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.

An Ode to London – ten years ago, ten years on

Posted on July 7, 2015 by John S

This is a piece that I have written for my music book. The bit in italics is what I wrote on the night of 7/7, 2005, when many innocent people lost their lives or were injured, in my beloved city. … Continue reading →

Posted in London, Random stuff | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

lovelondonscenes – 99

Posted on July 5, 2015 by John S

Sunny London yesterday at the National Theatre. We went to see an entertaining performance of “The Beaux’ Stratagem” by George Farquhar. Fresh from the early 18th century – timeless themes of love, lust and deception. And London v everywhere else…

Posted in Photos - lovelondonscenes | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Two great English bands in concert – British Sea Power and Blur

Posted on June 21, 2015 by John S

The last two Saturdays have been concert days. On 13 June it was British Sea Power at the Roundhouse and yesterday, 20 June, Blur headlined in Hyde Park. Both bands have a distinctly British – or English – feel. They … Continue reading →

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

lovelondonscenes – 98. Regent’s Canal from Little Venice to Camden Lock

Posted on June 15, 2015 by John S

On Saturday I went to see British Sea Power at the Roundhouse. Beforehand, I had a stroll along the Regent’s Canal,from Little Venice, just north of Paddington, to Camden Lock. It’s a lovely bit of hidden London. Soon after Little … Continue reading →

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Have You heard? – (65) “Madder Rose” by Madder Rose

Posted on June 14, 2015 by John S

I’ve been driving up and down the M1 today with my son, Kieran, to pick up his stuff from the house in Nottingham where he lives during the university term. It’s summer hols now – three months! Ah, to be … Continue reading →

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

lovelondonscenes – 97

Posted on June 9, 2015 by John S

Richmond, down by the river, this Sunday just gone. A lovely sunny day. Brings everyone out.    

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

Sportsthoughts (134) – #SlavenIsAHammer!

Posted on June 9, 2015 by John S

So West Ham have their new manager. It’s Slaven Bilic, who played for the Hammers in the mid-nineties and has had an impressive managerial career so far, notably when managing the Croatian national team – his team. I’m really pleased … Continue reading →

Posted in Sportsthoughts | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

lovelondonscenes – 96

Posted on June 5, 2015 by John S

Sundown in W5. From the bedroom window. iPhone 5, no enhancements. An ice cream sky. Modern art, be jealous. Nature is ahead of the game.

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

Three great but different concerts: The Beat, Nils Frahm, The Replacements

Posted on June 4, 2015 by John S

Over the past few weeks I’ve seen three concerts: all quite different, but very enjoyable in different ways. First was a real step back in time: The Beat, who played at Chelsea’s Under The Bridge club. I saw the original … Continue reading →

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

My Top Ten – Beatles tracks

Posted on May 31, 2015 by John S

I’m editing my book on music at the moment; and yesterday, I went through a piece on The Beatles. At the end of the piece I reflect on the Paul v John debate – who was your favourite? Received wisdom … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - Top Tens | Tagged , , | 22 Comments