GIVE JOSH HOMME AN AWARD + VIV ALBERTINE MOCKS MUSIC HISTORY + FOO FIGHTERS CAN'T KEEP A SECRET + DJ DEREK

SO newly haloed God-like genius Dave Grohl and the rest of his Foo Fighters played a not-so-secret gig at Dingwalls on Saturday. Sadly the news missed my print deadline so best I could do was tweet it – sorry. Anyone spot Dave roaming around Camden?


On to more important things – Dave’s Them Crooked Vultures buddy Josh Homme and his Queens of the Stone Age play their debut self-titled album in its entirety at the Roundhouse (May 17) – is it wrong to prefer them to the Foo Fighters?



• Ex-Slits guitarist Viv Albertine mocked musical history at the Roundhouse’s mammoth music affair Unconvention on Saturday. In a mischievous nod to ex-boyfriend The Clash’s Mick Jones, she recorded a Clash track in 30 minutes. She told me: "I chose Train in Vain because it was written about me and I thought it would be really cheeky. Like Mick Jagger doing a cover of You're So Vain I haven't dared tell Mick as I’m not sure he would find it very amusing. It's all about what a useless girlfriend I was. We are still very fond of each other so hopefully I'll get away with it."

• One-time Cadbury’s accountant Bristol’s DJ Derek has become a bit of an icon with his patois MC skills, and choice reggae, roots and dub tunes – nevermind that he’s 68. In fact there’s a facebook page dedicated to his legendary status. Catch him at the Old Queen’s Head, Angel, (March 4).

• The Charlatans' Tim Burgess and Mark Collins play an acoustic show at the Union Chapel (March 16). Support from Blue On Blue and Joseph Coward. A low-key night out?

• Don’t forget Detroit Social Club at Monto Water Rats on Saturday (March 5).

• Ps – Does anyone have a synonyms for music for next week’s column ?

WEDDING DJ PERIL, KASABIAN KICKABOUT CONTINUES & FARIS BADWAN MOONLIGHTS

I PITY the DJ who played at my friend’s wedding last weekend. He had carefully planned out every single track. But a wedding DJ can never please everyone. And this poor guy was bullied and manhandled for most of the night by one particularly boozy, choosy guest. At least he didn’t end up nearly being beaten up by a big scary uncle, which is what happened at my cousin’s wedding when said uncle objected to the volume – dangerous business being a DJ!

• Be careful what you ask for. I said some time ago we should forget these pitiful World Cup anthem attempts and let Kasabian continue as the unofficial soundtrack for British football. Turns out they’ve signed a deal with the Premier League to use Fire for the next three years. I take it back – overkill is a bad thing. At least I don’t watch too much football and it’ll give those who do a break from incessant playing of Club Foot.

Although if this is the future for the next three years I won't be complaining!

Here's the original:

• The Horrors’ frontman Faris Badwan, an ex-St Martin’s College student, presents an exhibition of his art and projections at The Book Club, Leonard Street, Finsbury (Aug 11-29). His work has already adorned the sleeves of The Horrors’ records, T-Shirts and fanzines, and he has also created sleeves for records by Hatcham Social and The Charlatans. This show features 100 new pieces for the first time. The private view’s on August 11, with a line-up of special guest DJs, including Faris, and limited edition signed prints will be on sale.

• I like the sound of these guys and their YouTube videos – go see Avenge Vulture Attack at Monto Water Rats on Monday.