Coming to The Musician in September 2024

Powerful, mesmerising and expressive. Perhaps the most maverick and enigmatic of the bands that were part of the now legendary Factory Records roster. Section 25 were formed in Poulton-le Fylde, Lancashire in 1977 by brothers Larry and Vin Cassidy. Their classic Northern Sound defines punk and electro in one. Having worked with Ian Curtis, Martin Hammett and Bernard Sumner on four Factory Albums they now continue to record for LTM. They pre-dated ambient, chillout and massive beats by a decade. Their explorations of hypnotic basslines, thrusting motorik drums and rusty colliding slabs of melody and feedback produce a truly unique and zen like sound.

The Book of Genesis focus on the "classic" Gabriel/Hackett period of Genesis from Trespass to Wind & Wuthering albums.
They offer a fully costumed show featuring all the classic Gabriel era costumes which turns a show into a theatrical "event".
This is supplemented with synchronised slides video, and lighting.

Strangling Vinyl presents:
All the way from Mexico, yes literally coming from Mexico - SUNSET IMAGES - psych/noise rock
Support is from Leicester alternative royalty Echolocation
Plus from Coventry for their debut Leicester gig -HEK

This gig is at The International Garden Street Leicester

The pairing of powerhouse vocalist Annie Duggan with exceptional guitarist Rob Hines is a match made in … well, possibly Clarksdale Mississippi or Nashville Tennessee, or the backwoods of Alabama. Take your pick, but the ‘roots’ of their music undoubtedly originate from the diverse strands of blues, country, folk and jazz that combine in the melting pot of ‘Americana’.

To classify their music as one or other of these genres would be to do them a disservice, as their mastery of each and all is palpably plain to witness in their performance.

Annies voice is both powerful and expressive, encompassing the grit and growl of the blues, the more mellow tones of country music, and the subtlety of the jazz stylists. She employs all of these devices within her repertoire, including standard classics from those genres, and original compositions from the pen of erstwhile collaborator Colin Granger.
The empathy between Annie and guitarist Rob Hines is all encompassing, and his impressive technique allows him to employ both rhythmic subtlety and impressive interjectory extemporisations in his accompaniments. His solo excursions are truly amazing, the powerful propulsive drive of the country bluesman in tandem with the Scotty Moore ‘Sun Sound’ Elvis era rockabilly ‘licks’, and an occasional hint of Spanish flamenco, a truly amazing combination of influences finding a home in his one man guitar ‘orchestra’!

Lucy Bremridge will be opening the evening for Annie Duggan and Rob Hines performing her own songs and those of people who have influenced her. Already taking the music circuit by storm.

She will also be performing with two of the most seasoned performers bringing a fresh and different show to the Musician. Lucy is already gaining a name for herself on the music circuit writing her own material but also ably delivering classics that sit well will the original Country, Blues and Roots music that Annie and Rob are known for.

Leicester's own multi award-winning Brit-Country stars return to The Musician for the first time in 2 years, to bring their unique blend of Americana blues, rock, and country to the stage. From anthemic sing-alongs to blistering guitar solos, they promise an unforgettable performance that'll have you on your feet all night long! Don't miss out on the chance to experience their electrifying energy and infectious melodies.

Following a packed show in 2023, Moretallica will return to The Musician this September!

2024 is Moretallica's 11th year of touring. To celebrate this, they will be playing songs from all 11 of Metallica's original studio albums. At every headline show, there will be at least one song from every album!

Moretallica is the most exciting Metallica Tribute in the UK, delivering an authentic performance and the most energetic show! Formed in 2012, and determined to perform the music of heavy metal legends Metallica to the highest standard, Moretallica is at the top level of UK tribute bands.

A Moretallica show includes songs from every era of Metallica’s career and is the most hard-hitting spectacle and display of high quality musicianship, as you’d expect from a band with 60+ years of combined gigging experience across the UK and Europe. Using the same equipment as Metallica (ESP, Gibson, Jackson, Mesa Boogie, Tama, Zildjian) you’ll only hear a more authentic performance from Metallica themselves!

As Autumn herself says, 'Five decades is such a long time; life really isn't short.' She began performing at the tender age of four. At the age of 16, she found her expression in writing her own songs. In 2004, at the age of 30, she moved to the UK and found herself home in more ways than one, and over the last 10+ years she has found refuge, encouragement, support and inspiration among a wonderful community of talented musicians from Leicester and beyond. The unique sound that was always hers has evolved and developed into a powerful visceral experience. Age has not mellowed this artist, if anything it has intensified and made her ever bolder and more wild.
This is her 50th year of existence and she invites you to a celebration of music magic to mark this milestone. Along with special guests, Autumn promises you an evening of song to encorcel your soul and leave footprints in your heart. Won't you join us?

Autumn Dawn Leader is a classically trained contralto vocalist and solo prog songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with a unique dark, emotive, and bewitching flavour. Critics call her a musical maverick. Difficult to put into a genre-box, Autumn is best known for her delicious chord changes, vocal sorcery, lyrical hammer blows and intensely passionate performances.

Recently named a Rolling Stone’s “Band to Watch”, Willow Hill, has cemented themselves as one of Nashville’s most unique sensations.

Led by powerhouse husband and wife duo, Alexandra and CT Fields, Willow Hill delivers a fresh and modern twist on the classic country sound (often described as Lady Gaga meets Kenny Chesney). This distinct sound has helped develop a groundswell global fanbase, and up to 200 dates touring per year internationally and nationally, from the US to UK, Netherlands, Germany, South America, Virgin Islands, and more.

Infusing feel-good energy, a bombastic live show, and heartfelt storytelling, Willow Hill has performed at major festivals like Summerfest (World’s Largest Music Festival), Rocklahoma, Sturgis, Warped Tour, and more, supporting artists like Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Pat Benatar, Zac Brown, Aaron Lewis, and Brett Elderedge, and numerous others.

Their debut album, Highway One, recorded at Nashville’s historic Benchmark Studios, was produced by Zach Abend and Jeff Cohen, who’s credits include Sugarland, Big & Rich, Hardy, and The Band Perry. Since it’s release, the group has amassed a catalog spanning hundreds of original songs, writing with some of the industry’s most notorious writers. Willow Hill’s sophmore release is slated for early 2024.

Due to major health issues Arielle has had to cancel her UK tour. Online tickets will be refunded automatically.

NME claimed that "Peter Bruntnell's records should be taught in schools". And with 9 studio albums under his belt and countless high-profile fans picked up along the way the music doesn't stop. Followers include REM’s Peter Buck , Scott McCaughey, Lambchop’s Kurt Wagner and Son Volt’s Jay Farrar. Peter Bruntnell is a well established act who is looking forward to continuing sharing his music with followers old or new.

Peter is thrilled that Normal for Bridgwater has been voted as number 6 in a list of the best Americana albums of all time by readers of Americana UK. It is an honour to be included in this list with some true greats!

"His songs should be taught in schools" - NME
"One of England's best..." - Rolling Stone

LULO REINHARDT AND THE
LATIN SWING PROJECT
"Gypsy meets Classic"

This musical 'pairing' is definitely a cut above! Together, as the saying goes, they make beautiful music.

Two wonderful guitarists:-

"Yuliya performs her own fresh and unique style of classic, folk, jazz and bossa nova arrangements distinctively revealing the Russian soul. Her sophistication and elegance as a person and as a musician were deeply impressionable" (Eleonora Bowa – World of Guitar, Culture Information Agency, Russia).

Lulo Reinhardt, from Germany (Koblenz) is the grand nephew of Django Reinhardt and has toured in the UK several times in the past 15 or so years including an appearance at Cork Jazz Festival with his 5-piece band (see right hand column). While Lulo has a repertoire of gypsy swing as you might expect, he has extended his musical horizons beyond that with music from North Africa and India influencing his playing.

Syked features ex- Limehouse Lizzy/Chrome Molly Guitarist /Vocalist Tim Read and ex Limehouse Lizzy Drummer Andy Fox, along with Midnite City Bass/Vocalist Tabbie Williams and ex Demon Keyboard player Paul Farrington. The band perform music from the John Sykes era of three of the worlds finest Rock bands Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy and Blue Murder. Songs performed include, Still of the Night, Here I Go Again, Is this Love and Give Me All your Love Tonight, all from the multi-million selling Whitesnake 1987 Album, plus classic Thin Lizzy songs like Cold Sweat, Dancing in the Moonlight and fan favourites Jelly Roll and Billy from Blue Murder.
All these songs and more are brought to the stage by this group of experienced musicians who love to perform and entertain for their audience.

Signing Off is a result of the determination of a friendly group of musicians and UB40 fans to bring a fresh new tribute dedicated to replication of the live sound of their idols. The band was formed in 2014 and their debut gig was two years later in 2016. Signing Off prides itself on setting out to thrill fans with an accurate representation of UB40's original dub, reggae sound from their debut album "Signing Off" (from which the band takes its name), as well as appealing to more casual fans with hits such as Red Red Wine, Can't Help Falling In Love and Kingston Town. Signing Off have even been praised by UB40 themselves for not just playing the hits, but playing songs that only hardcore UB40 fans will recognise, with UB40 founding member and guitarist Robin Campbell saying "We probably have more tribute bands than anyone going. One in particular, aptly named Signing Off, has had the approval of UB40. We know the guys in Signing Off quite well. I have known them for years. They are raving fans."

An all day event brought to you by Magic Teapot as a benefit for Lucy Phillips Art Fund.
A packed and wonderful line up featuring:-

Rogue Nation
Moody Fairy
Odi Denim
Velvet Crisis
Chris Ilett
Dada Women
Potato Legends
9'O'Clock Nasty
Boilermen
Saur
Boilers
Kingflame Sound System

Craig Joiner has been a professional musician for over 25 years, doing his first ever spot at the Cellar Folk Club in Old Hemel Hempstead when he was 16. In recent years Craig has returned to the Folk Club scene gaining an impressive following and honing the songs for his debut solo album ‘Art Of Landing’. He kept himself busy during the pandemic recording his second album ‘A Kind Of Calm’ which came out earlier this year.

“Craig is a singer / songwriter and his personal based songs are very accessible, with all the foibles of life that we can relate to.” - Tony Birch - FATEA

In 2021 Craig won on the Introducing Stage at the Great British Folk Festival and has built on that success at folk clubs and festivals around the country the last couple of years.

Alex Hart

Described by BBC Radio 2 presenter Mark Radcliffe as “the Stevie Nicks of Folk”.

At 18 she collaborated with electronic duo Electronic Youth on a cover of Angie Stones’ “I Wish I Didn’t Miss You” which had huge global radio success reaching No.2 in the Music Week Dance Charts and was supported by Pete Tong on BBC Radio 1. This recognition spearheaded a run of high-profile festivals performances and a slot opening for UK folk sensation Turin Brakes at the Lyme Regis Folk festival. Alex’s opening performances landed her two record deals, as she was quickly snapped up by US label OK!Good Records and Right Track Records UK. Alex started working with Grammy Award winning songwriter and producer Terry Britten (famous for “What’s Love Got To Do With It for Tina Turner) and went on to release her critically acclaimed debut Album “On this Day”

Old Baby Mackerel play high-energy, foot-stomping Bluegrass featuring a dizzying line-up of renowned UK Bluegrass musicians. Their music uses the rhythmic sounds of banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle and double bass to get knees bouncing and elbows swinging to the virtuosic sound of blistering solos and tasteful harmonies.

Be prepared to be transported back in time to the early 20th century and across the Atlantic to North America where songs dramatized the small town fascination with locomotion, religion and the veneration of whisky and bootleg liquor.

“I’ve always got time for a bit of banjo” - Cerys Matthews, BBC 6 Music

“That's the first Bluegrass track I've played on Upload and I love it, so, so good!” - Adam Crowther, BBC Radio Bristol

“A fine band of musicians and entertainers who would be at home playing in any holler in Appalachia. Real crowd pleasers with every tune and song they perform.” - Richard Hurst, N. Ireland Bluegrass Music Festival Organiser

Five years on and Brave Rival are the fast-rising, rip-roaring, rock and blues juggernaut ready to take
their place in the upper echelons of British Rock Hierarchy.

Since their inception in 2019, Portsmouth based Brave Rival have delighted fans and critics alike with
their modern take on classic rock vibes. This culminated in the release of their 2022’s debut ‘Life’s Machine’ featuring  a dozen nuggets of sharp melody and emotive playing, topped off by the delightful, hypnotising interplay of co-vocalists Chloe Josephine and Lindsey Bonnick. ‘Life’s
Machine’ drew strong praise across the board,  also bringing the group (completed by guitarist Ed ‘the Shred’ Clarke, bassist Billy Dedman and drummer Donna Peters) to the attention of the American guitar superstar Joe Bonamassa, who rated them among his “favourite discoveries” of that year.

2024 will see the release of the band's hotly anticipated sophomore album Fight or Flight, taking
elements of their debut and cranking it up several notches. This mind blowing album is set to take the world by storm when Brave Rival hits the road this Autumn with a relentless tour schedule. With
comparisons to the Wilson sisters from Heart, as well as legends like Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac,
the DNA of the aforementioned bands flows through Brave Rivals veins. This year the band wants more of everything. It's going to happen. Just watch.

DEAD HIGH WIRE WERE SENT AWAY FROM DOVERAND WON'T SADLY BE PLAYING TONIGHT.

Echolocation are “the provisional wing” of the Leicester music scene.

Its 20 years since Echolocation have been together. They are still ploughing their own furrow, no less energetic but its the subtleties that set them apart from the type of garage and post-punk they sometimes get lump in with. The new EP Repulsion features four tracks that highlight the musicianship and rawness we have come to expect from a band at the top of their game.

Now in their second decade since forming, DURAN are the UK’s leading tribute to Duran Duran. Performing to audiences throughout the UK and Europe, winning new friends along the way, DURAN continues to authentically recreate the sounds and energy of Duran Duran’s live shows, paying noteworthy and respectful homage to the Wild Boys of pop.

This popular, award winning, tribute act delivers a cocktail of timeless hits and fan favourites from Duran Duran’s 40 year career, satisfying both the hungriest of Duranies and music lovers alike!

So for the ultimate live tribute show to Duran Duran look no further! DURAN will soon be landing at a venue or festival near to you, right here on Planet Earth!

6.30 doors
6.45 - 7.25 Domeage
7.35 - 8.15 Cyclops One
8.25 - 9.05 Kafonics
9.15 - 9.55 Anthill
10.05 - 10.45 Dumlanguage
10.55 - 11.35 Dreamcage






This gig is taking place at The International Garden street Leicester

Terry turned down the front man’s job with Led Zeppelin, recommending his mate Robert Plant instead, a similar offer and rebuff to Deep Purple. Aretha Franklin’s stated that The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Terry Reid were the best England had to offer in 1968. He underwent two World Tours with The Rolling Stones, US tours with Cream, UK tours with Jethro Tull and Fleetwood Mac, The Isle of White Festival in 1969 and Glastonbury in 1970, played at Mick Jagger’s wedding, before soured record deals resulted in Terry leaving Britain for America nearly 40 years ago.

All true, but the full story includes numerous collaborations with Graham Nash, covers of Reid songs by Marianne Faithfull, The Hollies, The Raconteurs (the hugely popular ‘Rich Kid Blues’), film soundtracks, including a song in George Clooney’s recent film ‘Up In The Air’, and a catalogue of 6 studio albums, including the seminal album ‘The River’, re-released to critical acclaim in 2002 and the 1976 Nash produced ‘Seed of Memory’. A Reid song ‘Horses Through a Rainstorm’ also features on CSN’s box set.

7Storeysoul played their first gig at The Musician in January 2006. 18 years on, with the core of that original line up still in tact, the 9-piece band return for an evening of feelgood funk and smooth soul. Founder member and prolific songwriter Mark Poole first formed the band in 2005 whilst researching his PhD, which focused on the Leicester music scene! Now fronted by the powerhouse soul vocals of brand new singer Claire, 7Storeysoul play a blend of Mark's imaginative, smooth funk/soul originals along with classic funky 70s tunes from Stevie Wonder to George Benson, Jamiroquai and Earth Wind and Fire. For fans of feelgood funk, smooth soul and a good boogie this is a gig not to miss!

Formed in 1990 Ezio are Singer/songwriter Ezio Lunedei and guitarist and best friend Booga (Mark Fowell).

Since forming they’ve released many studio and live albums from the critically acclaimed Black Boots on Latin Feet (Arista/Ariola produced by the late Rupert Hine) Diesel Vanilla (MCA Universal produced Peter Van Hooke and Rod Argent) to the most recent release Daylight Moon.

In this time Ezio have toured and performed around the globe gaining a reputation for dynamic and exciting performances delivered with energy, humour and emotional beauty. Because of this they have sustained a large and loyal international long term following that was built mainly through word of mouth.


The amazing and entertaining EZIO & BOOGA will be touring the 30th anniversary of their 'Black Boots on Latin Feet' - classic album.

Formed by Jackie ‘Jax’ Chambers, of the legendary UK rockers Girlschool, alongside Argentine siblings Julia and Pablo Calvo, and Steph Dawson, with previous albums Rant-O-Bot and Reflection, and a host of tours and festival appearances, Syteria have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

The Syteria sound mixes elements of modern pop/punk energies with more contemporary rock anthemic choruses, incorporating four-part harmonies.

The debut album, Rant-O-Bot received an award nomination and was shortlisted to the final five at the ‘Independent Music Awards’, as well as ranking highly in many online voting polls for best band in various categories. The follow up album, Reflection, was released in 2020, just before the pandemic, supported by countless of stunning reviews.

Back now with Syteria World, the band have crafted an introspective album that explores the ups and downs of life through twelve tracks of powerful guitar riffs, pounding beats, and catchy choruses. The songs touch on a range of themes, from chasing dreams and overcoming fears to dealing with breakups and social media monsters. There’s a sense of maturity and wisdom in the lyrics and music that marks a significant step forward for the band.

One of the most striking features of Syteria World is the honesty and vulnerability in the lyrics. Tracks like ‘Chasing Dreams’and ‘Breaking Through’ explore personal struggles and the journey towards self-discovery. Similarly, ‘It’s a Mess’ confronts the chaos of the world head-on, while ‘Debt Generation’ takes a critical look at consumerism and societal pressures.

The album showcases the band’s versatility and range, with each track offering a unique take on the challenges and joys of life. From the bitter frustration of ‘E.M.P.T.Y.’ to the celebratory spirit of ‘Raise Your Glass,’ this is an album that will have you singing along and nodding in agreement.

The Scopyons were formed in late 2011 when 5 North West based musicians decided to get together a definitive UK based tribute to the great German Rockers The Scorpions. The band played their first full shows in September 2012 and were subsequently offered the opportunity to go and play in Munich alongside Scorpions guitarist Matthias Jabs at the 5th Anniversary of his MJ Guitars Store in March 2013.

Scopyons have a leaning toward the post Matthias Jabs era (1978 Lovedrive up to the present day) but have added classic Uli Jon Roth era songs like We’ll burn The Sky, In Trance & Pictured Life to the set.

He came to notoriety in the late 70's as the DJ that single handedly turned a whole generation of punks onto reggae. It was whilst as a d.j at the first punk club 'The Roxy' in 1977, that Don adopted the punk D.I.Y ethic and begun to make his first film 'The Punk Rock Movie'. Shot on Super-8mm it is the only documentary on the U.K punk scene w/ Sex Pistols-The Clash and many others. This led to a period directing over 300 music videos for an eclectic mix of diverse artists ranging from Public Image to Bob Marley. He then moved into documentary work covering the likes of Gil Scot-Heron, The Jam, Sun Ra, George Clinton and most recently Paul McCartney. Dancehall Queen (co-directedby Rick Elgood) shot in location in Jamaica 1997 was his first feature film.

This event is taking place at The International Garden St Leicester

Multimorph, Maureen Anderson's (sax and flute) psychedelic space-rock and poetry outfit featuring Jim Tetlow on cajon, Kevin Hewick on guitar,Harley on Tennor Sax, Daron Bhacstair on bass, Helena McCleod on vocals, Alan Freeman on moog and Alan Flanders on drums.

Review 2019: "This was a solstice experience, a somewhat Druidical expression of the psychedelic seventies, Multimorph poured out colourful showers of sound with their orchestral levels of musicianship."

Beatrix Players make florid, adventurous music that operates at the interface between folk rock, singer-songwriter acoustica, prog and quasi-classical baroque chamber pop. There is a light, translucent quality to the music, and yet when it is not being hushed and reverent, it has the attack and thrust, the surging dynamism, of rock. It can be soft and intimate, but it can also be fiery and intense, epic and immense.

After a 5 year hiatus, the award-winning Beatrix Players are back with a brand new eight piece line up and an intriguing new concept album.

The band's sophomore album Living & Alive will be available digitally from 22nd Sep 2023 and, for fans of vinyl and cd, it can be pre-ordered now from Burning Shed with a limited edition of just 500 copies pressed on coloured vinyl.

Founding member, writer and vocalist, Amy Birks is joined on the album by her co-writers from the original Beatrix Players line-up, Helena Dove, and guitarist Tom Manning. Also joining this expanded group are doyen of progressive music, flautist John Hackett, guitarist Oliver Day (That Joe Payne, Yes Please), drummer Andrew Booker (Tim Bowness) and storied cellist Jane Fenton (LSO, LCO, RPO, Britten Ensemble etc). Pianist Matthew Lumb and bassist Kyle Welch complete the octet.

A trio incarnation of the band released the band's debut album, Magnified in March 2017 and they went on to appear as special guests on UK dates with artists such as Steve Harley, Carl Palmer and Big Big Train. In October 2017 they performed two songs at Prog Magazine's star-studded annual awards event at London's Globe Theatre and walked away with the best newcomer prize.

With that line-up on permanent hiatus Amy subsequently released two well received solo albums in 2020 and 2022 and picked up Best Female Vocalist award at the 2018 Prog Awards before recruiting a third iteration of Beatrix Players leading to the recording of this brand new album.

Support comes from Carrie Martin who makes her third visit to the venue. Carrie has worked with Gordon Giltrap MBE among others. A pleasant evening is in store.