John D Hastings

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Inspired to write Lions - celebrating #diversity on #PrideinLondon weekend

My wife Frankie asked me to write a song about kindness and how the pandemic has changed our lives, communities and attitudes towards each other.

About the same time, we noticed a new crossing in our hometown of Sutton, Greater London. It is the first blue, pink and white transgender crossing in the UK! Sutton already have a rainbow crossing in the town.

Read more: Inspired to write Lions - celebrating #diversity on #PrideinLondon weekend

New Release: People of Today (2021 version) – inspiration and humanity #WorldHumanitarianDay #PeopleOfToday

I released People of Today (2021) on World Humanitarian Day 2021 as a tribute to many people around the world who do not have a voice. This song is about expressing your opinions, and identity is its heart.

We take for granted that we can speak, dress the way we want and go out in public without fear of being victimised. Imagine not being being accepted for who you are, that your heritage or background makes you a target for hate crime and prejudice.

Read more: New Release: People of Today (2021 version) – inspiration and humanity #WorldHumanitarianDay...

#JohnDHastings #Singer #Songwriter #Charity Fundraiser

Christmas is a time for giving and a huge thank you to everyone who gave their time and money to support my first gig for many years. Together we raised £210 for the Salvation Army, all donated to support their compassionate social work within the community. The gig was a big success given that it was a cold and wet night. And whatever the weather on Christmas day, many Salvation Army centres will be opening their doors.

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#JohnDHastings #Singer #Songwriter #Inspiration behind my songs

Injured shoulder, new song composed, studio sessions and first gig for many years coming up to organise. It's been a busy few months! Sorry for the recent radio silence, let's start with the shoulder story before the music news.

Pain, lots of tablets, lack of sleep, more pain with pins and needles in my left hand. Finally diagnosed by my physio as nerve damage in my neck. Lifting something heavy at work at an awkward angle did the damage. It will take at least a couple of months to get better, with exercise and manipulation.

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#JohnDHastings #Singer #Songwriter #My first memorable gig in London - The Police 1979

I was looking through past music memorabilia recently and came across a gig ticket for The Police. Hammersmith Odeon, London Sunday 23 September 1979. Forty years ago! And a ticket price of £2.50, the equivalent "real wage worth" in 2018 is £12.42. If only we could see bands that good at that price now.

Read more: #JohnDHastings #Singer #Songwriter #My first memorable gig in London - The Police 1979

John D Hastings, #Northern roots of a #singer #songwriter

F: Hi John, we are back from our holiday in Whitby, North Yorkshire and catching up again. It was good fun wasn't it meeting up with friends and family?

J: It was! Good to visit the old haunts again, especially my hometown Eston.

F: You've seen a lot of changes, have the past and present influenced your songwriting?

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Introducing #JohnDHastings, #singer #songwriter

Hello, welcome to John D Hastings' first ever blog. I'm Frankie, No.1 fan of John and his music for over 37 years. OK, I also happen to be married to him and now manage his website, www.johndhastings.rocks.

To get a feel for the man behind the music I will blog my interviews with John. I will extract exciting info about his musical inspiration and songwriting techniques. With a back catalogue of over 180 songs, our chats will feature many of his recordings released on this website.

Read more: Introducing #JohnDHastings, #singer #songwriter