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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Classic 8 Piece Soul Band

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.

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Thunderous rock from loud Led Zeppelin replicants

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GOOD TIMES PROMOTIONS present

WHOLE LOTTA LED a tribute to Led Zeppelin

From England Whole Lotta Led are now considered by many to be one of the greatest tributes to Led Zeppelin around.

Playing upward of 100 concerts to some 40,000 people a year. Uniquely for a tribute band they don't have the pretence of trying to look like former members of Zeppelin, their integrity and musicianship comes through in the passion for the music they play.New generations are getting involved in the Zeppelin experience, audiences at Whole Lotta Led gigs span four generations from six to sixty and for most it is the first opportunity of seeing Zeppelin's music performed live.With all the Zeppelin Classics and more totalling up to a two and half hour show this will be one not to miss

It has been many years now since Zeppelin split up, tributes keep the music alive but when Whole Lotta Led recreate a Zeppelin concert they keep the music fresh. Uniquely for a tribute band they don?t have the pretence of trying to look like former members of Zeppelin, their integrity and musicianship comes through in the passion for the music they play. Jimmy Page met them and gave his blessing to what they are achieving. The band also raises funds for The ABC Trust, a charity founded by Jimmy Page's wife to help under privileged children in Brazil. She keeps in touch with the band and informs Jimmy of there progress. Jimmy Page has met them and has given his blessing to what they are achieving.

Whole Lotta Led regularly sell out venues so early booking is advised.

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

Russian Roulette
Bossnass
21st Century Beatnik

8.00pm - 2.00am - 1st 50 Tickets @ £6.00 Via We Got Tickets ::

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Witness 3 of the hottest bands on the South Coast in an energizing night of eclectic sounds where gutsy guitar driven funk rock meets uplifting northern soul and funk meets a soulful funky Latin vibe. This is your first chance and quite probably your only chance to see these 3 bands on the same stage in the same night.
So don't miss it!

Tickets £8 in advance or £6 with NUS - Box Office on 02380 555366

Ladies and Gentleman it brings us great pleasure to give you this exclusive and exciting news..............

Revive's very own Laura Vane has just landed a chance of a lifetime deal to join the current UK's number 1 Gnarls Barkley.

As you are aware, Laura was scheduled to be our first act at this Saturdays "The-Bands" but due to preperations for Gnarls' forthcoming tour our line-up has now changed. Laura has stressed deep dissapointment that she is unable to perform for her many many home fans and all those associated with this event but hopes all will recognise this fantastic oppotunity.

Our congratulations and best wishes go out to Laura.

This news has paved way for the introduction of yet another very talented Southampton band, 21st Century Beatnik. Information on these guys can be found in the new line details below.

Russian Roulette

Al Siesta is the talismatic front man of south coast band Russian Roulette, a soulful, Latin jazz, five piece band. Their funky style uses Als slick R&B vocal style and the bands excellent musicianship to create a truly fresh international sound.

Al, who was born in Cuba and bought up in Russia, brings a rich and diverse list of musical accomplishments as a singer pianist, composer and producer. Al and other four band members, Andy Davey-Guitar, Jamie McCalister-Bass, Arman Kevorkian-Keyboards, and Aaron Head on drums are a truly professional alliance of talented musicians that create a new stylistic blend of modern music.

Russian Roulette's' tight grooves and funky licks provide an ideal platform for Al to captivate an audience with a mixture of charisma, vocal talents and virtuous piano playing.

Russian Roulette play an easily accessible, intelligently crafted set successfully uniting fans of various music styles. Their sound also easily converts itself to soulful dance remixes as evidenced by Al's eight week appearance in this summers, DJ influential "Hype chart"

With a host of successful gigs under their belt and several house remixes of their work supporting their cause they aim to bring their unique sound and musicianship to the capital in early 2006 before taking the show to various international venues including Europe, Russia and America.

Bossnass

Bossnass are eclectic, that's for sure, embracing soulful melodic social commentary alongside gutsy guitar driven funk rock. To say they have elements of soul, jazz, funk, hip hop and rock is to only tell part of the story, this 5-piece blend the latter with an energy, wit and honesty sorely lacking in so much of contemporary music. With various members having previously toured with The Black Eyed Peas, Ice-T, The Beatnuts, Mark Ronson, Alexander O'Neal, Ugly Duckling, Prince Paul, Weapons of mass belief, Nate James, Gordon Haskell, The Spooks, The Pickpockets, Gabrielle, Meshell Ndegeocello, The Brand New Heavies and Courtney Love, its fair to say that the famously energetic 'Bossnass' live show comes highly recommended. "Stevie Wonder meets AC/DC" - Rock Garden, Covent Garden

Bossnass was born when three Southampton and two London musicians played together for the first time for an improvised gig in Southampton in February 2004. The gig went down a storm and immediately secured them a monthly residency at The Orange Rooms in Southampton while they began working on their first album. The live shows attracted plenty of interest including the likes of indie label 'Norimaki Recordings'. Now with a 4 Track EP release 'One touch beat commander' available on 'Norimaki Recordings' the album is expected to follow shortly. And this is your first chance to see 'Bossnass' in all their glory on the notorious Brook Stage.

More information on Bossnass can be found here ::

21st Century Beatnik

21st Century Beatnik are an outstanding Southampton Based five-piece, consistently building on their fan base through quality, exciting songs and powerful, soulful, dynamic and inspired live performances. The band recently reached the final of "the songwriter of the south" competition With the song One Take Wonder. With influences such as Paul Weller, Stevie Wonder, Mother Earth, Otis Redding and Noel Gallagher.

More information on 21st Century Beatnik can be found here ::

"The very image of the modern, haunted romantic - A fabulously talented musician and singer." - Metro

Support from

Dan Donolly

Doors 7.30pm 1st Act @ 8.pm

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Heard the one about the mad Danish pirate who lured ships to disaster on treacherous rocks so he could plunder their treasure? Or the Bodmin bad boys who went to play hurling instead of going to church and were turned into stone by a vengeful priest? Or Lady Howard, whose ghost still rides through Tavistock in a coach of bones drawn by headless horses to re-visit her old haunts?

This is the strange, exciting, often dark world inhabited by the dynamic Seth Lakeman, who – armed with raging fiddle, rampant imagination and energetic voice - has given fiery new life and contemporary relevance to the rich heritage of legends that lurk in the shadows of the English west country. Born and bred in the desolate beauty of Dartmoor, Lakeman was raised on such ghostly tales and, in a sensational rise since his shock Mercury Music Award nomination in 2005, has created a unique, highly original niche both as a dramatic storyteller and a thrilling live performer.

Lakeman spent just £300 recording Kitty Jay, the album that first bought him to the nation's attention, in brother Sean's kitchen and a few more bob launching it in front of a captive audience at Dartmoor Prison. But he was more amazed than anybody when it was shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize next to the likes of the Kaiser Chiefs, Coldplay, Magic Numbers and K T Tunstall. The country was transfixed by his performance of the title track - the tragic story of a hanged servant girl whose unconsecrated grave can still be found in the spooky surrounds of Hound Tor - and Seth was signed to Relentless as more demonic legends were unveiled on his gold selling 2006 album, Freedom Fields, which went on to be voted best album, while Seth was also named singer of the year at the 2007 BBC Folk Awards.

Last year was spent touring and working on the follow up to Freedom Fields, his major label debut, the result of which is Poor Man's Heaven. Entirely recorded in Cornwall, it represents a significant stylistic shift with heavy emphasis on the percussive fireworks provided by drummer Andy Tween and brilliant Irish bodhran player Cormac Byrne, while brother Sean Lakeman complements Seth's explosive fiddle playing with fluid acoustic guitar runs and Ben Nicholls adds further textures on double bass.  

Lyrically, the album sees Seth expanding on his trademark story telling: "It even surprises me how dark it is – I think I must have been in a very dark place when I started writing it," laughs Lakeman, pondering the impressive catalogue of death, destruction and dastardly deeds to be found on the new album. Shipwrecks and coastal themes abound as Seth re-shapes the spirit of the folk tradition in a passionate, modern context with a fired-up band, big choruses and rocking rhythms. Colourfully flavoured by the evocative countryside which has always inspired him and in which he still lives, it's also an album driven by courage and heroism.

Seth – who's now 31 - was barely five when a coaster called the Union Star sent out distress signals in a terrible storm south of Cornwall just before Christmas in 1981. His dad, the west country correspondent on a national paper, went to report the story and Seth remembers every detail. Eight volunteers from the village of Mousehole set out on the Penlee lifeboat, the Solomon Browne that night trying to save the eight people on board the stricken Union Star. Shockwaves resonated throughout the country when news came back that all 16 people involved had perished that night.

On the 25th anniversary of the Penlee disaster, Seth decided to write his own tribute to the courage of the lifeboat crew in a truly modern take on the folk music tradition, marking a significant leap in his own songwriting, from ancient legends to the rawer territory of a recent, painful disaster that still hangs heavy over the local communities involved.  "I just wanted to honour them. That disaster hit a lot of people hard and had a massive effect in the west country - I ended up writing Solomon Browne to bring attention to their courage." It worked, too. It not only inspired an old schoolfriend who'd lost his father in the disaster to get in touch and thank Seth after seeing him sing it on a TV documentary, the song triggered Seth into a frenzy of creativity, researching and writing about other heroic acts in Devon and Cornwall's eventful coastal history to provide the emotional heartbeat of Poor Man's Heaven.

The title track of the album is based on a traditional American song from the Depression. "I liked the attitude of it – it's like a working class rant. I knocked around with it on banjo and reworked it. It's about people striving for something better and seems to encompass the coastal themes quite nicely, so I thought it was a good title for the album. I'm really pleased with it. I think it's by far the best thing I've done. It's very bold and powerful and quite rocky, yet still acoustic." The album also includes choice musical oddities like the Jake Walton hurdy gurdy drones that give Blood Red Sky an oddly Indian flavour and the jews harp that suddenly enlightens Race To Be King. He's also collaborated with Steve Knightley of Show of Hands on a couple of songs, including his own favourite track, the haunting Greed & Gold.

It's been quite a journey for Lakeman, whose parents ran a folk club and whose friends just happened to include some of Brit folk's finest. Seth is always quick to acknowledge the debt he owes to early mentors like the great fiddle player Tom McConville and acoustic guitar maestro Chris Newman.

Other seminal influences include jazz legend Stephane Grappelli, Irish fiddle gods Tommy Peoples and Frankie Gavin and, significantly, the pounding house dance beats he believes moulded his unusually rhythmic style of songwriting.

Seth's feet have scarcely touched the ground since the Mercury nomination, hit singles with White Hare and Lady of the Sea, major festival appearances, tours all over the world, appearances on every TV show in the western world, the admiration of celebrity fans like Ricky Gervais, and a strange encounter with Sharon Osbourne, who - for reasons best known to herself – licked his face on live television. Such is life in the weird, unpredictable, enthralling world of Seth Lakeman…

'POOR MAN'S HEAVEN' IS OUT NOW ON RELENTLESS.

Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent return as The Zombies for the second time.

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Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent have appeared at The Brook before with their band, but this time they return as The Zombies. As Rod Argent explains: "Suddenly, and for the first time in all these years, it felt honest and right to include the name 'Zombies' on our last album; a way of acknowledging the heritage. We haven't come together cynically, or to make a buck; everything has fallen in to place almost without realising it. It still feels important to include our own names as well – a way of expressing something about the future as well as acknowledging the past".

We've appreciated the talents of Colin and Rod at The Brook for years - it must be eight years ago since Colin first appeared with his band and became a regular visitor. Since he teamed up with Rod again, audiences have built up and it seems that everybody is talking about The Zombies again. Many current stars have professed admiration of The Zombies - Badly Drawn Boy cited the band in NME's poll of the most influential artists of all time, Tom Petty said: "If a group like The Zombies appeared now, they would own the world," and Bruce Springsteen turned up at a New York Concert a couple of years ago. More recently The Beautiful South recorded Zombies ' song 'This Will Be Our Year' for their current 'Golddiggers' CD - a track that is getting loads of radio play. In their heyday the band enjoyed massive hits such as the Argent-penned 'She's Not There' (a major hit several years later for Santana) and 'Time of the Season'. Indeed, America took them even more to their hearts than Britain; 'Time of the Season' is one of only a handful of UK hits to have been certified as receiving 4 million plays on US radio, while the LA Times named them as one of the all time top ten British bands. 'Vanity Fair' magazine in 2002 chose the bands' second album 'Odessey and Oracle' as being the defining pop album of the sixties! Even Elvis had Zombies singles on his juke box at Gracelands! .

When the group split in 1968, Rod went on to form his eponymous band Argent and scored hits with such rock anthems as 'Hold Your Head Up' and 'God Gave Rock n Roll To You' (covered by Kiss, amongst others), and has since achieved huge success in the fields of record production, television and stage musicals. Along with drummer Peter Van Hooke (Mike & The Mechanics) , Rod produced three albums for Tanita Tikaram including the massive 'Ancient Heart' album which included the world-wide hit singles, 'Twist in My Sobriety' and 'New Tradition'. Colin, meanwhile, remained a familiar chart presence through hits like 'Say You Don't Mind', a cover of the Motown hit 'What Becomes of the Broken Hearted' with Dave Stewart and highly rated solo albums such as 'One Year' and 'Ennismore'. He also achieved huge success as featured vocalist on a string of albums by the Alan Parsons Project – the brainchild of the former Pink Floyd engineer. Since coming together again, two or three years ago Colin and Rod have performed extensively in Japan, Europe and America, always to acclaim. The Chicago Tribune's review during the 2002 US tour was typical, writing of "warmth bordering on hysteria…the aura still remains!" So The Zombies are well and truly alive again! Don't miss them!

Preview by Peter Ashton

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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.

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.

Tribute to Bon Jovi

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Totally authentic tribute to Phil Lynott & Thin Lizzy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mick Slacker & Co 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???

(Marillion, SAS Band)

Sold Out - Mo Ticket = No Entry

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Fish's music defies trends and fashion, it's a brave statement in these days of banal musical small talk. His career, spanning over 20 years of the entertainment industry, is notable for his charismatic stage performances and uncompromising lyrics.

Graeme Smith, S1play: "...being at one of his gigs is like being entertained by a boisterous host at a particularly loud private party."

Edinburgh Evening News: "It's all great fun, and the crowd loved it. But in full flow Fish prowls the stage, a sinister and brooding figure. Dynamic and powerful, he roars out the lyrics with undiluted passion, at all times in total control of the crowd. A national tabloid recently suggested that Fish was no longer relevant to the music industry. If that is true then the music industry has lost touch with great music, entertainment, passion and lyrics that make you stop and think."

Robin Trowers career has spanned more than four decades. He is one of the finest guitarists in Rock n Roll history

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Robin Trower's career has spanned more than four decades. He is one of the finest guitarists in Rock n' Roll history. Robin Trower spent the early 60's playing guitar in various London based outfits, the most successful one being The Paramount's. They specialized in mostly covers, but managed to issue several singles between 1963 and 1965 and were a favourite band of the Rolling Stones. It wasn't until 1967 that Trower received his big break when he joined Procol Harum. Trower was a member of Procol Harum until 1972.

After leaving Procol Harum, Trower embarked on his solo career and found the success that has made him a legend today. Armed with his fluid and powerful guitar style, redefined during his stint with Procol Harum. All of his early albums share a tough, explosive style mixed with his trademark "soft psychedelia" that made Robin Trower a power trio that will forever remain in Rock n' Roll history. Throughout his long and winding solo career, guitarist Robin Trower has been called the "White" Hendrix due to his uncanny ability to channel Hendrix' bluesy/psychedelic, Fender Strat-fueled playing style. Trower released his solo debut, Twice Removed From Yesterday, in 1973. The album barely left a dent in the US charts, but that would change soon enough with his next release 1974's "Bridge of Sighs". The album skyrocketed into the US top ten, peaking at number seven selling a million and a half copies and it still sells 15,000 copies a year to date worldwide. Although "Bridge of Sighs" was to be his most popular solo release, Trower's stock continued to rise throughout the mid 70's, as he became an arena headliner on the strength of such hit albums as 1975's For Earth Below, 1976's Robin Trower Live and Long Misty Days, plus 1977's In City Dreams. Further releases followed in the 80's, and a brief union with ex-Cream bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce spawned a pair of releases, 1981's B.L.T. and 1982's Truce, before Trower returned back to his solo career.

The 80's saw Trower expand his audience with several releases that updated his blues-rock style (such as 1987's slick produced Passion). During the early 90's,Trower returned back to Procol Harum for a brief reunion (1991's Prodigal Stranger), before backing ex-Roxy Music singer Bryan Ferry on a few releases (1993's Taxi and 1994's Mamouna, the latter of which Trower earned a co-producer credit for).

The 90's saw Robin consistently touring the USA with his power trio. In 2002, Trower returned to the production role, linking up with Bryan Ferry again, to work and play on Bryan's "Frantic" album. In the following years Trower concentrated on writing and producing film music for releases such as "Good Humour Man". In 2005, Fender are scheduled to release a Robin Trower signature guitar to mark the 50th anniversary of the Stratocaster, along with this there will be a "Bridge of Sighs" custom shop Stratocaster, of which only 100 will be made and will mark the legendary album's 30th anniversary. To celebrate this event, Trower has decided to return to live work in Europe. 2006 will see Robin Trower touring the UK, Germany, France and The Netherlands. His band will feature Dave Bronze (Bass), Pete Thompson (Drums) and Davey Pattison (Vocals).

Awesome AC/DC Tribute

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AC/DC is a band whose appeal is huge, widespread through the generations and totally indifferent to musical fashions. Their unique formula of tight riffs and fat rhythm combines dance ability with hard-rocking anthems that flow through the blood of all who have been smitten by their cheeky-but-colossal offerings. If you want to see AC/DC, but your options are limited, then check out DIRTY DC. You will not be disappointed. All the energy and electricity of an AC/DC show along with completely faithful renditions will leave you trembling, with a smile on your face.

DIRTY DC have been playing throughout Britain and parts of Europe since 1998, and have developed the line-up and dynamic stage show that has made their current reputation seriously strong amongst AC/DC fans, whether die-hard fanatics, or just people who want a good night out. Every visual detail has been fine-tuned; from drum kit model to footwear, but most importantly, the musical delivery and stage show has an impact that does not fail to impress. DIRTY DC gives real value for money where others seem to fail. Every superlative in the book has been repeatedly used in describing the DIRTY DC show. From "I was totally amazed by your performance", "The best tribute band we have seen for ages, and we've seen a few"," The whole band are amazing, you guys are so good that you look and sound just like the real thing" and from Chris Slade himself (AC/DC drummer from 1989-94) "You have it spot on, excellent, I really enjoyed the gig." The extraordinary passion that AC/DC arouse, and which has ensured they remain one of the biggest, if not the biggest band in rock flows through the DIRTY DC performance and through their audiences. If you really want to rock and can get to a DIRTY DC gig, do not miss the chance.

All the UB40 Classics

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Mitch Benn

MITCH BENN is not only one of the most sought-after acts on the comedy circuit but is widely acknowledged as one of the best writer/performers of comic songs in the country. Mitch began his comedy career in Edinburgh in 1994. He moved to London in 1996 and quickly established himself as a comedy club "headliner" as well as a favourite on the university circuit.

Mitch is a regular writer and performer on "The Now Show" for BBC Radio 4 and "It's Been a Bad Week" for BBC Radio 2. On TV, Mitch has appeared on "Gas" for Channel 4, "Live at Jongleurs" and "The Warehouse" for ITV, "The Comedy Store" for Channel 5. He was the presenter of the paranormal discussion show "Out There" for Carlton World.

Mitch has toured extensively abroad, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Ireland, Montreal, Holland and South Africa (including a two-week run at the Grahamstown Theatre Festival in 1998). In 1995 Mitch won the Best New Comic award at the Glastonbury Festival and has played there every year since, including an hour-long extended set in 1999, which drew a standing ovation from an audience of 1,500.

In 1998 he won the "Mercury Comedian of the Year" prize at the Leicester Comedy Festival. Mitch has performed many times at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, including hour-long solo shows in 1997, 98 and 99. He also appeared in the successful revue show "The Bootleg Bootleg Beatles" in 1998 and the showcase "Carlton Comedy Warehouse" in 1999, the subject of a documentary series for Carlton TV.

Mitch lives in Richmond and is married with one parrot. He has numerous radio and TV projects in development but doesn't feel like jinxing them by discussing them here.

Brendon Burns

For just over a decade Brendon Burns has stormed audiences the world over. His stage presence is electric, his material provocative and his insight surprisingly subtle.

"Burns is the proud creator of the world's most gratuitous joke, but look past the bluster and the bravado and you will find a highly intelligent and astute social commentator…Honest!"(The Guardian)

Brendon uses his confrontational and up-front style of comedy to capture his audience with a proverbial slap in the face.  It may initially appear that Brendon is a purveyor of hate but his approach means that he is continually throwing up questions - both of himself and of the audience, on subjects most comedians would shy away from.  He is not politically correct or incorrect making him a rare socio-political comic willing to oppose all schools of thought. With this in mind, it's no surprise that Burns has been compared to such legends as: Lenny Bruce, George Carlin, Sam Kinison and Bill Hicks.  Those who enjoy this brand of hard-hitting comedy will be glad to know there is a developing young voice out there.

2003 has proved to be a great year for Brendon with his second sell-out solo West End run at the Soho Theatre and his third sold out run at the Edinburgh festival This highly prolific artist just goes from strength to strength along with his ever growing underground cult following.

Lloyd Langford

A prolific writer and performer, Lloyd Langford is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most exciting new acts on the comedy circuit. He is the regular compere for Warwick University's Comedy society and also gigs in unions around the UK as part of Avalon's Comedy Network. Born in Wales but currently living in London, Langford's act is an ever-evolving mixture of real life stories, surreal flights of fancy and topical material.

Quotes and Reviews:
"He demonstrates a deft writing ability with a procession of well-formed, off-beat gags that often surprised, and always boasted a memorable turn of phrase." Chortle.

"Part of the new generation…A talented comedian." Julian Hall, The Guardian."

Competitions and Awards:
Winner - Chortle Student Comic of the Year 2004
Semi-finalist - BBC New Talent Competition 2005

Radio:
Writer and performer on BBC Radio 1's The Milk Run - 2005

Writing:
Lloyd is a regular contributor to Mustard Magazine (www.mustardweb.org), Drawing Moustaches in Magazines Monthly Magazine (Bi-Monthly) and other obscure humour publications.

Live Performances:
Lloyd gets regular paid work for Avalon, Christian Knowles Productions and Mirth Control amongst others and can be seen gigging in venues all over Britain.