Verso

Gigs - 2024 & 2025 - Verso Media Two years of live gig experiences, reviews and stories featuring Oasis, Dylan, Pulp, Paul Heaton and more, with humour, honesty and zero PR spin.

As well as all the radio bits and quizzes my other hobby is attending live gigs. Here’s a little piece summarising all the gigs I attended in 24 & 25. The bands, artists and people that made it a great two years. Still loads to come as already have 12 booked in for 26

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Elvis Evolution Not a gig in the traditional sense, but still worthy of a review. Sometimes a day out isn’t just a day out. For us, Elvis Evolution doubled as a tribute to Mum. She adored Elvis, so me, Rory, Tracie and Tamara finally lined up our diaries and set off for London. The drive was classic sibling chaos: digs,… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/elvis-evolution/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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Top Five British TV Moments There’s a certain kind of British television moment — raw, unflinching, and emotionally loaded — that stays with you.Sometimes it’s the writing. Sometimes it’s the acting. But always, it’s because it felt real. Here are my TOP FIVE scenes from British TV that will stay with me forever. Agree or disagree? Add your choices to the comments. Click… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/top-five-british-tv-moments/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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Tapestry - Verso Media On This Day revisit Carole King’s Tapestry. Chart giant, songwriting masterclass, and still one of the most human albums ever recorded.

55 years ago today when of the greatest albums of all time was released.

Here are my thoughts #MusicSky

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Top Ten Sporting Moments A few years back, I compiled a list like this—but it’s long gone. Time for a fresh version. No list like this is ever definitive. People will always ask: “Why not this one?” or “That’s not even a sport.” Fair enough. But this list? It’s mine. If you disagree—great. Drop a comment or write your own. Written early… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/top-ten-sporting-moments/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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Punk Off What is punk? It’s more than just music—it’s a movement. Born in the 1970s, punk was a gritty, snarling backlash against the establishment, a DIY rebellion that spat in the face of conformity. So when a show comes along aiming to celebrate that ethos, you’d hope it stays true to those roots. Ironically, Punk Off didn’t quite get… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/punk-off/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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World Radio Day To commemorate World Radio Day (February 13th), I wanted to reflect on the role radio played during my childhood—and the unconscious, lasting impact it’s had on my life. In our house throughout the ’70s and ’80s, the radio was on more than the TV, especially during the day. The two stations that shaped those years were Radio 2… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/world-radio-day/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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Scott &amp; Bailey 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>

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Felixstowe Rugby Club Date: Saturday 15th FebruaryVenue: Felixstowe Rugby ClubOccasion: VP (Vice Presidents&#8217;) DinnerGuests: Players past and present, club supporters, sponsors, and the wonderfully mad world of grassroots rugby. When the invite to attend Felixstowe Rugby Club’s legendary VP Dinner arrived, I didn’t hesitate. Having recently hosted club chairman Rob Brewster on my radio show — where we chatted about all… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/felixstowe-rugby-club/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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Desire ON THIS DAY – 5 January 1976Bob Dylan – Desire Released fifty years ago today, Desire still feels like one of Bob Dylan’s more reckless decisions. And I mean that as a compliment. This was Dylan swerving hard when most people would have played it safe. No easing you in. No gradual transition. Just a sharp turn and… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/desire/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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Male Solo from a Band Bryn’s theme for this round was a simple one on paper: male solo album by someone who had been, or still is, in a band. Straightforward. No confusion. Surely. And yet. Coxy arrived initially with a fine LP (his words) by the late Denise Johnson (former backing singer with Primal Scream/New Order) — he told us she has… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/male-solo-from-a-band/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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The Grosvenor - Verso Media The Grosvenor Quiz Night in Felixstowe returns monthly with themed trivia, cash prizes, and a grumpy quizmaster. Book early—seats and spots go fast.

The Grosvenor Quiz - Feb 4th 20206

28 teams with 132 paying participants - The biggest pub quiz in town!

Family Fortunes - We wheeled out the old clapometer and had a vote on its future inclusion. My ears clearly heard more cheers than boos - So FAMILY FORTUNES stays

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The Inspector Lynley Mysteries Felixstowe has served as the backdrop for numerous TV shows and films over the years. This ongoing series aims to document those productions, complete with filming details, local locations, and insider information. We begin with an episode from the BBC crime drama The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, specifically Season 5, Episode 2, titled &#8220;One Guilty Deed&#8221;, which originally aired… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/the-inspector-lynley-mysteries/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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Bob Dylan 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>

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My Father&#8217;s Eulogy Introduction My father, Terence James Versey—known to most as Terry or, as I’ll refer to him here, TV—was born on 30th September 1947, the first child of Francis and Mary Versey, better known as Jimmy and Molly. Over the next five years, TV was joined by his brothers, Paul and Chris, and together they were raised in the… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/my-fathers-eulogy/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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The Enemy I’ll be honest – I went into this one completely blind. I’d never really listened to The Enemy, but when old mates Shaun Real (Realo), Ian Brown (Browny), and Ian McKinnon (Ninky) suggested a night out, I wasn’t going to say no. Any excuse to get together again. The day started the way all good ones do –… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/the-enemy/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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My Visit to F&#038;W Written: February 2nd, 2019 — Before Watty Got the Sack There’s an old saying: “Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face.” It may not be the most poetic phrase, but it certainly sums up my long-standing (and largely self-inflicted) grudge against Felixstowe &amp; Walton United Football Club. My reasons for falling out with the club? Frankly,… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/my-visit-to-fw/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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January 2026 Books - Verso Media A round-up of the books I read in January: six crime-leaning novels, 1,880 pages, and why murder fiction dominated my reading month.

January was a proper reading month. I may even have got my reading mojo back.

6 books. 1,880 pages. Mostly crime/murder, a bit of time travel, and plenty of bad decisions.

Full list and mini-reviews here:
versomedia.me/january-2026... #booksky #books #reading

The Magic of The FA Cup Written just before the 2011/2012 FA cup final with refreshed stats added in May 2025 As a child, FA Cup Final day wasn’t just a football match—it was a national event. The entire day was a ritual. From early morning to evening, we were glued to the television, flipping between Grandstand and World of Sport. Those iconic programs,… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/the-magic-of-the-fa-cup/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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Traveling Wilburys A blustery Friday night by the coast, a couple of pints in The Grosvenor, and a five-minute battle through Storm Amy — not the most glamorous route to rock ’n’ roll history, but that’s Felixstowe for you. This time it was just me and Neil, venturing out to see Roy Orbison &amp; The Traveling Wilburys Experience at the… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/traveling-wilburys/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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Childhood Memories Is childhood memory a faithful reflection, or just fragments shaped by family tales and trauma? In this candid, gritty, and occasionally comical account, I revisit the earliest recollections of my 1970s/80s upbringing on a run-down council estate in Felixstowe—burns units, brown sofas, and all. What Do We Really Remember? What exactly do we recollect when we reminisce about… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/childhood-memories/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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Verso&#8217;s Weight Loss This is more than just a weight-loss story—it&#8217;s a journey of self-worth, resilience, and reflection, and I felt it deserves a wider platform. From Fat Shaming to Freedom: My Weight Loss Story and Why We All Need to Do Better Originally written December 2021 What’s in a Name? I was christened Jamie, but over the years I&#8217;ve answered… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/versos-weight-loss/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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Jeanette Hewitt Jeanette Hewitt, who writes under the name J.M. Hewitt, is a Suffolk-based author known for her chilling, character-driven psychological crime thrillers. With a gift for turning trauma into tension and psychology into plot, Hewitt&#8217;s work explores the darkest corners of human behaviour—often with unsettling precision. Thrillers with Substance and Atmosphere In novels such as Exclusion Zone and The… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/jeanette-hewitt/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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Smokin Mojo Filters Rarer Than Most (1995) In September 1995, six big names found themselves in the same room for a charity record. Paul McCartney, Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher, Steve Craddock, Steve White, and Carleen Anderson. They called themselves Smokin’ Mojo Filters and knocked out a ragged, joyful cover of Come Together for the War Child Help! album. And that was… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/smokin-mojo-filters/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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Verso&#8217;s 80&#8217;s 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>

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Desire ON THIS DAY – 5 January 1976Bob Dylan – Desire Released fifty years ago today, Desire still feels like one of Bob Dylan’s more reckless decisions. And I mean that as a compliment. This was Dylan swerving hard when most people would have played it safe. No easing you in. No gradual transition. Just a sharp turn and… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/desire/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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Gallagher &#038; Squire Liam Gallagher &amp; John Squire Live in Kentish Town: A Monday Night Worth Breaking the Rules For Attending a gig on a Monday night might seem mad to some, but post-Covid, I&#8217;ve adopted a new approach: if it brings joy, don’t say no. So, with little hesitation, I found myself heading to Kentish Town for the second time… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/gallagher-squire/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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Top Five British TV Moments There’s a certain kind of British television moment — raw, unflinching, and emotionally loaded — that stays with you.Sometimes it’s the writing. Sometimes it’s the acting. But always, it’s because it felt real. Here are my TOP FIVE scenes from British TV that will stay with me forever. Agree or disagree? Add your choices to the comments. Click… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/top-five-british-tv-moments/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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Hillsborough Author’s Note (2025):This article was originally written in 2002, long before the findings of the 2016 Hillsborough inquests, which ultimately ruled that the 96 victims were unlawfully killed due to gross negligence by the police and emergency services. The post reflects my thoughts at the time, shaped by public sentiment, media coverage, and the limited information available prior… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/hillsborough/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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ITFC &#8211; The Class of &#8217;81 Written in 2018 As supporters of Ipswich Town, we’re no strangers to the lows. In fact, we probably endure them more than most. That’s why we savour our moments of success longer than fans of other clubs—perhaps only Liverpool fans cling to the past more tightly. Some will say our greatest achievement came just 17 years after turning… <span class="read-more"><a href="https://versomedia.me/itfc-the-class-of-81/">Read More &raquo;</a></span>

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