Kensington&Chelsea News

Thursday, 17.08.2000

A blast from the past

AN ATTEMPT by a Russian rock band to recreate a Beatles-style roof-top concert in an exclusive part of Chelsea on Friday sparked cold war with residents.

The police received 32 complaints about the noise when Blast played for 90 minutes on the fifth-floor of a house in Hollywood Road, West Brompton.

Fifty people were invited from the music industry but more than 300 passers-by spilled onto the street to watch the concert. Although the police were called, nobody was arrested.

The four piece are the first Russian band to be signed to an English record label. Lead singer Nash's father Albert Tavkelidze is one of the world's most promirent nuclear physicists.

In 1969 the Beatles performed for the last time together on the roof of the Apple Corps building in Saville Row, Mayfair. Promoters thought it would raise Blast's profile to do the same.

Band photographer Costa Anastasakis told the News: "The band were meant to play for 40 minutes but instead went on for 90. It was fantastic.

"It was the perfect location. We received a very positive response from people in the nearby pub and restaurants.

"There were no confrontations with residents. We deliberately played at a time that would not annoy people.

"When the police arrived they asked why they were not invited."