The Brook, 466 Portswood Road, Portswood, Southampton SO17 3SD
Box Office Hours - 1.00pm - 7.00pm Mon - Sat (023) 8055 5366
Or Buy 24 Hours On-line ::

The Brook is the best 600 Capacity live music venue hosting national and international Blues, Rock, R'n'B, Funk, Punk, DJs, Indie and many other things including Tributes. Because of the fine calibre of bands that we have, people travel from all over Hampshire, Dorset, Sussex and the Isle of Wight. People often come from Portsmouth, Winchester, Bournemouth, Salisbury, Brighton, Reading & Poole, to check-out the most friendly and very best place to see shows in the South of England. It's not just the punters that say that - it's the bands!!! "Best dressing room on the circuit!"

"This is most definitely the best gig in the South!"

An evening of classic Wishbone Ash Music, just as it sounded in the early days, featuring original bassist and singer Martin Turner

Door £

With millions of album sales and concert attendances worldwide, Wishbone Ash's heritage as one of the most enduring and best loved British rock acts is assured, while the band's innovative twin-guitar hallmark has influenced numerous successful rock acts over the years. Fronted by the founding member, lead vocalist and key creative force of the original Wishbone Ash, Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash remains faithful to the original Wishbone Ash blueprint and, during its live concerts, performs a wide variety of material from the band's classic album releases.

In a move which is certain to delight Wishbone Ash aficionados and fans of classic rock music in general, 2008/09 sees Martin Turner revisiting Wishbone Ash's classic 1972 album Argus. Generally revered as one of the definitive albums of the rock era, Argus won 'Album of the Year' awards in celebrated UK music papers Sounds and Melody Maker and was one the best selling UK albums of 1972. As the lead vocalist, bassist and principal song-writing force behind Argus, Martin Turner is delighted to be able to bring his creation to life once more and, in addition to the release of Argus: Through The Looking Glass, a stunning fresh interpretation of Wishbone Ash's most critically and commercially successful work, Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash will be making worldwide concert appearances throughout 2008/09, with the centre-piece of the live show being a performance of the complete Argus album - the first time this rock masterpiece has been performed live in its entirety.

The Argus tour follows Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash's highly successful and acclaimed period of UK and European touring throughout 2006/07 to promote their two-part live album New Live Dates. During the Argus concerts, Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash will perform a two-part set and, prior to the complete performance of Argus, the band will perform a varied selection of material from other classic Wishbone Ash albums.

Martin Turner describes working with his current band line-up of Ray Hatfield (guitar/vocals), Danny Willson (guitar/vocals) and Dave Wagstaffe (drums/vocals) as "an extremely rewarding experience on both a musical and personal level, with a positive vibe not unlike the early days of Wishbone Ash. Collectively we have had a great time revisiting many of the classics from the vintage days of Wishbone Ash, recreating the essence of many songs, some of which have hardly ever been performed live, and reminding us all of the diversity contained in the Wishbone Ash back catalogue. I am confident that we have compiled a show that will please all true Wishbone connoisseurs."

Martin Turner's return to the live stage has clearly delighted the Wishbone Ash fanbase:

"Martin was in fantastic form! This band surpassed everyone's hopes and expectations. The twin harmonies were spot on."
"The best thing was hearing those bass-lines again. Good to hear a few songs live for the first time."  
"The show was a stormer and the band did more than justice to the songs, many of which I thought I would never again have the privilege to witness live on stage. Martin's in fine voice and the interplay of his bass with the guitars was a joy."
"MT and band exceeded all expectations. The band were spot on with just the right feel for Wishbone Ash music.."
"Better than anyone could ever have expected - the best performances of WA classics outside of the Mk.1/2 line-ups.  It was quite simply the music as it is supposed to be heard".
"Martin and band blew us all away. They really were first rate.  The two guitarists were incredibly polished and of first division quality."
"The best Wishbone show I have seen since 1980 - and yes, that includes the original reformed band and definitely anything since." "Best gig this year, probably this century.  Took me back 30 years, can't believe how good it was to hear those songs sung by the master.  I always loved the soul edge in Mart's voice."
"The voice is back, and firing on all six."
"For any Wishbone Ash fans out there, this a must see band. If you fondly remember 1970's Wishbone, you will not be disappointed. In fact you will be enthralled and inspired as I was tonight."

Legend plays the music of a Legend! Featuring some original band members

Door £

Bernie Plays Rory in 2009

Line-Up:

Bernie Marsden - Guitar
David Levy - Bass (original band member)
Richard Newman - Drums (original band member)
Jim Fitzpatrick Guitar

Eric Clapton once said of Rory Gallagher, “that man got me back into the blues” and there could be no more fitting epitaph for one of Ireland's most famous, respected and mourned blues rock guitarists. Which is also why Bernie Marsden, original and founding guitarist with rock legends Whitesnake, is taking to the road with members of Gallagher's last touring band to present an evening of Rory's music in all it's muscular and poetic glory.

Only a few years younger than Gallagher would be today, Bernie started out as a fan before becoming well acquainted with the man during the 70's.
Indeed, in his youth Bernie was often mistaken for Rory, including by such music royalty as Johnny Winter. “It was at the Speakeasy in London that Johnny came over to the bar, congratulated me and ordered me a drink” remembers Bernie.
“I felt very famous, it was only afterwards that the barman dented my ego by telling me he thought I was Rory!”

But for Bernie, Rory was also something of a musical hero, “he played the blues on his terms and people came. I have a lot of respect for that and I loved his approach” recollects Bernie.
The idea to go on the road and deliver a full on Rory set has been in Bernie's head for some time “I love his music and my playing compliments his approach, so in many ways it's a natural fit”. But don't expect a straight forward tribute show, as Bernie explains; “This is all about being authentic by playing with members of his last touring outfit, but it's also about what I can bring to the songs. For two hours it's hard work, but it's also good fun.
I'm also delighted that Rory's brother, Donal, approves of the project. I have the Gallagher family approval and that means a lot to me.”

Bernie also takes time during the performance to regale audience members with his memories of the man.

The “Bernie Plays Rory” touring band features Bernie Marsden on guitar and vocals, David Levy on Bass, Richard Newman on drums and newcomer Jim Kirkpatrick on Guitar.

Together they cover everything from The Taste through to unreleased and newly discovered Rory songs. It is an extraordinary experience for fans of blues rock music and presents a new and exiting challenge for this small band of talented musicians. Fans can also expect a few surprises along the way, with possible guest appearances from other Rory fans, they just might be famous musicians as well!

These guys are a must-see for all die-hard fans of Steely Dan – unmissable!

Door £

STEELY SCAM, Southampton's premier Steely Dan tribute, will be back on stage at The Brook, once again featuring The Division Horns, for another evening of outstanding musicianship.

The five piece line up – Bob Phillips (bass & lead vocals), Simon Tilley (drums & vocals), Mike Steele (guitar & vocals), Pete Smith (guitar & vocals) and Ray Drury (keyboards) - had a fantastic year in 2009 playing to audiences across the South and have been gathering a loyal fan base.

One fan emailed this message:
‘I love the way the band recreates the sound of Steely Dan as they were – the sound of Steely Scam really is as close as it gets to the original recordings’.

The whole band is passionate about the music of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker and this is reflected in their fabulous recreation of the complex chord structures and stunning vocals which are undeniably Steely Dan. The guys are all at the top of their game as musicians and hugely respected in the South. You can look forward to a brilliant performance of classic Steely Dan tracks including Josie, Bodhisattva, Green Earrings, Reelin’ in the Years, Aja - each song capturing the true essence of Steely Dan.

The Division Horns line up – Dave Desmond (trombone), Neil Penny (trumpet), Matt McKay (tenor & bari sax & flute) and Andy Libby (soprano and alto sax) – love to work with Steely Scam as often as their own busy performance schedule allows, in venues which comfortably permit ten to a stage.

Steely Scam really is as close as it gets to the real thing.

Door £

Article Taken From Wikipedia

Blunstone's plaintive, wistful voice was one of the factors making The Zombies' single, "She's Not There" (written by fellow band member Rod Argent), such a big hit worldwide. After the amicable split of the band, shortly after completing the baroque-pop classic LP, Odessey and Oracle, Blunstone briefly worked in the insurance business before resuming his musical career. In 1969, he signed with Deram Records and cut three singles under the pseudonym of Neil MacArthur, including a re-make of The Zombies' hit, "She's Not There" which charted in the UK.

He had some success as a solo artist, singing in a much gentler, softer style, notably in 1972 with "Say You Don't Mind" (written by future Wings member Denny Laine) and "I Don't Believe In Miracles" (wtitten by Argent member Russ Ballard), both with distinctive string arrangements by Christopher Gunning

One Year (released in 1971 and produced by Chris White) was his first solo album, and includes the song "Caroline Goodbye" about Blunstone's break-up with the model and actress Caroline Munro. This was followed by Ennismore, which is now considered a classic of that period, and Journey, of which the highlight was a track released as a single, "Wonderful", written by Chris White and featuring the keyboard work of Rod Argent.

He signed with Elton John's Rocket Records and released three albums, Planes (1976), Never Even Thought (1978) and Late Nights In Soho (1979), which was only released in Europe.

Blunstone also contributed his unique, breathy vocals to Dave Stewart's hit cover version of the Tamla classic, "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" (1980).

He went on to appear on several albums by The Alan Parsons Project including Eye in the Sky and Ammonia Avenue. In 1984, he joined with other Parsons musicians to form Keats.

He has appeared quite a few times on the principal radio and TV shows in the UK. He and his band performed several sessions for the John Peel Show and Johnnie Walker Show and on the Old Grey Whistle Test in 1971 where he performed live with a string quartet.

He has had only a limited acting career. He was in "The Savages" (2001) TV Series and Keep the Aspidistra Flying (1997) both as a singer. Other TV appearances include "The Dan and Dusty Show" (2004) as The Zombies, "Shindig! Presents British Invasion Vol. 2 " (1992) also as The Zombies, and "Pop Quiz" (1982). His sole movie part was in Bunny Lake Is Missing (1965) a movie directed by Otto Preminger (as The Zombies) and starring Laurence Olivier.

Blunstone still tours to this day, sometimes on his own, occasionally in tours with 1960s bands such as Manfred Mann - and most often with his old Zombies colleague Rod Argent. Some of his recent albums are As Far As I Can See, the mid 1990s Echo Bridge and Out of the Shadows (with Rod Argent).

His most recent album, also in conjunction with Rod Argent, was released in 2006.

Skinny Molly was started by Mike Estes of Lynyrd Skynyrd with Dave Hlubek of Molly Hatchet, and Kurt Pietro recalling the best of Skynyrd and Mike Estes: including "Gimme Three Steps", "Call Me The Breeze", "Saturday Night Special", "Sweet Home Alabama", "That Smell", "Simple Man", "What's Your Name", "Freebird" plus Mike's own "Straight Shooter" & "She's Rockin" etc…

Door £

SKINNY MOLLY features the former Lynyrd Skynyrd and Artimus Pyle Band guitarist Mike Estes.

Long regarded as one of the South's very best guitarists Mike originally wrote songs for The Rossington Collins Band & Lynyrd Skynyrd before being asked to join Skynyrd. Mike was subsequently inducted into the Hollywood Hall of Fame and played on the band's legendary 1995 "Endangered Species" and "Southern Knights" CD's as well as on the "100 Minutes of Skynyrd" DVD.

In Skinny Molly he is joined by brilliant young Florida based slide guitarist Keith Whalen in a twin guitar attack that launches into classic Southern Rock and boogie set featuring the best of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The full line-up includes bass player Gary Nutt (Mike Tramp), drummer Kurt Pietro (Brave New South) and Keith Whalen on second guitar. Expect long hair, Marshall stacks, classic guitar led rock and boogie!

Back in 1973 Lynyrd Skynyrd changed the course of rock music by leading a new Classic Rock scene from the south, The debut album "Pronounced Leh nerd-skin-nerd" included the anthem "Freebird", and the band went on to sell 26 million records. Tragically a plane killed several band members and their road crew, and it was only 10 years later that Skynyrd reformed with members of their extended musical family.

By the mid 90's the South's leading guitarist Mike Estes joined Skynyrd for their first acoustic release and DVD. It was one of the most exciting later Lynyrd Skynyrd line-ups ever! Now comes Skinny Molly recalling the best of Skynyrd and Mike Estes: including "Gimme Three Steps", "Call Me The Breeze", "Saturday Night Special", "Sweet Home Alabama", "That Smell", "Simple Man", "What's Your Name", "Freebird"!!! + Mike's Straight Shooter "She's Rockin" etc…
Lynyrd Skynyrd meets Molly Hatchet/Blackfoot/The Outlaws etc…

This is Classic Southern rock 'n' boogie played by the best in the business from the Deep South!

At one point Batten was in 6 different bands, playing everything from straight ahead rock, to metal,fusion, and funk. A major turning point came when she was selected from over one hundred guitarists to play in Michael Jackson's highly skilled band which toured the world for one and a half years playing for over four and a half million people.

Door £

The buzz on Jennifer Batten rose from the guitar underground, and the guitar magazines promptly began chronicling her savvy musicianship and highly original approach to the electric guitar in print.

At one point Batten was in 6 different bands, playing everything from straight ahead rock, to metal,fusion, and funk. A major turning point came when she was selected from over one hundred guitarists to play in Michael Jackson's highly skilled band which toured the world for one and a half years playing for over four and a half million people. Jennifer wasted no time after the" Bad"Tour's grand finale, diving into work on her own album with renown producer (and Stevie Wonder guitarist) Michael Sembello. The stunning results can be heard on "Above, Below, and Beyond", the title appropriately describing the interesting diversity within. With this debut release, the world at large learned what all the excitement was about.

Shortly after the record's release in the spring of '92, she was asked again to join Michael Jackson for his upcoming "Dangerous Tour". In January '93, she joined Jackson to partake in Superbowl XXVII's half time entertainment which aired to one and half billion people in 80 nations. It was the largest audience in television history.

She completed her second solo record "Jennifer Batten's Tribal Rage~Momentum," just before she was again asked to join Michael Jackson for his 2 year world tour supporting his double album "HIStory" in 1997.

Jennifer's Tribal Rage project took a much different direction than her first record and is heavily influenced by world music. It is a hybrid of rock and very exotic sounds, including African percussion, Australian didgeridoo, Caribbean steel drums and Scottish bag pipes.

In the spring of 98 Jeff Beck asked Jennifer to join his band. They joined forces for 3 years on the CD's "Who Else", and "You Had It Coming" which were both supported by world tours.

Other guest appearances include CD's with Carmine Appice, Michael Sembello, Carl Anderson, Carina Alfie and several rock tributes.

Jennifer has authored two music books and ihas just released her third solo CD/DVD entitled "Whatever". With this 3rd effort, she's ventured into electronica, vocal samples, and film. She's supporting this release with a multimedia one woman show, playing guitar in synch with films projected onto a giant screen. The companion DVD includes over 90 min of art films, previously unreleased music videos, interviews, commentary, and an innovative guitar lesson.

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

Door £

Two floors - two bars - great sound - great stage - disabled facilities. Limited seating around the balcony bar. Extended floor space and larger stage downstairs. New larger balcony bar is now on several levels. Creating an intimate atmosphere to experience the music.

Opening times and showtimes vary, depending on the day, the artist, and whether there is a support or not. The times shown below are given as a rough guide and may be subject to change. Please check the times when you book your tickets. To avoid disappointment buy your tickets in advance and get here early.

Box Office Hours are 1pm-7pm Monday to Saturday 023 8055 5366

Monday - Wednesday Shows - Doors @ 8pm - Main Act on @ 9pm Close @ 11pm

Thursday Shows- Doors @ 8pm - Main Act on @ 9pm Close between 11pm & 1am

Friday - Saturday Shows - Doors @ 8pm - Main Act on @ 9:30 We may be open to 1am

Sunday Shows - Doors @ 7:30pm - Main Act on @ 8:30 Close @ 10:30pm

The Brook is an eighteen plus venue, (apart from Joiners Live Promotions) although children of fourteen and upwards can come to shows if accompanied by an adult over the age of twenty one. Anyone under sixteen MUST be out of the building by midnight. This is the law.

No more than two fourteen plus per adult.

Please note that on the advice of Southampton Police - we only accept Passports or Photo Driving Licences as acceptable proof of age to buy alcohol. We do NOT accept any other form of age identification. We do NOT accept any national proof of age scheme cards. If you are lucky enough to look young - you will need I.D. If you are bringing under 18's with you, we accept any form of I.D.