Verso 
This one wasn’t in the 2025 gig diary. But when Jimmy dropped me a message less than a week before showtime asking, “Fancy Deacon Blue in Cambridge?”—I couldn’t resist. With tickets secured and a pint or two behind us, we set off on what turned out to be a night of memorable music, wayward navigation, … Read more
Back to The Apex for the second time in four days, this time with my sister, Tamara—and it was all about pop royalty. Jason Donovan, the Australian actor-turned-singer who defined late 80s pop for many of us, returned to the UK stage in style, proving that charm, energy and a knack for showmanship don’t fade … Read more
A new year, a new venue, and a new format of gig. On this occasion, Hammy and I headed to The Apex in Bury St Edmunds to catch John Power’s one-man show, Cast, The La’s and Me. A first visit to The Apex, and it certainly impressed—modern, well-equipped, and with excellent sound quality throughout. A … Read more
What is punk? It’s more than just music—it’s a movement. Born in the 1970s, punk was a gritty, snarling backlash against the establishment, a DIY rebellion that spat in the face of conformity. So when a show comes along aiming to celebrate that ethos, you’d hope it stays true to those roots. Ironically, Punk Off … Read more
The first gig of the year and what a way to kick it off. Neil, Hammy and I made a Friday pilgrimage to the capital, complete with a hearty pre-show dinner at The Argyll Arms and some pre-gig anticipation. Destination: the legendary 100 Club for a night of 2-Tone nostalgia. The Venue: A London Institution … Read more
As 2024 draws to a close, I’ve taken my usual look back at what I’ve read over the past year. Things started well, but by October I’d hit a reading block—managing just one book in the last 10 weeks. That dip cost me dearly in the stats department: I read 38 fewer books than in … Read more
My 2024 live music journey began and ended in the same venue—Kentish Town Forum—and fittingly, with two of Liverpool’s finest. It kicked off with Cast, and closed in style with The Lightning Seeds, delivering a euphoric night that was the perfect send-off for another year of brilliant gigs. 35 Years of Melodic Brilliance From the … Read more
Embarking on my fourteenth Paul Heaton concert, I found myself once again captivated by the enduring charm of a musician whose career spans over 38 years. Accompanied by friends Neil, Hammy, the ever-excellent Jimmy Simmonds, and a cameo from the McKinnons, we converged in London for an evening that promised both nostalgia and fresh musical … Read more
A Tribute to George Harrison – St. Peter’s on the Waterfront, Ipswich A new venue, a familiar face, and a musical legend – our night at St. Peter’s on the Waterfront delivered in every possible way. This former church in the heart of Ipswich has transformed into a vibrant arts and heritage centre, often used … Read more
After a few beers on the train and a twilight wander through the glowing buzz of Soho, we arrived at the majestic Royal Albert Hall cloaked in equal parts nostalgia and anticipation. It was the final night (for now) of Bob Dylan’s epic three-year world tour, a rare opportunity to witness a true icon of … Read more