night wasn't over yet as after leaving the venue we bumped into another friend from London's underground rock scene and ended up in the Good Mixer until perilously close to the times of the last tube leaving town. That's the great thing about a night out in Camden - you never know who you are likely to bump into and where you might end up!

6/4/2023 Vive Le Rock Awards @ Shepherds Bush Empire

This is one of those nights when everyone seems to be here. Well nearly anyway - I bumped into loads of friends. 😀 There is a snag though - it's a Thursday night. 😒  This is all well and good for all the music industry pros living in London, but the 6 o'clock start time means those of us with a normal day job haven't a hope in Hell in getting there in time to see the first few acts. I know I have been banging on about Thursday Night being 'the new Friday Night' a few times recently, but on a normal Thursday I can usually make it to gigs in Camden or Islington and only miss the first band on the bill of 3 or 4. It takes longer for me to get to Shepherd's Bush so I miss some things I want to see like Millie Manders who I've been wanting to see for a while, and Kim and Jackie from Girlschool performing a tribute to their late friend the much missed Lemmy. 

Beki Bondage from UK punk legends Vice Squad is presenting the Vive Le Rock magazine award ceremony itself as well as fronting the Vive Le Rockers all star band. Unfortunately I miss all this and only arrive in time to catch London punk legends Cockney Rejects. I always found the whole violent thuggish football hooligan and 'Oi' thing very unappealing  - not my scene man - I'm just into music. So I never bought into that whole herd mentality football thing. Or the Street Punk scene either, even though I was once in a band who were described as 'Street Punk'. But the Cockney Rejects latest album Power Grab has been getting good press in Vive Le Rock and heads in a more hard/classic rock direction as the band pay tribute to their earlier influences. So I was interested in finally checking them out.

I have to be honest and say I was underwhelmed. The band didn't give the impression of being well rehearsed and seemed to be just going through the motions. No songs made any real impression on me - there was little if any stage presence, and their singer's shtick seeming to consist entirely of prancing around the stage as if he was sparring in a boxing ring. I know they have played at many large festivals, but the band looked like they would be more at home playing in a pub than on a large stage. I was looking forward to seeing them and hoping they could win me over, but there was nothing here in their short 3 song set that made me want to see them again.

Things took a big step upwards when Neville Staple and band took to the stage. This was far more lively than the previous act. Assisted by his wife Sugary Staple on backing vocal/dancing duties this was very much a celebration of the 2 Tone scene. Regular readers might be surprised to know that The Beat and The Selecter can be found in my record collection. Inexplicably, there is nothing in my collection by The Specials who I also liked back in those days. Needless to say, the songs of The Specials feature heavily in Neville Staple's set, and the songs of his former band are performed in a very lively and thoroughly enjoyable manner!

 

If anybody came to Shepherd's Bush tonight wanting to dance - this was the time to do it! There is something about Ska music that is very uplifting - it's just such happy music that makes you want to move and it never fails to lift my mood. The Maytals classic 'Monkey Man' is a song that always goes down well, as does 'Rudy A Message To You', and needless to say 'Gangsters' and The Specials classic 'Ghost Town' go down a storm before the closer 'Long Shot Kick De Bucket' originally by The Pioneers.

The final act of the evening is a bit special. This is a strictly one-off performance by punk/goth legends Lords of the New Church. Only two original members of the band feature tonght - ex-Damned guitarist and founder member Brian James and ex-Shan 69 bassist Dave Tregunna. Original Lords singer and previous Dead Boys vocalist Stiv Bators died in 1990 - so for one night only his place is being taken by ex-Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroe. This is a very good choice! 

Brian James health seems to have improved since his recent temporary return to The Damned for their few original lineup reformation shows. Dave Tregunna has been busy playing in many bands since he was last in Lords of the New Church and seems to have remained match fit. Michael Monroe meantime has had a successful career with his solo band solo band who have done many albums and tours  since Hanoi Rocks split for the final time. He remains one of the best frontmen out there and as well as his full-on super glamorous rock star image he manages to maintain an incredible energy level for every show he performs - he is like a punk/glam rock version of Mick Jagger!

Sadly it was only a short seven song set, but that was all that time allowed on this busy evening. Even though there were only two original members of the band on stage this still felt like a historic performance - behind the drum kit was original Clash  drummer Terry Chimes. Opening with 'New Church' the irrepressible Mr Monroe burst onto the stage and let rip! The set also included the classic 'Russian Roulette', and 'Method To My Madness' (I still have that T-shirt bought when the old band played at the Electric Ballroom) before Brian James old Damned bandmate takes to the drums for a blast though the song that arguably started it all - 'New Rose'. There is time for one encore song - 'Pills', the song originally by Bo Diddley but probably better known to most in the crowd from being covered by the legendary New York Dolls.

1/4/2023 The Priscillas @ The Night Owl

Bullet Bar the much missed Finsbury Park venue has recently reopened as The Night Owl. This is good news for me as it's one of the most easy to get to venues by public transport - I can see it from the train as it pulls into Finsbury Park Station, and the tube stops there too.

I guess you would call this an 'intimate' venue, but that's just right for some bands. The bar is shite though - no real ales and a poor selection of beers if you don't like lager. 🙄 Prices aren't particularly expensive, but it's another place I would never choose to drink in. That applies to most music venues though - pub venues included. However, The Priscillas are a band who can tempt me into such a place.

It's a very local 'home' gig for the band and the place is packed! This and the Holloway Road/Islington area is very much the Priscillas stamping ground - a fact they celebrate in their song about the area 'All The Way To Holloway' - see the short video above.

Singer Jenny Drag is the sole original  member of the band. Many members have passed through the ranks over the years, but in more recent times the lineup seems to have become more stable.

One thing that can always be relied on is that a Priscillas gig will be fun! The band look good and have bright catchy sounding tunes to match.

Jenny always brings the party to the show - she will never allow you to get bored if the Priscillas are in the room!

One of the good things about small venues like this is the atmosphere that a good band can generate. The home crowd are well up for it and determined to enjoy themselves - with their catchy tuneful pop tunes with a rock 'n' roll sound and punk attutude the Priscillas don't disappoint them.

The band show another string to their bow when they play their recent single Angela - an ode to the problems females face from predatory men. This song shows more depth to the band, but in a way that draws your attention to this matter with a well written song.

Thanks to The Priscillas for another good fun night out, and at a venue that is easy for many London people to get home from - or head into town for more fun if you haven't had enough already!

29/3/2023 Freya Beer @ The Old Blue Last

Heading out East for a change. Trendy indie kids hangout The Old Blue Last in Shoreditch looks like a nice old fashioned proper boozer from the outside.

However, once inside you find that like the Spice of Life in Soho it's had it's guts ripped out and it's character too. 😞 In fact it's a bit of a dump. A trendy with indie kids dump, but still a dump. If you are of a certain age and still live in the 1990's Britpop/Indie past then this might be your sort of musical nostalgia as you walk in and find it's like a club night from those days. Everything might be painted black, but this is no rocker's haunt. Also, no real ales - so straight away no reason for me to want to return. 😬 But I'm not here for the beer - well actually I am. Sort of. I'm here for the music. This takes place upstairs...

The first act I see is an indie sounding band who's name escapes me. Nothing wrong with them if you like that kind of thing - and I sometimes do, but there is nothing here to make them stand out from all the other bands doing the same thing.

I have been aware of Freya Beer for a while. Punk legend John Robb kept mentioning her on his Twitter page, so I thought she must be worth checking out. After all the hype from Mr Robb and also on his Louder Than War website I was expecting this small Shoreditch venue to be packed, but actually it was quite the opposite with only a handful of people watching the headline act. I think there were actually more people watching the previous band who I'd never even heard of. Freya puts herself out there as being a bit of a Goth, and I thought if Membranes and Goldblade singer John Robb likes her she must have at least a bit of a punk edge too. However, things aren't always what they seem. 'Goth' is something that is very much open to individual interpretation, but if I had walked into the room 'cold' and not knowing what to expect it would never have occurred to me that this was 'Goth' in any way. 🦇 Freya isn't dressed in black, there is no 'Hammer Horror' look or vibe, and the music doesn't sound 'Goth' either. I guess I am missing the point, and her interpretation of 'Goth' is very different from mine.

Personally, I don't think Freya Beer looks or sounds the slightest bit Goth and nor does her band. This all seems very indie to me, albeit with a darker edge. The guitarist looks more like a refugee from a 1980's pop/rock band, and I suspect the bass player wants to be Mark King from Level 42. They are all good musicians, but this really isn't what I was expecting. To be honest I feel a little like I have been lured here under false pretenses.

Freya sings and plays well enough, but her songs don't really grab me. She looks good and has obviously put some effort into her image, but there isn't enough of a musical edge to really keep my attention.

The band play well and sound good, but it all seems rather lightweight compared to what I was somehow expecting. I stay for the full set from Freya Beer but leave feeling rather underwhelmed by the evening. It's good to get out and see different things and discover new music, but sometimes it just doesn't go as well as you hope. Oh well.

17/3/2023 Heavy Metal Kids + The Phobics + Vicious Love + The Chord Buddies @ The New Cross Inn

My first gig (as a punter 😉) back south of the river in a long time, but worth it. Opening the show are The Chord Buddies - all the way from Norway and playing their first ever UK show. Playing in London is a big deal for these guys - they are pretty excited about it and determined to have a good time!

The Chord Buddies play punk fueled raw rock 'n' roll like they absolutely mean it. Catchy tunes played totally from the heart. If you like basic punk 'n' roll then this band are well worth your time when they are next in the UK - and that might be sooner than you think...

Next up are Vicious Love. Decent musicians - like the previous band they have a punk attitude to their rock 'n' roll and turn in a lively and energetic performance.

Local South London punk heroes from just down the road in Deptford The Phobics are always fun!

Local legend and Phobics singer Tom Crossley is a mainstay and supporter of the London punk community. In fact he is so legendary on our scene that top rock 'n' roll band the Witchdoktors have written a song about Tom and his famous white shoes and the much missed 12 Bar Club.

The Phobics keep the punk 'n' roll flag flying and can be seen in South London and also even north of the river on a fairly regular basis - well worth a punt for a T-shirt or CD on their merch stand.

The Heavy Metal Kids like the Hollywood Brats are one one those 1970's British pre-punk bands that should have been big stars, but for a variety of reasons (some self inflicted) never quite made it. But they both had a big effect on what followed - especially in the emerging UK punk scene - many of those bands would cite them as an influence.

Today's Heavy Metal Kids may only contain two original members - in fact every member has been in and out of the band at least once. Drummer Keith Boyce has spent more time in the band than anyone else, with guitarist Cosmo close behind. The original singer was the legendary Gary Holton - later becoming well known as the cheeky Cockney chippie Wayne in 1980's British sitcom Auf Weidersehen Pet. In a later version of the band his place was taken by another actor John Altman AKA 'Nasty Nick' in UK soap Eastenders. The two were actually mates in real life, and ironically Auf Weidersehen Pet was filmed on the same (rebuilt) set at Borehamwood studios as Eastenders is to this day. With Altman as the singer the single 'Uncontrolable' was released. Another singer of note (no pun intended!) among various others to pass through the band is Phil Lewis previously of Girl and later to find fame with LA Guns. These days the frontman role is taken by Simon Gordon - who does a decent job by being himself and not trying to copy any of the previous occupants of the role.

The Heavy Metal Kids originated in the 1970's Glam Rock era, and although that genre had an inevitable influence on the band they were more of a straight up rock band. And definitely not a 'heavy metal' band in spite of their name - which was actually taken from a street gang in a novel by William S. Burroughs. If anything, original singer Gary Holton's image and rough & ready stage persona had quite a punk edge to it - before punk was even a thing. The whole 'from the streets' thing was particularly evident in old live favourite 'The Cops Are Coming' which got them banned by the BBC and like some of their other songs contained lyrics which were 'of their time' and you wouldn't get away with today... These days the 'Kids' are more of a straight ahead rock band. The early version(s) of the band only recorded 3 albums - now available in a box set which I highly recommend. These days the band play 'the hits' from their early albums as well as a few cuts from their mid to later period, but you can be sure you will hear early classics like 'She's No Angel' and 'Delirious'.

One thing that struck me that doesn't happen very often: Just sometimes, you will go and see a band who you aren't very familiar with and know very little of their material - and you will watch them and listen to them play. And you will think 'This is a really good band!'. Not just good musicians - there are loads of bands out there who are great musicians - but that doesn't make them great bands. This is a really good band. A really really good one. They just seem to gel and blend together so perfectly and tightly that without playing particularly hard, or loud, or fast they really hit you and make you feel something. Even if you don't know the songs you can still really enjoy it - and even dance!