Steven Johnson
@stevenpj
Newcastle born, east London based music fan/gig goer. Deputy Editor at musicOMH.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the Nu Civilisation Orchestra, Laura Mvula, James Bay, Flyte and director Peter Edwards celebrating the 40th anniversary of Graceland by Paul Simon at the Royal Albert Hall last night. A fun show (the 23:30 finish, less fun).
Some photos from last night's excellent Prom. City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, CBSO Chorus, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, conductor Kazuki Yamada and pianists Lucas & Arthur Jussen playing Sinfonietta & Concerto for Two Pianos in D minor by Francis Poulenc and Harmonium by John Adams.
Rest in peace KK and thanks for the memories. Can't think of many people who had more of a positive impact on my life ❤️💔
Caroline and My New Band Believe at the Queen Elizabeth Hall as part of Rough Trade's 50th anniversary celebrations. Two superb sets from two brilliant, genre-blurring ensembles.
Been a couple of years since I've seen a gig at the QEH. Looking forward to seeing Caroline and My New Band Believe tonight.
Prog Rock Prom at the RAH. An expertly curated smorgasbord of eclectic, progressive, orchestral sounds courtesy of BBC Concert Orchestra and a cast of vocalists including Peter Hammill, Guy Garvey, Jane Weaver, Gruff Rhys, The Staves and Vanessa Haynes with introductions from Stuart Maconie.
Some photos from this morning's bike ride through Dalston, Haggerston & Bethnal Green.
Brian Bilston & The Catenary Wires at Water Rats last night. This was a lovely little show that saw them play the indie-pop-song-poems from last year's fine Sounds Made By Humans album. We also got new song Under A Cat and some readings of Brian's poems in between songs. @brianbilston.bsky.social
Blind date with the chancer We had oysters and dry lancers And the check when it arrived We went dutch, dutch, dutch
The B-52s bringing their ebullient, technicolour leftfield-pop and extroverted, uplifting party vibes to the O2 last night 🌈
Devo delivering their anarchic-mutant-art-punk and all-round musical mischief at the O2 last night 💥
Stunningly good show by The Orielles at the ICA last night. The way they have reinvented their sound over their last two albums is so impressive and songs from this year's Only You Left sounded particularly magnificent. Excellent support from Shaking Hand also.
And then we have Teenage Fanclub albums which merit a post of their own
Enjoyed seeing Warpaint at the RFH tonight. Heavier than I was expecting!
Excellent support set from Alexis Taylor & Rob Smoughton. All songs from Alexis' brilliant new album.
Went to see the Jimi Hendrix mural in Forest Gate (near to the site where the old Upper Cut Club was situated - Jimi played a show there on 28th January 1967 and wrote Purple Haze in the dressing room there on Boxing Day 1966). East London has always been the best place for live music 😄💜
Two hours of musical, visual and conceptual perfection courtesy of Kraftwerk at the Royal Albert Hall last night ❤️🤖
Thrillingly good show by David Cronenberg's Wife at an exceedingly hot and sweaty George Tavern last night.
Hannah Hu at the Shacklewell Arms. This was a great show, Hannah has some powerful songs and a soaring voice. She deserves to be big!
Bought a copy of @uncutmagazine.bsky.social to read the review of the new Boards Of Canada album by @michaelbonner.bsky.social and I'm pleased to see our respective reviews occupy similar ground.
Super Furry Animals being magnificent on stage at an exceedingly hot and sweaty Brixton Academy last night.