Author Archives: John S

Unknown's avatar

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.

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 →

Posted in Photos - lovelondonscenes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in Photos | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

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 →

Posted in Music - Have You Heard? | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Honeyblood, White Lies, Superfood at the Goose Island LDN Block Party, Shoreditch, 24 September 2017

Posted on September 24, 2017 by John S

A few weeks ago, I saw on Honeyblood’s Facebook page that they were playing a beer festival in Shoreditch. A place called Red Market, on Old Street.  I was intrigued. My favourite band right now, performing in Hipsterville.  And a … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

lovelondonscenes 134 – St George’s Tower from Vauxhall station

Posted on September 9, 2017 by John S

7pm yesterday evening, as the sun began to set. Just round the corner from this view were some very threatening grey clouds.

Posted in Photos - lovelondonscenes | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

A Latitude/End of the Road selection 2017

Posted on September 9, 2017 by John S

I’ve put together a playlist of songs from bands at Latitude and End of the Road who I enjoyed seeing this year. If you have Spotify, give it a whirl.          

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

End of the Road festival 2017

Posted on September 4, 2017 by John S

And so, as summer ends, it’s time for End of the Road. Jon and I went for the first time last year, and enjoyed it so much we had to do it again this year. Last year, some of my … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

RIP Walter Becker of Steely Dan

Posted on September 3, 2017 by John S

We got the news today that Walter Becker, one of the two main men – with Donald Fagen – behind Steely Dan, had died. The band were due to tour the UK this autumn. I read that Fagen said that … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

King Nun, Venture Lows and Kid Wave at the Finsbury, North London, 24 August 2017

Posted on August 26, 2017 by John S

I went up to the Finsbury pub in North London on Thursday to see a band called King Nun, with my friend Jon G and his son Louis. They’d seen King Nun at Latitude and really liked them. I was … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Chasing Trane” – the life and music of John Coltrane

Posted on August 20, 2017 by John S

Last week I went to the ICA Cinema to see John Scheinfeld’s “Chasing Trane”, a new documentary about the great jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. For me, the greatest of the sax players, the man who took the instrument to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema, Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments