Verso’s Weight Loss
This is more than just a weight-loss story—it’s a journey of self-worth, resilience, and reflection, and I felt it deserves a wider platform. From Fat Shaming to Freedom: My Weight Loss Story and Why We All Need to Do Better…
Ocean Colour Scene
Another gig. Another London stopover. And yes—another rail replacement service. This time Neil played chauffeur, driving us to Shenfield where he expertly snagged a driveway parking spot. From there, we jumped on a train bound for Brixton, with a layover…
Deacon Blue
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…
Jason Donovan
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…
John Power
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…
Punk Off
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…
The Specials Ltd
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:…
2024 Books
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…
Lightning Seeds
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…
Paul Heaton
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…