15/6/2019 Ryan Hamilton & The Harlequin Ghosts @ The Borderline

Due to corporate greed this looks like being my last ever visit to The Borderline. The current owners are being forced out by massive rent rises. On one hand I'll be sad to see it go as I've seen so many of my favourite bands there over the years and it's virtually the last music venue left in Soho as Crossrail and the gentrification of the area relentlessly rolls on. But I also thought it was totally ruined as a live venue by the refurb a couple of years ago, and it was no longer a place I enjoyed visiting - what a huge waste of money that refurb has proved to be. However, when a band I like plays there I have to go, so here I am one last time. Ryan Hamilton & the Harlequin Ghosts are the reason for my visit tonight.

This is country rock with a twist. Ryan Hamilton himself hails from Texas, but the rest of his band are based in the UK.

Ryan is an engaging performer with a good line in banter. In between songs he tells us stories that draw us into his world - like the time he found out his hero Tom Petty had not only heard his music but really liked it. Some of his stories are quite touching, but he is very funny too! The emphasis is more on rock than country, and he has a very good band who can really rock out when required - some of you will probably recognise bassist Rob Lane AKA Laney 74 from many other acts he has toured and recorded with other the years like Teenage Casket Company, DIP, BulletBoys, and Let Loose to name but a few...

Lead guitarist Dave Winkler (not visible in my crappy pictures) will also be familiar to many from the underground rock 'n' roll scene. The band look and sound great and Ryan himself is very entertaining, as well as having some great songs like Smarter. The place is full and the atmosphere is great thanks to an enthusiastic crowd. Ryan Hamilton shows in London are always well attended, but he seems to be one of those 'Best kept secret' performers who is largely ignored by the media in spite of being popular on the underground scene.

And so I leave The Borderline for the last ever time with mixed feelings. On one hand I am sad to see what was once one of London's best small venues closing, but after how the place was totally ruined by the refurb a couple of years and turned into a venue I no longer enjoyed visiting I can't honestly say I'll miss it. It's a shame to see it go though as the 100 Club is now the only proper music venue left in the West End due to gentrification and corporate greed.

Camden Rocks Festival 2019 - Day 2

So, onto the second day of the first ever two day Camden Rocks Festival. I couldn't see the infamous SoapGirls yesterday at one of the other venues so when the festival starts at noon I make my way to Dingwalls. The previous time I had tried to see these South African sisters was also at Camden Rocks when they were booked into the far too small Black Heart. It was virtually impossible to get in and far too crowded for comfort so I was forced to give up, although I liked what I briefly heard. This time they have more sensibly been placed in the much larger Dingwalls, but that venue is pretty full as well even at this early hour! The SoapGirls started off as more of a pop duo, but these days they have added a drummer and taken on a far more confrontational and punk attitude and sound. Which is at complete odds with their appearance. They don't wear very much at all and look like barely dressed showgirls. I can't imagine why many of their fans seem to be middle aged men.... I decide against trying to get near the front and entering what I perceive as the 'Perv Zone' and enjoy the show from a safe distance.

The SoapGirls don't sound anything like they look - I'll leave it to others to decide if that's a good or bad thing. There is no doubt their outrageous and OTT image is the reason they always draw large crowds at their shows, but if you close your eyes and listen to the music guess what? Yes, they can actually play. OK, some of the lead guitar playing isn't the best although the rhythm playing is fine. But make no mistake, this is a proper band and The SoapGirls make a heavy and ferocious racket. They have some decent tuneful songs, and they also have a very strong 'take no shit' agenda. You can leave any patronising or misogynistic attitudes at the door - give them any shit and these girls give as good as they get. I like the music and attitude, but the frequent 'Don't let anybody put you down' style rants soon sound a bit predictable and repetitive even though I agree with the sentiments. The SoapGirls are fun, entertaining, and throw everything into their uninhibited performance. And they sound great too!

Sunday's Camden Rocks certainly got off to a good start. Next band on my list today is Rews. I wanted to see this act at last years festival but unfortunately timings didn't allow, and one member of the band has changed since then. However, they are playing twice today - at different venues, but at least that doubles my chances of catching them. But first I have to find the venue! I'd never heard of Dr Martens Boot Room before and it was quite difficult to find. By the time I'd tracked them down I had missed most of Rews set. Fortunately it was worth the effort to catch them - even if I only caught the last couple of songs. As I'd (correctly) assumed the venue would be tiny I was expecting just an acoustic duo, but I was pleasantly surprised to find the girls playing electric guitar and bass, and also backed by a drummer.

Rews have been called a female 'Royal Blood', but I found them brighter and more cheerful sounding with a relaxed and friendly feel. I very much enjoyed what little I caught of their set, but all too soon it was over. Although they were due to be playing back at Dingwalls in an hour's time where I'd just left The SoapGirls I couldn't make it as it clashed with JoanOvArc - who were always going to be one of the highlights of the day for me. But again, first I had to find the venue...

So, off for a recce of the Stables Market area to find the elusive Gabeto venue - a place I'd never heard of before, and where The Quireboys apparently played their acoustic show last night. I eventually discover it is actually the venue previously known as 'Cuban' - and ironically I have actually seen JoanOvArc there before! After musicians from other bands standing in for a couple of members over the past year or so this gig is the 'Official' debut of the new permanent JoanOvArc lineup. There has been a bit of a game of 'Musical Chairs' going on recently in several all girl bands (more on this later) and founder member Sam Walker who together with sister Shelley started the band in 2004 has taken indefinite leave from the band - don't worry - she's fine! Her place on bass guitar is now filled by the very capable Keira Kenworthy - who is also bassist in in Syteria - more on them later too... Rhythm guitarist Laura Ozholl has now taken over most the lead vocals, and Ellie Daymond is now confirmed as the band's new drummer as the fantastic Debbie Wildish has moved on to do other things. This now leaves lead guitarist Shelley Walker as the only original member of the band.

They might have been ringing the changes, but I can tell you JoanOvArcare still a terrific live band. The standard of musicianship is top-notch and these girls can hold their own on any stage large or small. They have built up an impressive catalogue of songs, and interestingly some of their older material has recently re-appeared in their live set - including some songs like 'Down By The River' and 'Slipping Away' that haven't been heard since the band's early days. Some of these 'lost' JoanOvArc songs from the past appear on their new more polished and commercial self titled second album - recorded before the recent lineup changes - making an interesting comparison to some early recordings of these songs the band put out on CDs themselves in their early days. There is already a third album in the pipeline. I get the feeling the latest album was a 'clearing of the decks' of early material by the old lineup of the band, so it will be interesting to see what the new version of the band comes up with and which direction they take...

Although JoanOvArc have recorded a few slower quieter songs over the years, and experimented with some very 'pop' commercial sounding ones as well, the focus when they play live has always been on the harder rocking numbers - although they can make a crowd dance as well. And when these girls rock, they really ROCK! They really tear it up with songs like  'Live Rock n Roll', 'Seeds Of Summer', 'White Trash' and 'Girls Wanna Rock'. This is a band who are really in their element playing at festivals - especially if it's a ROCK crowd. They certainly get the attention of the people standing outside at the back of the venue, and although they have a very strong repertoire of their own when they finish with 'Free Bird' it's probably the best version you will ever hear - apart from by the band who wrote it of course - and even the people out the back who have no idea who this band is are bopping about enthusiastically! Once again, JoanOvArc's Camden Rocks set is a triumph!

My next port of call is Camden Assembly - previously known to many at The Barfly, and The Monarch before that - not to be confused with the current 'Monarch' and former Wetherspoons pub a few doors down the road. Confusing innit? This place has gone rather upmarket under it's new name and is very different inside although the floor layout is the same and the upstairs toilets are still shit. Fortunately, I am not here to admire the decor - although I do like the way they have stripped off all the layers of old paint on the outside of the building to reveal the very attractive original glazed tile finish. I am here to see the dark and dangerous Saint Agnes.

I first saw this band at Camden Rocks Festival last year. I'd been aware of them for a while through word of mouth, but hadn't managed to catch live them up until then. They were easily one of the best things I saw at last year's festival, and this year the same applies. It's good to see them at a bigger venue this time, but it's still too small as this band can now sell out the main venue at Dingwalls on their own. They have progressed in other ways too and have since released their first album Welcome To Silvertown - it's very good, and many of the songs you will hear in their set appear on it. Saint Agnes are undoubtedly one of the most electrifying live acts on the London scene with their scary Satanic mix of blues, hard rock, punk, and Goth. This mob have a real edge to them. There are many bands out there who walk the walk and talk the talk, but deep down you know they are just faking it. Saint Agnes mean it and there is a genuine feeling this is a truly dangerous act - they aren't fucking around.

Rock 'n' roll is meant to be dangerous, but often isn't these days. It is at Saint Agnes shows. Singer Kitty is genuinely compelling - like a black cat you ignore her at your peril. It's not necessary to dress in black to be scary.

If you are a fan of Jack White you'll probably dig the guitar playing, and if you like Led Zeppelin you will probably also enjoy the very dark blues based feel and the 'space' they leave in their songs - you will be left in no doubt this is 'The Devil's music'. Not for nothing does Kitty often say at their gigs 'Welcome to the coven'. This is not a band for the faint-hearted.

Next I find myself searching out another band I've been wanting to see for a while but who very rarely appear in the UK - The Last Internationalle. First I have to find yet another 'new' Camden Rocks venue. 'The Fireball Stage at FEST' turns out to be the former Proud Gallery - a well known Camden venue in the Stables Market area that closed down not long ago.

This is another band who are taking no prisoners. The Last Internationalle hail from New York and are a vibrant mixture of pop, punk, rock, and soul - with a political edge.

Singer/bassist Delila Paz is a captivating and charismatic performer with an amazingly soulful voice.

There are only three people in the band and there is a lot of space in their musical arrangements, but there is also dynamics and a lot of power when needed - this is a hard hitting outfit!

Although I'm not very familiar with their material, this is an engaging performance that leaves me wanting to see the band again.

Up until now it seems to have been all about the girls today, but that's something I'll never have a problem with. But now it's time for a bunch of male ne'er-do-wells to provide the glamour. Well sort of. These former 1990's glamsters have more of a ruff-n-ready gypo Quireboys type image these days, but Last Great Dreamers still have the pop/rock chops and catchy sing-a-long tunes to grab your attention

This is a really great band, but for the second time they have been put in one of Camden Rocks Festival's more remote venues. Last time they were booked into the Fiddler's Elbow right up in Chalk Farm - the festival's most Northerly venue. This time they are down at the Lyttelton Arms - the festival's most Southerly venue down by Mornington Crescent. This pub is better known as a popular watering hole for music fans on their way to Koko just over the road. However, 11 or 12 bands appear to have been booked into this venue to play at the festival today. Somehow this gig appears to have gone under the radar of most festival goers as when I arrive the pub is nearly empty with only a handful of people present - nearly all of whom I recognise as fans or friends & family of the band. This is very different to when they played at the Fiddlers Elbow and attracted a noticably larger crowd who were obviously fans on the band from back in the day. Where were all those people today? Who knows.... Anyway, the band are pros and not but off by such things as this. They launch into their set with the enthusiasm of a band playing to a full venue. All the people who couldn't find the venue or just couldn't be arsed to walk all the way to the bottom of the High Street miss out on a really great set of well played and catchy glamtastic rock/powerpop numbers like 'Dope School' 'Ashtray Eyes', 'White Light', 'Oblivion Kids', and excellent songs from their new album like 'New Situation', and the title track '13th Floor Renegades'. If you weren't there you missed out on a tight and punchy set blasted though by a very polished and professional band.

The festival is starting to wind down now and I can only catch a couple more bands. I trudge back up the High Street. The next band have apparently been switched at the last minute from Music & Beans (another venue I'd never heard of) to Camden Eye - a small Victorian pub formerly known as the Halfway House opposite Camden Town Tube station. I eventually find the place the band are supposed to be playing up some tight and twisty creaking staircases - I'd hate to have to lug band equipment up to the top floor. There's no bar up there either - a most unsuitable place for a rock 'n' roll band to be playing. I find The Garage Flowers still setting their gear up and it's some time before they actually start playing.

Half the band (the rhythm section) has changed since I first discovered them in Barnet after a tip-off from Dave Renegade a couple of years or so ago. They are basically a Camden based rock 'n' roll band with a punky New York edge. Maybe this last minute change of venue and associated stress and hassle has thrown them a bit as they don't seem as together as the previous times I've seen them. Things are obviously running very late, and unfortunately I have to rush off before I hear my favourite song of theirs 'Nothings Gonna Get Me Down Today' - which I think is great song with genuine hit potential. If I leave it any longer I run the risk of either not getting into The Dublin Castle or missing the start of the last band of the festival.

Fortunately, The Dublin Castle is only a few minutes walk away like most of the other venues at Camden Rocks and I arrive in time to catch my last band at this year's Camden Rocks. Syteria are the band formed by Girlschool lead guitarist Jackie Chambers to keep her busy and fill her 'day job' band's downtime. This plan seems to be going quite well as Syteria now have their excellent debut album Rant-O-Bot released and another album on the way. But this is a band who love to get out and play. As they are based in Leeds they don't get down to 'that London' very often, but when they do they are well worth seeing! They are quite a different animal than Girlschool with their NWoBHM origins. Although there is a strong hard rock influence and they can be quite heavy, there is a Glam Rock side to them, as well as a gritty edge due to Jackie's background playing in punk bands before joining Girlschool - you never know, you just might find a Ramones cover mixed in with Syteria's original songs!

The band play well, have good stage presence, some catchy songs, and look like they are having fun. The more eagle-eyed readers amongst you might have noticed the bass player looks familiar? It's Keira Kenworthy who is also the new bassist in JoanOvArc - who also played at Camden Rocks yesterday. And in another NWoBHM connection, her dad used to be in Raven!

Syteria are a great way to end the 2019 Camden Rocks Festival and look like they are loving playing to good sized crowd in a legendary Camden venue!

Well it's been a great weekend of varied live rock music at some of Camden's best venues. I've really enjoyed all the bands I've seen today, but even with the new 2 day 200 band festival I don't feel I've got as good value for money as I usually do in the 1 day Camden Rocks Festivals of the past: Today I only managed to catch 8 of the 21 bands I was hoping to see - I normally manage to see up to 11 bands in one day. So, my apologies to The Kut, Ash, Healthy Junkies, A, Janus Stark, The Wonder Stuff, Federal Charm, The Gulps, Bad Touch, Skarlett Riot, Pollypikpocketz, Black Rose, and Dragster - all of whom I would have liked to see but didn't manage to see today. Maybe next year?

Camden Rocks Festival 2019 - Day 1

So it's time to head down to Camden for one of the musical highlights of the year - the Camden Rocks Festival. This great yearly event continues to grow and evolve, and this year for the first time it will take place over two days - 20 venues and twice as many bands to see! Obviously it costs nearly twice as much if you want to go both days. I was kind of hoping all the bands I wanted to see would be on the same day, but of course it didn't work out like that: On day 1 there are 16 acts I'm interested in seeing - I'm lucky if I can catch 11 in one day normally as there are always timing clashes and 'dead time' when there are no acts of interest to me and I can take a break and get something to eat and a beer or two.

I manage to get to Camden Town early on the Saturday for a change, and the queue outside the World's End pub for wristband exchange is shorter than usual. It's not long before I find myself in the Electric Ballroom for the first band of the weekend.

This is Collateral. They have been hyped up quite a bit on Planet Rock radio - a station that largely lives in the past and targets the middle aged as it's core demographic. Do you remember people taking the piss out of a certain chain of clothes shops by saying 'C&A - where the 70's are always in fashion!'? Well this is the musical equivalent, but set in the 1980's. Collateral are a good band and they can write decent songs - but they are 30 years too late. This is a new and young band, but their whole image, clothes, hair, their sound, and their lyrics seem very targeted towards a certain age group - who are also Planet Rock's core listeners. It seems odd to apparently target what must be quite a small audience in 2019 - when almost all the age group this band seem to aim at no longer go to gigs, follow the current music scene, or take any interest in music. Especially new music. They are great musicians and performers, but it all seems cynical and very cliched to me - their lyrics in particular seem like a 1970's/80's hard rock/blues band box ticking exercise - everything seems to be about rebelling, partying all nite long, having a shit day job but going wild out on the town every night. They make Poison lyrics sound like Bob Dylan. 'Merry Go Round' is a good enough song with corny lyrics that could have been a hit back in the 80's. The same could be said of 'Lullaby' - another lyrical box ticking exercise. Sorry, but I've heard it all before countless times - over 30 years ago. People of a certain age may lap it up, but even though I might be from that age group too I'm not buying it. From the minute they take to the stage you already know that three songs in they will stop to take their jackets off. And around five songs in there will be the token 'acoustic' ballad - although the frontman is strumming an acoustic guitar right from the first song. I'm glad I checked Collateral out, but now I've ticked that box I don't feel to need to ever see them again. However, if you want to see some really good pictures of them check out Trudi Knight's much better than mine pictures here.

Next on my list is Ginger Wildheart - a regular performer at Camden Rocks festivals over the years. Not surprisingly I find The Underworld packed! As ever, Wildhearts and Ginger solo fans are out in force and the atmosphere in this famous but small Camden venue is electric! Due to the tiny venue being so full I decided not to bother attempting to take any pictures - also knowing that the talented Trudi Knight would be taking pictures in a far more professional manner! You can find some of her pictures from the gig (and other Camden Rocks Festival shows) here. This is going to be a solo acoustic show without a full band. Instead Ginger is flanked by Givvi Flynn (already well known to Ginger solo fans) and Sophia Vassalos both on backing vocals, with 'Stix' Mills (well known to Wolfsbane fans) on drumbox thingy percussion duties. Ginger has decided to keep it spontaneous and not have a setlist. So what songs to play? In an apparent last minute decision Ginger announces that he is going to perform the whole of the recently released Wildhearts album! Acoustically. And without a full band. This surprise decision is very well received by the fans! I can see how it makes sense from his point of view as the new album has only just come out so the songs should still be fresh in his memory, and he has been playing some of them on tour with the Wildhearts as well. It's certainly an interesting challenge playing all these loud, angry, and very 'in-your-face' songs on just an acoustic guitar, but he rises to the occasion very well and it goes down a storm! Even in 'acoustic' format Ginger doesn't hold back - this isn't yer typical laid back acoustic show that other artists trot out these days. We leave the Underworld feeling we have just experienced something unique and special - I think it's highly unlikely the Wildhearts amazing Renaissance Men album will be performed in this manner ever again.

Fortunately the next band I want to see is playing in the venue I am already in. The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing have become Camden Rocks Festival regulars - for good reason. They are a popular band and always seem to be booked into a venue at this festival that is too small for them, so I am glad to already be in the venue as it's been a struggle in the past and I've not always managed it. Needless to say The Underworld remains packed. The Men... are a band like no other. Steampunk bands aren't exactly common anyway, but this lot pretty much make the genre their own with their mix of super heavy death metal riffs, Chas & Dave style tunes and humour, Victorian inspired lyrics, and punk attitude.

They really are highly entertaining, not just because of the music but also because they are very funny - the banter between singer and guitarist is like a comedy act in it's own right! Then again, as guitarist Andrew O'Neill is also a stand-up comedian it shouldn't be so surprising. If you look beyond the politics and humour you'll notice that the band are also excellent musicians. This is a act who work on more levels than other bands and I think most people would find it hard not to enjoy their shows. Their original materiel is strong enough in it's own right, covering such diverse subjects as sea monsters eating granny on a day trip to the seaside, Victorian engineers, ghosts, and a pop at religion too. Maybe as it's a festival show and they are playing to more people who don't know them or their songs they throw in a couple of covers to emphasise their 'London band' credentials - Chas & Dave's 'Things That I Like' and The Kinks 'Victoria' - always a good sing-a-long and usually in their set anyway as it's a great crowd pleaser! More pictures from the excellent Trudi Knight here.

There's more downtime before I find myself at the legendary Good Mixer to see The Idol Dead. This is another band who always end up in a Camden Rocks venue that's far too small for them. They played this same venue at the festival before, and once again the place is absolutely rammed!

Musically a mixture of Glam and punk with a very high standard of musicianship - this is a really tight band with catchy tuneful songs and a great frontman. They look sharp, but there is plenty of punk attitude mixed in It's not often this band make it down to the smoke from their native Leeds so it's always worth checking them out when you have the chance.

Next I'm off to the even more legendary Dublin Castle to see a band I've known about and wanted to see for several years. I first heard The Hip Priests on Dave Renegade's 'Dark Heart of Camden' show on TBFM/Hard Rock Hell Radio. Being based in Nottingham they had evaded me up until now, but are very much on my 'Must see' list for this festival. Ever since I first heard their song 'Zero Fucks Given' on Dave's radio show I knew this was a band I really wanted to see live.

They didn't disappoint! If you can imagine The Stooges mixed up with Motörhead and the MC5 you might be getting close. This is what I call a proper rock 'n' roll band. Tight, LOUD, in your face, and dripping with bad attitude!

This is a FULL-ON rock show - in fact 'Full tilt bullshit' in their own words! They might look like a bunch of biker grebos but they have a snarling 'take no prisoners' punk attitude and a legion of loyal fans. And they have some memorable songs like 'Jesus Died So We Could Ride' too. This is one of the best filthy dirty rock 'n' roll bands I've seen in years. I don't know if Lemmy was aware of The Hip Priests, but I think he would have approved - what a great support act for Motörhead they would have been! This is a band I will definitely be going to see again...

Next I find myself back in a pub I seem to have been in quite a few times this year - The Monarch. And to see a band who I seem to be seeing quite a lot (including at this same venue back in March) since they took everyone by surprise by reforming their original and best lineup. Yes, it's the infamous Towers Of London. The place is rammed just like it was last time they played here. There are one or two familiar faces from the old days, and Ginger's whole backing band from their Underworld show earlier in the day. Towers Of London are in fine form after being on tour supporting The Wildhearts recently. They were good when I saw them here in March but now they are tighter after being on tour. Obviously they play 'the hits' from their first album Blood Sweat & Towers and not surprisingly the naff second album Fizzy Pop get's ignored. There are some new songs as well, but it's not clear if they are from the band's 3rd (and lost?) album for ex-Creation Records boss Alan McGee which was due for release in early 2018 or if they are newer songs. I think one single 'Shot In The Dark' was released, but I'm not sure if the album ever saw the light of day... The whole Alan McGee thing seems to be shrouded in mystery now and the whole 'Super Sounds Of K-Town' 3rd album thing seems to have been erased from history - although that was the previous and rather lacklustre lineup of the band.... Towers now seem very much fired up and and raring to go with the revitalised 'classic' early lineup of the band back together, and (another?) new album in the pipeline which we are promised will be out this before the end of this year... For now, this is just a great live band which a bunch of catchy crowd-pleasing songs like 'Air Guitar', 'I'm A Rat', 'Beaujolais', 'Kill The Pop Scene', and 'Fuck It Up'. The band have certainly found their spark again, although they seem less punk and more straight ahead rock & roll these days. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for them now. Sorry, no pictures - it was way too crowded and I didn't want to risk my phone being knocked flying and trampled on in the crowd.

I was originally hoping to see The Quireboys next at Gabeto but it was yet another venue I'd never heard of and couldn't find. Then later in the day I discovered that it was going to be an acoustic set, and as it clashed with Towers Of London in a venue I liked and I knew it would be a good show that's where I went and where I stayed. I would probably have also struggled to get back into the Dublin Castle early enough to catch my last band of the Saturday as I knew the place would be packed...

So, making sure to get there early I managed to get into the Dublin Castle to catch Warrior Soul.

Kory Clarke's warriors are always an exciting live prospect. And same as last time I saw them at Camden Rocks at the Black Heart the venue is rammed! The band have a new album 'Back On The Lash' to push, as well as playing songs from their extensive back catalogue so we are always going to hear 'The Drug', 'Fuck The Pigs', 'Punk And Belligerent' and so on delivered with a mix of metal riffs and snarling punk attitude - Kory might look a bit of a hippy at times, but don't be fooled - this is a ferocious band!

It's good to finish the first day of 2019's Camden Rocks on a high point with Kory's unique roar of a voice belting out 'The Wasteland'.

And so ends the first half of this year's Camden Rocks Festival. Out of the 16 bands I had shortlisted to try and catch I actually managed to catch 7 due to the usual timing and venue clashes - not as many as I normally manage in one day, so I didn't do as well in the 'Value for Money' stakes on this occasion. I would have also liked to see London SS, Bexatron, The Deadcuts, Ryuketsu Blizzard, Neon Animal, The Quireboys, Rich Ragany & The Digressions, White Eskimo, and The SoapGirls. However, the Soap Girls are playing again tomorrow so hopefully I'll catch them then - as for the others - maybe next year...

Let's see what tomorrow will hold...

26/5/2019 Bike Shed motorcycle show at Tobacco Dock

And now for something completely different...

I thought it was about time I went to another motorcycle show, and sadly the MCN Supersprint held near Dark Towers at Alexandra Palace last year doesn't appear to be taking place in 2019 - so I thought this looked interesting.  I'd been aware of The Bike Shed and been intrigued for some time but had yet to pay a visit. Now seemed to be a good time, but this event isn't actually held at the club's hipster East End hangout in Old Street but in Docklands. At Tobacco Dock to be precise. This looked an interesting area to visit and like Ally Pally proved very easy to get to by train. It turned out to be a great location with craft ale and various fancy street food outlets available on site, and an interesting place to look round. The old docks are real, but like a modern retro style Triumph motorcycle the ships are not what they seem and are not real although they add to the character of the area.

However, the motorcycles contained within the listed old warehouse building the show is held in are real. Well sort of - some of them anyway. The building itself is a terrific location for the show and full of character - as are many of the machines contained therein. This is not a large corporate motorcycle show, it's more of a custom show - and consequently there are many weird and wonderful machines on show.

This one is unfinished and based around a supercharged Yamaha motor.

Some of the bikes are old fashioned but conventional although using some modern parts and materials.

And some are far from conventional, like this BMW based trike!

This one is electric and may actually enter production - at a very steep price!

My favourites were the custom Triumphs based on new modern machines but designed to look old - you had to look twice at this one to make sure it wasn't actually an old 1930's bike! Great attention to detail - even down to the old fashioned girder forks and 'pedestrian slicer' front number plate.

Although this looks like something out of a museum it is actually based on a modern production Triumph engine and frame - I bet if Triumph put something similar into production themselves they would sell loads of them!

I thought this vintage aviation inspired modern Triumph was great! Where's my old sheepskin flying jacket? 

CHOCKS AWAY!

A steampunk motorcycle?

Again based on a modern production Triumph engine and frame.

There were many weird and wonderful custom machines on display - some more practical than others. I think many of them are more like works of art than functioning usable motorcycles - amazing to look at, but I suspect many of them don't have engines that will actually run. There is definitely some impressive engineering to be seen though! I found this heavily modified Royal Enfield Himalayan particularly interesting. 

As well as the radical mono-shock rear swing arm conversion, the more eagle-eyed amongst you looking at the exhaust system might spot a turbocharger! I can't see this working well on a large capacity single cylinder engine - especially on a bike that is designed to be used largely off-road! What were they thinking?

I think this would be an 'interesting' machine to try to actually ride off-road - assuming that the engine actually works?

I certainly found this a very interesting motorcycle show, although smaller than I expected. I thought the ticket was a bit on the pricey side for a small show, although maybe this is the price to be paid for not having big corporate sponsorship? I had an enjoyable day out, although I regret to say this might be the last motorcycle show I ever attend. To be honest I find it all a bit depressing since my last Triumph was stolen and I know that I will probably never be able to afford to get another bike. Looking at all these amazing machines while knowing that I will almost certainly never be able to ride any motorcycle ever again makes me sad - so maybe it's time to step back and put that important chapter of my life behind me...

24/5/2019 Duncan Reid & The Big Heads + Cyanide Pills + Witchdoktors @ The 100 Club

Friday night finds me heading down to Oxford Street and one of the only music venues left in the West End of London. One of the great things about the 100 Club is that's it's hardly changed at all over the past 30 or 40 years. It's musical history is pretty special too - nearly everyone has played there. Even me. It has still managed to hang onto it's character, and although most the ales on tap are very pricey there seems to be a policy of still having one beer at an affordable £3.99 a pint. Other venues take note.

No pictures from this show - I can't remember why. Maybe I didn't take any, or maybe I just can't find them.

I arrive just in time to see the last of the Witchdoktors. I've seen them before so I know how good they are and am disappointed not to catch their whole set.This is a great old school rock 'n' roll band. They have a bit of a punk edge, but really manage to capture the spirit of early rock & roll.

Next up is a band who are completely new to me. Cyanide Pills are a new punk band in the old school sense and are very good indeed. This is a band who fit perfectly into the 100 Club's legendary punk history. The Clash are an obvious influence - without this band being Clash clones or rip-offs. They have the look, the attitude, and the style of UK punk circa 1977 absolutely nailed. And they have decent tunes too. I will definitely be looking forward to seeing this band again.

And so to the headliners. Duncan Reid was the original bass player in first generation UK punk band The Boys and so has excellent punk rock credentials. Not for nothing were The Boys known as 'The Beatles of punk', and Duncan has carried this theme on with his current band - he knows how to write a good catchy pop/punk song and this band's set is packed full of tunes you can sing along to.  Duncan Reid and the Big Heads are always a great live act, but tonight things are slightly different. The amazing Sophie K Powers is absent from guitar duties due to suddenly having to go into hospital at the last minute for an operation on her wrist - quite important if you are a guitar player! Sophie's absence is so last minute that her stand-in for tonight's gig hasn't had time to rehearse the setlist or even practice the songs. Fortunately her place is being taken tonight by Mauro Vengegas - who actually used to be in this band (as well as Johnny Cola & the A Grades, more recently The Godfathers and currently The Speedways) and played on the second Big Heads album as well as live. His problem tonight is that although he used to play the songs from the Big Heads first two albums he doesn't know any of the songs from the band's new album Bombs Away! Fortunately the band's other newer guitarist Nick Hughes can do all the lead work - although Mauro is a very good lead guitarist. So for some of tonight's set he just has to wing it. Fortunately he is that good and fits in so well that it doesn't even show that he has never played some of these songs before tonight! Duncan is also a very good frontman so that helps too.

In spite of the band's last minute guitarist substitution Duncan Reid and the Big Heads play a storming set of catchy pop/punk songs - I think they are actually better live than on record - where I find them a bit too overproduced and 'pop' for my tastes. They are a terrific live act though - brimming with energy and personality. Interestingly I notice Boomtown Rats singer Bob Geldof lurking in the crowd, and I wonder if he might get on stage for a guest spot? However, he remains in the shadows tonight...

23/5/2019 The Warner E Hodges Band + The Spangles

Thursday night finds me back in Islington at the famous Hope & Anchor pub. The Warner E Hodges Band are returning to this venue with another sold out show - this venue is really too small for them. However, before the headliners there is another band I've been wanting to see for a while. The Spangles are a power trio consisting of members of The Main Grains and The Idol Dead. Less punk and more rock & roll than the former, and less glam than the latter they are a terrific dirty raw and basic rock 'n' roll band dripping with charisma and personality - fun and highly entertaining!

I saw the Warner E. Hodges Band here last year and the venue was too small for them then, and it's even more so now! The place is packed, and to call this gig 'intimate' would be an understatement. Warner is best known as being a member of country punk outfit Jason And The Scorchers, and tends to be perceived as a 'Country rock' artist when he goes out on his own. However, the Warner E. Hodges Band focus much less on the Country and far more on the ROCK! There is still some Country in there, but Warner's favourite band is actually AC/DC - and this is very much reflected in the show we are treated to tonight. The set features much of Warner's own Country/ROCK material as well as some from other artists he has been involved with over his career. There are also a few covers, including AC/DC songs which are played not as token 'crowd pleasers' but just as pure fun because Warner loves playing them so much. The Country cover side as usual includes John Denver's 'Country Roads Take Me Home' (as also covered by Olivia Newton-John!) but in a more rockin' style - and this always goes down a storm with the crowd! And just to emphasise that Warner's roots are really in rock rather than Country he throws in an all time heavy metal classic - Black Sabbath's 'War Pigs'. And it's probably the best version you will ever hear. By anybody - and that includes Black Sabbath if the one time I've seen them is anything to go by.

I didn't bother even trying to take any pictures due to the extremely cramped conditions, and also because once again the excellent Trudi Knight was in action at the front taking far better pictures than I could ever hope to even if I had a decent camera. You can see her pictures from the gig here.

11/5/2019 Lilith & The Knight, Gasoline Thrill & Filthy Militia @ The Unicorm

Back to a venue that used to be my Camden home from home - The Unicorn. Lilith & The Knight are the main reason for my attendance, but as always there are other acts of interest. As it's free to get in and as the (bottled) ale is cheap there is no reason not to get there early enough to see the earlier bands.  OK, so I didn't get my shit together in time to catch the earliest acts.

The first band I see are Filthy Militia. Punky funky ska. The saxophone makes them more interesting and they are quite lively but don't really float my boat.

Yeah, I know - shit pictures. I can actually get better pictures on my phone than my current digicam (not using flash) but I have had my previous phone knocked out of my hand while trying to take pictures in the crowd at this venue and phones are much more expensive than expendable £50 digicams so....

Next up are Gasoline Thrill. Emerging from the ashes of all girl band Catfight about 10 years ago this band were Camden regulars for a while, but with line-up changes and who know's what else they seemed to disappear for a while. Think Distillers/Joan Jet/Johnny Thunders and you are pretty much in the right ball park.

Frontgal Samara Kain has a formidable Brody Dalle style croak and is a very energetic performer - when she sings Joan Jett's Ramones rip-off 'Bad Reputation' you believe her! The band's original songs are convincing too.

I've been looking forward to seeing Lilith and the Knight again after finally managing to catch them for the first time a few months ago - at this same venue. *see previous posts involving this venue & also Camden Rocks* I was very impressed then by the full-on metal performance from their singer - charismatic, with an amazing image, and a stunning vocal performance - actual singing as opposed to the dumbed-down grunting, screaming and fake 'emotion' many modern heavy metal singers think they need to be 'down with the kids'. This seems far more honest to me.

The rest of the band are excellent players even if they don't look like they are in a metal band - maybe the band should employ a stylist? Don't take that remark too seriously, but if the band want to be taken seriously maybe they should consider going for a more 'group/gang' look rather than looking like they usually all play in different bands (maybe they do?) and couldn't be bothered dressing any differently for this gig tonight.

The music is very good though, and with a little thought they could (and should) be playing in bigger venues and gaining a reputation.

Ominously(?) the band have announced that this is the last ever show where they will play any of these songs. Apparently they are about to totally change everything and reinvent themselves - maybe even changing the line-up. This is the last time we will ever see Lilith and the Knight in their current form and we will never hear their old songs like 'Formaldehyde' again. I'm sad to hear this as although I was late to the party I was getting in to what they were doing and thought they had great potential. I hope they know what they are doing...

Maybe no more stuff like this?

Next time we see them it will be 'Lilith and the Knight, but not as we know them Jim'. Watch this space....