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 Master of Soul - Great performer

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Anyone who has seen this tribute to L.A. based supergroup GUNS N' ROSES will readily agree with their reputation as one of the most exciting tribute bands on the circuit today. The band's ability to combine their heavy metal technique with punk attitude has seen them receiving ecstatic reviews all over Britain, and their raw energy and frighteningly good stage show has led to GUNZ N' ROZES being labelled "THE MOST DANGEROUS TRIBUTE BAND IN THE WORLD"

Gunz N' Rozes are: Frontman GARRY CROWLEY's appearance on T.V.'s "Stars In Their Eyes", won so much acclaim that he was asked back to appear on the show's Christmas Special. He also performed vocals on N-Trance's recording of the Guns N' Roses classic "Paradise City". N.G.P. (Rhythm). NGP's energetic impersonation of IZZY STRADLIN's stage performance and guitar work, makes his physical resemblance a bonus. He also does much of the backing vocals, always spot on. SNAKE (Bass). Snake's hard edged bass style cuts through with punk attitude allowing his impression of DUFF McKAGAN to be uncannily accurate. STEVE HARCOURT (Drums). Recreates MATT SORUM's drumming with unswerving confidence. He is a drummer experienced in many techniques whose love lies in heavier styles. JOE HARCOURT (Lead Guitar). His performance as lead guitarist SLASH is simply superb, all of his classic riffs and solos are recreated note for note, and Joe's physical appearance is remarkably similar to Slash.

All the classic tracks including "Paradise City", "You Could Be Mine", "Sweet Child O' Mine", "Welcome to the Jungle", etc, etc, are performed by the band along with many other songs from the albums, "Appetite for Destruction", "G N' R Lies", and "Use Your Illusion I and II".

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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???

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Rick Buckler, hailed as one of the finest drummers of his era, will once again be playing Jam songs, many of which have never been played live since The Jam split in 1982, tracks like 'Dreamtime', 'Set The House Ablaze' and 'Happy Together'.

The band has been named The Gift, as Rick feels that this will ultimately be his gift to the fans in return for the loyalty and continued support they have shown towards, The Jam, and will be fronted by multi talented singer/guitarist Russell Hastings formerly of the Maximum High. On bass will be Dave Moore, a bassist of considerable talent whose involvement in the music business spans back over fifteen years.

After a musical hiatus of almost twelve years legendary Jam drummer Rick Buckler, inspired by fan loyalty has decided to acknowledge his gratitude to fans by playing Jam songs live for the first time in over twenty years. Enlisting the talents of singer guitarist Russell Hastings and bassist Dave Moore Rick has named his band The Gift, both a nod to the final Jam album and at the same time signifies his personal Gift back to his fan base.  After an exclusive interview with All Mod Icon Magazine word soon spread generating huge interest. Not surprisingly sponsorship was immediate and Merc clothing, Lonsdale and Ludwig drums have already come on board.

The Gift will play a set of Jam songs, lasting approximately ninety minutes, many of which have never before been played (even by the plethora of tribute bands doing the rounds) album tracks such as 'Dream Time, Set The House Ablaze' and Happy Together' as well as fan favourites such as 'That's Entertainment', 'Going Underground' and 'Down In The Tubestation At Midnight' which live will feature Rick's trademark drum solo. 'The historical significance of these gigs will not be lost on those whose lives were shaped and will forever be influenced by the Woking trio. A brilliant, evocative, emotional trip through the finest moments of The Jam's career with one of the greatest drummers of our era.

Last time at The Brook this show sold out, so get your tickets early. For all those who are lucky enough to get in, the gig is being recorded for release on DVD later in the year, this is an opportunity not only to have a great nightbut also to say "I was there" then prove it later

Plus special guests:.

POPE

Chris Pope (The Chords) and Buddy Ascott (The Chords) together with Mathew Wilesbring you in the words of "MOJO" "Razor sharp vignettes…Flamboyant Who-like anthemic rock"

THE HIWATTS

The Hiwatts - Proudly playing you a selection of their own material & the "BEST" of British Rock/Mod/Punk Music, from the 60's through to the 90's. Guitar smashing, Microphone twirling & Drum crashing their way through The Who, Small Faces, Rolling Stones, Oasis, The Beatles, Sex Pistols, Ocean Colour Scene, The Undertones, The Buzzcocks, The Creation, and many others.

Ian Dury's Former Band - Still The Funkiest Band In The Land

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Pink Floyd Tribute

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Perfect Alibi play perfect Pink Floyd! With a psychedelic light show. Perfect Alibi aim to give the audience not only authentic reproductions of the music they love, but also a show with sophisticated lighting and pyrotechnics, filling theatres and clubs wherever. With an ongoing desire to better each and every show they have become the definitive tribute to the music of Pink Floyd. There is no dark side... Read Review of Perfect Alibi @ The Brook ::

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In the beginning there was a band called The Misunderstood. Hailed in the late sixties as pioneers of the psychedelic movement by the likes of Pink Floyd, their cause had been championed by John Peel who discovered them whilst he was working as a DJ in the US. He was so impressed by them that he produced their first recordings in 1966 and invited them to come to the UK, an offer they later took up. However, having made it to the UK the Vietnam draft in the US and UK immigration services caused personnel problems, so in the late sixties Ray Owen was drafted in on vocals and The Misunderstood became Juicy Lucy.

Taking their name from a character in Leslie Thomas' "Virgin Soldiers" Juicy Lucy were aiming to move away from the psychedelic sound of The Misunderstood to something more contemporary and commercial. Well, they certainly got that right with the first single from the self titled debut album. "Who Do You Love?", a cover of a Bo Diddley song, stamped it's way up the singles charts in the UK and several European countries in the spring of 1970, finally reaching number 14 in the UK and staying on the chart for three months. The album cover itself caused quite a stir, featuring as it did a woman lying naked, surrounded (and modesty preserved) by fruit!

Unfortunately all was not well in the Lucy camp. Personal differences took their toll and lead singer Ray Owen's position fronting the band was taken over by Paul Williams, then known for his work with Alan Price and Zoot Money. This was the first of several personel changes, including the addition of Micky Moody, later to achieve great success as a key writer and performer with Whitesnake. By the time of the band's last album "Pieces" none of the original members who had seared their way onto the scene with Who Do You Love remained in the band.

And so Juicy Lucy disappeared from sight. However, 1995 saw the return of the band. With Ray taking the position centre stage on vocals and guitar and ably assisted by Mike Jarvis (guitar) Spencer Blackledge (drums) and Andy Doughty (bass) the album "Here She Comes Again" saw the light of day. The band toured in support of the album, but could not reach out to either their old fans, or the new audience which they desired. Dispirited, that line-up called it a day after a couple of years.

Soon after the collapse of that incarnation of Juicy Lucy, Ray came into contact with Mr Fish. It was immediately obvious to each of them that the other had talent and so they decided to work together. Legal considerations at the time prevented them using the Juicy Lucy name, so they gigged and recorded as "Ray Owen's Moon", a name originally used for Ray's 1973 solo album. Over the course of the next few years there were several changes of personnel working alongside the dynamic duo; another guitarist as well as various drummers and bass players (including Fudge and the band's current manager). And then in 2002 Fletch came on to the scene. Possessing a remakable combination of skill, power and imagination he instantly fitted into place as the final piece of the puzzle and the band achieved a new level.

With a renewed enthusiasm the band set about writing, rehersing and gigging. Although still out in the cold as far as the mainstream of the music industry was concerned, they set about working at the grass roots level. Doing the unthinkable, they were playing original music in pubs and small clubs, getting a great response and building up a following. By 2004 the situation with the Juicy Lucy name had been resolved and it was clear that the band had the capability to repeat, or even exceed, it's earlier success. Sanctuary Records had released "Who Do You Love - the anthology" and interest in the band was being shown from all over the world. By mid-2004 a management deal had been struck and Juicy Lucy was back in business!

April 2005 saw the band setting out to gig across the UK. Kicking off supporting Saxon and Wishbone Ash in front of a crowd of 4000, they played in venues from Plymouth to Aberdeen and back again. Whether playing to long time fans from back in the '70s or to student audiences the response was the same; ecstatic! As one happy audience member was heard to say in Dundee "They're real live rock stars, but nobody knows it yet!"

February 2006 sees the band taking a break from recording the first CD of new material in over ten years, to support Nazareth at a string of dates across England

Voted UK's Best Tribute Act by the BBC

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To watch T.Rextasy in concert not only demands stamina, but also a healthy pair of lungs to sing along to the rocking numbers that made Bolan the leading force of Glam Rock. After the initial impact of T.Rextasy's stage presence, and the lead singer's uncanny resemblance in voice and looks to Marc Bolan, you know that you're in for an evening's worth of Bolanic hits, played to perfection and with incredible enthusiasm.

T.Rextasy play for their audience, and most of them obviously want to hear songs they know and love. Therefore, the band always include T.Rex's Top 20 hits such as: Metal Guru, Jeepster, Telegram Sam, Hot Love, Children of the Revolution, Ride a White Swan, Get it On, I Love to Boogie, New York City, The Groover, Solid Gold Easy Action, and 20th Century Boy. T.Rextasy are more than just a tribute band, they are ultimately the definitive T.Rex experience of the 21st Century.

Well the unique mix of quality DJ's and awesome musicians is back in Southampton to create a Live Soulful and Funky House experience @ The Brook.

In association with Benzo and Soundbass Promotions, Revive returns after the summer months with a packed line up guaranteed to keep you satisfied.

Limited number of tickets now available on General Release.

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On The Mics:

Krysten Cummings...

Revive regulars will be familiar with the outstanding vocals of Krysten who is one of the worlds leading house vocalist. Her music is played worldwide and we have the pleasure of presenting it live. To name but a few, her successes have been with tracks such as...

Soul Avengerz - 'Its Alright'
Carousel - 'Wanted'
Soul Avengerz 'Lovin'
Soul Avengerz 'touch me baby'
Herd and Lang 'Music's got me'

A J Lewis...

Back by popular demand A J was made for Revive. A J has performed internationally as a professional singer for many years. He will once again entertain with tracks co written with Benzo and also something a little special...

Steven Keith...

At last we have the impressionable Steven Keith using a technique and style that he has made his own. Steven has ad-libbed and MC'd at pretty much every event in Southampton and promises to give an unforgettable show. Most will know Steven as the co-founder and frontman of Bossnass
On The Decks:

JACK 'N' DANIELS

JACK 'N' DANIELS are DJ and Producer duo, Johnny Coombes and Danny Allsopp. Both influenced by the boom in the House music scene at the beginning of the early nineties, the pair were brought together by their mutual love of music, and have now been spinning the finest grooves nationwide for nearly a decade. During this time the duo have graced the decks at most of the major venues in the UK including; Ministry of Sound, The Cross, Miss Moneypennys, Turnmills, Garage City, L'America and Pacha to name but a few.

Benzo (Benzo-Music), Luka (JunkClub), Oli Salter
 
On The Instruments:

Paul Yeung (Sax), Mad Adam Bongo (Percussion)

Reminder - This is an exclusive event for Revive members and invitees only. If you are interested in being invited please PM "choonman"

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Yet this is the man who prefaced a 1995 book on his career by American author Greg Russo with the self-deprecating note: "I never thought anyone would remember or even care about what we did over the years." Even now, he states "the past is of no interest to me at all". Fortunately, there are others that disagree and have long sought a compilation that showed off all his musical facets. 'The Evolution Of Manfred Mann' is the impressive result.

For the very first time, his output from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s has been combined in the same package. Two discs of music (34 tracks) are complemented by a third DVD of interview, video and performance footage to create a definitive profile of a master musician who's led his field every step of the way.

Manfred arrived in Britain at the start of the 1960s with music on his mind. "I knew it was what I wanted to do, but being a musician in South Africa meant playing at weddings, Barmitzvahs and bars." But with top-notch players like Oscar Peterson, Errol Garner, Bill Evans and, Miles Davis his role models, he initially lacked confidence in his own ability.

The vehicle to a career in music would prove to be pop, and the 1960s output of Manfred Mann's eponymous group, from '5-4-3-2-1' to 'Ragamuffin Man' and featuring three UK chart-toppers in 'Do Wah Diddy Diddy' (also a US Number 1), 'Pretty Flamingo' and 'Mighty Quinn' has entered legend. They even survived a change of singer from Paul Jones to Mike d'Abo with popularity intact.

Musicians of the calibre of Tom McGuinness, Mike Vickers and even for a short while Jack Bruce turned out some of the classiest pop this side of the Beatles – but, as Manfred remarks, technique was no guarantee of greatness. "The problem with good musicians is they often don't play good music. Jack Bruce was pretty great but the rest of us weren't the best…we were better than some and worse than others." Let's put it down to a combination of songs and savvy, then.

But the three-minute single blueprint proved too restrictive and, in 1969, Manfred moved from his pop straitjacket to one of his own devising in the short-lived Chapter Three. Formed with ever-present drummer Mike Hugg, it was "a conscious decision to turn our back on what we'd been doing, but we had too many anti-pop rules: no guitar, we had to only write our own songs." Two jazzy and determinedly uncommercial albums resulted, plus an unreleased effort shortly to be represented on a box set.

Chapter Three's frustrations during their brief life led to a new project – the Earthband – where the only rule was that there were no rules. "Chapter Three was very specific, so we said let's just play and see what happens." The first long-player from Manfred, Mick Rogers, Chris Slade and Colin Pattenden arrived in 1972, the first of three Top 10 hit singles, 'Joybringer', a year later, and the story continues successfully today, albeit with a new line-up. "It's a constantly evolving thing, a series of different people in different situations. I just want it to be right." Current lead vocalist Noel McCalla follows in the celebrated footsteps of Chris Thompson and Mick Rogers, the latter having returned to the ever-changing ranks.

The Earthband's commercial peak came in 1976 when 'Blinded By The Light' topped the US chart. Perversely, perhaps, Manfred took the decision to withdraw from that most lucrative of music markets. "We went round America for six weeks, with me not seeing my children, and came back with $1500 dollars in my pocket - on a Number 1 record! We didn't break the market, just had one big hit. So we were never really famous in America."

He rejects the suggestion he turned his back on success. "I haven't had so much success in my life that I can run from it! With the Earthband, that is – certainly in the 1960s I wanted to run sometimes! But that was fame. That was being recognised in the street, that was different from success."

And if we're talking purely musically, Manfred undoubtedly has the Midas touch. As with Bruce Springsteen's 'Blinded By The Light', he's successfully brought his interpretative powers to bear on material by Bob Marley, Sting, Paul Weller, Del Amitri's Justin Currie and others. "Jazz musicians do other people's songs all the time, so for me it was quite natural." He's open enough, too, to participate in a Funkstar Deluxe re-recording of 'Blinded' which became a European hit late in 2002, following in the successful footsteps of Bob Marley's 'The Sun Is Shining'. (The video is the final track on the 'Evolution Of Mann' DVD.) Far from enshrining his history in stone, Manfred Mann is happy to take risks in the cause of progress.

1991 brought a masterpiece in 'Plains Music' reflecting the music and culture of the North American Indian. He rates it "the only thing I can listen to that's reasonably natural, not trying to be anything. The other stuff I keep hearing how I should have done it differently!" Ever the perfectionist, he can most often be found in his Workhouse studio on London's Old Kent Road planning his latest musical enterprise.

In an era when classic rock and its practitioners is finally being given its due, Manfred has no plans to hang up his keyboard. "Count Basie rocked till he dropped, Beethoven rocked till he dropped, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald…it doesn't seem that odd that people should play music for their lives, if that's what they do. Pop, rock and jazz is the music of the 20th century, certainly the last half, and the best music will last. I started off being a musician and I'm carrying on being a musician. As long as people will pay to see us do gigs, I'll perform."

From that, we can safely conclude that Mann-made music is set to reverberate for some while yet. The evolution is far from complete – and fans will be more than happy about that.

A first at The Brook for this bunch - come and see What The World Is Waiting For!

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The Stone Roses were an influential rock band from England active during the late 1980s and early '90s. Along with other bands such as the Happy Mondays, they comprised the core of the Madchester Baggy scene, centred around Manchester, England. Their 1989 eponymous debut album quickly achieved the status as a classic in the UK, and continues to figure in critics' "Greatest Albums" lists. They released a second album, Second Coming, in 1994 and split in 1996.

The Stone Roses Experience are regarded as being the most precise and justified Stone Roses tribute band to date. The band have been playing live together since 2001, and pride themselves on replicating the authentic live sound of The Stone Roses, using the same equipment as closely as possible.

This Scottish four piece have gathered a huge following in the UK and Ireland over the years and built up a reputation any signed band would be happy with. The guys even had the ultimate compliment of appearing on stage three times in Ireland with original Roses bass player, Mani, who gave 'She Bangs The Drums' one last outing each night with the band!

The band have had their fair share of TV appearances (BBC3, RTE) which included scenes in a Stone Roses documentary, with the band acting out actual scenes that were an important part of The Stone Roses history. Radio stations nationwide in Ireland and Scotland have also featured the band in session or live interviews. Many recognised venues nationwide have seen constant sell out shows and continue to do so time after time, which is a true indication of how much the music of The Roses is still so highly appreciated today, 17 years after their glorious debut album was released back in 1989.

Two major festivals in Scotland and Ireland also seen the band project themselves alongside the elite of the music scene with the likes of Primal Scream, Oasis, Chemical Brothers, The Strokes, Coldplay and many more. Their first festival appearance in Ireland was described by the promoters as being one of the best of the whole weekend. The Stone Roses Experience continue to take the music of The Stone Roses to every corner of the UK and Ireland, keeping students, 90's throwbacks and generally anyone who listens to them coming back for more each visit.

Classic 8 Piece Soul Band

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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.

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World Famous Guitarist and his Band

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In a BBC radio poll, Trout was ranked #6 out of the top 20 all-time greatest guitarists (where a few more votes would've landed him snugly in the Top 5 amongst Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page!). Trout has his sites set on similar stateside notoriety.

His 1998 self-titled release (and his American debut) was locked on Blues Revue's Top 40 sales chart for a year where it peaked at number 18. Consistently packing crowds into 1,000+ seat venues and sought out for all the key Blues Festivals nationwide, Walter Trout & The Radicals will continue to ride coast to coast playing their hearts out and lighting up their audiences. Both on record and on stage, Trout keeps the art of blues thriving and vivacious. Blues Revue comments "Trout gets into the groove where the magic happens. But each night offers a particular set of circumstances that keep the music fresh." From introspection to full blown rockin' blues, Trout's music is always marked by his adept song writing, sturdy vocals, searing guitar work and ability to enhance the boundaries of one of music's oldest forms. But as Trout is quick to point out, "the blues shouldn't be a museum. The music ought to constantly expand and be alive."