Return to ‘STEELTOWN’: 35th AnniversaryTour.

The bandwill be performing songs from their classic, Multi-million selling album ‘Steeltown’ 

‘Steeltown’ is the second studio albumand was recorded at ABBA's Polar Studiosin Stockholm with Steve Lillywhiteproducing. It was released on 19 October, 1984.Bruce Watson remembers the time verywell, amid the nationwide strife back in the UK, fully in the grip of theMiners Strike: “We started work onSteeltown back in June 1984 at Abba’s studio. We worked alongside Steve inStudio One as Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber worked on ‘Chess’ next door inStudio Two. Stockholm felt like the most expensive place on earth – it’s as if we were on a different planet to howthings were back home – my Dad was a miner, so what we did was knuckle down tohard work for six weeks”.

Regardedby many as a classic, the multi-million selling Steeltown went straight to the Number 1 slot in the album charts.

The bandwill perform songs from the album as well as the classic hits and livefavourites including
HarvestHome - Fields of Fire - In A Big Country - Chance - Wonderland - Look Away -The Teacher

Plus manymore...

Steeped in a stunningcatalogue of proud and stirring hit songs such as ‘Fields of Fire’, ‘Chance’, ‘In A Big Country’ (which sold 2million), ‘East Of Eden’ and theirbiggest UK hit ‘Look Away’, alongwith massive albums such ‘The Seer’,‘Steeltown’, ‘Peace In Our Time’ and the triple Grammy –nominated, ‘The Crossing’, BIG COUNTRY continue tolook beyond the next horizon,

The band – BRUCEWATSON (guitars/vocals); MARK BRZEZICKI (drums, vocals); JAMIE WATSON(guitars/vocals) will be augmented on stage by vocalist SIMON HOUGH andbassist, SCOTT WHITLEY

The GigCartel presents Hugh Cornwell Electric The Monster Tour

'GOLDEN BROWN, STRANGE LITTLE GIRL, ALWAYS THE SUN, PEACHES,

The Wedding Present was born in Leeds, in the UK, in 1985with the release of the debut single GO OUT AND GET EM’ BOY! and the band’sfirst album, GEORGE BEST, followed a couple of years later. With the earlyreleases on their own label, the band acquired a reputation for bittersweet,breathtakingly honest love songs immersed in whirlwind guitars, so it was quiteextraordinary that they decided to explore traditional Eastern European folkmusic for their major label debut on RCA Records in 1989 with UKRAINSKI VISTUPIV JOHNA PEELA. However, this was soon to be followed by the more traditionallyincendiary BIZARRO, which featured their first hit single KENNEDY.

The band’s next step was to enlist the aid of thenoise-mongering [and, at that point, relatively unknown] sound engineer SteveAlbini. The resulting SEAMONSTERS, recorded in the snowy wilds of Minnesota injust 11 days, suggested a more thoughtful Wedding Present.

A unique plan was hatched in 1992. By the end of that year,The Wedding Present had released twelve 7” singles, one per month, and equalledElvis Presley's 35-year-old record for "most hits in one year". Agang of impressive names, including Ian Broudie [The Lightning Seeds] andlegendary Rolling Stones producer Jimmy Miller collaborated on theindustry-challenging project, ultimately to be compiled on the two HIT PARADELPs.

1994’s WATUSI, produced by Steve Fisk [a prime mover in thecelebrated avant-garde scene of Seattle] whisked the band off into yet anothernew area with its lo-fi pop, three-part a capella harmonies and Waikiki-readysurf strains. The band returned to a more familiar sound in 1995 with the carthemed MINI, in which Gedge cloaked his tales of love and lust with automobilesymbolism.

The next album, SATURNALIA, was recorded in the studio ownedby The Cocteau Twins and released in 1996 to the usual flurry of criticalapproval, but it was shortly after this point that Gedge started work on a soloproject, CINERAMA. A fittingly titled outfit, Cinerama indulged Gedge's love offilm music from John Barry to Ennio Morricone... via Blaxploitation and TheVentures! Cinerama went on to record three stunning studio albums, VA VA VOOM,DISCO VOLANTE and TORINO.

At the end of 2002, Gedge split up with Sally Murrell, hislong-time girlfriend and chief Cinerama collaborator. He decided to leaveLeeds, his home for the preceding twenty-four years, and move to Seattle, wherehe began writing a collection of songs apparently influenced by his despairover the split. TAKE FOUNTAIN, the resultant album, was recorded by Steve Fiskand released, perhaps ironically, on St. Valentine’s Day, 2005. This longawaited LP brought The Wedding Present back into the spotlight with all thestyle and sophistication associated with a legendary group, but fans were alsopleased to see the band had lost none of the growling angst with which they hadburst onto the scene in 1985.

In January 2008 the band returned to Steve Albini for therecording of EL REY, which was released in the summer of that year to furthercritical acclaim. At the end of 2008 Gedge fulfilled a long held ambition byreleasing a bona fide Christmas song, HOLLY JOLLY HOLLYWOOD, a duet with LosAngeles based chanteuse, Simone White.

In 2009, as well launching his own mini-festival, AT THEEDGE OF THE SEA, which he curates and which now takes place every year inBrighton [UK], he also took part in a major collaboration with the BBC Big Bandfor the biannual ‘Fuse’ Festival which was held back in his home town of Leeds.For the event he performed Wedding Present and Cinerama songs backed byeighteen world class musicians including legendary 'James Bond' trumpeter DerekWatkins. Also in 2009, two Take Fountain songs, I’M FROM FURTHER NORTH THAN YOUand RINGWAY TO SEATAC, appeared in the award winning independent film SkillsLike This.

In 2012 The Wedding present released VALENTINA [which wasmixed in L.A. by Grammy award winning producer Andrew Scheps]  to furtherrave reviews. 2012 also saw the release of a new comic book series, TALES FROMTHE WEDDING PRESENT, which, Gedge has hinted, is essentially his memoirs ingraphic novel style.

In what turned out to be a huge and comprehensivereassessment of the band, 2014 saw Edsel Records re-releasing seven WeddingPresent albums in critically acclaimed multi-disc 'extended' editions whichbrought together a wealth of historic recordings, radio sessions and videos.

Such has been the unpredictable nature of Gedge's careerover the years, hardly anyone could have be surprised when he announced yetanother remarkable project in 2015. Collaborating with Spanish indie legendPedro Vigil he decided to completely 're-imagine' The Wedding Present'sVALENTINA album as Cinerama. The resulting album was also entitled VALENTINAand, with its "musical set pieces and vocal nuances fine enough to rivalBacharach and David",  was described as "a truly sparkling anduplifting concerto for the modern age" by Vive Le Rock Magazine.

Be prepared fora totally immersive experience when we take you back to the 1970s and celebratethe songs of the influential progressive rock band Genesis. The show accuratelyrecreates the music and songs from 1970 – 1977 complete with period musical instruments,reproduction Gabriel masks and costumes, animated slide show, and atmosphericsynchronised lighting in a packed 3-hour show.

An absolutemust for lovers of early Genesis music!

Enjoy a briefsample of what you can expect from the show: https://youtu.be/p7BCBtqoyLA

The castincludes:

NigelBetteridge (as Peter Gabriel/Phil Collins) has many years of experience singingthe early Genesis songs. This coupled with the theatrical costumes and masksthat Gabriel used (including “The Flower”, “Bat Wings”, “Magog”, “CrestedBritannia” and more) makes for a truly dramatic performance;

Howard Boder(as Tony Banks) our classically trained keyboards maestro, has gone to a lot oftrouble to re-create the early ‘Genesis/Banks’ keyboard sounds. Generous to afault, Howard tells you how to get these vintage sounds on YouTube (now withover 99,000 hits);

Bob Arnold (asSteve Hackett) with his Les Paul Gold Top as his main instrument is a hard-coredevotee of Steve Hackett’s work (including both electric and acousticrepertoires) – marvelling at his jaw-dropping rendition of the Firth of Fifthsolo is one of many highlights!

Kirk Watson (asMike Rutherford) not only has a multi-instrumentalist role (‘Rickenbacker’double neck-bass/12-string, bass guitar, bass pedals, 12 string acousticguitar), but sings backing vocals too – his contribution is, quite simply,awesome!

Russ Wilson (asPhil Collins) is our phenomenal drummer. A professional drummer performing with(amongst others) the Ultimate Elton and The Rocket Band, Curfew, and Fragile.He provides the band with a powerhouse of percussion!”

Seated

Cash& Carter, Together’ brings you an authentic recreation of the Johnny Cashlive show, focusing on his unique collaborations with wife June Carter, andbacked by a full band playing country, gospel and folk. Featuring images andstories, the show captures the soul of the Cash-Carter legacy with feeling,honesty and humour. The show features a set list of the best of Cash, andCarter, including Folsom Prison Blues, Jackson, Get Rhythm, Carter familybluegrass, and delves into the magnificent American Recordings series,including Hurt, which brought Johnny to a whole new generation of fans.

In homage to JohnnyCash, Lizzy Rushby (June Carter) and Richard Day (Johnny Cash) first performedtheir Cash and Carter tribute in a UK prison. Touring the UK and beyond in2019/20, the show is a must for fans of Johnny Cash, June Carter, and countrymusic. Book now to enjoy the soul of country music that is, ‘Cash and Carter,Together’." 

Celebrate a legend of Bollywood with special Gloucestershow

A tribute to Bollywoodlegend R.D Burman is coming to Gloucester Guildhall on Saturday 15th February2020 at 7pm.

The production ‘RoopTera Mastana' performed by P M Raj and Sandhya is filled with the music andsoul of a Bollywood great. Backed by a live band, the show combines acollection of his greatest hits into a fun filled celebration of Bollywoodthroughout its Golden Age.

Regarded as one ofthe most influential composers of the Indian Film Industry, R.D Burman washighly sort after musical director for Bollywood productions for over 3decades.

P M Raj is a popular performer for Bollywood,  Lollywood,  Ghazal, Bhangra and Sufi Music who has worked with nationaland international artists such as Bollywood melody  queen Alka Yagnik, releasinga romantic album called 'Pal' (moment). He has also released albums with artistsfrom Mumbai (India), Lahore (Pakistan) and London (UK). Growing up withBollywood, Raj has now performed for over 30 years.

Perfect for Bollywood fans and newcomers alike it willremind those fans of the Golden Era of Bollywood whilst introducing newcomersto the soulful delights of a legend in the field. Suitable for the wholefamily, ‘Roop Tera Mastana’ is a night which is not to be missed.

£12.50 adv / £15 door

'Special Kinda Madness perform a truly authentic set from each band, combining the phenomenally energetic stage presence of The Specials with the wonderful iconic tunes of the Madness ‘Nutty Boys’. Playing a set from each band and producing a show that will have the audience up and dancing from the off, Special Kinda Madness will have everyone hankering after that exciting era of 2-Tone and ska.

On 21st July 1979 at the Electric Ballroom in London, the Specials played a gig with Madness, Dexy’s Midnight Runners and Selecter. That’s a gig that all 2-Tone rude boys and rude girls would die to see, and thought would never happen. The Specials and Madness on the same bill!

In truth, it will probably never happen now … but you can get the next best thing with Special Kinda Madness!

2 Bands … 2-Tone … 1 Fantastic Night!'

Tickets £16 adv / £20 door

Essentially Wille and the Bandits is a classic blues rock three piece much in the vein of Cream or The Jimi Hendrix experience. But in a similar way to how these bands pushed the genre in their time, Wille and the Bandits try to take their sound beyond what is expected of such a traditional line up.

The use of more bizarre instrumentation and eclectic influences in the song writing often pushes them more into a world music or progressive category. Having toured with artists such as Deep Purple through to the John Butler trio and played major festivals across Europe, the band seem to leave an equally astounding impression on audiences of all ages and musical backgrounds with their energetic and soulful performances.

They have received great critical acclaim, being voted in the top ten must see bands at Glastonbury 2014 by BBC Radio 1 and reaching number 2 in the UK blues chart with their first single on downloads alone. Now touring their third independently released studio album Wille and the Bandits fan base, repertoire of sounds, styles and innovation seems to be growing at an exponential rate.

The band are praised in the press for their albums; bursting at the seams with textures, originality and soul. Rock legends such as Ian Paice, Joe Bonamassa and Francis Rossi have also praised the band’s musicianship and their unique edge to Rock and Blues.

It’s rare to find a band as dynamic as Wille and the Bandits, one that is just as comfortable and as impressive at both ends of the sonic spectrum. In the modern age of disposable music it is refreshing to hear a band that still value the art of creating albums and who continue to bring new instruments and ideas into their songwriting rather than settling for a tried and tested formula. Ten seconds of Youtube will not scratch the surface of the band’s sound and message; this is a band that is very much about discovery and one best experienced LIVE!.
£15

AGMP presents

THE STYLE COUNCILLORS

"CAFÉ BLEU" TOUR 2020

The Style Councillors celebrate "Café Bleu", the seminal debut albumby The Style Council.

The Style Councillors are the world's one and only tribute to TheStyle Council.

Formed in 2013 by Darren Fletcher (Paul Weller) and SteveHayes (Mick Talbot), The Style Councillors have quickly built aloyal fanbase for the group which was Paul Weller's home for the majorityof the 1980's and where he wrote some of his finest songs. DaniClay (Dee C. Lee) and Craig Read (Steve White) are joinedby the Bad Manners Horn Section and a stellar line up ofmusicians hell-bent on recreating the sound of The Style Council.

After the dissolution of The Jam in 1982, Paul Weller joinedforces with Mick Talbot, formerly of The Merton Parkas,Dextys Midnight Runners and The Bureau, to form TheStyle Council. After a string of succesful singles released in 1983 suchas 'Speak Like a Child', 'Money-Go-Round' & 'Long Hot Summer', The StyleCouncil released their debut album 'Café Bleu' to universal acclaimin March 1984. 'Café Bleu' featured favourites such as 'My Ever ChangingMoods', 'You're The Best Thing', 'Headstart for Happiness' and more.

The Style Councillors will be reprising the album in full along with a setof other classics by The Style Council.

The Improvised Doctor Who Parody is landing near you! Travel anywhere in time and space with a live radiophonic workshop, incredibleprops & set and a collection of hilarious improv comedy performers. Travelon an adventure everyone can enjoy made entirely from your suggestions.Allons-y!

"Laughter so hard the seating shook" ***** One4Review

 "A must see" ***** ScottishField

“The Doctor would approve” **** BroadwayBaby

“A talented cast, sharp improv skills and a slick live soundscape” Recommendedby the British Comedy Guide

"A splendid, inventive contagiously funny show [...]I’ll go again!" Jon Culshaw (Dead Ringers)

At aBravado show you will hear a large selection of classic material, taken largelyfrom the classic Terry Brown period, performed in a man-for-man, WYSIWYG kindof way, without the use of additional musicians or click-tracks and sequencer.

Establishedin 2004, Bravado are quite simply Britain's most accurate three-piece tributeperforming the music of Canadian Prog Rockers Rush.

Performingas a three-piece rock band, Bravado play songs that Rush themselves stoppedplaying long before retiring. Alongside the 'deep cuts’ you will hear eternalfavourites including Tom Sawyer and The Spirit of Radio. PLUS, those tracks younever thought you'd ever hear in concert!

Pod,Neil and Dean, combine an exciting performance with a sound as faithful to Geddy,Alex and Neil as is possible.

Throughouttheir history of over 40 years, Rush have been the proud recipients of 24 goldrecords and 14 platinum (3 multi-platinum) records. Rush’s sales statisticsplace them fourth behind The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Aerosmith for themost consecutive gold or platinum albums by a rock band.

Rushhave become known for their virtuosity, complex compositions, and eclecticlyrical motifs drawing heavily on science fiction, fantasy, and libertarianphilosophy, as well as addressing humanitarian, social, emotional, andenvironmental concerns.

 
£15 Adv / £18 on the door.

7pm doors.

Oas-is - The UK's BEST Oasis tribute band return to Gloucester, after 6 SOLD OUT shows in a row!

Celebrating 25 years of the legendary album '(What's the Story) Morning Glory' the Oas-is gents will honour this by playing the album in full + a greatest hits set!

Oas-is are five Oasis fanatics who live and breath Manchester's finest band and are now dedicated to giving you the best look and sound that you should expect from an Oasis tribute band.

£13
+ Support
Doors 7.30pm / 8pm Start

AGMP presents

BLANCMANGE

+ support: tbc

"Listening to Blancmange Obsessively. Probably the most under-ratedelectronic act of all time.” - Moby
 
"Blancmange have been a part of the soundtrack to my life ever since'Happy Families' was released.” - John Grant
 
British electronic band Blancmange first broke through in the early 80s withtheir mix of synthesizers and surrealism, fused in groundbreaking singles suchas 'Feel Me', 'Living On The Ceiling', 'Blind Vision' and 'Don't Tell Me'.The epic synthpop of 'Waves' and a cover of Abba's 'The Day Before YouCame' illustrated a band who were always willing to change and adapt new styleswithin their electronic framework.

Doors 7pm
Tickets £20