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.

Wolf Alice and Idles at the Roundhouse, 17 October 2018

Posted on October 19, 2018 by John S

(Photos not great because I forgot my camera and the iPhone couldn’t get close enough on zoom – but hopefully better than nothing!) On Wednesday I went with my friends Dave and Tony to see Wolf Alice and Idles at … Continue reading →

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Amber Arcades at the Dome, Tufnell Park, 10 October 2018

Posted on October 11, 2018 by John S

Amber Arcades are a Dutch band, and the vehicle for singer and guitarist Annelotte de Graaf, an ex-civil servant. I can relate to that! I first came across them at the End of the Road festival in 2016, when I … Continue reading →

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The She Street Band at the Scala, Kings Cross, 4 October 2018

Posted on October 5, 2018 by John S

The She Street Band are an all-female Bruce Springsteen covers band. They played a short session at Latitude this year at the Guilty Pleasures dance night on Friday/Saturday. That one was a greatest hits selection; the show at the Scala … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

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 →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema, Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , | 5 Comments