Author Archives: John S

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.

Duke Garwood at the Lexington, Pentonville Road, 26 February 2023

Posted on March 2, 2023 by John S

Duke Garwood is a multi-instrumentalist, best known for his languid, bluesy, atmospheric guitar. I first came across him on a Sunday afternoon at Latitude in 2015. Perfect music for the occasion. I was blown away by his guitar playing that … Continue reading →

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The Murder Capital at the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, 23 February 2023

Posted on February 25, 2023 by John S

Second concert of the year, and one I was really looking forward to – the return of the Murder Capital. They had an amazing 2019: a brilliant debut album, When I Have Fears, which I made my No1 of the … Continue reading →

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Jockstrap at the Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, 10 February 2023

Posted on February 12, 2023 by John S

On Friday I went up to Nottingham to see Jockstrap at the Rescue Rooms. I found out about the tour a bit late and the London gig had already sold out. I know Nottingham quite well, as my son Kieran … Continue reading →

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The Orchids at Kew Gardens

Posted on February 8, 2023 by John S

Kath and I went to Kew Gardens today to see the Orchids exhibition in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. It opened on 4 February and runs until 5 March. It’s an annual show, but it was the first time we’ve … Continue reading →

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Amber Arcades, Hater and Thala at Paper Dress Vintage, Hackney, 1 February 2023

Posted on February 7, 2023 by John S

1 February and my first gig of the year. It should have been the second, but the intended first, a free show at Old Blue Last in Shoreditch featuring Gretel Hänlyn, ended in disappointment as we couldn’t get in. That … Continue reading →

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Tom Verlaine 1949-2023

Posted on January 29, 2023 by John S

I was sad to read late last night that Tom Verlaine, the great singer and guitarist with New York new wave band Television, had died, aged 73. Television shone only briefly in the mid to late 70s, but how brightly … Continue reading →

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A Thames Journey: (10) From Westminster Bridge to London Bridge

Posted on January 28, 2023 by John S

For this, the tenth stage of our Thames journey, we travel quite a short distance – 2.3 miles along the north side – but one that takes us through the heart of London, old and new. We ended last time … Continue reading →

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My Top Twenty albums of 2022

Posted on December 22, 2022 by John S

2022 was the year when live music made its full return after the lockdowns and disruptions of the previous two years. I didn’t make a conscious decision to go to more concerts than ever before, but that’s what happened. 43 … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (171) – Reflections on the World Cup as England bow out

Posted on December 12, 2022 by John S

So now it’s 56 years of hurt (for the men’s team that is). That means in the 2026 World Cup it will be 30 years since Baddiel, Skinner and the Lightning Seeds first sang, thirty years of hurt. Thirty years … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 173 – A walk from Blackfriars to Hackney Wick in the winter sunshine

Posted on December 10, 2022 by John S

On Thursday it was chilly – 2 degrees at most – but gloriously sunny. Dave, Jon E and I had arranged a walk that started with breakfast at the Table cafe in Southwark Street, and ended in Hackney Wick, which … Continue reading →

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