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 ::

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Surreal Madrid Presents... LtdEditionLive

DJ FORMAT (If You Can't Join 'Em… Beat 'Em) LIVE SHOW

featuring... Masters Of Ceremony

Abdominal & D-Sisive

Southampton'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!

The brook becomes The Cavern for another night of early Beatles

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"...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

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

Support by The Score

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The Return of Carleen and her Band formerly the singer of Brand New heavies & Young Disciples - Doors 7.30pm

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"This girl has funk and soul oozing from every part of her" - MJ Cole

 

Having 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.

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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.

The Awakening Your Hearts Tour 2006

Fragile have announced their first dates of 2006 in a schedule that takes the band to venues old and new between April and December of this year. The shows will go out under the banner of the 'Awakening Your Hearts' tour, reflecting both the fresh content of the planned live set and possibly other very special Fragile moments.

Invite Only Sorry

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Classic 8 Piece Soul Band

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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.

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

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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! Hayseed Dixie are: Barley Scotch - singer, guitar & fiddle, Don Wayne Reno - banjo, Dale Reno - mandolin and Jason D. Smith - bass.

Preview by Peter Ashton

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Rock 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!

Mick Slacker & Co capture the excitement of the Rolling Stones at their peak

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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 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.

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Rick 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.

'The Song writing class of 79 , Joe Strummer & Mick Jones, Paul Weller & Chris Pope' - Edward Ball , The Times

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Ian Stone

Ian 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

Sean Collins

Sean 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

Excellent Tribute to Green Day debut The Brook (Date has changed from 29th September)
(Please note our age policy ::)

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Voted UK's Best Tribute Act by the BBC

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T.Rextasy are the only band to have been authorised and endorsed by Marc Bolan’s Catalogue Management, are now officially recognised as the world’s No.1 group dedicated to the greatest glam rocker of them all, Marc Bolan of T.Rex. With their uncanny doppelganger lead singer and lead guitarist, Danielz, T.Rextasy perform a powerful and mesmerising presentation of Marc Bolan’s rock and pop anthems.

With a career spanning over 17 years, T.Rextasy are now regarded beyond the boundaries of ‘tribute’ and are respected in their own right. They are also the only band to have the blessing and support from Marc’s own family and Ex-T.Rex band members, including June Bolan (Marc’s wife), Gloria Jones (Marc’s Girlfriend), Rolan Bolan (Marc’s Son), Mickey Finn (T.Rex conga player), Tony Visconti (T.Rex producer), and others

They have toured worldwide playing at venues such as the gigantic Ariake Coliseum in Japan, and Wembley Arena in London. They also perform alongside artists such as Wizzard, Cockney Rebel, Ian Hunter (Mott the Hoople), and Slade amongst others.

In September 2007 T.Rextasy played to 40,000 at BBC Proms Night at London’s Hyde Park, and headlined at the Shepherds Bush Empire in London where special guests appeared alongside them including Marc Almond (Soft Cell), Gloria Jones, Shakin’ Stevens, and Tony Visconti. A DVD of the concert is now officially available.

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

‘T.Rextasy are a great tribute to my Dad. They have my support 100% - Rolan Bolan (Marc’s son)

‘T.Rextasy have my utmost approval and I wish them well’ - Gloria Jones (Marc’s girlfriend and Mother to Rolan Bolan)

‘T.Rextasy play a wonderful replica of Marc’s music and recreate his songs so authentically – Steve Harley (Cockney Rebel)

‘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

‘The lead singer not only sounds like Marc Bolan but is an unnerving physical reincarnation. They play with a passion that lifts their performance above imitation’
- Leicester Mercury

‘T.Rextasy’s impeccably worked routine must have spooked the parade who came to pay tribute.’
- London Lite

‘This is the most fitting tribute band I have ever come across.’
- Cornish Guardian

‘This bore the hallmarks of a real Bolan gig. Responsibility for celebrating Bolan’s memory couldn’t be in better hands.’
- Lancashire News

Indie to Funk, Techno to Ballads...

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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.

Moody, Floydian Celtic-tinged Rock

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Mostly Autumn are a seven piece band from York and have been formed for over nine years playing music that has been described as organic emotionally charged rock with Celtic undertones. They are hailed as the band rock fans have been waiting twenty years for. The amazing seven-piece have all the hallmarks of the great bands from the seventies – there are echoes of Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Genesis and all of the greats, but the sound is unmistakably their own.

Like the Autumn season itself, their music has a romantic, organic quality and are a rare naturalness, but it also combines elements of sheer power and intensity. The songs seem to grow into life rather than emerge as the work of a laboured writing process.

They have recently won "best band", "best track", best classic rock gig", "best guitarist", and "best vocalist" in the international "Classic Rock Society" awards, voted for by the public.

After signing a major record deal worth over 1.2 million with "Classic Rock Productions" two years ago they have repeatedly played sold out concerts in Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, Spain, Norway, New Jersey, Mexico and all over the U.K.

After an amazing 3 years with Classic Rock Productions, both parties decided that Mostly Autumn should be set free and on 4th June 2005 The New Astoria, London saw the launch of Mostly Autumn Records, and a live recording of this gig 'Storms over London Town' was released early this year.  They are currently writing and recording their latest (6th) studio album 'Heart full of Sky' which will be on general release next February 2007.  A limited edition double album is available to pre-order now and will be pressed late November or early December this year.

 " I've been listening to this amazing new band called Mostly Autumn" Rick Wright from Pink Floyd on BBC Radio 2.