These Blogs mainly deal with the countless gigs I go to, but there is some other stuff in there too - and the odd rant! I've just finished adding over 900 of my old posts from MySpace on here - everything is now on proper chronological order from 2005 to date - there is a LOT to read. Some of the older links may not work anymore - just click on the highlighted text for links to more info.
This nice little airshow off the beaten track has become an enjoyable yearly ride out into the country now. A much more friendly informal atmosphere compared to the bigger more 'corporate' airshows. There is always an interesting mixture of aircraft - some that you are unlikely to see anywhere else.
Of particular interest is this beautiful Lockheed Electra Junior. Just restored to flight status this year it has a very interesting history dating from shortly before and into WW2.
In civilian guise this actual aircraft made some daring and highly secret covert reconnaissance flights over Germany and elsewhere - gaining information of vital importance just before the start of the war.
The P-51 Mustang is a type often seen at airshows in the UK but always a pleasure to see - especially up close like this. It's long range and high speed made it a game changer in the last half of WW2.
Like the P-51 another later product of the North American Aviation Co was this post-war T-28 trainer. Not seen so often at displays in the UK.
Although the T-28 looks and is much bigger and heavier than the Mustang it actually has a faster rate of climb than the P-51 due to it's massive and hugely powerful engine!
Another even more rarely seen post-war training aircraft is the Russian Yak-11. It's based on the very nimble WW2 fighter the Yak-3.
Like most other vintage Russian aircraft seen at air displays these days it has now had it's Russian red star markings overpainted with Ukrainian markings to show support for that now embattled country. Last time I saw this one it was looking rather bent with it's engine hanging off after a bit of a prang but now seems to be fixed.
Continuing the training aircraft theme is this Stearman from the USA - a pre-war design that saw extensive use teaching new pilots in the USA during WW2 - including many British and Commonwealth trainee pilots.
And continuing the pre-war theme is this Spartan. Two of these are regular performers at this show and have become favourites of mine.
It's a 1930's aircraft from the USA, and looks like an 'Art Deco' aeroplane - if such a thing is even possible? For a pre-war civil aircraft they have a surprising turn of speed.
Oh yes - it's a car (and motorcycle) show too, but I wasn't taking much notice as there was too much going on in the sky!
You can't get this close to live aircraft at most air displays!
A great day out in spite of the less than summery weather. But at least it didn't rain and it wasn't cold so that didn't ruin a nice ride home through the countryside.
I don't go to Acton very often - in fact not really at all for many years apart from the London Transport Museum Acton Depot. It's not actually that far as-the-crow-flies, but it takes bloody ages on the Piccadilly Line! The Aeronaut pub looked interesting though, so I did a bit of research into it's name and the pub's theme - there is a genuine local aeronautical connection going back to the early days of aviation. The pub's theme is a tribute to locally born aviator George Lee Temple who was later to come to grief at nearby Hendon aerodrome - but that's another story...
George Lee Temple
I was already intrigued, and then I found out some bands that I'm interested in were going to be playing there - so I had to make the trip.
Also, 'SHAKE SOME ACTON' - brilliant play on words for an event that is actually in Acton!
Although unfortunately the Flamin' Groovies aren't actually playing here.
Due to it taking so long to get from Cockfosters to Acton on the tube I completely missed the first band, but fortunately was in time to see 🗲Electrics🗲 who are always good fun!
"It's Electrics Jim - but not as we know them"
Tonight's show is different to the band's normal performances as for one night only they are playing as a power trio instead of their usual four piece lineup.
The reduced version of the band still works well, but it's better with Rob Jones solid rhythm guitar driving things along.
It's good seeing 🗲Electics🗲 in this rather unique venue. The Aeronaut more often hosts 'Circus' themed events and is styled accordingly - more so than it's aviator theme, but the place is well suited for more rock 'n' roll events like tonight as well. And 🗲Electrics🗲 jagged New York tinged take on punky rock 'n' roll with snotty attitude fits in well here.
Next up is a more London take on punky rock 'n' roll.
London Sewage Company has risen from the ashes of punk Elvis tribute band Viva Las Vegas, and like that band is also fronted by Mark 'Barnet' Webster - ex-manager of Denmark Street's legendary 12 Bar Club.
If you liked Mark's previous band you'll probably like this one too as the musical style is very similar - but you probably won't hear any Elvis songs!
Next is a band new to me who take things up a gear or two. Nosebleed are all the way from Leeds - they are on a mission! They arrive on stage very smartly dressed in suits - this and their very tight punchy rock & roll sound remind me strongly of The Hives. But their jackets don't stay on for long! In fact 2/3 of the band don't stay on stage very long either - these guys believe in taking the music out to the people - so, taking their mic stands with them they stride forward into the crowd and play most of their show from there...
There is punk influence in the band's attitude and intensity, but basically this is very tight but fiercely played rock 'n' roll. The drummer is great too - this is very important and makes the difference between a good and a great band. Unfortunately the audio from my phone camera was shit and the band sounded much better than this - and as you can see the crowd were loving it! If The Hives came from Leeds then they might have looked and sounded like this. They don't play in London very often but Nosebleed go straight away of my list of bands I really want to see again!
Finally tonight I get to see The Blue Carpet Band - who I have been wanting to see for some time as they have built up a terrific reputation on our scene as a great live rock 'n' roll band. Circumstances always seemed to conspire against me getting to their shows for one reason or another - until now.
I was not disappointed - this band were well worth the wait. A full-on rock 'n' roll band with a great frontman.I can see why this band have quickly gained a great reputation as a great live act. Although they are a varied bunch who look like they are from different bands they are all good musicians - but it's the singer you are most going to remember - he looks like he eats, breathes and lives rock & roll. Although young he looks like an authentic throwback to the 1950's - like Danny McCormack in his time in the Yo-Yo's. And as well as totally looking and acting the part the energy and enthusiasm he hurls into his performance totally grabs the attention of the crowd!
Like the best frontmen the stage is too small to contain him! The Blue Carpet Band are fun and highly entertaining. Tonight they and Nosebleed are straight away added to the list of bands I can't wait to see again.
As for the venue, I found The Aeronaut an interesting place and far more suitable for live bands than most pubs. It's just a pity it takes so long to get there on the tube - and home again late at night. It's not a place I would ever choose to drink in if I lived locally though as it's quite expensive, and also sadly like many other music venues I walk up to the bar and find no real ales or any other kind of beer I actually want to drink - regardless of price. Sorry Aeronaut - I didn't find you a good drinking experience and you need to do better.
I don't normally write about cover bands as they tend to be much of a muchness - mostly playing the same songs - usually in a competent but plodding and lifeless manner. But pub regulars don't tend to be very demanding (especially after a few drinks) and this is all the live music they've ever seen - so they lap it up. However...
This is something a bit different as far as cover bands in local pubs go. This outfit of local musicians has been thrown together to back up East Ender Gary Lammin - ex of that fine rock 'n' roll band Bermondsey Joyriders, and before that legendary underground punks Cock Sparrer. Quite what he is doing in a Barnet pub in a Hi-Vis vest is anyone's guess, but he is no stranger to the area.
The set consists mainly of rock & roll classics.
Although Gary has a strong punk pedigree he is a very good rock & roll player with a love of 1950's classics as well as stuff from the 60's and 70's - the Rolling Stones being particular favourites.
As well as familiar rock classics from the past Gary is also liable to throw in one or two Bermondsey Joyriders songs as well to keep people on their toes.
Gary is assisted on vocals and guitar by local musician Paul Morea
