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.

London Grammar at the Brixton O2 Academy

Posted on October 31, 2017 by John S

After Sunday night seeing one of my favourite old bands, Steely Dan, at the O2 Arena at the Dome, it was the turn of one of my recent favourites, London Grammar, at the O2 Brixton Academy. I am not sponsored … Continue reading →

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Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers at the O2 Arena, 29 October 2017

Posted on October 31, 2017 by John S

On Sunday a bunch of us went down to the O2 for a bit of 70s soft rock nostalgia: Steely Dan, supported by the Doobie Brothers. The Doobie Brothers? Yes, the Doobie Brothers. Not sure they got a mention in … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 137 – The City aglow

Posted on October 28, 2017 by John S

From our office on Millbank we have a great view of the river at Lambeth Bridge and the City beyond. As the sun goes down at the moment, it reflects in the glass of a couple of the buildings and … Continue reading →

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Two parts country, one part rock’n’roll – Brandy Clark, Catherine McGrath and Dream Wife

Posted on October 26, 2017 by John S

I somehow managed to schedule three gigs in successive nights this week – all great, but fatigue set in this morning! Two were at the suggestion of friends; the other from a Facebook post and subsequent ballot. Read on. On … Continue reading →

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Daisy Vaughan at the Cleveland Arms, Paddington, 18 October 2017

Posted on October 19, 2017 by John S

Last night, my friend Tony and I went along to a pub in Paddington called the Cleveland Arms, to check out a singer who became one of my real favourites in 2015 and has stayed that way ever since. Her … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 136 – Heavy skies in central London – the Ophelia effect

Posted on October 16, 2017 by John S

The British Isles caught the late throes of Hurricane Ophelia today. Ireland got the full force. London, tucked away in England’s south east corner, escaped the worst, but still had a very windy day and some strange skies. They’ve been … Continue reading →

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Music and colour at the Tate Modern

Posted on October 14, 2017 by John S

There has been a great exhibition at the Tate Modern, which is just coming to an end. “Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power.” A fascinating account of, mainly, art in the 60s and 70s by … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 135 – The swings at Tate Modern

Posted on October 13, 2017 by John S

The latest attraction in the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern is a load of swings. Brought back the child in people, and was nice for the children – probably more fun than looking at abstract art with their parents! … Continue reading →

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A Thames walk from Henley to Marlow

Posted on October 8, 2017 by John S

Kath and I and our friends Jon and Maggie are finishing off our walk along the Thames, from the source to Erith, on the estuary. There’s still a chunk upstream and downstream of Oxford; but otherwise it’s now filling in … Continue reading →

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Have You heard? – (84) “Poison Dart” by The Bug ft Warrior Queen

Posted on October 7, 2017 by John S

I got home from work reasonably early on Friday. Did my favourite thing. Can of beer and a bit of BBC 6 Music. While lying on the bed and reading Macbeth! There are reasons for the latter. So I heard … Continue reading →

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