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.

Sportsthoughts (149) – Quins’ last game of the Premiership season

Posted on May 8, 2016 by John S

The sun shone, the temperature was into the mid-twenties, last game of the regular season. Quins v Exeter. Exeter second in the table, hoping to cement their place in the play-offs with a home semi-final. Quins needing to win to … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sportsthoughts (148) – The Leicester City phenomenon

Posted on May 3, 2016 by John S

Congratulations to Leicester City, winners of the 2015-16 Premier League. Who’d have thought I’d be writing that when I made my predictions for the season back in August last year? I was expecting them to go down, as were many … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Sportsthoughts (147) – Meeting two West Ham and England heroes

Posted on May 1, 2016 by John S

A week or so ago, I went with a few friends to a charity dinner, to celebrate the impending 50th anniversary of England’s one and only World Cup final triumph. Blimey, fifty years since we have won anything! Before the … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

lovelondonscenes 112 – Tramshed, Shoreditch

Posted on April 30, 2016 by John S

Hey, it’s like London buses. Don’t get one lovelondonscenes for ages then there are two together. Been a bit busy on the day job recently. We went to the Tramshed restaurant in Shoreditch with old friends last weekend. It’s an … Continue reading →

Posted in Photos - lovelondonscenes | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Lovelondonscenes 111 – View from Ravenscourt Park tube

Posted on April 30, 2016 by John S

We were sitting waiting for a District Line train this evening and I had my camera with me. That’s all. The Church spire must be St Peter’s down by the A4 in Hammersmith. I say must because I would have … Continue reading →

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

Have You Heard? – (73) Dexy’s Midnight Runners

Posted on April 24, 2016 by John S

As I went through my book “I Was There – A Musical Journey” for, I think, the fifth time, having edited out all the quotes, I was mostly checking for typos and infelicitous grammar. But, as I read the bit … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - Have You Heard? | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Prince, 1958-2016

Posted on April 22, 2016 by John S

It’s a shock writing that title. Another great artist struck down. 2016 is proving to be a momentous year for the loss of some of our musical icons. Lemmy, Bowie, and now Prince. And Prince’s departing  sudden, out of the … Continue reading →

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

“Painting the Modern Garden – Monet to Matisse”, at the Royal Academy

Posted on April 20, 2016 by John S

The exhibition, “Painting the Modern Garden – Monet to Matisse” at the Royal Academy, has just closed. I went a couple of times, and what a wonderful collection! This was art at it’s most appealing: you want stunning scenery, you … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema, London | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

“The Chimes” by Anna Smaill

Posted on April 11, 2016 by John S

  I’ve just finished reading a rather intriguing and gripping novel called “The Chimes” by Anna Smaill, a New Zealand author. It was long listed for last year’s Booker prize, but I only came across it when I googled “dystopian … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Two great concerts: Wolf Alice at the Forum; Chvrches at the Royal Albert Hall

Posted on April 1, 2016 by John S

This week I’ve been to two outstanding concerts. On Tuesday it was Wolf Alice at the Forum in Kentish Town. Last night, Chvrches at the Royal Albert Hall. Wolf Alice Chvrches I went to Wolf Alice with my friend Jon … Continue reading →

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