2025 has been a difficult year for me in many ways. Having said that, it has been an absolute classic year for me as a musician, a festival organiser and a gig go'er. I can honestly say I've seen some of the best gigs and my band The False Dots have also played some absolute belters. The Mill Hill Music Festival was amazing, as was the East Barnet Festival, with some amazing performances. So here is my pick of the year!
January.
The year got off to a great start with Carroll Thompson, queen of Lovers Rock at Ronnie Scotts. I have always been rather partial to a bit of reggae and lovers Rock. Carroll is a regular customer at the studio and is a lovely lady. A great way to kick off the year!
February.
In February, I went to see Bilk. From Essex, one of the best new rock and roll bands on the scene. Tom our trumpeter introduced me to Bilk and I am very glad he did. I saw them four times during the year, all of the shows were brilliant. Check them out if you like proper rock and roll.
Also on the 16th February - The False Dots celebrated our 46th birthday at The Dublin Castle- with Pete & The Lovehearts and The Colours. It was a great way to start the gigging year.
March.
In March there were a few brilliant gigs, this is my pick, Rockabilly/Rock and Roll legends The Delta's at The Boogaloo pub. I love the gospel lunches there. It's free as well, although if you want a table reserved, they charge £4. I'd recommend The Delta's to anyone. They had a hot back in the early 1980's and have lost none of their energy.
April.
The big highlight in April was the London International Ska Festival. My personal Favourite gig was Jah Wobble at the 100 club. I think Jah Wobble is one of the UK's most interesting and innovative artists.
Also on the 12th April the False Dots played at The Builders Arms, Barnet. It was the first of a couple of gigs. It was nice for us, as we could do two sets, giot paid decent money and could play two sets, so got to play some of the songs we don't usually play. It was a wonderful evening
May.
May saw a very special gig, The remaining Pogues got together for a show, for the first time since 2014. It was a brilliant night, lots of great guests.
Also on 25th May the False Dots launched our 2025 single Groovetown at The Dublin Castle with Dubvocaliza and Niall Logue in support. It was a great night and the single has been really well received, getting loads of radio coverage. It has been a central part of the set.
June
In June we had the Mill Hill Music Festival, which was amazing. Check out my festival diary here! It would be hard to picka personal favourite, it was all pretty brilliant.
As for other gigs, it has to be John McKay's Reactor. John was the original guitarist of Souixsie and the Banshees. It was amazing to hear the tracks with him on guitar.
July.
The highlight of July was undoubtedly The East Barnet Festival, here is Dubvocaliza, one of the highlights
We also had some storming False Dots gigs. 5th July - Jester Festival - Fortune Green, West Hampstead and the 12th July at The Builders Arms, Barnet.
August
August saw a few good gigs of note, not least The Healthy Junkies at the Butchers Arms in Barnet. A cracking set from a great band, not bad fo free in a Barnet pub.
On the 30th August, we had my Birthday party at Mill Hill Music Complex, where the False Dots put in a cracking set and we partied until the early hours.
September
September saw the rather good Crossroads festival in Cricklewood. It was great to be able to support the event and there was some amazing World music on display
October
Perhaps the highlight in October was something a bit different (for me) we went to see The Harder They Come at The Stratford Theatre, a great show.
For the band, we had some great fun at Maddies party on 10th October - Mill Hill Music Complex. A great night for all.
November
This was an easy one. The Saints at The Electric Ballroom. The first punk band I saw, back in 1977. The Aussie proto punks wewre back playing music from their first three albums. Ed Kuepper on guitar is IMHO a legend
And on 2nd November we were back at The Dublin Castle. We were previewing the tracks fromn our new album, it was a spiffing show. We got to play a bit longer at the Headliners failed to show up, which is always a laugh!
December
It was really stiff competition for the best gig in December. We had Madness, The Pogue Traders, The Deltas to name a few, but the one that will live with me was the Rock and Roll Rescue fundraiserfeaturing Knox of The Vibrators. The first punk album I ever bought was Puremania by The Vibrators and to hear the songs again was amazing. Knox has not been in best health, so to see him back on stage was a bit special.
And the False Dots did our final gig of the year on 21 December at The Dublin Castle. It was an absolute blast.
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