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Please click on your chosen band below to find information on the band and their music.
Billy Bragg
The Crack
The Daze
Doctor Blues
False Pretences
Gothic Chicken
The Jess Upton Soul Band
Lo Numbers
Muddy Funksters
New Breed
Pondlife
Satan's Coconuts
Ian Sedwell
Speedway Snails
Splinter
The Steamer Ducks
Steve Wilson & the Innocent Bystanders
Tia
Thriller Queen
Vending Machine Repairmen
Ken Watkins
What would Scooby do?
Billy Bragg
Billy Bragg has been described as being amongst the best known and best loved popular musicians, with a career spanning 20 years. His music is a fine blend of poetry and political comment, with a dash of romance, demonstrating his musical flexibility. He has collaborated with many other musicians, from Johnny Marr of The Smiths, protest folk singer Leon Rosselson to R.E.M., Kirsty MacColl, and Wilco.
Billy Bragg was recently described by The Times newspaper as a ‘national treasure’. In the two decades of his career Bragg has certainly made an indelible mark on the conscience of British music.
In the mid-1980s, much of his time was occupied with Red Wedge – an initiative to persuade young people to vote in the 1987 General Election (implicitly for Labour) for which he toured with such luminaries as The Style Council, Madness, The Communards and The Smiths.
Billy Bragg's current touring and recording band is called The Blokes. For more information and details of Billy's tour dates, please take the link to his website below.
The Crack
The Crack are Ricky Steveson (vocals) Gary Daw (bass), Steve Garden (guitar) and Timmy Wheeler (drums). Their high-energy shows has earned them the reputation of ‘the ultimate party band’, a thoroughly deserved description as anyone who has witnessed them live will agree.
The Crack tour Britain constantly, and have fitted in their appearance at the Weysia gig before setting for a gig in London later that day.
The Daze
The Daze, a hard hitting energetic 4 piece rock set-up, have been together for two years with Kerrin Hutchings on Lead Guitar, Lee Watts on Rhythm, Thomas Burdett on Bass and Alex Burt on Drums.
Presently a covers band, they are working to develop an original set, drawing on influences such as The Who, The Jam and Steppenwolf.
With a wide range of gigs under their belt, they have recently been storming the South West pub scene and the Echo's good gig guide has described them as one of Dorset's up and coming rock bands "..exciting, energetic, youthful and full of zest..."
With a small tour of Devon and Cornwall planned for Summer 2005, they will continue to work on their own material with the intention of recording an E.P.
And a noble message from the band....
"We are all very pleased and honoured to have been asked to play in the Weysia project and hope that we and our small group of listeners can help to raise what is needed for the Tsunami Appeal."
Doctor Blues
Doctor Blues are a 4 piece harp-driven, raw sounding blues band, playing covers which extend over the blues spectrum. That's light blue to dark blue!
You will normally stumble upon the band in one of Weymouth, Portland or Bridport's music venues, where you’ll hear Gary (Tip) blowin' on the harp and exercising his vocal chords and Darcy strutting up and down while posing with his lead guitar (along with providing genteel backing vocals). You’ll also be treated to Charlie paradiddling on his posh drums while adding the occasional backing vocal, and Big Big Bill on his Big Big Bass.
The boys have been playing the Weymouth, Portland and Bridport circuit regularly for the past couple of years.
False Pretences
False Pretences comprises James Baker (Baker)
on vocals, James Lee, lead guitar, Chris Lee, bass guitar, Nick
Lee, rhythm guitar and Ian Galloway on drums. James and Chris are twins.
A Weymouth-based band, they have been playing together for approximately 2 years and provide energetic and catchy original rock material. 'Gotta Go' and 'No
Purchase Necessary' have echoes of The Datsuns, with hook-heavy riffs. Other offerings, for instance 'The Climax' and 'Fly Now' vary in that they provide some slowburn and anthemic hitting melodies.
They like to entertain!
The band are recording their second CD over the weekend of January 15th.
Gothic Chicken
Hot psychedelia performed by cold professionals is the only way to describe Marco Rossi: guitar and vocals, Alan Strawbridge, bass and vocals, Tom Hughes: Hammond organ and Luke Adams, drums and vocals.
Despite the fact that there isn't much call for psychedelic music these days, no one seems to have told Gothic Chicken! Furthermore, they still travel to their gigs by steam train, and conduct their rehearsals by gaslight in a primeval soup. Mmmm, soup.
Initiates can expect demented covers of material by bands that the nation has desperately tried to forget, including The Action, Blossom Toes, The Zombies, The Cyrkle, Egg and Soft Machine, topped off with banshee wails and localised breakdancing in which actual bones are broken.
The Jess Upton Soul Band
The Jess Upton Soul Band was formed in 1992 by Chris Lonergan, percussionist Steve Mutter and pianist/vocalist Sammy Hurden, who formed a nine-piece soul/funk review to showcase Jess Upton’s extraordinary vocal prowess.
The band, which also features saxophonists Clive Ashley and Julie Trevett, guitarist Terry Cottam and drummer Dave Kenderdine, plays classic soul from Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder through to funk from the Brand New Heavies and the James Taylor Quartet. All in all, it’s a class show.
The Lo Numbers
The Lo Numbers are three highly energized, thrusting males from Weymouth.
They play music as if it has never existed. Before the Lo Numbers each
member had a thick head of hair. They still do.
Rich Murphy plays guitar, Chris Chapman plays bass and Iain Mathieson plays
the drums. They all sing.
The Who, Small Faces, Jam, Kinks and Creation to name a few can be heard at a Lo Numbers gig. You can't call it modern music but then, it may be in the future.
The Lo Numbers want you to come and spend £10 on a ticket on the 23rd. It doesn't matter who you come to see, there is so much talent in the area. The Lo Numbers are good mind you!
The Muddy Funksters
The muddy funksters is led by Dan Bell and fronted by the powerful saxaphone playing of Simon Hartung and smooth vocals of Francesca Payne and Chloe Whistance. Bassist Holly Mcintosh and drummer Jonny Drenon work with guitarists Dan Bell and Chris Jinx to make a mean groove.
The band have been playing pubs and clubs around the area for sometime now, making sweet jazz, funk and soul as if it was second nature.
www.muddyfunksters.co.nr
New Breed
With
Dan Stockwell and Mat Carbis O'Brien on guitars, Tom Bill on bass, Jake Sorbie on drums and Ben Williams on vocals, the energy and enthusiasm is the first thing you'll notice with New Breed.
The second thing you notice is their technical musicianship as they take on covers by bands like Incubus, Chili Peppers, Weezer, Bloodhound Gang and the Foo Fighters.
The third thing you notice is the band’s larger than life front man Ben, an entertainer if ever there was one.
Tie this all together and you truly have an exceptional young band.
You can also catch the members of the band playing in various other forms such as Ocean Red, Six String Addiction and Chemical Alley in a venue near you soon!
Pondlife
Notching up nearly a thousand gigs over the last five years, Pondlife’s current repertoire reads like the play list on your favourite juke box!
In the last five years, Pondlife have supported many famous acts including The Animals, The Searchers and Bucks Fizz (but don’t let that put you off!).
The current line up features the irreverent George Stevenson on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Rob Paull on keyboards, lead & backing vocals, Andy Taylor on guitar, Rodney Teague on bass and David Essex’s drummer, Dave Wallace.
Satan's Coconuts
Satan's Coconuts formed six months ago and comprise four of Weymouth's top rock musicians of the Bad Reputation, Shirley Temple Pilots and Entity fame. They had the impulse to turn their backs on the standard rock classics to play lesser familiar covers, and it’s working a treat.
With Andrew Sundt on vocals and Mark Davis on guitar, Dave Degarmo on Bass and Steve Perry on Drums, they are playing heavy and hard with crunching guitar riffs and infectious drum patterns. You will recognise a cocktail of Guns'n'Roses, Motley Crew, Iron Maiden, Audio Slave and Lynch Mob.
Currently establishing a new fan-base the boys are worth taking notice of. You won't regret it!
Ian Sedwell
Ian Sedwell is a Weymouth-born (UK) acoustic guitarist, singer, songwriter. In the eighties, Ian was a regular on the English folk circuit, appearing with the likes of Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Martin Simpson, Gordon Giltrap and Richard Thompson. "Way down on the bill," he insists. He also did a stint on the American club circuit and turned down a recording deal to return to the UK to "do other things". The other things left little time to play guitar and it was only on returning to Weymouth six years ago that he once more picked up the guitar and started to write songs again.
Whatever you do, don't describe his music as "folk". He will frown and tell you, "I hate the label. Today, folk music has become little more than weird beards with an insular, moribund approach that actively discourages innovation. I am not a folkie!"
His musical style is relaxed and flowing with the occasional foray into a more tense and aggressive mood. "The song reflects your mood at the time of writing," he explains, "I generally write about people and the feelings I have for them. Most times that's a loving, gentle or mournful thing - but every now and then, someone really pisses me off!" - Soundclick
Speedway Snails
The Snails, as those who can’t be bothered to use their full name call them, were formed from the ashes of the UK’s top Black Sabbath Tribute band (Sabbracaddabra). They hooked up with young Tom and some bloke with a very yellow drum kit to bring you a feast of gastropodic rock.
They are Matt Green (vocals and anything else) Tom March, Bass, Andy “Rod Thunder” Younger, Drums and Jon Hulland having a stab at the guitar (its strictly rhythm, he doesn’t want to make it cry or sing).
Tunes by the likes of Black Sabbath, Weezer, Queens of the Stone Age, Jet, the Datsuns and the Knack can be heard at venues all over Weymouth and sometimes even further a field, (like Dorchester for instance).
You will be entertained not embalmed by these super quick rocket shelled
smiley boys. Especially as Matt still has a tendency to do… well, kind of
what he used to, except without a wig and his crap brummie accent!
Splinter
Splinter are: Roger (Vocals), Steve (Bass), Nigel (Drums) and Eddy (Guitar). Formed almost 10-years ago, Splinter are veterans of the Weymouth music scene. The current members have served their time in many bands both locally and abroad.
If you've ever been to a Splinter gig you'll already know you're guaranteed a spectacular, high-energy Rock 'n' Roll experience. That's always been key for Splinter - to make a big noise, have fun making it and to ensure that everyone goes away with a big smile on their face! That's not to say that the music takes second place - with over 100-years of combined playing experience you're assured of music at it's virtuosic best!
Covering many Rock Classics from the past 40 years, from the Animals through to Gun's 'n' Roses and beyond, there's something in a Splinter set for everyone.
The Steamer Ducks
The Steamer Ducks is fronted by guitar virtuoso Robbie McIntosh, who has spent long periods with The Pretenders and Paul McCartney and is now touring the world with Norah Jones.
Robbie is also a first-call session player who has worked with everyone from Tears for Fears to Joe Cocker, Cher, Boyzone, Gordon Haskell, Roger Daltrey and Beatles producer George Martin and many, many more besides.
Robbie’s first love, however, is the blues, and the Steamer Ducks is his chance to let rip while pay tribute to heroes like Freddie King, Albert King, Lowell George, Carl Perkins and NRBQ.
Steve Wilson and the Innocent Bystanders
Hugely entertaining, Steve Wilson and the Innocent Bystanders took the recent Spydafest by storm with their blend of fine musicianship plus wonderful harmonies, inspired by the 60’s. They play songs that have instant appeal but defy categorisation, and now look set to take the festival circuit by storm.
The band, which features special guest singer Jess Upton, will be playing music from their critically acclaimed album "Steppin’ it up a Notch", plus material from their current recording project, and some of their favourite songs written by other people.
You may also hear something by The Little Green Men (remember them?) as Steve was a founder member.
www.stevewilson.net
Thriller Queen
The Weysia event will be the debut performance of this combination of highly-experienced local musicians. Their set is guaranteed to appeal to all diehard Queen fans.
Thriller Queen are Andrew Sundt (vocals), Paul Sundt (Guitar), Dave Phillips (Bass and backing vocals) and Ady Milward (drums).
Promising to be one of Britain's top Queen Tribute Bands, you will be able to say you saw them here first!
Tia
Tia is a stunningly original singer-songwriter. Her songs are straight from the heart and aimed straight at the truth. They are often deeply personal, always frank. They are a blend of lyrical poetry, imaginative musical structure and masterly composition. They are delivered with a passion that touches you and involves you; sung with a voice that wraps around you, enchants you and transports you.
Whether she is fronting a band or playing solo, she is a musical force with a wealth of experience. At seven she started writing poetry. Good poetry! At eight she was on stage, singing and dancing. At nine she was given her first guitar. It was the same guitar that lit the musical spark in her second cousin, Andy Summers of The Police. At twelve, she had her first recording session. At fourteen, she was jamming and guesting with musicians of international renown. She has just performed live on BBC radio. This is only the start, believe me!
Deeply sensitive, thoughtful and perceptive, Tia writes about life, about joy, sadness, hopes, fears… Complex thoughts and feelings beautifully touched in songs. And they touch beautifully. - Ian Sedwell
Vending Machine Repairmen
After a number of false starts, it seems that the Vendors are rocking again. With Emma Gale on vocals, John Stubbs on lead guitar, Shaun Gosling on twelve-string and electric, Remi Gale (no they are not related) on bass and Kev Jackson, making his debut, on drums.
Their carefully chosen repertoire contains a range of female orientated rock and ballad covers that compliment the vocals and incorporate a twelve-string guitar to great effect.
The songs provided, by this seldom seen band, span the decades and include works by Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow, Hazel O'Connor, Suzanne Vega and the Doobie Brothers. The band also embrace contemporary music in the form of Skunk Anansie and the Dandy Warhols.
Be assured you will not be disappointed!
Ken Watkins
Ken Watkins is offering his unique blend of acoustic entertainment between bands with the assistance of his daughter Lucy and long-standing "Watkins and Heron" partner, Angela.
Ken is no stranger to appearing at the Pavilion, has held numerous "sell-out" solo concerts during the late 80s and early 90s and more recently performed a variety of musical concerts with his old chums Chris Lonergan and Robbie McIntosh.
With numerous TV and radio appearances behind him you are more likely, however, to recognise him from the county-wide busking he has been undertaking for the last 20 years.
What would Scooby do?
This lively young band is no TV show creation. Their enthusiasm and energy comes straight from a love of doing what they do best – writing and performing their own original music, influenced by very varied bands including the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Taking Back Sunday, The Beatles, AFI and The Cure.
The song-writing duo of Gareth Carter (on vocals and rhythm guitar) and Luke Stenlake (on lead guitar) have been friends since before they could even talk and at primary school they were joined by drummer, James (Andy) Andrews. At All Saints Secondary School the line up was complete when they met up with Graham Bell, the bass player.
At school they won the local Battle of the Bands competition and their innovative, fresh and original music impressed not only teachers and influenced their peers, but also caught the eye (or ear?) of local music writer Chris Lonergan. Chris encouraged them through an impressive write-up in the local media to start performing at pub gigs. They have built up a large following and now regularly appear on the thriving Weymouth music circuit, attracting large crowds.
Their live performances containing their own music and a wide range of well executed covers, as well as their lively banter with the audience, never fails to impress and provoke reaction.
