Rock and Pop: Latest News > September 23
Published: 23 September 2010
by ROISIN GADELRAB
REMEMBER the great BBC Electric Proms of 2008 – Oasis, Glasvegas and Burt Bacharach at the Roundhouse, Goldfrapp at Cecil Sharp House, the incredible Africa Express marathon at Koko, and The Last Shadow Puppets in Liverpool? It was the best of the Proms – multi-venue, multi-genre, multi-generational, spanning north and south.
Last year the Beeb tightened its belt and shrank to one venue but still pulled in the huge acts – Dame Shirley Bassey, Smokey Robinson and Dizzee Rascal.
So what happened this year? It’s always fantastic to see classic legends in a venue as concise as the Roundhouse but the Proms has been reduced to three nights: headliners Elton John, Robert Plant and Neil Diamond - over 60 and white (or perma-tanned). Younger names such as Plan B will support but still, the Proms was such a huge event and a chance for surprises and unexpected collaborations. A move away from the fuddy-duddy traditional Proms that clogs up our TVs annually.
Did this really have to be a casualty of the cuts?
• Don’t miss Party for Pakistan – fave acts on the bill include Akala, Lowkey, Riz MC, and Facejacker – you know who I mean – at the 02 Academy Islington (September 29).
• Who is Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger I hear you ask? Although the musos out there probably know. This is Sean Lennon and girlfriend Charlotte Kemp Muhl’s collaboration. Expect beautifully crafted songs from their debut gig (Roundhouse, October 13).
• Seasick Steve plays the Blues Kitchen (October 7) – it’s an odd-shaped venue but old Seasick can bring any stage to life – do NOT miss this.