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...

23/7/2023 Pump It Up! Powerpop weekender @ The Finsbury. Day 2

So, back on Sunday for for final day of the Pump It Up! weekender. This time I manage to see all the bands. First up are The Stayawakes.

Bouncy New Wave style powerpop from a bunch of guys who look the sort of age to be playing plodding blues in pubs, but bring something original and different to the stage instead.

Next are Spearside who look like the might be a Thin Lizzy cover band but definitely aren't. They do rock a bit harder than yer average powerpop band though.

Next up are Nervous Twitch - I think a husband and wife team who dish up the most interesting and original act so far. A bit of a rockabilly twist to bouncy pop tunes.

Things change again for the next band - all the way from Sweden. 

Psychotic Youth aren't actually very youthful and have been going for many years, but turn in by far the most powerful and energetic performance of the day.

This is by far the most full-on rock 'n' roll set of the day. Although they are from Sweden this band is so good I am surprised I can't remember ever having heard of them before. They seem to have brought quite a crowd here to see them and I would definitely like to see them again. It's very rare to see guys of this age play with such passion and commitment - like they really mean it. They leave most younger bands for dead.

Another big change for the next band. Fast Cars are another band I'm amazed I've never heard of before, although I think they have played at a previous Pump It Up! event. The guys from Some Weird Sin are incredibly good at finding 'the best bands you've never heard of' for their weekenders.

They play catchy tuneful punk inspired but more New Wave powerpop that fits in well with the theme of these events. Excellent hook filled songs that like the previous band leave me wondering how they slipped under my radar first time round...

Finishing proceedings off this weekend is another band I think have played at a previous Pump It Up event.

The #1s hail come from Ireland and seem to have brought a sizable crowd along with them. Their bouncy catchy and enthusiastically played pop/punk songs defy current fashion along with their image - things I suspect they never gave a thought to 'cos they just wanna have fun playing music for their mates.

The Undertones are an obvious influence although they play their own original material. However, they do make a basic schoolboy error when they invite one of their aforementioned mates onto the stage to sing the Undertones classic 'Teenage Kicks'. Said mate is obviously very very pissed and barely capable of standing - let alone performing a song - even one as gloriously simple as 'Teenage Kicks' which is basically just the same verse/chorus repeated. He can't remember all the words or when to come in or stop singing - chaos descends and things go downhill rapidly from there....

Apart from the shambolic 'Teenage Kicks' it's been a great day/night and all the bands have been quality acts that bring something new and different to the table - even if they may not actually be new. But all the bands have been worth watching, and as usual for a Pump It Up! weekender I have discovered new (to me) bands I would like to see again. Sadly this is almost certainly going to be the last ever of these events. Apparently it's become increasingly difficult to make these shows viable - Covid 19 and the resulting lockdowns really took the wind out of the sails of the live music scene. Many clubs and music venues have closed for good and it has been very difficult to regain the momentum the scene used to have. Prices have greatly increased and a lot of people have just got out of the habit of going to to pubs or to see live music. Also, these weekender events featuring many bands (many from abroad)  are now even more difficult to organise than before - with bands often dropping out and being difficult to replace at short notice. And Brexit hasn't helped either with getting bands in from abroad as things have now got a lot more difficult and complicated. And these events are completely organised and run by just two people! So hats off to Simon and Mauro from Some Weird Sin club nights for managing to keep things going for a long as they have over the years at various venues. But although this may be the last ever Pump It Up! weekender their club nights featuring DJs and bands still take place regularly...

22/7/2023 Pump It Up! Powerpop weekender @ The Finsbury. Day 1

I always enjoy these events put on by the guys from the Some Weird Sin club. This year their Pump It Up! powerpop weekender is taking place at The Finsbury pub in Manor House.

It's a nice little music venue almost next door to Manor House tube station - so it's easy to get to for a lot of people. There are usually some decent real ales on draught - a bit pricey, but as it can take an incredibly long time to get served at the bar you won't spend as much as you probably would if you could get served quickly... Fortunately I'm here for the music not the beer. The back room where the bands play has a decent stage, but no bar.

For reasons I can't remember (probably me being a disorganised idiot who can't get his shit together) I miss the first band Continental Quilts - but knowing this event's previous track record I'm sure they were good. But I do see some cool 1970's style punky NYC style rock 'n' roll from BBQT.

'And now for something completely different' as they used to say in Monty Python. This is Food Fight and they are from France. I had no idea what to expect from them but they were really good! I think they take their influences from the geeky side of late 1970's British punk and New Wave and have really good catchy pop songs. They reminded me of the Undertones and Buzzcocks.

Their image was pretty weird - I don't know if they were being 'ironic' or whether that sort of thing is or ever was cool in France? One thing is for sure though - it really made them stand out from the crowd. And that is important if you want to get people's attention or to be remembered. I don't think a lot of bands get this. But in this case the band's performance and songs were excellent and left me wanting to see them again.

Next up was something also rather different to anything else to be found in this current scene. I have known singer Jimmy for many years from his old band Anglo/Italian punkers The Roolettes and later GABBA so I was interested to see what he is up to now. The band name Young Francis Hi Fi is confusing and doesn't give you any clue what to expect. So I wasn't expecting what appeared to be a bunch of 1980's NWoBHM relics wearing badge and patch festooned denim cut-off battle jackets to clamber onto the stage! Double denim? Yes!

Then when they unleashed their uncompromising aural assault on us I got another surprise - they sound absolutely nothing like they look! Irony seems to be alive and well in Manor house tonight, but they sounded fantastic! Instead of 80's metal they blasted us with fast and furious tuneful punk rock. A definite Ramones influence, but I'll never have a problem with that. This was the most fun band of the day.

Then next we again get something completely different, but still something very much influenced by bands of the band. But this time it predates punk and hints at bands like The Faces and 1970's Glam rock. And also the 1980's as band leader Marc Valentine was also in Last Great Dreamers - peers of The Quireboys, but a band who never quite got they breaks they deserved at the time and disappeared into oblivion. Until 2014, but that's another story....

After reforming, touring and releasing more well received albums Last Great Dreamers went on hiatus while Marc and guitarist Slyder took time to record solo albums and tour with their own bands. Marc has been the most prolific of the pair and put an excellent band together. Although this is a rock band, Marc has a good ear for writing a catchy pop tune while also being a charismatic frontman. This is quality stuff.

Fittingly today's final band are The Speedways - a band featuring Some Weird Sin club's Mauro Venegas on guitar and were only originally put together for a one-off show as a previous Pump It Up! event. But went on to play many gigs and record some albums.

The Speedways are a really good powerpop band with excellent stage presence and a bunch of tuneful and catchy songs. Well worth catching them if you get the chance.

So that was fun! Back for more of the same tomorrow...

14/7/2023 Seeds of 77 + Queenie and the Peanuts + Electrics @ The Hope & Anchor

And Friday night is 'The New Saturday night. So I find myself at the Hope & Anchor - which is a good place to be on a Friday night. Especially when 🗲Electrics🗲 are playing!

This lot can always liven things up with their 'jagged rock 'n' roll'© 😉

They are a West London band with a punk edge and snotty attitude.

Although they are from London there is a definite New York influence - particularly Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers.

Along with the snotty attitude there are some memorable tunes.

There is a certain commitment to their performance - they are doing this because they love it, not because of any interest in 'making it'.

Some interesting and less than radio friendly song titles from 🗲Electrics🗲.

Next up are Queenie and the Peanuts.

1970's style UK punk rock.

Then it's something darker and sleazier from Seeds of 77.

A more exotic feel and a bit of a New York vibe from this lot.

Like the other bands tonight Seeds of 77 have a punk feel without the obvious in your face cliches of the studded leather jackets and Mohican brigade.

An interesting and varied night at a venue with a strong connection to punk rock history.

13/7/2023 The Priscillas @ The Hope & Anchor

 Thursday night is the new 'Friday Night' - continued...

The Priscillas are always loads of fun - especially when you see them in a venue like this! The Holloway Road and Islington area is very much their home turf - so much that they wrote a song called 'All The Way To Holloway' about exactly that area.

This is definitely one of the most entertaining bands in the area - and London as a whole. A bit of a 1950s/'60s sound, but with a 1970s punk rock attitude.

You really can't go to a Priscillas show and not have a good time!

This is a shorter post than usual. The truth is that I am writing this so long after the actual event that I can hardly remember anything about the night, although the pictures show that I was actually there. Also, there are some bands that I have now seen so many times (often in the same venues) that it is difficult to write anything fresh about them without repeating what I have written before. 

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...