Sunday 29 May 2016

Leicester City F.C Victory Parade


An amazing 250,000 Leicester City fans had taken to the streets to celebrate an incredible achievement by their team in winning the Barclays Premier League against all the odds. In fact those odds were a mere 5000/1 at the start of the season! There was more chance of finding life on Mars or even finding Elvis alive, it was only 500/1 that Simon Cowell became the next Prime Minister just to add further perpective !! We caught the train from Wellingborough and actually struggled to advance very far up the London Road. As far as the eye could see both sides of the road were a sea of blue and white. The parade of 4 open top buses set off from Jubilee Square at 6pm, and snaked towards Victoria Park. Leicester winning the title has been called the greatest sporting success of all time. By far the biggest achievement in the clubs 132 year history. So as a longstanding supporter I had to be there on this special night. The success was so unexpected as the team only narrowly avoided relegation last season. But they did finish on a high so the form line was there for those who were brave enough. Leicester City’s victory meant a £20 million industry-wide payout by bookmakers. The largest single sum won was £72,000, when an anonymous Foxes fan cashed out his £50 bet in March – despite standing to win £250,000 if Leicester went all the way. A lot of the credit has to go to 64 year old charismatic Manager Claudio Ranieri. He has been a calming influence throughout the season calling the Leicester story a favola – a fairy tale. When he managed Chelsea in the early 2000s, he was labelled 'the Tinkerman’ for constantly changing the line-up, something that never happened with Leicester. Leicester used fewer players than any other Premier League team to win the title. Over the 36 matches, the Foxes only started 18 players – with just 19 making an appearance overall.
When I worked at Barclaycard the trophy would quite often make an appearance in the building. The picture below was taken about 5 years ago. It was a sunny evening and the atmosphere on the streets was electric, the coaches seemed to be moving at a snails pace , that is until I tried to get a decent close up photo. All the local businesses and shops were also decked out in blue and white which added to the atmosphere. I was pleased at least to get a decent photo of top scorer and England international 'Jamie Vardy. Also a nice one of Club Ambassador and 'legend' Alan Birchenall. The assembled Leicester City team cost £54.4 million – compared to runner-up Arsenal’s £251.9 million and fourth place Manchester City’s £418.8 million. In December Gary Lineker tweeted, ‘If Leicester win the @premierleague I’ll do the first MOTD of next season in just my undies.’ He has promised to stick to his word. What a season !Next step The Champions League.... Finally a couple more from a very memorable night.

Saturday 7 May 2016

Wilko Johnson & Joanne Shaw Taylor - Leamington Spa

A very interesting double bill with the up and coming Blues singer-songwriter Joanne Shaw Taylor and veteran ex Dr Feelgood rock/rhythm/blues singer,songwriter and guitarist Wilko Johnson.


Only familiar with one track by JST 'Mudhoney' that got a lot of airplay on Planet Rock. But i've heard her called the female 'Joe Bonamassa' who has called her 'a superstar in waiting'so high praise indeed. She also shares the same Producer as Joe Bonamassa in Kevin Shirley. Her influence include ;Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert Collins. We were actually here more to see JST more than the headliner Wilko Johnson in actual fact! As usual we got up close to the stage , to the left this time which made a change. The set kicked off with 'Mudhoney' which really set the tone for what was to follow. Over half of the songs came from her fourth and latest album 'The Dirty Truth' which she said was inspired by her ex-partner and his wandering ways..... Nothing like a cheating partner to get the creative writing juices flowing she added. Really enjoyed the set and I agree with JB we are going to see a whole more of her in the future.

Full Set List 
  •  Mudhoney
  • Outlaw Angel
  • Wrecking Ball
  • Tried, Tested and True
  • Jump that Train
  • Watch em' Burn
  • The Dirty Truth
‘I’m supposed to be dead!’ So said Wilko in a recent interview, having been diagnosed in late 2012 with terminal pancreatic cancer. But despite the doctors’ worst predictions he continued to perform and present himself with vigour and a new zest for life. In 2013, Wilko announced that, thanks to a second opinion and subsequent life-saving surgery, he was cancer-free. Canvey Islands finest teamed up with Lee Brilleaux in the mid 70's with Dr Feelgood. His biggest influence was the 'stabbing' style of Mick Green from Johnny Kidd and the Pirates. His style hasn't changed much since those days as he scurries and shuffles across the stage effortlessly with the occasional scowl thrown in for the audience. It is the simplicity that he brings to the songs such as; 'She Does It Right' 'Back in the Night' and a Chuck Berry tribute 'Bye Bye Johnny'. Wilko was backed by drummer, Dylan Howe, and ex-Blockhead Norman Watt-Roy on bass who provided funk and power and is quite a character.
On this form let’s hope he remains on the road for years to come after all he is only 68...

 Full Set List
  • Alright
  • If you want me, you've got me
  • The more I give (Dr Feelgood song)
  • Dr Dupree
  • Going back home (Dr Feelgood song)
  • Sneakin'suspicion  (Dr Feelgood song)
  • Keep on loving you
  • Wooly Bully (Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs song)
  • Machine gun guitar
  • The beautiful Madrilena
  • Paradise (Dr Feelgood song)
  • Everybody's carrying a gun
  • Back in the night (Dr Feelgood song)
  • She does it  right (Dr Feelgood song)
  • Bye Bye Johnny (Chuck Berry song)

Knee Arthroscopy

  Hopefully It's going to be third time lucky with the twice cancelled Knee Op. Previously Covid and Doctors Strikes have conspired top ...