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.

Have You heard? – (25) “Hearts of Stone” by Johnny, Bruce and Danny

Posted on November 1, 2012 by John S

This is the last dance, the last chance, for hearts of stone… Johnny… Southside Johnny of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Bruce… The Boss, Springsteen. Danny… Wilson, main man behind Grand Drive, a great Americana band, based in South London! The … Continue reading →

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King Lear at the Almeida Theatre, Islington

Posted on October 29, 2012 by John S

On Friday I went with my son, Kieran, to see “King Lear” at the Almeida in Islington, North London. It features Jonathan Pryce as Lear and a strong cast, who really bring the play to life. The Almeida is an … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (51) – Problems, problems… doping, racism

Posted on October 25, 2012 by John S

If you read my blogs regularly, you’ll know my focus is on the feelgood factor. My music pieces are totally that way, same with the photos. And sport, well I indulge in a bit of football criticism, but it’s mostly … Continue reading →

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Have You Heard? – (24) “Heaven” by Simply Red… and Talking Heads

Posted on October 24, 2012 by John S

I was working at home today, and while I worked I had music on as usual (at home). I’m writing a bit for my book on Simply Red, 80s/90s soulsters, at the moment, so I thought I’d re-acquaint myself with … Continue reading →

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My Top Ten – Led Zeppelin

Posted on October 21, 2012 by John S

Led Zeppelin have just released the film and DVD of their one-off reunion concerts at the O2 Arena, London in 2007. 2007? Blimey! I cannot believe that was five years ago.  I was fortunate enough to get a ticket – it … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (50) – Harlequins 40 Biarritz 13 in the Heineken Cup

Posted on October 14, 2012 by John S

The Heineken Cup is back! A sure sign that autumn is upon us.  A chance to relish those clashes with the French and Irish, to measure how far the Quins have come. Champions of England… now can they win the … Continue reading →

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Radiohead at the O2 Arena, London, 9 October 2012

Posted on October 10, 2012 by John S

On 9 October  I went with my friend Jon to see Radiohead at the O2 Arena – the Dome – in the Docklands. The best band in the world today? After last night’s concert, I would say so. What makes … Continue reading →

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

Sportsthoughts (49) – Where’s the Arc?

Posted on October 9, 2012 by John S

The first Sunday of October is always the time for the top flat race in the European calendar, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, nestling in Paris’ Bois de Boulogne. A mile and a half (or 2400 metres), … Continue reading →

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Have You Heard? – (23) “Black Steel” by Tricky… and Public Enemy

Posted on October 6, 2012 by John S

I got a letter from the government the other day… I first heard this song on the 1995 release, “Maxinquaye” by a singer called Tricky. Or thought I had… Tricky was born Adrian Thaws in Bristol. He had quite a … Continue reading →

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We Are Augustines at Shepherds Bush O2 Empire

Posted on October 2, 2012 by John S

Any of you who read my blogs about the Latitude music festival will know that I thought We Are Augustines provided the best rock’n’roll experience of the festival. Check the review here. I’d not heard of them before that. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments