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!"

Door £

Mick Slacker & Co's tounge in cheek tribute act just gets better and better.

The BOG ROLLING STONES have earned a reputation as one of the most authentic sounding tribute acts around. Satisfaction's always guaranteed when these long haired boys come home to the Brook!

Their tongue in cheek humour, wigs, stripy trousers and boundless energy make them an act not to be missed. The question is.....would you let your daughter go???

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

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

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

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

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

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Ben Montague

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CORINNE WEST

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

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

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

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

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

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

“A voice of gold.” ~ Relix Magazine

KELLY JOE PHELPS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preview

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

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

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

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

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

Preview by Peter Ashton

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

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

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

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

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

(Fleetwood Mac Tribute)

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FLEETWOOD BAC are the world's first and best Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, and raved about by Peter Green's biographer, the only Mac tribute band to authentically replicate the classic Stevie/Lindsey/Christine/John/Mick 'Rumours' line-up.

The band returned in 2001 with their best line-up yet, and in the last 2 years the response has been amazing. Rave reviews in 'The Stage', The Fireflies and Go Your Own Way (the U.K.s leading Fleetwood Mac fansites); an endorsement from The Nicks Fix (the official Stevie Nicks website); and ecstatic audiences wherever the band played, including wowing an audience of 10,000 at the H.O.G. festival in St. Tropez, and very successful recent shows in the Cayman Islands. The band has also recently been rated by The Times as one of the U.K.'s leading tributes, alongside The Bootleg Beatles, Bjorn Again and the Counterfeit Stones.

The sound, the look, the mystical atmosphere and on-stage chemistry are all portrayed with the passion and energy that got the seal of approval from 'Big Daddy' Mick, and built up an excellent reputation amongst Mac fans through numerous tours, festival appearances, corporate events and TV and radio slots all over the U.K. and Europe.

Fans include original Mac bassist and biographer Bob Brunning, who has joined the band several times on stage for great versions of 'Need Your Love So Bad', and Peter Green's official biographer Martin Celmins.

The Fleetwood Bac show focuses on the Stevie Nicks/ Lindsey Buckingham/ Christine McVie 'Rumours' era of the band (still the 5th biggest-selling album of all time). It also features several songs from the Peter Green days, plus some of Stevie's biggest solo hits, in a theatrical two-hour show, including costume-changes and an acoustic section.

Songs featured include: Dreams, Don't Stop, Go Your Own Way, You Make Loving Fun, Tusk, Gypsy, Everywhere, Oh Well, Rhiannon, Little Lies, Black Magic Woman, Seven Wonders, Say You Love Me, Big Love, Oh Diane, Stop Draggin' My Heart Around, Albatross, Sara, Man Of The World, Hold Me, Green Manalishi and Need Your Love So Bad.

Fleetwood Mac fans are also raving about seeing and hearing favourites like: Gold Dust Woman, The Chain, 2nd Hand News, Silver Springs, I'm So Afraid, Songbird, Sisters Of The Moon, Isn't It Midnight, Leather And Lace, Oh Daddy, Monday Morning, Landslide, I Don't Want To Know, Beautiful Child, Over My Head, Never Going Back Again, World Turning, Blue Letter, Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You, Eyes Of The World etc.

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.