The Brook, 466 Portswood Road, Portswood, Southampton SO17 3SD
Box Office Hours - 1.00pm - 7.00pm Mon - Sat (023) 8055 5366
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September 2010 @ The Brook

Tickets On Sale When Price is Shown

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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???

Never mind your Wigan Casino, Rufus Stone at the Brook is where it's at.

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Time to dance the night away with the band who make every gig a party night! Those that have followed the band will know that the Rufus Stone Soul Band, based in their home town of Southampton, has been around in many guises since their start in late 1984. After all this time you would expect that some of the sparkle would have gone, not a bit. They still have the same distinctive sound, which ensures that they get the maximum involvement from their audience.

Over the years they have built a loyal following and it is this support that has kept the band not only on the road but still as soulful as when they started. The music is authentic soul with selections from The Blues Brothers and The Commitments, but the bulk of the set comes from the soul greats such as Otis Redding, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Joe Tex and many others.

During their time together there have been a number of highlights that include support to some of the top soul artists like Jimmy Ruffin, Edwin Starr, Curtis Mayfield, Geno Washington, Ben E King, and Gloria Gaynor.

One of the UK 's brightest melodic rock talents, offering an alternative to the world of reality-show gimmickry and sensationalism.

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Ben Montague

Ben Montague unleashes his debut album Overcome, due May 3, 2010

Preceded by the Radio 2 Record Of the Week single, Haunted, due April 5, 2010

** Festival Appearances confirmed – Isle of Wight – Cornbury **

Last year when Ben Montague's debut single Can't Hold Me Down was playlisted on Radio 2 for an impressive five weeks, it sign-posted the gifted singer-songwriter as one of the UK 's brightest melodic rock talents, offering an alternative to the world of reality-show gimmickry and sensationalism.

The foundations for Montague's success have been thorough and painstaking, his self-fuelled hard work finally leading to his current impressive momentum. Hand-picked as tour support by acclaimed guitarist Joe Bonamassa, Montague found himself catapulted from playing small clubs to audiences of thousands. Racing supremo Eddie Jordan was impressed enough to invite him to perform in front of 18,000 people at Silverstone as part of his all-star band alongside rock legends Roger Daltrey and Nick Mason. Elsewhere, thousands of international travelers were treated to his residency at Heathrow's Terminal 5.

It has all added up to a rigorous road-testing for the material which now makes up his debut album, with a new 5-track sampler giving a taste of what is to come. The record is the result of months of perfectionist hard work, taking in contributions from a top-of-the-range production team including Simple Minds / Gary Barlow producer Peter-John Vetesse, guitar work from Genesis legend Mike Rutherford, the songwriting talents of Kylie / Westlife collaborator Cliff Masterson and Goldfrapp / Bon Jovi mixing wizard Dave Bascombe.

Musically, it takes the influence of a range of classic singer-songwriting legends and gives them a youthful and distinctly 21st Century twist. The results combine elegantly crafted melodic guitar hooks reminiscent of Maroon 5, The Feeling and the mature, resurrected Take That, all blended with modern takes on the brash, showy talents of 70s-era Elton John, the brooding intensity of Eric Clapton and the charismatic showmanship of Queen. 

The work stretches from the euphoric You Can't Hold Me Down to the deep-felt melancholia of Haunted. It's an infectious, mature collection full of heart, soul and craft, which updates the classic rock songwriter tradition.

Years ago Montague sold his Gibson guitar to pay his rent – now he has an endorsement deal with the company. Patience, talent and hard work are about to pay off. The time is finally right.

Haunted, the single, will be released April 5th, followed on May 3rd by the album, Overcome.

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But don't take our word for it - 'Wabble wousing comedy' - Jonathan Woss  

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Mike Wilmott

Current Time Out comedy award winner Canadian MIKE WILMOT started life as stand-up comedian in 1995.  Since then he's become very popular in the UK, performing on the comedy circuit over here since 1998, and at the Edinburgh Festival – to great critical acclaim.

Mike's effortlessly funny style is a fast-paced, hard-hitting comedic look at everyday life.  His comedy targets vary widely, from diets, kids and sex - to American-Canadian backbiting and his fondness for beer.  On stage he times himself by how many pints he's had, rather than having to look at his watch.  A proud cynic, Mike is politically and anatomically incorrect, but with a passing resemblance to Oliver Reed he is completely engaging.

Television credits include:

How To Survive (BBC Choice)
The Stand Up Show - series three & five (BBC One)
The Comedy Store – series one & three (Channel Five)
Clarkson (BBC Two)
Up Late With Sean Hughes (BBC Choice)
Shoot The Messenger – Team Captain (Paramount Comedy Channel)

He has also appeared numerous times at the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal.  Mike has been in several feature films, some of which will be shown in UK cinemas later this year.

Mike has performed at every major UK venue, as well as in Ireland, Scandinavia, Paris, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Bangkok and South Africa.

Press Quotes:

'The highlight was Mike Wilmot, a fast talking stand-up whose close-to-the-bone repertoire leaves the audience in a state of hilarity that most comedians can only dream of' (The Sunday Times)

'The bear-like, gravel voiced Mile Wilmot fires keen reports from the front line of the sex wars.  He sweats; he shambles; he swears.  You'll cough, choke and chortle' (The Glasgow Herald)

'At times raucous, offensive and downright crude, he was nonetheless very, very funny producing belly cackles of genuine mirth throughout….this was a most entertaining experience' (The Scotsman)

'Bearing an uncanny resemblance to both Oliver Reed and Rodney Dangerfield, the 38 year-old Canadian is a natural raconteur, dispensing with a watch, preferring to use beer as a clock' (The Independent)

'Respite is at hand in the shape of Mike Wilmot, Canada's answer to Bill Hicks'  (Metro)

'Like any fine comedian, he exudes intelligence and sweat in equal measures,  Wilmot can give any other stand-up alive lessons in the power of laughter to free us from the shackles of embarrassment' (Time Out)

Joe Bor

WINNER Comedy Store Gong Show April 2007 WINNER Comedy Cafe New Act Night March 2007 Finalist Comedy Factor 2007 Hotstarlets 2007 Amused Moose Semi Finalist 2007
Joe is an energetic observational character comedian, whose act consists of annecdotes from working in a school to his impressions of rugby players.
Joe has written and starred in the sketch show 'Oi Over Here' which played at The Pleasance Theatre in Edinburgh 2005 and is being developed for TV.
He has acted in many short films for the BBC and written for TV and theatre including Newsrevue(Canal Cafe), The Comedy Business(Paramount Comedy) and Animus(Paramount Comedy).
Joe's graduation animation 'My Third Arm' was screened at festivals around the world including Edinburgh, Cardiff and Berlin.
He has performed at the Comedy Store, Comedy Cafe, Lee Hurst's Backyard, Mirth Control(various), Downstairs at the Kings Head, Outside The Box, Monkey Business,Theatre Royal Stratford East, and Electric Mouse(various).
"Bor has a convincing natural stage presence and comedic skill that keeps even the most stubborn audience members happy throughout his unfortunately short set." Three Weeks 2007
"Hugely talented character comic, very funny and memorably charismatic" The Scotsman
"Joe Bor excels" www.fringereport.com
"Very Funny...excellent young comic actor" Three Weeks
"His observational comedy reminded me of Adam Bloom and he had some good gags. His many voices and routine on rugby was ideal...it went down a storm."www.bbc.co.uk

Plus Patrick Monahan

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CORINNE WEST

fourth generation Californian and musician who performs upwards of 200 shows each year, has a voice that simply soars. Using her powerfully eloquent voice, coupled with beautifully crafted songs - memorable both lyrically and melodically - she has fashioned a unique identity within American music's acoustic/roots scene. Her latest record, 'The Promise', confirms West's place among the finest young singer-songwriters. Described as "elegant new sexy acoustic jazz-rock-folk", and "west coast acoustic soul music", this is a work of deep feeling and deep inspiration, roads travelled and roads less travelled, songs insightful and resonant about matters of the heart, soul and existence.  In concert, Corinne brings a special grace and fire to the stage. Her song-writing strength coupled with magnetic stage presence create a captivating performance, winning rave reviews at home and abroad. Corinne has toured extensively throughout the US, Canada, Europe and the U.K., and has been featured on national radio in these regions.

"…her most ambitious and enduring record to date. Awash with highlights such as the achingly beautiful title track… The Promise pulls you irresistibly back for more." ~ Colin Hall, R2 (Rock 'n' Reel), UK  ****

 "I love Corinne's music and truly believe in her as an artist. She has spirit, integrity and talent. I am a massive fan." ~ Bob Harris, Legendary British broadcaster, BBC Radio2

"A West wind blew into town on Friday night and its name was Corinne, full of passion, charm and wit and laden down by a truck full of great original songs. This was a night that will be remembered for a long time, a must for venues next time she tours." ~ Windsor Arts Centre, UK

"It's a stirring body of work, by turns haunting, gripping and moving – and all wrapped around Corinne's distinctive smoky vocals." ~ Oxford Mail, UK

"Spectacularly haunting... eloquently soulful." ~ Folk and Roots, David Kidman, UK 

"A voice of gold." ~ Relix Magazine

KELLY JOE PHELPS

Kelly Joe Phelps has, over the course of eight CD's and fifteen years of touring the world, established himself as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter with singular vision and fearless purpose. His mix of folk, blues, and jazz has won him praise from the likes of Bill Frisell, Steve Earl, and Cameron Crowe. Kelly Joe has been featured on NPR's 'All Things Considered' and 'Prairie Home Companion' as well as numerous BBC and other national radio shows throughout Europe, Australia and Japan. He's recorded with Townes Van Zandt, Greg Brown, Martin Simpson, Jay Farrar, and a host of others. A brilliant improviser, Phelps is known for his ability to put a new spin on a song every time he plays, inventive and imaginative enough to be able to take multiple styles of music and merge them with his own artistic voice, creating a unique sound both original and universal.

"His music is a wide world with three hundred and sixty degrees of influence… Kelly Joe is a musical slight of hand master. He pulls world wide sounds out of his guitar." ~ Tim O'Brien

"He seems to have tapped into the artery somehow. There's a lot going on in between and behind the notes. Mystery. He's been an inspiration to me." ~ Bill Frisell

"I'm talking about a feeling, a smoky, lonesome, painful – yet somehow comforting groove that let's you know that you are not alone – even when you're blue. Play on, brother." ~ Steve Earl

"At first you think it's familiar, then you know you've never heard anything like this. I love this music."
~ Leo Kottke

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Witness you now that Appalachian Rockgrass hellraisers, Hayseed Dixie, have completed their 8th full-length studio album. The CD DVD package contains 7 original compositions along with 6 reinterpretations of previously known songs about drinking, cheating, killing and hell - with a particular emphasis on murder and death. On the road on tour throughout 2010, the suspects are known to be armed with acoustic instruments and should be considered extremely dangerous.

Formed in 2001 with the release of their first album, titled "A Hillbilly Tribute To AC/DC," Hayseed Dixie are acknowledged as the creators of the musical genre "Rockgrass." Hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of the Southeastern United States, the band consists of: Barley Scotch - vocals, guitar and fiddle, Reverend Don Wayne Reno - banjo and vocals, Deacon Dale Reno - mandolin, guitar and vocals
Jake "Bakesnake" Byers - bass and vocals.

Having sold over 500,000 records worldwide, the band has successfully spread like a virus to every continent except Antarctica.

Preview

According to the sleeve notes for the first Hayseed Dixie album, "A Hillbilly Tribute To AC/DC" their interest in AC/DC started when they found a collection of AC/DC records in the valley of Deer Lick Holler in the Appalachian mountains of the USA, where a stranger had crashed in his car and expired. They could only play the records at 78 rpm on an old Edison Victrola player, but the boys all agreed that it was mighty fine country music. Well, if you believe that, you?ll believe anything!

One thing is true though, Hayseed Dixie have built up a huge reputation as a sensational live act since they formed in 2001. They don?t just to AC/DC covers - after their debut album sold over 100,000 copies worldwide, they went back into the studios to record some of their own songs. The result was "A Hillbilly Tribute to Mountain Love" an inspired exploration of one of the primary reasons for drinking, cheating, killing and going to hell.

The next development in the career of Hayseed Dixie was hearing some songs by the band Kiss and realising they were kindred spirits. So in February 2003 they spent two inspired days in the recording studio to produce their third album "Kiss My Grass - A Hillbilly Tribute To Kiss." There followed a joint tour with Kerosene Brothers followed including over 100 shows all over the USA and Australia which included much heroic drinking.

Feeling the need to plough some fresh fertile fields, the boys began to focus on getting to the UK and Europe. as well. Last year they released of "Let There Be Rockgrass" and the first UK tour took place. According to Hayseed Dixie, the full spectrum of hell was raised and "Rockgrass" became an international phenomena.

Now they're back on tour in the UK again and as lead singer Barley Scotch says: "We ain't even started drinking yet. We've just been on a recon mission so far. Now we know where the party people around the world are, and we're coming back to close the deal!

Preview by Peter Ashton

Initially put together by Gary Blackman (Songwriter for the band), Each member is an established musician/singer in their own right and they have all worked with various professional bands over the last 20 years including Jools Holland, Yazz, The Beat, Geno Washington, The Foundations, Davey Jones (Monkees) etc...

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Redemption League are a 12 piece Hampshire based band playing original music.
Initially put together by Gary Blackman (Songwriter for the band), Each member is an established musician/singer in their own right and they have all worked with various professional bands over the last 20 years including Jools Holland, Yazz, The Beat, Geno Washington, The Foundations, Davey Jones (Monkees) etc...

Their music has been described as Another Sound and is truly quite unique.
From Swirling Horns to Acoustic Guitars. From Power Ballads to Uplifting Anthems.
From Feel Good Pop to Thought Provoking solo works,

If you were to mix Supertramp & Earth Wind & Fire with The Beatles & Steely Dan you may just have a rough of idea of the diversity within Redemption League.

The best way to understand what Redemption League are about is to catch them at one of their shows.

(Fleetwood Mac Tribute)

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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.

Robin Trower's 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).

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"The only band on the planet to have successfully fused rock based music with the power, dynamics and scale of symphonic classical music. They are the absolute masters of their art and their achievements over more than twenty years of creative work set them apart from everything else which calls itself progressive"
The Guardian

"The Orb Meets Pink Floyd Meets The Berlin Philharmonic"
Time Out
"One of the greatest composers this country has ever had."
Tommy Vance

UK LIVE DATES

In 1988 after nearly ten years of continuous touring, Robert John Godfrey called an official halt to The Enid with two back to back sold-out shows at The Dominion Theatre, London and the band dissolved.

Except for a few one-off adventures during the nineties, the band lay dormant whilst Godfrey fought his demons.

In 2002, Robert John Godfrey met by chance a young guitarist, Jason Ducker. For the following years Jason and Robert have been working on The Enid's music. Now he is ready to step into the unique role left vacant by Steve Stewart.

The original drummer, Dave Storey together with Jason Ducker and Max Read (member since 1995), join Robert John Godfrey, founding member and driving force within the band for a succession of live shows in support of their new album entitled Journey's End.

Said Godfrey in a recent letter to his fans; "I haven't been entirely idle over these years of inactivity. I have developed both as a composer and a person. I think you will all love these new interpretations of some of our most famous tracks."

In Jason, I have found the guitarist I so missed after Steve Stewart left in 1988. Dave is in magnificent form and Max is, as ever, a stalwart in all things."

***

NEW RECORDINGS

"Arise & Shine"
Now completed is a special recording featuring the new line up performing all the music which was performed at The Bush Hall, London on May 29th.

This special CD is not intended for general release and will only be available at gigs, festivals and mail order through the band's fan club, The Enidi.

"Journeys End"
The end of this year will see the completion of what may be Godfrey's last major work, aptly called, Journey's End.

In a recent radio interview Godfrey said, "I believe that if I am finally able to get this task done, I will have surpassed myself; and if that turns out to be true, then my struggles will be over and I will have nothing left to do."

***

THE ENID – BRIEF HISTORY

The Enid emerged in the latter half of the seventies as a radical answer to all those young people who couldn't identify with punk but were nevertheless as tired and fed with the current music scene as nearly everyone else.

By 1983, Tommy Vance on Radio One had dubbed them "The biggest cult band in Europe". Not because they were, but because the main radio station in the UK assumed they must be!

Record companies feared them; Glastonbury banned them. The band was even investigated by MI5. By the mid eighties, just about everybody in the UK had heard of The Enid; and the amount of misinformation, which surrounded them, was staggering.

They've been called "fascists" (by people who had been told of, but obviously had never actually experienced at first hand, their sacrilegious on-stage renditions of "Land of Hope and Glory"), "leftists" (because of RJG's vociferous insistence that "all people are interdependent whether they know it or not and that individuality has no fundamental meaning"), and "anarchists" (some truth in that).

Many people assumed that they were some sort of insane punk band. That particular assumption could scarcely have been further from the mark. In fact they were probably the most enigmatic and intellectually challenging of any band to have emerged in the UK.

Quotes

NEARFest 2010, USA

"I was completely stunned by their performance at NEARFest."

"I thought they were awesome!"

"Seems they were the runaway fave of the weekend from the looks of the reviews. I would consider this a triumph for them and their fans."

"The performance was so intense I do not think listening to the CD would even come close (as others seem to be alluding to). In particular, there was a full tympani set, a huge bass drum and a drum set on stage, and when the music was building into loud intense moments it really felt like the theatre was going to explode. It was a sensation unlike any other rock show I've ever heard - not simply a matter of volume, but overall dynamics, playing intensity and orchestration."

"…the runaway (and unexpected) hit with me was most definitely The Enid, whose performance was so powerful, emotional, and sonically rich and beautiful...it drew me (and several others with whom I spoke) to tears."

"It was definitely an incredible experience, and quite unexpected. They almost lost me during the opener, but then something clicked and I was totally mesmerized by the last two songs. The dynamics and intensity were indeed unmatched."

Totally authentic tribute to Phil Collins

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Back by popular demand, after their sell-out show last year, No Jacket Required, the UK's ultimate Phil Collins Tribute, bring their spectacular show to The Brook, featuring a full Brass Section, Percussion and Backing Vocalists, re-creating the excitement of the 80's & 90's stadium shows.

 "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 @ the Hawth in Crawley.

They play all the Phil Collins hits from down the years, Against All Odds, You Can't Hurry Love, Easy Lover, In The Air Tonight – you know them all - and they even throw in some Genesis too!

Tours have taken them as far afield as Luxembourg, headlining a festival in front of 5,000 people, and touring the UK to sold-out theatres.

This is a chance to catch this spectacular act in the intimacy that is The Brook.

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…"

Voted UK's Best Tribute Act by the BBC. About as close to the music of T-Rex as you're likely to get.  Usually sells out so get em early of you want to go. 

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The World's Only Official Live Tribute Band To Marc Bolan & T.Rex

CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF MARC BOLAN'S 65TH BIRTHDAY &
COMMEMORATING MARC BOLAN'S 35TH ANNIVERSARY
1977 - 2012

On 16 September 1977 the world lost one of it's most original, flamboyant and charismatic rock'n'roll stars.  Marc Bolan's life was cut short after that fateful early morning car accident which would end his life - he was still only 29 years old.  Although Bolan released many successful singles and albums throughout the 1970s, two songs epitomise Bolan's status as the ‘King of Glam' – ‘Telegram Sam' (which sold 500,000 copies within the first two days of release), and ‘Metal Guru', both of which were included on the iconic album in 1972 called ‘The Slider'.  Later in the year, on 8 September 1972, one of his most memorable and distinctive records that would inspire future generations was also released, entitled ‘Children of the Revolution'.  40 years on, the song has become legendary, along with the name Marc Bolan….

T.Rextasy have now been gigging around the world for 20 years, a career that ironically out lives Marc's very own T.Rex.  The band are now accepted as the world's only official live tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan & T.Rex, and the only band endorsed and approved by Marc Bolan's family, estate, original        ex-members of T.Rex, and Bolan's catalogue management.  Due to their passion, musical ability, longevity, and attention to detail, they are consistently described by many as ‘beyond the boundaries of tribute'.

They have, with their ‘Marc Bolan' doppelganger lead singer/lead guitarist, Danielz, signed with Columbia Records, Madman Records, and Liberation DVD, won the accolade of ‘Best Live Tribute Band in the UK on BBC1, and performed at the original Billy Elliot premiere party, filmed for ‘Arena' on BBC TV.  Over the years they have toured around the world from Europe to Japan and have performed at many Arena venues in the UK (such as Wembley Arena, and Birmingham's NEC). They have played alongside many of the 1970s original contemporaries such as Wizzard, Cockney Rebel, Slade, Sweet, and Ian Hunter, to name a few. In September 2007 they played to 40,000 at the BBC Proms Night at London's Hyde Park, and later headlined their own sell-out concert at the Shepherds Bush Empire with their special guests including Marc Almond (Soft Cell), Gloria Jones (Marc's girlfriend songwriter/singer), and Shakin' Stevens.  

The band have also accepted invitations from ex-members of T.Rex such as Mickey Finn (original percussionist), Marc's son Rolan Bolan, and Bowie/Bolan producer Tony Visconti, to play alongside them in past special anniversary concerts.  Dino Dines (original keyboardist), a long serving member of T.Rex even joined T.Rextasy and remained with them until sadly passing away a few years ago…the list goes on…

Expect T.Rextasy to play all of Bolan's biggest hits, such as ‘Ride a White Swan', ‘Jeepster', ‘Telegram Sam', ‘New York City', ‘Debora', ‘Teenage Dream', ‘Hot Love', ‘20th Century Boy', ‘The Groover', ‘I Love To Boogie', ‘Get It On', and of course ‘Telegram Sam', ‘Metal Guru', and ‘Children of the Revolution'.  The band plays totally live without the aid of any backing tracks, recreating the music, performance and excitement of those heady and outrageous times of glam rock. 

Truly a rock'n'roll concert for all ages - if you would like to know exactly what a Marc Bolan concert was like in the 1970s, this gig is for you!

T.Rextasy – awarded the accolade of ‘The Best Live Tribute Band in the UK' by BBC1 TV.

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

‘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

"Danielz looks and sounds uncannily like Bolan and has dedicated his life to the man" – The Times

"Danielz is more than a career lookalike.  Here we have a serious guitarist with the animal grace of early Bolan and the clear unequivocal love of the music"
– The Stage

"Danielz just freaks me out!"
– Mickey Finn (original T.Rex percussionist)

Door £

Door £

DENNIS LOCORRIERE  has a voice which is recognised the world over but his own story is now so much more than Dr Hook.

His contemporary achievements now feature a brand new CD entitled POST COOL released in the UK on PROPER RECORDS to add to the release of two critically acclaimed solo albums, two Live Concert DVD recordings and a three disc box set all augmented by major appearances at both Glastonbury & Cropredy Festivals and several major international tours in his own right

Dr Hook really was only the early part of Dennis Locorriere's story. He appeared in a major movie with Dustin Hoffman. He starred at New York City's Lincoln Centre in a universally acclaimed one man play  "The Devil And Billy Markham" written by Shel Silverstein especially for him.  He has written songs that have been recorded by a wide variety of other artists including Bob Dylan, Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Southside Johnny, Crystal Gayle, BJ Thomas, Olivia Newton-John and Helen Reddy.
Dennis starred as part of the all star line up for the Dear Mr Fantasy Concert at The Roundhouse in London in 2007 alongside Steve Winwood, Paul Weller, Pete Townshend, Yusuf Islam, Joe Walsh, Gary Moore, Bill Wyman, Jon Lord and a host of other stars celebrating the life and career of Traffic founding member Jim Capaldi and was also special guest with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings for their UK tour in 2008 and at Joe Brown's 50th anniversary concert at The Royal Albert Hall the same year.

Dennis returned to tour the UK this year with a wonderful band drawn from some of the best musicians here including Paul Beavis – Drums, Pete Brown - Guitar, Mandolin, Whistle & Vocal,  Richard Milner – Organ & Piano, Mike Nichols – Bass, Double Bass & Vocals and Amy Smith - Vocals & Piano.  They performed the best of his solo work and the catalogue of classic songs from his former band and the tour was so successful that an additional run was put in for September.

Catch them while you can

THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW...

• Dennis' first band broke up on the way home from a Who concert in New Jersey because they figured they could never ever get to be that good.           

• Dennis  appeared naked on The Old Grey Whistle Test whilst a member of Dr Hook           

• Dr Hook's big selling 'A Little Bit More' album began life as the first Dennis Locorriere solo album but was released as a Hook project in an effort to raise  the band's status after their 1976 bankruptcy  -   it worked.

• Songs written by or performed by Dennis (solo or as a member of Dr Hook )  have now sold over 50 million copies.

• Dennis co-wrote a song ('A Couple More Years') that was sung by Bob Dylan in the movie 'Hearts Of Fire'.

• Dennis once ran home from gradeschool (age about eight) as fast as he could, thinking if he ran fast enough he would be a 'blur'

• Songs Dennis has written have been recorded by Willie Nelson, Crystal Gayle, Bob Dylan, Waylon Jennings, Southside Johnny, Olivia Newton-John, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Helen Reddy & B.J.Thomas

• Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny both come from Asbury Park, which they always describe as rough and working class - Dennis' family used to go there for their summer holidays.

• Dennis has sung back up vocals on John Hiatt, Kenny Rogers, Brenda Lee, Randy Travis and the Fabulous Thunderbirds' albums

•  Dennis once sent a tape of himself, singing a 'doo-wop' acapella version of one of Elvis Costello's songs to Elvis and, as a result, was invited to sing that song ('lovable') with Elvis in concert in Nashville

• Dennis has sung on 3 Travis Tritt albums and with him, 'live' in concert, twice,  and has yet to meet him.

• Dennis read the talking book version of  Shel Silverstein's, 'Runny Rabbit'  classic

• Dennis performed a one man play, 'The Devil and Billy Markham',  written by Shel Silverstein in 1989 at the prestigious Lincoln Center, NY - it consisted of a 56 page poem

• One of Dennis' lifelong ambitions is to be the voice of an animated character.

• Dennis is a huge Beatles' fan and was told that he would have the opportunity to meet George Harrison at a friend's wedding...and, agonizing at the prospect,  he seriously considered not going for fear that he might be disappointed at meeting one of his true heroes. He went and he wasn't.

• The house and whole neighbourhood Dennis grew up in burned down in 1988

• Dennis's surname is Italian not French and means 'the courier' or 'messenger'

• Dennis doesn't drive a car and never has!