The Brook, 466 Portswood Road, Portswood, Southampton SO17 3SD
Box Office Hours - 1.00pm - 7.00pm Mon - Sat (023) 8055 5366
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Exceptional Mod Double Bill

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"The best sixties covers band in the world" with a massive tribute to...

"The Who" and nobody plays it better than this band says time out !!! "Small Faces" "The Kinks" "The Yardbirds" "Desmond Dekker" "Spencer Davis" "The Animals" and many more. Up to 2 hours of devastating energy and fun. A truly brilliant unforgettable nights entertainment. Fresh from last years headlining at the isle of wight scooter rally and the small faces convention and Butlins sixties weekenders plus countless gigs the band are eager to meet and play to as many like minded fans of the greatest era of music and bands of the sixties and all heard in one night.

Guitarist Steve Byrd started as a young 18 year old protege in Zzebra in the mid seventies before joining Gillan, Holly Johnstone and Kim Wilde. Still one of the top session guitarists in this country/

Bass guitarist Steve Barnacle has played in Rick Wakemans band, Spear Of Destiny, Visage, Tina Turner, Pete Townsend used him on Face To Face, Fish and probably the biggest band so far apart from Rod Stewart.....Queen in New York at the rock n roll hall of fame depping for John Deacon

Drums Johnny Marter actually met Jimi Hendrix as a very young lad in a band signed to Chas Chandler before joining and having big success with Mr Big, then Voyager, Micky Moody, a spell with Marillion and then tours with Fish and is the resident Sas Band drummer

Keyboards Mickey Simmonds another child virtuoso joined Mike Oldfield's band for almost 10 years, and then successful tours with Joan Armourtrading, Paul Young's band, Camel and most recently md for the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band

Vocals Johnny Warman started the mods 5 years ago to pay homage to the music he grew up through and what turned him onto being a musician. Johnny has worked with Maria Callas, Tito Gobbi, Ringo Starr, Peter Gabriel, Asia, Cheap Trick, House Of Lords, Humble Pie and has had a very successful solo career making 4 albums. 

Outstanding Tribute to Jim Morrison & The Doors

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Ladies and Gentlemen… From Los Angeles, California…

Wild Child - "The Hollywood Doors Show"

Wild Child is the Los Angeles based act that re-creates the madness and magic of a live Doors' concert. Featuring Dave Brock, whose looks, vocals and stage antics capture the essence of Jim Morrison formed the band in the early 90's to almost overwhelming critical acclaim from fans, industry and even former members of the original band. The show focuses on authenticity of sound and stage craft to accomplish its illusion. In fact so convincing is Brock's act that he was even considered for the lead role in Oliver Stone's rock-biopic The Doors! Billed as "The Hollywood Doors Show," Wild Child has been successfully selling out theatres and clubs across North America, including a fair few at their infamous hometown venue the Whisky A Go Go where the original Doors made their debut. With a stunning set list that spans the entire Doors history, this 90 minute show includes all the classics: The Changeling, Soul Kitchen, Love Me Two Times, Twentieth Century Fox, Alabama Song, Back Door Man, Crystal Ship, Strange Days, Break On Through, Moonlight Drive, When The Music's Over, Roadhouse Blues, Riders On The Storm, Five To One, LA Woman, Light My Fire and The End. Now it's time for the UK to get in on some of the action and Second Wave are proud to announce a 10 date tour for October 2005. En-Doors-ments The best DOORS tribute band? "The best one I've heard is Wild Child ..." ROBBY KRIEGER, THE DOORS "... the way they play the music is uncanny. I saw Wild Child and they know Jim's moves and raps as well as he did. The drummer did something on "Break on Through" which was so interesting, I stole it back!" JOHN DENSMORE, THE DOORS "This is as close as you'll get to the real thing." RAY MANZAREK, THE DOORS

Nektar's contibution over the last 35 years has quite rightly earned them their place in any 'Progressive Rock Hall of Fame'.

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...but the band is much more than a 'Prog Legend', the Nektar brand of innovative composition, performance and visuals is simply unique. Nektar's history appeared to have been written when they finally split in the early eighties. Despite attempts to re-kindle the flame, the Nektar light, it seemed, was out . . . . until that is, the year 2000. The new millenium saw the long awaited reunion tour of the classic line up, to rave reviews and fantastic receptions. The light we thought was out, had in fact been kept aglow - by loyal fans across the globe.
Five years on and the family has grown a little, but the classic Nektar spirit is still very much alive, building on the band's rediscovered popularity. In fact, the whole extended Nektar family has never been happier, and more importantly the band can still take Nektar's music where it belongs . . . . to the fans, around the world. Without you, Nektar would never have survived.

A first visit by this fine band - "Make no mistake about it. they are good... very good" The Observer

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Money for nothing was formed in 2000 as a tribute to one of the world's premier rock bands - Dire Straits. The abundant energy and the excellence and musicality of their performance makes Money For Nothing a "must see" for any rock enthusiast or Dire Straits Fan. Fronting the band is the brilliant guitarist and Mark Knopfler sound-alike Aled Williams. Behind him the line-up features top-class and experienced musicians that make this band a worthy tribute to Dire Straits.

If you missed the last one - you missed Beverley Knight!

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Promotional Offer - First 100 Tickets available at £7 from The Brook Box Office on or on-line After the shock waves of June 4th.... REVIVE @ The Brook is back offering more than ever before.... No one else gives you this much value for money. Organised for the love of music and a party. REVIVE mixes quality DJ's with live musicians and vocalists to create a fresh and unique experience in the surroundings of The Brook. In association with Benzo and Soundbass Promotions, Revive returns 4 months on with a packed line up guaranteed to leave you satisfied but wanting more ......

On The Mics:

Al Siesta and The Russian Roulette ...

Hailing from Russia Al Siesta is no stranger to the house music scene. Since moving to the UK, Al hooked up with Simon Aston writing, performing and producing for Mainline Music. Under the guise of 'Indeep' Al has had successful hits with tracks.... 'Judgement Day' and 'Music is my life' Since those days. Al moved on to become front man for soulful house music band 'The Mannikins' and had success with their debut track 'Revolution'. Al also featured heavily on the 2004 summer hit 'Sentimento'. This summer has seen the first stand alone release from Al entitled 'I like it like that'. Since this release Al's focus has been on the creation of his new band "Al Siesta and the Russian Roulette" October 8th sees a Revive exclusive as Al and the band bring their talents to the Brook stage. Miss these guys at your peril!

Laura Vane ...

"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 her every part of her. Her musicality is second to none. She can cut it both live and in the studio. Phenomenal. "- MJ Cole. Having also worked with the likes of Lewis Taylor, Mark Hill and Robbie Rivera, Laura is unquestionably a local treasure destined for bigger things. Pocessing that rare live ability to give goose bumps by voice, she's worth the entry fee alone. Tracks include...... 'Can I Get' and 'Everlasting Love'

On The Decks:

Martin Metcalf (The Saturday Sancturary) .... Anyone will tell you this man knows how to have a party and work a crowd. Benzo (Benzo Music) .... Co-founder and resident to Revive. Ryan James (Odyssey) .... Back by very popular demand after his last Revive outing.

On The Instruments:

Paul Yeung (Sax) .... A big Revive favourite. No one blows the Sax better and the ladies love it. Gary Wood and Adam Bongo (Percussion) .... What have become Southampton's industry standard addition to any DJ ....rarely do you get both. Listen out for Revive special previews, interviews and guest mixes by tuning into Martin Metcalf's Saturday Sancturary on PowerFM 9 - 12 PM If you missed the last one? you missed this!!

"...playing rhythmically complex and harmonically sophisticated music as if it were rock'n'roll." John L. Walters, The Guardian

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Hatfield & The North - A Brief History Formed in 1972 and named after a motorway road sign, Hatfield & The North were one of the most original and musically adventurous English bands of the 1970s. The group wrote and played fearlessly creative music, became a legend with music fans in Europe, America and Japan, but broke up in 1975 just as its reputation began to build. Hatfield's music ranged from the heartfelt, lyrical songs of ex-Caravan musician Richard Sinclair to Dave Stewart's complex instrumentals, via the jazzier, more free-ranging and experimental tunes of Phil Miller and Pip Pyle. During their brief life span, the group recorded two highly acclaimed albums (Hatfield & The North and The Rotters' Club), played numerous live gigs and recorded four BBC radio shows. Apart from the 1980 compilation Afters (now deleted), no retrospective album has ever been released - until now! Quotes " ... the bonkers electronics of Blane Over Paris, the wild and hairy Amsterdamage 11/19... What is striking about Hatwise Choice, which is rough and ready compared to their more manicured studio albums, is how young and brash the Hatfields were, playing rhythmically complex and harmonically sophisticated music as if it were rock'n'roll." John L. Walters, The Guardian "Brilliant though the band's two studio albums may have been, Hatfield were even better live (on a good night anyway!), and at last here's some substantial evidence of that... my favourite band ever - and I know I'm not alone in thinking so." Aymeric Leroy "Live is where this band shone. Inventive improvisation, searing solos, particularly from Dave Stewart and his ever humane keyboard playing as well as Phil Miller's richly melodic guitar lines... when everything gelled, well, it rocked." Noel Sidebottom "Probably the best-loved of the so-called 'Canterbury' bands, over the years." Jonathan Coe Do you have iTunes?

Then Click here for a preview ::

Legendary Twin Guitar Rock

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Having already started the year with an extensive tour of Germany, Belgium & Switzerland, Wishbone Ash stop off in the UK for a twenty-five date tour, taking in many of the country's major towns and cities, and proving they're still one of the hardest-working and in-demand bands.

Their colossal work rate is testament to an enduring popularity that shows no sign of abating nearly 40 years after they first formed. In that time, they have inspired bands such as Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden with their pioneering, trademark twin-lead guitars; their unique blend of blues, jazz and English folk continuing to delight audiences throughout the world.

Wishbone Ash has released nearly 40 albums & 6 DVDs and performed on five continents to worldwide acclaim. The band regularly performs more than 150 shows a year, delivering the goods to an ever-growing number of appreciative fans of all ages.

Throughout the years, many notable musicians have contributed their talents to the band, including Asia's John Wetton, Trevor Bolder from Uriah Heep and Laurie Wisefield, who would later play guitar for Joe Cocker and Tina Turner.

The current and established lineup comprises founding guitarist Andy Powell, long-serving bassist Bob Skeat, guitarist Muddy Manninen and drummer Joe Crabtree.

Still selling out venues, they will be performing such classic tracks as The King Will Come, Throw Down the Sword & Blowin' Free as well as songs from their latest album, The Power Of Eternity. With such a vast back-catalogue of material to draw from (including the multi-million selling Argus - considered one of the classic rock albums of all time) the fans will be guaranteed an unforgettable evening of the best in rock.

And as if the band weren't busy enough, they depart these shores the day following their last UK show to start their USA tour by performing in Pennsylvania that very same night!

See what all the fuss is about. Explore the band's website for up-to-date tour information, sound and video samples, complete discography and much more.

Touring their long awaited new album - "Carnival"

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New Model Army

As a seminal punk/metal/rock group, New Model Army formed in Bradford in the early eighties and have been making some of the freshest modern punk since. Their lyrics are always very poetic but still manage to express political and humanitarian messages, whilst their music is intense, angry, powerful and some might even say militant. NMA have a vast global following, ensuring that the songs and the passion they contain explodes into an atmosphere you would not believe, should you be fortunate enough to see them live. Their new studio album ‘Today is a Good Day’ is out now.

Celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, New Model Army are a legendary global underground cult band. Formed by Justin Sullivan in Bradford in 1980, their beginnings were inspired by Northern Soul, Punk Rock and the incendiary atmosphere of the times. Since then, they have had a long, creative and eventful journey. They have been massively influential in ‘post-punk’, ‘folk-rock’, ‘politico-rock’, ‘goth’, ‘metal’ and all kinds of musical sub-cultures but, like Groucho Marx, they have steadfastly refused to belong to any club that would have them as members.

Without ever having had a Top 20 hit in any country in their 29 year history, New Model Army have album sales in the millions, have attracted some of the biggest producers on the planet (Glyn Johns, Tom Dowd, Andy Wallace, Bob Clearmountain,) and built up an almost religious devotion amongst fans.

Originally formed as a three piece, the current five piece line up features, along-side Sullivan on vocals & guitar, Michael Dean on drums, Nelson on bass, Dean White on keyboards and Marshall Gill on lead guitar. This is a remarkable band - as hungry and focused as ever, with a continually regenerating audience and insatiable creative ambition. their eleventh studio album 'Today Is A Good Day' is out now.

Support comes from up and coming Macclesfield power-trio The Virginmarys

All the UB40 Classics

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Dave Fulton

Seattle based comedian Dave Fulton has played clubs from San Francisco to New York, and notched up many TV credits ranging from Half Hour Comedy Hour (MTV) ShowTime and An Evening At The Improv (A&E.) To a cutting edge US program called Comedy Explorers where he was filmed floating down the Grand Canyon.  He's also been seen entertaining crowds as far away as Hong Kong, The Cape Town Festival, South Africa, The Montreal Comedy Festival, Canada and is a stalwart of the Edinburgh Festival selling out to rave reviews in 2002, 2003 & 2004. Recently he's been seen on the BBC series The Stand Up Show and three series of Channel 5's The Comedy Store. Dave has also presented a feature for BBC's Newsnight on American culture to tie in with an exhibition at The Barbican and has appeared as a guest on the BBC's 'Never Mind The Buzzcocks'. Dave's opinionated and isn't afraid to pull punches in his observations, yet has a deceptively laid back stage manner that disguises a raw aggression. A varied melting pot of issues that sometimes even he doesn't want to explore. This is un-missable comedy from one of the most dynamic and innovative comedians breaking on the comedy circuit at the moment. His mother would never have thought this possible from someone who holds a Masters in Music Composition. 'Whiplash delivery and relentless pace…. Fulton is left as a sole crusader for U.S. topical comedy' (The List) 'Compelling...A real breath of fresh air' (The Independent) 'It's only comics with something to say that cross the Atlantic' (The Guardian)

Al Pitcher

Al Pitcher began his career as a stand up in his native New Zealand.  He was snapped up by Radio station RDU to host their breakfast show; he then went on to present Cry TV and Squirt on New Zealand Cable TV.  WHAT THE PRESS HAS SAID: "Pitcher exudes easy-going bonhomie that can break the ice at any gig and if last years promising short set as part of the Fringes comedy zone package is any guide, this could be his breakthrough year, catch him while he is cheap." Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard "A disarming New Zealand motormouth whose skills in crowd control are second to none" The Stage "One to watch" Time Out "The New star is here" Time Out Edinburgh Show 2004 "On stage, Al Pitcher has the boundless energy of a kid who has drunk a bit much lemonade. …you can't help but love his hyperactive friendliness" Claire Sawers, Metro [Scotland] "An exceptional circuit compere" Tom Hughes, Chortle "Fantastic, simultaneously hilarious, personal and off-the-wall" Tom Hughes, Chortle "Recalling the past may be standard practice, but Pitcher does it with the kind of gusto that makes wading through them enjoyable to hear." James Lyon, Fest

Matt Kirshen

We are proud to bring back this fantastic band who play the Sopranos Theme after their sellout performance in June

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Alabama 3 know all about being outsiders. They've taken an outlaw approach since the day they first emerged from the free party scene to combine acid house with country and western. Across four deeply infectious, darkly humoured, lysergically charged albums they've made impossible musical collision sound as natural as the swamp, They've cheated death on the road to bring one of the most exhilarating live shows ever to have emerged from rehab. They've dropped subversive politics into sweet country verses and delivered sermons of love to the Godless masses. They've enriched and inspired the chemically charged underground through their counter-cultural, proto-situationist pursuits and, despite of, or perhaps because of all this, they've even provided the theme to the profoundly paranoiac Mafia (outlaw) series "Sopranos". Oh yes, Alabama 3 may come on like Irvine Welsh's house band stalking the gutters of ghetto culture, but they infiltrate the corridors of the mainstream just as easily. Like any good counter-cultural, proto-situationist country and western techno outlaw band from Brixton in fact.

The Alabama 3 script(ure) was conceived by Larry Love (Rob Spragg) and The Very Reverend Dr. D. Wayne Love (Jake Black) in the sweat soaked hedonism of the free party experience of 1988, blueprinted over two twelves for Nottingham's DIY imprint and finally delivered as a fully fledged sermon by the mid-90's in the shape of The First Presleyterian Church Of Elvis The Divine (UK) with its band of misfit disciples – The Mountain of Love (Piers Marsh), Sir Real Congaman Love (Simon Edwards), The Spirit (Orlando Harrison), Rock Freebase (Mark Sams) and L.B. Dope (Jonny Delafons).

Welcome Return of The singer of "The Year of The Cat"

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Al Stewart is a Scottish singer-songwriter ("folkie") who is perhaps best known for his hit song "Year of the Cat."

There is much more to him than one song, though it is generally possible to remind someone of who he is by mentioning that song. One of the things he does best is to combine a historical situation with a personal one. The history behind his songs is well-researched; Kim Dyer, one of the Al Stewart Mailing List (ASML) members (with the assistance of other list members) has done an excellent job of writing up many of the figures and events mentioned in his songs. (Taken from)

Al has signed a contract for a new album. Recording of "demos" is going on now. Current plans call for recording to finish up shortly after Al finishes the UK tour, with the album coming out in the fall/winter of this year. Laurence is once again working with Al.

World Famous Guitarist and his Band

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In a BBC radio poll, Trout was ranked #6 out of the top 20 all-time greatest guitarists (where a few more votes would've landed him snugly in the Top 5 amongst Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page!). Trout has his sites set on similar stateside notoriety.

His 1998 self-titled release (and his American debut) was locked on Blues Revue's Top 40 sales chart for a year where it peaked at number 18. Consistently packing crowds into 1,000+ seat venues and sought out for all the key Blues Festivals nationwide, Walter Trout & The Radicals will continue to ride coast to coast playing their hearts out and lighting up their audiences. Both on record and on stage, Trout keeps the art of blues thriving and vivacious. Blues Revue comments "Trout gets into the groove where the magic happens. But each night offers a particular set of circumstances that keep the music fresh." From introspection to full blown rockin' blues, Trout's music is always marked by his adept song writing, sturdy vocals, searing guitar work and ability to enhance the boundaries of one of music's oldest forms. But as Trout is quick to point out, "the blues shouldn't be a museum. The music ought to constantly expand and be alive."

Return of the Pioneering Folksters & Support Nick Harper

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"tremendous, joyous, remarkable..." Rolling Stone

A long-awaited album arrived on April 23rd.

Once the bad boys of folk and rock, Oysterband have grown over the past five years into the role of musical custodians and godfathers of folk. Collaborative tours with rising young stars under the banner of The Big Session; a Big Session "live" album with June Tabor, Eliza Carthy, The Handsome Family, Show Of Hands and more; and finally a Big Session festival, now in its third year, which hasn't yet failed to sell out. And there have been gongs, awards, nominations...

The 'house band' role Oysterband played for part of these years drew on the group’s formidable musical skills, rather as The Last Waltz did once upon a time for The Band. And it made them re-evaluate themselves. "We had to go back to the essential impulse that's kept the band kicking for almost 30 years - making new songs for ourselves," says Ian Telfer. "We put a PA system in a village hall on the Welsh border and got down to some serious playing. It's the doing it together that unlocks it for us," he insists. "It's the only way the songs can grow and breathe, of course. But also, we've always believed that creativity is a collective thing, and that's helped shape the band's politics. Not that we agree about everything, by a long chalk...but hey, that's the spark."

Once new song structures were licked into shape, Oysterband took the best ideas to The Premises in Hackney ("Europe's first solar-powered studio") to work on the voices and acoustic instruments. Some late ideas were added in Brighton and at cellist Chopper's house in Sweden.

"I think the long, sustained preparation has enhanced Meet You There enormously," says Telfer. "The singing - everybody's singing - is better than it's ever been. The raw rush that used to take us out on tour with The Pogues etc has evolved into something more measured, more powerful. We listened to it all back when we'd finished and we all thought: 'Yes! Strong. Rooted.' (And then: 'Cop that!') Literally, it's been refreshing - it's renewed our self-belief."

Meet You There certainly delivers a fresh perspective on 'folk'. Check out the lovely mbira introduction by Chopper to the opening song Over The Water, and the stinging rockabilly guitar beat of Someone Somewhere for contrast. For the singing, check out Over The Water again, Where The World Divides, The Boy's Still Running, the dreamy anthemic Dancing As Fast As I Can. For the politics, the acid, knowing take on globalisation (over a cheery jugband backing) on Here Comes The Flood.

"We were lucky to work with a really intuitive photographer too, Judith Burrows. Not only did she get us some very strong shots for the packaging, she got the whole mood and idea of what we were doing from listening to the tracks. In a funny way, doing the shoot helped us crystallise our feelings about what we'd written."

"Meet You There is the most consistent thing we've done as a grown-up band," says Telfer. "It has what I like to think of as Oyster trademarks - a folk ear for a great vocal tune; strong lyrics; wry politics; and a sort of deep-down musicality that can afford to take itself fairly lightly. It's essentially acoustic, essentially folk-based I suppose. But we try to put it over with big dynamics and a sense of musical theatre."

30 years' experience really shows.

Previous years' Big Session Festivals have featured new-wave stars such as Seth Lakeman, Eliza Carthy and Boden & Spiers alongside great folk artists like June Tabor and rock-people-in-a-surprising-context like New Model Army’s Justin Sullivan.

The 2007 Big Session will take place on June 15-17 at De Montfort Hall & Gardens, Leicester. This year's strange brew will include Tunng and Kris Drever as well as Waterson:Carthy, The Mekons on their 30th anniversary reunion, and Alabama 3 unplugged. And many more. And, of course, Oysterband.

Of OYSTERBAND BIG SESSION Vol 1 CD (Westpark Music 87105), the UK media said:

"The joyful spontaneity of these informal and seemingly haphazard unions have been admirably captured...a powerful album." MOJO Folk Album Of The Month ****

"No other folk-rock band has the magnetism and verve of the Oysters live" DAILY TELEGRAPH:

"Energetic, joyful set of performances...capturing that anything-could-happen session vibe." TIME OUT

"A great credit to all involved.... Volume 1 sets a standard that’ll be hard to beat." fROOTS

Nick Harper is a highly accomplished guitarist to whom the term virtuoso truly belongs.

 

His guitar playing is only a part of his skill. As well as a distinctive and soulful voice, Nick is a rare kind of artist, one who reaffirms faith in the art of original songwriting. Nick's debut recording was first heard in 1983 when he appeared on his father's 'Whatever Happened To Jugula' album, a collaboration between Roy Harper and Jimmy Page. Nick went on tour with his father and recorded regularly with him thereafter. Nick's energy and talent entranced Roy's fans and it was no surprise when he began touring and recording in his own right. Nick's first solo release was released in 1994; an E.P entitled 'Light At The End of The Kennel'. It captured Nick at a raw and youthful stage yet contains songs mature enough to still be mainstays of the live set. Then followed 'Seed' in 1995 - his first album, and The Independent described him as 'Hugely talented'. The next stage of his career began when Nick supported Squeeze front man and songwriter Glenn Tilbrook. Tilbrook was so impressed that he offered Nick a job playing with Squeeze and promptly signed Nick to his own label, Quixotic Records. Following tours in the UK, USA and Japan, Nick recorded his second album 'Smithereens' with Tilbrook as producer. It was this work and his subsequent 40 date solo tour including devastating appearances in New York and Glastonbury that confirmed Nick Harper as a formidable talent in his own right. His third album, 'Harperspace', was released to great critical acclaim: passionate, energetic and positively inspired. This is the album that confirmed his position at the forefront of a new generation of British Acoustic Performers. 'Double Life', which came out in May 2002, was Nick's first live album and as well as outstanding performances of songs from all his previous releases, also includes a few brand new as yet unrecorded tracks. He is one of the select few artists working in the UK who are simultaneously steeped in tradition and yet completely contemporary - 'Guitar Man (Whole Lotta Love Mix)', is a rip roaring marriage of 'Guitar Man' as recorded by Elvis Presley and 'Whole Lotta Love' by Led Zeppelin. Or 'Out Of It' which starts with two verses of 'Butcher' by Killing Joke and goes on to include some Gang of Four and even a fair few lungfuls of Prodigy's 'Breathe'. Nick has developed a reputation for creating great audience rapport. While his songs can be intense and emotionally charged, in concert Nick is relaxed, spontaneous and always enthralling.

Fiddlin' Folk Heavyweights

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From their homeland roots of Argyll in the highlands of Scotland, Capercaillie have been credited with being the major force in bringing traditional Celtic music to the world stage and inspiring the great resurgence so evident today. Since the band's first innovative recordings of 1984, they have toured in 30 countries across the world (including South America, the Middle East and North Africa), released 10 award-winning albums (notching up over a million sales world-wide), performed and appeared in the United Artists movie 'Rob Roy' starring Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange, and had the first Gaelic top 40 single, 'Coisich a Ruin'. Capercaillie includes some of the finest musicians on the scene:  Manus Lunny on bouzouki, Charlie McKerron on fiddle and Donald Shaw on keyboards and accordion.  While touring the band have Ewen Vernal on bass (ex-Deacon Blue), and the ubiquitous Michael McGoldrick, former BBC Young Musician of the Year, on flute and pipes, David Robertson on percussion and the glorious drumming of Che Beresford. The line-up is completed by the exquisite voice of Karen Matheson.  She has been called 'the finest Gaelic singer alive today' and most of the material recorded by the band she learned as a child from her grandmother on the Hebridean island of Barra. The title of their most recent album - 'Choice Language' conveys the band's long-standing links with the Gaelic tradition. But it also reflects the modern interpretation of ancient songs and tunes that has become Capercaillie's trademark, and takes their unique brand of fusion and crossover to another level.... samples, loops and strong grooves  used extensively alongside the familiar mix of instrumentation - fiddle, whistle, uilleann pipes... and, of course, the mesmerising voice of Karen Matheson. Throughout much of 2004/05 the band have been touring throughout Europe,the United States and Australia and New Zealand (where they performed at the prestigious Womad festivals to great acclaim). Do you have iTunes?

Then Click here for a preview ::

Tribute to Iron Maiden

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In late October 2001, the band started the Convention Tour which would see them playing nine gigs in eight different countries. As an added bonus to the tour, NICKO MCBRAIN went along to each show and did a drum clinic. Of course, it's difficult to keep Nicko off the kit. So when HI-ON MAIDEN asked him if he would perform a few songs with them, he willingly obliged, every night of the tour!!!!!

At the Convention in Holland, ADRIAN SMITH was there to do a signing. The band asked if he would guest on a couple of songs and he agreed. Because he had to leave early to catch a flight, he couldn't stay around till show time. So they all agreed to do an inpromptu performance in the afternoon for the fans. Adrian (Smith), Nicko and HI-ON MAIDEN powered their way through THE WICKER MAN and 2 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT. To top it all off, there was a real treat instore at the last show in Portugal……STEVE HARRIS was there!!! He stayed to watch the whole show and even got up in the encore to perform FOUR songs. He allowed Speed to use his checker board bass, and Steve Harris used Speed's. The crowd went mad as STEVE HARRIS, NICKO MCBRAIN and the whole of HI-ON MAIDEN rocked them with THE WICKER MAN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME, WRATHCHILD and 2 MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT.

Recent collaborations with the likes of Turin Brakes, Jamiroquai, and Midfield General show how highly regarded she is by our hottest chart acts.

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Linda moved back to England in the mid-1990s. After lying dormant for several years, the desire to make music was re-awakened in her and she made an album called "Second Nature" for Turpin Records in 1995. The album became a hit in Japan, a place where Linda's popularity has never diminished. Other albums for Turpin followed in 1997 ("Whatever") and 1999 ("Kiss Of Life"). In 2002, Warner Music released "Reach For The Truth - The Best of The Reprise Years", an anthology covering Linda's work during the Seventies. In 2003, Linda's work for BMG was also issued as a Best Of collection and will include her hit singles for the label.

Linda continues to write and record, making live appearances in 2003 at Glastonbury Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival and London hot spots, Ronnie Scott's Club and The Jazz Café.

Do you have iTunes?

Then Click here for a preview ::

Fantastic Early Genesis Tribute

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What we do... We play the music of Genesis, performing material from "Trespass" to "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" (plus some "Later Period" songs thrown in for good measure - see our "Repertoire" page for more details). We try to get the music as close as humanly possible to the originals, and also feature some of the props and costumes from the original show. We don't, however, try and look like Genesis. Playing the music is hard enough, without having to wear wigs! Why we do it... Because we like Genesis
Because we're mad.
Because the music is a challenge to any musician, both technically and in terms of getting all the right sounds.
Because Genesis don't play it anymore - not that we've got anything against what they have done in more recent years, but some of us like to hear "Supper's Ready" or "Return of the Giant Hogweed" live once in a while!
Because a lot of people keep turning up to our gigs !

The Return of Bruce Springsteen's Right Hand Man

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One of the most popular artists ever to play at The Brook. Nils Lofgren has played a number of sell-out gigs here over the years; from his first appearance he set the standard for the calibre of musicians we have endeavoured to present to you.

Best known for his work with Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen, he has since followed a solo career which has cemented his reputation as a rock legend. Born in 1951, Nils learned to play the accordion at age five and went on to study jazz and classical music.

He switched to rock guitar at 15 and formed the band Grin in 1969 with bassist Bob Gordon, drummer Bob Berberich and later his brother Tom Lofgren on guitar. The group quickly built a reputation around Washington DC, and it wasnít long before Neil Young and Crazy Horse guitarist Danny Whitten caught wind of them while touring in the area. Young invited Nils to play piano and sing on the classic 1970's album After the Gold Rush, and he also played on and wrote two songs for Crazy Horse's debut album the following year. Instead of remaining with Young, Lofgren used the resulting exposure to get Grin a record contract. The group recorded three albums from 1971 to 1972, garnering critical praise. A move to A&M produced the album Gone Crazybefore the band split up. Nils then accepted an invitation from Young to tour in 1973 and play on his Tonight's the Night album. Grin officially disbanded in mid-1974.

Nils was rumoured to be under consideration as a replacement for Mick Taylor in the Rolling Stones but instead signed to A&M as a solo artist. His first two solo efforts, Nils Lofgren and Cry Tough, were all-round successes, and Lofgren made a name for himself on supporting tours through stunts such as performing while jumping on a trampoline. Following 1983's Trans tour with Young, Nils joined Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, replacing Little Stevie Van Zandt in 1984, remaining there until t he unit was dissolved in 1991. Nils returned to solo recording that year with Silver Lining, which featured guest appearances from Springsteen and members of Ringo Starr's band.

Since then he has released another half dozen successful albums and maintained his reputation as one of rockís most explosive guitarists on tours all over the world.

Preview by Peter Ashton

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 Fall -- always different, always the same," according to John Peel. The Fall was his favourite band. Formed in early 1977, they've released around 50 singles, 25 studio albums, and well over 50 live and compilation albums (although it seems like more). In August 2004 they recorded their 24th and sadly final John Peel Session.

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The Fall

Everybody knows that John Peel's favourite song was The Undertones' 'Teenage Kicks', and everyone can sing along to that song.  Not many people know that The Fall were actually John Peel's favourite band, and few could actually name one of their songs.  However, this doesn't mean their reputation and influence is of no importance.  Out of all the late 70s punk and post-punk bands; none are longer-lived or more prolific than Bury's The Fall.  Throughout their career, the band has undergone a myriad of line-up changes, but at the centre of it all was the constant force of sage Mark E. Smith. With his snarling, nearly incomprehensible vocals, and consuming bitter cynicism, Smith became a cult legend in indie and alternative rock. 

Over the course of their career, The Fall went through a number of shifts in musical style, yet the foundation of their sound was a near-cacophonic, a-melodic jagged jumble of guitars, sing-speak vocals, and keyboards.  In 1984, Smith's American wife Brix joined the band as a guitarist, bringing a stronger sense of pop melody to the group.  By the mid 80s, the band's British following was large enough to result in two UK Top 40 hits, but in essence, the group has always been a cult band; their music was always too abrasive and dense for the mainstream. Last year The Sanctuary label reissued two classic albums, 'Live at the Witch Trials' and 'Dragnet', with much better sound than ever before and some bonus tracks were added to 'Dragnet'.  A tour of America was planned but on a visit to Newcastle Smith slipped on some ice, breaking his leg.  A bystander came to help him up but Smith fell again, this time cracking his hip.  Despite a metal rod running from his knee to hip, the Fall went ahead with the American tour with Smith delivering his vocals while seated at a table.  Later Beggars Banquet released the first true career spanning compilation of the band, '50,000 Fall Fans Can't Be Wrong.'  The leftovers, live, and outtakes compilation 'Interim' were released November 2004.