By Vicky Greer. Image by Callum Linklater
Summer in the UK is a limbo period for local venues. Punters are off in muddy fields drinking warm beer and getting drenched, while artists are locked into exclusivity contracts with festivals that keep them from touring their regular haunts. That’s why you’ll often see a drop-off in the local listings throughout July and August.
Luckily, it looks like Southampton didn’t get the memo this year, with some huge shows set to take place this summer.
From rock legends to up-and-comers, check out what we’ve got in store this month across Southampton.
Friday 5th – The Selecter, Papillon
We start off the month with ska icons in a converted church as Papillon welcomes The Selecter to Southampton on the 5th. Credited as one of the founding acts of the 2 tone ska movement alongside The Specials, The Selecter combined ska, reggae and punk rock energy to create something entirely new. As the modern rock scene continues to experiment and fuse genres today, their legacy is felt to this day.
Their upcoming shows this summer take on new emotional significance with the recent passing of founding member Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson. Frontwoman Pauline Black said in a statement online:
“It is The Selecter’s 45th anniversary year, and every year that I have shared the stage with Gaps feels very precious at the moment. He was a wonderful singing partner, friend and consummately elegant performer […] The Selecter will continue to perform, bringing the message & spirit of 2-tone to audiences everywhere.”
More information here.
Saturday 6th – Let’s Rock Southampton, The Common
From one group of 80s legends to a whole day’s worth. Self-proclaimed retro festival Let’s Rock takes favourites from the decade up and down the country throughout the summer, landing in Southampton Common in July.
This year, enjoy The Human League, Peter Hook & The Light, EXTC, Jason Donavan and more in what we can only hope will be a day in the sun.
Nothing gets people as excited as an ’80s hit, so make sure you wear shoes that will hold up for a full day of dancing. Bring your own picnic, or try some of the cuisines the festival has on offer.
Find out more here.
Friday 12th – Glass Animals, Engine Rooms
Yes, you heard that right. Festival main stage staples in Engine Rooms, a Southampton special. This month, Vinilo Record Store is welcoming the ever-viral Glass Animals to Engine Rooms as part of a run of intimate shows in anticipation of their new album, I Love You So F***ing Much.
It’s not the first time they’ve brought a low-key set to this venue, and you might have seen them on the stage in 2021. It’s refreshing to see a band who have reached stratospheric popularity still make time for small shows in grassroots venues – so many promise that they won’t forget their origins on their way to the top, but it’s rare to see a band stay true to their word like Glass Animals.
Miraculously, at the time of writing, the show isn’t sold out yet. But don’t be surprised if tickets vanish quickly – get your hands on one now to avoid disappointment.
More information here.
Thursday 18th – Frank Turner, The 1865
I know what you’re thinking – wasn’t he just in Southampton? You’re right, but you can’t keep Frank (pictured top) away this year. You may have attended his extra-special performance at The Brook in May in his world-record attempt to play 15 gigs in 24 hours across the country.
The attempt is yet to be verified by the Guinness World Record Group, and things got complicated with independent band Cryw*nk’s unofficial run of 16 shows in 16 cities just one day prior to Turner’s 15. In a controversial decision, The Music Venue Trust did not recognise Cryw*nk’s attempt.
Whether he beat the record or not, Frank Turner is back with a boost for independent venues as he returns to The 1865 for another intimate gig in Southampton. It’s sold out, so you’ll have to keep a close eye out if any more tickets become available.
More information here.
Saturday 27th – Ditz, The Joiners
If you prefer the cramped, crowded tents to the main stage at festivals, there are plenty of smaller shows to take your fancy this month. Towards the end of the month, Brighton band DITZ are coming to The Joiners to share their blinding post-punk experimental sound.
Well known for the chaos and unpredictable live shows, fans of Shame, Enola Gay and The Murder Capital will be in for a good night. If May’s Wanderlust Festival proved anything, it’s that Southampton loves dark, experimental indie and post-punk, so if DITZ sounds right up your street, get yourself down to the Joiners on the 27th.
More information here.
Saturday 27th – Life in Death Festival, Papillon
Life In Death festival returns for its third year, this time taking place on the 27th July at Papillon. If you’ve not heard of Life In Death, it’s a day festival celebrating the life of local musician Dylan Rocha, who passed away in 2021. The festival will raise money for Street Angels Southampton, who provide food, toiletries, bedding and support for homeless people in the city. Last year, the event raised over £1000 for StreetScene.
On the bill this year are Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard, Flat Party, Holler and more.
More information here.
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Preview: Frank Turner (with support from The Meffs), 1865, Southampton