Dear Hot Damn! About last night... I was twatted by a unicorn! 🦄 True story.

R.I.P. Robin Guy

R.I.P. Robin Guy. This one hits hard, but not like how hard he hit his drums. Robin was an amazing drummer, and by far the best showman I have ever seen behind a drum kit. He was also a really lovely man - as anyone who ever met him would testify. Helpful and always friendly. Although I was never lucky enough to play with him myself, many of my friends did over the years, and Robin made every performance a special and memorable one. Among countless others Robin played with live or recorded with: Rachel Stamp, Bruce Dickenson (Iron Maiden singer), GMT, The Fiascos, AntiProduct, Sack Trick, Sham 69, All About Eve, Bay City Rollers, Conspirators, Adam Bomb, Tigertailz, Lilygun, Maleficent, Freewheeler, and Faith No More (on Top Of The Pops) - the list of artists Robin recorded sessions with, depped at gigs, or bands he was a full member of is endless...

I can't claim to have known Robin very well, but he always remembered me when we met even it we hadn't seen each other for years and his smile and greeting was always warm and genuine - not a showbiz 'sunshine smile' as often found in the music business.

I am shocked and deeply saddened this evening to hear of his passing. Robin will be greatly missed by a huge number of people in our scene - his family, friends, and countless musicians famous and less so, and of course his band mates who I know will be absolutely devastated. Robin will leave a massive hole behind, but also all the memories of the good times - of which there were many. Rest in peace my friend - our world of rock was a much better place for you being in it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kSiDXo-OLk

A little pick-me-up when I got home from work.

Got home from work nearly half an hour late today due to getting stuck in a jam on the M25 caused by an accident. Getting more and more depressed as time dragged on, but at least I knew someone or maybe a few someones on the motorway were having a much worse day than me - there is always someone worse off than yourself.

Got home eventually and felt the need to cheer myself up a bit as my plans for my evening at home had been pushed back by half and hour and I had a few things to get done. During my workout I decided to have a Bloody Mary - just the one though - slippery slope...

I have found recently that a single one of these can really perk me up before my evening meal. And I have also noticed that what I eat after a Bloody Mary seems to be noticeably enhanced in taste - is this normal or is it just me? I had one before eating jerk chicken a couple of days ago and I'm sure I enjoyed even more than usual as a result - I felt great afterwards! Tonight was a meat feast pizza - which I also particularly enjoyed. I shall have to experiment more to see if I find all foods are enhanced if preceded by a Bloody Mary - maybe even more mediocre dishes?

Anyway, I found a Bloody Mary and a good pizza an excellent remedy for impending mild depression. I'm sure this won't work for everybody though. 

 Dear Reaper,

Might you consider taking some time off? Very recently you have taken Jeff Moh, Dave Myers, and Pat Begent from our scene. Enough already! Maybe you could take a break and go away for a couple of  weeks?

17/2/2024 Girlschool + Alcatrazz @ The Dome

I used to go to quite a few shows at this venue in (Nigel) Tufnell Park, but rock events here seem few and far between these days. Tonight is an exception, and as I usually only get a chance to see Girlschool around once a year in London if I'm lucky - I'm not going to miss this! The girls are doing a joint headline tour with Alcatrazz - who the band have already toured with in the past. In fact their guitarist Joe Stump guests on one song on Girlschool's latest album WTForty Five?

Although I know their name and that they have been around for a long time I'm not that familiar with Alcatrazz's materiel. I think there are two original members left in this band who formed in the USA in the early 1980's, and some big names in the rock world have passed though over the years, including original singer Graham Bonnet and guitarists Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai!

Currently Alcatrazz vocal duties are taken care of by journeyman singer Doogie White who does a fine job. Although I don't really know any of their songs the band come across as a very tight and polished unit.

Alcatrazz were certainly worth seeing, although I wouldn't go and see them on their own. But I certainly would go and see the joint headliners Girlschool on their own - and have done many times in the past. This lot have loads of great songs, and are always a lot of fun!

Some old bands still play well, but just seem to be 'going through the motions' for old times sake for an easy payday. This isn't one of them. Girlschool still give a spirited performance as they bash though the hits, and still genuinely look like they are having fun!

And they don't just play play all the old stuff - they also play songs from their more recent few albums 'Believe', 'Legacy', and 'Guilty as Sin' - all of which have some excellent songs on them. And of course their new album 'WTForty Five!' is featured too, with Joe Stump of Alcatrazz returning to the stage to guest with some sizzling guitar on 'Are You Ready?' The girls also pay tribute to their late great friend Lemmy on their new album with a cover of Motörhead's classic song 'Born To Raise Hell' - featuring Motörhead's Phil Campbell, Saxon's Biff Byford, and G'N'R's Duff McKagan.

But Girlschool (these days featuring ex-Rock Goddess bassist Tracey Lamb) always keep the fans happy by playing classics from their early days like 'Emergency', 'Nothing To Lose', 'Kick It Down', 'Hit And Run', and 'Take It All Away' etc - so everyone will be going home happy!

15/2/2024 Smalltown Tigers @ The Birds Nest

Heading south of the river to go to a dodgy old pub in Deptford, but I have a good reason. This pub originally called The Oxford Arms has a rich musical history, with bands like Dire Straights and Squeeze playing here in their early days.

These days it's called The Birds Nest and is a well known venue on London's punk rock scene. But the punk rock band I'm here to see tonight aren't from South London. In fact they aren't even from Great Britain.

I'm here for some punk rock fury - all the way from Italy! And it's provided by Smalltown Tigers.

I first discovered these girls a couple of years ago at the Pump It Up! Powerpop Weekender at The Lexington, and later that year they went on to support The Damned at their original lineup reunion shows - where they won over a lot of new fans. I saw them at the second London show and they were very well received.

This band aren't afraid to go back to smaller venues - this is the second time they have played at The Birds Nest since supporting The Damned.

But now there are a lot more people here to see them - hence my problems getting any decent pictures in a crowded small venue!

Smalltown Tigers seem to have hit on a winning formula with their Ramones influenced punk-pop style, but this is no cover or tribute act - they play their own original songs, and they play them with style and red blooded Italian passion - they mean it man.

The place is full even on a Thursday night and there are plenty of people dancing, while the band look like they are enjoying the night just as much as we are - proper punk rock chaos!

I see lots of posts on (anti)social media with people complaining about the price of gig tickets and paying three figure sums to see bands while being ripped off for £9 for a pint of weak pissy beer. 😮 Meanwhile there are a load of people you don't hear about going to gigs like this and having a great time! And tonight's show was FREE admission. I think you won't be able to go and see Smalltown Tigers and have as cheap a night out as this for much longer - so enjoy it while you can 'cos I expect this band to be playing in bigger (but still great value for money) venues next time they are in the UK.

9/2/2024 Healthy Junkies + No Feelings + The Phobics @ Hope & Anchor

A punky Friday night at Islington's famous Hope & Anchor venue. The Phobics hail from Deptford in South London and have been at this punk rock lark since the last century. They have got rather good at it.

And their singer Tom Crossley always has the best shoes! And having cool footwear sets you apart in this dirty business - a fact not lost on this band's frontman. Or that excellent rock 'n' roll band The Witchdoktors - who have actually written a song about Tom's shoes and the legendary and much missed 12 Bar Club.

Catchy tunes and social commentary abound in Phobics songs - they don't like gentrification or politics at all...

But The Phobics do love rock & roll and punk music - which they dish out with relish and genuine belief in what they are doing.

The same cannot be said of the next band. No Feelings are named after one of punk's best and most well known songs. But (apart from the bass player) that is the only 'punk' thing about them. Formed by said bass player from the ashes of the band Rock 'N' Roll Suicidez who were actually more punk. People were recruited to form what is really a fake punk band playing classic punk covers.

The band's guitarists seem to change for nearly every gig, and the overall vibe is not very convincing.

Much more convincing and in your face are the ever dependent  Healthy Junkies.

These stalwarts of the Camden scene have been going for quite a few years now. Various other members have come and gone over the years, but singer Nina and guitarist Phil have always fronted the band and remain it's core members. Not that the other other members don't throw themselves wholeheartedly into their performance because the certainly do and the rhythm section really power things along relentlessly!

Healthy Junkies have built up a considerable reputation as a formidable live act with their punk fueled and grunge influenced live shows. And as well as very energetic live performances they also have several albums under their belt with a catalogue of catchy pop/punk songs. As a result of all this they have built up an enthusiastic fanbase ensuring a strong turnout at all their gigs.

A Healthy Junkies show is always an exciting event with a crowd who are willing to enthusiastically throw themselves into it.

2/2/2024 Down With The Stereotype + We Know John + Electrics @ The Spice of Life

It's 'The Long Good Friday' apparently, so I'm back down to The Spice of Life - via BrewDog over the road first for one or two quality (and very strong) liveners first as the McMullens ale in The Spice of Life is pretty anemic even if reasonably priced. Unfortunately I miss the first band Catfight. I'm just here to see 🗲Electrics🗲 really, but anything else is a bonus.

It's only about five months since I last saw this band at this same venue, but there's nothing not to like (apart from McMullens watery ale) so here I am again. I'm not the only one who's made the effort - amongst others there is also ex-Hollywood Brats and London SS guitarist Brady checking the band out.

Jenny the bassist is the band's appointed 'Dance Captain' and moves about more than anyone else in the band.

However, as some of us know 😉 - it's the basslines that get people dancing! And there is no shortage of bass action at an 🗲Electrics🗲 show.😀

But there is a lot more going on on stage - frontman Alan is giving it some snotty attitude and punk edge as he peels off Johnny Thunders inspired rock 'n' roll guitar licks.

🗲Electrics🗲 spark off a dynamic reaction from the crowd.

Gritty edgy New York 1970's style rock 'n' roll is the order of the day, although this band actually hail from the dirty streets of West London.

The band's Dance Captain weaves her spell, and the audience responds!

But all to soon 🗲Electrics🗲 are waving us goodbye. Until next time...

And now for something completely different. This lot are the oddly named We Know John. Well we all know a few Johns don't we? And at least one of them probably has a new motor. I don't know if anyone in this band has recently purchased a new car but they certainly have brass in pocket. And brass on stage too.

And the band's frontman certainly seems to have a brassneck - or a trombone anyway. A brass section and pop/punk appear to be what this band is all about - they are certainly unlike any other band I have seen, and seem to be good musicians as well as having fun!

But I can't help being reminded of a certain Dire Straights song that mentions a crowd of young boys who don't give a damn about any trumpet playin' band - 'cos it ain't what they call rock and roll. And although they are good at what they do it's not really my sort of thing either.

Tonight's headliners take things in another direction completely. The Geddy Lee lookalike bassist suggests this is some sort of prog rock band, but although he is very good that isn't really the sort of music this band is playing.

In fact south London band Down With The Stereotype are more of an indie pop/rock band. They play well and obviously know what they are doing, but lack that edge or a certain something that will make you remember them. They are good enough to keep your attention while they are playing, but not exciting or interesting enough to make you (or me anyway) want to go and see them again.

Oh well, there was only one band I saw tonight who were actually playing what I call rock and and roll - although maybe Catfight did too if I had managed to get there early enough to see all four bands? Of the three bands I did manage to see only one had the 🗲spark🗲 to make me want to see them again.

Daffodils in January now?

This seems to be happening earlier every year.😮 Now in North London we have daffodils in bloom in January - this isn't normal. And still the Global Warming deniers walk amongst us... 

 

6/1/2024 The Boys + Dirty Strangers + The Vulz @ 100 Club

I like going to (and playing at) the 100 Club for a few reasons: It's history - particularly to the punk era. It was a few years later that I first got to play there, although it was still pretty punk as I was in a band supporting the UK Subs. Many of my rock & roll Heroes from Chuck Berry to Metallica have played there. Also, it's a pretty good music venue for the punters - apart from those bloody pillars! It's almost unchanged from the first time I ever went there, and one of the things that makes it great is that it's not a corporate venue - it's been family owned for many years and that has ensured it hasn't been ruined like like many other music venues. Also, although the price of a pint isn't cheap they have a policy of making sure there is always one pint available for under £4. OK - it's only Becks and it's only lager and not very strong, but what other dedicated music venue will sell a pint at only £3.99 these days?

Anyway, I'm not here for the beer - I'm here for the music. Tonight's opening band is actually from my neck of the woods, although like me they rarely play there as there is nowhere suitable for bands playing their own material. The Vulz play tuneful late 1970's style punk rock.

Lead guitarist Gary Pearce pops up playing in a few bands - some of them quite well known on London's underground rock 'n' roll scene.

The band are quite lively and entertaining while bringing in a bit of the feel of how British punk rock was in the late 1970's - before it turned into a studded leather jacketed Mohicaned cliche played by guys who wanted to play heavy metal but weren't good enough. All those bands looked and sounded the same.

The Vulz do their own thing and don't try to be anyone else. They don't seem to play very often but are worth catching if you get the chance.

From punk to a full on rock 'n' roll band, although with a punky edge - its The Dirty Strangers. This is the real deal.

There are a lot of bands out there who would describe themselves as 'rock & roll' bands. But they ain't. They don't even understand what rock & roll really is. They think if you just strap on guitars and turn them up loud that makes you 'rock & roll'. It doesn't. I see a lot of people who can play the right chords and the right notes in the lead parts and solos - good musicians who are always in time and in tune. They can play classic 1950's rock & roll songs note perfect - but what I hear still isn't rock & roll - it's tame and it's boring. They don't get it. It's not about playing perfectly and practicing endlessly to get every single note spot on - it's about the spirit.

The Dirty Strangers have the spirit - buckets of it. A lot of bands think it's easy and they know how to play rock & roll, but actually they don't and they can't. Because they don't have the spirit - and they don't even understand what it is. Because they don't feel it. They can play those classic old songs that used to sound so exciting perfectly - maybe too perfectly. And they make those great songs sound dull and boring. And the new younger audience hearing them think that old music is boring. But it's not the music that's boring - it's the bands playing it. That new younger audience should come and see The Dirty Strangers - then they'd get it.

This band are all excellent musicians, but actually you don't need to be great or very experienced musicians to play rock & roll and make it fun. That's what the punks discovered in the 1970's - it's about the spirit with which you play it.

Oh, and it doesn't hurt that this band also have a load of really good songs! As well as early rock & roll there is also a noticeable Rolling Stones influence - which isn't so surprising when frontman Alan Clayton tells the story of how he actually wrote a song with Keith Richards. That song is She's A Real Botticelli and it's usually in the band's setlist. If I'd co-written a song with Keith Richards I'm sure I'd often mention it too! 😉😎

Not only are the band and songs very good, but Alan Clayton is a lively and engaging frontman with a good sense of humour and a great line in patter. He seems to have an endless amount of good stories to tell - so many that he has written a book about his adventures. Alan has an easy going charisma and seems a natural onstage with his friendly and entertaining persona. And it's very obvious that he absolutely loves what he is doing and is having a great time on stage. This is no 'show business' bullshit performance - this guy means it. The songs have a realistic grit to them and deal with things like always being skint if you are any kind of artist trying to make a living, and you have no pension plan - hence the song 'Pirates Don't Get Pensions'. Chuck Berry is another influence, and this band share his love of songs involving cars. I love car songs so I'm well down with that!

And onto the Headliners. Old fans of 1970's English punk band The Boys who haven't seen them for a while may ask "Who are these guys?"

Bassist Kent Norberg and Bill Bailey lookalike guitarist Chips Kiesbye are both from the Swedish band Sator. Kent has replaced Duncan 'Kid' Reid who went on to form his own band, while Chips is standing in for 'Honest' John Plain who has been suffering from ill health for some time. They might not exactly look the part, but they are both more than competent musicians in their own right and do a good job in helping keep the band going.

Ex-Hollywood Brats and original Boys member keyboard player Casino Steel is still present and correct along with guitar/vocalist Matt Dangerfield from the founding lineup of the band.

Regardless of who is currently in the band there is a good crowd in London's legendary punk venue the 100 Club tonight. The Boys greatest strength was always the quality of their songs - not for nothing were they known as 'The Beatles of punk'. There are virtually enough good songs on the band's debut self-titled album alone to fill tonight's setlist without the addition of great punk/pop crowd-pleasers like 'Weekend', 'Brickfields Nights', and 'I'm A Believer'. All in all it's been a quality night at the 100 Club.