James McNair

Not yer typical Jackdaw.

Gobsmacked! Rush announce 2026 tour!

AC/DC's Fireworks At Edinburgh Concert 'Broke Permitted Noise Levels' According to BBC News, AC/DC's fireworks at the end of the band's concert in Edinburgh, Scotland this past summer exceeded "permitted noise levels". The City Of Edinburgh Council received eight compla...

For those a bit too loud, we salute you.

Ivy unimpressed.

Mysterious seating-plan on beach.

Spotted in the window of a Whitley Bay junk shop.

Newcastle says no to fascism.

The far right brought a hundred or so with them, bussed from far and wide. This city turned out 1000s, from local communities, estates and streets. Geordies of all backgrounds coming together and outnumbering the purveyors of hate by some distance.

Newcastle united.

Enjoyed writing about Robert’s Black Country communion.

Side by side on my piano keyboard/
Oh Lord, why can’t we?

Great to welcome this one back - especially in the light of Stevie and Lindsey’s recent Instagram posts!

Morning from me and Ivy.

Sid, not Syd. Force of habit because of writing ‘bout you know who!

Good stuff, Syd. Yes, let’s meet up in October. Sorry not to DM you - I’ve lost that facility on here as I’m not age-authenticated!

Remembered Sky. Whitley Bay, last night! Hope you’re well, Sid.

My take on Neil Hannon’s latest. Not an Oompa-Loompa in sight…

Rhythm. Surely it needs a vowel, says my brain…

YouTube video by Midlake Midlake - "Days Gone By" (Official Music Video)

Amazing stuff from Midlake and friends. A salve against current darknesses and probably my favourite song, promo-video and LP of the year thus far.

youtu.be/L9CVSIlPsKQ?...

Is there no end to this oppression?

Nice sunset in Whitley Bay.

"Hannon's most personal and poignant album to date" say Mojo Magazine in their four star review of our forthcoming album Rainy Sunday Afternoon. Our new album comes out on 19th September, that's just four weeks away! The smartlink for pre-ordering is in our Bluesky post. Formats include standard LP, CD and Digital. Deluxe Limited Editions are also available with a 2CD set, LP Book and Digital Deluxe Edition which all include the bonus volume 'Live in Paris & London'. We are really proud of the Limited Edition Deluxe LP Book. This gorgeous 12" casebound book provides an intimate insight into the recording process with text from Neil, the band and engineer Tom Bailey. It’s illustrated throughout with photos by Kevin Westenberg and the band, and includes extracts from Neil's original lyric notebooks. For lovers of vinyl, the album also comes in two colour variants: A Limited Edition Dark Green BioVinyl and Dark Red vinyl. All LP formats come with a download card and can be pre-ordered at the smartlink. And if you prefer your albums on tape, visit our official store for an exclusive Limited Edition aqua blue cassette. Keep an eye out for our bundles and album-themed merch range which includes a stylish blue tee, A3 print and 500 piece jigsaw.

"Hannon's most personal and poignant album to date" ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - MOJO Magazine.
Pre-order here: lnk.to/RainySunday
Our new album 'Rainy Sunday Afternoon' comes out on 19th September, that's just four weeks away!
Visit the smartlink to choose your favourite format including Deluxe Limited Editions.

Yesterday, the largest far-right protest in UK history marched through London, led by racist Tommy Robinson.

Today, we say: They don’t speak for us — and they won’t have the last word.

This Wednesday we come together against Trump and for a better future. Do everything to be there.

Good morning..

A comment upon the ongoing de-evolution?

Every Rush Album Ranked! Lee! Lifeson! Peart! MOJO ranks every album from Canadian power trio Rush from worst to best. 19. Test For Echo 18. Vapor Trails

Remembering Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart on what would have been his 73rd birthday. Relive some of Neil’s finest moments with James McNair's complete rundown of every album from the Canadian power prog trio…

MOJO 384 – November 2025: Bob Dylan

Dylan’s Folk Years Reassessed, The Who, Terry Reid, Greenwich Village Scene CD and more in latest magazine.

It’s Johansson interpreting old Swedish folk songs. Incredibly evocative and perfect with a glass of red and darkness falling!

Jazz på svenska

More Wintery than Autumnal, perhaps, but absolutely exquisite. A Swedish friend introduced me to this some years back.

open.spotify.com/album/6JAj80...

Cullercoats at 20.52. Gorgeous.

168 SONGS OF HATRED AND FAILURE
📍 Earth, Hackney
🗓️ 5.9.2025

James Dean Bradfield and Nicky Wire of Manic Street Preachers, performing, signing, and in conversation with author @keithcameron2.bsky.social