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.

Premier League Predictions for 2024-25 – and review of 2023-24

Posted on August 16, 2024 by John S

Two in one this year, given the sabbatical. And don’t mention the Euros! Far too traumatic, from start to finish, for England. I think we can all agree that Spain were the best team by far. Looking back These were … Continue reading →

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Bruce Springsteen at Wembley Stadium, 25 July 2024

Posted on August 2, 2024 by John S

Another year, another Bruce Springsteen concert. Last year it was at Hyde Park. I enjoyed it very much – the song selection was great – but we were standing in a field watching the nearby big screen. The concert could … Continue reading →

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Latitude 2024

Posted on July 31, 2024 by John S

Hello again. The return of thoughtsfromwestfive from its sabbatical. Over the past seven months I’ve been focusing on writing the third novel in my HOPE Trilogy. It’s called Different Days and is about HOPE in government. And, of course, it’s … Continue reading →

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My Top Ten Albums of 2023 – and a few more

Posted on December 19, 2023 by John S

It’s been an unusual year for my music this year, as it has been dominated by two, maybe three bands. They are Wednesday, the Murder Capital and Jockstrap. The first two have had new albums out this year, which top … Continue reading →

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Music Roundup 06: 6 to 20 November 2023

Posted on November 28, 2023 by John S

The acts which feature in this roundup are Wednesday, The Murder Capital, Sleater Kinney, Bill Orcutt, Teenage Fanclub, Bdrrrm and The Joy Hotel. A bumper month of concerts this November, after a relatively quiet October. November is often quite busy because … Continue reading →

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Music Roundup 05: 6 October to 19 October 2023

Posted on October 25, 2023 by John S

The acts which feature in this roundup are Gengahr, Black Country New Road, Honeyblood and Taylor Swift. No concerts for a month after End of the Road, but a great holiday in Zakynthos (Greek island in the Ionian Sea), some … Continue reading →

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“Capturing the Moment” at Tate Modern

Posted on September 27, 2023 by John S

I went along to the Tate Modern on Monday to see one of the current exhibitions, Capturing the Moment. It’s an exploration of the relationship between photography and painting in the 20th century and beyond. I didn’t know much more … Continue reading →

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A Thames Journey: (13) From Dartford to Southend and the North Sea

Posted on September 13, 2023 by John S

And so we come to the last of these blogs on the River Thames’ journey: from a hole in the ground in Gloucestershire to where it meets the North Sea. The journey was immensely enjoyable to walk – many times … Continue reading →

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End of the Road 2023

Posted on September 10, 2023 by John S

My seventh End of the Road since Jon and I started coming in 2016, and quite possibly the best. Mind you, I think I often say that! But the line-up had some of my favourite bands of the moment, and … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (194) – Premier League predictions 2023-24

Posted on August 19, 2023 by John S

A week late, so with the benefit of knowing the first round of results and a few more transfer developments – notably Chelsea – here are my predictions for this season; Champions – Arsenal 2nd – Newcastle 3rd – Man … Continue reading →

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