Then try keeping up with The Jones Gang.
After a long wait I recently visited The Roundhouse in Chalk Farm, one of London’s most historic and unusual theatres. I had noticed the building many times from trains entering or leaving Kings Cross and Euston and I was keen to take a closer look.
The Roundhouse opened in 1847 as a facility to service locomotives. It was later used as a warehouse. A similar building is located near Derby.
During the 1960s it was a top venue for popular bands. The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Move, Pink Floyd, Jeff Beck, The Who, Led Zeppelin and The Doors all performed here. Later the site was neglected and it was closed to the public.
Following lots of hard work by many people and organisations it reopened in 2006. It now provides a unique and intimate home for performing arts and education.
I saw Ronnie Spector. She was backed by The Ronettes and a great band. All of her hits were presented along with tales from her long and colourful life.
A week later I was at The Venue on Great Portland Street to see Kenney Jones and The Jones Gang.
Kenney too has had a very long career, notably as drummer for some great bands. I doubt that he ever regrets leaving the pickling factory where he earned his first wages.
His band played with loads of enthusiasm and the show was just great. Special mention must be made of vocalist Robert Hart. He is an ace front man. He really connected with the audience who responded to create a raucous atmosphere. Robert used to be in Bad Company and when he was in his teens he had trials with Leeds United. Impeccable credentials.
For any fans of The Who, The Faces and especially The Small Faces it was all too beautiful.
You couldn’t grumble.
Gordon's Gubbins. 