Last weekend I was back at my alternative home, a small music venue in London called The O2! Now, I'm thinking I might need to purchase and live in one of the VIP boxes in this iconic, magnificent venue as I probably spend more time here than any other building in the capital city. Even the security guards recognise me although they always search my bag, so I can't appear that trustworthy..yet! Anyway, I was backstage at the 02, to see and speak to The Wanted lads who performed to thousands of fans on 'The Code' tour. Maybe you went along to see their brilliant live show? It was great to catch up with the lads, interview them for Capital, offer feedback on their American album artwork and consumer their hospitality rider. I can exclusively reveal the hospitality table included sweet and sour pretzels, peanut M&Ms, kiwis and mixed marshmallows. Don't say I don't bring you a true insight into the world of showbiz. Actually, what I can tell you is that then band are about to perform on the Jay Leno show is the USA, are talking to Adam Levine about a possible track and told me that the song written by Example is really rather good indeed. Both The Wanted and One Direction are currently taking America by storm, so is 2012 the year of the Great British Boyband? Me thinks yes..oh and Engelbert Humperdinck. Oh and add Lawson to the list of 'ones to watch.' Four lads who have the songs, the musicianship and the looks to sell a few records in the next few months me thinks. Photo above and interview in the can, just in case..

The next day I was backstage at the Koko venue, in Camden, to speak to Labrinth ahead of his sold out London show. Now I always like talking to Labrinth, or Lab as I call him. He's always happy, always full of energy and always up for a chat. Oh and he's always dressed as if he's about to hit the catwalk in Milan. Check out the photo and see what I mean. Talked Tinie Tempah, touring and teabags..the usual! Later that night, Labrinth delivered tracks from his long awaited album 'Electronic Earth' with Wretch 32 joining him on stage for Earthquake. What I like about Lab, is that he can't be pigeon-holed, musically speaking. Jazz, hip-hop, pop, soul, funk and electro make for a genuinely intriguing combination so I cannot wait to get a copy of the record.

What else? Oh I finally visited the iconic, historic venue that is Abbey Road studios and wow, what amazing place that is. I was invited along to attend a playback of the new Madonna album MDNA, which was duly blasted out in the enormous main sound studio as non-alocholic cocktails, canapes and long cheese-straws were handed out. It's always weird sitting with fellow industry colleagues, listening to an album from start to end and using the silences to mouth platitudes like 'that one was good' whilst taking notes using the neon pink pencil and Madonna notepads so kindlyprovided. But I have to admit, as a big Madge fan I loved being one of the first people to hear the Martin Solveig, Benny Bennassi, William Orbit (et al) produced tracks on, undoubtedly, one of the best sound sytems around. No, it's not a perfect album but I have heard to convince me that Madonna is still a force to be reckoned with. Loved the new collaboration with Nicki Minaj, Masterpiece, Gang Bang and all of William Orbit's soundscapes. Possibly lacking in big radio records but wow, the tour should be amazing if the lyrical content is anything to go by. Think Ray of Light meets Confessions on a Dancefloor and you have MDNA. Although, secretly I'd like another Like a Prayer?

I also attened the UK premiere of new film Payback Season (confident piece of Brit film-making starring Adam Deacon and rising star Nicola Burley although the ending really disappoints, imo) watched new EMI signing Connor Maynard deliver a brilliant live set at the 02 Islington Academy (total star and love his new single) and naturally watched the Glee Michael Jackson episode, naturally. Oh and I made everyone in the Capital office laugh (with me, not at me..ahem) when I greeted new pop act Stooshe with a bit too much enthusiasm. Well they did have a camera crew with them and they are Top 10?! You had to be there, trust me...

But the REALLY big news was that my team won the Global Have a Heart charity pop quiz night. Amazing! And it was all down to a 3way tie-break. This was the question; in the Killers song Mr Brightside, how long in seconds until Brandon Flowers actually sings the lyric 'Mr Brightside..?' I can tell you that my Music Control days helped me and my team (Chris, Rob and Capital's Bassman) to give the answer closest to the actual answer, so we await a lunch at The Ivy as our prize. And naturally the champagne went down well. So any idea on the answer...?!