Simon Le Bon said they were the first band he ever saw, Paul Simonon of The Clash remembered them as “a great live band with good songs”, and Simon Napier-Bell described them as “the band that blew my bloody ears off!”
Everyone’s a Winner, The Story of a Punk Band Called London by John Van der Kiste, with a foreword by Simon Napier-Bell, is an illustrated history of the cult band including a song-by-song breakdown of their albums, a detailed discography, complete gig listings and over 300 photos.
Find out why Paul McCartney made a beeline for singer Riff at his Buddy Holly night and discover how London tried to pinch Captain Sensible from The Damned, only to have him steal their own drummer a few weeks later to replace Rat Scabies. Read about punch-ups on tour with The Stranglers, rubbing shoulders with all the punk greats of the day, and the time Sting nicked their original guitarist for The Police two days after he had joined London. Hear about their unlikely comeback 30 years later and their rock opera about 1960s gangland Soho.
Formed in 1976, London were Riff Regan (vocals), Steve Voice (bass/vocals), Dave Wight (guitar), and Jon Moss (drums). They quickly secured a contract with MCA Records, an experienced manager in Simon Napier-Bell, and the support slot on the Stranglers’ notorious Rattus Norvegicus tour. From this they built up a following that ensured enthusiastic audiences to this day.
They split just as their album Animal Games was released early in 1978. Drummer Jon Moss went on to form Culture Club with Boy George, and Riff Regan, under his real name Miles Tredinnick, became a comedy writer for Frankie Howerd. Regan and Voice then reformed the band in 2008 with Hugh O’Donnell (guitar) and Colin Watterston (drums). New albums followed with the release of Reboot in 2012 and The Hell for Leather Mob in 2020.
This illustrated history, including recollections from members of both line-ups, recounts the rollercoaster tale of a band who were there at the beginning of punk and reappeared 30 years later to take their place in a musical landscape that had changed beyond recognition. Their debut single says it all. Everyone’s a Winner!
John Van der Kiste Tells the Tale of Punk Band London in ‘Everyone’s a Winner’
25 Little-Known Facts About The Osmonds
- In the early 1970s, few acts matched The Osmonds in fame, fan frenzy, or chart success. As clean-cut teen idols turned rock performers, they dominated pop culture with hit records, a beloved TV variety show, and sold-out tours worldwide. Blending barbershop harmonies with pop and hard rock experimentation, the Osmonds helped define an era — and became one of America’s most recognizable musical families.
- The original Osmond Brothers began as a barbershop quartet in 1958, performing to raise money for their brothers’ hearing aids.
- Virl and Tom Osmond, the two eldest siblings, were born with severe hearing impairments and never performed musically with the group.
- The family was discovered by Disney entertainment director Tommy Walker while singing at Disneyland.
- Their first national TV appearance was on “The Andy Williams Show” in 1962, earning them the nickname “the one-take Osmonds.”
- Donny joined the group on the Andy Williams show, making them a five-member act at just five years old.
- The Osmonds’ first single was “Flower Music” in 1967, but it failed to chart.
- Their breakout hit “One Bad Apple” hit #1 in 1971 and stayed there for five weeks.
- The song “One Bad Apple” was originally written with The Jackson 5 in mind.
- The Osmonds were among the first artists to record at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio.
- The band’s 1972 hit “Crazy Horses” featured no vocals from Donny Osmond.
- Marie Osmond scored a #1 U.S. country hit at just 13 years old with “Paper Roses” in 1973.
- Jimmy Osmond was the youngest artist ever to hit #1 in the U.K. with “Long Haired Lover from Liverpool” in 1972.
- The Osmonds released a concept album called The Plan in 1973, inspired by their Mormon faith.
- The family ran their own television studio in Orem, Utah, where they produced The Donny & Marie Show.
- Donny was nearly cast as the Teen Angel in Grease but turned it down for the film Goin’ Coconuts.
- Merrill Osmond recorded a Top 40 country hit under the pseudonym “Merrill and Jessica” in 1987.
- The Osmonds shifted to country music in the early 1980s and had a string of country chart hits.
- Alan Osmond was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and later retired from performing.
- Alan’s sons performed as a second-generation group called The Osmond Boys in the 1980s and 90s.
- The family avoided bankruptcy in the late ’70s by repaying debts with touring revenue instead of filing.
- The Osmonds’ Las Vegas comeback show in 2008 marked their only U.S. stop during their 50th anniversary tour.
- Jay Osmond wrote the story for The Osmonds: A New Musical, which toured the U.K. and Ireland in 2022.
- The Osmonds received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003.
- Despite 1970s chart dominance, their music is now rarely heard on classic hits radio.
- In 2022, Merrill Osmond retired to serve a church mission, making Jay the final performing member of the original quartet.
5 Absolute No-Brainers the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Needs to Induct
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is no stranger to controversy, omissions, and delayed recognition. For every well-deserved induction, there are legends still waiting outside the doors, wondering what more they need to do to earn a spot. While fans debate the merits of genres, influence, and legacy, some names are so obvious they shouldn’t even be up for debate. Here are five artists the Rock Hall should induct without hesitation—because their resumes speak for themselves.
1. Phil Collins
Already inducted as a member of Genesis, Phil Collins deserves a second honor for his solo career—no question. He’s sold over 150 million records worldwide, scored seven #1 Billboard Hot 100 singles, and shaped the sound of the 1980s with his instantly recognizable voice and gated-reverb drum sound. From “In the Air Tonight” to “Against All Odds,” Collins blended pop, rock, and soul in a way few others could, all while being a world-class drummer. If Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, and Stevie Nicks can be inducted twice, Collins more than qualifies.
2. Oasis
Britpop’s loudest and most volatile torchbearers have yet to make the Hall—absurd, considering the Gallagher brothers were the voice of a generation. Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? weren’t just massive albums—they were global events. They reignited rock’s swagger in the ’90s, with Noel’s melodies and Liam’s snarl giving life to anthems like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” Their influence spans from Arctic Monkeys to Coldplay, and their legacy remains as culturally relevant as ever.
3. The Smiths
Yes, Morrissey is divisive. No, it shouldn’t matter. The Smiths changed the course of alternative music with a sound that combined jangly guitars, sardonic wit, and unfiltered emotion. Johnny Marr’s guitar work was revolutionary, and Morrissey’s lyrical content—equal parts tragic, hilarious, and heartfelt—made countless misfits feel seen. Without The Smiths, there’s no Britpop, no indie revival, and no countless bands that followed in their shadow.
5. Smashing Pumpkins
They helped define the sound of 1990s alternative rock, blending grunge, goth, and dream-pop into something entirely their own. With landmark albums like Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, they pushed the boundaries of what rock music could be—both sonically and emotionally. Billy Corgan’s ambitious songwriting and the band’s layered, atmospheric production inspired a generation of musicians.
5. Iron Maiden
One of the most successful and influential metal bands of all time, Iron Maiden are a global force. Albums like The Number of the Beast and Powerslave helped define heavy metal, and their live shows are the stuff of legend. With nearly 100 million albums sold and decades of sold-out tours, their absence from the Hall is baffling.
10 Songs About Starting Over
There’s something magical about hitting the reset button. Whether it’s a breakup, a breakthrough, or just a new pair of shoes, music has always been there to soundtrack the art of starting over. Here are 10 songs that capture the thrill, the heartbreak, and the wide-eyed wonder of beginning again — each one a sonic do-over in 2 to 3 lines.
1. “Begin Again” – Taylor Swift
In classic Swift fashion, she captures that hopeful awkwardness of a first date after heartache. Acoustic, poetic, and set in a Parisian café — it’s a fresh start in cardigan form.
2. “Brand New Day” – Sting
This one’s got harmonica, sunshine, and optimism for miles. It’s the anthem of dusting off yesterday and driving headfirst into tomorrow (bonus points for Stevie Wonder’s harmonica cameo!).
3. “Starting Over” – Chris Stapleton
With a voice like warm bourbon and lyrics like a handwritten letter, Stapleton turns a fresh chapter into a full-blown road trip. It’s a love song, a leap of faith, and a back porch jam rolled into one.
4. “Feeling Good” – Nina Simone
Technically about a new dawn and a new day — but make no mistake, this is the sound of personal revolution. Birds flying high? That’s just Nina announcing your comeback.
5. “I’m Still Standing” – Elton John
A glitter-drenched reminder that resilience can be loud, proud, and fabulous. Who says starting over can’t include sequins and piano flourishes?
6. “Dog Days Are Over” – Florence + The Machine
This one doesn’t tiptoe into change — it sprints into it barefoot across a meadow. With drums like thunder and a voice like a battle cry, Florence leads the charge into your better days.
7. “Starting Over” – John Lennon
A gentle reboot for romance, this post-Beatles gem is a love letter to second chances. It’s cozy, doo-woppy, and full of Lennonesque warmth.
8. “Born Again” – Third Day
Gospel-tinged and spiritually soaring, this rock ballad frames starting over as a full transformation. Think baptism-by-guitar-solo.
9. “Unwritten” – Natasha Bedingfield
Is it legally required to blast this at full volume during any life pivot? Possibly. It’s the unofficial theme song for journaling your way into a new you.
10. “Reset” – Outkast (André 3000 feat. Khujo)
Deep cut alert! This futuristic funk-rap track from The Love Below is all about life’s big do-overs. It’s quirky, cosmic, and unmistakably André 3000 — just the way we like our fresh starts.
New beginnings aren’t always easy, but they sure sound good. Whether you’re reinventing your career, your love life, or your breakfast routine, these tracks are your melodic reset button. Now press play, take a breath — and begin again.
10 Songs You Didn’t Know Mick Jagger and Keith Richards Wrote… For Other People
Before the Rolling Stones were the Rolling Stones as we know them—rock and roll’s eternal juggernauts—Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were young songwriters looking to break into the biz however they could. And that meant penning tunes for other artists. Here are 10 songs that Jagger and Richards wrote not for themselves, but for others to sing, shout, and shimmy to:
1. “That Girl Belongs to Yesterday” – Gene Pitney (1964)
One of the earliest Jagger–Richards compositions to hit the airwaves, this melancholic pop tune became a hit for Gene Pitney. It marked the first time the songwriting duo cracked the U.S. charts with someone else singing their words.
2. “As Tears Go By” – Marianne Faithfull (1964)
Long before the Stones made it their own, “As Tears Go By” was written for Marianne Faithfull when she was just 17. The lush orchestration and wistful lyrics launched her career—and hinted at the ballads Jagger and Richards could craft when they weren’t rocking out.
3. “Shang a Doo Lang” – Adrienne Posta (1964)
This girl-group-style pop number was written for 14-year-old British singer Adrienne Posta. Released in March 1964, it’s pure ’60s gold, brimming with swingin’ hooks and youthful charm.
4. “Will You Be My Lover Tonight” / “It Should Be You” – George Bean (1964)
Recorded as a two-sided single, these tunes by George Bean bear the unmistakable melodic stamp of early Jagger–Richards. Bean wasn’t a household name, but he had the honour of singing their words before they became icons.
5. “When Blue Turns to Grey” – Tracey Dey (1964)
Tracey Dey put her voice to this emotionally charged track before the Stones ever released their own version. It’s a perfect example of how the duo could channel heartbreak into harmony for other voices.
6. “Each and Every Day” – Bobby Jameson (1964)
The B-side to “All I Want Is My Baby,” this hidden gem was penned solely by Jagger and Richards. Jameson’s delivery gives it a moody edge, but the songwriting foundation is all Glimmer Twins.
7. “So Much in Love” – The Mighty Avengers (1964)
A British beat band that never quite broke through, The Mighty Avengers gave this Jagger–Richards tune a rousing go. The Herd, featuring a young Peter Frampton, would later revive it in 1966.
8. “Act Together” – Ronnie Wood (1974)
Written by Mick and Keith but gifted to Ronnie Wood for his debut solo album, this track grooves with a loose, communal feel. It’s Stones-y without being the Stones—just how Ronnie liked it.
9. “Sure the One You Need” – Ronnie Wood (1974)
Another Jagger–Richards track that Ronnie made his own, this swaggering rock number popped up again with the New Barbarians in 1979. The lyrics drip with Stones attitude, even when they’re not on lead.
10. “Lonely at the Top” – Mick Jagger (1985)
Ironically written by the pair but never performed by the band, this funky gem ended up on Jagger’s solo album She’s the Boss. It’s part satire, part autobiography—and proof their songwriting chemistry stretches far beyond the Stones’ catalog.
Helmut Philipps Explores Dub’s Global Legacy in ‘Dub: The Sound of Surprise’
DUB, The Sound of Surprise is a detailed chronicle and fascinating guide to the captivating history of Jamaican dub music, the first of its kind. This archetype of the remix style grew out of reggae in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The book presents over 200 illustrations and some rare album covers, and describes the origins and development of a unique technique created in Jamaican recording studios which would change the world of music production forever. Author Helmut Philipps has visited the places dub happened, and met its pioneers, inventors, and key figures.
In addition to analysis, Philipps includes essays and conversations with and about King Jammy, Scientist, Style Scott, David Rodigan, Bunny Lee, King Tubby, Lee Perry, Dennis Bovell, Ernest Hoo Kim, Errol Brown, Linval Thompson, Tippy I-Grade, Victor Rice, Mad Professor and many others. The gripping narrative also takes a look at the development of dub in Europe, the UK, and the United States.
Graham Sharpe Chronicles the Vinyl Revival in ‘ON THE RECORDs’ Book
Far from being yesterday’s fading, forgotten format, vinyl records have survived and flourished as the music medium of choice for not only baby-boomers, but all ages. Every record a collector acquires comes with a story of its own, and the recent Covid-19 lockdowns prompted many vinylholics, including Sharpe, to look more closely at their reasons for collecting, take stock of existing collections and rediscover old favourites. ON THE RECORDs: Notes from the Vinyl Revival includes interviews and contributions from voices across the record industry – shop owners, record company insiders, online/postal sellers, auction organisers, market traders of vinyl, amateur collectors – who share their stories with candour, warmth and humour. A mesmerising blend of memoir, travel, music and social history that will appeal to anyone who vividly recalls the first LP they bought and any music fan who derives pleasure from the capacity that records have for transporting you back in time.
The Hold Steady and David Espinosa Alvarez Turn “Stay Positive” Into a Children’s Book
The Hold Steady’s beloved song of stick-to-itiveness and positivity is adapted into a beautiful children’s book co-written by David Espinosa Alvarez about the social life of a humble armadillo
STAY POSITIVE is a charming children’s picture book based on The Hold Steady song of the same name. The title track of the band’s fourth album (released in 2008), “Stay Positive” is a call to arms to stand strong and persevere during trying times. The song remains a fan favorite and a staple of The Hold Steady’s live shows.
The book follows the path of an adorable armadillo who discovers along the way how music can pull together a disparate cast of characters. It’s also a lesson in tenacity and maintaining a positive attitude when encountering adverse situations. The story ends up in a unified celebration that mirrors the joy of a Hold Steady performance.
Singer Craig Finn explains, “‘Stay Positive’ has a line that says, ‘The kids at the shows will have kids of their own,’ and it’s true: each year more Hold Steady fans become parents or grandparents. So I’m thrilled that we’re offering the children’s book version of ‘Stay Positive,’ which brings THS joy to the whole family.”
Grant McPhee’s ‘Postcards From Scotland’ Chronicles the Rise of Scottish Indie Music 1983–1995
By 1983, many of Scotland’s post-punk bands had broken up or moved south to chase the major labels in London. That vacuum was filled by an influx of young musicians who were determined to remake the scene in their own image.
In this compelling and dynamic oral history, Grant McPhee chronicles the radical transformation of Scotland’s independent music scene from 1983-1995. Including archival photos and drawing from over 100 interviews with the key players of the time, Grant McPhee allows them to set the scene in their own words; including the Cocteau Twins, Shop Assistants, Teenage Fanclub, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream and many more.
Postcards from Scotland is the definitive story of the radicals, misfits and experimentalists who made independent music what it is today.
Rely on a Professional Plumber for Seamless Installation of Your Dishwasher!
By Mitch Rice
Have you recently purchased a dishwasher for your kitchen? Are you excited because it can reduce your daily cleaning job? Therefore, avoid making the mistake of attempting a DIY installation. Your slight mistake can cost you a lot. In this post, we will guide you through the importance of hiring a professional plumber to install your dishwasher.
You have already decided to install it yourself to save on the upfront expenses. However, you will probably change your mind when you understand the consequences of self-installation.
How can a plumber help you with dishwasher installation?
It’s crucial to understand the expertise they can bring to you with their service.
- Installation process.
- Still set.
- Efficiency.
- Safety compliance.
- Troubleshoot solutions.
- Cost-effectiveness.
Now, consider the factors mentioned earlier and think critically about them. Is DIY a good option?
Are you still not satisfied?
If you are still not satisfied, let me show you the other significant factors that require professional installateur lave vaisselle services.
- Electrical connections.
- Permit and regulations.
- Available drainage facilities.
- Connecting the water supplies.
- Availability of space.
Installing a dishwasher may be easy with the annual guide in your hand. But when you finally set for the task, you will face difficulties out of this world. Hiring a plumber can ensure time-saving and professional work. Believe me, it’s a wise decision after such a significant investment!
- Safety
Proper plumbing and electrical connections ensure there are no accidents while using the unit.
- Warranty coverage
If any problem occurs during the installation of the unit, you can sit back and relax, as the professionals will take care of it. Moreover, you will get warranty coverage. Thus, you can call them anytime for a free service if the system malfunctions.
- Long term benefits
You can expect fewer problems in the future when you get it installed by your professional. With their knowledge and expertise, they can establish secure connections.
- Efficiency
For efficient and smooth dishwasher unit operation, consulting a professional plumber is the best choice. Unless you want to experience frequent problems with water leakage and wiring connections, professional installation should be the foremost option.
- Expertise
You can avoid expensive mistakes while installing. For some parts, no warranty is provided by the companies either. Due to a lack of knowledge and expertise, if you end up messing up any part of the unit, imagine who will suffer as a result. And, if it’s an expensive part, then again, you will have to pay a hefty amount to get it from the company. However, the time it will take is a different story altogether. So, is it a wise decision to do it yourself?
- Regulations
Do you know the local plumbing codes? It’s understandable that, as an average person, you may not know about it. However, with professional assistance, you can ensure compliance with local regulations.
Conclusion
When you have spent a significant amount on buying a branded dishwasher, how much will it cost to install it? Yes, some companies do charge a lot, accompanied by hidden charges. However, with experts from https://www.plomberie5etoiles.com/, you can ensure complete peace of mind because their charges are transparent and relatively cheaper compared to other plumbing companies operating in the market. So, what are you waiting for? Call them now to schedule your appointment. Trust me, you will thank yourself later on for the wise decision!
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.