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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January 2010 @ The Brook

The former Dr Feelgood guitarist returns to The Brook after the triumphant Mad, Bad and Dangerous tour.

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"We're feeling very relaxed tonight" said Wilko as he came on stage. Maybe it was the brandy Wilko (allegedly) consumed in the dressing room before the show, but the man from Canvey Island was in high spirits, likewise his band, as they played a storming set before a near capacity audience. Wilko may not be able to jump as high as he did in his Feelgood days and his stage persona is less edgy and menacing-he actually smiles occasionally now-but the dynamic energy and unique guitar sound make him a compulsive performer. Wilko bassist Norman Watt Roy and young drummer Steve Monti were really up for this one and so were a keen crowd as the band ripped through favourites like Roxette, Don't Let Your Daddy Know, and Paradise. By the time Back In The Night came round the venue was throbbing and the crowd singing along. Encores Jonny Be Good and Route 66 crowned a superb display of rock and blues and a very special and memorable evening at Southampton's friendliest music venue.

Review by Peter Ashton

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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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The Smyths

Formed in 2003 and impressing audiences ever since, The Smyths are an authentic & loving tribute to the music of their heroes, The Smiths.

During their first 18 months, The Smyths built their reputation by playing to sell-out crowds in many venues across London, including regular appearances at "Quarry", the celebrated club night for Smiths & Morrissey music.

2005 saw The Smyths widen their horizons and play to passionate audiences across the UK & beyond, including a successful tour of the Netherlands. They were invited to headline the world's first "Smiths conference" which saw hundreds of Smiths fans from around the world flock to Manchester for a weekend of Smiths activities. 2006 has seen The Smyths joined on stage by 80's legend Frank Sidebottom and return to packed audiences in some of Europe's premier venues

With a repertoire of hits from over 20 years, the band's set ranges from the early Smiths singles such as "What Difference Does It Make?", "This Charming Man" & "How Soon Is Now" all the way up to hit songs from Morrissey's triumphant "Ringleader Of The Tormentors" album. A Smyths concert will feature all those hits as well as B-sides, album tracks and any other Smiths or Morrissey song the crowd request that night.

The Smyths are a brilliantly accurate & thrilling live tribute act.

Within years 'Blue Monday' was born! This seminal release was to become the biggest selling 12" single of all time every year until CDs were invented. In an appropriately altruistic move, the money made from this single was donated to local charities including a project building a home for Spanish children. The band also used some of the money to fund the development of an innovative all-in-one inflatable boiler suit for the 1987 Olympic Gymnastics Team. Initially these efforts were met with ridicule, but then later – derision and scorn. Fortunately the accompanying backing music went on to chart as the seminal 'True Faith'. The next two years were spent learning how to take drugs.

After the surprise success of the seminal comedy record 'Fine Time', New Order had found a niche and were on top of the ball. The following year they went on to invent rap music with the release of their only number one hit – the seminal 'World In Motion (St Beardos Fire)'. A true crossover hit, appealing to both New Order fans and novelty football record buyers. However, this could be considered the pinnacle of their achievement as without the services of Des Walker and comedian Dave Allen they've never since matched this success.

The next three years were spent denying accusations that the band had split up. This was emphatically disproved with the release of the seminal hit 'Regret'. Then they split up.

After seven years of petitions, threats and court actions, New Order were finally forced by the public to stop releasing solo albums and get back together again to inspire and innovate yet another generation. And the seminal album 'Gut Ready' proved to be their best return to form yet. Yes! New Order back in their pomp !

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T.Rextasy are the only band to have been authorised and endorsed by Marc Bolan's Catalogue Management, are now officially recognised as the world's No.1 group dedicated to the greatest glam rocker of them all, Marc Bolan of T.Rex. With their uncanny doppelganger lead singer and lead guitarist, Danielz, T.Rextasy perform a powerful and mesmerising presentation of Marc Bolan's rock and pop anthems.

With a career spanning over 17 years, T.Rextasy are now regarded beyond the boundaries of 'tribute' and are respected in their own right. They are also the only band to have the blessing and support from Marc's own family and Ex-T.Rex band members, including June Bolan (Marc's wife), Gloria Jones (Marc's Girlfriend), Rolan Bolan (Marc's Son), Mickey Finn (T.Rex conga player), Tony Visconti (T.Rex producer), and others

They have toured worldwide playing at venues such as the gigantic Ariake Coliseum in Japan, and Wembley Arena in London. They also perform alongside artists such as Wizzard, Cockney Rebel, Ian Hunter (Mott the Hoople), and Slade amongst others.

In September 2007 T.Rextasy played to 40,000 at BBC Proms Night at London's Hyde Park, and headlined at the Shepherds Bush Empire in London where special guests appeared alongside them including Marc Almond (Soft Cell), Gloria Jones, Shakin' Stevens, and Tony Visconti. A DVD of the concert is now officially available.

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

'T.Rextasy are a great tribute to my Dad. They have my support 100% - Rolan Bolan (Marc's son)

'T.Rextasy have my utmost approval and I wish them well' - Gloria Jones (Marc's girlfriend and Mother to Rolan Bolan)

'T.Rextasy play a wonderful replica of Marc's music and recreate his songs so authentically – Steve Harley (Cockney Rebel)

'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

'The lead singer not only sounds like Marc Bolan but is an unnerving physical reincarnation. They play with a passion that lifts their performance above imitation'
- Leicester Mercury

'T.Rextasy's impeccably worked routine must have spooked the parade who came to pay tribute.'
- London Lite

'This is the most fitting tribute band I have ever come across.'
- Cornish Guardian

'This bore the hallmarks of a real Bolan gig. Responsibility for celebrating Bolan's memory couldn't be in better hands.'
- Lancashire News

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Get Dexter

Get Dexter are a 4 piece Indie/Pop band from Southampton, formed in early 2007 but started seriously in early 2008. The band has performed at many venues across the area and 2010 is going to be the year for seeing newer and bigger places. With reviews from around Southampton telling the public to look out for this band in the future, and being compared to such high acts as the Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand and even the Beatles, you're sure to not be disappointed by their highly energetic performances and great musical ability. The band is Charlie James, Rob Franklin, Ben Clift and Reece Davies.

Melodramas

IN-CONT-IN-ENT . . . ? ! ! It's more like which continent in this instance….

It would be fair to say these boys were somewhat apprehensive at the thought of playing 3 continents in one month, having never gigged outside of their native Hampshire before! As the worlds already met them… we thought it only right that we introduce to you:

Colossal in Kuwait …. Auspicious in Australia .… Superlative in Southsea
Everything about this band is as dramatic & stylish as their name suggests. In the last month alone ,this band of young English gentlemen, who just happen to span the Southampton / Portsmouth divide with some gusto.. (two from each City) have, by invitation, played Festivals in Europe, Asia & Oceania . . . .

Having formed less than 18 months ago & never having played outside a Hampshire venue, let alone a festival, they took on their incredible worldwide debut with a class that has left industry and fans alike Agog and aghast

It's been a dramatic year... "These guys are incredible, it's sunshine music. It's upbeat and just makes me want to clap my hands.They've got so much energy on-stage, I just know they're going to be huge" BBC Radio One

"Raising two fingers to the sloppy and arrogant sounds of bands like Babyshambles and Larrikin Love, Melodramas are raising the flag for smarter and better artists. Displaying truly classy sound, they are certainly one of the better bands out there" www.rockpulse.co.uk

"Frontman Matt Woolway has the rock star swagger down pat and the band have the tunes to back it up. An enigma of a line up" www.callupontheauthor.com

Melodramas' short story has, unsurprisingly, been dramatic. Having formed in the summer of '08, the band decided to test their material at the prestigious 'Showcase' competition, even though they had never previously played live. After victories in the heats and semi final, they were crowned best new band of 2008 in front of a 600 capacity crowd (only their third show).

An early demo recorded during the competition sold out immediately and the band showcased their extended talents with a DIY video for one of these tracks (Pretty Little Pictures, budget of £10.50).
In a continuation of this theme, the band insisted on hand-making all the cases for their début release, when offered a deal by indie label Jelly Maid Music. Melodramas also insisted on the tracks being recorded live. The label agreed on both points. With the help of kind words from the press, EPone sold out.

Following shows with major label artists such as Flamboyant Bella and The Strange Death of Liberal England, Melodramas were invited to play three continents in under a month with appearances at SouthseaFest (UK), KuwaitStock (Kuwait City) and One Movement Festival (Perth, Australia). The latter also included an exclusive set for Rolling Stone.

Yogo Kid

Yogo Kid are a four-piece group from Winchester and surrounding hellholes. Growing up on the bad streets of King Alfred's capital has given them a mean, medieval demeanour, which they bring to their music, however with a distinct absence of lutes.

They blend Metal, Blues, Jazz, Pop and half a pound of self-raising flour to create powerful and catchy tunes and deliever them straight to your ears.

Thinking For Tuesday

"Well crafted and catchy with an experimental and diverse edge."

THE BAND
• Karen Conway: Lead Vocals
• Tom Langston: Guitar & Backing Vocals
• Will Jenkins: Guitar & Backing Vocals
• Barny Booth: Bass
• Chris Andrews: Drums

Thinking For Tuesday are a melodic rock band formed in November 2006 thanks to the wonders of the internet and a friendship formed around music and a love of guitars. Each member joined following a history of playing in different bands with the exception of Karen, who made the break from musical theatre to write rock music and has never looked back.

Their combination of catchy vocal lines, impressive instrumentals and a vibrant live set, has earned them a number of credible support slots in the past and a building reputation throughout London and the South. The band boasts a repertoire of radio-friendly songs with an innovative edge thanks to their range of influences.

With the release of their debut album, Holding For A Reason, in June 2009, the band are going from strength to strength.

Originally formed in 1954, then called the Swingsters. A while later they were joined by Wayne Henderson and Hubert Laws who, alongside Joe Sample became known as the 'Jazz Crusaders' .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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…"

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Article Taken from the marvelous Wikipedia - With Thanks

Arriving on the back of punk rock and a gymnastic performance on The Old Grey Whistle Test, his first single, the half-spoken love song "Really Free" reached number 27 in the UK Singles Chart. It would be his greatest success for some time. The song earned him a five album deal with Polydor Records, who viewed him as a punk rather than merely an eccentric. His first album, recorded with Wild Willy Barrett, was produced by Pete Townshend but sold only fitfully. The follow-up singles fared no better despite some imaginative promotion, which included an offer for Otway to come to a buyer's house and perform the single if their copy was one of the few from which the vocal had been omitted. Otway's and Barrett's only other UK chart success came in July 1980 with "DK 50-80", a modest #45 hit.

Turning solo, and despite poor record sales, his live audience remained loyal, due to Otway's manic energy and the very real possibility of physical injury during renditions of songs such as "Headbutts". When his music career faltered, the resourceful Otway diversified by co-authoring a play, Verbal Diary. He created a role for himself playing a disorganized, likable twit, and by playing himself to perfection, he found other work playing the same character in commercials on the television.

His 1990 autobiography, Cor Baby, That's Really Me (subtitled Rock and Roll's Greatest Failure) was a study in self-deprecation, and his touring continued to sustain him. Within weeks the book outsold almost all of his albums. In 1992 Otway appeared at GuilFest. In 1993 he was able to draw 2,500 fans to a gig in London and, in 1998, 4,000 celebrated his birthday with him at the Royal Albert Hall, coinciding with the release of Premature Adulation, his first album of new material for over ten years.

By then, Otway had realised he could use his fanbase, who were in on the joke, to engage in minor publicity stunts. A well-orchestrated grassroots campaign saw his "Beware of the Flowers Cause I'm Sure They're Going to Get You Yeah" voted the seventh greatest lyric of all time in a BBC poll. In 2002, when asked what he wanted for his 50th birthday, he requested "a second hit". A concerted drive, including a poll (scrutinised by the Electoral Reform Society) to select the track, saw "Bunsen Burner" — with music sampled from the Trammps song "Disco Inferno" and lyrics devised to help his daughter with her chemistry homework — reach number nine in the UK Singles Chart on 6 October, and earned Otway an appearance on Top Of The Pops, BBC Television's flagship popular music programme. To encourage fans to buy more than one copy each of the single, he released three different versions. The flip-side of "Bunsen Burner — The Hit Mix" was a cover of "The House of the Rising Sun" recorded at Abbey Road Studios and featuring 900 of his fans on backing vocals, each of whom was credited by name on the single's sleeve. Thanks to this second hit he has now been able to release his Greatest Hits album. Commenting on the fact that the title of this album is now in the plural, Otway said that he was very proud of it, having "finally got it (the 's') on the right side of Hit".

Otway currently tours as a solo act; as a duo with Richard Holgarth (also of Eddie and the Hot Rods); and often with his Big Band which includes Murray Torkildsen, Seymour, Adam Batterbee and guest keyboard player Barry Upton. Throughout 2005 and 2006 Otway teamed up with The Hamsters and Wilko Johnson as part of The Mad, the Bad & the Dangerous tour. A DVD of the tour was released in 2007.

He also delivers occasional (humorous) lectures on the theme, "Making success out of failure".
A world tour was planned in October 2006. Otway, his band and 300 fans were to embark on a world tour with gigs in Las Vegas, Sydney, Shanghai and Dubai. However, due to insufficient numbers (150 signed up) the tour was cancelled.

Otway rejoined Wild Willy Barrett for a UK tour from August to October 2009.

Otway now has a motorcycle club of dedicated fans called Beware of the Flowers MCC. Members are all Otway fans that also ride bikes.