This website is generally focused on Notts music from the mid 50’s to the mid 80’s but don’t think that I’m not out and about today. While I have a fondness for the groups of old (it was my time after all) and it is easy to fall into the comparison trap sometimes I still have a passion for getting out and seeing and hearing live music. Not all but a l lot of that is predominantly local. So as an occasional update I’ll mention a few of my exploits as they happen.

And remember “music doesn’t get old, it is the people that get old”

2024 January to March
Local venues for my first 3 months of this year have been The Bodega, Rock City, JT Soar, Rescue Rooms, Billy Bootleggers, Lincolnshire Poacher, Rough Trade, Old Angel, Saltbox, The Lion and The Chameleon which has now sadly closed.
I’ve had so many great nights in that place. Played plenty of times too. The last time was in February as “Sharp Thorns” at the “Electronic Music Open Mic” night. I first went to the Chameleon shortly after it opened. Originally run by that great character Nick Turner, I remember being at the bar when a customer said to Nick “Your toilets smell and are filthy” (they were a bit rum if truth be told) and Nick replied “Well, why don’t you f… off then”. We all laughed because we knew the coarse wit of Nick and to the customers credit he took it in jest. I was also basically “in the room” when the Sleaford Mods guys met all those years ago. I have no real memory of it except someone doodling some beats on his laptop in the background.
I used to have an annual party at The Chameleon for many years with bands that straddled the Nick era with John and Lauren’s time in charge. Sound man Simon did the most amazing job over those years because the diversity of acts that played there was amazing. Some acts I put on were The Wickets (lead singer Joe Need is now in Bored Marsh), Practical Lovers, Jupiter Monkeys, Fez (I was in them), Captain Cor Blimey and the Governors, The Blackmarket Sound (I was in them), Baby Godzilla, Snapshot (I was in them), Aladdin Sainsburys, The Did, Fake News (I was in them), Doggen All Stars, Walter, Nick Turner and some others I’ve now forgot.
I would occasionally DJ, vinyl of course, at the Chameleon and one of my most memorable nights was when Johnny Vegas turned up with his entourage. The night had been going well but suddenly the place was heaving and I had just got into my stride with funky disco grooves for a Saturday night. My mate Phil who was with me couldn’t believe his eyes. Great place. It will be missed.

I went to “Beat the Streets” in January with Ian and Olly. We ran into Niall who was over from Portugal. Brilliant day seeing Bored Marsh, Fat Digester, Girlband, Duty Mighty, 94 Gunships, Cam Mannix, The Petebox, Penny Moon, Victory Lap & Grain. A bunch of friends playing in those groups. Georgie in Girlband, Joe in Bored Marsh, Tony and Kev in Duty Mighty, Paul in Fat Digester and Ben from 49 Gunships.

EMOM and Church of Sound provide electronic entertainment including Peter Challoner, Llyn Y Cwn, Waterflower, Coresonic, Seepings, Swansither, Nova, Trice, Sharp Thorns, Yodest, Jarrow Junction, Hexial, Modular ESP, Andy and Grace, Midnite Moroder, No Masters, Dog Explosion & Siouxsie Suicide.

Sam Shaw, Bloodworm, Sancho Panza, Tranks, and Marvin’s Revenge at the Chameleon during the last weekend of entertainment. Also Eyre Llew, Set The Fire, Twinhead, Airport Dad, Henge, Dogshow, Purple Sun, Acapocalpse & Penny Moon at various places.

I like to take in the Sunday night music at the Lincolnshire Poacher. It also provides an occasional chat with some older musicians with stories to tell that helps me with my research. Artists I have seen there this year so far include Gaffa (Nottm 70’s faves), The Last Pedestrians featuring Harry Stephenson (also on the Nottm 70s circuit), Georgie, Dusty 4 Track, Magic Car, The Mesmerists, Ben James, Paul Robinson, Ali Bonsai & Old Nick Trading Company.