26/8/2023 Electrics, London Sewage Company, Nosebleed & Blue Carpet Band @ The Aeronaut.

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.