Summer is drawing to a close and I’m not ready. I’ve become accustomed to the heat, the sort I remember from my childhood, and the luxury of scheduling barbecues safe in the knowledge that any rain forecast was unlikely or any showers brief. I think I went for at least a month without taking a jacket … Continue reading Ultimate Jam
London
Salty Mug Pies
I have been racing around like a headless chicken for weeks, but I’m certainly not complaining. This summer has been a heady mix of culture, fun and activism, the latter being particularly fulfilling. It was a lovely surprise to find out at the anti-Trump rally that a pub in Clerkenwell was rewarding those who could … Continue reading Salty Mug Pies
It’s Not Pie
Anger is a poison; a toxin of nuclear potential that can quietly fester and slowly destroy the holder or explode with volatility and take aim at those in their vicinity. It is part of the human condition, a force that can drive and motivate us, but could equally be our undoing. Growing up, my own experience with anger … Continue reading It’s Not Pie
There is a Light that Never Goes Out
London is absolutely melting right now. Not that summer hasn't happened here before, but it is usually a week of higher temperatures followed by some traditional cloud, a little breeze and some relieving rain. I never thought I’d develop a thirst for precipitation on ‘Mud Island’, but following months of sustained heat the ground is beginning to resemble … Continue reading There is a Light that Never Goes Out
Proud
Since 1972, the centre of London has shut itself to traffic in the middle of summer to open itself up to LGBT+ celebration as the annual Pride parade marches from Portland Place down to Whitehall. A feast of colour, sounds and incredible costumes troop through the streets, cheered on by thousands waving rainbow flags; quite different from the Stonewall … Continue reading Proud
Queues of the Stone Age
I must confess this headline isn’t mine, I overheard it last Saturday and had to laugh as I was in fact standing in a queue for a porta-loo at a day festival. I was glad to have found this particular bank of individual cabins, since hours earlier I was among a potentially dangerous crush of bodies trying to get around a corner … Continue reading Queues of the Stone Age
Meltdown – Part II
"Ladies and gentlemen and everyone in between". This was the epic greeting from Placebo's enchantingly androgynous Brian Molko to the screaming sold out crowd at the Royal Festival Hall. Still slightly confused by my genteel surroundings I had to wonder what the band had in store for us. Usually, when I've gone to gigs, the band … Continue reading Meltdown – Part II
Meltdown – Part I
Summer is festival season and while the agony of choice presents it's own problems, the travel and camping costs for out of town adventures can be another hurdle. Within London, as if we weren’t spoiled enough already, there is a growing choice of day/weekend festivals which while not necessarily cheap, are an accessible way to … Continue reading Meltdown – Part I
Church of Maynard
It’s been years since I went to a gig at the Brixton Academy. I’ve ticked some great names off my live bucket list at this venue including Hole and Marilyn Manson. Exiting the tube and trying to remember if I needed to turn left or right to get to the famous domed building, I soon saw a … Continue reading Church of Maynard
Faithfully Ours
‘Sweet little sleep, my dreams are yours to keep’ A chorus line from a tune titled ‘Late Victorian Holocaust’ repeated on Saturday night that is still circling my head. The evening was so incredible I struggle to believe it was not in fact a dream. As the lights dimmed in the sold out Southbank Centre, … Continue reading Faithfully Ours
Redhead Ramblings 