Someone's done a good job promoting this show at the 100 Club - I don't usually take much notice of the standard 'Get there early while there are still tickets left' spiel that bands and promoters routinely spew out, but when I arrive at this gig it is actually sold out! Good news for the band, but not so good for me trying to get a drink before the band hit the stage.

If you like your rock 'n' roll to be dirty, sweaty, and raw it doesn't get much better than this.

The Jim Jones Revue kick out proper old school rock 'n' roll - the description of supercharged Little Richard meets MC5 certainly isn't far off the mark.

I wasn't around when this sort of stuff first exploded onto the scene, but I would imagine this is a pretty authentic recreation of what dirty greasy underground rock 'n' roll bands used to be like in the late 50's and early 60's - you can easily imagine them being on the same bill as the Quarrymen or the Silver Beatles in some sweaty little dive.

This band have got the look and they've got the sound, and I suspect this is much closer to how it really was than the cartoon like stereotypes that pass for traditional rock & roll and rockabilly these days - all 'rebelling' but wearing the same uniform.

I bought the band's album afterwards, but it's so badly recorded or mastered (deliberately?) that it sounds distorted and cheap and I think the band actually sound better live. This is certainly one of the best 'proper' rock 'n' roll bands I've seen in a long time.

A slightly different gig tonight - an original band and a cover band playing together - not something you see very often, particularly in Camden. I preferred The Monarch (or Moon Under Water as it was then) before when the bands played in the far more suitable area at the back of the pub which has more of a natural stage - the beer was better then too and the real ales seem to have disappeared now. It's gone downhill a bit these days, with the likes of Amy Whinehouse doing pretend DJ sets, etc.

Selfish go on first and play half an hour or so of their own songs.

They play well enough and the rhythm section are particularly tight, but it all seems a bit generic.

According to their MySpace the band formed in 2008, but I believe they have actually been around on and off in one form or another for quite a few years.

They've brought a fair amount of friends and family along and they are all well into it. The band certainly get a good reception.

The well established hard rock covers band Metalworks go on later - it's their night really and they often have 'guest' bands on before them. They are well seasoned musicians and always play well - you can see some of them playing in other bands like Voodoo Six and Zodiac Mindwarp as well.

If you were to name your favourite hard rock and metal classics it's a fair bet that Metalworks will play most of them - every night.

The band have a large and loyal following, many of whom turn up nearly every week, but I don't go too often as it's virtually the same every time and it soon gets stale as far as I'm concerned. It's a good night out now and then though.

Sorry about the crappy quality phone pics - I can't be arsed to cram a camera into my jeans as well as my phone if the weather is good enough to leave my jacket at home.

This show was arranged by Rich Jones of the The Loyalties at short notice as a benefit gig for Roger Rags who finds himself broke and stranded in London after arriving in London off the back of another tour only to find his one with Sorry & The Sinatras cancelled! It's a bit of an all-star lineup and it's a ridiculously cheap £3 to get in! The place is packed, and I'm sure if it was five or six quid to get in the place would still be packed.

Things got off to a late start so there was time for a few 'liveners' in the nearby Intrepid Fox beforehand. Then over at the 12 Bar Club the Eureka Machines opened up the batting and were are terrific as usual!

Eureka Machines are the only regular band of the evening, and also the only people to play a set of their own material.

The rest of the night consisted largely of classic punk covers played by a constantly changing band. Here we have Ginger and Rags.

Things soon became a bit of a blur - like my crappy photos! We actually had some warm summer weather for once so I travelled light and left my jacket and camera at home - so you'll have to put up with shitty pics from my phone. There were so many people getting on stage for a song or two that I can't remember much about who played what, but I do remember that ex-Yo-Yo and now Loyalties man Tom Spencer belted out an excellent version of the Clash classic 'Safe European Home'.

Acey Slade got up to knock out a few songs as well, but I can't remember which ones...

And that Chris Catalyst reappeared on more than one occasion after his set with his own band earlier.

Ginger reappeared as well, this time with Rich Jones.

Then Chris McCormack (who seems to be popping up everywhere again these days) appeared and played a song or two with Ginger.

Later we got a member of the Pogues (can't remember who) cracking out a storming version of the Damned classic 'New Rose' with Rich Jones and Ginger - who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying being 'just a guitarist' for a few songs. In fact Ginger even played drums on a couple of songs later on as well!

Ginger kept reappearing in various roles throughout the night and looked like he was having the time of his life! He actually looked like he was enjoying this far more than the times I've seen him solo or with the Wildhearts in the last year or so - probably because he felt no pressure to 'perform' an be Ginger tonight and could just relax and have fun playing some old classic songs he loves. 

The atmosphere at the 12 Bar Club was terrific and both performers and audience were really up for it. Actually, this intimate west end venue normally has a pretty good atmosphere anyway - but tonight was something special! The see this constantly revolving lineup playing classics by The Clash, Ramones, Damned, Pistols, Thunders ect and obviously having a great time themselves was fantastic and this was easily one of the best gigs I've been to this year!

A very strong four band bill from Pure Rawk at The Gaff Tonight - encouraging a decent turnout for a Thursday night. This is one of those venues I always look forward to visiting, and one of the few which serves real ale - although the Bombardier ale on tap tonight it pretty foul and I have to resort to the old standby of Newcastle Brown for the rest of the night. Oh, and my only other criticism of the venue? - the stage lighting is shit! Hence it being a bit dark in my photos. When will certain venues realise - those LED stage lights might look pretty, but they just aren't bright enough to be up to the job.

First on are Jukebox Junkies.

These lads from Rugby have plenty of experience from previous bands and really know how to put on a good rock 'n' roll show.

It doesn't hurt either that they have the knack of writing catchy hook filled songs with choruses that get jammed in your head.

This band are a dynamic and punchy start to the evening's entertainment.

Next we have another band who can always be relied on to turn in a good performance - assisted again on this occasion by Jake from TAT standing in on drums as this band are once again 'between drummers'...

Their attention grabbing cover of Blondie's 'Call Me' always goes down very well with people in the crowd who's never heard of Shush before, but it's usually the only cover they play as the band have plenty of strong pop/rock numbers of their own.


Brijitte West is now starting to shake off the mantle of her previous band New York Loose. She has written a load of new songs and formed a new band - the Desperate Hopefuls.

Tonight they are without their normal bassist Richie - normally seen playing a six string fronting his own band Kitty Hudson.

The Desperate Hopefuls also feature Keef on guitar who plays in Kitty Hudson as well as fronting his own band Dead Identities.

Brijitte's more recent material is moving in a slightly poppier direction than her older more punk rock stuff - however, the old New York Loose song 'Bitch' is still one of the highlights of the band's energetic set.

Tonight's headliners are the Black Mollys.

The last time I saw an American touring band at this venue they were very disappointing and not worthy of their 'headline' status.

NYC outfit the Black Mollys make up for this by being far better than that other band, playing much better, and generally acting in a much more professional manner.

And they also feature Rob Lane who is depping on bass for this tour - as well as about fifty tours with other bands in the past year - this man sure gets around!

It has to be said - the Black Mollys are rather good.

As well as playing well and looking like they mean it, they also have a load of infectiously catchy pop/punk songs - I am impressed enough to buy their CD afterwards and it certainly doesn't disappoint. Have you noticed how it's always someone's birthday at any night out in a pub? Tonight it's Tazz's birthday, but she's a bit too rock 'n' roll to just have the band sing 'Happy Birthday' to her - she gets to actually play guitar with the band for a song!

All in all, another excellent night from Pure Rawk at The Gaff - I look forward to the next one on August 6th.

Tonight I'm off to see one of my favourite bands at a new venue. Well it's not that new, but I haven't been there before. It's the Vibe Bar in Brick Lane - just opposite 93 Feet East. I was expecting it to be a poncey fashionable rip-off joint, but actually it's not too bad - free to get in as well! Pints of various beverages are available at the bar at prices that aren't too outrageous, although the selection isn't that great.

The Cherry Brakewells are on good form and there are a few familiar faces in the crowd.

There is quite a decent turnout for a midweek gig and the atmosphere is good.

The sound mix isn't too bad but there is no stage at this venue. That's not such a problem as the place isn't packed so it's still easy to get a good view.

The band drop in a Led Zeppelin cover which goes down a storm!

It's a nice relaxed vibe and an enjoyable evening out in the east end - it's nice to be able to visit a gig in this area without feeling you are being ripped off.

...so I hot-foot it from the West End to the East End and soon find myself at the Hoxton Bar & Kitchen - not a bad venue apart from the lack of different beverages available in pints. I arrive with a few minutes to spare before Dirty Harry hit the stage.

It's good to see Harry playing more regular shows now she's back living in London.

Hopefully with plenty of gigs she'll start to rebuild her somewhat neglected fanbase in the UK, and maybe her latest album will actually get a proper UK release?

For the time being, the live shows are going well, although the sound mix leaves a bit to be desired tonight.

The band is coming together nicely, and a keyboard player has recently been added along with bassist Adam Hammond and ex-Towers Of London guys Rev and Snell on guitar and drums.

Fortunately, the more electro and pop influences in Dirty Harry's recorded output get blown away live and the gigs are full on rock shows!

It looks like Harry could be going to become a bit of a 'Hoxton Heroine' as she has another show coming up round the corner soon - although in a venue with rather less class than this one...

Two gigs I want to go to in one night again, and this time they're miles apart instead of both being in Camden. Still, where there's a will there's a way...

I'm off to the West End first, where Plastic Toys open the Pure Rawk bill at The Fly. This venue is much improved now they have put a bar in downstairs where the bands play. I'm not too sure they've put the bar in the right place as it's where the stage used to be - now if you want to get to the toilet you have to push your way through the crowd in front of the stage.

I wasn't that impressed when I checked out Plastic Toys online, but having seen them live a couple of times now I think they are much better than my initial impression.

With the electronic part of their sound pushed more into the background they are far more 'in your face' and it is more apparent that they actually have some good songs.
 
Patchwork Grace have plenty of good songs and their album is excellent. They have a good image as well, but can be a bit hit and miss live depending on the venue and sound mix. Tonight's London show is definitely 'hit' and they rise to the occasion well.

The sound isn't great, but the band seem to enjoy playing to a full venue and I'm sure they win quite a few new fans over with their Queen Adreena meets The Cure and Mötley Crüe down a dark alley vibe.

 
Tonight's headliner at The Fly is Acey Slade, but after Patchwork Grace finish their set I'm out of here to see someone of the opposite sex who is not only easier on the eye (nothing against Acey who has plenty of adoring girlie fans) but also who's voice is much easier on the ears. Fortunately the tube is working reasonably well for once as I head from London's glamorous west end over to the trendy east end...

Stay tuned pop pickers!

Another Monday night in Whetstone at this nice venue - which can't decide on it's identity. In the past year it's been the Bull & Butcher (before refurb), The Real Music Club, and now the i-Bar - after another minor and uneccessary refurb. It takes a while for a new venue to get off the ground, but things are constantly being changed takeoff becomes less and less likely...

Koopa are playing tonight. This band have a refreshing very English take on the now rather tired pop/punk thing. They are lively and have good stage presence as well as some decent tunes.
 
Last time I saw them they were supporting the infamous Towers Of London (re-inventing themselves as a pop group) and spent far too much time chatting and telling jokes instead of getting on with the music. Fortunately they have reigned in this annoying tendancy tonight, although at times you do still want to shout out 'Get on with it!'. They still manage to be quite entertaining and have a strong personality of their own - which is unusual in this genre.

This is still winding me up! Why bother going to the expense of putting the bloody thing in if you're not going to use it!
 

An action packed night at a rather full Bull & Gate.

Men & Gods get to play to a large crowd, which is as it should be. The band play excellently as usual.

This is a band that thrives on having an audience to bounce off and I'm sure they make plenty of new friends tonight. Things seem to be on the up for Men & Gods as their consistantly strong performances are always winning over new fans.


Dogs D'Amour are always a popular band, although these days it's as much 'Dogs D'Amour' as Mad Axl's current band is 'Guns 'N' Roses'.

In spite of this being a completely new band (again) this is definitely the best version of Dogs that Tyla has had in many years. As is increasingly common these days, there was an acosutic part of the set.

Rather ironically, this band (like a previous version) also contains two ex-members of the Yo-Yos. I am told that Danny McCormack himself nearly travelled down for this gig - as a member of the audience rather than the band.

There is a stronger than usual geordie contingent at this show (plus an ex-Quireboy) and a couple of canny lads have come all the way from Newcastle just for this gig! Apparently they thought it was well worth it. If you think the drummer looks familiar? Yes, it's ex-Towers Of London man Snell - who seems to be turning up in all sorts of places thse days!

It was certainly the best show I've seen from Tyla for a long time, and most of my favourite Dogs classics got an airing so I have no complaints.

This is a gig I'd been looking forward to for a while, and for the second time in a week I find myself back at Islington Academy. Again, the venue is fairly full but not sold out. As people who know the acts on the bill would expect, the atmosphere is excellent. The choice of support band seems to be very popular. Laika Dog are fronted by Terrovision singer Tony Wright - who has to be one of the most engaging and likeable frontmen in the business. He's a cheerful character with years of experience, and still looks like he throroughly enjoys what he's doing.
 
The music isn't that similar to Terrorvision, although there are vocal similarities at times. Lakia Dog aren't as heavy and riff based as Tony's other band, but they can still rock it up.

Their set is very well received by Ginger's crowd, but that isn't so surprising as there was always a lot of overlap between Wildhearts and Terrorvision fans. Tone and the boys do an excellent job of entertaining and warming up the crowd for the headline act...

With three well received full solo albums under his belt now, Ginger has a lot of very strong material to draw from and these days has no need to dip into the Wildhearts extensive back catalogue. Anyway, if Wildhearts songs is was you want you get to see that band fairly regularly again these days so it's all good.

Tonight's set is largely taken from Ginger's first two solo albums - 'Yeah Yeah Yeah' going down very well, and one of my favourites 'Drinking In The Daytime' making me very happy! 'Why Can't You Just Be Normal All The Time?' was an unexpected surprise, although it missed all the crazy girlfriend ranting bits. Fans of Ginger's earlier post-Wildhearts work were rewarded with a great 'Sonic Shake' from the Silver Ginger 5 days. Obviously everyone would inevitably have had a few favourites missed out of the set (I was hoping for 'Bulb') but I think every one present would have heard plenty of their other favourites too and still have gone home happy.
 
I didn't think it was one of Ginger's best shows personally, although he seemed happy enough. There wasn't as much banter as usual - maybe because he's having a 'sober' tour and isn't as chatty? He was good natured and seemed to appreciate that plenty of people had come out to see they show - saying that London was the best selling show of the tour. Well you'd expect it to be anyway wouldn't you? I know Ginger genuinely really does appreciate the fans that keep buying tickets and CDs enabling him to carry on making music for a living, but tonight the 'ab-libs' about how good looking the audience was, ect seemed a bit stale and over familiar and it seemed a bit like he was 'going through the motions' compared to earlier times. It was still worth the price of the ticket though, and I think everyone still went home happy after hearing plenty of their favourite songs. Maybe Ginger was tired after just finishing work on recording the next Wildhearts album? Hopefully we'll see a bit more enthusiasm from him when the mighty Wildhearts tour later in the year...