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...

9/7/2023 Back in Hornsey yet again.

Only a few weeks since I was here for a similar event, but a sudden spur of the moment decision on a Sunday afternoon  brings me back again.

A day of quality live music in London doesn't have to be expensive. In fact it can be virtually free - a possible charity donation if you want, but no pressure. Plus whatever you choose to spend on food and drink - either in the adjacent pub, or you are free to bring your own. You never know - the sun may even come out too! 😎 If your musical tastes include blues/rock/soul then these free events in North London might be for you.

It's always a really relaxed and friendly atmosphere here.

A totally unique setting with an interesting history There is plenty to see if you choose to wander around the churchyard and surrounding area between the musical acts.

And you can also visit the adjacent pub for a break and some refreshment. The pub is happy to let visitors to music events over the road use their toilets as well - just as well as there are no facilities in the church grounds.

The Great Northern Railway Tavern is quite welcoming and has an excellent range of ales! If I need to pop in to use the toilet I think it's only polite to buy a drink to show my appreciation. Well that's my excuse anyway - do the right thing. 😉🍺

The pub has some interesting features and is largely unspoilt - something that is rare these days. And back to the music...

And back to the pub - this stuff is nice!

And more music....

...Back to the pub...

Nice relaxing surroundings in an old pub that has managed to retain some of it's character.

These summer events at St Mary's Clock Tower are a tribute to local blues musician Jimmy C. His band the Blues Dragons play here with a variety of special guests to perform some blues and rock standards, along with some of Jimmy's original songs. Probably the most interesting and moving of these has a strong local connection - it's about two people who are actually buried in this churchyard.

Jimmy's song 'Jacob Walker' tells a fascinating and touching true story concerning a grave that can be found only a few yards away from the spot the song is being performed.

There are information boards around the churchyard telling the story of the old church of which only the clock tower remains - and also some of the graves to be found nearby - including the story of Jacob Walker as told in the song...

Another interesting and enjoyable afternoon spent in Hornsey. Back to the pub to use their 'facilities' and 'one for the road'. Well one for the rails actually as Hornsey station on the Great Northern main line is almost next door. Will I be able to resist popping into the pub within sight of New Barnet station when I get off the train? 🚆🍺

2/7/2023 A day out in the country - air display at Old Warden

A nice summer's day - well it would have been if the sun came out! Well at least it's not cold or raining which it often is in an English summer. Anyway, it's still a pleasant enough day to be out and about on the bike so here I am in deepest Bedfordshire. Old Warden is always an interesting place to visit and there is plenty to see even if there isn't an air display taking place - the Shuttleworth Collection has plenty of other things to see apart from old aircraft, but they are the reason I like to visit here. My father first brought me here when I was I kid and I have been back many times since.

The various flying displays that take place here each year have different themes, but don't expect to see anything too modern - particularly jets.

Some genuine WW1 and even earlier aircraft are based here and maintained in airworthy condition, but today most the planes flying are from the 1930s and 1940s. There are other weird and wonderful things to be seen as well - what's this?

It called a Hucks Starter and it uses it's motor to spin the propeller of early aircraft to start them. Crude but effective! It's based on a Ford Model-T chassis.

Training aircraft are one of today's themes - this is a Miles Magister as used by the RAF in the 1930s and during WW2.

From the other side of the pond this is a Ryan trainer of a similar vintage.

A scene almost from the 1930s - from left to right: Westland Lysander, Gloster Gladiator, Supermarine Spitfire, de Havilland Comet, a Russian Po-2, and in the air top right a Hawker Hurricane.

Seeing the record breaking 1934 air racer Comet in the air is pretty special - it's one of the most beautiful aircraft ever built. It would be even better if it was in focus...

A not so rare MkIX Spitfire.

One of the great things about the Shuttleworth Collection is virtually all it's aircraft are not just dusty museum pieces - they are alive!

This Avro Lancaster is too big to land or take off from this small grass airfield and just put in a quick flypast on it's way home from another event.

A couple of more recent aircraft: An ex-Yugoslav air force Kraguj. Horrible noisy thing!

A North American Navion. It's a quite sophisticated 1950s design, and although it looks like a civil aircraft it's US military paint scheme is quite authentic.

As well as vintage aircraft there are always interesting vehicles to be found here, from steam powered traction engines, cars, and this old Italian military motorcycle which caught my eye.

I couldn't help but compare it to my own means of transport for today.

Much more enjoyable than traveling home by car, although not as fast as my Triumph 955i Daytona I rode on my last visit to Old Warden. This one is better suited to riding on the grass and gravel tracks here though.

1/7/2023 Dirty Strangers & Electrics @ The Fiddler

My first visit to a new venue - in fact my first visit to Kilburn for quite a while. This is The Fiddler - the latest venture of well known promoter and music venue owner Vince Power. Rather downsized from the sort of venues Vince is known for like the Mean Fiddler and Town & Country Club. I think he went bankrupt some time ago and is now starting again from the bottom in his old stamping grounds. This is basically a small pub venue, but has potential...

I have travelled over to Country Kilburn to see a couple of bands who I know will be entertaining. First up are 🗲Electrics🗲.

With their New York influence and snotty attitude they are always fun!

This is virtually a home gig for this West London based band, although they are more usually to be found in the Portobello Road area at places like Mau Mau Bar.

The standard of musicianship is excellent, and they have some catchy and memorable songs too - 'No Shit' with it's punk attitude being a good example.

I made up the term 'Jagged rock 'n' roll'© to describe this band when I first saw them at the Dublin Castle - and it seems to have stuck. 😉

While I am watching the band someone takes a seat just behind me. I take no notice at the time as he doesn't look familiar, but I find out later that it was actually the legendary Vince Power himself.

Dirty Strangers have been around quite a lot longer than 🗲Electrics🗲, although I first saw the two bands playing on the same bill at the Dublin Castle. It's turns out that Alan Blizzard frontman of the former and Alan Clayton of the latter band go back many years as mates, so it's not surprising that they often pop up on the same bills together.

In fact, Dirty Strangers have been around long enough to be associated with the Rolling Stones - Keith Richards in particular as he and Alan wrote a song together - a story Al likes to drop in at nearly every gig the band play - well who wouldn't? There is certainly a definite Rolling Stones feel to a lot of the band's songs.

This video is one of the band's earlier favourites and very catchy!

Dirty Strangers are very much a London band, and to emphasise that fact they have half inched a well known classic from the USA and changed it into 'Shepherds Bush City Limits'! And instead of having car songs about Cadillacs or Mercurys they sing about the joys of having a 'Gold Cortina'! That's an old song of theirs that just been rerecorded for their new album 'Hunter's Moon'. Another song from their new album is 'Pirates Don't Get Pensions' - an ode to the financial perils of being a struggling artist and living outside of 'the system' - rebelling against society and paying the price in later life...

It's been a top night of entertainment from two great rock 'n' roll bands at a new venue I look forward to visiting again in the future...

25/6/2023 Barnet Vale Festival

Out and about for the second day in a row - locally this time. Through Victoria Park and up onto the footbridge over the former New Barnet gasworks site. The redevelopment plans have stalled yet again as the developers plans got kicked out due to the locals not wanting tower blocks looming over the park and surrounding area. Ironically I can see the Builders Arms pub from here - already with a large block of new flats built right next to it. And the new residents have already started complaining about the noise from the pub! 🙄 I hope it's days aren't numbered as a result - it only took complaints from one person to kill off the much loved Cat & Lantern pub in nearby East Barnet Village.

No need to take the train today unlike yesterday's trip to Hornsey - instead of going through tunnels on the train I walk through a tunnel under the railway.

Like the gasworks the footbridge crossing the site and going into the tunnel under the railway will soon be following it into history as the ground is developed for housing. I follow the footpath past the site of the old Maws factory - a large local employer now also lost to history. Soon I arrive at Tudor Park.

There is a small local festival taking place today so I thought it would be worth taking a stroll on a nice summer's day to take a took. Sadly the cricket pavilion  has fallen into disuse - a symptom of the modern day neglect and decay typical of Barnet these days. 😞 The park is now home to a small children's playground and a modest 8 hole golf course, but at least this precious bit of green space hasn't been swallowed up for development yet.

There are plans to reopen the pavilion as a community asset if the money can be found. Today's little festival is a low key affair - East Barnet Festival doesn't have anything to worry about! There are some stalls with local small business's, and also live music provided by bands of local musicians. No bar though, so I decide to drop in at the nearby Hadley Hotel for a drink on the way home...

Back in the day I used to be a regular at this local watering hole. Back then the landlord was Bill Turley, an ex-copper and taxi driver. He was a real character - like a cross between Dirty Den and Basil Fawlty! It was a proper old fashioned traditional boozer back then and many fine nights were had in there. The real ales were of particularly good quality - a pint of Coombes was my favourite. 🍺 However, times change, and often not for the better. After over 30 years Bill and his wife Sheila  retired from running the pub. Fortunately the pub stayed in the family and their son took it over. The place remained virtually unchanged. Sadly Bill died a few years later, the lovely pub beer garden was sold off and a house built in it's place.  In more recent times I heard bad things - the pub had been taken over and refurbed becoming the first branch in London of the American 'Karen's Diner' chain. Not my sort of place to hang out, but as the place was virtually next door to Tudor Park I thought I'd pop in for a pint on the way home to check it out....

From the outside the old Hadley Hotel looked virtually unchanged. I went in through the front door as usual - expecting to be confronted by the front bar as I entered. Instead I was confronted by a smartly dress young chap sitting as a table - no sign of any bar! 😲 He asked if I had a reservation for a meal? I asked where the bar was as I just wanted a pint? 🍺 He directed me to a room on the left. I walked in to find a horribly modern and trendy looking bar. I scanned the selection of beers on offer - just the usual gassy generic keg rubbish. No real ales at all! I had noticed a clue outside at the side of the building - there is now a Nail Bar in the basement - is what used to be the beer cellar. So no space to keep real ales any more. All the old decor and character had been stripped out - turning the place into a bland and soulless bar. I had heard from a mate who had also been there recently that he hated it and the place had been totally ruined - even the acoustics in the rooms had changed with the modern decor from soft to harsh and tinny sounding. 😬 I looked at the tasteless range of beers on offer at the bar and decided I wasn't that thirsty after all - and I knew without asking that the prices would have been hiked. And regardless of price there was nothing that I actually wanted to drink. I turned round and walked out without even having a beer - I doubt I will ever set foot in the Hadley Hotel again. 😞

24/6/2023 Back in Hornsey - St Mary's Tower

A nice summer Saturday afternoon. Well not that nice actually as the hoped for sunny weather hasn't materialised, but you can't have everything - where would you put it? Still, it's only a short journey on the train to Hornsey and I always enjoy the scenery as I pass Alexandra Palace.

St Mary's Clock Tower is only a few minutes walk from Hornsey station. I like to visit at least once every summer when free live music events take place here.

I first started coming here to see the late Jimmy C and his band the Blues Dragons. Sadly he died a couple of years ago, but his wife Aga is keeping his memory alive with events like this and blues shows and jams in local pubs. Jimmy was a great performer and his music and his smile are missed by many.

There are no 'facilities' at the clock tower and churchyard area, but if you need the use of a toilet during your visit the Great Northern Railway Tavern just over the road are happy to let visitors from music events at the tower use their toilets. And maybe out of politeness and respect for the pub they will stay for a drink or two as well - I always do. 🍺

Many of the songs played by local musicians at these events will be familiar, but not all. One in particular was written by Jimmy C himself and relates directly to a couple of people who are buried in this actual churchyard. It's an interesting and intriguing story told in Jimmy's song 'Jacob Walker'. I highly recommend you search it out as it's not featured in my videos here...

The music is always good at these events, but the place itself has a special vibe and there are interesting characters to be found - living as well as those buried here. 👻

There is a changeover time between bands - so it's back to the pub for some liquid refreshment. It's a not unpleasant place to pass the time...

It's worth mentioning that this is a 'dog friendly' event - unlike most gigs, including outdoor venues.

Those with dogs can also get some refreshment for their pets at the pub between bands while others can just enjoy the historic railway theme as befits the pub's name.

Some of the musicians will be familiar to North London gig-goers - particularly the more blues/rock crowd.

In one break between bands I take a wander down the High Street to kill some time. Walking West towards Muswell Hill it looks more familiar than I expected - I get a feeling of Deja-vu. Then I realise I have been here before - in my childhood. On this stretch of road used to be Keevans school outfitters - where I had to go to get my High School uniform - even though the school was miles away in Finchley. It feels weird finding myself randomly back here after all these years. I have to go back to the pub for a pint while I think about it....

As well as various guest musicians and bands from the North London blues/rock scene, the late Jimi C's band The Blues Dragons also perform a set of covers and some of Jimmy's original songs - including the touching and locally relevant 'Jacob Walker'. But if you want to hear that song you'll have to search it out for yourself, or catch the band at their next performance.

Although this place is miles away from Barnet I still always seem to bump into a few people I know. It's a nice friendly relaxed vibe here - you can just wander around the area - leave and go to the pub or whatever and come back anytime. Quality musicians and free admission - what's not to like?

One of the songs played is very ironic in view of this church based venue...

And after the music is finished for the day it's back to the pub yet again for a littler refreshment before the train journey home. And to use the pub's 'facilities' before the trip as these are sadly lacking at stations in this century although all stations had them in past days...

See you back in Hornsey next summer then...

23/6/2023 King Salami & The Cumberland 3 + Black Rooster The Hope & Anchor

Down to Islington on a Friday night - I always look forward to visiting the Hope & Anchor. Nice and easy to get to for me as well.

A decent bill for not much money - the monthly Rockaway Beach club nights are always excellent value. I've enjoyed seeing the sausage boys many times so I'd buy a ticket just to see them.

But on first are Black Rooster. I had the pleasure of being on the same bill as this band at this venue earlier this year and am looking forward to seeing them again.

Fronted by the feisty Lucille this band has an edge to them - imagine a punk Tina Turner with a loud and snotty attitude and you'll get the picture.

Black Rooster are a unique mixture of personalities with a singer who grabs and holds your attention - if you see this band you will remember them. Which is more than I can say for the next act.

Romeo Spy's name is probably the most interesting thing about them. It suggests an air of mystery - which I find completely lacking. They are excellent musicians, but I found them so forgettable that I can't remember anything else about them. Sorry guys.

Tonight's headliners are a very different kettle of fish - or plate of bangers. King Salami and the Cumberland Three are enormous fun!

This is full on rock 'n' roll played in the spirit it originally had. Maybe a slight punk edge from the bands members have been in previously, but this is music that makes you want to dance. Sadly there has been a change in the lineup since I last saw the sausage boys and guitarist 'Captain Not Sensible' is apparently no longer in the band. However, the new guy is no slouch in the 6 string department.

This is very much good-time music and the 'King' himself is an energetic and highly entertaining frontman. The whole band give a very spirited performance. The setlist is full of bangers - pun intended. 

The music is fun, and so are some of the band's song titles like 'Do The Wurst' and 'Less Bone - More Meat!' - yes there is a theme. If you can't enjoy a King Salami and the Cumberland Three show there is something wrong with you. Or maybe you are a vegetarian? But these sausages are for you too if you have a sense of humour - vegan sausages are available so you can still join in the fun! 😉

If you like old school rock & roll/R&B or you just want to dance I highly recommend getting yourself along to a King Salami and the Cumberland Three show at your earliest opportunity! 😁

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.

9/6/2023 Pussycat & the Dirty Johnsons @ The Dublin Castle

Second night in a row at a gig in Camden - at the Dublin Castle this time. They've now removed the real ale pumps so I won't be drinking much, but at least I know the music will be good! 

I've seen Basingstoke band  Pussycat And The Dirty Johnsons many times over the past few years.😼🎸😈

This band have become very popular at the Dublin Castle and now play here regularly, although I have seen them at quite a few other London venues.

Singer Puss Johnson has a great image and stage presence - a cross between Tank Girl and Catwoman with attitude to match.

The music is rockabilly tinged rock 'n' roll, with a punk attitude. This is very much 'The Devil's music', but with more of a rock edge than blues.

You can expect songs about pizza, sex, serial killers, transvestites, daddy-long-legs, and of course the Devil. Don't expect any soppy ballads - this is all proper in-your-face stuff - loud and mostly aggressive and/or fast - this band take no prisoners! Dirty Jake cranks out mean riffs on the guitar while Filthy Antz pounds the drums - and throws in the odd disco beat to confuse you! Puss straps on a guitar for some songs as well and usually ends up in the crowd at some point - really taking the show to the people. It's all highly entertaining!

This band don't generally do covers, but sometimes they will throw this crowd pleaser in just for fun!

Their merch stand is always worth checking out. I have all their albums now, and have even bought one twice by accident!

Keep an eye out for Pussycat And The Dirty Johnsons - they may be heading your way and they will give you a show you will remember for a long time.