The Brook, 466 Portswood Road, Portswood, Southampton SO17 3SD
Box Office Hours - 1.00pm - 7.00pm Mon - Sat (023) 8055 5366
Or Buy 24 Hours On-line ::

£

"More than just an awesomely talented musician, Kelly Joe Phelps speaks to the soul of each and every listener." - Cameron Crowe "Phelps' songwriting mirrors the subtlety that distinguishes his guitar work. His songs are also infused with poignancy, passion and spirtiuality." - The Washington Post "His cadence is so hypnotizing, his rough voice so evocative, his guitar work so deeply entwined with his singing." - Boston Phoenix "...textured, pure, noble and moving. Call it art." - Pulse!

 

£

The original Spin Doctors sold ten million copies of their 1992 debut Pocketful of Kryptonite and their follow-up LP, Turn It Upside Down (1994). The band is best known for their hits "Two Princes," "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong" and "You Let Your Heart Go Too Fast" as well as their marathon live performances and dazzling musicianship. In 1994, at the peak of their success, guitarist Eric Schenkman left the band. Bassist Mark White exited shortly thereafter and lead singer Chris Barron was stricken with acute vocal cord paralysis. With Barron unable to sing, much less speak, the Spin Doctors officially called it a day. But when Barron's voice finally returned, neither he nor drummer Aaron Comess had any desire to reconvene the band until they were asked to play what was to be a one-off performance at the historic but now-defunct Wetlands in New York City, which they immortalized on their live EP Homebelly Groove. The show went over a smash and the Spin Doctors half-eased, half-leaped back into their creative partnership, jamming and playing mini-tours, even writing new material. The band is now poised to reclaim some of the jam band scene they helped to create years ago, touring in support of the 17-track greatest hits compilation Just Go Ahead Now: a Retrospective (Epic/Legacy). True to form, their sets stretch long and feature their signature funky tunes as well as new material. Further details as to their master plan were left at "Yo, let's take this one day at a time."

 

£

£

Time to dance the night away with the band who make every gig a party night! Those that have followed the band will know that the Rufus Stone Soul Band, based in their home town of Southampton, has been around in many guises since their start in late 1984. After all this time you would expect that some of the sparkle would have gone, not a bit. They still have the same distinctive sound, which ensures that they get the maximum involvement from their audience.

Over the years they have built a loyal following and it is this support that has kept the band not only on the road but still as soulful as when they started. The music is authentic soul with selections from The Blues Brothers and The Commitments, but the bulk of the set comes from the soul greats such as Otis Redding, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Joe Tex and many others.

During their time together there have been a number of highlights that include support to some of the top soul artists like Jimmy Ruffin, Edwin Starr, Curtis Mayfield, Geno Washington, Ben E King, and Gloria Gaynor.

£

One of Britain's most beloved and talented voices, renowned for bringing a little soul to artists as diverse as Mike + The Mechanics, Nick Lowe and Squeeze, singer's singer Paul Carrack follows up last year's well-received album of soul covers, Still Groovin, with his latest collection of original material, It Ain't Over... Paul reached a rapprochement with the new-wave scene, playing on albums by The Undertones, The Smiths and The Pretenders, and joining Squeeze for their masterwork East Side Story, helping redefine the group's profile with his soulful vocal on the hit single "Tempted". The biggest break in Carrack's career came in 1985 when he was invited to contribute vocals to a solo album being recorded by Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford. Despite the apparent differences in their musical styles, the very first track Paul sang on, "Silent Running", became a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Encouraged by such instant success, Mike + The Mechanics developed into more of a group, touring America extensively and securing a string of hit albums and singles over the next decade. Before they could produce a follow-up album, however, Paul found time to sing and play on Roger Waters' Radio KAOS album and record another solo album of his own, 1987's One Good Reason, scoring another couple of hits through the title-track and "Don't Shed A Tear", which again broke into the US Top Ten, staying on Billboard's Hot 100 for nearly half a year. Even better was to come when Mike + The Mechanics resumed recording. Sung by Paul, the title-track of their second LP The Living Years was a huge worldwide hit, peaking at number one in America, and hoisting the band to megastar status. Further touring was followed by another Carrack solo album, 1989's Groove Approved, whose standout track - the Motown-flavoured Carrack/Lowe composition "Battlefield" - was later covered by Diana Ross. The following year, Paul was co-opted to perform at Roger Waters' grandiose presentation of The Wall in Berlin, where he sang "Hey You" in front of over 250,000 people.

£

Keeping the spirit and songs of the legendary Zep alive with their unique energy and stage presence , Whole Lotta led play to over 40,000 enthusiastic fans every year.They don't try and reproduce what the Classic Led Zeppelin line up looked like because for these guys it's all about the music, And what music.

With recent 3 page review in the Sunday Express and live footage on the BBC 6 o'clock News this band go from strength to strength. Whether a fan of the original Led Zeppelin or new to the sound come and be astounded by the music of Led Zeppelin .

Given the thumbs-up by no less a guitar god than Jimmy Page himself , Whole Lotta led are THE Led Zeppelin tribute band

Hailing from England Whole Lotta Led are now considered by many to be one of the greatest tributes to Led Zeppelin around. Generally playing two and a half hour sets and over 100 concerts a year their enthusiasm on stage is unequalled, with a stage presence full of magnetism that all audiences feel and share.

They are all exceptional musicians in their own field and without realising it create much the same energy, flair and magic that still holds Led Zeppelin as one of thee largest and most influential bands the world has ever seen. New generations are getting involved in the Zeppelin experience, audiences at Whole Lotta Led gigs span four generations from six to sixty and for most it is the first opportunity of seeing Zeppelin's music performed live. It has been many years now since Zeppelin split up, tributes keep the music alive but when Whole Lotta Led recreate a Zeppelin concert they keep the music fresh. Uniquely for a tribute band they don't have the pretence of trying to look like former members of Zeppelin, their integrity and musicianship comes through in the passion for the music they play. Jimmy Page met them and gave his blessing to what they are achieving. The band also raises funds for The ABC Trust, a charity founded by Jimmy Page's wife to help under privileged children in Brazil. She keeps in touch with the band and informs Jimmy of there progress.

£

"...Cover bands are big business these days, but this quartet are clearly a cut above most with suits, mop-tops and jerking stage manoeuvres all in place as they blast out 'From Me To You', 'Roll Over Beethoven' and 'Please, Please Me' with note-perfect aplomb."

The Daily Telegraph.

There seems to be two different methods employed by tribute bands in copying their heroes. One is to immerse themselves totally in character, become the band. The other is to still do this, but do it with tongue very much in cheek. So how to interpret the greatest pop group of all time? The Silver Beatles go for option B, not taking themselves too seriously and this approach definitely works for them. They indulge in banter among themselves and with the crowd, making the most out of the fact that every Beatle is instantly recognisable. The first half of the gig is the young Beatles, suits and mop tops, covering all the early hits; 'Saw her standing there, Can't buy me love' among others before finishing on 'Twist and Shout'. Then it's a quick break and costume change where they miraculously transform into the older, hippie era Beatles; the period where they wrote some of their finest songs. Just point non-believers to songs like 'In my life' and 'Let it be' which show, more so than the early years, why the Beatles are still held in such esteem. Not that anyone here needed convincing. The 500 plus crowd, arms held aloft, nah-nah-nah-ing during the encore of 'Hey Jude'. Nope, no non-believers were present.

Review by Thomas Christie

£

Jason Rouse ::

Every so often a comedian comes along who challenges the sensibilities of the public at large. In 2004, that comedian's name is Jason Rouse. This agile young Hamiltonian is fast becoming the most celebrated "odd-ball" in Canadian comedy today. His stand-up comedy act is a clever combination of devilishly crafted jokes and "freak-show-like" theatrics. In his eight short years as a comedian, Jason has won several awards for his edgy style of humour including a Gemini Award for best individual performance in a comedy program/series.  "Hamilton-hatched stand up mutant Jason Rouse is the evil Jim Carrey but he's smarter, and light years funnier!" -- Darryl Jung, Now Magazine "He keeps pushing the envelope on what's acceptable.  He leaves the middle of the road in the dust." -- Glenn Sumi, Now Magazine

Hal Cruttenden

Hal Cruttenden's excellent reputation on the UK comedy circuit was confirmed by his appearance at this year's Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, which saw his show singled out as one of the most successful first appearances at the event.   Hal's big breakthrough as a stand up came with his nomination for the Perrier Newcomer Award at the 2002 Edinburgh Festival for his solo show 'Hal', followed by a highly successful run the following year of his second show, 'To Hal and Back', which was also performed at the Soho Theatre in London at the end of 2003. He is a regular at all the major clubs including the Comedy Store and Jongleurs. "He had the crowd roaring." The Hollywood Reporter "He takes the personal, the surreal, the ridiculous and the political, and whizzes them into a delicious comedy smoothie that is sweet with a hint of sharpness.  And it's really good for you." The Scotsman

Tom Wrigglesworth

Tom started doing stand-up in June 2002 and has since performed in many clubs around the country. Performing as both an MC and for sets.  He won the 2003 'So You Think Your Funny?' in Edinburgh.  For such a newcomer he's moving quickly and is being asked back to every club he performs at.  A very tall man who is very much in love with his girlfriend Lulu.   "With such an impressive stage presence, and equally impressive writing, Wrigglesworth's is a name to keep an eye on" – Chortle Aug 2003 "Tom's gangly stage presence and strong material means he's definitely one to watch. His ten minutes flew by". – Last Laugh Comedy Club – Aug 2003

£

Imagine a guitar player who played with musicians like Claus Ogerman, Alan Price, Herman Brood, Peter Banks, Charlie Byrd and Ice-T. You won't be guessing anybody else than Jan Akkerman. During his nearly 50-year career, he did almost anything a musician could possibly do. Even now, he has been developing himself towards new musical fields with a sheer enthusiasm which is so typical for all his projects so far.

Dutch guitar player Jan Akkerman (1946) did almost anything a musician could possibly do. He worked with many different musicians like BB King, Charlie Byrd, Cozy Powell, Claus Ogerman and Ice-T, besides being a former member of international acclaimed bands such as Brainbox and Focus and made more than a dozen solo records that showed his versatile playing without any boundaries or limitations. Whether it's 'Tabernakel' (1973), the famous guitar-in-bed album 'Jan Akkerman' (1977) or his most recent studio outing 'CU' (2003), he explores and combines elements of rock, jazz, blues, classical or modern dance music and give those his own signature.

On stage, Akkerman has been touring all around the world. Besides several appearances at the Swiss Montreux Jazz Festival, the Dutch North Sea Jazz Festival, his countless tours around theatres and different stages, the guitarist also performed far beyond Western Europe, in countries like Japan, Russia, North & South America and Australia. He also has a long-time fan base in many parts of the world. In his own country, Akkerman received a Golden Harp in 2005 for his complete oeuvre and again gained recognition and sympathy for his distinctive role in guitar music by many people. His lateste cd/dvd-set 'Live in Concert at The Hague' shows the many sides of the guitarist: with his band during The Hague Jazz Festival in May 2007, a solo gig At the Output Festival in the Amsterdam Bimhuis and at a workshop 'for all ages' in 2006 in Roermond.

Seeing Jan Akkerman live in concert is always a refreshing and fascinating never-to-be- repeated experience. Being an authentic improvisator he shows his maximal capability and, during band gigs, shares his affection on guitar with band members Coen Molenaar (keyboards), Wilbrand Meischke (bass) and Marijn van den Berg (drums).

What would be his next challenge?

£

LIMEHOUSE LIZZY - THE GREATEST HITS OF PHIL LYNOTT & THIN LIZZY

Renowned for an action-packed pyrothechnic-fuelled explosion of a show, Limehouse Lizzy continue to keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon Philip Lynott and his band Thin Lizzy alive, well and dominating stages worldwide.

Attention to detail, playful audience interaction and that all important X-factor that leaves you with the feeling of witnessing the real thing have led to their performance being described as "beyond tribute", by both audience and critics alike.

Following the enormous success of their ˜Live & Dangerous" & ˜Dedication" tours, the band embarked upon their "Into the Limelight" 2008 tour to tie in with their appearance on an episode of BBC2’s ‘Arena’ documentary series of the same name. The tour travelled as far as a headline slot at the Rhodes Rock festival in Greece, and the Virgin Atlantic Music festival in Barbados. The band appeared alongside diverse world music acts, and played a Thin Lizzy set representing the celtic rock genre.

Their latest tour continues to explore and celebrate the artistic and musical legacy of the hard-living, hard-rocking, yet at times surprisingly tender and romantic artist that was Philip Lynott.

Expect more of the Celtic influenced tracks like "Whisky in the Jar" and "Black Rose", amongst the usual razzamatazz and classic tracks "The Boys are Back in Town", "Sarah" and many others we’ve come to expect from one of the most highly rated acts on the circuit.

"Limehouse Lizzy's Wayne Ellis, an uncanny ringer for Phil Lynott..."
The Guardian

"entertainment for more than a decade…fantastic live music"
Arena BBC2

"if you're sceptical about tribute acts, you won't be after seeing Limehouse Lizzy"
Radio Times

£

Mick Slacker & Co's tounge in cheek tribute act just gets better and better.

The BOG ROLLING STONES have earned a reputation as one of the most authentic sounding tribute acts around. Satisfaction's always guaranteed when these long haired boys come home to the Brook!

Their tongue in cheek humour, wigs, stripy trousers and boundless energy make them an act not to be missed. The question is.....would you let your daughter go???

£

The Mods ::

Featuring Johnny Warman vox (Humble Pie/Ringo Starr); Dave Dulake keys/vox(The Kinks), Steve Byrd guitar (Gillan/Kim Wild); Stephen Baranacle (Pete Townshend/Queen/Tina Turner) & Johnny Marter drums (Fish/SAS Band), The Mods recreate the birth of Mod music in the 60's by playing musical highlights from the following; Steve Marriott - Small Faces - Humble Pie - The Kinks - The Who - Spencer Davis Group - The Move - Desmond Dekker - Nashvilleteens - Pretty Things - The Animals.

The Paul Weller Council ::

have developed a historic interest and strong allegiance with the music of Paul Weller (Russell used to work with The Style Council as a former employee of Polydor records and is a self-confessed Weller fanatic). Combined with pure musical ability and crucial audience rapport, PWC has gained high acclaim from the public and Weller/Jam community alike.

£

£

Performing 3,500 concerts in 18 years, with a mailing list exceeding 20,000 and a website which receives 1,000 visitors a day, the guitar, bass and drums trio The Hamsters have long been established as our premier blues-rock attraction. Although primarily playing their own brand of material, they are also widely regarded as the UK's leading interpreters of the music of Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top. Tonight they'll be showcasing material from their new studio album, 'Open All Hours', and concert video, 'To Infirmity, And Beyond!'.

"They're fabulous: one of Britain's very best live bands" - Bob Harris, Radio 2
"The Hamsters are a great Blues band" - Johnny Walker, Radio 2
"Nobody does the music of Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top better (apart from the real ZZ Top)" – The Times

£

After thirty-five years of almost continuous gigging and recording, the Climax Blues Band remains one of the most consistently entertaining of all the outfits to emerge from the British blues boom of the late sixties. Founded, and still led, by singer and multi-instrumentalist Colin Cooper, the band has survived early personnel changes, and the vagaries of fashion in the popular music business, largely because despite the occasional highly successful foray into the charts, the most successful being the classic world-wide hit "Couldn't Get It Right", sung and co-written by Colin, the band has always kept an eye firmly on its roots, namely blues and jazz. For the past eighteen years or so the band has had a more stable line-up, considered by many to be its best ever, and besides making records has concentrated its efforts in Europe, with numerous festival and club dates, including a one hour TV special on WDR's Rockpalast, sellout shows at Birmingham's late-lamented Ronnie Scott's club, and a twenty-five date German tour with the Godfather of British Blues, John Mayall.

£

The Queens perform a show packed with the hits,  anthems and live favourites from the world's most majestic rock 'n' roll band.  With great attention to detail, they bring you the look, sound, raw energy and  showmanship of Queens' most memorable live gigs, faithfully recreating  highlights of their Live Killers Tour '79, Montreal '81, Milton Keynes Bowl  '82 and Wembley '86.

The band have rocked many large audiences, from  hardcore Queen fans at the Official International Queen Fan Club Convention,  to a 6,000 strong crowd at Cowes week. With an energetic stageshow and  outrageous costume changes, The Queens are the closest you'll get to  experiencing Queen perform live.

"They were very impressive, great  sound and show!" Jackie Smith, Official International Queen Fan Club  Convention.

The show includes such classics as Fat Bottomed Girls,  Killer Queen, Another One Bites the Dust, Bohemian Rhapsody, We are the  Champions and many more.