Author Archives: John S

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About John S

I'm blogging about the things I love: music, sport, culture, London, with some photos to illustrate aspects of our wonderful city. I’ve written a novel called “The Decision”, a futuristic political thriller, and first of a trilogy. I’m also the author of a book on music since the 1970s called “ I Was There - A Musical Journey” and a volume of poetry about youth, “Growin’ Up - Snapshots/ Fragments”. All available on Amazon and Kindle.

End of the Road 2025

Posted on September 7, 2025 by John S

My eighth End of the Road festival since 2016. As ever you look at the line up beforehand and think, a lot of the time, who are all these bands? Then you listen to the excellent EOTR playlist on Spotify … Continue reading →

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Premier League predictions 2025-26 – and review of 2024-25

Posted on August 14, 2025 by John S

The Premier League season begins this Friday, 15 August, with champions Liverpool at home to Bournemouth. Time for the traditional predictions for the season ahead and a review of last season. 2024-25 Liverpool’s season by a mile. A ten point … Continue reading →

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Latitude Festival 2025

Posted on July 31, 2025 by John S

Latitude’s 19th festival and my 13th. There was quite a group of us, though I’m not sure there was a time when we all got together. As ever I went up to Henham Park in Suffolk with my friend Jon, … Continue reading →

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My favourite live music in 2024

Posted on December 24, 2024 by John S

I’d been thinking that I hadn’t been to as many concerts as usual this year. So, on a train journey recently I counted them up and found there were 40, not counting festivals. Not exactly a fallow year! And I’ve … Continue reading →

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My Top Twenty Albums of 2024

Posted on December 20, 2024 by John S

With each passing year I find myself listening more to sounds of the past. That’s such a cliché, isn’t it? But it’s undeniable. I listened to new music in bursts, and picked up on individual tracks through 6 Music (primarily … Continue reading →

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End of the Road 2024

Posted on September 5, 2024 by John S

Richard Hawley, headlining the Garden Stage at EOTR on Saturday night, declared his love for the festival. He comes every year with his kids. What he loved about it, he said, is that “There’s no bullshit.” I know what he … Continue reading →

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Premier League Predictions for 2024-25 – and review of 2023-24

Posted on August 16, 2024 by John S

Two in one this year, given the sabbatical. And don’t mention the Euros! Far too traumatic, from start to finish, for England. I think we can all agree that Spain were the best team by far. Looking back These were … Continue reading →

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Bruce Springsteen at Wembley Stadium, 25 July 2024

Posted on August 2, 2024 by John S

Another year, another Bruce Springsteen concert. Last year it was at Hyde Park. I enjoyed it very much – the song selection was great – but we were standing in a field watching the nearby big screen. The concert could … Continue reading →

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Latitude 2024

Posted on July 31, 2024 by John S

Hello again. The return of thoughtsfromwestfive from its sabbatical. Over the past seven months I’ve been focusing on writing the third novel in my HOPE Trilogy. It’s called Different Days and is about HOPE in government. And, of course, it’s … Continue reading →

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My Top Ten Albums of 2023 – and a few more

Posted on December 19, 2023 by John S

It’s been an unusual year for my music this year, as it has been dominated by two, maybe three bands. They are Wednesday, the Murder Capital and Jockstrap. The first two have had new albums out this year, which top … Continue reading →

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