After a few beers on the train and a twilight wander through the glowing buzz of Soho, we arrived at the majestic Royal Albert Hall cloaked in equal parts nostalgia and anticipation. It was the final night (for now) of Bob Dylan’s epic three-year world tour, a rare opportunity to witness a true icon of modern music history… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/bob-dylan/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

Gig Review: Stereophonics, The Blossoms and Jake Bugg – Sandringham Hammy was on driving duty again – for which I’m always grateful – with daughter Gabs and her boyfriend Jude in tow. The plan seemed simple enough, but Norfolk had other ideas. The last eight miles took three and a half hours. Good job we’d stocked up on… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/stereophonics/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

Oasis – Wembley Stadium, 27th September 2025 Gemma was my gig partner for this one. She swung by at 13:30 and we set off for Newbury Park. Roadworks meant a diversion through Harold Wood, but the Elizabeth line soon had us into Liverpool Street. A pit stop at Patty &amp; Bun for a much-needed tea, then it was… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/oasis/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

IIPC Magazines Ltd | 14p | Edited by Barrie Tomlinson Back in November 1980, this issue of Tiger and Speed hit the shelves — and I was ten years old, sprinting (well, walking fast) to the paper shop between TISWAS and the start of Grandstand. Forty-odd years later, it’s part of my ever-growing digital archive — one of… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/tiger-and-speed-nov-8th-1980/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

The Boomtown Rats – Cambridge Corn Exchange – 25 October 2025 The day started with Neil driving to Ely to see them take on Woodbridge. There were a few matches closer to Cambridge, but we went for that one as local lad Connor Field was turning out for Woodbridge. They ran out 3–1 winners, with Field getting one… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/boomtown-rats/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

A Night of Nostalgia: I Should Be So Lucky – Live in Southend My unapologetic love for the music of Stock, Aitken &amp; Waterman is no secret. While some scoff at their glossy pop productions, I wear my admiration proudly. So when I heard that a stage show featuring their greatest hits was touring, I snapped up tickets… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/i-should-be-so-lucky/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

The 1980s were a rollercoaster of neon, noise, and nostalgia—but these aren’t just chart hits. They’re songs that shaped my world, each carrying memories, emotions, or moments that still stick with me. Not necessarily the best—but definitely the most personal. 10 &#8211; The Jam – Going Underground This isn’t just a protest song—it’s a punch in the face.… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/versos-80s/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

A chaotic rail-replacement journey, a failed hunt for food and Starsailor in top form at Norwich UEA. A brilliant set, huge crowd energy and a reminder of how many of their songs you know without real...

Back to The Apex for the second time in four days, this time with my sister, Tamara—and it was all about pop royalty. Jason Donovan, the Australian actor-turned-singer who defined late 80s pop for many of us, returned to the UK stage in style, proving that charm, energy and a knack for showmanship don’t fade with time. Pop,… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/jason-donovan/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

Nine pence. That’s what Saturday cost.A walk to the paper shop, breath in the air that smelt like chip fat and damp leaves, and there it was – Roy of the Rovers. Thirty-odd pages of glory, mud and moral certainty. Cover – “Racey’s Rocket!” Roy in full flight, red shirt flashing, a blur of hair and optimism. Racey’s… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/roy-of-the-rovers-nov-11th-1978/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

The first gig of the year and what a way to kick it off. Neil, Hammy and I made a Friday pilgrimage to the capital, complete with a hearty pre-show dinner at The Argyll Arms and some pre-gig anticipation. Destination: the legendary 100 Club for a night of 2-Tone nostalgia. The Venue: A London Institution For those unfamiliar,… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/the-specials-ltd-2/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

Welcome to the Felixstowe Authors Directory — a growing showcase of writers living in or connected to Felixstowe. From memoirists and mental health advocates to crime novelists and children’s storytellers, this page celebrates the literary talent emerging from our Suffolk coast. Each featured author brings a unique voice and story, contributing to the cultural life of our town… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/felixstowe-authors/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

Writing about the best television from the past decade is no easy feat. Over the years, I’ve spent an unholy number of hours watching everything from reality TV and dramas to sports coverage, kids’ shows, and true crime. This list is based solely on shows I’ve actually watched that premiered between 2010 and 2019. Some didn’t make the… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/my-top-tv-of-the-decade-2010-2019/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

This month it was the turn of our good ladies to take the reins. The brief was simple: each of us asked our partner to choose the album. No rules, no persuasion (well, not officially). The result? A night that was more eclectic, tuneful, and at times more argumentative than any of us predicted. Kelly (Bryn’s pick) –… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/ladies-choice/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

I’ll be honest — I’d never seen an episode of Scott &amp; Bailey until three weeks ago. Not one. Didn’t know the plots, didn’t know who got bumped off, and couldn’t have told you the difference between Janet and Rachel if you’d offered me a pint. Fast-forward to now, and I’ve binged the lot. All five series. No… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/scott-bailey/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

The campaign started with a match against Greece’s Aris Salonika. We emerged victorious, with a score of 5-1, thanks to Sir John Wark’s impressive performance – he netted four (three of which were penalties). I distinctly recall the referee booking Mariner for kicking the ball over the stand. It’s just as well we didn’t have that ref around… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/ipswichs-1981-uefa-cup-win/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

Revisit issue 14 of Gary Lineker’s Hot Shot from November 1988, a football comic that burned bright and brief before merging into Roy of the Rovers. Stories of ambition, working-class grit and footbal...

First published on JVTV, November 2017 | Reformatted, May 2025 The Soundtrack of My Childhood Music wasn’t just background noise in my childhood—it was the lifeblood of our home. It played from our Freemans catalogue hi-fi, a bulky, faux-wood machine paid off at £2.75 a week for an entire year. It stood proudly in the corner of our… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/my-life-in-music/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

My 2024 live music journey began and ended in the same venue—Kentish Town Forum—and fittingly, with two of Liverpool’s finest. It kicked off with Cast, and closed in style with The Lightning Seeds, delivering a euphoric night that was the perfect send-off for another year of brilliant gigs. 35 Years of Melodic Brilliance From the moment the band… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/lightning-seeds/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

Nine pence. That’s what Saturday cost.A walk to the paper shop, breath in the air that smelt like chip fat and damp leaves, and there it was – Roy of the Rovers. Thirty-odd pages of glory, mud and mor...

I’ll be honest — I’d never seen an episode of Scott &amp; Bailey until three weeks ago. Not one. Didn’t know the plots, didn’t know who got bumped off, and couldn’t have told you the difference between Janet and Rachel if you’d offered me a pint. Fast-forward to now, and I’ve binged the lot. All five series. No… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/scott-bailey/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

A reflective look at Tammy & Sandie from 10 November 1973 — a snapshot of 1970s British girls’ comics, from Back-Stab Ballerina to Wee Sue, revisited with humour and hindsight.

As featured on Verso’s Home Run – Tuesday 23rd May 2023 There’s a fine line between fame and deserved acclaim. Some groups gain massive followings, iconic status, and decades of adoration—but does that automatically make their music great? This list doesn’t include novelty acts or talent show runners-up. It focuses on critically celebrated, commercially successful bands who, in… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/overrated-groups/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>