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.

Maisie Peters at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, 14 November 2019

Posted on November 15, 2019 by John S

I first came across Maisie Peters’ music in February this year after reading an interview with her on the Line of Best Fit website. She came across as a singer-songwriter with a twist. The article likened her to, amongst others, … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 165 – White Cube Gallery, Bermondsey

Posted on November 7, 2019 by John S

A week ago I went down to the White Cube Gallery in Bermondsey to see a few exhibitions that were about to finish. The principal one was “Remains to be Seen” by Mona Hatoum, a Lebanese/Palestinian artist. The theme of … Continue reading →

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Honeyblood at the Garage, Islington, 31 October 2019

Posted on November 1, 2019 by John S

Honeyblood are on a UK tour at the moment, and last night they played to a lively crowd at the Garage in Islington. It was Hallowe’en of course and could have been our last day as a member of the … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 164 – Kings Cross and Camden by the Regent’s Canal

Posted on October 27, 2019 by John S

Today was autumn’s collision with winter, as the clocks went back. But it was also a lovely sunny day and not too cold. A respite after rain, rain, rain. I took the Piccadilly Line up to King’s Cross and walked … Continue reading →

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Pom Poko at the Scala, Kings Cross, 23 October 2019

Posted on October 26, 2019 by John S

Pom Poko, a Norwegian band who can only be described prog-punk, are playing their biggest UK tour yet this month. They released their debut album “Birthday” in February and this performance at the Scala in Kings Cross was the third … Continue reading →

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The She Street Band at the Clapham Grand, 18 October 2019

Posted on October 22, 2019 by John S

Another year, another She Street Band concert! Last year in October it was at the Scala in King’s Cross. This time it was at the Clapham Grand in south-west London. First time I’d been there and I liked the place. … Continue reading →

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Holly Herndon at the Barbican, 16 October 2019

Posted on October 21, 2019 by John S

Holly Herndon is an American electronic artist who lives in Berlin. She’s originally from East Tennessee and studied music in Oakland, California. She’s someone I’ve heard from time to time on BBC 6 Music – DJ Mary Anne Hobbs is … Continue reading →

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Music and Landscape – a concert and album by Caoimhin O Raghallaigh and Thomas Bartlett; a book by Richard King

Posted on October 10, 2019 by John S

Music has always been connected to its environment, and to the landscape – or the seascape, the cityscape. Environment can shape the nature of music – is it to be played outdoors or in a cathedral, in a club or … Continue reading →

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Barrie Masters of Eddie and the Hot Rods – a tribute

Posted on October 2, 2019 by John S

We got the news today that Barrie Masters, the lead singer with Eddie and the Hot Rods, had died suddenly. He was 63. The Rods were still performing until recently, although he was the only remaining member of the original … Continue reading →

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“The Beatles: Hornsey Road” by Mark Lewisohn, Bristol Redgrave Theatre 23 September 2019

Posted on September 24, 2019 by John S

I went down to Bristol yesterday to see the author Mark Lewisohn’s presentation about the making of the Beatles’ “Abbey Road” and their final days at the Redgrave Theatre in Clifton. I’d read about it in the Guardian a couple … Continue reading →

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