The Brook, 466 Portswood Road, Portswood, Southampton SO17 3SD
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July 2010 @ The Brook

Firefighters will turn rock stars as they take centre stage with one of Southampton's top bands to honour the bravery of their fallen colleagues. Details of how to donate to the charity can be found here.

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Article by By Melanie Adams Taken from Southern Daily Echo Photo Taken from Southern Daily Echo - All reproduced with kind permission.

Eager to pay their own special tribute to Alan Bannon and James Shears, who lost their lives in the line of duty, two music-loving firefighters have got together to host a unique fundraising gig.

With the help of the city's soul kings Rufus Stone, Niall Hayden and Paul Trew hope to raise hundreds of pounds with their music extravaganza at The Brook in Portswood, on July 7.

United in grief the pair wanted to do something to help the young families of 38-year-old Alan and 35-year-old James, who were killed tackling a fire on the ninth floor of Shirley Towers in April.

All proceeds from the event, which will boast the first live performance from Snatch Rescue, a band made up of firefighters especially for the gig, will be donated to the James Shears and Alan Bannon Memorial Fund.

Niall, from Redbridge fire station, said: "After the tragic events at Shirley Towers where two of our mates, James Shears and Alan Bannon lost their lives, I thought about organising a live music event to raise money for their families.

"A colleague of mine Paul Trew had the same thought and we approached The Brook as it is definitely the best place for this kind of gig. We are delighted that the south's premier soul band Rufus Stone have also agreed to play at this unique event."

Taking to the stage will also be Monkey Closet, Niall's own band, formed with members of the emergency services.

Paul, who worked with both James and Alan, said: "There are a lot of people in the St Mary's community and indeed the wider city of Southampton who owe these firefighters so much.

"It is their families who are at the forefront of our minds now and that is why we hope people will support us for what promises to be a great night of live music."

Malcolm Eyers, lead singer of Rufus Stone, added: "We were only too pleased to be associated with this event which is for such a worthwhile cause."

Formed in 1994 to keep the music playing on, and it is what the name implies - the original line-up consisted of the band that played Lola (apart from Ray and Dave), together with singer/guitarist Dave Clarke. The current line-up is the band that played Come Dancing, still with Dave Clarke covering for the Davies brothers.

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The iconic British rock band, The Kinks, are often cited as one of the most important and influential rock bands of all time.

Their first hit, You Really Got Me, in 1964, broke new ground with driving power chords and Dave Davies' distorted guitar sounds, and created a template for many bands to follow in a rock and roll development which led variously to heavy metal, new wave and grunge.

Later work saw the band's style change to more melodic songs, highlighting Ray Davies' lyrical and observational skills in songs like Sunny Afternoon, Dead End Street and Waterloo Sunset.

Although the band's popularity in the UK waned in the 1970s, they found new commercial success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and returned to the UK top 20 in 1983 with Come Dancing. The Kinks continued as a recording and gigging band until 1996, when the Davies brothers went their separate ways with solo careers.

During the band's 32-year career, there were some changes in personnel, Pete Quaife, the original bassist, was replaced by John Dalton in 1969, and keyboard player John Gosling was added in 1970. Following the two Johns' departure in the late 1970s, Jim Rodford became the Kinks' bassist (after a short tenure by Andy Pyle) and Ian Gibbons took over on keyboards. Original drummer Mick Avory left the band in 1983, to be replaced by Bob Henrit.

The Kast Off Kinks formed in 1994 to keep the music playing on, and it is what the name implies - the original line-up consisted of the band that played Lola (apart from Ray and Dave), together with singer/guitarist Dave Clarke. The current line-up is the band that played Come Dancing, still with Dave Clarke covering for the Davies brothers.

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The Dualers

The Dualers are South London born mixed race brothers Si and Tyber. Their father Bill Cranstoun was one of the pioneer promoters of ska and soul back in the sixties. His clubs were widely regarded as the toast of the southeast. Under the label The Savoy Sounds every week he would earn a living by running up to four nights a week attracting performances from artistes such as Lulu, Solomon Burke, The James Taylor Quartet and Geno Washington.

When the club life had passed and the children were born it was inevitable that music was going to play a big part in their lives. Si, the older of the two brothers, was strongly influenced by the clear, crisp vocals of the great Sam Cooke, where Tyber preferred the raucous, roughness of the legendary Otis Redding. The brothers would often spa against one another for vocal supremacy. As different as they were, the brothers found their voices blended amazingly well together.

It wasn't long before they took their vocal sparring to the streets and became an instant success, singing songs they had been listening to all their lives, the music their mother and father had never let go of, ska and soul.

They have built up a huge fan base on their own, primarily from their street performances and gigs, and it is this overwhelming support that back in October 2004 saw them storm the charts with their debut single 'Kiss on the Lips' reaching 21 in the National Pop Charts. Miraculously they managed to keep the song at number 33 the following week, with little or no airplay, an achievement unmatched to this day.

2005 saw the boys with their second top 25 hit, Truly, Madly, Deeply, reaching number 23.

2006 saw the release of their biggest selling single to date 'Don't Go' but due to complications it was disallowed from the charts.

In the same year armed with over 30,000 single sales and a couple of top 30 hits, The Dualers released their album 'The Melting Pot' to an overwhelming response.

The Dualers have supported some of the greats in Ska and Reggae. They include, Ziggy Marley, Toots and the Maytails, The Skatalites, The Toasters, Prince Buster and Madness to name a few.

The Dualers have sold out many venues they have played at. This includes the Brentwood Centre that holds 2000 people, and they have also sold out the Indigo at the o2 twice. The Dualers are playing the indigo at the o2 for the third time on Thursday 22nd July.

The Dualers will also be playing with UB40 at Broadlands on the 26th June.

 The Dualers have recently released their follow up album to The Melting Pot, 'The Cooking Pot' this is available on a temporary basis till its official release in September together with a new single.

It is difficult to describe The Dualers or to put them in a musical bracket. They are a throwback to the greatest musical period the world has ever known. They are DIY in every sense of the word, to have achieved what they have achieved with no Manager, no Promoter and no Booking Agent, is truly an amazing feat. They are The Dualers, two brothers who love music and will continue to do what they do, and won't let anything stand in their way. The Crusade continues……

The Raptures

The Raptures are a 4 piece Ska, Reggae & Northern soul outfit. The band have been playing in various Ska bands on the south coast for over a decade, including Bad Manners, Neville Staple (The Specials) and many other local acts. After years of gigging Two-Tone Ska The Raptures have decided to play more old-school Trojan Ska, whether it be Toots & The Maytals or more modern bands such as The Slackers. As the name suggests, The Raptures produce enthusiastic energetic noise... Perfect for dancing to!

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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???

If you like Floyd and haven't seen them yet then sort it out you crazy diamond!

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Now, with the passing of Rick Wright in 2008 there will sadly never be the reunion that we all hoped for, but the music is timeless and will live on for many more years to come. How many 60's bands today are still attracting new and often young fans 40 years on?

Today, there are many bands trying to emulate this music, the most outstanding by far being Perfect Alibi. Founded in 1990 the hampshire based band have been described as "the definitive Pink Floyd tribute."

When Dave Blake (lead guitar) formed the band they were playing covers of classic rock songs by Pink Floyd, Marillion, Eagles, Neil Young and more. Being huge Floyd fans themselves and from the reaction and requests from the audiences, more and more of there songs crept their way in to the set until it got difficult to mix other material in. Realising this, a concert was staged in a theatre as a tester and Perfect Alibi emerged as a totally dedicated Pink Floyd tribute.

With Perfect Alibi, you have the chance to hear Pink Floyd songs as they are meant to be heard. The band are now widely respected and appreciated in their field, giving the audience a truly authentic reproduction of the music of Pink Floyd. With the emphasis on capturing the live Pink Floyd sound. With well over 40 songs in their repertoire, spectacular lighting/lasers/projections, this is a show not to be missed!

But don't take our word for it... judge for yourselves. You won't be disappointed!

The Hoax blasted through the 90's forging a loyal and widespread following and firmly established a cult status as one of the most exciting live acts of the decade. Then, in 1999 as the century reached its conclusion, so did The Hoax with the 5 members parting ways, leaving a gaping hole in the British Blues scene.

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Arguably the most influential British Blues band of the last 20 years, The Hoax blasted through the 90's forging a loyal and widespread following and firmly established a cult status as one of the most exciting live acts of the decade. Then, in 1999 as the century reached its conclusion, so did The Hoax with the 5 members parting ways, leaving a gaping hole in the British Blues scene.

The band was signed to the Code Blue label in 1993 by legendary producer Mike Vernon (John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Fleetwood Mac) and their debut album 'Sound Like This' won rave reviews around the world. Q magazine proclaimed the band the new Rolling Stones, and the album went on to win Best Album at The British Blues Awards. Appearances on VH1 and Later with Jools Holland soon followed and helped build the stateside buzz prompting a full page editorial in Billboard Magazine.

The Hoax continued to tour ferociously, racking up nearly 2000 gigs in 18 different countries and in 1998 they found new independence by releasing wht is widely regarded as their best album "Humdinger" on their newly established Credible label. Once again the British press sung its praises with Mojo and Q Magazine giving glowing reviews. However, the relentless touring had taken its toll on the young band and The Hoax bowed out with a string of sold out shows culminating at London's Astoria Theatre.

Ten years on, with each member of the band having established their own solo careers, The Hoax have reunited to perform a number of shows in the UK and Europe. Furthermore, to mark the 20th anniversary of the birth of the band, a brand new DVD is released this summer, featuring live performances filmed on the band's 2009/2010 European tour.

Since the break-up of the band in 1999, each member of The Hoax has continued to keep a high profile. Guitarist Jon Amor has released a slew of solo albums and established himself as a renowned songwriter and performer, building a dedicated following both sides of the Atlantic. Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant made a guest appearance on his album 'Unknown Soldier' in 2006, and "Stories From a Crooked Room" - his 5th Studio album - was released in 2009.

In 2003 guitarist Jesse Davey and brother Robin signed to Interscope Records as The Davey Brothers, through former Eurythmics star, Dave Stewart's WME Label. Their song 'Heart Go Faster' was featured on the Tomb Raider soundtrack and in 2004 the Brothers were featured on the Golden Globe winning "Alfie" Soundtrack alongside Mick Jagger and Joss Stone.

Both have also become much sort after film makers. Robin won the Stanley Kubrick award for Bold and Innovative Film Making at Michael Moores Film Festival in the US. While Jesse has written and directed music videos for Gavin Rossdale and Papa Roach, receiving a nomination for Best Music Video at the Kerrang Awards. Musically Robin is now one half of Los Angeles based eclectic pop duo "The Bastard Fairies" who recently achieved one million downloads of tracks from their debut album "Memento Mori".

Jesse continues to work as songwriter and record producer, with a string of successful songs and albums to his name. Regarded as one of the most fierce and soulful blues guitarists today, his guitar slinging talents have been saught out by the likes of Sting, Ringo Star, Mick Jagger and Dave Stewart. Jesse's debut album will be released in 2010.

Singer Hugh Coltman, having relocated to Paris shortly after the Hoax split, released his debut album "Stories From The Safe House" through Universal France in 2008. Appearances on Taratata and One Shot Not, both major French music shows, a nomination for the "Prix Constantin" (France's Mercury music awards) and festivals appearances across Europe have cemented his profile in France as one of the hottest singer songwriters to emerge in recent years.

Drummer Mark Barrett helped craft the sound of blues upstarts the 22-20's and has continued to boost his reputation as the shuffle maestro of English drumming, spending the last decade honing his craft backing the top talent of the British music scene.

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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

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Keeping the spirit and songs of the legendary Zep alive with their unique energy and stage presence , Whole Lotta led play to over 40,000 enthusiastic fans every year.They don't try and reproduce what the Classic Led Zeppelin line up looked like because for these guys it's all about the music, And what music.

With recent 3 page review in the Sunday Express and live footage on the BBC 6 o'clock News this band go from strength to strength. Whether a fan of the original Led Zeppelin or new to the sound come and be astounded by the music of Led Zeppelin .

Given the thumbs-up by no less a guitar god than Jimmy Page himself , Whole Lotta led are THE Led Zeppelin tribute band

Hailing from England Whole Lotta Led are now considered by many to be one of the greatest tributes to Led Zeppelin around. Generally playing two and a half hour sets and over 100 concerts a year their enthusiasm on stage is unequalled, with a stage presence full of magnetism that all audiences feel and share.

They are all exceptional musicians in their own field and without realising it create much the same energy, flair and magic that still holds Led Zeppelin as one of thee largest and most influential bands the world has ever seen. 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. 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.

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Goober Gun

With influences such as Def Leppard, Cheap Trick, The Wildhearts and Jimmy Eat World, Goober Gun craft slabs of anthemic modern rock, combined with a lyrical and musical depth that has won over audiences around the UK and beyond. "Goober Gun are quite stunningly good. They're like Duran Duran on Jagerbombs….awesome" – Hardrock Haven

They may live the life of a hardworking band on the road and take their music seriously, but Goober Guns shows are all about having a great time; "We love playing our songs live, and I know the crowed can see what a great time we're having" says vocalist / drummer Tim Hardwick "Night after night our aim is for the audience to enjoy it as much as we are"

Gideon's Demise

The Southampton based trio got together in 2007, and began gigging in mid 2009.  They began at first to find themselves on the end of quietly enthusiastic reviews, and since have taken huge steps in a seemingly very short space of time.
The band, consisting of Jim Sparshott (Bass), Matt Stanton (Drums), and Gideon Towers (Vocals & guitar) go for an anthemic sound, describing themselves as ambitious in their music.

Their influences include Placebo, Muse, Kasabian, Depeche Mode, Oasis, Stone Roses, Perfect Circle.

 With an interview and regular Airplay & on Wave 105 (having turned the head of notorious talent scout Gary Parker - producer & presenter for Radio Wave 105, who describes the band as "Brilliant live"), and with gigs lined up in Sound – Leicester Square, and a headlining gig in Dublin Castle – Camden, and Southampton based gigs in the Brook & the Soul Cellar, "Expect GD's epic and intense indie anthems to making their way to a playlist near you soon."

"These boys are ready to rub shoulders with the big boys."  - Paul Lane (Angry Badger Records / Playing Out Loud).

Steve Lowis

Steve Lowis is a singer songwriter from North Yorkshire. Currently living in Southampton he has played at many of the City's finest music venues and over the period of 7 years has organised his own acoustic/band nights and a battle of the bands competition.

Steve helped to organise Southampton's only free live music festival "The Access Fest", which raised money and awareness for a local homeless charity over a five year period.

Steve's song "Rescue" was recorded by a Bulgarian based bluegrass singer Lilly Drumeva and was played across Europe during 2004.

Steve recorded his first EP "Happy/Sad" in 2006 and followed this up with his latest full length album "Halfway Down The Road" in 2008. His music is inspired by the Country/Rock sound of Ryan Adams and Neil Young but often shows a delicate twist of Folk/Pop band Iron and Wine thrown into the mix. He is currently promoting his albums around the South Coast.

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Steve Conte & The Crazy Truth new album, Named from a Charles Bukowski poem, The Crazy Truth began to unfold in 2005 when Steve ran into high school pal Lee "Leeko" Kostrinsky on the street in New York City. Leeko's punk, reggae & indie rock influences were a perfect foil for Conte's love of the blues, classic rock and 60's garage bands. Rounded out by Scarborough's own Phil Stewart on drums, the trio played their first show in NYC within a few months - a T Rex memorial concert where they performed a cover of Marc Bolan's classic "Rip Off" and 9 new S.C. originals.

Working between records & tours as lead guitarist/backing singer and co-songwriter with the legendary New York Dolls, Conte has produced his band's debut album, a scorching 11 song rock & roll disc called simply – "STEVE CONTE & THE CRAZY TRUTH". It features guest performances by Dolls front man David Johansen on harmonica, the soulful voices of Nikki Richards (Tina Turner/Madonna) and Catherine Russell (Al Green) and horns by Danny Ray (Sylvain Sylvain/ Johnny Thunders), Tom Timko (Stevie Wonder) and Kiku Collins (Beyonce).

Sonically, The Crazy Truth lies somewhere between garage rock and punk blues with hints of Latin-soul in a dark, smoky lounge. It's the Stooges and the Stones versus Morphine and Tom Waits. The overall vibe is best described by Conte as 'classic roots with a modern twist.'

Steve Conte delivers the power, soul and raunch. He's a runaway guitar hero on the edge of falling apart – with the voice of a derelict angel. Drummer Phil Stewart is equal parts Max Roach and Keith Moon while bassist Leeko was weaned on The Clash and old school reggae.

Says Conte, 'This album sounds like a band playing live because it's drums, bass and guitar together in one room, solos recorded live on the basic tracks, rough and tough. It was like doing a gig. I love playing live with this band because it's all about interplay and the moment. We don't just deliver the songs...we JAM!'

Lyrically, the songs reflect two decades of life and excess in New York City...the distractions troubled souls move toward to fill the emptiness. Dive bars, gambling, sex and drugs. It's all there, but not celebrated with the traditional macho rock attitude. It's more about redemption.

On The Truth Ain't Pretty, Conte sings, 'I'm always putting the last things first, that's why I'm starting out with the second verse,' while on The Goods Are Odd he croons 'Drag queens, drama queens, future ex-porn stars, we're all looking for lovers with beautiful scars.'

Whether he's the morally bankrupt guy 'coming downtown in a Gypsy Cab' (from the standout track Gypsy Cab) or riding a Busload of Hope to Atlantic City, Conte offers a sense of optimism in the song This Is The End - 'In the end we transcend – we're divine'.

The album was mixed by the legendary Niko Bolas (Neil Young, Keith Richards) and mastered by Richard Dodd (Tom Petty, Green Day).

Melodramas

Melodramas combine spook-rock and theatrical pop to create a genre-busting celebration of noise.

In 2010, the four-piece were selected by Tiger Beer to represent 'the West in the East'. The experience has seen the band break new territories and play huge concerts in China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Kuwait and Australia.

Closer to home, The New York Dolls and Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters) have both chosen Melodramas as main support on tour in the UK.

The band have started 2011 by recording their début album with Sam Williams (Supergrass, Plan B, The Noisettes), with Gaz Coombes providing backing vocals on 'Betelgeuse'.

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Lenny's musical career began in the mid-1960s, when he was 17. In 1964 Lenny formed a classic rock band called The Trailblazers, in which he was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist. After touring the United States, the band returned with a new name, Funky Fever. The band could be seen touring with Inez and Charlie Foxx and The Drifters on their European tours.

Lyndsey de Paul and Dudley Moore discovered Lenny in the early 70s, and Lyndsey took an interest in Lenny's fabulous voice, look, and stage presence. She dubbed him Zakatek, and wrote several songs for him that were released as singles on Bell Records by Dick Leahy. But it was Lenny's electric energy and artistry in Gonzalez and his vocals on their huge worldwide disco hit "I Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet" that first attracted the attention of Alan Parsons.

Alan and Lenny enjoyed a legendary musical relationship that spanned 10 years, and produced 8 hit albums. Known as "The Voice," Lenny Zakatek added his unique vocal stamp to many tracks, including "I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You" "Games People Play," and "Damned If I Do."

In reviewing Arista Records Heritage Series collection of 11 of The Alan Parsons Project's best tracks from albums released between 1977 and 1985, Todd S. Jenkins, a music critic on AllAboutJazz.com says: "Lenny Zakatek's singing on tracks #2 ("I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You") and # 4 ("Games People Play") is prototypical of soulful prog-rock. His delivery adds a funky, bluesy air." 1979 saw the release of Lenny's first solo, self-titled album, Lenny Zakatek, produced by Alan Parsons for A & M Records.

Lenny later formed a band called The Immortals, with John Deacon (of Queen fame). Their single "No Turning Back" was on the soundtrack of the film Biggles.In 1995, Lenny had the honor of performing with Joni Mitchell at the Great Music Experience in Nara City, Japan, which had a worldwide TV audience of 100 million. He shared the stage with INXS, Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan, and Tomoyasu Hotei; and had the privilege of working with the legendary Michael Kamen, with whom he went on to other projects.

Not one to sit still, Lenny now wears additional hats as a manager, music publisher and producer, while continuing to perform himself. He managed and co-produced three of Japan's most prolific recording artists: Tomoyasu Hotei, Miki Imai, and Kumiko Yamashita. Lenny's publishing company, All Zakatek Musicco-published tracks on Kubb's debut gold album. He publishes and manages Sony/BMG artist Jah Waggie.

2007:Lenny currently tours throughout Europe and the U.K. with the Boogie Brothers, a 12-piece R & B band and is working on a new album, to be released in 2009. NEWS FLASH.. We'd would like to introduce you to a great new venture by the legendary singer LENNY ZAKATEK. Lenny revisits his classic performances in the ALAN PARSONS PROJECT.

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Pauline Black has spent the last 30 years maintaining the fierce independence that she first forged in her early days as lead vocalist with legendary platinum selling 2-Tone band 'The Selecter'. During that time she has always tried to do what she fells is right, honest & true. She considers her female mixed race status gives her a unique insight into the twin evils of racism and sexism that still beset the world and render the original message of the 2-tone movement as relevant today as it was in 1979.

Since then, she has built her considerable reputation through singing, songwriting, acting, presenting, broadcasting and writing. She has garnered several singing and acting awards along the way. Never content to just rest on her laurels or pursue the road of easy celebrity, Pauline has delivered 9 studio albums throughout her career, chronicling her particular view of the precious world that we inhabit.

In 2007, eager to expand her musical repertoire still further, she toured "The Very Best of Nina Simone & Billie Holiday" with her "Blue Jazz Trio", to critical acclaim. 2008 saw her pursue another musical passion when she presented and performed on BBC4 TV's "Soul Britannia" series and then joined the "This Is Soul Tour 2008" performing alongside soul legends Eddie Floyd & Geno Washington.

In 2009, the "30th Anniversary of the 2-Tone Movement", she elected to return to her first love ska music, not in a nostalgic re-union mood, (although she is very proud of her 'Selecter' past & is still eager to celebrate that history in the future), but as a respected solo artist, forging new relationships with musicians in Argentina, Brazil & Australia. On Oct 3rd 2009, she headlined at the "100 Nicetos Festival" in Buenos Aires, Argentina in front of 30,000 people backed by Hugo Lobo's ska/reggae influenced band, "Dancing Mood", plus a 30 piece string orchestra, choir and Nyabinghi drummers.

At the start of the new decade, 2010 finds Pauline building on last year's success. Concerts & festivals have been booked throughout the year, showcasing new & old material from her entire career, with her new 6-piece band. Highlights of her solo show include old favourites like "On My Radio" & "Missing Words", new songs "Eyes On The Prize" & "Total Control" and a brilliant ska/reggae salute to Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black" ("obviously written for me", jokes Pauline at concerts).

A new recording project with her new band is currently in the pipeline & her long-awaited memoir "Black By Design" is finished & earmarked for publication this year. Both projects will give her many fans a chance to see what makes this singular artist tick. Pauline Black is a unique woman with a multi-faceted talent.

Double barrel are a guitar based SKA duo,that try and bring the big sound of SKA to the smaller and bigger venues around the south.They formed in march 2009 when their respective bands had no gigs and things took off from there.

Simon ( guitar + vocals ) has been,and still is, the guitarist for Bad Manners for the past 12 years and before that had success with local SKA band Loonee Toons.

VJ ( guitar + vocals ) has toured with Bad Manners and had local success with SKA bands 2-Tonic + Django and is currently fronting the band,The Raptures.

Simon and VJ have had a great response at every venue they've played.