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.

The rule of law strikes back!

Posted on September 24, 2019 by John S

When I first saw the news today about the Supreme Court’s judgement on the prorogation of Parliament I experienced an unfamiliar emotion when in comes to anything related to politics: happiness. As I went onto Twitter and read more – … Continue reading →

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My Top 50 Albums 2000-18

Posted on September 21, 2019 by John S

The Guardian recently published a list of the Top 100 albums of the 21st century. It was pretty good, but nothing like what my list would be. So I thought I’d do my own 50. I must stress that this … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections, Music - Top Tens | Tagged , | 3 Comments

lovelondonscenes 163 – Another Hammersmith sunset

Posted on September 19, 2019 by John S

Yesterday I had a couple of beers with my friend Jon E at the Rutland Arms, on the river by Hammersmith Bridge. The sun was beginning to set as we arrived at 6.30 and had slipped behind the trees by … Continue reading →

Posted in Photos - lovelondonscenes | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

End of the Road 2019

Posted on September 5, 2019 by John S

A week and a half after the Green Man festival, Jon and I were back on the road, heading for Larmer Tree Gardens in Dorset, for the End of the Road festival. The third leg of our musical festivities this … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Green Man festival 2019

Posted on August 22, 2019 by John S

Over the last few years the Latitude and End of the Road festivals have become firm fixtures in the summer for me and my friend Jon – and assorted family members and friends. Essential moments in the year. But in … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Edinburgh Festival 2019

Posted on August 14, 2019 by John S

I’m just back from a few days at the Edinburgh festival. What an amazing event it is – a huge and diverse celebration of the arts. In the five days I was there I could only scratch the surface of … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema, Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Sportsthoughts (165) – Premier League predictions 2019-20

Posted on August 6, 2019 by John S

So it’s time for another round of Premier League predictions. The season kicks off this Friday, with Liverpool v newly-promoted Norwich. On Saturday West Ham have the dubious pleasure of hosting the champions Man City. Well, at least we’ll get … Continue reading →

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“Blinded by the Light” – the film

Posted on August 5, 2019 by John S

“Blinded by the Light” is a film about a British Asian teenager growing up in the 1980s in Luton who discovers the music of Bruce Springsteen. It transforms his life. The film comes out on 9 August here in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema, Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Latitude 2019

Posted on July 24, 2019 by John S

Latitude No 8 for me; No 9 for my friend Jon G. We were a smaller group this year, but Jon’s daughter and son, Connie and Louis were with us, along with another friend of mine, Shane, and Jon’s friends … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Citadel Festival, Gunnersbury Park, 14 July 2019

Posted on July 16, 2019 by John S

This weekend, Gunnersbury Park, a large park close to the A4 and the North Circular as they meet at Chiswick roundabout in West London, played host to the Lovebox and Citadel festivals. Put simply, Lovebox is rap, soul and dance, … Continue reading →

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