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.

A Thames Journey: (12) From Greenwich to Erith

Posted on August 7, 2023 by John S

Last time we finished at Greenwich, with the splendid vistas of London from high up in Greenwich Park by the Royal Observatory. In this episode we complete the Thames Journey walk with a 9-10 mile stroll downstream to Erith in … Continue reading →

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Latitude 2023

Posted on August 2, 2023 by John S

My eleventh Latitude, and an unusual one as I could only make Thursday and Friday. But I got to see some outstanding performances – from old favourites and one fantastic new discovery. My highlights below. Thursday 20 July Racoon Jane … Continue reading →

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Music Roundup 04: 7 July to 13 July 2023

Posted on July 14, 2023 by John S

Featured this time: Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes; Daryl Hall and Todd Rundgren; Branford Marsalis Quartet; Henry Tozer. After the glories of Bruce Springsteen, there was no let up, with concerts on two of the next three days. A … Continue reading →

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Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at Hyde Park, 6 July 2023

Posted on July 11, 2023 by John S

It’s been seven years since Bruce and the E Street Band played in the UK. I saw them in 2016 at Wembley Stadium. A great show it was too, though the best of all was Wembley in 2013, when they … Continue reading →

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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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