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BRIAN WILSON/ R.I.P.

Even though he was diagnosed with dementia a couple of years ago, I was still shocked and sorrowed to learn in the media this week of the death of Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys’ original leader and chief creative force, at the age of 82. His younger brothers Dennis (drowned 1983) and Carl [...]

June 13, 2025 // 0 Comments

Two American songbook concerts (BBC 4)

Last night I watched a recording of an Ethel Merman concert that she gave years ago and another on BBC 4 of  Kiri Te Kanawa, Jeremy Irons and Warren Mitchell singing songs from My Fair Lady. I guess this original Albert Hall concert would have taken place some thirty years ago. The problem is [...]

May 26, 2025 // 0 Comments

The Van Morrison Alumni Band (Cadogan Hall Friday 29.11.2024)

Last Friday evening – after contacting a London-based couple we’ve known for a while to enquire whether they’d noticed this advertised concert and were informed they’d already bought tickets for it – the Memsahib and I attended an evening of Van Morrison’s music as performed by THE VAN [...]

December 1, 2024 // 0 Comments

London 2014/2124

Ten years ago I made my momentous decision to leave London for the South Coast. I was born in London and regarded myself as a Londoner. My closest friend- alas now passed – opined that I would be back in 2 years if I could afford the housing prices. I can see the attraction and attractions of [...]

November 12, 2024 // 0 Comments

The charts 1969

It is often said that our generation was lucky to grow up with the music we did – and it’s true. The other day I happened to have my radio pre-tuned to Boom. When I switched it on, the Australian DJ was playing the charts of late 1969 and I was amazed what good music it was. There were four [...]

October 23, 2024 // 0 Comments

Sir Neville Marriner (1924-2017)

This April 15th would have been the centenary of the birth of conductor Sir Neville Marriner, the founder of the Academy of St Martin-in-the Fields, an eminent conductor. The BBC celebrated this centenary with a series of his recordings and I watched and listened to Marriner conduct his Academy [...]

April 17, 2024 // 0 Comments

Brighton 0 Arsenal 3

Arsenal swept aide Brighton 3-0 with no difficulty. The tone was set in the opening minute when Gabriel’s free header from a well-flighted free kick went just past the post. Bukayo Saka and Kai Haivetz scorned more chances but Saka converted a penalty to give the Gunners the lead. Two more goals [...]

April 7, 2024 // 0 Comments

Rolling Stones Tribute Band at the Palladium

I recently saw a Rolling Stones tribute band at the London Palladium. This consisted of a backing group, 3 female vocalists and the radio music presenter Cerys Williams. Cerys Williams explained the circumstances behind each song, most of which were composed by Mick Jagger and Keith Richard, the [...]

February 26, 2024 // 0 Comments

Feeling “Comfortably Numb” …

Anyone with even a passing acquaintance with – let alone active interest in – the history of rock and popular music will be aware of the English group Pink Floyd, which was essentially active between 1965 and 1994 although from time to time – in various guises – some of its [...]

January 14, 2024 // 0 Comments

New Year’s day Concert/ Vienna

Like many people I prefer New Year’s Day to the overhyped New Year’s Eve. Fortunately I no longer celebrate the latter in an over-priced restaurant  or the gala rip off of a hotel. My highlight is the traditional New Year’s day concert in Vienna, broadcast simultaneously on Radio 3 and [...]

January 2, 2024 // 0 Comments

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