Dave Robinson, The Story of Stiff Records at The Half Moon

Putney. Sunday 10-March-2019.

Back in 2017 we really enjoyed the talk and Q'n'A session with Bruce Iglauer, founder of Alligator Records so when we saw "Dave Robinson, The Story of Stiff Records - If It Ain’t Stiff, It Ain’t Worth A F...k" advertised we just had to go along.

For the first half Dave gave us an insight into his biography pre-Stiff records as a photographer and how he got into the music business. Then followed a series of tales of the artists he signed, how he found them and video clips of them performing. For a small independent label the calibre of artists is truly impressive including Elvis Costello, The Damned, Ian Dury and the Blockheads, Lena Lovich, Madness, the list goes on...

What came across very strongly was the ethos of the company, of looking after the artists, unlike the big labels. It was a family affair; they made a real effort to promote all of the bands and look after their welfare.

After the break it was more stories including how he promoted the bands using The Stiff Tours and then taking questions from the audience. He let us know that he is working on a book which will doubtless be worth adding to the Christmas list when it comes out.

This was the first of a proposed series of Eight O'Clock Rock Chats to be hosted by The Half Moon. Ones to watch out for.

Peter Donegan Band at The Half Moon

Putney, London. Sunday 13-January-2019.

Mary got an email from The Half Moon mailing list announcing that Peter Donegan (son of Lonnie Donegan), booked to play the following weekend, was about to appear on The Voice. So we watched The Voice and decided to pop along. Despite national TV exposure, there were still tickets available for the princely sum of £12 (or £14 on the door).

A meal beforehand in the pub then into the room for the support act who was actually one of the band. Unfortunately I didn't make a note of his name but he did a good set.

Then the man of the hour.

He did remark that a few days before he had played to six (6!) people at a gig in Scotland. I am glad to say this was a lot better attended.

At the end I went to buy the latest CD. When I like the music I always like to do that, not just to listen to the music but to support the musician; they get the money direct into their pocket with no middlemen nor distributors.

His friend / manager / business partner insisted on borrowing my phone to take some pictures and who am I to disagree.

Nice man, good music, excellent evening.

Catfish and Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion at the Half Moon

Putney, London. Sunday 25-March-2018.

We have wanted to see Catfish again since since we saw them at the Great British Rock and Blues Festival 2017. But their tours dates and our peregrinations never seemed to coincide until now. Quick! Tickets booked and table reserved for pre-gig dining.

I was visiting Mum that afternoon and arriving just in time. The joys of modern technology: Mary texted me a photo of the menu so I could choose while I was still on the train and she could order so that my food was ready as I was walking in the door.

The format was an hour from each band. Catfish were as excellent as last time.

Then Zoe Schwarz and her band on for the second set.

Matt Long, lead guitarist with Catfish, joined Blue Commotion for a couple of songs before the venue's curfew kicked in.

As ever at this venue I am amazed that you can get two hours of excellent live music for a tenner. I tell you I don't get the economics of being a musician. The venue is small and I doubt there were 60 people in the room. Subtract the overheads, room hire, etc. then divided by the number of musicians it can scarcely be a living wage.

Maybe they get a percentage of the bar takings? Unlike New Orleans, not even a tip jar. However they do sell a fair few CD's so that must help. We bought Catfish's CD, we could have bought it online but we prefer to buy direct from up and coming bands like this.

Paul Young's Los Pacaminos at Half Moon

Putney, London. Friday 24-March-2017.

This was supposed to be John Lee Hooker at Under The Bridge but that was cancelled due to "unforseen circumstances" so we invoked Plan B.

Paul Young has a wonderful voice and I remember his early singles "Love of the Common People" and "Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home)". Since those days he has eschewed pop music, the charts, and stardom for a back-to-basics approach and low key gigs in pubs and nightclubs. He apparently formed this Tex-Mex band back in 1993.

I went with friends Grant and John for meal beforehand at Hudson's just a few doors along. Described on Google as "Easygoing, family-friendly neighbourhood restaurant with outdoor seats, serving global comfort food." I'd second that.

Paul is the one with the grey stubbly beard and the check shirt.

I enjoyed the music well enough although Tex-Mex wouldn't be top of my preferred musical styles. The band were clearly having a good time and that adds to the atmosphere.

There was a support act then they did two sets so we certainly got our money's worth.

An enjoyable evening.

Lucy Zirins supporting Aynsley Lister at the Half Moon

Putney, London. Thursday 01-December-2016

We went to see Lucy Zirins at the Half Moon Putney supporting some other bloke. A bit of a last minute decision and our plan had been to eat in the pub beforehand. What we had failed to take into account was the Christmas rush - every table was reserved apart from a couple of round standing tables. As one of those came free we dived in just to have somewhere to park our beer. Chatting to the outgoing occupants, it turns out they were going to the gig as well and were eating beforehand in a restaurant just down the road. So we follow their example, finished our drinks, walked down to Hudsons and discovered a delightful little bistro and a tasty meal.

Then it was back to the Halfmoon just in time for Lucy's set - half a dozen numbers including a cover of "Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor" which I know well from listening to Missisippi John Hurt although Lucy's version had much more, and different, lyrics than MJH's pared down version.

I am not sure what it says about the state of live music but the audience demographic was very skewed. Lots of middle-aged, or older, single blokes. Maybe they weren't all single and it was just that their partners weren't interested in standing up in a pub for a couple of hours drinking beer. But they are helping keep music live, so I'm not knocking them, just observing. By the time Aynsley came on the later arrivals had swung the audience mix to a more balanced crowd including younger people and couples.

Lucy was as charming as before and sung beautifully. Didn't need to buy any CD's as we'd bought them all when we saw her at the Green Note.

Aynsley Lister rocked out a very guitar-led set. We had not heard of him before but here are lots of rave reviews out there. Always great to discover a new artiste. Most impressed with his talent we bought a copy of his latest album, Eyes Wide Open. Looking forward to listening to that later.

Robbie McIntosh at the Half Moon

Putney, London. Saturday 19-March-2016

Another gig with our visiting US friend Delton. We knew nothing of Robbie but his CV lists some well known names. He was with The Pretenders for five years and has played with Roger Daltry, Paul McCartney and Norah Jones.

Robbie played some fine rockin' blues music. He makes it looks so effortless. Whenever you see someone who can do that you know they are a master of their art. I can see why he is in demand as a session musician.

An enjoyable meal before at Alquimia Spanish Restaurant & Tapas Bar then a full two-set gig at the Half Moon. It continues to amaze me that you can see superb musicians up close in small venues for the price of a couple of pints.

Rolan Bolan at The Half Moon Putney

Sunday 29-June-2014.

From the stage version on Saturday to the real thing on Sunday: Rolan Feld Bolan at The Half Moon Putney. Having seen the last night of the London run of 20th Century Boy on the Saturday it was a serendipitous coincidence that Marc's son, Rolan Bolan, was playing the Half Moon at Putney on the Sunday.

We had friends round for Sunday lunch for a five and a half hour, leisurely and boozy lunch with many fine wines. I was in two minds whether to go or not as the thought of a siesta was very appealing but, as Mary pointed out, when would I next to able to get to see Rolan. It was not quite "a once in a lifetime" opportunity as I am sure he will have a successful musical career but Putney is only a 20 minute bus ride away. A quick call confirmed there were tickets available on the door so off I went.

Arrived there in good time, got a beer and a front row seat. I would have expected it to be packed with fans of his dad wishing the son well. There were a couple of T.Rex / Bolan t-shirts on display and I ended up moving back a row to chat to a couple of fans behind me.

It can be a two-edged sword to be the offspring of famous parents. He is writing and composing his own material but he did include three Marc songs in the set. He did them well and it is good that he feels able to honour his dad's legacy.

The Half Moon is a small venue so I was able to have a quick word with Rolan up at the bar afterwards. Thanked him for an enjoyable set and asked if he had seen the musical; he had not.

Then off home having completed a Bolan double bill weekend.

Too Rex and Strange Orchestra at The Half Moon

Putney, London. Saturday 26-April-2104

A chance to see Strange Orchestra and Too Rex on the same bill was too good an opportunity to miss. I have seen T.Rextasy several times but never Too Rex so I was interested to see how they compared.

On the other hand I have seen the wonderful Strange Orchestra at a couple of the annual Bop in Golders Green. They play the music of Tyrannosaurus Rex which is more my era and preference and the main reason I wanted to go.

Mary wasn't interested so she stayed at home and I went with my old friend Ros. We had for a drink beforehand and met up with several FaceBook friends.

Pre-gig drinks

First on were Strange Orchestra who did a set of Tyrannosaurus Rex ranging all the way from "Beginning of Doves" to "A Beard of Stars". It was a magical set, Marc Hartley really nailed the voice spot on. I was getting all nostalgic for my youth.

Next up were Too Rex who did two sets. They are good. It is hard to say how they compare to T.Rextasy as this is such a small venue. "Intimate" is the term often used, and the whole atmosphere is very different to the large scale gigs where I have been to see T.Rextasy. It is good that there is room for two tribute bands. I have since learned there is also a Scottish tribute band called Hot Love.

A most enjoyable evening. At the end I said cheerio to a few people and toddled off home on the bus my ears ringing - but not too loudly.

...and, as always in an Elvish abode, dreams of the gentlest texture.