May 2003

Jeff Scott Soto & His Solo Band
American rock vocalist Jeff Scott Soto is at last embarking on his long awaited European Tour beginning in the UK this May. Those of you who know Jeff's history with Talisman, Humanimal and his recent association with rock legends Queen will be delighted to see him live once more. Hailed as 'the front man every bands wants', his showcase performance at last years Gods of Rock Festival in Bradford last year defined the way forward for Jeff as a solo artist.This is a rare opportunity for fans to see his collected works from Talisman, Humanimal and his association with artists such as Yngwie Malmsteen, Axel Rudi Pell and showcase Jeff's lead vocals from the movie 'Rock Star'. Fresh from performing with Brian May and Roger Taylor from Queen in LA, Jeff will be in the UK in April to again work with Roger and the SAS Band when filming will take place in London, for a secret TV pilot! Jeff has then been invited to perform a staggering 2 1/2 hour set at this years Queen Convention in Prestatyn, consisting entirely of Queen songs. Jacky Gunn at the International Queen Fan Club is quoted as saying after last years performance "I asked jeff then and there to come back in 2003 – although we were lucky he hasn't yet been poached by Queen themselves after his stunning performance at the Los Angeles Star Ceremony party!". Jeff also performed a live set of Queen songs last August at the American Convention in Cleveland. The end of last year saw the release of Jeff's highly acclaimed second solo album 'PRISM', available on Frontiers Records, showing the diversity of this multi talented singer and songwriter. The album also included a duet with Glenn Hughes, one of Jeff's heroes, blasting out a cover of 'I want to take you higher'. MelodicRock.com review of the album read "If you buy one album this year, ensure it's 'Prism'. This is a masterpiece, every track is a gem". This May also sees the release of Jeff's 'Live at the Gods 2002' performance on CD and DVD. Jeff will be headlining the Gods Festival again this year at the end of May with his band Talisman, who's new album 'Cats and Dogs' is also released in May this year! Jeff leaves the UK at the end of May to embark on his European tour... Check out Jeff's website for more details.

Jan Akkerman

JADIS
Classic Rock from a star line up including Martin Orford & Gary Chandler

Wilko Johnson
We're feeling very relaxed tonight said Wilko as he came on stage. Maybe it was the brandy Wilko (allegedly) consumed in the dressing room before the show, but the man from Canvey Island was in high spirits, likewise his band, as they played a storming set before a near capacity audience. Wilko may not be able to jump as high as he did in his Feelgood days and his stage persona is less edgy and menacing-he actually smiles occasionally now-but the dynamic energy and unique guitar sound make him a compulsive performer. Wilko bassist Norman Watt Roy and young drummer Steve Monti were really up for this one and so were a keen crowd as the band ripped through favourites like Roxette, Don't Let Your Daddy Know, and Paradise. By the time Back In The Night came round the venue was throbbing and the crowd singing along. Encores Jonny Be Good and Route 66 crowned a superb display of rock and blues and a very special and memorable evening at Southampton's friendliest music venue. - Peter Ashton

Rufus Stone
Time to get stoned again with a band who make every gig a party night

The Real Thing
Original Vocalists Chris & Eddie Amoo and Dave Smith. 3 No1 Singles "You to me are Everything", "Can't get by without you", "Feel the Force". Biggest selling black UK group of the 70's and 80's.

Newcastle Brown Comedy Club
Laugh your socks off with 3 fine acts from the comedy circuit

Edgar Winter Band Cancelled

Blue Cheer the Deviantes feat Mick Farren

Bob Catley Band & Danny Vaughn

Gwyn Ashton Band (Australia)

Mostly Autumn

Ten Years After

T-Rextasy

Pete Rossi & his tribute band Pete Loaf (Meatloaf)