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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December 2010 @ The Brook

Tickets On Sale When Price is Shown

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THE SAS BAND - Experience The Ultimate Rock Party

Legendary recording artists, singing their greatest hits and session musicians from the Who's Who of Rock and Pop, join Queen's musical director and keyboard player Spike Edney for a night of fun and explosive music.

In addition to being Queen's Musical Director and keyboard player since 1984, SAS bandleader, Spike Edney has toured and recorded with the living and late legends of our time and has played with some of the world's finest musicians.  It is through this extensive network of close musicians friends, that Spike founded The SAS Band. 

Since The SAS Band's debut, Spike and his band have made television appearances and performed at select private, public and major corporate events around the world. The SAS Band's previous corporate appearances include performances for companies such as Mercedes, Microsoft, Harley Davidson and the Super Yacht Cup, to name a few and as Rod Steward, Paul McCartney, Brian May, Phil Collins and the Stones choose this band to play at their private parties, you can be sure you won't be disappointed!

The artists that have graced the stage with The SAS Band to date are part of an ever-growing collection of some of the world's greatest Rock and Pop performers and have included the likes of Roger Taylor of Queen, Roger Daltrey of The Who, The Sugababes, Roy Wood, Annie Lennox, Josh Groban, Beyonce´, Tony Hadley, Gary Brooker, Paul Rodgers, Madeline Bell (Blue Mink), Graham Gouldman (10cc), Brian May, Leo Sayer, Kiki Dee, Paul Young, Chris Thompson (Manfred Mann's Earth Band), Fish (Marilllion), Bob Geldof, Midge Ure and more recently Amy Winehouse, Queen Latifah, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Gaynor, Cyndi Lauper, Alicia Keys and Leona Lewis, when as Nelson Mandela's 46664's Musical Director, Spike was asked to bring The SAS House Band to back an array of stars for Mandela's 90th and 91st Birthday Concerts in Hyde Park, London and Radio City Music Hall NY.

The musicians Spike uses to back this all-star guests are some of the UK's and USA's most renowned session musicians, who between them have played with a veritable "who's who" of rock & pop performers, from the Stones to Tina Turner, Alice Cooper, Whitesnake, The Who, Eric Clapton, Bowie, George Michael, Radiohead and Robbie Williams, to name a few.

Spike only believes in real music and real singers, so you know you will witness some of the best vocals you'll ever hear.  The SAS Band always guarantees a night of fantastic music, in an electric atmosphere sure to get everyone dancing!

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)

There's only one Bowie but if there were two Jean Genie would definitely be the other one.

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Jean Genie were formed in 1993 in Birmingham by John Mainwaring the lead vocalist of the band. They play all over the world and pay tribute to Bowie's music of the 70s 80s and 90s.

John has had many recording contracts with major companies under different guises and has toured with David Bowie's original band of the early 70s - The Spiders From Mars - being their vocalist. John has been produced by Bowie's producer Tony Visconti in the early 80s and worked with Jarvis Cocker of Pulp and Joe Elliott of Def Leppard.

He has also had a number one hit in The Lebanon in 1990. Jean Genie play all of Bowies hits in an amazing show of complete detail. John Mainwearing is without doubt the only other David Bowie on the planet, his voice is exactly the same but you don't need to close your eyes because he looks just like him too.

ROD ARGENT, JIM RODFORD, BOB HENRIT, RUSS BALLARD. Play a few shows together - Due to other commitments these will be the only shows for the foreseeable future so don't miss this.

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One of the U.K.'s best loved progressive rock acts are playing a short tour of the U.K. in December following the huge success of their appearance at the prestigious High Voltage Festival in June – which was the bands first U.K. show for thirty five years.

Formed in 1969 by keyboard wizard ROD ARGENT after the demise of the ZOMBIES he was joined by bassist JIM RODFORD, drummer BOB HENRIT and guitarist vocalist RUSS BALLARD. The band enjoyed a huge success in the singles charts with the anthemic "Hold Your Head Up" as well as minor hits with "Tragedy" and "God Gave Rock & Roll To You" (later to become a Worldwide hit for KISS. Argent also produced eight successful albums with 1972's "All Together Now" hitting the top twenty.

Reviews for the bands Summer appearance were phenomenal as Argent tore through a set that comprised the best of their 70's material plus "Since You've Been Gone" the song that Russ Ballard wrote for RAINBOW.

Following the Summer reunion the four original members will play just five U.K. shows at the end of the year. Due to other commitments these will be the only shows for the foreseeable future so don't miss them.

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The Return of the Irish Rockers - Again!!!

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The Saw Doctors came together in Tuam, Co. Galway in 1988 when Leo Moran, realising that the potential for Irish reggae was somewhat limited, quit Too Much For the Whiteman, and got together with Davy Carton after his punk band Blaze X disbanded , despite the fact that their first single "Some Hope" was chosen as Single of the Week on Irish radio.

Success came early for The Saw Doctors – their second single, I Useta Lover, went to Number One in Ireland in September 1990 and was still Number One that Christmas. The Saw Doctors then re-released their first single N17 and on the back of I Useta Lover's success, N17, which was produced by Mike Scott of The Waterboys, went to Number One. The first album, If This Is Rock and Roll, I Want My Old Job Back, was Number One for most of 1991.

After picking up a lot of Irish press and entertainment awards in the early ninties and posting a second Number One album (All The Way From Tuam), The Saw Doctors set about touring the UK and in February 1996, the band's third album "Same Oul' Town" went to Number Six in the UK Top Twenty, yielding two Top Twenty UK singles, World of Good, and To Win Just Once. The Saw Doctors appeared on Top of the Pops in January and July 1996 to promote the two singles.

"From country to punk to pop and rock'n'roll", explains Leo Moran on their success, "we stole all our favourite bits".

In April/May 1997, the Saw Doctors undertook their first major coast to coast US tour and as a result landed a US record deal with Paradigm Records in New York. The compilation album, Sing A Powerful Song, was released in November 1997, prompting Geoffrey Himes to write in The Washington Post "the Saw Doctors are one of the world's most appealing roots-rock outfits" ….in "To Win Just Once" they have crafted an anthem for the losers of the world".

Songs From Sun Street, the Saw Doctors fourth album was released on both sides of the Atlantic in 1998. The album release was celebrated in the UK with a sell out show at London's Royal Albert Hall. In America, the Saw Doctors headlined the American Fleadh concerts with Van Morrisson and Sinead O' Connor. At the Fleadh in San Jose (June 99), they had the crowd "jumping like human pogo-sticks" according to the San Jose Mercury News.

In a Saw Doctors' song, you'll listen in vain for the usual swaggering rock cliches about life on the road, drug problems and easy sex. Instead, continuing the tradition of all-time greats from Woody Guthrie and Hank Williams, their songs range from bringing in the harvest, to running away to join the army; from the plight of Ireland's unmarried mothers to the effect of strong religion on a nation's youth; from playing gaelic football against a neighbouring village to loving the prettiest girl in town but lacking the courage to tell her.

During 2000, The Saw Doctors spent most of the year writing and recording their fifth studio album, Villains?, working with programmer and producer, Giles Packham. Villains? was released to critical acclaim in October 2001. Craig Harris noted in the Boston Globe "with their latest CD, Villains?, a hook-laden mix of rock, pop and traditional roots, the Saw Doctors assume their place next to U2, The Pogues, and Thin Lizzy as one of Ireland's great rock bands".

In July 03, Tyrone Productions (Riverdance Producers) filmed a one hour documentary on the Saw Doctors and the documentary "A Different Kind Of World" along with a 80 minute concert that was recorded at a live show in Galway, was released on DVD and CD in March 2004. The DVD and live both entitled Live in Galway were launched at a sell out show at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom.

Over the years, The Saw Doctors have built up a reputation as a great live band. They have toured in Australia, Canada, USA, Sweden, Germany, Holland, Norway and the UK. Paul Sexton of The Times in London observed that "if they could bottle the sort of bonhomie that can make an entire concert hall feel better, The Saw Doctors would have the medicine show to end them all".

For more gossip on The Saw Doctors, log on to the band's website

Read Review of the 2004 Gig ::

Live performers of renown.

Recording Live Album tonight! The guitar, bass and drums trio The Hamsters have long been established as one of our premier live attractions.

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Although a band in their own right - playing Rock, Blues and Americana - they've also long widely been regarded as the UK's leading interpreters of Jimi Hendrix's music. Tonight, on their Jimi Hendrix 40th Anniversary Memorial Tour, they'll be performing a show of his songs to commemorate his passing 40 years ago in September 1970. The band will 'support' themselves by first playing a set of their own brand of music (including their famous instrument swap-around), then return for a full Jimi show!

"They're fabulous: one of Britain's very best live bands" - Bob Harris, Radio 2
"The Hamsters are a great Blues band" - Johnny Walker, Radio 2
"Nobody does the music of Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top better (apart from the real ZZ Top)" – The Times

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The Smiths Indeed tribute band play the music of The Smiths (1982-1987)

"The Smiths Indeed are a brilliant tribute to The Smiths" (i-D Magazine, June 2009)

"An evening of pure nostalgia and skilful reminiscence" (The Sprout, April 2009)

Thank you for making our 'Meat Is Murder' 25th Anniversary Tour 2010 truly memorable

"The most influential artists of all time." (NME, April 2002)

"Thank you for a great night on Saturday. It was a night of reminiscing that would be hard to beat. I followed The Smiths all over the country and could not believe how accurate you were both musically and image wise." (Nigel Jones, Manchester Academy, 28 April 2008)

"Saw you last night at Newcastle Academy. Unfortunately I never got to see The Smiths live except on Top Of The Pops and The Tube, but from what I saw last night it was as if I had been transported back to the 80's! Fantastic night" (Steve Armstrong, Newcastle Academy 20 March 2010)

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Moody, Floydian Celtic-tinged Rock

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"The best band you have never heard"

Since forming back in 1996, British rock outfit Mostly Autumn have garnered themselves a name for their relentless touring schedule and outstanding live shows. And this Autumn, the York based outfit are set to hammer this home with the upcoming 'Go Well Diamond Heart' tour of the UK,  Holland and Belgium.

They have built a loyal and cult following since their first album twelve years ago and in that time such luminaries as the late Richard Wright of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple's Jon Lord and the BBC's own Bob Harris are amongst its many fans.  
Mostly Autumn has also toured as an invited support act to Blackmore's Night, Uriah Heep and Jethro Tull, as well as being special guests at Bryan Adam's Murrayfield Stadium gig three years ago. That alone should give some indication as to the calibre of the band. 

Their musical palette is diverse and while they draw on influences from the golden age of seventies' rock, they have developed their own unique sound and style that both captures some of the essence of that heady era and yet looks forward into the future. 

 Bryan Josh is that rare beast – a hugely talented guitarist who knows how to play with feeling and for the song.  His soaring guitar, always drenched in pure emotion, at times recall the golden era of guitar heroes such as David Gilmour but never outstays its welcome, always leaving the listener wanting a little more. Lead vocalist Olivia Sparnenn is a true talent, the range and beauty of her voice is world class.  The magnificence of Iain Jennings on keyboards, complimented by a rock solid yet fluid rhythm section - Andy Smith (bass), Gavin Griffiths (drums), Liam Davison (rhythm guitar) and the delightful vocals and multi instruments of Anne-Marie Helder make Mostly Autumn a band that will enthrall you and awaken memories of what real music is really about.

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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???

Come up and see them - make them smile!

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STEVE HARLEY With Barry Wickens & James Lascelles Live In Concert

The original Cockney Rebel, STEVE HARLEY, has many facets to his life: writer, actor (including starring in a Beckett play in London's West End), broadcaster, and performer.

Now, the performer is back on the road with his virtuoso band mates, Barry Wickens on violin and guitar, and James Lascelles, piano and percussion, in his "A Closer Look" Acoustic Set.

Harley will draw on tracks from all 13 of his albums, including the great hits, JUDY TEEN, MR SOFT, SEBASTIAN and MAKE ME SMILE, in a two-hour-plus concert. The show promises intimacy mingled with great improvisation and rocky rhythms.

Recent Press reviews have described the performance as "STAGGERINGLY, FABULOUSLY GOOD", with "WONDERFUL TRACKS RICH WITH LIFE EXPERIENCE".

Harley has been described as "A CONSUMMATE PERFORMER AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME" and one reviewer described the three-man Acoustic show as the "IDEAL WAY TO APPRECIATE THE QUALITY OF THOSE LYRICS".

There are many facets to Steve Harley's life and world, but it is on stage, in the spotlight, that he really comes alive: the consummate performer.Make me smile (come up and see me), reached number one in 1975 in the UK and many European countries and is regularly voted among the top singles in the history of the charts, which covers six decades of releases.

The Performing Rights Society has confirmed it one of the most played records in British broadcasting.  The song has been covered more than 100 times in seven languages and has been featured in several movies including The Full Monty (whose soundtrack album went triple platinum in the UK, and platinum in the USA and Australia), Velvet Goldmine, Best and Saving Grace. The song has also been used on more than twenty TV and radio advertising campaigns around the world.

Steve Harley was born as Steven Nice, on 27 February 1951 in South London, growing up in New Cross and attended the school Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College. His musical career began in the late 1960s when he was busking (with John Crocker) and performing his own songs, some of which were later recorded by him and the band. The original Cockney Rebel was formed when Steve hooked up with his former folk partner, John Crocker (fiddle / mandolin / guitar) in 1972. They auditioned drummer Stuart Elliott, bassist Paul Jeffreys, and keyboardist Milton Reame-James. They were signed to EMI after playing just five gigs. Their first single "Sebastian", a soaring rock epic, was an immediate success in Europe, though failed to score in the UK singles chart. Their first album, The Human Menagerie, was released in 1973 to critical acclaim, and is still felt by many fans to be their best. The orchestra arrangements were penned by a guy named Andrew Powell who was suggested to the group by their record company. The interesting aspect about Steve's backing band was that they had no real lead guitarist, which equaled to a revolutionary move at that time. Steve's unashamed theatricality, the weird costumes for his stage appearances and the dithyrambic live performance soon made Cockney Rebel one of the most critically acclaimed acts on the circuit, soon gaining a strong cult following.

Harley managed to irritate a significant segment of the music press with his self-aggrandisement, even as the music itself was getting rave reviews and gaining a wide audience.

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Now he has nearly 20 million plays on MySpace and his new video for his first single "Superman" is exploding on YouTube

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Joe Brooks, the online sensation who sold out his first two UK tours as an unsigned artist, is set to embark on a third run of dates, beginning November 19th.  Previously the #1 artist on the MySpace UK (unsigned) Chart for nearly one year, Joe releases his debut album in the UK on Tuesday 7 September on Island.

The development story continues for the 23 year-old Southampton native, who built up a staggering fan base from his bedroom, without the help of a record label or publisher.  Now he has nearly 20 million plays on MySpace and his new video for his first single "Superman" is exploding on YouTube.

With his pitch-perfect voice, uplifting lyrics and youthful spirit, Joe has won over legions of fans despite not having an album commercially available.  The response so far has been particularly gratifying for Brooks, who began playing guitar at 16 and writing songs soon after.  Now his fans can finally get what they have been clamouring for, a full-length album.

But the recorded music is only part of the story.  The charismatic Brooks, who Seventeen/Cosmogirl recently called "The Next John Mayer," "brings it" live and fans have flocked to see him perform everywhere he has played.  "Simply writing and singing songs that people love to listen to, gives me the greatest buzz ever," says Brooks.  "I just can't wait to meet my fans – for me that is the most exciting thing there is as a musician."

Our very own fab four return to their very own 'Cavern Club'.

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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

Never mind your Wigan Casino, Rufus Stone at the Brook is where it's at. Especially at 11:59 tonight!!!

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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.