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A word about our listings

A guide for Customers

These days artists and bands tend to book their tours months in advance. In order to give you the best notice of up and coming shows we list events once they have been confirmed by the band or their management

 

The downside of this is that dates can change due to unforeseen circumstances, sometimes at very short notice. We do our best to ensure that this site is kept as up to date as is possible, with updates happening at least once a week.

 

Therefore to avoid disappointment we recommend that you check these listing prior to setting out for your show especially if you are traveling any distance.

 


 

Not listed?
A guide for Artists and Promoters
The quickest way to get yourself included in our listings is to send an email to rideout at stayfree.co.uk once your gig is confirmed.

 

We also need you to do the following -

 

Put the name of the artist or band name along with the date of your show in the email subject line.

 

Attach a reasonable sized photograph. A 72dpi, jpeg, bigger than 200x200 pixels would be fine. Please don't email files over 1mb in size. If in doubt please drop us a line before sending. Let us have your web address so we can link to your site or Myspace page.

 

Send us some text. Whilst we are happy to tidy up spelling or grammar, we don't have the time to write or edit copy for you. Ideally we need a nice concise 'blurb' of between 75-100 words. Please don't send a three page biography, or else we are likely to bounce it back to you. If you have a selection of press quotes send what you have as we can usually easily compile something from them. There are plenty of examples of the sort of thing we need here on the site to help you out.

 

Please note - If you have played at The Musician before and we have text on file, we will continue to use use it for any subsequent listings unless you supply new copy.

 

If you spot any errors please send an email to derek at indiecentral.co.uk.


Coming to The Musician in May

LISTINGS     HOME

 
 

Tue 1

The Chickenhead Lounge

Free entry

feat. Babajack and The Outwoods County Riders

www.babajack.com

theoutwoods.wordpress.com

The 3rd Chickehead Lounge brings you the best in
roots blues and countryfied music. This is one not to
be missed: Babajack, playing for the first time in
Leicester... a fusion of folk and blues, Blues Matters Magazine described them as "one of the most exciting roots blues outfits in the UK, they have great presence and energy". The band will be featuring songs from their latest album 'Rooster' released in March this year. They are also confirmed to play at this years British Blues Awards.

 

Your hosts for the night and playing support are the Outwoods County Riders...

   

Wed 2
Closed

 

**Please note that the Mawkin show has been cancelled - refunds are available from all points of purchase**

   

Thu 3

VJT Promotions presents...

Here Come The Girls

£4 w/flyer £5door

feat. Kiera Lawson, Angela Armstrong, Siobhan Mazzei, Fran Taylor, Nuala Bennett Wilford and Bellawave

www.myspace.com/kieralawsonmusic

fandalism.com/anjiarmstrong

www.myspace.com/siobhanmazzei

www.facebook.com/bellawave

Acoustic showcase featuring a selection of Leicester's finest female performers. Here come the girls...

   

Fri 4

VJT Promotions presents...
Original Bands Showcase - Semi-Final 2
£6 w/flyer £7door

feat. Linear, Glassfoot, Raptusound, The Incidents and Midnight Wire
Official OBS Facebook Group

OBS 2012 starts in March. This years winner plays SSW, Strawberry Fields and The Riverside Festival, and wins a 2 day recording package, live and studio pro photoshoot plus more. Midlands bands waiting to apply should join the Facebook group via the above link and then e-mail vjtpromos@hotmail.com for consideration.

   

Sat 5
Dr. Feelgood

£15adv £18door

drfeelgood.org

From 1971 to lead vocalist Lee Brilleaux's untimely death in 1994, Dr. Feelgood never left the road, playing hundreds of gigs every year. Throughout their career, Dr. Feelgood never left simple, hard-driving Stonesy rock & roll behind. Their devotion to the blues and R&B earned them a devoted fan base and their sweaty live shows are legendary. Whilst the group's stripped-down, energetic sound paved the way for English punk rock in the late '70s, their back-to-basics style was ultimately overshadowed by the dominance of punk and new wave in the '80s. Since Brilleaux's death the remaining members of the last Feelgood's line-up have continued to tour regularly and maintain the legacy of their legendary former front man.

 

For more info visit www.xanderpromotions.co.uk

   

Sun 6
Stone Foundation

£6adv £7door

plus Bluebird Parade and By The Rivers (Acoustic)

www.stonefoundation.co.uk

bluebirdparade.co.uk

www.bytherivers.co.uk

It's been a strange old journey for Stone Foundation. From once playing half empty bars to the present day, in front of sold out arenas supporting the Specials, their story and progression is still unfolding.

 

The Midlands-based seven-piece outfit bring their unique brand of soul back to the Musician with special guests Bluebird Parade and By The Rivers. Featuring a perfect blend of electric guitar, Hammond organ and horns over a solid soulful (stone) foundation, the time has never been better for Stone Foundation to spread their gospel further afield.

   


Mon 7

Danny Mayo presents...

Ill + Jolly
£12adv £14door

plus Indigochild

www.illrocks.com

www.jollyband.com

www.indigochildtheband.com

ILL are an Alternative/Rock trio from Atlanta, USA and feature Ryan Waters, also known as the guitarist for world class pop star SADE. Their new album ‘Gotten Gains’ has just been released and is getting great reviews. On stage they are sensational! A reviewer called them "...a stripped down, Hendrix-inspired blues
guitar power trio with the sonic ambition of Nine Inch Nails.”

 

 

JOLLY are a rock band from New York City whose music combines aggressive dynamics, ambient textures, sophisticated arrangements and infectious melodies. Last year they released their critically acclaimed effort 'The Audio Guide To Happiness (Part 1).' After wowing listeners with two solid albums and stunning live
performances, it's no wonder that Ytsejam referred to the band as "a new promise as one of the reinventors of the rock mantra."

   

Tue 8

Blues Jam

feat. Purple & The Rains

£2 / Free for contributors

www.myspace.com/purpleandtherains

Jam night featuring music by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy and Jimi Hendrix - players welcome!

   

Wed 9
Buddy Whittington Band
£10adv £12door

www.buddywhittington.com

A lifelong Texan, Buddy Whittington 'entered the Arena' on December 28. 1956, in Fort Worth. Holding the estimable position of lead guitarist for John Mayall's Bluesbreakers from 1993 to 2008, Texas blues-rocker Whittington sports some impressive credentials. Nevertheless, his solo work succeeds on its own terms, owing more to fellow Longhorn fretmaster Stevie Ray Vaughan than to Mayall, and his piercing, tensile guitar licks and earthy, down-to-business vocal style fronting his own band indicate that his post Bluesbreakers' career is likely to be more than just a busman's holiday.

   

Thu 10

Hannah James & Sam Sweeney

£10

plus Sheila Mosley & Pete Burnham

www.hannahandsam.co.uk

Hannah James & Sam Sweeney are one of the foremost duos performing English folk music today. April 2012 sees the release of their highly anticipated second album State and Ancientry. They play predominantly English songs and tunes on accordion and fiddle, and their live show includes Hannah's renowned high-energy clog dancing.

The duo have been playing together for almost 10 years. They met in 2002 and have been playing together in English folk group Kerfuffle since then. More recently they are known for their work with Bellowhead and the Demon Barber Roadshow.

 

 

Fri 11
She Will Rock You (Queen Tribute featuring Stacy Green as Freda Mercury)

£6adv £8door

www.wix.com/shewillrockyou

One of vocalist Stacy Green's biggest influences was the legendary Queen. She learnt her trade listening to Freddie Mercury and Brian May as guitarist. This led her to join forces with two current members of Fred Zeppelin and together with bassist Mark Cresswell, Steve Black (drums) and Elliot Gavin (guitar), they have formed the unique and only UK female fronted tribute to Queen. With Stacy as Freda Mercury, she is now truly the Queen of Rock. SHE WILL ROCK YOU!

 

For more info visit www.xanderpromotions.co.uk


 

Sat 12
SKAM

£5

www.skamuk.com

**Unfortunately due to illness, Purple Zeppelin have had to cancel tonight's gig at the Musician, many apologies for any disappointment this has caused - both the band and myself are gutted that this is the case. Please be assured they will definitely be coming back at a later date! However SKAM have very kindly agreed to step in as a late replacement and will be playing two sets of rock covers and originals. Refunds for the Purple Zeppelin show will be available from all points of purchase.**

 

For more info visit www.cheeseweasel.org

   

Sun 13
Wildfire Sessions Afternoon Showcase

£4adult £2U16s FreeU5s

feat. Kenneth J Nash & The Earls, Tony Tonkda Knott, Kulu, Kenneth J. Nash and DREAM

Afternoon Show (1pm til 5pm)

www.kennethjnash.com

Kenneth J Nash is an English singer songwriter with a growing collection of dark folk stories. He draws on his influences of Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Tim Hardin and Nick Cave to produce a collection of songs and collaborations which are a fusion of folk,blues and roots.

 

For more info visit www.wildfiresessions.com

   

Sun 13
Aynsley Lister

£8adv £10door

plus Chris Warner

Evening Show (8pm til midnight)

www.aynsleylister.co.uk

www.chriswarnermusic.blogspot.co.uk

In a world full of manufactured over-hyped pop music, Aynsley Lister is proof that there is light at the end of the tunnel. His powerful, infectious songs are unashamedly blues influenced and performed with the kind of conviction of someone twice his age. Say the word blues to a commercial record company and see how far they run! But Lister carries on regardless, writing and recording albums that continue to sell and prove that blues rock music can be commercial and have you singing along to yourself days after you hear it, just like half the committee written stuff you hear every day on the radio.

 

"Exceptionally mature and exciting" – Mojo

 

"Superb" - The Times

   

Mon 14
Willy Mason
£8adv £10door

plus Nina Violet and Jinnwoo

www.willymason.net

www.reverbnation.com/ninaviolet

www.facebook.com/jinnwoo

With a sound that recalls Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash along with the cynicism of grunge and punk, nobody could believe wry singer/songwriter Willy Mason was only 19 when he appeared on the indie scene. Born and raised on Martha's Vineyard, Mason grew up with his parents' love of folk music. He loved it, too, but his teen years brought Nirvana and Rage Against the Machine into his life. Mason found their political and social messages much easier to identify with and soon combined folk's softer and loose delivery with the revolutionary attitude of his new heroes.

 

For more info visit www.magic-teapot.co.uk or www.liveinleicester.net

 

Tue 15
Three Blind Wolves

£5adv £6door

plus Silent Devices and Dark Dark Horse

www.threeblindwolves.com

www.facebook.com/silentdevices

www.facebook.com/darkdarkhorse

Loud, hairy, and unpredictable, Three Blind Wolves are four young Glaswegians delivering country rock with a razor sharp edge. Drawing influences from Neil Young, Creedence Clearwater Revival and even Led Zeppelin, the boys have sold out venues across Scotland with their wild stage presence, transfixing harmonies and captivating performance. They have built on their ever-growing reputation across the UK and beyond, with two successful tours in the Netherlands under their belts and a headline slot at the sold-out Communion Christmas party last year.

 

Resultantly the band released mini-album Sound of the Storm on Communion Records in March 2011 to critical acclaim and sealed their soaring momentum with a coveted place on the BBC Introducing stage at T in the Park 2011.

 

For more info visit www.magic-teapot.co.uk

   

Wed 16
Dead Slow: Album Launch

£4

plus Produkty

www.facebook.com/deadslowband

Leicester alt-rockers Dead Slow present the launch gig for their eagerly awaited debut album.

 

“...Dead Slow make music reminiscent of some of Britain’s best acts. This isn’t to say they aren’t original, far from it. With nods to Radiohead this is an extremely tight band that have already amassed a mass of radio-friendly tunes.” -

The National Student, review of Summer Sundae Festival

   

Thu 17
Ezio

£10adv

zone.ezio.co.uk

Remember the last time a song really reached you? Straight in, deep inside, talking directly to you, about what you feel - just as if this song was written especially for you, about you? Well this is what the music of Ezio is about, deep, honest, emotional songs that hit a raw nerve. Featuring lead guitarists, Ezio Lunedei and Mark "Booga" Fowell, Ezio serve up breathtaking live performances, which you will have you addicted after the very first song.

   

Fri 18

Rebel Rebel (David Bowie Tribute)

£7adv £8door

www.rebelrebelband.co.uk

Rebel Rebel perform the classic songs from David Bowie’s golden years. This six piece band captures all of the energy and brilliance of the Bowie legend and his many alter egos’. From Ashes to Ashes to Ziggy Stardust, calling at many station to stations in-between, the band lovingly recreate Bowie’s unique catalogue of masterworks. This year heralds the 40th Anniversary of ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’ album, which Rebel Rebel will be celebrating with a series of special events. No matter what the occasion, Rebel Rebel provides a thrilling Bowie experience!

   

Sat 19

VJT Promotions presents...
Original Bands Showcase - Grand Final
£6 w/flyer

feat. The Anteloids, Midnight Wire, The Furies, Raptusound, The Incidents and special guests Kenworthy
Official OBS Facebook Group

OBS 2012 starts in March. This years winner plays SSW, Strawberry Fields and The Riverside Festival, and wins a 2 day recording package, live and studio pro photoshoot plus more.

   

Sun 20

The Ian Derbyshire Band

£3

plus Cathy Bonner

 

Roots singer-songwriter Ian Derbyshire makes a welcome return after a near 15 year absence, with a collection of new songs and a brand new band!

   

Mon 21
The City Acoustic Club
Free open mic night

 

For up to date info and news please join The City Acoustic Club Facebook group!

 

 

Tue 22

Horus Music presents...
Martin Luke Brown + Rosie Doyle + Meri Everitt + Leo Stannard

£5

www.facebook.com/martinlukebrownmusicpage

 

For more info about Horus Music please visit www.horusmusic.co.uk

   

Wed 23
Focus

£15adv £17door

plus Indigochild

www.focustheband.com

www.indigochildtheband.com

With their unique progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the seventies as the most successful and the most appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. Featuring founding member/musicial genius Thijs van Leer and stalwart drummer Pierre van der Linden, fans can once again hear all the classic Focus tunes as well as some exciting new material from this powerful new line-up. "Our music is evolution, not revolution", Thijs van Leer once said about the music of Focus. Well now, the evolution is at full pace.

 

For more info visit www.www.cheeseweasel.org

   

Thu 24

Pete Morton

£7adv

plus Steve Parker

www.petemorton.com

Now the world has again gone completely mad and everyone is talking about insecurity in all aspects of life, it is with a great deal of relief that we announce the return of Pete Morton, one of England’s finest songwriters and our nomination for the voice of reason in these troubled times.

Pete’s new album ‘Economy’ is his first set of original songs for over three years and is an insightful, informed, honest and sometimes questioning look at the modern human condition. These wonderfully crafted songs deal with all the prevalent subjects such as need, greed, trust, communication, conflict, love, relationships, basic humanity and yes, economy.

 

"not only impressive but a revelation......totally original." - The Guardian

   

Fri 25
The Paradimes: Album Launch

£6adv

plus Calvin Jeffrey

paradimes.co.uk

The Paradimes were formed in 2011 by members of ska band El Pussycat, The Specials and former members of reggae band Stiff Naked Fools. The band play all original songs, with skanking one drop rhythms, gospel vocal harmonies and killer brass lines and are heavily influenced by old skool legends such as Toots & The Maytals, Bob Marley and Prince Buster. Since 2011, the Paradimes have played shows including London's 100 Club, Brixton's Hootananny, The Summer Sundae Festival and the Half Moon in Putney as well as countless shows around their home town Leicester and Birmingham. Tonight sees the launch of their debut album!

   

Sat 26

Iron On Maiden & Sack Sabbath

£8adv £10door

www.iron-onmaiden.co.uk

www.sacksabbath.co.uk

Iron On Maiden hail from Leeds and can justifiably claim to be Europe's Number One tribute to the mighty Iron Maiden. Not only do they boast a high energy and explosive show, their sound is so authentic you would not know the difference! Up the Iron-Ons....

 

Sack Sabbath deliver a powerhouse set of all the greatest doom laden anthems from the masters of metal, performing only songs from the classic era of Sabbath 1970-1978. They will transport you back in time to the mid 70’s when Black Sabbath were at the peak of their game and ruled the rock world.

 

For more info visit www.cheeseweasel.org

   

Sun 27
Lucy Rose

£7adv £9door

plus Nathan Holmes and Jinnwoo

www.lucyrosemusic.co.uk

www.facebook.com/jinnwoo

Two singles in, and with her star firmly in the ascendant, Warwickshire songstress Lucy Rose is making her own destiny and shaping her future like no other new artist. A mixture of true grit, sheer dedication and an unshakeable sense of self has all lead Lucy to the kind of status that most new artists dream of but can only achieve through record company clout and bucks. Lucy Rose has had none of this but her heart-stoppingly poignant songs and cracked porcelain voice see her entering 2012 with Youtube hits, radio plays and crowds like nobody else out there.

 

“A voice that could melt the stoniest of hearts” - Q Magazine

 

"One of the country's most promising new voices" - Sunday Times

 

For more info visit www.magic-teapot.co.uk or www.liveinleicester.net

   

Mon 28
The City Acoustic Club
Free open mic night

 

For up to date info and news please join The City Acoustic Club Facebook group!

   

Tue 29
Milagres

£7adv

plus The Amber Herd and guests

milagresmusic.com

www.amberherd.com

"A Brooklyn five-piece led by Kyle Wilson, Milagres are New York's answer to Elbow, or the natural heirs to the National and the Antlers - and to Coldplay, from the period before Chris Martin and co forsook boldness and resorted instead to comfort-zone demotic platitudinising. Their sensational debut album, Glowing Mouth, is one of those records that makes an unanswerable case for the continued relevance and resonance of ambient, lyrically allusive, experimental rock. It already sounds like one of the debuts of 2012." - The Sunday Times

 

For more info visit www.magic-teapot.co.uk or www.liveinleicester.net

   

Wed 30
Something Nasty In The Woodshed
£6adv £8door

plus Nimming Ned

www.somethingnastyinthewoodshed.co.uk

www.nimmingned.com

Once upon a time, five guys in a pub set out to form a festival band (despite having no festival experience between them)! The result is the powerful and unique sound of Something Nasty in the Woodshed. The potent mix of drum driven electric and acoustic instruments with the emotive sound of the great highland bagpipe delivers a gut punching sound that has capitived audiences wherever they have played.

 

For more info visit www.fortytenthpromotions.co.uk

   

Thu 31
Terry Reid
£15adv

plus Kevin Hewick

www.terryreid.com

www.kevinhewick.co.uk

Terry Reid, or Superlungs as he's affectionately known, is without doubt one of the greatest rock/soul voices this country has ever produced or is indeed likely to.

 

The legend is of turning down the front man's job with Led Zeppelin, recommending his mate Robert Plant instead, a similar offer and rebuff to Deep Purple, of Aretha Franklin's statement that The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Terry Reid were the best England had to offer in 1968, of two World Tours with The Rolling Stones, US tours with Cream and UK tours with Jethro Tull and Fleetwood Mac.

 

All true, but the full story includes numerous collaborations with Graham Nash, covers of Reid songs by Marianne Faithfull, The Hollies, The Raconteurs, film soundtracks and a catalogue of 6 studio albums, including the seminal album 'The River'.

 

Recently, Terry's been working with up and coming French band Shine and The Alabama 3. Following a Glastonbury return in 2009, he played a three night residency at Ronnie Scott's in London, one of only a handful of non-Jazz artists invited to help mark the legendary venue's 50th Anniversary. He played to packed houses and critical acclaim and returned in 2010 to sell out 3 consecutive nights.

   


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