Meet local bands and artists.

Words by Joy McKay. Photo by David Leigh Dodd. On a Friday evening in 1989 I sat down to watch Top of The Pops, as I did every week. I remember Wendy James, lead singer of Transvision Vamp, screaming down the camera lens at me as she launched into Baby’ I Don’t Care. For a

Photo: Ewan Ogden Miles Kane has announced a fresh run of UK headline dates in November and December 2024, including a stop at Papillon in Southampton on Wednesday 4 December 2024. The tour comes off the back of his celebrated solo 2024 One Man Band run across Europe and a string of UK summer festival performances.

Words and photos by Rhona Murphy. There’s an under the radar rumbling of anticipation building for Liverpool’s Stone. Having built up a loyal following playing headline shows, support shows and festivals there’s no doubting their work ethic. Stone have toured almost without breaks in both mainland Europe as well as the UK, playing as support

Live Nation and leading live music and event promoter Cuffe & Taylor announce Rag’n’Bone Man and UB40 ft. Ali Campbell are the latest acts set to headline TK Maxx presents Southampton Summer Sessions 2025, Rag’n’Bone Man will take to the stage on Friday 13 June 2025, joined by British Americana sensation, Elles Bailey, with UB40

The Overtones, are bringing the Good Times Christmas Tour to Mayflower Theatre on Monday 11 November 2024. We spoke with three members of the Platinum-selling singing group to discuss their forthcoming Christmas tour, memories of singing for the Queen, and plans for an innovative new album. It’s exciting that you’re back with another festive show

By Vicky Greer. Photo: Delilah Bon by Helen Tate. Once again, there are a downright ridiculous number of gigs in Southampton this month. Seriously, cold weather is a small price to pay for the treasure trove of gigs that descend on the UK every autumn. And the wonderful independent venues of Southampton are really spoiling

Words and photos by Rhona Murphy. The Grade 2 listed venue, Troxy, has hosted many different types of events since it started up in 1933 as a cinema. Since then it’s been home to the Royal Opera House (rehearsal space), and a bingo hall before morphing into live events . From Vera Lynn to Robbie

Words by Vicky Greer and photos by Billy Perrett. It’s easy to feel like the music industry is broken. Hell, it’s easy to feel like the whole world is broken when you turn on the news. But every so often, there’s a voice that fights to prove you wrong. Millie Manders is one of them. Last

Words: Sally Churchward. Photos: Bella Briscoe.   Multi-instrumentalist Charlie Barnes launched his new solo album, The Heart of the Home on Friday. He is also a big part of the Bastille Presents & project, which brought him to Southampton for a show at The 1865. Sally Churchward caught up with him ahead of the gig.

By Laura McCarthy. Formed in 2006, Wonk Unit is a vibrant and energetic punk band from London. Their songs are incredibly varied, some full of humour and wit with others packing an emotional, even devastating, punch. I was fortunate enough to talk with Alex, Pwosion, Max, and Vez from the band ahead of their show

Words and pictures by Spring Wise. There was a lovely long queue of goth and goth-adjacent punters snaking by the Joiners, Southampton, on Sunday, which always warms my heart and hints at a good night about to be had.  Opening the evening was local band, Riteoff, who had a very enthusiastic core fan group in

Words by Sally Churchward. Photos by Bella Briscoe. There was something intimate, magical and raw about Bastille’s gig at Southampton’s 1865 last night (18/10/24). Obviously it was a much smaller venue than frontman Dan Smith typically plays with the band’s regular line up – who routinely sell out arenas – but there was an unpolished

Image by Tom White Last month, Teesside’s Benefits returned with their new single “Land Of The Tyrants,” ahead of their tour, which brings them to Southampton’s Joiners on October 22nd. The track marks their first new material since 2023’s widely acclaimed debut album “NAILS”. “NAILS” landed in April last year, raising a voice of disillusionment

By Spring Wise. Images by Helen Tate.  Delilah Bon (she/her) chats with Spring Wise (they/them) ahead of her sold out show at The Joiners, Southampton, on November 1st. About a year ago, I complimented a friend on a t-shirt they had on which said “Dead Men Don’t Rape”. She told me it was Delilah Bon

Today, Live Nation leading live music and event promoter Cuffe & Taylor have announced legendary British band The Stranglers as a headliner for TK Maxx Presents Southampton Summer Sessions, taking over Guildhall Square on Saturday, 14 June. Joining them as main support will be the seminal punk rock band Buzzcocks. This show is the latest

After the success of 2023’s sell-out tour, the UK’s number one vocal harmony group, The Overtones, are bringing back the Good Times Christmas Tour for 2024, including a stop at Mayflower Theatre on Monday 11 November 2024. The multi-platinum selling group will spread the Christmas spirit across the UK as the tour promises to be

Legends of rock, The Darkness, have returned to bedazzle and amaze once more as they serve up their eighth studio album Dreams On Toast via Cooking Vinyl in March 2025. Not only will Dreams On Toast feature arguably their best collection of songs yet, but The Darkness will also be hitting the road next March for their largest headline

Miles Kane has announced a fresh run of UK headline dates in November & December 2024, bringing him to Southampton on December 4th. The tour comes off the back of his celebrated solo 2024 One Man Band run across Europe and a string of UK summer festival performances. “​​I had a buzzing time on my One

Since 2005, Beans on Toast has written simple songs about complicated subjects. Tackling the big issues of the day but doing so with his feet firmly on the ground, he’s become a people’s champ of the modern folk scene and amassed a huge back catalogue of songs in the process.    Considered to be of

By Nick Mabey. Main image by Laura McCarthy. Numbers only tell part of the story.   In the end 1703 artists gave 318 performances in 58 venues, supported by more than 100 volunteers.  I was lucky enough to be one of the volunteers and happy to play a very small part in a vast enterprise. 

Image by Tom Mitchell. In August, London-based Los Bitchos  released Talkie Talkie is an album glistening with charisma, sonic experimentation and a puckish spirit. Named after a fictional club of the same name, the band’s sparklingly eclectic second album is a late-night paradise brimming with freedom and possibility; a place where partygoers can escape reality in

By Sally Churchward. Photo by Neil Glasspool. Orlando Week’s set at Papillon last night felt less like a gig and more like some sort of private happening – in an entirely good way. Everything about the evening screamed – or rather whispered – intimate: the low stage with the band seated a little out of

Image by Will Carter. The Commoners are experiencing great success with their current album, Restless. The band continues to provide listeners with a hearty dose of Southern-style swagger with every guitar slide, organ swell, and vocal stamp. They are touring the UK this winter and will be coming to Portsmouth in December. Riding high off the

Image by Steven Stanley. Bryan Adams is set to embark on his ‘Roll With The Punches’ world tour in 2025, named after his soon to be announced new studio album. The tour will see Adams and his band performing across the globe throughout the entire year and follows closely on the heels of his successful

Bastille’s Dan Smith has announced a run of upcoming intimate instore performances, offering fans a deep dive into his upcoming collection of story songs from “&” (Ampersand) ahead of the album’s release on the 25th October. These shows include a stop at Southampton’s The 1865 with Vinilo Records on the 18th October. Tickets for this instore run are on sale now via the band’s website here. Tickets

By Sally Churchward. Shed Seven made a triumphant return to Southampton’s Vinilo Record Store this afternoon (30/9/24) for a brief but brilliant set ahead of signing their new album, which is on course to take the number one spot this Friday. The band were in town to promote Liquid Gold, and played a brief four

Simple Minds will headline TK Maxx Summer Sessions when they return to Southampton on Sunday 29 June 2025. The announcement comes following the success of 2024’s inaugural Southampton Summer Sessions—which featured world-class headliners such as Placebo, Tom Jones, Loyle Carner and Nile Rodgers & CHIC. Simple Minds are one of the UK’s most successful bands, with

Image by Claudia Legge. The next opportunity to catch STONE’s electric live show comes soon, with the Liverpool four piece set to play Portsmouth’s Wedgewood Rooms on the 27th October.  This headline tour celebrates the release of their acclaimed debut album Fear Life For A Lifetime and will be followed by a run of dates supporting

By Vicky Greer. Photo: Millie Manders and the Shut Up by Billy Perett. Buckle up, because there’s an overwhelming number of shows happening in Southampton this month. What better way to celebrate the spooky season than by going to gigs every night of the week? In fact, time it right and you could be at

To celebrate the release of “&” (Ampersand) – a beautiful new project from Bastille’s Dan Smith out on 25th October, Bastille Presents; “&” (Ampersand) live – the ‘Candlelight Original Sessions’ which run across the UK this October. Held in beautiful and historic spaces across the UK, the unique dates will be an opportunity for fans

By Vicky Greer. The warm, welcoming glow that greets you when you walk into The Joiners seems to burn even brighter tonight (22/09/2024) in anticipation of Lauran Hibberd’s return to the stage. It’s like the building has absorbed the comforting vibe of Lauran’s always-relatable lyricism and energetic pop-rock sound. Hailing from a stone’s throw away

All images by Becca Cairns Photography. The latest Abyssal Festival took place in Southampton at the weekend. Organisers David Burke, along with Harley Edwards and Chris Gilgan, chatted to Spring Wise about the event.   “Small metal festivals have run in Southampton for years, on and off. When Harley first imagined running a festival in

By Vicky Greer. It’s a packed house at The 1865 tonight (18/9/24) for a stacked line-up of international pop-punk excellence as Sydney’s Stand Atlantic return to Southampton. We last saw them in Engine Rooms, a little over a year ago. In tow are Slowly Slowly and Honey Revenge, readying the room for a night of

By Nick Mabey. This year’s two-day free music festival, Music in the City, in the heart of Southampton, on September 28th and 29th, promises to be bigger and better than ever before.  With over 300 artists in more than 50 venues there’s bound to be something for everyone. For those of you who don’t know

By Dan O’Farrell. What kind of horse can change the world? A Trojan horse, of course. Well, tonight at a packed Joiners, a full crowd witnessed some excellent horse-play, with Welly, the bounciest of pop-bands, smuggling some sharp, savvy and important messages beneath an hour’s worth of sing-a-long anthems (15/9/24). Sometimes you get to see

Vonda Shepard will return to the UK and Ireland for a series of new live dates following the success of her recent barnstorming sold-out tours of these shores, including a date at The Concorde in Eastleigh on Thursday 24 October. Vonda Shepard first shot to fame in the late-Nineties via her long running appearances, performances

Turner Sims, the University of Southampton’s world-class music venue, is set to embark on its 2024 autumn programme in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Featuring an international programme packed with exciting performances, the quality lineup spans jazz, classical,  contemporary, global and folk music.   A key highlight of the programme is the 50th anniversary concert (19th

Following the surprise news of Haircut One Hundred releasing a new single this week, The Unloving Plum, as an initial taster of their forthcoming – as-yet-untitled – first album in almost four decades, the band’s much-loved frontman, Nick Heyward, is pleased to announce a run of eleven UK live shows for autumn 2024, kicking off

Words By Vicky Greer.  The age-old question: How many gigs can you go to in a week? Try as I might, I’ve never managed more than two (recently, it was the same band, when I saw The Damned twice in six days). I’ve tried many times, but something always gets in the way; the artist

Playing Lighthouse Poole on Tuesday 1 October with her band The Darkening, Kathryn Tickell is a composer, performer, educator and successful recording artist with a string of releases to her name, whose work is deeply rooted in the landscape and people of Northumbria. Named after the old Northumbrian word for twilight, The Darkening – Kathryn Tickell (the foremost exponent

Welly, the up and coming British band, are returning to their lead singer’s roots, with a homecoming gig at The Joiners next month, coming off the back of their performance at Victorious Festival at the weekend. Playing with notions of artifice and aspiration, style and self, the group’s titular frontman, songwriter and producer was born

Image by Derek Bremner. Confirming details of their new self-titled album ‘BERRIES’, the band will be touring the UK throughout October and November, bringing them to Southampton’s Heartbreakers.Due for release on 18th October via the Xtra Mile Recordings label, their new album ‘BERRIES’ is preceded by its lead single “Watching Wax”, which is available to

Blossoms have announced details of their headline UK and Ireland tour for October and November this year, bringing them to both Portsmouth and Bournemouth.   The Stockport band will be embarking on an extensive 20-date run of October and November shows in London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, and beyond.   Tickets for the gigs are

The new photo of the reunited Liam and Noel Gallagher shared today Oasis stars Liam and Noel Gallagher have confirmed they are reuniting for a new world tour, starting with 14 huge UK and Ireland shows in 2025. In a statement on their website, Oasis ended years of feverish speculation with the confirmation of a

By Sally Churchward and Lewis Maclean. Images: Victorious Festival/Strong Island. Thousands of people singing the lyrics  “when we collide we come together” in unison along with Biffy Clyro on the Common Stage, so loudly it could easily be heard a mile or more away, to the backdrop of fireworks was the perfect end to another Victorious

Image by Neil Kirk. Having originally started her career in music in 1960, and after a remarkable 64 years of performing live, Elkie Brooks has announced her ‘Long Farewell Tour’. A celebration of her illustrious, award-winning six decades in music, Elkie will be performing some of her biggest hits with her live band including ‘Pearl’s

By Sally Churchward. Additional reporting by Spring Wise and Lewis Maclean. Images: Victorious Festival/Strong Island. It would be impossible to talk about day two of Victorious and not take a moment to shake your head ruefully at the weather. Unlike the crowd at the front of the Common stage – who spent much of the day

Image by Larnce Gold. Leo Sayer has announce his ‘Still Feel Like Dancing?’ tour, a new run of UK live shows for autumn 2024 in celebration of his more than five decades as a recording artist, bringing him to Basingstoke and Bournemouth this autumn. One of the most successful British artists of all time, Leo

By Sally Churchward. Additional reporting: Lewis Macean. Images: Victorious Festival/Strong Island. Hats off to the booking team at Southsea’s Victorious Festival – they pulled an absolute blinder with Friday’s line up. Until last year, Friday was more of a mini-preview of the main weekend event – yes there were some great bands to be seen

Image: Patric Ullaeus.  With a new single, Hosting the Shadow, out, Lacuna Coil are taking to the road and coming to Bournemouth this autumn. Lacuna Coil, which translates to ‘empty spiral’, is an Italian gothic metal band formed in Milan in 1994. The band is renowned for their distinctive blend of heavy metal, gothic rock

Image: Alex Morgan. The Cold Stares, known for their blend of blues-rock, release their seventh studio album, ‘The Southern’ on September 6th via Mascot Records. Delving deep into their Southern roots for the first time on record, the album is a reflection of their heritage. “When it came time to record this album, I thought about everybody

Andrew Combs announces a brand new album, Dream Pictures, which is released on the same day he plays at The Railway in Winchester on 23 August 2024. Dream Pictures is written for the quiet hours that bring each day to a close. At night, after putting his children to bed, Andrew would go into his

By Laura McCarthy. Punkfest surpassed their £500 charity goal, hitting a total of over £1700 in aid of Naomi House and Jacksplace.  Hosted by The Peg & Parrot in Totton on Saturday 10 August, Punkfest was a live music event in which local alternative bands from across Southampton and Portsmouth used their musical talents for a

Photo credit: Striking Faces The Wickham Festival’s switch to a new site has proved to be a huge success. Organisers took the long-standing popular event to a new field a few hundreds yards away in a bid to avoid the mud which proved such a problem last year. And the move paid off. Festival chief

Ahead of the release of his EP, Dead Forever,  the enigmatic, genre-bending alt rock/metal artist, Kid Brunswick, will embark on the inaugural MVT Cohorts tour, coming to The Joiners in Southampton on Sunday 18 August. The MVT Cohorts tour, organised by the charity Music Venue Trust (MVT), is a new initiative aiming to combat the

Multi award-winning British pop star and actor Will Young is back with his ninth studio album, Light It Up,  also confirming he will play a series of exclusive album launch shows this week including Southampton tonight (10 August), Leeds (11 August) and Liverpool (12 August). New 10-track collection, Light It Up, is the acclaimed singer-songwriter’s

By Graham Hiley. What a smooth ending to the Wickham Festival courtesy of two masters of their art. Curtis Stigers and Tony Christie shared headline billing in the Big Top and showed just why they have been at the top of their profession for so many decades. First up was Curtis Stigers. One of the

By Graham Hiley. Wickham fans faced the agony of choice thanks to an embarrassment of riches on Saturday night. There were so many top-class acts that they could not all be housed on one stage creating some tricky choices. Possibly the biggest clash came at the end of the night when the ever-popular Levellers headlined

By Graham Hiley. Suzi Quatro has famously said if she ever turns round and shakes her ass to silence then she will know that is the time to call it a day. Judging by the raucous reaction at the Wickham Festival she will be going for a long time yet! The Queen of Rock turned

By Graham Hiley. It was a day of mix and match as the 2024 Wickham Festival got off to a fantastic start. Phil Odgers began with John Kettle playing songs by Phil Ochs from their new album Far Rockaway and then closed the night with the Men The Couldn’t Hang, whose guitarist Paul Simmonds is

By Vicky Greer. We’re almost back in the busy season for Southampton’s live music scene. Gig listings for September through November are filling up fast, with the likes of Stand Atlantic, Lauren Hibberd, and the Last Dinner party set to make an appearance in the colder months. But August has a few dates for the

Southern California powerhouse Robert Jon & The Wreck  recently unveiled their latest single, “Hate To See You Go,” and are also touring the UK this autumn, bringing them to Southampton in November. This new release follows the success of their eighth studio album, Red Moon Rising, which has been lauded for its fresh take on Southern

Stereo MC’s have announced a UK tour to include a date at The Brook, Southampton. Stereo MC’s are the renowned and globally revered English Hip Hop/ Electronic dance duo Rob Birch (Rob B) and Nick Hallam (The Head). The duo formed in Nottingham in the mid 80’s and were inspired to make music by their

By Vicky Greer. Pictures by Billie Perrett. In an industry that oftentimes feels overrun with corporate labels, unaffordable gig tickets and ambiguous politics, Millie Manders and the Shutup are a breath of fresh air. They consistently use their platform to call out injustices in the world and use their merch and records as a means

Dutch collective Personal Trainer release their anticipated new album Still Willing on 2nd August via Bella Union. Following the singes “Intangible” and “Round”,  band have recently shared their new single and LP highlight “Cyan”. Additionally, Personal Trainer have announced new UK and European live shows for 2025 to add to their already busy touring schedule.

Off the back of a rapturous main stage performance at TRNSMT, The Snuts announced their biggest ever headline show to date at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro Arena on Friday, December 6th. It will be the culmination of a string of live dates, bringing them to Bournemouth’s 02 Academy in November. The announcement adds to what has

Image by Hariett K Bols. Acclaimed indie singer songwriter Benjamin Francis Leftwich, best known for his gentle acoustic output, is set to appear at Lighthouse Poole on Wednesday 20 November as part of a tour to showcase his new album, Some Things Break. Artistic transformation is often associated with a blast of fanfare – the dramatic

One of the great modern jazz singers, Jo Harrop, is coming to The Concorde in Eastleigh to celebrate her stunning new album, The Path Of A Tear, this November. The concert is one of 12 UK dates, including a special concert on July 4th at London’s Ronnie Scott’s, and further shows in Harrogate, Brighton, Newcastle, London,

Image by Kate Friend. From his influential time with The Maccabees to the multi-faceted ‘Gritterman’ story and two highly acclaimed solo albums, Orlando Weeks has carved a niche as one of the UK’s most singular talents. That reputation has further flourished with the release his new album LOJA now available on all digital platforms, with physical formats to

Image by Mark Thompson. Hard-Fi make their welcome return with brand new single ‘Don’t Go Making Plans’ on Ignition Records. Their first new material in ten years, the track marks a taste of a forthcoming EP of brand new songs.  The band have also revealed details of a big UK headline tour this November, bringing

Words and pictures by Callum Linklater. Kaiser Chiefs went down a riot with fans as they headlined the final installment of a very successful run of shows at the Southampton Summer Sessions (30.6.24). Frontman Ricky Wilson admitted that although his voice was worse for wear, he and the band would still very much play as

Shed Seven have today announced a run of intimate instore events across the UK in support of their forthcoming album ‘Liquid Gold’, bringing them to Southampton’s Vinilo record store on September 30th. This intimate tour is in addition to the band’s partly sold out headline tour, coming to Bournemouth in December. Each store will be

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

Photo credit: Shannon Shumaker Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls have announced details of a more traditional headline UK tour for July 2024 in celebration of his tenth album Undefeated, including a stop at the 1865 in Southampton on Thursday 18 July. “I’m bringing the tour, the new album, the Sleeping Souls, and my excellent

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, Gracie Abrams has today released her highly anticipated sophomore album, The Secret of Us. She is playing a small number of record store ‘outstore’ events, and will be coming to Southampton’s 1865 on July 14th. The Secret of Us features Gracie’s new single “Close To You,” which she released earlier this month. The new

The Wickham Festival is moving home – but only a few hundred yards. The popular long-running event is switching to a different site for this year’s event from August 1-4 headlined by rock goddess Suzi Quatro, Curtis Stigers and the Levellers. Winchester City Council have just approved the transfer to a new field which organisers

Words by Lewis Maclean. Photo by Katie Isham, Germein are a band of three Australian sisters, rocking the world one gig at a time. They are Georgia (singer/keys), Ella (bass), and Clara (drums). Their latest single City Lights was released earlier this year and is the title of their current album. After seeing them dominate almost every stage,

The team at Mayflower Theatre and MAST Mayflower Studios have announced details of the exciting and eclectic mix of musical tribute shows, which will be performing across both venues this July. With musical genres spanning the decades, audiences can enjoy the thrill of live performances across both venues this summer. Shows include: The Magic of

Festival fans looking for affordable entertainment this summer will find plenty to enjoy at Turner Sims’ Summer Festival from 28 – 30 June. Live music, food stalls and free family activities will spill out of the venue and across the gardens of the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus. Incredible local musicians including Lucy Kitchen and

By Vicky Greer. Hampshire singer-songwriter DiElle will support Scouting For Girls at their Swanmore College show on 22nd June.  The singer, who has been featured on BBC radio several times and who has performed for King Charles, is known for her vulnerable lyrics and stripped-back acoustic sound, described as ‘Eagles meet Alison Krauss.’ Her One

The Music Venue Trust (MVT), the charity which represents hundreds of Grassroots Music Venues (GMVs), has called upon politicians from all parties to “seize the moment” ahead of the forthcoming UK General Election on July 4th, and to help save the sector from the deepening crisis it finds itself in. MVT has published a report entitled

Millie Manders and the Shutup have announced details of an autumn tour for their forthcoming sophomore album Wake up, Shut Up, Work – the eagerly awaited follow up to their acclaimed debut Telling Truths, Breaking Ties – which will be released on 2 August. MMATSU are known for their ferocious and joyous live shows (check

Image by Chris Little.  Shed Seven have already had an unforgettable 30th anniversary year, taking in their first ever No.1 album with ‘A Matter of Time’, two huge upcoming homecoming celebration shows at York’s Museum Gardens, and aNo.1 vinyl single with the BBC Radio 2 playlisted ‘Let’s Go Dancing’. Yet the fun doesn’t stop there. Not only will Shed Seven release the new

By Anita Foxall. Southampton musician/drummer Charlie Brown has recently launched his own solo project with the track Lost Sun, which was released on the 3 May. Charlie is a music producer, songwriter and a familiar face in the Southampton live music scene. He is the drummer in the band Interesting Wallpaper, and collaborates/plays with other

Photos by Rhona Murphy. Words by Graham Hiley. It was a case of Getting Away With It All Messed Up as James played a special set at Bournemouth’s O2 Academy. The title of one of their most popular songs proved to be the theme for the night as the Manchester rockers prepared to embark on

By Vicky Greer. Main image: Paloma Faith by Rhona Murphy.  What a great month May was for gigs! Kicking off with the wonderous Wanderlust Festival, where up-and-coming talents from around the country descended on Southampton to take over our favourite independent venues, followed by a month of exciting shows across the city.  This month, even

By Sam Wise. Open mic nights have their stars; theoretically the deal is that anyone can turn up and play, but there are certain people who everyone knows have got a bit extra. They always get put in a good slot, they can turn up late and still make it onto the stage, and there’s

Set on the stunning Southsea seafront, multi-award-winning Victorious Festival, which takes place from 23 – 25 August 2024, announces a jam-packed bill of entertainment for all the family at this year’s bank holiday extravaganza. Brush off your best moves as TV presenter, Katy Ashworth, takes to the stage on Friday for the ultimate disco party,

By Sam Wise.  The Erotic Secrets of Pompeii are an apocalyptic art rock band from Bristol. If you’re not sure what that means, don’t worry, all will become clear. I spoke to the whole band ahead of their gig at Southampton’s Joiners earlier this week, but much of the talking was done by lead singer

By Sam Wise. Whatever you think Jah Wobble is going to do live, he might. He really might, whatever it is. One thing and one thing only you can be sure of, and that’s that it won’t be the only thing he does. At the start of this show, Wobble wanders onto the stage with

Words by Lewis Maclean. Pictures by Rhona Murphy.  I feel I should state at the outset that I think Paloma Faith is a great live act and the BIC a fantastic venue. I first saw Paloma live at the other stage of Bestival back in 2011 in the afternoon playing to a burnt out festival

By Sally Churchward. One of the hottest British bands of the moment, Only The Poets (OTP) have announced their rescheduled date at Southampton’s Engine Rooms. The band were set to play the venue on June 13, but had to reschedule a number of their dates having been given the opportunity to support Yungblud in Europe.

By Vicky Greer. Fresh from the release of their self-produced debut album For Your Sins, Dea Matrona are in a back room upstairs at The Joiners, getting ready to play their first headline show in Southampton. Tomorrow will be their first day off in 10 days amidst a hectic tour, but tonight they’ll be bringing

By Sam Wise. Jah Wobble, at least for me, was one of those names that hovers at the periphery of your consciousness without you necessarily being certain why. I remember that in my case, he first came into actual focus in the runup to a Womad festival in the early 2000s, where he was performing

Words and pictures by Callum Linklater. Portsmouth 9am, Sunday 5th May – Show 13 of 15  a self admittingly tired Frank Turner takes to the stage donning a shirt reading ‘Whose stupid idea was this anyway?’. “My name is Frank Turner, Welcome to my mid-life crisis. I am losing my mind,” he says while opening

Words: Vicky Greer. Pictures: Opus Kink by Callum Linklater. For Southampton gig-goers, brand new festival Wanderlust is a dream. A whole day of hopping between our favourite grassroots venues to see the best up-and-coming names in indie and post-punk on a sunny bank holiday weekend? Nothing could be better. The inaugural festival saw 30 bands

Image: Erland Cooper – Credit Samuel Davies. Scottish groundbreaking composer Erland Cooper – who merges music with evocative storytelling and conceptual art – has just heard the mastertape he buried in the earth three years ago for the very first time. The only recording of his new work, Carve The Runes Then Be Content With

By Vicky Greer.   Willie J Healey is stuck on a bus as he frantically tries to join our Zoom call. He’s battling jet lag from his trip back from New York, and now he’s on his way to debut his new single, ‘The Apple’, with none other than Steve Lamacq. This week, he starts rehearsals

By Vicky Greer.  What’s better than a brand-new festival for 2024? A multi-venue musical festival right on your doorstep, held in three of Southampton’s favourite local grassroots venues, that’s what! Welcome to Wanderlust, the event that’s taking over Southampton on the 4th May with 30 artists taking to stages across Heartbreakers, The Joiners and The

By Vicky Greer. The sun is out, so I’ve decided to skip spring and jump straight into summer. With the lighter evenings, we tend to think about summer festivals and big, outdoor stadium shows. But there’s still so much to be enjoyed in the local scene, with a jam-packed month ahead of us that will

Newton Faulkner is embarking on a new UK tour this spring, bringing him to Southampton’s 1865 in May. Kicking off with an appearance at Liverpool’s Hangar 34 on 27th April, the ‘Feels Like Home Tour 2’ will see the Reigate singer-songwriter taking in shows all across England. Newton Faulkner is continually adjusting to a music

After performing two sell-out shows at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, celebrated and award-winning blues rock guitarist, Joe Bonamassa has announced a rare one-off intimate concert at The Anvil in Basingstoke on Saturday 15 June.  This special indoor concert follows Joe’s exclusive UK festival performance at The Black Deer Festival on Friday 14 June. Backed by a stellar band of legendary

Anchor Lane, who cite a wide range of influences including Nothing but Thieves, Royal Blood, Biffy  Clyro, Queens of the Stone Age, Muse and Foo Fighters are one of the latest bands to come out of Scotland in recent years.  Their headline tour will see them take to the stage at Southampton’s The 1865 on

Blancmange will release a career spanning new collection: ‘Everything Is Connected’ on 10th May, following this with a UK tour which comes to Southampton’s 1865 for its final date.  Blancmange’s story is one of two distinct chapters. In the early ‘80s they infused the emergent synth-pop scene with oblique lyrics, wry British humour and occasionally

Turn It Up is a new development opportunity for musicians from Southampton and SO postcodes, launched by University of Southampton music venue, Turner Sims, earlier this year in association with SoCo Music Project.  Supported by funding from Arts Council England, the programme aims to help local musicians turn up the volume on their creative projects. Pegasuses

By Lewis Maclean. Southampton-born singer/songwriter – Welly (aka Elliott), is the frontman in a group – Welly – named after the main character (like Scooby Doo), but the other players are Joe and Matt on guitars, Jacob on bass, and Hannah on percussion/synthesisers. Welly no longer lives in/around Southampton but has his roots here, with

Image by Hollie Fernando. Willie J Healey’s latest album ‘Bunny’ earned a wave of remarkable critical adoration. The album took his talents to a broader audience with highlights including the BBC 6 Music Album of the Year accolade (as chosen by Guy Garvey), BBC Radio 1 support from Jack Saunders and Greg James, a remarkable

By Anita Foxall. Big Special are the result of a music/spoken word 17-year-old friendship. They claim ‘it’s not Big and it’s not Special’ but they came over to the Joiners on Sunday 7 April and showed us they actually are that big and that special of a band. Big Special stepped on stage to the

Tribute band The Killerz are to headline the festival, held in the grounds of The Elvetham Hotel in the Hampshire countryside. FleetingDays is a family-friendly one-day micro-festival located near Fleet, Hampshire. Held on Saturday 17th August 2024, it features bands and performers, children’s entertainment, local food and drink, stalls and more – 2024 will feature new

By Vicky Greer.   With Glastonbury’s lineup finally revealed, everyone’s looking straight ahead to festival season. But there’s still a solid few months left to enjoy local gigs before we get there, and it’s a good time to reflect on the grassroots venues that allow us to have festivals like Glastonbury at all. The Music Venue

Southampton’s Welly have premiered their brand new single Shopping – available now alongside an exuberant music video that introduces one of the UK’s most exciting new bands. You can watch the video here. Satirical, sincere and startlingly accomplished, Shopping is as razor-sharp a send up of modern consumerism as it is a rallying cry against

The Libertines released of their fourth studio album entitled, All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade on 8th March 2024. The release marks the band’s first new album in nine years. They are also hitting the road, and will be coming to Bournemouth’s O2 Academy on November 21st.  The tour begins in Dublin on 23rd September

Music fans in the south are in for a huge treat, as James have announced a new live show at the O2 Academy Bournemouth on Wednesday 29 May. Following the warm up show in Bournemouth, James head out on their biggest ever tour in June, playing across the UK including the new Co-op Live Arena in

Loyle Carner will headline the first ever TK Maxx presents Southampton Summer Sessions on Saturday 29 June. He is the latest to join an unmissable collection of world-class talent, including Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Tom Jones, Madness, Placebo, Paloma Faith, and Kaiser Chiefs set to headline Guildhall Square for Southampton Summer Sessions from 15 to 30 June. One of the leading voices in British rap, Loyle

Victorious Festival is organised by a team of locals who are passionate about Portsmouth and enjoy spreading positivity through their Victorious in the Community arm and charitable contributions. This year saw Victorious in the Community donate over £150,000 to good causes, bringing the total since 2014 to £711,426.53. But it’s not just about the numbers,

The legendary Jah Wobble followed his huge touring schedule in 2023 with the announcement of a further tour this winter and into the spring. The dates will again revolve around a number of Metal Box Rebuilt In Dub shows, featuring former Siouxsie & The Banshees guitarist Jon Klein, which rework the second Public Image Ltd

Paul Weller, who recently announced a 15 date April tour selling out in record time, confirms a second leg in 2024. This 17-date stint throughout October and November sees Paul and his band gracing stages right across the country and includes 2 nights apiece in both Newcastle and Glasgow, a stop in Portsmouth and finishing

Image by: Emilyn Cardona. Ireland’s Cardinals have returned with “Unreal”, their much-anticipated follow-up to last year’s debut single proper, “Roseland”, a song saw them heralded across press for the maturity and fully-formed nature of their sound. The 7″ vinyl, released on tastemaker label So Young, went on to hurriedly sell out within only two hours

Today Placebo have been announced as the latest headliners for the inaugural TK Maxx presents Southampton Summer Sessions, with support from Friedberg. These latest names join the already announced Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Tom Jones, Madness Paloma Faith, and Kaiser Chiefs on the growing lineup of incredible acts taking over Guildhall Square for Southampton Summer

Victorious Festival is thrilled to announce one of the most iconic stages, the Seaside Stage, is back for 2024, presented by Beats and Swing. Back with a huge line-up for the weekend, including Australian artist Dub FX – known for revolutionising the concept of a one man band with live looping and samples – is guaranteed

New single, The Serpent and the King – from the album, Invincible Shield, released on 8 March –  sees Judas Priest at their heavy metal best, with what is without doubt the most fist pumping track on their much-anticipated forthcoming new album. The new single launched as Apple Music’s New Music Daily, along with an

Sofa City Bands Collective present you with an exciting evening of music at the Stage Door on Thursday 29 February. Pete Astor headlines the night, known for his work with The Loft, The Weather Prophets, The Wisdom of Harry and Ellis Island Sound. His music is introspective, dark, but also humorous. Support is provided by

Image by Georges Antoni. Royel Otis will support headliners Kaiser Chiefs, for this year’s inaugural Southampton Summer Sessions series on Sunday 30 June. They join previously announced Tom Jones, Madness, Nile Rodgers & CHIC and Sophie Ellis-Bextor on the growing lineup of unmissable acts who will take over Southampton’s Guildhall Square for Summer Sessions from 15 to 30 June. The vibrant Australian duo Royel Otis, comprising Otis Pavlovic

Orbital have released a new single, Tonight In Belfast, ahead of their Southampton gig in April. The new single from Orbital, David Holmes & DJ Helen featuring Mike Garry, “Tonight In Belfast” is available now through London Records. This brand new track interpolates their 1991 classic “Belfast” and heralds the start of a new campaign

Newton Faulkner will be coming to Southampton’s 1865 on Friday 17 May. The English singer-songwriter is embarking on the second leg of his extensive Feels Like Home Tour and will be playing a career-spanning set including highlights from his No1 double-platinum debut, Hand Built By Robots, plus previewing cuts from his eagerly awaited new studio

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Cowes, the Fringe Festival will take place from the 24 – 26 of May 2024, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of music and performances. The much-anticipated return of the Cowes Fringe Festival is set to dazzle audiences with an array of performances from an eclectic

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds have announced a live performance at Bournemouth O2 Academy, taking place on Monday 18 March 2024. The show is part of a series of warm-up gigs at some of the UK’s most intimate venues – recently announced live dates at Poole Lighthouse (17 March) and Portsmouth Guildhall (20 March) both

Stowaway Festival have revealed the line-up for their third edition, happening 16 -18 August in Stowe, Buckinghamshire.    The emerging music and arts festival, which launched in 2022, will be headlined by Groove Armada (DJ set), Greentea Peng, Leftfield  and Maribou State. Other performers/DJs include Cinthie,Dillinja, DJ Flight, Laura Misch, LTJ Bukem, Optimo (Espacio) and

The band that launched British folk-rock kick off a fantastic season of folk this spring  at Turner Sims Southampton. Fairport Convention play a sold-out concert on  Thursday 22 February – and there’s more great live music to come.   Belinda O’Hooley, one half of beloved Yorkshire folk duo O’Hooley and Tidow, brings music from her solo

Paloma Faith and AIR as the latest headliners for the inaugural TK Maxx presents Southampton Summer Sessions series this summer. Some 25 years after its release, AIR will play “Moon Safari” live in its entirety when they headline on 27 June. The new headliners join previously announced Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Tom Jones, Madness and

Hampshire Star, Frank Turner, is set to release his 10th album, Undefeated, on 3 May, which includes recently released single, Do One. Undefeated follows his first UK  number one album, 2022’s FTHC, and is the result of his decision to step away from the major label world to re-embrace the liberation of working as an

Image: Camilla George by Daniel Adhami. The University of Southampton music venue Turner Sims has announced events through to June 2024. The season is a bold celebration of classical masters, cultural diversity, and youth leadership. Classical highlights include a celebration of Shostakovich with the Carducci Quartet and actor Anton Lesser (Game of Thrones, Endeavour, The

Buckinghamshire’s biggest and best music festival PennFest have announced a host of exciting additions to their summer 2024 line-up! Ella Henderson, Professor Green, Newton Faulkner, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, East 17 Christmas Special, DJ Hype, Grooverider, Oxide & Neutrino and Matt Jam Lamont will join headliners Paul Weller, Richard Ashcroft and Jess Glynne in the first

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds announce that their first show of 2024 will take place at Poole Lighthouse on Sunday17 March. The intimate gig will mark Noel’s second appearance at the venue, after first performing there 20 years ago with Oasis (on 23 June 2004 – a warm up show ahead of the band headlining

By Anita Foxall Interesting Wallpaper had their headliner show at Heartbreakers on the 26 January. They were joined by 2 local bands, Sturmey Archers and Watching the Buzzards, for a complete Sofa City Bands Collective celebration. A full venue filled with support for local music. Who said we are not a city of culture? Sturmey Archers

Sugababes, Razorlight, The Kooks, James Bay, Groove Armada, Professor Green, Tom Walker and more added as second wave artist additions for this year’s Victorious Festival in Southsea. The multi-award-winning Victorious Festival (23/24/25 August 2024) – the UK’s biggest metropolitan festival – has today announced a fresh round of acts to this year’s already monumental line-up,

It’s back! Last year saw the launch of Road To Victorious, an exciting competition open to bands based within the PO postcode area. Crystal Tides were the worthy winners, shortlisted from hundreds of talented applicants within the PO postcode, and went on to win your votes! Their prize saw them participate in a huge festival

Rock Goddess Suzi Quatro is set to headline a star-studded line-up at this year’s Wickham Festival. The American legend will join the Levellers, Seth Lakeman, Tony Christie and many more at the popular event which runs from August 1-4. The Detroit-born singer will top the bill on the Friday night when she will be belting

By Vicky Greer.  January wasn’t an easy month for live music in Southampton, with the announcement that venues Suburbia and The Art House would be closing their doors – although happily The Art House will be continuing to a presence in the city, just no longer with a permanent bricks and mortar home. Unfortunately, these aren’t

Judas Priest have announced plans to delight fans with a new world tour in 2024, including a visit to Bournemouth International Centre on 17 March. Over the past 50 years Judas Priest have sold more than 50 million albums worldwide and headlined the world’s biggest stages. Their evolving music and live performances also saw the

By Sam Wise. Saturday night saw the arrival in Southampton of a show born out of time, 1923 Prohibition Party, and I was privileged to speak to one of its stars, Martin Jarl, trumpeter, singer and manager of the band Swing’It in advance. Martin is, unconventionally for a swing musician, from Norway. He explained his love

Reported by Charlie Hislop It is the last Friday in November, and off to the side of Guildhall Square, hidden away from the city’s Christmas attractions a small group of people are meeting in the cold evening. Sandwiched between the Arts Council funded MAST theatre, and the Arts Council funded John Hansard gallery – AKA

By Vicky Greer. Image: Shed Seven by Barnaby Fairley. January is always a slower time for live music, but there’s still plenty to do in Southampton this month. Whether you’re looking for an intimate in-store or a high-energy rock gig, there’s something for everyone to celebrate the start of 2024 in the city. Monday 8th

Liverpool four-piece Courting have shared a new single titled “Emily G”. The track follows the band’s recent return with details of their highly anticipated new album “New Last Name”, which was recorded in collaboration with indie heroes Gary and Ryan Jarman of The Cribs. The album is due for release on 26th January. They band

Photo credit Jonathan Turton. The Zutons are embarking on a full UK tour next year, in support of forthcoming album The Big Decider, which arrives on 26th April 2024. Having sold out their run of intimate live shows set to take place from January to March of next year, they have added a string of

Image by Danny Clifford. To celebrate their momentous 50th anniversary, British music legends Squeeze have announced a massive UK tour for 2024 including a show at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre on the 27th October.  With a half-century distinguished by some of the smartest and sweetest guitar-pop made during the rock & roll era, Squeeze will be performing an

The Art House in Southampton City Centre is inviting everyone to join them  for a laid back, fun, family friendly New Year’s Eve. On Sunday 31 December (of course)  from 8.30pm  there will be an evening of food, music and more.An organiser said: “Come and clap your hands, stamp your feet and make a joyful

Image by Matt Crockett. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds today announce their first UK live performance for 2024 with an intimate headline show at Portsmouth’s Guildhall on Wednesday 20th March. Tickets will be on sale from Friday 15th December at 9:00am GMT here. The Portsmouth show will take place ahead of four huge outdoor performances in summer 2024, including Wigan’s Robin

By Graham Hiley If Shane MacGowan had been a pirate instead of a Pogue, he might have come up with something like Skinny Lister. On the day of the Irish singer’s funeral, his influence was clear as the Greenwich band took Southampton’s Engine Rooms by storm with their own special brand of Shanty Punk, also

Fatboy Slim, Snow Patrol, Jamie T and Biffy Clyro have this morning been  announced as headliners for Victorious Festival 2024, on Southsea Common. Courteeners, Pixies, Becky Hill, Wet Leg, Idles, Louis Tomlinson and Jess Glynne will also join the bumper line-up for next summer. There will also be comedy from Russell Howard and Frankie Boyle.

Ahead of the release of their brand new compilation album, Rebel Diamonds, on 8th December, The Killers have announced details of a celebratory UK/Ireland tour in summer 2024. The Rebel Diamonds Tour will celebrate the band’s 20 years of hits in a series of arena shows, including multiple nights at London’s The O2. The new dates are the first

Let’s Rock has announced that synth-pop legends The Human League will headline Let’s Rock Southampton 2024 on Saturday July 6th. Also performing at the much-loved event on Southampton Common next summer will be Level 42, Peter Hook & The Light, From The Jam, eXTC, Jason Donovan, Kim Appleby, Altered Images, China Crisis, Dr & The

Southampton musician Charlie Smith has put out a new EP and is rounding 2023 off with two events at The Art House in the city centre.  ‘Southampton Sessions’ is a 6-track live EP. “This year has been extremely busy for me, performing countless local gigs and embarking on a northern England tour in October (Leicester,

Tom Jones and Madness are the latest headliners to be announced for next year’s inaugural Southampton Summer Sessions series. They join previously announced Nile Rodgers & CHIC and Kaiser Chiefs on the growing lineup of unmissable acts who will take over Southampton’s Guildhall Square for Summer Sessions from 15 to 30 June. Tickets go on general sale on Friday 01 December at 9am via smmrsessions.com

Author, musician, journalist, presenter and pundit John Robb has shared details of a UK tour, celebrating his life in music bringing him to The Attic in Totton, near Southampton, in April. Discussing everything from his recently released book ‘The Art Of Darkness – The History of Goth’ to his experience being the first person to

By Vicky Greer.  Hello, and welcome to your new monthly guide to Southampton’s ever-vibrant live music scene! Every month, I’ll be scouting out the best gigs in the city, from the massive headliners to the unmissable emerging acts. I’ve been attending gigs across the city since I moved here five years ago, and Southampton’s live

A collaboration between two of the city’s most vibrant music organisations is once again be supporting talent from across Southampton.  Sounds of Southampton Volume 3 launched on the 17th November and builds on the success of the previous two albums, both featuring in the UK Download Chart and supporting dozens of young artists from the

Hull-based shoegaze quartet bdrmm will play The Joiners, Southampton, on 15th March 2024. News of the UK and European tour comes hot on the heels of their new 7″ single ‘Mud’. It’s the latest single from their widely acclaimed second album “I Don’t Know”, which was released in late-June to critical acclaim with Rolling Stone

Electro duo Orbital will play O2 Southampton Guildhall on April 25th 2024 as part of their Green Album 2024 celebration tour. Speaking about the tour, the duo said they are are excited about bringing the album to audiences old and new. Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll says: “The way we perform is always free and full of

Kaiser Chiefs will perform a headline show in Southampton, as part of the Southampton Summer Sessions series, at Guildhall Square on Sunday 30 June 2024. They join previously announced Nile Rodgers & CHIC on the growing lineup of impressive acts set to play the Summer Sessions’ very first year in Southampton. British indie rockers Kaiser Chiefs are renowned for their

Image by Jon Sturdy. Hot off the release of their critically acclaimed third studio album “Aces Are High”, award-winning rock duo When Rivers Meet, comprised of husband-and-wife Aaron and Grace Bond, have announce their “Aces Are High” Spring 2024 UK Tour. The tour takes in eight concerts and starts at The Brook, Southampton on April

Paloma Faith has returned with the release of her new single ‘How You Leave A Man.’ The single precedes the 16th February release of Paloma’s sixth studio album ‘The Glorification of Sadness’ via RCA Records. She will head out on an extensive UK tour in April, bringing her to Bournemouth International centre in May. She excitedly heralds

Image – Mark Almond at Let’s Rock 2023, Southampton Common, by Ian Cumming The iconic retro festival series Let’s Rock has announced the dates of four of their festivals for 2024. A celebration of all things pop and ‘80s, Let’s Rock will be returning to Leeds ( June 22), Exeter (June 29), Southampton (July 6)

By Charlie Hislop Fundraisers are being organised across Southampton in the next two months by musicians, and others, to help the Platform Tavern get back up and running after a night-time fire in the bar. A number of local bands have already signed up… Chicago 9, the Platform Posse, and the Pete Harris Blues Band

Image by Paul Husband. Black Grape return this year with a  new album ‘Orange Head’, which will be released on DGAFF Recordings on 3rd November. The album arrives  ahead of a  small UK tour, with  Shaun Ryder and Paul “Kermit” Leveridge and the band due to headline venues in Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, London, and Southampton this November/December, alongside a festival appearance

Southampton-based Mantrafox release ‘I’m Needing You’  today (October 13th).  Mantrafox is the brainchild of singer songwriter Robert Freemantle. Having ‘squirrelled songs away’ for years, he has emerged from the shadows of depression and anxiety to begin finishing/releasing them at last. He explains, ‘Addressing the complexities of mental health holds significant personal importance to me. Anxiety

By Nick Mabey. Punk rock, Disney songs and sausages; in the words of Maria Von Trapp, these are a few of my favourite things. And so it was I keenly put my hand up to interview Peej Edwards, singer and guitarist with South Wales on-line-turned-live band Punk Rock Factory, ahead of their forthcoming gig at

Southampton-based band Weaver Márquez have recently released their debut album, Decline. Weaver Márquez started performing live this year and have shared the bill with with local rising stars Hunting Hearts and The Surge. They describe their music as “dark emotionally charged indie for fans of Radiohead, Placebo, Mogwai, Interpol and more.” Tracks on the album

Photo by Jamie MacMillan. O. – the London-based duo of baritone saxophonist Joseph Henwood and drummer Tash Keary – have announced details of their debut EP, “SLICE” which will be released on 24th November. They’ll be backing this up with a tour, hitting the road in October and coming to Heartbreakers, Southampton, in February. The

Picture by Paul Stuart Hollingsworth. FM have announced their “Old Habits Die Hard” 40th Anniversary UK Tour 2024, bringing them to Southampton’s The 1865 in May. FM will perform songs from their past 13 albums including their 1984 debut album Indiscreet, plus Tough It Out, Metropolis, Synchronized and many more, plus songs from their forthcoming highly anticipated 14th studio

Photos by Joy Mckay and Anita Foxall.  This weekend saw the return of Music in the City with some 150 acts playing for free at venues across the city including conventional gig venues, cafes, bars, alongside quirkier locations, such as the Holy Rood Church, Guildhall Square and God’s House Tower. The two-day event featured a

Take That have announced they are hitting the road with a massive stadium tour next year, bringing them to Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium  on June 1st. The tour will follow the release of their ninth studio album This Life, on 24th November, and a new single Windows which is out now. This Life On Tour

Following his recent return with new tracks ‘Blindside’ & ‘A Year Ago’, James Arthur has announced his fifth, brand new studio album Bitter Sweet Love – out  on January 26th. James also announced his return to the stage with a huge UK and European tour that hits the UK in March next year for a run of

A historic church near Winchester has established itself as a centre for high quality music events. St Mary’s Church in Twyford started putting on shows in 2022 and among the artists who have already performed are Mary Gauthier, Plainsong, The Delines and blues maestro Aynsley Lister. The purpose of these shows is to raise funds

Image by Ed Miles. After the recent announcement of their forthcoming new studio album, synth pioneers Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) have revealed details of their return to the stage, with the band taking to the road next year, bringing them to Portsmouth in March. Across February and March 2024, OMD will play 22 dates

By Anita Foxall. Photos by Chris Martin. Local band Dead Freights headlined a fantastic show at Papillon on the 15th of September. It was very exciting to have the band performing in their home town again, especially in an incredible new venue. Papillon was probably known to us all as a restaurant, and a very

Image by Julian Broad Following a triumphant, stand out performance on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury this year, which The Independent described as “one of Friday’s most memorable performances”, Texas will return to the stage for a run of UK Arena shows in September 2024, bringing the band to the BIC,  Bournemouth, on September 10th Kicking off at

On 1st December 2023, Beans on Toast will return with an all-new studio album,  ‘The Toothpaste and the Tube’, and from November he embarks on an extensive UK tour, including dates in Oxford, Cardiff and on the Isle of Wight, bringing him to The Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth, in March.   The latest Beans on Toast

Image: Riya Hollings. Following their incredible main stage performances at Reading & Leeds Festivals, Don Broco hit the road again in the UK this autumn. Having blown audiences away in March when they headlined huge venues including the likes of Alexandra Palace and Cardiff Motorpoint Arena, Don Broco will be taking to the stages of

Image by Alex Lake. Keane are set to release a special remastered version of ‘Hopes and Fears’ on May 10th 2024 exactly 20 years after its initial release. On the same day, the band play London’s 02 Arena as part of a world tour that kicks off April 1st in Mexico City before reaching Europe

Following the huge success of 2022’s rapturously received 40 Years Of Hits Tour – and the recent announcement of Australian and New Zealand tour dates for early next year – Simple Minds have today (September 4th)  announced the March UK & Ireland leg of their Global Tour 2024, bringing them to Bournemouth. In the past

Read our day-by-day review of Victorious, featuring the headline acts, newcomers and much more.   Friday  by Sally Churchward. Main image: Kate Nash by Tom Langford. Victorious boasts the claim to fame of being the UK’s biggest metropolitan festival and this year it was even bigger. While the Friday festival experience has previously hosted some

Image by Michael Clement. James Blunt returns to the road next year in support of his new album Who We Used To Be – out October 27th on Atlantic Records. James and his band will play 12 dates across the UK next Spring kicking off March 30th at Leeds First Direct Arena and finishing April

Miles Kane has announced fresh UK headline tour dates for January and February 2024, coming to Southampton’s Engine Rooms on February 6th. The  announcement arrives ahead of his brand new album One Man Band – out August 4th on Modern Sky Records, and follows the release of its superb latest tracks The Wonder  and Baggio.

South London roots-futurists Alabama 3 have announced a show in Southampton for November.   Heading to The 1865 on 30 November in support of their upcoming release ‘Cold War Classics Vol.2’, tickets for the show are on sale now.   Born at an all-night squat party during the ‘90s, the group formed when charismatic frontman

Southampton indie rockers Pioneers have announced the forthcoming release of their new single, “Cold For Zero,” out on August 1st.  This track, reminiscent of the early 2000s indie scene, pays homage to Pioneers’ early years while also exploring the universal theme of navigating adulthood and the desire to retain a youthful spirit. “Cold For Zero”

by Joy McKay. It’s half past six on a Saturday evening and I’m in a supermarket, Nothing unusual in that, except I’m not. I’m at The Greedy Flea, the bar/ coffee lounge at The Mercantile Flea, a relative newcomer to the Southampton music scene. The Flea opened in 2021 in what is the former Morrisons,

Thousands of revellers descended on Southampton yesterday (8 July 2023) as retro festival, Let’s Rock, bought its annual music event to The Common. Photos: Ian Cumming Photography See our review of Let’s Rock: Review: Let’s Rock, Southampton Common, 8 July 2023 In Common is not for profit. We rely on donations from readers to keep

Review By: Ian Howie-Lee & Catherine Collins – Photo Credit: Kate Hunter Photography Thousands of revellers once again descended on Southampton Common yesterday for the return of retro ‘80s festival, Let’s Rock, with headline performances from Soft Cell and Boomtown Rats. There were ‘80s costumes and neon galore, and despite a soggy start to the

Photos by Ian Cumming.  A charity hip hop and graffiti jam was held at Southampton’s Bargate and the Common on Saturday (1st July) in collaboration with Do1Cancer, to raise money for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice. It was organised by Southampton graffiti artist, Paul Donnelly, aka Flukez. It included graffiti artists showcasing their skills and a

By Lewis MacLean. The Molotovs are a trio of young musicians who are a new and fast rising band. The name was familiar to me before the Isle of Wight Festival but after seeing a recommendation from The Libertines’ Pete Doherty describing them as ‘F-ing Ace’, I was keen to catch them live at the

image by Steve Gullick.  Ash have announced their first new album together in more than five years,  alongside news of an upcoming UK / EU tour. Race The Night, the band’s eighth studio album, will be released on 15th September 2023 via one of their earliest label homes Fierce Panda. With 29 years, 18 hit

Folk-punk rabble Skinny Lister are back with a new track “Down On The Barrier” plus details of two extensive tours in North America and UK and Ireland throughout Autumn/Winter 2023, bringing them to Southampton’s Engine Rooms in December. Blending pogo-primed percussion, punk hooks, and a chorus that demands to be roared-out loud and proud, “Down

Words by Nick Mabey (Friday) & Lewis MacLean (Saturday & Sunday). Additional reporting by Paula Wilson.  Main image by Chloe Hashemi.   Friday by Nick Mabey. Friday at the festival and Newport was rocking. The sun shone, the crowds swarmed, everything was as it should be. For me it was all about Jarvis Cocker but

Back in the UK and Ireland for the first time in more than six years, NZ indie-rockers The Chills are set to play a series of live dates this June. Joined by Fire Records label-mates Rats on Rafts, The Chills are heading to Glasgow, Newcastle, Norwich, Birmingham, Portsmouth and Dublin. The Dunedin, NZ songsmiths helmed by the enigmatic Martin Phillipps will be performing an array

Leftfield in Bournemouth: Hauntology, not nostalgia Words by Tom Williams. Image by Steve Gullick. Leftfield are one of a handful of acts who I got into largely because their ‘Leftism’ album- with its distinctive shark’s jaws cover- appeared in the CD collections of slightly older, much cooler friends when I started clubbing as a student

by Peter Nicholson. Dlugokecki (pronounced Der-loo-go-ken-ski) have supported million-selling artists such as David Gray, Snow Patrol, Corinne-Bailey Rae, The Proclaimers, Passenger and Lu Lu on their world tours, playing to thousands of people. They’ve also had their songs used on numerous TV shows, played festivals across the word including the South By Southwest Festival in Texas

In 2024, The Stranglers, one of the most iconic and influential bands in British music history, are celebrating their 50th year anniversary with a following UK and Irish tour. The tour will bring them to Portsmouth Guildhall on March 24th. Since playing their last full-scale UK tour in 2022, the band has turned their minds

Singer-songwriter Charlie Smith from Hampshire is playing a gig on home turf this month, at The Hobbit, Southampton.  He describes his music as “chillingly sweet, raw, and emotive,” adding  “In keeping my honest approach to music my recordings have no unnecessary effects, focusing on chords and melody above all else.” Charlie is an experienced live

South London roots-futurists Alabama 3 have announced a show in Southampton this autumn, and are heading to The 1865 on 30 November in support of their upcoming release ‘Cold War Classics Vol.2’.   Born at an all-night squat party during the ‘90s, the group formed when charismatic frontman and co-founder Rob Spragg started singing the lyrics

Victorious Festival has been ranked the third best festival in the UK after data analysis conducted across the country’s festival landscape, with results showing Victorious as one of the best value-for-money festivals in the UK   Multi-award-winning Victorious Festival (which this year will be held on 25/26/27 August) has been rated as the third best festival

words and photos by Peter Nicholson. It’s always refreshing when artists take some chances on support acts, perhaps not going for exactly the same genre as themselves. That was certainly the case with The Lottery Winners’ gig at The Engine Rooms, Southampton (April 28).  Jerry Williams was the first on stage. Her delicate voice and

Skindred have announced a headline show in Southampton for Autumn 2023, as part of a larger UK and Ireland tour supporting their upcoming album ‘Smile’, coming to city’s O2 Guildhall on 11 November.   Widely recognised as one of the UK’s most exciting live bands, Skindred also recently been nominated as ‘Best UK Live Act’

words and photos by Peter Nicholson. After my interview with Caity Baser last month, ahead of her home-town show at Southampton’s Engine Rooms, I was keen to see if her energy and enthusiasm would extend to the performance in her stage show It did, ten fold! Caity was obviously really excited to play the gig

Isle of Wight based vocalist Nina Ross is set to release her debut single ‘Milk’ next month.  The track is a cover of a fellow Island band’s song and rising stars, Plastic Mermaids (who connect via mutual drummer, Chris Jones). Nina delivers a pure, stripped-back melancholic version of the song with intimate, jazz/folk vocals leading

Southampton Philharmonic Choir (SPC) will be joining forces with Southampton University Philharmonic Choir at the O2 Guildhall Southampton on Saturday, March 18. They will be performing Vaughan WIlliams’ popular and evocative The Lark Ascending and Dona Nobis Pacem and Howard Goodall’s Eternal Light. Docklands Sinfonia will also be performing.  Founded in 1860, SPC celebrated its

The Alarm’s Mike Peters returns to public life after a year dominated by pneumonia and a serious leukaemia relapse, with the release  of the video to ‘Forwards’, the title track from the band’s forthcoming album, out 2nd June, and a touring schedule, bringing the band to Southsea’s Wedgewood Rooms on June 7th. “I literally took

by Joy McKay. If you haven’t already discovered it The Art House in Southampton is a performance venue and social centre on Above Bar, opposite The Guildhall. They offer live music, performance poetry, storytelling and comedy as well as workshops and classes, drop-in community cafe events, a community pantry and a meeting space for groups. It’s

Turner Sims Southampton celebrates the 80th birthday of one of Southampton’s best known musicians, Ray d’Inverno, on Sunday 5 March with a special concert featuring the man himself. The acclaimed jazz pianist ran Southampton Jazz Club for many years,  alongside his career as a Professor of Mathematics and General Relativity at Southampton  University.  In the

By Charlie Hislop. Dan Mar-Molinero – for many years at the core of Southampton’s music scene and music education has finally released an album of his own music. ‘Taproot’ came out on Bandcamp today (March 3). It’s a big band, lockdown-created, Ivor Novello award-nominated jazz project. It’s Dan’s work from start to finish – composer,

by Peter Nicholson. It’s homecoming time for Southampton’s Caity Baser on the 19th April. The Engine Rooms in Southampton will host this dynamic young musician when she returns to her home city following a whirlwind rise to stardom. The show is already SOLD OUT, although this is hardly a surprise due to the huge following

Kasabian have this morning (10/2/23) been announced as the Saturday headliner act at this year’s Victorious Festival in Southsea, which takes place from August 25 to 27. Further announcements made today include Pete Tong, Ibiza Classics, alt-J, Ben Howard, Ellie Goulding, Friendly Fires, Natalie Imbruglia, Kaiser Chiefs, Annie Macmanus, Jake Bugg and Belle and Sebastian.

words and pictures by Peter Nicholson. When one of our local talents sells out the iconic Joiners at his first attempt, it has to be a gig worth attending! So I did exactly that. Hailing from Romsey, Rob Clamp, is now busier than he’s ever been through his music career. Despite, what he describes as

words and photos by Peter Nicholson. Following my preview interview with Maja Lena (click here) and listening to her latest album a couple of weeks ago, I was really looking forward to hearing how the very polished tracks from the album would transfer to the live stage. I was certainly not disappointed!  The trio took

by Peter Nicholson. On Friday evening, the stage at The Brook, Southampton, was the brief home for a talented, young, American musician during a brief visit to the UK. I say “home” because the hour-long gig felt more like a gathering of friends than the usual feel of a gig. Gracie Abrams was outstanding. Gracie

DMA’S are on the road this spring, and coming to Bournemouth’s O2 Academy on April 7. They recently released new single Fading Like a Picture from their forthcoming album How Many Dreams?, due out on March 31. Previous releases from the album, Olympia and Everybody’s Saying Thursday’s the Weekend – the latter of which is

by Lewis MacLean. Recent English Eurovision contender and runner up Sam Ryder needs no introduction. He will go down in history as the closest we got (since Bucks Fizz) to winning what England generally condisers the most biased and contentious global competition of all. However, enthusiastic Sotonites who turned into his NYE GIG might be

Independent alternative-rock and metal festival Takedown will make its return in 2023, landing at Portsmouth Guildhall on Saturday 8th April.  After an eight-year hiatus, the much-loved festival is making a comeback with an impressive lineup, a new venue and an outdoor stage added for the first time. Moving from its Southampton University roots to the

by Anita Foxall. March 2020 was certainly unforgettable for us all. But this is also the date that marked the beginning of Interesting Wallpaper, a Southampton based band who have now released their first EP. Pete Harvey, the lead singer and song writer, explained they started as a trio, and due to the timing, they

words and photos by Peter Nicholson. This wasn’t the first time the Dub Pistols had played The Brook, in Southampton, but this time it was a sell-out (December 3)! With more than 20 years since the band formed, their history, according to front man Barry Ashworth, reads like an A-Z of cautionary tales for any

words and photos by Peter Nicholson. In all honesty, this wasn’t a gig that I was particularly excited about. Despite it being at my favourite venue, The Brook, Southampton, I suspected it would simply be an artist with an acoustic guitar, playing a short, forty-five-minute set. However, and for those of you who don’t always

Having recently released her sophomore album, Pluto, Maja Lena has announced her UK tour, including a date at Heartbreakers bar in Southampton on Saturday 28 January 2023. On Pluto, Maja Lena journeys from the pastoral to the cosmic, continuing her increasing fascination with science fiction and the icy, electronic soundscapes of 1980s’ Japanese cinema and

by Sam Wise. Hurrying into Vinilo a few minutes before the scheduled start of Native Harrow’s 45 minute in-store performance, a somewhat forlorn sight greeted me last night (20 November). The duo of Devin Tuel and Stephen Hams were set up in the corner of the generously sized record shop, gazing out over only about

by  Joy Richardson. In 1996 Placebo (vocalist/guitarist Brian Molko and bassist/guitarist Stefan Olsdal) hit the indie music scene with the release of  their self-titled debut album and tour of the usual venues for the up and coming. There was a real buzz surrounding this band; the major scene at the time was BritPop and whilst

by Sally Churchward. The 2004 debut album of Southampton band Delays, Faded Seaside Glamour, is being re-released on limited edition vinyl. The album is being released through Rough Trade Records, the label who first signed the band 20 years ago. It is expected that it will be available on 27 January, 2023 The band’s lead

words and pictures: Peter Nicholson. During the lead up to The Brook show, I had the privilege of interviewing Paul Young for In Common. So, when I arrived at the Southampton venue for tonight’s gig, I went backstage to say hello to the band before the show. While chatting with the band I realised that

words and pictures by Peter Nicholson. It’s always great to be able to photograph a band whose music I grew up with. This was the case on Tuesday night (8 November) when I headed to The 1865 in Southampton to see Soul Asylum. Although the band originally formed in the early 1980s, and released three

One of British music’s most influential bands, Joy Division will be celebrated by one of the founding members, Peter Hook, on tour next year. Peter Hook & The Light will be bringing Joy Division: A Celebration to venues across the UK, including Sheffield’s Foundry, Cardiff’s Tramshed and Southampton’s The 1865 (on April 27). A founding

words and pictures by Peter Nicholson. Although I’d like to be thought to be far too young, I clearly remember the Summer of 1979 and hearing “Are Friends Electric” for the first time. It was arguably the birth of mainstream appreciation of synth-based music. It sprang from the “New Wave” movement of that era which

by Alex Thurley-Ratcliff. MY BABY at The 1865 last night (November 4) was the first ‘proper’ gig I’ve been to in three years. I actually tried to go to see them last year at the same venue but I was too ill, as I’ve been slowly recovering from long covid. So it felt like a

words and pictures by Peter Nicholson. Another stormy night was on the cards as I headed to this iconic venue, The Joiners, in Southampton for the Plastic Mermaids gig (November 4). They were back in Southampton to promote their recent album “It’s Not Comfortable To Grow”, and, hailing from the Isle Of Wight, this gig

Southampton music charity, SoCo Music, has been awarded £100,000 funding by Youth Music to support music making for children under five in the city. SoCo was set up in Southampton in 2008. It is a not-for-profit music organisation, providing inclusive music-making opportunities and supporting the music-making sector, across Hampshire.  For the last three years, the

Following the release of their new album Private View, Blancmange are on an extensive nationwide tour, bringing them to The Brook, Southampton, on November 5. The album’s highlights include ‘Reduced Voltage’. With a cosmic feel, the song features David Rhodes’ guitar unfurling in waves of immersive tones alongside subtle electronics.  Neil Arthur explains: “I wanted a

On November 4th at The Edge of the Wedge in Southsea, Hunting Hearts – alt rock LGBTQ+ band from Southampton – are hosting “Queer Prom”, featuring a diverse line-up of queer artists and band from across Hampshire, including Wyse from Portsmouth, Velour from Bournemouth and another Southampton based band, Artemis.  Devin Valentine (pictured top left),

Right before the pandemic hit, London-based band Sea Girls were poised to make their next triumphant step. Henry Camamile (lead vocals, guitar), Rory Young (lead guitar), Andrew Dawson (bass) and Oliver Khan (drums) had just come off their first European headlining tour, playing 20 dates across the continent and debut tour of the US. Upcoming

 Southampton musician Amy da Silva has won the Youth Music Best Original Track Award (Solo) sponsored by TikTok  with her her track Think Twice. She has featured on both Sounds of Southampton Vol 1 and Vol2 albums,made by  SoCo Music Project, a not-for-profit music organisation that provides inclusive music-making opportunities and supports the music-making sector

Isle of Wight quintet Plastic Mermaids will embark on a UK headline tour in November, bringing them to  The Joiners, Southampton on the 3rd. With sets at Glastonbury and Camp Bestival under their belts from earlier this year, the band are looking forward to getting on the road again. The November tour follows the release

One of Britain’s most treasured bands, the multi-award-winning Kaiser Chiefs, will kick off their arena tour in November, including a stop at the Bournemouth International Centre on 17 November. They will be supported by The Fratellis and The Sherlocks. Formed in Leeds in 2000, Kaiser Chiefs are one of the leading bands of their generation.

photographed and written by Peter Nicholson. www.peternicholsonphotography.co.uk   PET NEEDS played the final night of a USA and UK tour at the O2 Guildhall Southampton last night (14 October). It was the culmination of weeks on the road, coast to coast across North America, touring with Frank Turner And The Sleeping Souls.  I caught up with

by Sam Wise. 30 years ago, Evan Dando blessed the world with one of the greatest albums of the 90s. It’s A Shame About Ray had no weak spots, no b-grade material, it ran through fast and tight with songs that veered between genius, and merely excellent. Not only that, but it made a star

Photographs and words by Peter Nicholson.   I had been looking forward to seeing Easy Life at The Brook, Southampton (8 October). I really like their studio work, but had been less than impressed by videos I’d seen of their live performances, so I wanted to see for myself.  The band is clearly formed around

words and photos by Peter Nicholson. Paul Young’s career must be the envy of artists across the world. As well as singing the opening lines on Band Aid’s  single Do They Know it’s Christmas? in 1984 and appearing at the iconic Wembley Stadium Live-Aid concert, he also released three number one albums, received a Brit

words and pictures by Rob Davis. “They’re likely to sell out quickly” said the In Common article and Twitter announcement about tickets to see Craig David perform at Southampton’s The 1865 on 1 October as an ‘outstore’ event from record store Vinilo. That was motivation enough for me to try get a ticket straight after

Southampton’s premier Music Charity, SoCo Music, has been awarded £14,578 funding by three funders to work with children and young people in the local area. The Hampshire Music Education Hub Partnership Project Fund has granted  the charity £4500 to work with children supported by the Primary Behavioural Service in Hampshire. SoCo Music will provide fun

Southampton musician Amy da Silva, who has featured on both Sounds of Southampton Vol 1 and Vol2 Albums, and her track THINK TWICE have been nominated for the Youth Music Best Original Track Award (Solo) sponsored by TikTok. Amy has been working with SoCo Music Project,a not-for-profit music organisation that provides inclusive music-making opportunities and

On Friday (September 30)  Southampton indie rock band, Pioneers, release their new single ‘Cheap Gold Chain,’ and will be marking the occasion with a homecoming gig at the city venue, The Loft, on Friday night. The four piece band is made up of Sam Watts on vocals/rhythm guitar, Toby Gathercole on lead guitar, Sam Over

words and pictures by Mike Daish. I arrived at Guildhall Square on Saturday (September 24)  just as The Rock Choir was about to kick of the music for the day. After they finished the Soul Catchers upped the volume a bit and by now a good-sized crowd had gathered around the stage. I stayed a

by Anita Foxall. Rising stars The Clockworks come to Heartbreakers, Southampton, on September 30 as part of their first headline UK tour. Anita Foxall caught up with guitar player Sean.   From Galway, to London, and visiting Southampton next week for their second show of their first tour as headliners, The Clockworks will be bringing

by Russell Foxall. Based in Dundalk, Just Mustard are part of the ever expanding Irish music scene, although their first album was released over four years ago. Having found their second album, Heart Under, powerfully intriguing, I decided to take the opportunity to see them when they came to the Loft, Southampton, last night (16th

by Katie Isham What are you drumming for?  That was the question thrown at me, not for the first time.  It’s a genuine inquiry. Not accusatory. Just curious. Being lucky enough to be part of the Portsmouth branch of the Batala samba-reggae band means I help bring Brazilian beats to events across the south coast;

by Anita Foxall. “You want some?” You most definitely want some (or a lot) of Lime Cordiale. They were nothing less than a powerful explosion of colour and sound invading  The 1865, Southampton, last night (9 September). Lime Cordiale were certainly as refreshing as their name suggests. Their charisma and energy infected the audience from

by Charlie Hislop. For a city on the coast, split by rivers, not much celebration happens on the water in Southampton. Then last weekend (September 3)  along came the All-Aboard Festival, making the most of the River Itchen on a summer’s day with entertainment on the water and along the banks. It’s music, art and

by Geoff Wall. Following the recent free posting of Pleasure Beyond Measure’s Pete Holden Bequest recordings, I’ve delved deep in to my local (Southampton) music archive and exhumed tapes from my 32nd Birthday Bash at the Joiners pub back in 1983.  (Read more about the project here). Recorded by soundman Jim Bourne direct from the

by Sally Churchward. Being in a globally successful band and fame might seem synonymous.  But for the members of Bastille there has always been a distinction, and they’ve worked hard to keep it that way. We’re chatting backstage at Victorious Festival. Later on they will headline at the Castle Stage, before a huge crowd who

by Catherine Collins. Additional reporting by Sally Churchward. One of the biggest festivals in the south returned this weekend for a three day music extravaganza, with some of the industry’s most exciting names taking to the stages (26-28 August). This year, the organisers  put some of the biggest acts on early to encourage people through

By Phil Tyler of SIIYE. Southampton’s Stick it in Your Ear music archive has added three new items to its online archives. You can read all about Stick it in Your Ear, which started out more than 40 years ago as a small local tape label with accompanying free magazine, here: Celebrating 40 years of

Southampton’s Still Moving DJs and The Uplifter are hosting their very own all-day festival at the Brook this Saturday, the 26th June, with a programme for all the family. In the afternoon there is family friendly fun, with Hand to Mouth Theatre, vintage games, face-painting and dinosaurs – outside if the weather is fine. And

Phase 2: The Pete Holden Bequest by Geoff Wall. Southampton has always boasted an incredibly diverse and prolific local music scene, but lacking any major commercial success or identifiable sound (prior to Craig David and Artful Dodger), the spotlight has fallen elsewhere.  As a consequence, far too many bands have shone for a few glorious

by Mike Daish.  On Sunday the 3rd April,  I attended the final event  of Southampton plays for Ukraine, organised by Music in the City’s Martin Perry,  at the 1865 in Brunswick Square. What an absolutely brilliant way to spend a few hours on a Sunday afternoon. I think everyone there enjoyed the music from the

by Anita Foxall. Brighton duo, Blood Red Shoes, started this year with the heartbreak of seeing their European tour being cancelled, for the obvious reasons. Musicians are not unfamiliar  with cancelled tours and gigs, with album launches being postponed hoping for more social, better times to do so. Blood Red Shoes decided that, finally having a

by Charlie Hislop. It’s Christmas time, and on Saturday (December 11) Southampton’s own travelling Santa is dropping into the Cricketers on Bedford Place bearing gifts. Well, not exactly Santa themself – but Grant Sharkey. And the gifts? – a whole set of topical tunes, some great laughs, and this season’s new album Wolk Music. Now

On Tuesday 30th November, everyone involved in the music community in Southampton is being invited to take part in SO: Let’s talk about music, organised by Southampton Festivals at the SPARK Building, Solent University. The FREE event is to bring together all types of musicians, DJ’s, producers, promotors, venues and others to talk about building

by MIke Daish. I missed the fun on Saturday of this years Music in the City but made sure I got out on Sunday to make it to the 1865 in Brunswick Square. I was not disappointed, as the music was top class and such a great variety of styles. It was an almost non

by Sally Churchward. Artist, poet, musician, father, husband, son and friend, Greg Gilbert died from cancer on Thursday. As a local journalist, Sally Churchward followed his career – from being the lead singer of Southampton indie band Delays through his being an emerging and then celebrated artist and poet, with numerous interviews  in the city’s

by Sally Churchward, founding editor of In Common I am proud to have been invited to be one of the ambassadors of Southampton’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2025. I firmly believe that the city deserves to be selected for the accolade – here’s why. I came to Southampton from South London to

by Sally Churchward. Last night (August 10), Southampton band Delays were (rightfully) ahead of gossip about TV stars Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer in Twitter polls, thanks to Tim Burgess’ Listening Party. Users of the micro blogging site listened along with Aaron Gilbert and Colin Fox of Delays to the band’s 2006 second album, You

by Charlie Hislop. “We’ve only got Craig David” LOL ! “Southampton is only known for one musical artist and he left here years ago.” This was a really depressing comment I saw about Southampton a while back. Is our musical worth as a small city just about the number of global superstars we have in

by Geoff Wall. January 2021 sees Southampton’s very own STICK IT IN YOUR EAR! musical enterprise celebrate its 40th anniversary with the publication of STICK IT WHERE? – the illustrated history of Stick It In Your Ear! ….and other true stories – a 500+ page CD-rom e-book that’s directly available from www.siiye.co.uk More by accident

by Tony King. Micro Music was born out of an enjoyment of watching live music in small venues. There is something about the intimacy of seeing musicians in small confines where you get to really appreciate them that is quite magical. And what better way to appreciate it than to organise a night of music

by Howard Bowden. When The Beatles released their 1969 single The Ballad of John and Yoko – opening line: ‘Standing in the dock at Southampton’ – it would become the first of THREE number ones in just 32 months to reference events in the SO postcode area. Two years later, Rod Stewart, superstar rocker and

reviewed by Charlie Hislop. Can you do jazz without sound? Hot Jazz Special comes very close. In sketches, painting, words, and colours it captures all the excitement; the buzz, the characters, and the clubs. Featuring jazz greats like Billie Holliday, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and more while mixing song lyrics with pen pictures. It references

by Martin Brisland. Jim Chorley – acoustic/folk singer-songwriter from Southampton. They say you should write about what you know. ‘Painting Circles in the Corn’ is certainly that. It is Jim Chorley’s song which immortalises an amazing family story. In 1991 Doug Bower and Jim’s father, Dave Chorley, from Southampton, confessed to having made crop circles

by Geoff Wall. Stick It In Your Ear (SIIYE) has just launched an online archive of  local music originally recorded on originally recorded on reel to reel tapes and published on cassette in the 1980s. Southampton-based SIIYE started life in the 1980s as a magazine, rather like a catalogue, that described and gave details about

reviewed by Martin Brisland. Over 60 successful years as a professional in show business including a Guinness Book of World Records appearance is hard to overestimate. David St John has taken the opportunity to reminisce about his early days when the rock ‘n roll phenomenon changed many young lives. This is a superb, life affirming read.

reviewed by Charlie Hislop. At a time when the world seems to be just a series of angry and sad emojis, it great to get the chance to get the big heart emoji out and splash it around. But that’s what I’m doing to the new album by Southampton’s Chateau Bateau Band.  With a name

by Martin Brisland. I recently reviewed Million Dollar Quartet at The Mayflower for In Common and it set me thinking. The musical is set at Sun Records studio in Memphis and chronicles December 4th 1956. By chance,on that distant Tuesday, Elvis Preseley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis jammed together and the impromptu

Southampton was filled with the sound of music this weekend, thanks to the return of Music in the City, the biggest and best free music event. Music in the City saw more than 170 acts perform in unique venues, including the historic God’s House Tower, King John’s Palace and Lankester Vault, and while some venues