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.

Muncie Girls at the Borderline, Soho, 1 October 2018

Posted on October 3, 2018 by John S

Muncie Girls are a punk band from Exeter, fronted by Lande Hekt, whose songs power the band. They recently released their second album, “Fixed Ideals”. It’s an excellent album, which will be in my top ten for 2018, no doubt. … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 146 – Down by Vauxhall Bridge

Posted on September 27, 2018 by John S

I had a little bit of time to kill between going to the Tate and seeing some friends on the evening, so I wandered down to a favourite location, the Riverside pub by Vauxhall Bridge. It’s a good place to … Continue reading →

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Catherine McGrath at the Scala, Kings Cross, 18 September 2018

Posted on September 19, 2018 by John S

Catherine McGrath released her debut album “Talk of this Town” in July. It’s a great album, and I reviewed it in an earlier blog. It got to No 13 in the UK pop charts and No 1 in the UK … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 145 – Fish eye fun from Southwark Bridge to Vauxhall

Posted on September 16, 2018 by John S

Yesterday I went for a stroll along the Thames, partly to clear out the cobwebs after an awesome leaving party (mine!) and to try out a couple of little lenses that you attach to your iPhone camera. A gift from … Continue reading →

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Reflections on retirement

Posted on September 15, 2018 by John S

Yesterday was my last day at IPSA – the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, which regulates MPs’ expenses and decides their pay and pensions. I was the Director of Policy and Communications there. I’d been there since its creation in early … Continue reading →

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End of the Road Festival 2018

Posted on September 5, 2018 by John S

As summer draws to an end, it must be time for End of the Road! Our third and year 13 for the festival itself.  Four of us went this year: me, Jon, his son Louis and Louis’ friend Tom. The … Continue reading →

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Edinburgh Festival 2018

Posted on August 25, 2018 by John S

I’m just back from a few days in Edinburgh, enjoying the Fringe, the International Book Festival and just the vibes of that brilliant city. Kath and I hadn’t booked any shows in advance as we’d been unsure whether we’d be … Continue reading →

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RIP Aretha Franklin

Posted on August 16, 2018 by John S

Aretha Franklin died today, aged 76. She’d been ill for some time. She had quite possibly the most soulful voice of all time. A total inspiration. Of course I wrote about her in my music book, “I Was There – … Continue reading →

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Have You Heard? – (88) “Talk of this Town” by Catherine McGrath

Posted on August 13, 2018 by John S

Catherine McGrath is a 20 year old country singer from Northern Ireland. She has recently released her debut album “Talk of this Town”. Regular readers of this blog will have seen all the reviews I have written about her concerts … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (163) – Premier League predictions 2018-19

Posted on August 9, 2018 by John S

So, less than a month after the World Cup final, the Premier League is back! Starting with Man Utd v Leicester tomorrow. And I’m more excited than usual. That’s because West Ham have bought well this summer and things just … Continue reading →

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