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 ::
 

September 2005


Thu 1st Sept


DJ Format featuring Abdominal & D-Sisive

& Local Band, DJ, Beatbox support to be announced
 www ::
Buy On-line
£
£
 8.00
 7.00
 
Surreal Madrid Presents... LtdEditionLive
DJ FORMAT (If You Can't Join 'Em… Beat 'Em) LIVE SHOW
featuring... Masters Of Ceremony
Abdominal & D-Sisive
Band PicSouthampton's born and bred Hip Hop Guru/Producer Dj Format returns home after an amazing time touring with legendary giants such as De La Soul and Jurassic 5, smashing it at last years reading and leads festivals. His sell out tour earlier in the year received rave reviews and this show went down a storm at this years Glastonbury Festival. He brings along his regular lyrical sparring partner, the amazing Abdominal and Canadian rap wunderkid D-Sisive's verbal dexterity. With support from local band, dj, mc and beatbox, this is a night not to be missed… "Ten years later, still a hip-hop slave. A prehistoric b-boy makin' beats in my cave" DJ Format AKA Matt Ford's debut album "Music For The Mature B-Boy" is one of the slowburn success stories of 2002. An album of soulful, funk fuelled hip hop packed with infectious beats and lyrical dexterity, it delivered in spades on the promise of his early releases for Mo' Wax and Bomb Hip Hop. Received with quiet acclaim in the press it quickly became a word of mouth triumph, going on to establish itself as one of the most successful debut artist album's in UK hip hop/alternative urban/dance scene. The campaign was successful for a number of reasons not least it's supporting batch of three incredible music video's all directed by then unknown  Ruben Fleischer. The most famous of these will undoubtedly be the rap and breakdancing costumed animals of 'We Know Something You Don't Know' featuring the vocals of Chali 2na and Akil of Jurassic 5 - played out by a shark and tiger respectively on the big screen it is an unforgettable piece of feel good hip hop. "Music For The..." also led to Matt supporting Jurassic 5 on their European tour, and through subsequent touring in 2003 establishing Format & Abdominal as one of the hottest live hip hop tickets in town culminating in triumphant appearances at the Reading & Leeds festivals of 2004 and worldwide touring taking in the whole of Europe, North America and (most recently) Australia. "We played a lot of shows, but Leeds & Reading was an amazing moment for me because it had been a while since the album, a while since me & Abs had toured and the first time doing shows with D-sisive, explains Matt." So we didn't know what to expect. But when we came out on stage, the tents were packed with kids going crazy, and I realised at that moment things were gonna be ok this year." Now DJ Format is ready to climb back into the ring with his new album "If You Can't Join 'Em… Beat 'Em". A masterpiece of loop-digging construction, "If You Can't Join 'Em…" sees Format stepping up a gear, tightening the loops still further for a tougher, leaner sound. Like the Tarantino of beats, Format seeks out lost musical odds & ends, splicing and pasting favourite moments together to create future hip hop with a classic feel. Format's signature b-boy instrumentals, down-tempo sketches and body rocking backdrops are interwoven seamlessly throughout the record, simultaneously hooking in both the casual initiate as well as the most hardened crate spotting freak. "Everything just fell into place," explains Matt with a shrug. "The album again has a consistent feel, although it's a lot tougher than the last, but still retains a sense of humour. I feel that this album picked up where the last left off, but everyone's just stepped up a gear." Format's regular lyrical sparring partner Abdominal permeates the album, his trademark flow matched blow for blow by Canadian rap wunderkind D-sisive's verbal dexterity. "I centred the album around Abs & D-sisive as they are the guys who'll be out there with me on stage performing the songs live." says Matt. Lyrically, Abdominal keeps the subject matter fresh, rhyming about his and Matt's looks ("Ugly Brothers"), the make up of the group (Separated At Birth) and offering homespun logic as to their musical inspiration  ("Participation Prerequisite"). In between this, B-boy instrumentals and the downbeat melancholia of 'Black Cloud' Format goes the extra yard on 'The Place' which sees him reunited with Chali 2Na and Akil  to devastating effect. As A&R men fall over themselves to find the next multi-million selling act, it's easy to dismiss an artist whose records exist outside transient trends. Format's records are a celebration of the music he loves and that passion is shared with a growing audience. This is music with the hum and crackle of human contact, skull snapping drums and sharp guitar licks lurk in every silted groove.  So whilst most producers turn out a product according to the latest whims of fashion and trend, in 'If You Can't Join 'Em... Beat 'Em' DJ Format has created (with a little help from his friends of course) a personal document that will resonate with the likeminded listener and deliver a knockout punch to the unbeliever. FOR FURTHER DJ FORMAT INFO CHECK www.djformat.com To watch the rap and breakdancing costumed animals of 'We Know Something You Don't Know' featuring the vocals of Chali 2na and Akil of Jurassic 5 www.ruben.fm/format.html BROOK BOX OFFICE 02380555366 MONO 02380233323 ORANGE ROOMS 02380232333 FIVE O STORE 02380232559 OR ONLINE (Click the WeGotTickets Logo) or @ www.limitededition.dj For further information visit www.limitededition.dj or e-mail info@limitededition.dj DOORS OPEN AT 8PM - Main Acts Will Be On Stage At 10 Limited Edition Club Night - Surreal Madrid Presents Limited Edition - Every Friday Nights @ Rhino
ATWISTEDDISCOBOOTYSHAKINBREAKBEATBOOTLEGPARTY!
top ::
Fri 2nd Sep

Silver Beatles

The brook becomes The Cavern for another night of early Beatles
 www ::
Buy On-line
£
 8.00
 

Band Pic"...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
Band Pic

top ::
Sat 3rd Sep

The Beat

The return of Rankin Roger and the Crew - Hands Off She's Mine, Mirror in the Bathroom...

Support by The Score

 www ::
Buy On-line
£
 9.00
 

Band Pic After the split of 80's ska band The Beat, Everett, Saxa and Ranking Roger worked on many other projects. Ranking Roger and Saxa along with original Beat singer Dave Wakeling formed General public with former Dexy's Midnight Runners keyboardist Micky Billingham. General Public split in 1986 and 1988 saw the release of the solo album Radical Departure by Ranking Roger. He then went on to form another ska outfit, Special Beat.

In 1988 Everett and Saxa became part of the International Beat along with Neil Deathridge and regular guest appearances by Ranking Roger and Micky Billingham. The International Beat enjoyed success both in the UK and in the USA. After the split of the International Beat in 1992, Neil met songwriter Tony O'Donnell and they performed together at many venues throughout the UK. Finally in 2001, Ranking Roger, Everett, Saxa and Neil got together again along with Tony O'Donnell and Andy Pearson who had previously worked with Roger. At the beginning of 2003, the band were joined by Dave "Blockhead" Wright on keyboards and The Beat reunion gig at London's Royal Festival Hall was a great success.

In May 2003, after the depature of Tony O'Donnell, Twist and Crawl were joined by Matt aka "Ranking Junior" on vocals and Mark Hamilton aka "Chico" (son of Jazz musician Andy Hamilton) on sax. The Beat is back. Even with Dave Wakeling, David Steel and Andy Cox missing from the original line-up for various reasons, The Beat are enjoying massive success throughout the UK.

top ::
Sun 4th Sep

Carleen Anderson

The Return of Carleen and her Band formerly the singer of Brand New heavies & Young Disciples - Doors 7.30pm
 www ::
Buy On-line
£
12.50
 
Band PicLike a runaway slave, with my son in tow, I crossed the pond to opportunity.  The British Music Scene has afforded me the chance to perform with Paul Weller, Courtney Pine, Johnny Cash, James BrownThe Brand New Heavies, Max Beesley, Massive Attack, Ocean Colour Scene, Bryan Ferry, The London Community Gospel Choir, Paul McCartney, Incognito, and Jools Holland, to name a few. Noted international DJ's, Sir Norman Jay and Gilles Peterson, play list my music. My concerts have been attended by actors Martin Freeman, Sam Rockwell, and, (rapper/musician/actor), Mos Def.  I recorded a duet with Lewis Taylor, 18 With a Bullit, that was on the soundtrack album for Guy Ritchie's film, Lock, Stock and Two Smokin' Barrels.  I was filmed singing a song, Born to Love, written by Yolanda Charles, (former bassist for myself as well as Paul Weller and Robbie Williams), in the movie, American Daylight, starring Nick Moran. I am further rewarded with the honour of being the head of the vocal department at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music where I have been teaching since 2002. When my schedule allows, I ride my horse Dexter in the English countryside. I am sure all of this occurred because I live and work in England. There was no outlet for such variety to happen for me in the land of my birth. My journey began with me being raised by my birth father's parents, who had been Louisiana sharecroppers born near the beginning of the 20th century. Being born out of the union of a preacher's son whom himself became a preacher, and the female soul singer who was the featured vocalist for my God Father James Brown during the 1960's and 1970's, educated me well in the extremes of human nature. I grew up with my very lovingly religious grandparents in Houston Texas during the civil rights movement. After a brief marriage in 1978, I spent the 1980's being a single Mom in California, then my son and I brought in the 21st century as UK residents. This experience, full of social and political diversity, has been the reference source that earns my keep through lyrical and musical expressions. It is a unique heritage full of complicated challenges that have caused me to have a strong faith in the belief that the primary sustenance for a balanced life depends on the ability to truly love and to be loved truthfully, in return. My recording career began with the Young Disciples after relocating to England in June 1990. The album I recorded with them, which I sang and wrote songs for, Road to Freedom, included the dance club hit, Apparently Nothin', a spring board that later spearheaded me to being the lead vocalist for the Brand New Heavies in 1999 and 2000, for their tour to promote their album, Trunk Funk, a collection of the Brand New Heavies greatest hits. From 1992 to 1998, I was signed to Virgin Records on their Circa Label and recorded 2 solo albums for them, True Spirit and Blessed Burden. My music production and song writing skills were groomed and polished with my second solo album, Blessed Burden, recorded with Paul Weller, who co-produced the album with me and co-wrote some of the songs as well.  Paul Weller continues to be a loyal supporter of my music and the encouraging brother that champions me, regardless. My first independently recorded album, Alberta's GrandDaughter, a tribute to my grandmother, released in 2002, was co-produced with the talented Ben Castle, son of the famous British trumpeter, Roy CastleBen brought with him several talented musicians to record on the album, who still tour and record with me today.  Colin Walker, who engineered and co-produced Alberta's GrandDaughter, also became my business manager, a decision that has brought me indescribable benefits. Colin, along with my keyboardist and musical director Mark Edwards, produced my live performance DVD, Grace & Favours, filmed in Birmingham, England, in 2003., which also includes documentary footage. My current offering, Soul Providence, scheduled for release early autumn 2005, again produced by Colin Walker and Mark Edwards, has guest performances with Jocelyn Brown and Paul Weller.  This album represents the mature me, the woman who survived the disappointments with a passionate smile of joyful restitution. I live a life that could never have been planned. I take the road less travelled, continuously. Despite the conflicts and complications, my soul is provided for and my salvation is free. Onwards and forwards, love and let love be.
top ::
Sun 4th Sep

Support by Laura Vane & Her Band

"This girl has funk and soul oozing from every part of her" - MJ Cole
 
 
 
 
Band PicHaving worked with respected names such as Mj Cole, Lewis Taylor, Mark Hill and Robby Rivera, Southampton based singer / songwriter, Laura Vane has now channeled her awesome talents into writing and recording her own album with Brighton based artist/producer Lee Baker. Together they have created a fusion of Northern Soul and Raw Funk steeped in sensational vocal arrangements. Laura has now put a fantastic band together and they are looking for live dates.

"Laura Vane is one of the most exciting vocalists and writers that I have had the pleasure to work with in the past few years. This girl has funk and soul oozing from every part of her. Her musicality is second to none. She can cut it both live and in the studio. Phenomenal." - MJ Cole.
top ::
Thu 8th Sep

Fragile - Tribute to Yes

Get close to the tribute band who like to play Yes
 www ::
Buy On-line
£
 8.00
 
Band Pic Fragile are Europe's premiere Yes Tribute Band.

Fragile do not only pay tribute to the music of Yes, but also promote continuing interest in this legendary classic rock band. Yes stand unique as enduring exponents of the original progressive rock scene, and their legacy to the genre is immense.

2005, with the release of their new 'Odds & Sods' CD and the significance of events surrounding Steve Howe's special guest appearance with Fragile on the 9th June, gave the band a huge boost in profile. Steve Howe's appearance with Fragile represented a major endorsement of the band and defined Fragile as something more than 'just a tribute'. The confidence that flowed from this experience was to impact massively on the quality of the band's performances for the rest of the year.

Fragile, the original European tribute to the music of the classic progressive rock band YES are due to perform at The Brook.

Fragile were the first band to perform a tribute to the music of YES in Europe and celebrated a decade in action in 2008. This year sees Fragile touring in their 12th year with a refreshing new show featuring a vast range of authentic arrangements of the most popular classic YES numbers including: Siberian Khatru, And You And I, Close to the Edge, Awaken, Wondrous Stories, Gates of Delirium (Soon), Yours is no Disgrace, Starship Trooper, Long Distance Runaround, The Fish, Roundabout, Owner Of A Lonely Heart and more.

Whether you're a new prog fan or you remember Yes from their heyday, where better to be than the The Brook on 9th May? Get a taste of the band on MySpace?

What YES themselves say about Fragile.

"Playing with you guys reminds me of an early, earthy, more British Yes" - STEVE HOWE
".....Fragile pretty much knocked my socks off.....they had it down. The guys were great, Steve and all the lads were really good" - STEVE HOWE on Planet Rock Radio

More information about Fragile.

Like YES, the band was founded in London and since 1998 have worked with original YES members Rick Wakeman, Steve Howe, Alan White, Peter Banks & Roger Dean on some fantastic YES related projects throughout the UK, Finland, Holland, Belgium & Switzerland. This includes a series of now legendary shows with celebrated Yes & Asia guitarist Steve Howe in 2005/6 and 7.

In 2009 Fragile appeared on Primetime UK TV with Richard & Judy, Rowland Rivron, Rick Wakeman & Roger Dean, performed to over 35,000 at the Mathew Street Festival in Liverpool with Alan White and performed at an exclusive event for a Roger Dean Exhibition.

Band members past and present have left their mark in a variety of live and studio projects including work with Jon Anderson, Adam Wakeman, Marillion, former Marillion front man Fish, Voyager, Don Airey, Bernie Marsden's Alaska, Former Jethro Tull members Glenn Cornick and and more.

top ::
Fri 9th Sep

Jade's Private Party

Invite Only Sorry
 
£
priceless
top ::
Sat 10th Sep

Rufus Stone

Classic 8 Piece Soul Band
 www ::
Buy On-line
£
 6.00
 

Band PicTime 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.

top ::
Sun 11th Sep

Hayseed Dixie (Yes - They Are Back!)

After their sell out show in June - The band loved the gig so much they asked to come back before their return to the U.S.A. Classic Rock meets Bluegrass, 'Ace of Spades', 'Walk This Way' etc... This band is a Brook favourite - If you have been here lately - you will have heard their CD.
Note - Doors 7:30 - Finish 10:30
 www ::
Buy On-line
£
10.00
 

Band PicWitness you now that Appalachian Rockgrass hellraisers, Hayseed Dixie, have completed their 8th full-length studio album. The CD DVD package contains 7 original compositions along with 6 reinterpretations of previously known songs about drinking, cheating, killing and hell - with a particular emphasis on murder and death. On the road on tour throughout 2010, the suspects are known to be armed with acoustic instruments and should be considered extremely dangerous.

Formed in 2001 with the release of their first album, titled "A Hillbilly Tribute To AC/DC," Hayseed Dixie are acknowledged as the creators of the musical genre "Rockgrass." Hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of the Southeastern United States, the band consists of: Barley Scotch - vocals, guitar and fiddle, Reverend Don Wayne Reno - banjo and vocals, Deacon Dale Reno - mandolin, guitar and vocals
Jake "Bakesnake" Byers - bass and vocals.

Having sold over 500,000 records worldwide, the band has successfully spread like a virus to every continent except Antarctica.

Preview

According to the sleeve notes for the first Hayseed Dixie album, "A Hillbilly Tribute To AC/DC" their interest in AC/DC started when they found a collection of AC/DC records in the valley of Deer Lick Holler in the Appalachian mountains of the USA, where a stranger had crashed in his car and expired. They could only play the records at 78 rpm on an old Edison Victrola player, but the boys all agreed that it was mighty fine country music. Well, if you believe that, you?ll believe anything!

One thing is true though, Hayseed Dixie have built up a huge reputation as a sensational live act since they formed in 2001. They don?t just to AC/DC covers - after their debut album sold over 100,000 copies worldwide, they went back into the studios to record some of their own songs. The result was "A Hillbilly Tribute to Mountain Love" an inspired exploration of one of the primary reasons for drinking, cheating, killing and going to hell.

The next development in the career of Hayseed Dixie was hearing some songs by the band Kiss and realising they were kindred spirits. So in February 2003 they spent two inspired days in the recording studio to produce their third album "Kiss My Grass - A Hillbilly Tribute To Kiss." There followed a joint tour with Kerosene Brothers followed including over 100 shows all over the USA and Australia which included much heroic drinking.

Feeling the need to plough some fresh fertile fields, the boys began to focus on getting to the UK and Europe. as well. Last year they released of "Let There Be Rockgrass" and the first UK tour took place. According to Hayseed Dixie, the full spectrum of hell was raised and "Rockgrass" became an international phenomena.

Now they're back on tour in the UK again and as lead singer Barley Scotch says: "We ain't even started drinking yet. We've just been on a recon mission so far. Now we know where the party people around the world are, and we're coming back to close the deal!

Preview by Peter Ashton

top ::
Thu 15th Sep
Dave Davies Band (Lead guitarist and founder of The Kinks) - This Gig Has Been Cancelled Due To Illness - Call For A Refund - (023) 8055 5366
 www ::
£
 
 
Band PicRock legend Dave Davies founder member, along with brother Ray, of the KINKS, one of the most successful bands in music history with 20 hit singles and 11 hit albums. Dave Davies' unique guitar playing gave the band their distinct sound. Dave also had a hit single in his own right with "Death Of A Clown". Dave and his band will be promoting his new live Cd "Transformation". Expect some great renditions of Kinks classics "Till The End Of The Day", "You Really Got Me" amongst a host of others, "Death Of A Clown" and a smattering of new material. Not to be missed!
top ::
Fri 16th Sep

Bog Rolling Stones

Mick Slacker & Co capture the excitement of the Rolling Stones at their peak
 
Buy On-line
£
 7.00
 

Band Pic 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???

top ::
Sat 17th Sep

The Gift (Featuring Rick Buckler of The Jam)
& support - POPE (formerly THE CHORDS)

The Gift will play a set of Jam songs, lasting approximately ninety minutes, including fan favourites such as 'That's Entertainment', 'Going Underground' and 'Down In The Tubestation At Midnight' which live will feature Rick's trademark drum solo.
 www ::
 www ::
Buy On-line
£
12.50
 

Band PicRick Buckler, hailed as one of the finest drummers of his era, will once again be playing Jam songs, many of which have never been played live since The Jam split in 1982, tracks like 'Dreamtime', 'Set The House Ablaze' and 'Happy Together'.

The band has been named The Gift, as Rick feels that this will ultimately be his gift to the fans in return for the loyalty and continued support they have shown towards, The Jam, and will be fronted by multi talented singer/guitarist Russell Hastings formerly of the Maximum High. On bass will be Dave Moore, a bassist of considerable talent whose involvement in the music business spans back over fifteen years.

After a musical hiatus of almost twelve years legendary Jam drummer Rick Buckler, inspired by fan loyalty has decided to acknowledge his gratitude to fans by playing Jam songs live for the first time in over twenty years. Enlisting the talents of singer guitarist Russell Hastings and bassist Dave Moore Rick has named his band The Gift, both a nod to the final Jam album and at the same time signifies his personal Gift back to his fan base.  After an exclusive interview with All Mod Icon Magazine word soon spread generating huge interest. Not surprisingly sponsorship was immediate and Merc clothing, Lonsdale and Ludwig drums have already come on board.

The Gift will play a set of Jam songs, lasting approximately ninety minutes, many of which have never before been played (even by the plethora of tribute bands doing the rounds) album tracks such as 'Dream Time, Set The House Ablaze' and Happy Together' as well as fan favourites such as 'That's Entertainment', 'Going Underground' and 'Down In The Tubestation At Midnight' which live will feature Rick's trademark drum solo. 'The historical significance of these gigs will not be lost on those whose lives were shaped and will forever be influenced by the Woking trio. A brilliant, evocative, emotional trip through the finest moments of The Jam's career with one of the greatest drummers of our era.

Last time at The Brook this show sold out, so get your tickets early. For all those who are lucky enough to get in, the gig is being recorded for release on DVD later in the year, this is an opportunity not only to have a great nightbut also to say "I was there" then prove it later

Plus special guests:.

POPE

Chris Pope (The Chords) and Buddy Ascott (The Chords) together with Mathew Wilesbring you in the words of "MOJO" "Razor sharp vignettes…Flamboyant Who-like anthemic rock"

THE HIWATTS

The Hiwatts - Proudly playing you a selection of their own material & the "BEST" of British Rock/Mod/Punk Music, from the 60's through to the 90's. Guitar smashing, Microphone twirling & Drum crashing their way through The Who, Small Faces, Rolling Stones, Oasis, The Beatles, Sex Pistols, Ocean Colour Scene, The Undertones, The Buzzcocks, The Creation, and many others.

 
Sat 17th Sep

support - POPE (formerly THE CHORDS)

'The Song writing class of 79 , Joe Strummer & Mick Jones, Paul Weller & Chris Pope' - Edward Ball , The Times
 www ::
Buy On-line
£
12.50
 
Band Pic
Pope - A New Beginning
Welcome to the brave new world of POPE, as after a 20 year hiatus Chris Pope returns with his new band and new album. Pope, along with drummer Brett 'Buddy' Ascott, initially burst onto the music scene with seminal late 70's band The Chords, scoring top 30 singles and album placings and a place in many young teenagers' memories. Reconvening in 2003 the band entered the studio to record their debut album ' Grace of God,' with Pat Collier (producer of The Wonderstuff, Katrina & The Waves amongst others) at the controls. The results are a stunning mix of Pope's lyrical awareness and song writing skills. Taking in a lifetime of musical influences from 60's Who through to the punk of the Clash and onward to Britpop and beyond, it all shines through in this debut release. For samples of the new material why not visit the POPE website :: ' The Song writing class of 79 , Joe Strummer & Mick Jones, Paul Weller & Chris Pope' - Edward Ball , The Times 'It's natural to compare this with The Chords - but it's wrong to do so. Take this record for what it is....pop panache with cutting edge lyrics. Give it a listen. It's worth a go."- Rob Massey 'One of the country's most gifted songwriters' - Adrian Thrills NME "The two ex Chords members (Chris Pope and Buddy Ascott) seemed to be firing each other up with every track to an almost volcanic climax. All this was complimented by the solid bass and backing vocals Matt Wiles...... Although I'd have liked to have heard a couple of Chords numbers the band stuck to their new material, and guess what? It worked! The crowd enjoyed the set immensely as did the band. A brave new world indeed! Highlights of the show for me were 'Brave New World', Friends Like That' and 'Another Day In England'. The album (Grace of God) continues to become more and more agreeable to my lugs with every play and I recommend it highly! " -Chris Bratten www.paulweller.com :: 'Stunning new material, already on my playlist!" - Gary Crowley BBC Radio Presenter
top ::
Sun 18th Sep
 
Buy On-line
£
 8.00
 
The New Saint Comedy Club presents two fine acts from the comedy circuit - come and have a chuckle with us on a Sunday night.... Doors 7.30 Comedy starts at about 8.30 - get here early if you want a table. Listen to The Saint :: for Ticket Giveaways...

Ian Stone & Sean Collins UK Tour

 
 
 
 
 
Ian Stone
Band PicIan Stone was born in North West London, the first born son of an average Jewish family.  Luckily, the Pharaohs reign was over so he survived.  From an early age he was torn between pleasing his parents and having fun.  Finally in 1991, fun won.  He took his girlfriend's advice and stepped onto a stage.  The world had waited long enough.  Today, Ian is one of the most sought after comedians on the comedy scene.  Not because of the amount of money he owes but because, in the words of Time Out, 'He looks and sounds very good indeed'. 1996 saw him venture northwards to The Edinburgh Festival with his first solo show, 'The Cheek of Ian Stone'.  Invitations followed to Comedy Festivals in Australia, Hong Kong, Holland, France, Ireland and Germany (not many Jewish comedians have performed there in the last fifty years).  If that wasn't enough, in 1998 he also performed to 55,000 people in 40 days, (more than Wimbledon) on tour with Ardal O'Hanlon and Alan Davies. In 1998, TV and radio beckoned.  Since then, he's appeared on The Stand-Up Show (BBC 1), Saturday Live (ITV), The Comedy Store (C5), Live at Jongleurs (ITV), Good Stuff (ITV), The 11 o'clock show (Ch4), as well as 'Radio 1 Live' and 'Four at the Store'.  He's also a regular panellist on Radio 5's The Treatment. He joined BBC GLR in 1998 to host his own chat show "The Big Schmooze", where he's interviewed the likes of Jeremy Issacs, Terry Hall, Anthony Sher and Esther Rantzen who, live on air, proposed marriage to his long term girlfriend on his behalf.  An answer has not as yet been forthcoming.  He's presented most of the regular daytime and evening shows as well as their 1999 Notting Hill Carnival coverage and a one-off special celebrating twenty years of The Comedy Store.  He can also be seen bickering with Alan Davies in a major BBC1 documentary series about stand-up comedy. Ian's Edinburgh Festival show 'A Little Piece of Kike' caused offence to the festival organisers last year to the extent that they banned the word 'Kike' from the official Fringe Programme. Ian didn't realise that by using the word he would be treading on the toes of political correctness:  "I saw a description of it.  It said a low-class, ill-mannered Jew  and I thought, that's me!". Ian now lives in North London with his partner, child and two cats and would like to state publicly that Arsenal's poor disciplinary record is a direct result of pro-Manchester United bias in the media. "…funnier than a shopful of remaindered David Baddiel novels." The Independent "…like a cross between Tony Hancock and Frankie Howerd." The List "Stone is probably better than we deserve.  Ultimately, it is the sheer quantity of funny material that really impresses." The List
top ::
 
Sean Collins
Band PicSean Collins began comedy in 1990 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Trained and working as a child counsellor on the Psychiatric Unit at Sick Kids Hospital in Vancouver Sean is able to grab material and stories from his own personally bizarre life. Sean developed into a "storyteller" and loves to bring people into his own life through his honesty on stage Sean recently filmed a documentary film with fellow Canadian Comics Craig Campbell and Tom Staid which is presently in postproduction. The film was shot at the Glastonbury festival. " A lethal North American technician" - Time Out Magazine " A unique Story-telling style, seducing " - Now Magazine " Able to draw any audience, young and old" - Mark Breslin Yuk Yuks  Canada
top ::
Thu 22nd Sep

Green-ish Day

Excellent Tribute to Green Day debut The Brook (Date has changed from 29th September)
(Please note our age policy ::)
 www ::
Buy On-line
£
 6.00
 

Band PicGreen-ish Day, Europe's Ultimate tribute to the US punk legends Green Day, return to the Brook for another night of punk rock shennanigans! As well as cramming in all the most recent Green Day singles and all the classics from their phenomenal career, the guys will be including some 'never played before' material and some of the awesome 'on-stage antics' that all us Green-Ish Day fans have grown to love! A show that should not be missed!!

First band on at 8.30pm.

top ::
Fri 23rd Sep

T-Rextasy

Voted UK's Best Tribute Act by the BBC
 www ::
Buy On-line
£
10.00
 

The World's Only Official Live Tribute Band To Marc Bolan & T.Rex

CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF MARC BOLAN'S 65TH BIRTHDAY &
COMMEMORATING MARC BOLAN'S 35TH ANNIVERSARY
1977 - 2012

Band PicOn 16 September 1977 the world lost one of it's most original, flamboyant and charismatic rock'n'roll stars.  Marc Bolan's life was cut short after that fateful early morning car accident which would end his life - he was still only 29 years old.  Although Bolan released many successful singles and albums throughout the 1970s, two songs epitomise Bolan's status as the ‘King of Glam' – ‘Telegram Sam' (which sold 500,000 copies within the first two days of release), and ‘Metal Guru', both of which were included on the iconic album in 1972 called ‘The Slider'.  Later in the year, on 8 September 1972, one of his most memorable and distinctive records that would inspire future generations was also released, entitled ‘Children of the Revolution'.  40 years on, the song has become legendary, along with the name Marc Bolan….

T.Rextasy have now been gigging around the world for 20 years, a career that ironically out lives Marc's very own T.Rex.  The band are now accepted as the world's only official live tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan & T.Rex, and the only band endorsed and approved by Marc Bolan's family, estate, original        ex-members of T.Rex, and Bolan's catalogue management.  Due to their passion, musical ability, longevity, and attention to detail, they are consistently described by many as ‘beyond the boundaries of tribute'.

They have, with their ‘Marc Bolan' doppelganger lead singer/lead guitarist, Danielz, signed with Columbia Records, Madman Records, and Liberation DVD, won the accolade of ‘Best Live Tribute Band in the UK on BBC1, and performed at the original Billy Elliot premiere party, filmed for ‘Arena' on BBC TV.  Over the years they have toured around the world from Europe to Japan and have performed at many Arena venues in the UK (such as Wembley Arena, and Birmingham's NEC). They have played alongside many of the 1970s original contemporaries such as Wizzard, Cockney Rebel, Slade, Sweet, and Ian Hunter, to name a few. In September 2007 they played to 40,000 at the BBC Proms Night at London's Hyde Park, and later headlined their own sell-out concert at the Shepherds Bush Empire with their special guests including Marc Almond (Soft Cell), Gloria Jones (Marc's girlfriend songwriter/singer), and Shakin' Stevens.  

The band have also accepted invitations from ex-members of T.Rex such as Mickey Finn (original percussionist), Marc's son Rolan Bolan, and Bowie/Bolan producer Tony Visconti, to play alongside them in past special anniversary concerts.  Dino Dines (original keyboardist), a long serving member of T.Rex even joined T.Rextasy and remained with them until sadly passing away a few years ago…the list goes on…

Expect T.Rextasy to play all of Bolan's biggest hits, such as ‘Ride a White Swan', ‘Jeepster', ‘Telegram Sam', ‘New York City', ‘Debora', ‘Teenage Dream', ‘Hot Love', ‘20th Century Boy', ‘The Groover', ‘I Love To Boogie', ‘Get It On', and of course ‘Telegram Sam', ‘Metal Guru', and ‘Children of the Revolution'.  The band plays totally live without the aid of any backing tracks, recreating the music, performance and excitement of those heady and outrageous times of glam rock. 

Truly a rock'n'roll concert for all ages - if you would like to know exactly what a Marc Bolan concert was like in the 1970s, this gig is for you!

T.Rextasy – awarded the accolade of ‘The Best Live Tribute Band in the UK' by BBC1 TV.

 ‘They're the closest you're ever going to get to the real thing'
- Bill Legend (original T.Rex drummer)

‘T.Rextasy are the tribute act who break all the rules by being bloody brilliant.  Danielz is an exact replica of Marc, he's uncanny. 
- The Independent on Sunday

‘Danielz is a curator of Bolan's life, a perfectionist protector of the legacy – T.Rextasy play with a poignant, flamboyant skill.'
- The Observer

"Danielz looks and sounds uncannily like Bolan and has dedicated his life to the man" – The Times

"Danielz is more than a career lookalike.  Here we have a serious guitarist with the animal grace of early Bolan and the clear unequivocal love of the music"
– The Stage

"Danielz just freaks me out!"
– Mickey Finn (original T.Rex percussionist)

top ::
Sat 24th Sep

RoShambo

Indie to Funk, Techno to Ballads...
 www ::
£
 5.00
 
RoShambo create a varied sound from indie to funk, techno to ballads tinged with the sounds of the indie brit-pop scene. Destined for success catch these local guys before they become stars.
top ::
Fri 30th Sep

Mostly Autumn

Moody, Floydian Celtic-tinged Rock
 www ::
Buy On-line
£
12.50
 

"The best band you have never heard"

Since forming back in 1996, British rock outfit Mostly Autumn have garnered themselves a name for their relentless touring schedule and outstanding live shows. And this Autumn, the York based outfit are set to hammer this home with the upcoming 'Go Well Diamond Heart' tour of the UK,  Holland and Belgium.

Band PicThey have built a loyal and cult following since their first album twelve years ago and in that time such luminaries as the late Richard Wright of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple's Jon Lord and the BBC's own Bob Harris are amongst its many fans.  
Mostly Autumn has also toured as an invited support act to Blackmore's Night, Uriah Heep and Jethro Tull, as well as being special guests at Bryan Adam's Murrayfield Stadium gig three years ago. That alone should give some indication as to the calibre of the band. 

Their musical palette is diverse and while they draw on influences from the golden age of seventies' rock, they have developed their own unique sound and style that both captures some of the essence of that heady era and yet looks forward into the future. 

 Bryan Josh is that rare beast – a hugely talented guitarist who knows how to play with feeling and for the song.  His soaring guitar, always drenched in pure emotion, at times recall the golden era of guitar heroes such as David Gilmour but never outstays its welcome, always leaving the listener wanting a little more. Lead vocalist Olivia Sparnenn is a true talent, the range and beauty of her voice is world class.  The magnificence of Iain Jennings on keyboards, complimented by a rock solid yet fluid rhythm section - Andy Smith (bass), Gavin Griffiths (drums), Liam Davison (rhythm guitar) and the delightful vocals and multi instruments of Anne-Marie Helder make Mostly Autumn a band that will enthrall you and awaken memories of what real music is really about.

top ::

Return to Top

Emailing List...

Enter your name and
email address below:
Name:
Email:
Subscribe 

Do you own an iPhone? New iPhone Micro-site

New Hours for 2012

Weekends - 8 - 12
Weekdays - 8 -11:30
Sundays - 7:30 - 11

See here for details...

Band Pic

Box Office Hours

1:00pm-7:00pm
Mon-Sat

Tickets can be purchased 24/7 from

band pic

Have a listen to our up and coming artists on Spotify. If you don't know spotify - you can legally listen to music that you do (or don't) own.

band pic

band pic

band pic

band pic
Fancy a pint before you get here? We recommend The Drummond Arms. Good Beer - Good Pub Food

Next Few Weeks...

World Famous Redsox Postponed Sorry - Jamie has slipped a disc - Re-scheduled date is Fri 23rd March - get in touch with your point of sale if you can't go to the new date.
band pic


band pic


band pic

Fine Comedy...

Robin Ince Happiness Through Science (Star Corpse Apple Child)
band pic


Andy Hamilton's Hat of Doom
band pic

New & On-Sale...

Hue and Cry Hot Wire Stripped ~ An intimate performance from brothers Pat and Greg Kane
band pic


band pic


band pic


band pic


band pic


band pic


band pic


band pic


band pic


Peter Grant + Rubylux
band pic


band pic


band pic


Rich Robinson From The Black Crows
band pic


UFO Don't be an April Fool and leave buying your tickets to the last minute now! Sells out every time!!!
band pic


band pic


band pic


band pic


band pic

Future Dates A-Z...

All Right Now
Andy Hamilton
Bee Gees Fever
The Big Rock and Soul Party
Bog Rolling Stones
Bow Wow Wow
Colin Blunstone
Dirty DC
Fleetwood Bac
Groovejuice Charity Event For Breakthrough Breast Cancer
Iron Butterfly
Johnny 2 Bad
Kast Off Kinks
King King
Limehouse Lizzy
Larry Miller
Mercury
Nazareth
Nick Lowe
No Jacket Required
Perfect Alibi
The Producers
Rich Robinson (Black Crows)
Robin Ince
Ruby Turner
Rufus Stone
The Selecter
Silver Beatles
Skinny Molly
Steve Hackett
The South
T-Rextasy
UFO
The Ultimate Eagles
Walter Trout
Whole Lotta Led
World Famous Redsox
ZZ Tops

Sound Of The C...

band pic
Hand-picked selection of local bands, usually 4 bands per night, usually one show per month! A bit like X Factor except with talent.


Thu 9th February

Russ Diapper's Runaway Train + 2 : AM

Refunds Policy...

Find Us...

Mini Google Map - including loads of useful links. Hotels, B&B's, Restaurants, Take Aways, Music Shops, Taxis...

Online Ticket Sales...



If you have any problems with On-Line sales. Fill in this form and they will get in touch with you.

Local Weather...