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 ::

May 2009 @ The Brook

Door £

Everyone who has seen them on previous tours has raved about their authentic re-creation of the stadium shows of the 80's and 90's, which saw Phil Collins become one of the decade's biggest-selling artists with worldwide hits such as Another Day In Paradise, You Can't Hurry Love and the classic In The Air Tonight. No Jacket Required ARE the UK's ultimate Phil Collins Tribute band.

The line up is exactly the same as how Phil presented his live shows, with a full brass section, percussion and backing vocalists. "One of the best shows we've seen in years"……. "It's almost not right to call them a tribute act, they're so much like the real thing"……. just two of the comments from people who saw them at their sell-out show on Valentine's Night at The Hawth, Crawley, West Sussex last year.

"It's a full two-hour show which features all the hits, plus a few album tracks from down the years – and we throw in a bit of Genesis too!", said Collins soundalike Dave Whitehouse.  Dave is now in his tenth year of "being" Phil Collins, making him Britain's most established tribute vocalist to the former Genesis frontman.  From his vocal style to his on-stage mannerisms, Dave's performances capture the powerful and emotional qualities of Phil Collins, while his stage presence has reminded audiences everywhere of the 'Golden Years' of the multi-award winning singer and songwriter.

The No Jacket Required History

Drummer Graham Goacher, a long-term "serious" fan of Phil Collins and his music, first raised the idea for the band back in 2002. He approached two other music colleagues, guitarist Vic Chase and bass player Chris Peddie-Burch, and the band was born.

When it came to the keyboards role, Kevin Stuart was always going to be the man for the job. All three had already worked with Kevin on other musical projects and so he was the natural choice. Kevin's work with a singing four-piece also meant that he brought some invaluable backing vocal expertise to the group.

Together, the four members worked on the structures and sounds of the songs from Phil Collins' album Serious Hits... Live! until the foundations of a show were in place. They were just missing a Phil Collins!

The band next approached lead vocalist and Phil soundalike Dave Whitehouse, who was already well known on the tribute band circuit as the frontman for the Genesis tribute Invisible Touch since 1998. Having seen him perform in Chiddingfold, Graham and Vic knew that Dave was the final piece of the jigsaw, and he was thrilled to complete the line-up of the core band.

The sounds and atmosphere of the massively successful eighties and nineties tours by Phil Collins was faithfully recreated with the addition of the NJR Horns in the Spring of 2003.  With this complete line-up, No Jacket Required had become a ten-piece band and were ready to take the show out to the general public.

In the summer of 2005, Dave was approached by Opus 78, a Big Band in Luxembourg , to front their tribute show to Phil Collins, a show later transmitted twice on TV in mainland Europe.

No Jacket Required are well-established and still progressing – featuring the country's most established Phil Collins tribute vocalist, a superb band with backing vocals, a four-piece horn section and now also a professional percussionist. They have been performing Phil Collins' shows for over three years and sell out venues across the UK. And as you have just read, they are as experienced a live band as you could wish to see on the tribute circuit. As a fan said to us after the sell out Capitol Theatre show in Horsham recently, "To call you a tribute band is not a fair description – you're so professional, you're as good as the real thing!".

The band is constantly adding to their repertoire of authentic arrangements, and this year is no exception, with new numbers being added to the shows, and brass enhancements to some of the Genesis numbers.

"Backed byan outstandingly accomplished cast of musicians, for over two hours No Jacket Required gave a committed, dazzling and highly entertaining display which exceeded my highest expectations.  This was a Seriously Fabulous evening!" – David Dunnington, Genesis Forum.

So that's the No Jacket Required story so far. We're sure though, that there's a "long, long way to go…"

Door £

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

Door £

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.

Door £

As you will know, Glenn Tilbrook is an exceptional song writer and musician who shot to world fame with one of the best bands to come out of Britain, Squeeze.

Tilbrook shows have the feel of a big rock concert. Enjoy a terrific atmosphere, great crowd, a few pints and lots of good humour. He is  highly entertaining and crams loads of songs into the set including Squeeze classics and yes, he may sing your song, if you ask him.

Glenn has been singing, playing and writing songs for many years.  Squeeze have recorded 13 albums to date and many, many singles - most of which have been hits of some kind: some very big, some very small. More than this, however, Glenn Tilbrook and Squeeze have become synonymous with a particularly London oriented style of high quality pop song that bears comparison with the classic songs of Ray Davies and The Kinks - not to mention more recent contenders such as Blur and Supergrass. 

The first hit single, "Take Me I'm Yours", came in 1978 and was followed by a steady stream of hits, many of which have passed into the canon of pop folklore and will surely be sung in pub singalongs as long as pub singalongs exist. Outside of Squeeze, Glenn has played and sung on records by Elvis Costello and Aimee Mann and on Mark Knopfler's solo album.  Songs he has co-written with Chris Difford have been covered by the likes of Sting, Joe Cocker and Grandmaster Flash.

Return of the Singer of Family & 70s R'n'B band Streetwalkers

Door £

Highly respected and arguably Britain's finest rock vocalist, Chappo first came to prominence during the late '60's in the Leicester based band THE FARINAS. After moving down to London he teamed up with U.S. producer Kim Fowley, the band changed their name to FAMILY.

Over the next seven years Family achieved success and critical acclaim, both for their innovative albums that highlighted the Chapman/Whitney song writing partnership, and their searing stage shows, dominated by the distinctive voice and presence of their charismatic frontman. Family enjoyed four hit singles, "In My Own Time", "Strange Band", "No Mules Fool" and "Burlesque" whilst the albums "Music In A Dolls House", "Entertainment" "A Song For Me", "Fearless" and "Bandstand" all charted.

By 1973 family had reached the end of the road, however Chapman and Whitney remained together to form STREETWALKERS. A popular attraction on the college circuit, especially in Germany, the group released four albums scoring a fair degree of success particularly with "Red Card" a top 20 album throughout Europe and the U.K.

1979 heralded the release of Roger's first solo offering "Chappo", superb album that captured the change of direction in all it's glory. Quickly followed by the explosive "Live In Hamburg", his popularity in Western and Eastern Europe reached an even higher level, culminating in a live appearance on the legendary "ROCKPALAST" TV show with his now full time band THE SHORTLIST. Further commercial success followed in the following year with the single "Let's Spend The Night Together", the album of the year "Hyena's Only Laugh For Fun" and the European best selling Mike Oldfield song "Shadow On The Wall".

Chappo's raw uncompromising style had reached a ready market and the mid-80's found him releasing an album a year, notably the widely acclaimed "Walking The Cat", whilst continuing to tour extensively throughout Europe and the U.K. Into the '90's the continuing creativity yielded "Hybrid & Lowdown" and "Kiss My Soul", both albums also finding welcome favour in the U.K. The 1998 release of "A Turn Unstoned" yet again displayed Chappo's song writing skill and astonishing vocals, this time also opening up a whole new generation to his unique talents.

In 2001 a new live album "Rollin' And Tumblin" was released followed by an extensive touring programme into 2002 and beyond. Recorded with his band The Shortlist the album represents a slight shift in musical emphasis, still ballsy but featuring 12 string acoustic guitar, fiddle, mandolin and harmonica, still capturing all the musical passion of a true rock and roll legend.

In February 2003 a 4 x CD Box set entitled "ROGER CHAPMAN, FAMILY & FRIENDS" was released on Mystic Records (MYS CD 161) charting the life and career of one of Britain's finest and most popular singers. This is to be followed by the release of the whole of Roger's back catalogue containing enhanced artwork and bonus tracks.

In November 2005 Mystic records released a further 4 x CD box set, a limited edition Family set entitled "OLD SONGS, NEW SONGS"featuring the first ever release of the album "Old Songs, New Songs" on CD.

"ONE MORE TIME FOR PEACE" – One More Time For Rock's Greatest Vocalist – ROGER CHAPMAN!

(Fleetwood Mac Tribute)

Door £

FLEETWOOD BAC are the world's first and best Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, and raved about by Peter Green's biographer, the only Mac tribute band to authentically replicate the classic Stevie/Lindsey/Christine/John/Mick 'Rumours' line-up.

The band returned in 2001 with their best line-up yet, and in the last 2 years the response has been amazing. Rave reviews in 'The Stage', The Fireflies and Go Your Own Way (the U.K.s leading Fleetwood Mac fansites); an endorsement from The Nicks Fix (the official Stevie Nicks website); and ecstatic audiences wherever the band played, including wowing an audience of 10,000 at the H.O.G. festival in St. Tropez, and very successful recent shows in the Cayman Islands. The band has also recently been rated by The Times as one of the U.K.'s leading tributes, alongside The Bootleg Beatles, Bjorn Again and the Counterfeit Stones.

The sound, the look, the mystical atmosphere and on-stage chemistry are all portrayed with the passion and energy that got the seal of approval from 'Big Daddy' Mick, and built up an excellent reputation amongst Mac fans through numerous tours, festival appearances, corporate events and TV and radio slots all over the U.K. and Europe.

Fans include original Mac bassist and biographer Bob Brunning, who has joined the band several times on stage for great versions of 'Need Your Love So Bad', and Peter Green's official biographer Martin Celmins.

The Fleetwood Bac show focuses on the Stevie Nicks/ Lindsey Buckingham/ Christine McVie 'Rumours' era of the band (still the 5th biggest-selling album of all time). It also features several songs from the Peter Green days, plus some of Stevie's biggest solo hits, in a theatrical two-hour show, including costume-changes and an acoustic section.

Songs featured include: Dreams, Don't Stop, Go Your Own Way, You Make Loving Fun, Tusk, Gypsy, Everywhere, Oh Well, Rhiannon, Little Lies, Black Magic Woman, Seven Wonders, Say You Love Me, Big Love, Oh Diane, Stop Draggin' My Heart Around, Albatross, Sara, Man Of The World, Hold Me, Green Manalishi and Need Your Love So Bad.

Fleetwood Mac fans are also raving about seeing and hearing favourites like: Gold Dust Woman, The Chain, 2nd Hand News, Silver Springs, I'm So Afraid, Songbird, Sisters Of The Moon, Isn't It Midnight, Leather And Lace, Oh Daddy, Monday Morning, Landslide, I Don't Want To Know, Beautiful Child, Over My Head, Never Going Back Again, World Turning, Blue Letter, Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You, Eyes Of The World etc.

Door £

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

We are immensely proud to pick up this show, you should see the other venues on the tour, you will not get closer to Nick than this!!! - Don't Miss!!!

Door £

Nick Lowe 'At My Age' - Proper Records, released June 4, 2007

June 4 marks the long-awaited return of Nick Lowe, when Proper Records releases 'At My Age', his first album in nearly six years. The album finds Lowe exploring a varied musical palette, coloured with horns, strings, and country flourishes. Lowe wrote nine new songs for 'At My Age' and excavated three gems originally recorded by Charlie Feathers, The Uniques, and Faron Young.

'At My Age' was recorded in London, and produced by Lowe and Neil Brockbank. It features Lowe on rhythm guitar and bass, accompanied by his steady band - drummer Bobby Irwin, keyboardist Geraint Watkins, and guitarist Steve Donnelly - plus special guests, including Chrissie Hynde and Bill Kirchen (famed guitarist of Commander Cody fame) among others.

The album opens with "A Better Man," a gorgeous ballad with a brass section and slip-note piano that evoke Johnny Cash and Floyd Cramer respectively. It's followed by "Long Limbed Girl," which adds banjo and even more horns to the mix, and is perhaps the most fully realized execution to date of what Lowe calls the "diary set to music," writing style that he has mined on recent albums.

Track three "I Trained Her To Love Me," is a classic Lowe construct, about, in his words, "a complete twat," adding, "who I frankly have been in the past, as have other men." Track five, "Hope For Us All," is a beautifully ardent ode to the power of love, and perhaps the first pop song to use the word "feckless." Lowe describes the album closer, Virgin's "Feel Again," as "a bit like a Dean Martin country record," but a similar mood of sophistication, wit, and uncluttered emotion pervades much of 'At My Age.'

'At My Age' arrives just over thirty years after Nick Lowe made his debut as a solo artist, but his recording career stretches back another decade still. As the bassist and primary songwriter for Brinsley Schwarz, Lowe was one of the primary catalysts of the pub rock phenomenon in the early 1970s. As the co-founder and house producer at Stiff Records, he would help create the blueprint for the modern indie rock label, and usher in British punk and new wave, helming historic recordings for The Damned, Elvis Costello, and The Pretenders, not to mention his own releases of the time. In recent years, Lowe has recorded a string of more intimate, personal - and critically acclaimed - solo albums including 'The Impossible Bird,' 'Dig My Mood,' and 'The Convincer.'

Nick Lowe Biography

Somewhere in London a musician lives who carries the keys to the musical kingdom. In his Technicolor sonic scope are all kinds of sounds, from rock to country to soul to pop. Nothing is off limits, as long as it has a groove and goodness based in reality. The musician has been performing for 40 years, but is as fresh today as the first time he stepped on stage. There are no tricks or short cuts here. Far from it. His songs are as solid as the earth, yet carry no lingering hype or heaviness. The musician is Nick Lowe, the headmaster of British rock, and his new album, At My Age, is such a cause for certain celebration that fans and neophytes alike should mark its release as a date to remember.

Maybe most interesting of all, At My Age was really an album that almost didn't happen, or at least like it did. "It's a record that I never really started," Lowe says. "What normally happens in recent years when I feel like I want to do a record is I get an idea or feeling, along with about three or four new songs, which is a major body of work for me, because I'm not very prolific. When those two things coincide I call everyone up and we go in and record. And if that goes well, those three or four songs will serve as sort of the engine that will drive the writing and recording of the rest of the record. But that process never happened with this one, due to the dramas that have been served up to me in the last five years."

For Nick Lowe, it's always been about quality over quantity. In 2001 he released The Convincer, seen by many as one of the highlights of a long and illustrious recording career. After that, though, all went quiet on the studio front. There were scattered dates, a live album and assorted sightings, but no new studio release. That changed this year. Once he got back with his steady team of band mates Bobby Irwin (drums), Geraint Watkins (keyboards) and Steve Donnelly (guitar), there was no stopping them, even if the actual process was different. "This album has been recorded over such a long period of time in dribs and drabs that I don't really have any perspective on it at all. This isn't a bad thing, necessarily, but it's like a bunch of tracks I've recorded to keep my hand in while I wait to start my next album."

Sometimes the biggest gift of all comes when least expected, because as a collection of songs, At My Age actually has the feel of an all-timer. There are brand new Nick Lowe classics like "A Better Man" and "I Trained Her To Love Me" next to the obscure covers that are a total trademark of the ever-elegant Englishman, like Charlie Feathers' "The Man In Love" and Faron Young's "Feel Again." And, as a special surprise, singer Chrissie Hynde guests on "People Change." All are done with such supreme style and absolute substance that by album's end, this is one collection that feels like a long-lost friend, music to bring on the good times and see listeners through the bad.

For Lowe, one of his secret weapons has always been as a songwriter of the highest order. "People might think that the last few albums have been my diary set to music", he says, "...but I was just feeling kind of blue and trying to describe some of what happens to everyone. It's a rite of passage, really, the breaking up of relationships and all. But it's different on this album, I suppose."

Nick Lowe has proven one again his pen is mightier than ever, as evidenced recently with covers of his songs by The Holmes Brothers and soul king Solomon Burke, the latter cutting a version of the new Lowe original 'The Other Side Of The Coin'. "It's good when anyone does one of your songs, but I really like it best when they're not too reverential with it, and they don't do it like I did." The Holmes Brothers chose to record a version of Lowe's oft-covered anthem "What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love & Understanding?" and in so doing have turned it into a relentless statement of belief and faith, a fact not lost on Lowe. "When I heard that recently," he says, "I just stood straight up and thought, 'My goodness, they've really outdone everyone. Those are the moments where it's almost too good to be true."

One constant quality of Nick Lowe is that he knows what he's doing, and how he wants to do it. There is no room for equivocation there. "It's a difficult thing, really, with the music I do," he says. "I know my thing doesn't have huge broad appeal, and it's sort of retro. But I can't stand that retro thing, at the same time. I try to put something in it so it doesn't sound like it's too earnest. And I still love playing with the same guys I've been playing with for, well, ages. They're really great players, and they get me. They can do all kinds of different stuff, and we know what we don't like. We will work on it a bit, but not labour over it. For me, it's never like, 'For the next album I'm going to Peru and find a nose flute." Never.

With someone like Nick Lowe, who has been such an unending influence on music as a performer, songwriter, producer and all-around proud fan, there is always the question of how he knows when his songs are ready for their public debut. "When I can pick up an acoustic guitar and play the thing through," he says, "if I can do that and it feels like someone else has written it, or I'm playing a cover song so it doesn't sound like me anymore, then it's done. I don't try to make it anything, because when I try to make it something I can't stand it. It needs to be as natural as possible, and generally not sound too much like me. It's an inner gyroscope that lets you know when it's done."

Lowe's gyroscope is spinning just fine these days, and At My Age shows there is no end in sight. Once again, the man who once dubbed himself a Party of One proves that he's still not only the life of that musical party, but even better, a primary force which makes sure the party won't be stopping any time soon. Nick Lowe, ever the insightful gentleman, is also aware of the ups and downs of the pop life, and has managed to steer clear of shipwrecks and sharks from the start, knowing it's all part of a lifetime pursuit. "You can never plan it out," he rightly reasons. "You just do what's sent to you." At My Age is special delivery rock, pop and soul, straight from the heart of one of music's finest masters.

Soul and gospel singer best known for hit 'My One Temptation'.

Door £

Door £

Door £

Door £

Born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1956, Buddy Whittington began playing guitar at the age of eight after being inspired by his sister's records of The Beatles, Rolling Stones and, in particular, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton. By the age of 14 he was already a part of the Dallas/Fort Worth music scene and playing regularly in the clubs along Jacksboro Highway.

Although he became versatile enough to be able to play anything from the country music of Bob Wills to the rhythm and blues classics of Bill Doggett to rock 'n roll, his main love was the blues. During the early 80's, he formed and sang with his own group "The Sidemen" who became well known to a large audience who loved their down home grooves. In 1991, "The Sidemen" were booked at a club called Dallas Alley to open up for none other than John Mayall. Apparently John was impressed enough to keep in touch and, when Coco Montoya left the Bluesbreakers in 1993, there was no doubt in John's mind who to call. Ever since that out-of-the blue phone call, Buddy has brought a powerful new dimension to the Bluesbreakers' sound.

It's been a Mayall tradition for the Bluesbreakers' guitarist to cover a Freddie King instrumental, starting with "Hideaway" by Eric on the "Beano", "The Stumble" by Peter on "A Hard Road", and "Driving Sideways" featuring Mick Taylor on "Crusade". Buddy continues this tradition in style with "Sen-Say-Shun" on the "Blues For The Lost Days" album, Mayall's 1997 Silvertone release. The Texas influence rears its head on "Dead City" from the same album and on "Ain't No Brakeman" from 1994's "Spinning Coin."

Unlike countless rock 'n rollers who carry racks of guitars around for every show, Buddy likes to keep it simple and plays only one - his 1963 Stratocaster plugged into a Dr. Z amplifier. He is also an accomplished blues songwriter and, in addition to the songs he sings with the Bluesbreakers on live shows, on the Bluesbreakers CD "Stories" he contributed his own "Romance Classified". He and longtime Mayall drummer Joe Yuele co-wrote "Pieces And Parts" and together, they also co-wrote 'Always a Brand New Road' on 1999's "Padlock On The Blues" and "Awestruck and Spellbound" on the latest CD "Road Dogs."ROAD DOGS'.

Although John Mayall makes Los Angeles his home base, Buddy is proud to live in Hurst, Texas with his family where he was raised and born to play the blues. He is currently working on material for a future album of his own.

Preview by Peter Ashton

Door £

Jimmy McGhie

Jimmy is one of the fast rising young comics on the comedy circuit today.

After only ten gigs, he reached the final of the prestigious So You Think You're Funny Final at the Edinburgh Festival as well as the finals of the BBC New Talent competition and the final of the Amused Moose Star Search 2005.

This has led to him receiving weekend bookings at The Comedy Store and Jongleurs in London and regular bookings all over the country.

Jimmy studied Drama at Kent University and his meteoric rise in the world of stand up looks like it is to be matched in the world of acting, with some exciting TV acting roles in the pipeline.

John Robins

After beginning stand-up in spring 2005 John reached the semi-final of SYTYF in Edinburgh that year after only a handful of gigs. In 2007 he appeared in the prestigious Comedy Zone showcase at The Edinburgh Festival to rave reviews: The pinnacle of the show…Robins was worth the ticket price alone" ThreeWeeks

In 2008 John teamed up with another talented newcomer to perform in 'Carl Donnelly VS John Robins VS Predator' which received similar acclaim "Like discovering buried treasure" Fest. 2009 will see John perform his first hour; Skinny Love. An hour of new material intended as a work in progress for this show has been nominated for "Best Debut Show" at the Leicester Comedy Festival Awards 2009.

As an act John represents the "new wave of storyteller" Evening Post, skilfully weaving narrative, improvisation and punchy gags into his unique, self-effacing style. John has quickly made his name as one of the most quick-witted, engaging comedians on the circuit. Always willing to expect the unexpected, John guarantees a great show for audiences and acts alike. He's the latest maverick to burst out of Bristol's hotbed of talent and he has stories to tell, banter to have, and bombs to drop.

"The pinnacle of the show…Robins was worth the ticket price alone" ThreeWeeks
"Fresh and Original" BBC
"Like discovering buried treasure" Fest
"The new wave of storyteller" Evening Post
"funnier than all of them ... his self-depreciation and Olympic ad-libbing would have you skipping happily down even the darkest alley" Venue

TV
Arthur Smith's Comedy Club

Radio
Guest Presenter of BBC6 Music's The Russell Howard Show
Guest Presenter of BBC6 Music's The Jon Richardson Show

Pete Johansson

Awesomely funny! Irreverent, brilliant, and smooth like fine jazz. Catching Johansson perform is a trip, you can't guess where he is going, but you die with laughter when he gets there.

Pete loves performing, and his natural talent has brought him many successes in his career His down home simplicity, bent perception & brainy insights lends him a unique point of view that engages your attention, tweaks your curiosity, and satisfies your need to laugh your ass off.

A former resident of Vancouver, and Montreal, Pete made his first forays into Hollywood after a wildly successful debut at the Montreal Just For Laughs festival, where appearing in one of the smaller shows he signed a deal with Warner Brothers Television, soon after Pete made his network debut on NBC's Friday Night and followed that with the lead in the independent film Mixed Signals with Jason London and Brook Langdon. Keeping on the road Pete performed across the country for the Improvisation comedy clubs in his spare time. The following year he made his first foray into comedy in England and Ireland performing at London's Comedy Store and various Jongleurs clubs. Returning from the road Pete started working with HBO independent productions in a new development deal and landed a spot at the USA Comedy arts Festival in Aspen Co, as one of the new faces. Pete also starred in his first half hour special for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in an episode of Comics; he followed this up the following year with an hour-long special for The Comedy Channel's Comedy Now! Series.

The shows kept rolling in, he landed two Just For Laughs Gala performances in the following two years, an appearance on the Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, and an appearance on Comedy Centrals Premium Blend and recently he has appeared on two episodes of Comedy Centrals Remix, Open Mike with Mike Bullard, National Lampoons Funny Money, and a role in the upcoming Showtime film The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie with Gena Rowlands and James Caan. Pete headlines comedy clubs coast to coast from New York's Carolines Comedy Club, to The Punchline in San Francisco to Austin's Comedy Club. He can be seen almost every weekend at The Improv on Melrose or The Icehouse when not touring.

...so sample a slice of the atmosphere with 3 of the hottest indie/pop/rock acts on the move.

Door £

The Bo

Formed out of friendship in 2004, RoShambo took the sleepy town of Lymington by storm. Playing big hit covers from bands such as Ocean Colour Scene and Paul Weller they gave the crowds something to smile about. Over the coming years the four lads played around the South Coast headlining many of the souths top venues including The Consortium and The Brook on a number of occasions. They started writing their own songs and slowly integrated them into their set list with future classics such as Stay, Wish I Was, Flowers In Your Eyes and Dirty Rimshot soon gaining support and recognition from their varied fans. In 2005 RoShambo unanimously won Covent Gardens "Battle of the Bands" beating off stiff competition from over 40 other aspiring bands. Judges said it was their diverse range of music that had made the decision and that they had known from the first heat that RoShambo were going to take the prize! Last year they were voted by fans to Support 'One Night Only'.... Since then The Bo have been set free again writing and recording new material going from strength to strength they are most certainly on the march.....

HipFandango

Having been playing around the south for the past year Hipfandango are creating a real buzz. Can 2009 be the year for the Hipfandango rock 'n' roll extravaganza!?!?!

The Queue

The Queue are a local band from Southampton, that formed in Febuary 2007, and all went to Bitterne Park school. All are songs are the take on a normal lads life, with all songs lyrically speaking about booze, girls and day to day life. We are always up for gigs and have been gigging around the South of England Since 2007, and are hoping for 2009 to be their best year.

Door £

This indie pop outfit were borne from sibling rivalry

Door £

Ben's Brother is London-born Jamie Hartman.

Rewind // 2007: His debut album Beta Male Fairytales was an out of the box success, with the whole country embracing Jamie's heartfelt vocal and lyrical delivery. In the UK, the album went Gold, with the respective singles earning top 10 airplay positions and a prestigious Ivor Novello nomination (only losing out to Amy Winehouse).

With his trademark look and engaging personality, Jamie led his band through sell out tours at home, and major festival stages around Europe, picking up fans in the US on the back of a major TV ad, and top 10 hits in countries across Europe and South America.

Fast Forward // 2009: All change: markets crashing, house prices plummeting, jobs lost and for some, record labels came and went. 'Battling Giants', Jamie's new album, released via his own imprint, Flat Cap Records, is a personal snapshot of these changing times.  After the massive changes at the beleaguered record company EMI, Jamie is an integral part of the album release this time around.  "I suppose the theme of this album is about that sense of adversity… being the little guy again, squaring up to the monster."

Jamie (real-life brother to the titular Ben) is keen to point out that the new album is "a lot more optimistic this time around too, and I think you can hear that when you listen to Battling Giants. To be honest, I'm just in a better mood this year!' The lyrical focus and depth prevalent on Beta Male Fairytales is combined with a "sense of optimism that pervades 'Battling Giants'. This upbeat mood is enhanced by the appearance of special guests Jason Mraz and Joss Stone.

Jamie on Jason // Battling Giants  "He loved the title track from the album, Battling Giants, so recorded some parts for me. His vocal harmonies were perfect, and really helped lift the song to a higher level."

Jamie on Joss // Stalemate "...I nearly fell off my chair when she said she loved the song and wanted to sing it...with that wonderfully individual voice of hers. I'm immensely proud of how it turned out."

Jamie's lyrical prowess attracted further collaborations. The first single 'Apologise' was written with Natalie Imbruglia. "The lyric is pretty self explanatory from my point of view – just say sorry for once so that I can forgive you. I think it meant something else to Natalie, but that's the beauty of songwriting, the best ideas come from what's going on in your world at that given moment."

That notion of writing about life experience resonates throughout the album, from the nagging self doubt of 'What if I,' through the resignation of 'Bitter End' to the joyful release of 'She Is Love.' 

"I didn't know it when I wrote it, but 'Battling Giants' became the most relevant song on the new record. It now reflects where I am, making my own record the way I always wanted to – with amazing people I admire – and putting it out on my own label. I'm going my own way. Like a lot of people in the world, I'm facing a 2009 which poses as many questions as answers – with so much change in the music business and the world in general. But I'm also strangely happy and excited about it – and what's more I just know I'm doing the right thing." He muses, "We're all battling giants now, and I can't wait to take the world on!"

'Battling Giants' will be released on Flat Cap Records on 11th May.

This Glaswegian act were good enough to support Bon Jovi at Hampden Park last year.

Door £

My Endeavour are a 4 piece alternative / heavy rock band from the south coast of England U.K.

Door £

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.

Door £

A group of experienced guys have come together to re-create the fabulous sounds of the Electric Light Orchestra.

Back in the 70's and 80's Jeff Lynne and the band gave us some of the best songs ever to be recorded onto vinyl.. Mr Blue Sky, Sweet Talking Woman, Turn To Stone, Evil Woman, All Over The World, Twilight, Tightrope, Showdown, Confusion, Don't Bring Me Down and so on... are all re created with the emphasis on attention to detail.

The band consists of:

Andy Brown - ELO Fan, Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar

Andy has had a successful solo career and has always wanted to sing in a band covering the magic of ELO. Andy captures the voice of Jeff Lynne to give that authentic ELO sound

When the chance came he did not need to be asked twice! a fabulous Jeff Lynne sound-a-like Andy strives to get the essence of ELO in his vocals.

Andy Piper - ELO Fan, Keyboards, Special Effects, Vocals

Andy is 'Mr Music' capturing the true sound of ELO. a truly fabulous musician with a track record to show for it, touring the UK and Europe working in the studio and out on stage Andy has what it takes to deliver every time!

Andy gives full attention to detail for every song and has studied the different aspects that Jeff Lynne put into each track.

Pete Allison - ELO Fan, Bass Guitar, Vocals

Pete has toured extensively across the UK and Europe and done a stint in the States. Working in studio and live on stage comes naturally to Pete and is regarded as one of the best high voices in the biz.

Pete's loves the quality of the ELO sound and makes sure the band stay true to the original

Dave Wilkinson - ELO Fan, Lead Guitar, Vocals

Dave is a true professional and gives a million percent every time. He has also toured the UK and Europe and has been a studio session player in his very successful career to date. A great vocalist and superb guitarist, Dave is Mr Detail!

Live music is where it's at for Dave. He believes that you cannot beat giving it your all on stage.

Tony Lawson - ELO Fan, Drums and percussion

Tony is a tremendous drummer who compliments the rest of the band with his attention to detail. A true professional who has plied his trade all over the world Tony brings that solid backbone that every band dreams of!

The amount of percussion in the ELO songs is massive and Tony ensures it's all there in the right place.

All the lads are first and foremost ELO fans and as such want to do justice to a really wonderful band who were way ahead of their time in many respects. Rockaria's commitment to all fans of ELO and fans of music in general is that this show will take you to a place where music is king and respect to ELO is guaranteed!

Door £

The ultimate tribute to Bob Marley & The Wailers)

LEGEND are eight great musicians and singers dedicated to the life and music of the late, great Bob Marley. This dynamic band led by the charismatic Micheal Anton Phillips has a pedigree second to none, whose members have worked with such reggae greats as;

The Mighty Diamonds, Dennis Brown, Rankin Roger, The Beat, Burning Spear, Apache Indian, Errol Dunkley, George and Desmond Decker.

This two hour show covers many of Marley's timeless classics; Is This Love, No Woman No Cry, Waiting in Vain, Exodus, I shot The Sheriff, Jamming, Could You Be Loved are just a few of his million selling hits brought to you in this fantastic two hour tribute to the master of reggae.

The Marley "LEGEND" Lives on

Door £

John Waite

John Waite started his career as lead singer & bassist of The Babys in 1980. In his 30 years lasting career, he gave his unmistakeable voice to Rockclassics as Missing You, Mr. Wonderful or When I See You Smile.

The Babys produced five albums from 1980-1985. John launched his solo career in 1982. His 2nd album, No Brakes, resulted in huge international success by hit single Missing You (#1 on US Billboard charts!). In 1988, John Waite joined Jonathan Cain along with Neal Schon from Journey, to form the supergroup Bad English. In 1989, and the single When I See You Smile became #1 in the US. After Bad English disbanded, John returned to solo work. Since 1995 he has produced five albums. He toured in 2003 with Ringo Starr's All Starr Band, and with Journey in 2005.

2007 John joined Procol Harum co-founder Keith Reid for 2 tracks on his allstar album The Common Thread, featuring the wonderful ballad In God's Shadow.

At last, 2009 will guide John Waite back to Europe, where he started his career three decades ago.