New York Dolls

KOKO

19/04/2010

A Monday night, strange night for a gig for us old fella’s who like to be in bed early but a chance to see one of the movers and shakers that inspired a lot of punk bands. As usual meet in the Plough early. It was quite amusing to see Maurice in his new jeans which he had forgot to take the labels of. We were having bets to see how long they would stay on till some idiot at the bar told him. One good thing about going to the pub is that I can recommend the Burger and Chips for £2.99. The bloody train was held up just outside Ilford, so instead of the usual drinks at the Hamilton Hall, we decided to go straight to Camden as it was getting late. When we got to Mornington Crescent, where the KOKO is, the pub opposite the venue was closed. A disaster looks as though it was going to be dry night. A short walk up the high street saw us in an Irish pub which only served IPA, still beggars can’t be choosers. We also had the pleasure of watching the happy Hammers trying their best to get relegated against Liverpool.

A short walk found us in the KOKO pleasantly surprised by how many people there as it was not a sell out. There were a lot of youngsters with a smattering of Grey hairs in the audience. I will not drink in this venue again though, I don’t mind paying over the odds for a drink, but over £4 for a can of John Smiths which is undrinkable. Apart from that the KOKO is a great place for music and has all the history of past and recent glories, including Nicky going on one with Whisky last time we were there. He was a lot more sensible this time. The band came on and David Johanson looking as though he could benefit with a good Steak pie dinner and a dapper Sylvain Sylvain, the 2 original band members, were both in fine fettle. They played good honest rock and roll and are well worth going to see. They are a bit of a cross between Glam, Punk and the Stones. To be truthful I do not know much of the Dolls material, but I certainly recognised “Frankenstein” “Personality crisis” “Trash” and a great Bo Diddley set of “Pills” “Bo Diddley” and “who do you love?” The band looked as though they were enjoying it and I know the audience were, apart from Rat who is a bit too refined for this (he saw a Nick Drake tribute at the Barbican and was waxing lyrical about that. He took his boy Jack to see that, he was bored rigid). It was a superb night and I can only recommend that people go and see these old bands, as when they are gone, they are gone and you have will no chance to see these rock and roll legends again. I was hoping to see Morrisey there as he is the president of the Dolls fan club in Britain. I didn’t see him but apparently Jonathon Ross was there.

A good night had by all.

Duncan April 2010