By Darren Grayer. Pictures: Anita Foxall. Southampton born and bred and English teacher by profession, Dan O’ Farrell has been an integral part of the local music scene since the late 80s when he formed Accrington Stanley with his school chums Richard ‘Baz’ Barrett and Chris Walsh. They became...
Articles with the Tag music
Reader’s letter: support our independent venues
By the team at The Joiners, Southampton. As you’ve probably taken note of, the British economy is in a bit of state and heading towards April when business rates increase alongside staff wages, independent places are more likely to shut up shop than any others. SO we’re REALLY putting...
Review: Pet Needs with support from Carsick & Samantics – The 1865, Southampton
By Chris Taylor. This is my second night in a row at the 1865 (4/12/25). The Joiners Live team have thrown down the gauntlet for those of us who feel like we’re getting too old by putting on a midweek double of Skinny Lister and Pet Needs – two...
Join the Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia for a memorable evening of music and festive cheer
Get ready for a night of sparkle, seasonal spirit, and outstanding young talent as the Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia brings its Christmas Cabaret Concert to Thornden Hall on Tuesday the 9th December at 7:15pm. This uplifting festive event is the perfect way to begin your Christmas celebrations — and...
Interview: Ricky Bates of legendary Southampton venue The Joiners
Words: Darren Grayer. Pictures: Chris Moorhouse. The recent news that Southampton music venue The Joiners is in line to be granted funding from the Music Venues Trust was gratefully received by everyone involved in running it as well as the hundreds of music lovers who regularly attend gigs there....
Southampton May gig guide
By Vicky Greer. If you’ve been following my monthly gig guide, chances are you care about Southampton’s local music scene like I do. Whether you take the time to read my introductory rambling or you dive right into the good stuff, I want to take a moment to say...
Opinion: Is Saving Grassroots Venues Enough? Why Ed Sheeran’s campaign for music education is so important
By Christopher Taylor. On 23rd March 2025, Ed Sheeran shared a letter in this Facebook post calling for the Labour Government to ‘repair decades of dismantling music’ through an increase of support for young musicians. His five-point proposal focuses on increasing music provision in schools through increased funding,...
Southampton gig guide – March 2025
By Vicky Greer. We’ve almost reached the rush of fresh gigs that arrive before the chaos of festival season. Soon enough, it will still be light when we leave our houses to head down to the venue, and we won’t have to worry about what we’re going to do...
Review: Rob Clamp, Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea
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...
Review and pictures: Paloma Faith – Bournemouth International Centre
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...