Category: Gig Reviews

Dave Wakeling of The Beat (left) and Annabella Lwin of Bow Wow Wow - picture by Sam Wells

LIVING IN THE ’80s: The Beat And Bow Wow Wow Party Like It’s 1982 At The Roundhouse

June 29, 2023

PICTURES: Sam Wells, WORDS: Matt Catchpole It’s a scorching Camden summer’s evening and we’re here to witness the return of the leaders of two…

This Weekend’s Black Deer Festival Was A Triumph, And Supporting It Might Just Save Music As You Know It!

June 21, 2023

There must have been something prophetic about the lyrics of a Drake White song back in 2016, when he sang “nobody’s talking but we’re all on the phone”. The song ‘Back to Free’ is a song  from country artist Drake and he was one of the stars on Sunday at Kent’s ever more popular Americana, Country and Roots Black Deer Festival but I’m sure even he wouldn’t have foreseen the looming shadow of technology on music as well as our departure from the things that make life and making memories special.

Olly Murs at the O2 Arena, 29 April 2023. Photo by Daniel John.

The O2 Arena Was Buzzing With Excitement For Olly Murs’ ‘Marry Me’ Show April 29

May 5, 2023

Daniel John went to see Olly Murs at the O2 Arena on April 29.

Tokio Hotel Make Grand Return To London With First Show On New ‘Beyond The World’ European Tour

May 2, 2023

Tokio Hotel kicked off the start of their ‘Beyond The World’ European Tour with a fantastic show at London’s Indigo at the O2 on Sunday night.

A Very Irish Weekend With Pete Gardiner and Nathan Carter.

March 22, 2023

Steve Holley spent an extended St Patrick’s Day weekend listening to Irish music – first singer songwriter Pete Gardiner, and then Irish Country artist, Nathan Carter.

Henry Grace Brings ‘Alive in America’ To Intimate Venue OMEARA With Real Style – Saturday 4th March 2023

March 9, 2023

Steve Holley visited Omeara last weekend and discovered a new favourite artist in Henry Grace.

The Vamps Celebrate Their 10 Year Journey in Cardiff!

December 6, 2022

The time has FINALLY come for The Vamps to celebrate 10 wonderful years together! Their Greatest Hits tour kicked off in Manchester on the 22nd of November, and fans have been partying ever since as the band take to stages all over the country!

Aly & AJ Bring ‘A Touch Of The Beat’ To London In 7 November Show At O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

November 8, 2022

After a string of EP releases and compilation releases, Aly & AJ returned in 2021 with their third studio album ‘A Touch Of The Beat Gets You Up On Your Feet Gets You Out and Then In The Sun’ and with a string of tour dates following suit, including an evening at London’s finest O2 Shepherds Bush Empire.

LIVE REVIEW: Marcus McCoan @ O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire Supporting Natalie Imbruglia

October 14, 2022

For the 25th anniversary of her landmark album ‘Left Of The Middle,’ Natalie Imbruglia gathers people around the country to sing along to the hits we all know so well. On an October evening, people queue up at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire to witness this Australian sensation. 

Delta Dawn: Lafayette London Plays Host To Australian Star Delta Goodrem

October 13, 2022

London’s Lafayette venue played host last night to Australia’s darling, Delta Goodrem. Tickets for the show sold out within minutes of going on sale, proving Delta’s impact. It’s been a long time coming.

Ben Abraham Is Back In London To Play ‘Friendly Fire’ At Lovely Venue, Lafayette

September 14, 2022

Last week, almost a year to the day after his live performance at Omeara, Ben Abraham came back to London to play songs from his latest brilliant album, ‘Friendly Fire’, to an adoring audience who braved the pouring Autumn rain to fill Lafayette to see these hugely moving songs sung live.

Simeon Hammond Dallas Wows Audiences At Her EP Launch In London And Then Opens At The Long Road Festival.

September 7, 2022

I first heard of Simeon through friends who had seen her perform at The Black Deer Festival and been wowed by her versatility and stunning vocals and so when I was able to see her sing live at her sell out EP launch at The Lexington in late August I jumped at the chance.