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.

My Top Ten Albums of 2018

Posted on December 12, 2018 by John S

2018. Another amazing year of music. I probably saw more concerts than ever before. And so many good bands coming through. The return of a few artists whose records I’ve loved in recent years too. I get asked how I … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 154 – By Osterley Park

Posted on December 11, 2018 by John S

I went for a cycle this afternoon – just a quick spin, which took me past Osterley Park, which is sandwiched between the A4 and M4 just west of Ealing. It’s a lovely park, a place we used to go … Continue reading →

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Nils Frahm at Hammersmith Apollo, 4 December 2018

Posted on December 7, 2018 by John S

On Tuesday this week Jon G and I went to Hammersmith Apollo for a much anticipated concert: Nils Frahm. The German pianist, composer and all-round electronics whizz. I’d seen him before: Latitude in 2014, where he was amazing in the … Continue reading →

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RIP Pete Shelley of the Buzzcocks

Posted on December 7, 2018 by John S

News came through yesterday that Pete Shelley, singer in one of the great punk bands, the Buzzcocks, had died, aged 63. The Buzzcocks have, if anything, grown in stature over the years. The leaders of the northern branch of punk; … Continue reading →

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The Orielles at Heaven, 29 November 2018

Posted on December 2, 2018 by John S

The Orielles are a young band from Halifax, who have been getting increasingly good reviews, both on account of their excellent live shows and a very good debut album, “Silver Dollar Moment”, which was released in February this year. I’ve … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 153 – London at nightfall from the Millenium Bridge

Posted on November 29, 2018 by John S

Yesterday I spent a few hours at the Tate Modern working on the follow up novel to “The Decision”. Afterwards, around 4.30, I walked over the Millenium Bridge en route to Mansion House tube station. The views of the City … Continue reading →

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Swimming Tapes at the Moth Club, Hackney, 20 November 2018

Posted on November 27, 2018 by John S

This time last week I went to see Swimming Tapes with Jon G at the Moth Club in Hackney. When he suggested it I confess that I’d never heard of them, but he said it was summery beach Boys-style indie … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 152 – From Albert Bridge to Hammersmith along the Thames

Posted on November 21, 2018 by John S

Last Sunday was a beautiful, crisp, sunny day, and I took the opportunity for a stroll along the river from Albert Bridge near Battersea Park to my old favourite, Hammersmith. I wanted to time it so I caught the sunset … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 151 – Tate Modern turbine hall in black and white

Posted on November 17, 2018 by John S
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lovelondonscenes 150 – A mist hangs over the City

Posted on November 17, 2018 by John S

I was walking along the river yesterday lunch time, heading for the Tate Modern. I liked this scene near Blackfriars railway bridge, of the City caught in a low cloud or mist. St Paul’s stands aloof. In black and white.

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