We went along to KoKo in Camden tonight to see three members of the Algerian band Tinariwen, collaborating with twisted pop-folkies Tunng onstage.

It was a great show and it was nice to see the old Camden Palace (or Music Machine if you're even older) in such fine condition - even if the drinks are well pricey.

The late Victorian theatre has been restored beautifully, with the dark red and gold interior looking immaculate.

Fact: the venue was the last place AC/DC's Bon Scott was seen drinking before his death from alcohol poisoning in 1980

Fact! I played the Camden palace several times with several (failed) bands

Fact! I saw Prince do a secret gig there once. There were wall-to-wall music celebs inside and his gig was quite probably one of the best shows I'd ever seen. He was amazing!

Labels: camden, gig, gigs

This was a heap of fun.


The lively Betty and the Werewolves.


Actionettes getting it on between band sets.


The Priscillas giving it large.


The sensational Peggy Sue and the Pirates. They were absolutely awesome - a bit like a younger, more chaotic Be Good Tanyas. Be sure to check 'em out if you can .

I'm trying to get them to play Offline but they replied (nicely) with the the worst words a free gig promoter can hear: "Talk to our agent."

That invariably translates into, "not a chance, chief!"

Labels: camden, gigs, photos

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Camden

After not setting foot in Camden for ages, I found myself being given a tour of the super swanky Roundhouse building on Wednesday afternoon and then returning again to see The Actionettes dance at the Monkey Chews pub for a birthday. Nice boozer it was too.

Later on we walked to the Enterprise pub by Chalk Farm and loved it.


Downstairs was all fun and happening rock and roll and rockabilly while upstairs was...

...a feast of shoe shuffling indiepop introspection. We stayed downstairs.



Next day I strolled up Railton Road passing the fabulously named Majestical Lips before taking a wander about Brockwell Park.

Later on I took another of my big London walks - expect some more pics soon!

Cardiff



Today I've managed to post up some more Cardiff photos including some from what's now been called, the 'Cafe Quarter.' They might give it a designer name, but I imagine a Saturday night at Caroline Street is just as rough as it ever was (oh! the memories!).

Labels: camden, cardiff, photos