Rock and Pop: Latest News > May 19
Published: 19 May, 2011
by ROISIN GADELRAB
LAST week I called for Camden to have a permanent music ambassador and before the day was out our rock ‘n’ roll mayor, Councillor Jonathon Simpson – whose reign ended last week – was appointed the borough’s first music tzar.
If Camden Council is in the mood for granting wishes, I’ve got an envelope of aspirations right here...
So congratulations to Tzar Simpson, who’s been charged with protecting and promoting the musical heritage of the borough. His deep zeal for all things musical makes him the ideal candidate.
He’s already cooking up a number of projects and is inviting suggestions on twitter @simpsonjonathan for what his first act should be as Tzar.
Judging by the success he had with the borough music map, maybe he can nudge the promised “Walk of Fame” into fruition, and perhaps lobby the BBC to bring back the Electric Proms.
• We hear the security surrounding Snoop Dogg’s show at Kentish Town Forum on Tuesday was tougher than Heathrow. There was a massive queue outside the as each fan was handed clear plastic bags to empty their pockets into and throw in all watches and jewellery. They even confiscated my sister’s jelly sweets!
• Tuesday was a weighty night for our venues – Queens of The Stone Age were their giant selves at The Roundhouse and Mona was doing something equally as critical down the road at Electric Ballroom, while Snoop brought his entourage of scanty ladies to Kentish Town.
• Remember Ladysmith Black Mambazo, perhaps most notable for collaborating with Paul Simon on the Graceland album? They play Barbican on May 23. Paul Simon’s playing the iTunes Festival on July 1, maybe if they stick around a while they could recreate Graceland. Also on the Barbican’s schedule are Marianne Faithfull (May 24) and Ryan Adams (June 19).
• Two more mustn’t miss gigs – Seasick Steve, Electric Ballroom (May 26) and Black Lips tonight (May 19) at Relentless Garage.