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.

Amyl and the Sniffers at Heaven, Charing Cross, 2 April 2019

Posted on April 5, 2019 by John S

I first came across Amyl and the Sniffers at End of the Road last year. They were a lot of fun – an Aussie potpourri of punk and metal. Think Sex Pistols, Ramones, AC/DC and Joan Jett and you’d get … Continue reading →

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Tiny Ruins at Bush Hall, Shepherd’s Bush, 27 March 2019

Posted on April 2, 2019 by John S

Tiny Ruins are a New Zealand band whose sound, I guess, could be described as folk-rock. On record, the gentler, folky side prevails, led by the lovely voice of Hollie Fullbrook. Live, there is more rock – some interesting guitar … Continue reading →

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Have you Heard? – (90) “Crushing” by Julia Jacklin

Posted on March 31, 2019 by John S

“Crushing” is the second album by Julia Jacklin, an Australian indie/folk singer, whose first album “Don’t Let the Kids Win” was a real favourite of mine in 2016. I first caught a glimpse of her and her band at End … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 160 – Views from the South Bank near Blackfriars

Posted on March 30, 2019 by John S

These days I spend quite a lot of time in this area, usually walking between Vauxhall or Waterloo and the Tate Modern. I took these shots on Thursday. The Thames at low tide in this area always reminds me of … Continue reading →

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Sharon van Etten at the Roundhouse, 26 March 2019

Posted on March 28, 2019 by John S

Sharon van Etten was back in London after a break of four years, during which time she has been acting and having her first child amongst other things. Big things, life-changing things then. I saw her at the Shepherd’s Bush … Continue reading →

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The “Put it to the People” march, central London, 23 March 2019

Posted on March 23, 2019 by John S

Like a million or so other people, I went to the Put it to the People march in central London today. Ostensibly a march for another referendum, the mood was much more about cancelling the whole Brexit thing right now. … Continue reading →

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The Orielles at the Scala, 20 March 2019

Posted on March 22, 2019 by John S

The Orielles played the Scala tonight, as part of the 20th anniversary of the venue. Funny that, I thought it had been going at least the 70s. I had it in my head that the punks used to play there. … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (164) – Billy Bonds’ Claret and Blue Army!

Posted on March 3, 2019 by John S

Yesterday evening, at the London Stadium, the chants of Billy Bonds’s claret and blue army! rang out again, as they once did at Upton Park. The occasion was the naming of the stadium’s East Stand after the great West Ham … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 159 – A Red Mist at the London Stadium

Posted on March 1, 2019 by John S

A week ago West Ham played Fulham at the London Stadium in the evening. We won 3-1 after a shaky start. It had been a lovely day, but the mist descended as the air cooled in the darkness. The effect … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 158 – Waterloo Station, rush hour

Posted on February 23, 2019 by John S

This was last Thursday, about 5.30.  As in all the big stations, people gather to figure out when their train is going to leave and where from. For many, a daily ritual. There’s no way round it. London life.

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