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.

Music Roundup 03: 24 May to 22 June 2023

Posted on July 1, 2023 by John S

Featured this time: Glastonbury (on TV); Alvvays; Arooj Aftab, Viyay Iyer and Shahzad Ismaily; Wednesday; Kokoroko; Emmeline, BINA and Tendertwin; The Beat, Bow Wow Wow and London Calling (Clash tribute band); and Matyas Gayer (jazz pianist)   Seven concerts to … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (173) – those 2022-23 Premier League predictions

Posted on June 18, 2023 by John S

So the season ended with Man City beating Inter Milan 1-0 to win the Champions League for the first time, as well as the Premier League and the FA Cup. The treble – only won once before, by Man Utd … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (172) – Happy Hammers’ East End party

Posted on June 10, 2023 by John S

On Wednesday 7 June West Ham did something that they haven’t done since 1980, when I was still at university. They won a major trophy. In 1980 it was the FA Cup, beating Arsenal 1-0 with a Trevor Brooking header … Continue reading →

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Wide Awake Festival, 27 May 2023

Posted on June 1, 2023 by John S

First festival of the year, and a perfect day for it. Temperature around twenty, sunshine with a bit of cloud and a cooling breeze. Most of all, a superb lineup, established and new. Lots of artists I really wanted to … Continue reading →

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Music Roundup 02: 16 April to 5 May 2023

Posted on May 21, 2023 by John S

Featured this time: Stanley Dee, Aladdin Sane, Kyle Eastwood, Indigo Sparke, Tara Lily, Matt Schofield. Six concerts to report in this period, with something of a jazzy theme. The delights of a comfortable seat, a glass or two of wine … Continue reading →

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Music Roundup: March/early April 2023

Posted on April 15, 2023 by John S

Thought I’d try a different approach to concert reviews and other musical reflections, having a round up from time to time rather than trying to write up each concert individually. I might make exceptions for some really big names – … Continue reading →

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A Thames Journey: (11) From London Bridge to Greenwich

Posted on April 8, 2023 by John S

The last part of this journey took us through the historic heart of London and past many of its iconic sights. There were glimpses of the modern too, including some of the sights that we explore further in this instalment. … Continue reading →

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Duke Garwood at the Lexington, Pentonville Road, 26 February 2023

Posted on March 2, 2023 by John S

Duke Garwood is a multi-instrumentalist, best known for his languid, bluesy, atmospheric guitar. I first came across him on a Sunday afternoon at Latitude in 2015. Perfect music for the occasion. I was blown away by his guitar playing that … Continue reading →

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The Murder Capital at the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, 23 February 2023

Posted on February 25, 2023 by John S

Second concert of the year, and one I was really looking forward to – the return of the Murder Capital. They had an amazing 2019: a brilliant debut album, When I Have Fears, which I made my No1 of the … Continue reading →

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Jockstrap at the Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, 10 February 2023

Posted on February 12, 2023 by John S

On Friday I went up to Nottingham to see Jockstrap at the Rescue Rooms. I found out about the tour a bit late and the London gig had already sold out. I know Nottingham quite well, as my son Kieran … Continue reading →

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