This was billed as a tribute to John Walters. The Johnson's were supposed to perform at 6.30 but last minute changes meant they actually played at 9pm; by they played I'd had a few drinks and no dinner.

Interestingly the evening started with a singer-songwriter who (in profile) looked like a young Elvis. No-one but me mentioned this, but those I pointed it out to did agree.

Good to see the Johnsons again, they don't seem to have played around London lately.

This was a single launch event featuring 4 bands including the Johnsons. As the Johnsons took the stage soon after 9 there seemed to be hardly anyone there, but by the end of their first song the place was packed. I suppose all these people were hanging around downstairs. Bit odd as the bar was empty upstairs. The highly energetic and entertaining Johnsons were followed by City Lights who also put on a good performance. After a long wait at the bar I made it back in time for The Fairies Band. There seemed too many of them for the stage but apart from falling over each other from time to time they managed to keep up the tempo of the evening. I'm afraid I missed the last band as I had another go at getting a drink and ended up chatting. Overall a good evening (especially as it was free). As is often the case with single launch parties, there seemed to be no sign of said single.

I don't often venture south of the river :-) but after my expedition to the Docklands Party I decided that maybe New Cross wasn't too far to go.

7pm The Johnsons - Had just seen them down the road in Lewisham, so they were warmed up. Lighting wasn't as good as the fox, but quite reasonable.

8pm ish The Fighting Cocks. Quite a distinctive band as you can see from the photo

9pm ish Trash Fashion - good fun

10pm ish Man Like Me Recommended to me by Mama Shamone.

Interesting, pulled ceiling down at end. Not sure whether the show continued as I went off to Goldsmiths Tavern. There was a bizarre queue, after 10 mins got in to find the place half empty, hmmm. No lights at all, a real insult to the paying public and indeed complete lack of respect for the bands. It was so dark I couldn't actually see to take a proper picture with flash. I "saw" a NZ band called Die Die Die who seemed quite good, but I was having a drink during their set, so no pics. I think I may have had 40 winks around this point.

Midnight Ebony Bones, this band had elaborate costumes which no-one could see because it was pitch black. You are privileged to get a peep here. There seemed to be an huge number of people crammed into the band, and the crowd felt quite packed too. Seemed a good band.

1am Mama Shamone - as good as ever

2am Night Bus home (well 3 night buses in total to arrive home a 4.30) So I discovered that there are some excellent venues with lights in South london (the Fox in Lewisham and the Amersham Arms in New Cross) and one (Goldsmith's Arms) which made the worst black holes of Hoxton and Camden seem worthy venues. If I were a band I would not insult my fans by playing at the Goldsmiths Arms. Overall though I was surprised by the variety in the music I saw during the day I enjoyed the restaged event.

A little detour on the way to New Cross. Very good venue, lovely lights !

A quiet evening in Portobello road

Things run a bit late at the Inn on the Green, luckily it finished in time for me to catch my last tube. The lights seem much improved since I last visited this relaxed venue.

The Johnsons survived the long wait till they headlined without getting hopelessly drunk, and fortunately pussy cat's voice survived the night, hopefully it will be ok for Clapham tomorrow. Usual wild night with the Johnsons, seems an age since I last saw them, hopefully won't be so long till I see them at Mau Mau on the 4th May.

Monkey Chews was easy enough to find (just round the corner from Chalk Farm tube) much more difficult to get in. It used to be a pub with lots (well maybe 3) doors which are all blocked up now. After walking round twice I found the entrance. Once inside it looked like a normal pub - quite cosy but no sign of any bands. Afterchecking the toilets, the kitchen and the cleaner's cupboardI found the secret door which led upstairs. There, in a room upstairs above a pub I found the Johnsons about to begin their set. It rather reminded me of the gigs I used to see upstairs at the Chippenham (Raincoats, Modettes, Tesco Bombers). The line between the audience and the band is a thin one. You just have to feel part of the gig rather than a disinterested spectator who happens to have wandered in for a drink.

The Johnsons do not disappoint with their energetic set which leaves the whole room dripping with sweat by the end of the first song. Pussycat Johnson manages to fill what little space remains between the Johnsons and the crowd with her prancing and pouncing and stretching - like a dervish with a microphone. This makes the guys in the band look relatively sedate, but this is an illusion. So after half an hour we're all exhaused. City Lights also played an enjoyable set but I needed a drink, so there are no photos.

Smatkas gig at the Star & Garter in Hoxton was a great gig except she had to play at 11.30 due to the first band who played very late(more details in origane's blog page) and the Johnsons played rather long too. Smatka played at 11.30 and it was too late for everybody to stick around and watch.
IT was a succulent gig and I was well drunk so took advantage of it to dance around selflessly, which is so agreable. Smatkas music is very danceable but also not danceable because she is so curious as a stage act that sometimes the dancing has to stop to watch hat actually is happening.
SHe did her favourite songs, the laptop worked very well this time and she was wearing half of the ORigane Fashion latest outfit, which looked fantastic (except the buttons are not sewn straight) Voltane was quietly headbanging to the music and PJ and Sam even more quietly, her act soaked in us as a treasure it is. Sean from Rock Band Best Wishes was there and seemed to also enjoy the show.

We managed to catch the last tube home.,

O-F