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 walk from the source of the River Thames

Posted on January 1, 2017 by John S

On 29 and 30 December, my wife Kath, our good friends Jon and Maggie, and I walked the Thames path, from its source in Gloucestershire, not far from Cirencester. We took a train to Kemble and got a cab to … Continue reading →

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A tribute to Rick Parfitt and George Michael

Posted on December 27, 2016 by John S

Either side of Christmas two more of our much-loved popsters died. It’s becoming a habit. It will probably continue, because if the likes of myself are in our late 50s a lot of our old favourites are going to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

2016 – The Year in Music

Posted on December 24, 2016 by John S

In such a politically traumatic year – the year of Brexit and Trump – and a year of many horrors, including Aleppo, the murder of Jo Cox MP here in England, the killings in Berlin just the other day, what … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

The Turner Prize 2016, Tate Britain

Posted on December 22, 2016 by John S

The Tate is a few minutes walk from my office, and I popped down there this lunch time to take a look at the exhibition of the shortlisted artists for this year’s Turner Prize. The prize is for artists under … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 118 – A foggy day in London town

Posted on December 17, 2016 by John S

A foggy day in London Town Had me low and had me down I viewed the morning with alarm The British Museum had lost its charm How long, I wondered, could this thing last? But the age of miracles hadn’t … Continue reading →

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Blue House at St Pancras Old Church, 14 December 2016

Posted on December 17, 2016 by John S

Blue House are a London band featuring James Howard and Ursula Russell, who both sing and play guitar. Their debut album, “Suppose”, was No 8 in my Top Ten of 2016. Jon G and I saw them at End of … Continue reading →

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My Top Ten albums of 2016

Posted on December 11, 2016 by John S

A turbulent year politically, what with Brexit, Trump and the continued horrors of Syria. And a sad year in music, when we lost David Bowie, Prince, Leonard Cohen and more. But the music itself – as brilliant as ever. I’ll … Continue reading →

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Jack Garratt at Hammersmith Apollo, 24 November 2016

Posted on December 4, 2016 by John S

Jack Garratt recently played two nights at Hammersmith Apollo. I saw the second show. He was at Latitude in 2014 in the i-Arena tent in the Woods. It was clear something was going on. It was packed and the reception … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (155) – Deadly December!

Posted on November 28, 2016 by John S

December, rather than April, is the cruellest month when it comes to the Premier League – for managers. With the transfer window in January looming in January, chairmen start to question whether they want the current manager in post to … Continue reading →

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Gengahr at the Courtyard Theatre, Shoreditch, 25 November 2016

Posted on November 26, 2016 by John S

Tonight, after a couple of beers to see off a Kiwi colleague who’s heading back to New Zealand, I went to see my favourite indie band of recent times, Gengahr. Always such a great band live, and, as you’ll know … Continue reading →

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