Playing first with Iron Maiden then joining and figure heading the band Samson, [a line-up that included a young Bruce Dickinson on vocals] and prior to launching his own band, Thunderstick was, and has always been, a legendary part of the NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) scene since its conception in the late 70s. Thunderstick the band has recently celebrated its 40th Year Anniversary. Embracing the ‘Theatrical Rock’ genre, each show performed endeavours to take its audiences on a journey of escapism and originality wherever they play.

The full Thunderstick band line-up is:

Vocals – Raven Blackwing

Raven started her career as a solo artist working many venues across her native Kent. Enigmatic performances and unforgettable vocals soon attracted enquiries from rock bands nationwide she could’ve landed any number of vocal positions. She was ‘headhunted’ by Thunderstick. Her many stage personas displayed within a Thunderstick show are both mesmerising and hypnotic. She was made for theatrical rock. Once you see her you won’t forget her. The Raven has most definitely landed.

Bass - Rex Thunderbolt

Another familiar face on the Kent music scene, bass-player Rex has been a core part of the reborn Thunderstick band since 2017, playing on the well-received album Something Wicked This Way Comes as well as all the live gigs played when Thunderstick returned to the stage. A consummate performer and awesome presence on stage.

Guitar – Pete Pinto

Pete started playing guitar at the age of seven teaching himself.  He has toured worldwide with many bands - a true professional.  Playing Rock guitar has always been his first love...Appearing on ‘Guitar Star’ on Sky Arts, getting down to the last 20 players from 600 entrants… !  Now playing lead guitar for Thunderstick he is once more rocking stages.

Guitar – Dave Butters Dave (DI) Butters

A Rock’n’Roll Guitar ‘Gunslinger’ from the age of five. Thunderstick is the first twin guitar line-up that Dave has played in and has totally immersed himself in the specific technique it requires for a two guitar assault. A true lover of theatrics within rock Thunderstick is a perfect home for his talent.

Drums - Barry Graham Purkis aka Thunderstick

Barry Graham Purkis’s alter ego Thunderstick became the icon of the NWOBHM scene in the 1980s. Playing with both Iron Maiden and Samson until forming his eponymously named band. A songwriter, lyricist, arranger and producer in his own right he has led Thunderstick the band over four decades. The first performer to experiment with the anonymity of ‘Mask Rock’ now inhabited by many others such as Slipknot & Ghost. He is a true original.

Lindisfarne emerged from Tyneside in the 1970s and quickly carved out a unique place for themselves as one of British rock’s most original bands. Their pioneering sound, combining acoustic instruments like mandolin and fiddle with their electric blues roots, proved the perfect medium to deliver the catchy, memorable songs provided by the band’s resident writers Alan Hull and Rod Clements. Their first hit, the Clements-penned Meet Me On The Corner, paved the way for their classic Fog On The Tyne to become the UK’s top-selling album of 1972.

LINDISFARNE’s unforgettable songs, powerful live performances and unpretentious style ledto worldwide success and an enviable reputation as festival favourites, and the annual Christmas concerts they presented in their native Newcastle became the stuff of legend.

The original band finally called it a day in 2003, but now LINDISFARNE are back with a classic six-piece line up of long-time members fronted by original founder-member Rod Clements (vocals, mandolin, fiddle, slide guitar) and Alan Hull’s son--law Dave Hull-Denholm (vocals, guitars). With a repertoire of much-loved songs like Meet Me On The Corner, Fog On The Tyne, Lady Eleanor and Run For Home and a reputation for live performance second to none, LINDISFARNE’s power to galvanise festival and concert audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get the crowd on its feet and singing along.

Since their formation in 1977 NINE BELOW ZERO have developed a reputation as one of the best blues bands in the country. Their high energy live act was already well established by the time they signed to A&M RECORDS in 1980 and was forever captured on their classic live album 1980’s LIVE AT THE MARQUEE. Legendary producer GLYN JOHNS subsequently worked with the band on 1981’s DON’T POINT YOUR FINGER and they became a familiar sight on seminal TV shows like THE OLD GREY WHISTLE TEST, THE SOUTH BANK SHOW and memorably performed ‘’11+11’’ on the very first episode of anarchic comedy hit THE YOUNG ONES. High profile tours with THE WHO and The KINKS followed and although their musicianship was reaching new heights 1982’s THIRD DEGREE was the last album released by the classic line-up. During this hiatus Dennis formed the soul/pop outfit THE TRUTH producing two Top 20 singles in the UK and a Top 5 R&B hit in the US whilst Mark Feltham went on to become one of the most sought after harmonica players in the session world. The band made a triumphant return in 1990 to celebrate their 10th anniversary with an all new rhythm section consisting of BRENDAN O’NEILL (Drums) and GERRY MCAVOY (Bass) from RORY GALLAGHER’s band.

We are delighted to welcome Nine Below Zero back to A New Day, with the 4 piece line-up of Dennis Greaves, Mark Feltham, Sonny Greaves and Ben Willis.

EDDIE & THE HOT RODS

One of the most highly influential and recognisable names from the English Rock scene, Eddie & The Hot Rods have enjoyed a career that has now spanned nearly 40 years.

Although often categorised as one of the founding fathers of the punk era, they were simply interested in playing loud, fast, in your face Rock ‘n’ Roll rather than bad mouthing the Queen or fermenting anarchy. The energy and attitude certainly endeared them to the punks, but the hard and fast style that made Eddie & The Hot Rods one of the most exciting bands of the era has never really dated or gone out of style.

Eddie & The Hot Rods were included in the Mojo Top 100 of most influential bands and they are often cited as an inspiration for many upcoming new bands.

Unfortunately, in October 2019 came the awful news that founder member Barrie Masters had passed away at the age of only 63 after a legendary career at the sharp end of the band. Decisions about the Band's future were soon overtaken by the arrival of the global Covid-19 pandemic, which effectively halted all live music activity for the next 18 months.

Thanks to the enduring appeal of the music, support from their fans and a never failing desire to get out there and make some noise, the band have decided to continue with a limited touring schedule and always, with the utmost respect for Barrie's memory.

Now fronted on Vocals by Ian 'Dipster' Dean with Simon Bowley on Drums and Richard Holgarth on Guitar, this line up has been the core of The Hot Rods for the last 20 years. Joined by Bassist Mic Stoner, ex Chords) they continue to serve up a high energy mix of those classic Eddie & The Hot Rods songs including “Teenage Depression”, “Quit This Town”, “Life On The Line”, “Gloria” and the Top Ten UK “Do Anything You Wanna Do”, alongside newer songs taken from their last two studio albums, including “Better Without You”, “Bad Time Again” and “Why Should I Care”.

Recently, Eddie & The Hot Rods have been seen out and about on tour with Stiff Little Fingers (2019) and previously with Status Quo on their 2012 arena tour. They're also often found sharing the stage with old friends like Nine Below Zero, Dr Feelgood, Dept S, The Members and From The Jam. As well as regular trips to Europe and Japan they completed their fifth USA tour a couple of years back.

Whether it’s in an Arena, Theatre, Club or Festival, Eddie & The Hot Rods always deliver a blisteringly energetic blast of proper Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Gypsy Pistoleros are a thrill-a-minute collection of melodic eye-patch swagger that smells of exotic spices and forbidden concubines. The Gypsy Pistoleros sound like Hanoi Rocks, if Hanoi Rocks were sultans and snakecharmers- Sleazegrinder - Classic Rock Magazine

 "This, actually, is as good as sleaze ever got in the last decade. Gypsy Pistoleros were, and still are, a breath of fresh air. You will never hear another band like this. They are the greatest flamenco sleaze glam band ever. And that’s just a fact. If you don’t believe me, listen to this."  Paul Thorley Maximum volume music

GYPSY PISTOLEROS are "The World's Greatest Flamenco Sleaze Glam Rock 'N' Roll band Ever!" ! Combining their truly unique mix of flamenco rumba which gleefully collides with old school punk and rock 'n' roll riffs!!

Gypsy Pistoleros are still something truly unique and interesting in today’s predictable musical landscape. A sound and style that mixed sleazy glam rock with flamenco influences and a shout out to Mexican folklore and Spanish tendencies. 

The sound is flamenco in a head on collision with punk/rock riffs, pounding bass and thrashing drums. The songs span madly in the best rock 'n' roll tradition with big hooks, attitude, and sleaze. Yet those flamenco breaks got into your head and refused to leave - this hybrid rocks.  

This mongrel offspring of fiery flamenco passion and gritty gutter glam, the Gypsy Pistoleros' were born roamin' somewhere between Barcelona and Birmingham, brought into the world to a soundtrack stack-heeled anthems of sleazy ‘70s America. Standing alone in musical ancestry and sum sound, they were one one of those most rare acts who can honestly  claim the tag 'unique'.  

The insane inspiration came from frontman and songwriter Gypsy Lee Pistolero who began wielding this unique sound whilst living in Zaragoza (Spain) whilst supporting The Ramones in 1993. 

The Gypsy Pistoleros have always had a reputation for danger and played five Rocklahoma festivals 2007-11, in Oklahoma, USA , where they  appeared alongside Motley Crue, Guns n Roses, Poison, ZZ top, Twisted sister, Faster Pussycat, Vain, Papa Roach, Whitesnake, Skid Row, Black Label Society. Normally closing each night! 

They have toured extensively, playing with the likes of L.A. Guns, Faster Pussycat, Adler’s Appetite, UFO, Motorhead, Ratt, Dogs D'amour, Dirty Penny, Bang tango, Wrathchild, Vains Of Jenna, Twisted Sister, Poison, Vince Neil, Bang Tango, Skid Row, Slaughter, Faster Pussycat, Dokken and ZZ Top.,  

Troy Redfern combines the rawness of Hound Dog Taylor, the free-form approach of Sonny Sharrock, the firebrand playing of Johnny Winter and the technique of Dave Hole, mixed with the ghost of Elmore James.

He's a passionate, intense, free spirited indie blues artist whose ferocious slide guitar style twists and turns timeless themes and ideas to his own ends. In the studio, the multi instrumental slide guitarist and producer is a one man band who painstakingly pays attention to the minutiae of his tone, the imaginary arrangements and noir filled lyrics. As a band leader he's trusting enough to know that wherever his spontaneity takes him he has a locked in rhythm section that will push him to the limit while also giving him a safety net. Back in the studio, he does it all himself, and it's hard to grasp his unrelenting energy.

He's a musical visionary unafraid to trample on the boundaries of restricting labels. His talent spans ferocious slide playing, thoughtful production, passionate vocals and an approach to contemporary indie blues that references delta blues roots, while turning familiar emotions, themes and riffs from a bygone era into a broad based contemporary musical template.

Troy ushers us into a restless, musical journey that spans big musical vistas. He's a guitarist for whom tone, feel and grooves are his working tools and while his songs range from a whisper to a scream, he performs a balancing act between pure spontaneity and deep grooves.

His music is physical, engaging and emotive and worthy of hip references like indie blues, except it's backed up by real substance and stretched to the limit by virtuoso solos. When you listen to Troy Redfern you're buying into a new world vision where his high energy approach uncompromisingly hits you in the guts before making a cerebral connection.

Pete Feenstra - Blues Matters Magazine

MYTHRA are one of the original New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) bands. They formed in the second half of the 1970s and recorded their legendary 'Death & Destiny EP' in 1979. Based in the North East of England, MYTHRA has been cited as an early influence by Lars Ulrich of Metallica and they are still very much active on the current international Metal Underground scene.

MYTHRA are a strong and energetic live act and contain three original members from their early days. The line up is: John Roach (guitar), Alex Perry (guitar), Maurice Bates (bass), powerhouse drummer Phil Davies joined in 2015 and Kev Mcquire took over vocal duties in 2019.

Since their successful reunion show at the Brofest UK festival in February 2015, which attracted fans from across the world, MYTHRA have released three albums and played a number of high profile European Festivals. These include: 'Keep It True' XIX in Germany, 'HRH NWOBHM' in the UK, 'Metalcova' in Spain, Brofest in the UK (again) 'Up The Hammers' in Greece, 'Heavy Metal Maniacs' in the Netherlands, South Trooper in France and in October 2017 they made their triumphant first appearance in the United States at California's 'Frost & Fire III' Festival.

MYTHRA released their last studio album 'STILL BURNING' to great acclaim in April 2017 on High Roller Records. Recorded in the autumn of 2016 and produced by Bart Gabriel (Crystal Viper, Cirith Ungol), it has all the power expected of NWOBHM plus a very contemporary sound and feel. The new songs are going down a storm at live shows alongside classic tracks including: 'Killer', 'UFO', 'Overlord' and 'Death & Destiny'.

MYTHRA were sensational at A New Day 2021, and we are delighted to welcome them back, with a brand new album to celebrate.

“Kaz Hawkins isn't just a classic blues interpretation. She is a generation and culture where blues emotion is gladly mixed with a soul voice, gospel flights, some rock guitars and cry ballads”.

Kaz’s reputation as a powerhouse live performer stretches beyond her humble beginnings in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Her soulful presentations have astounded new fans when they discover this old school diva and are even more surprised at her fun loving attitude on stage.

She has won UK Blues Awards, British Blues Awards and been nominated numerous times at the Northern Ireland Music Prize. In 2016 Kaz represented United Kingdom at the International Blues Foundations Challenge in Memphis, USA. She then represented UK again at The European Blues Challenge in Denmark in 2017 which led to her taking home the crown of European Blues Band at European Blues Union.

Kaz has released four studio albums and has just finished producing her new record due for release in March 2022 on Dixiefrog Records.

Karnataka began life as a project by Ian Jones and Rachel Cohen to record a selection of songs written during their spells with previous bands.

The band was after the Indian state of Karnataka where Ian had recently visited.

The debut album ‘Karnataka’, was released in 1998 and featured Jonathan Edwards on Keyboards, Gavin Griffiths on drums and Paul Davies on guitars.

Following the release of the CD the same line-up continued as a band writing new material which would form the follow up album The Storm released in 2000. The Storm was recorded in Ian and Rachel’s home studio and was mixed by Phil Ault at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth. At the 2000 Classic Rock Society Awards in Rotherham, Karnataka won awards for Best New Band and Best Female Vocalist.

In 2001 the band supported Porcupine Tree on a selection of their European dates and filmed a live DVD at The London Astoria 2 which was released by Classic Rock Legends. In 2002 the band filmed another DVD with Classic Rock Legends ‘Live in the USA;.

In 2003 the band released their third album Delicate Flame of Desire. The album was produced by Steve Evans and mixed by Joe Gibb at Mighty Atom Studios in Swansea. The album was mastered at Abbey Road Studios. The album featured Anne-Marie Helder who had previously performed with the band as a guest backing vocalist. In 2004 the line-up released their final album Strange Behaviour, a double live CD recorded at The Limelight in Crewe.

In 2005 Ian anoounced the band would  continue with a new line-up featuring Lisa Fury on vocals, Gonzalo Carrera on keyboards and Enrico Pinna on guitars. In 2010 a new Karnataka album The Gathering Light was released, recorded and produced by Ian Jones, mixed by Joe Gibb and mastered in London’s Metropolis Studios. The album won Best Album at the Prog Awards.

Following Lisa and Gonzalo’s departure in 2011 new members Hayley Griffiths (vocals), Cagri Tozluoglu (keyboards) were announced. In 2012 the band released a new live album and DVD ‘New Light’. In 2013 the line-up was augmented by drummer Jimmy Pallagrosi and in 2015 new studio album Secrets of Angels was released. The album won Best Album at the Classic Rock Society Awards. In 2017 the band released Secrets of angels Live on CD/DVD and Blu-Ray.

In 2018 Sertari was announced as the band’s new vocalis. They have been writing new material for a new studio album set for release in 2022. The line-up were joined by special guests Luke Machin on guitars and Chris Allan on drums. In 2020 they announced their New Dawn Rising Tour which was postponed to 2022 following the global Covid pandemic.

Kaprekar's Constant is a UK based music collective formed in 2015 by lifelong friends and songwriting collaborators, Al Nicholson and Nick Jefferson. The intention was to provide a vehicle for their own brand of extended, story-telling songs that struggled to find a home elsewhere. 

Joined by friend of 30+ years Mike Westergaard, originally as arranger/producer and latterly as co-writer, their first album 'Fate Outsmarts Desire' was released in 2017 to much critical acclaim. 

Nominated in Prog Magazine's Limelight (Best Newcomer) category, KC played Holland's Prog Dreams festival and a number of British venues.

Joining them on the release were singers Bill Jefferson and Dorie Jackson, former Level 42 drummer Phil Gould and sax maestro David Jackson, who's tenure with Van der Graaf Generator is still the stuff of legend! It soon became clear that a real chemistry existed between the members, encouraging the writing and recording of album two, 2019's 'Depth of Field'. 

Phil's time was taken up with working on his 'Beautiful Wounds' album so a welcome addition to the line-up has been Mark Walker who also plays drums and percussion with the legendary band Caravan. Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull makes a very special guest appearance on one track.

With album three 'The Murder Wall' released on March 25th and more live gigs planned for 2022, it is a busy time for all concerned. 

Edgar Broughton singer songwriter and guitarist was a founder member of the Edgar Broughton Band in the 60s. The EBB would soon become the flag waving agit rockers of the late 60s/early 70s hippie movement. They were one of the first proponents of free concerts.

The band was a formidable live draw propelled by a heavy psychedelic blues sound and Edgar’s phenomenal if untutored singing. And what a voice – not only did this guy have a name like a fire and brimstone preacher he sounded like one. All of Broughton's albums were filled with full-on sonic attacks that took no prisoners. They also contained some truly thoughtful and beautiful music of great originality.

Edgar is well known as one of the most strident protest singers, but at times one of the most accessible – with a surprisingly diverse repertoire of self-penned material. With seven studio albums, two live albums and many compilations under his belt he has toured extensively since 1968.

Once described as a proto – punk, his music is firmly rooted in the blues and tinged with echoes of European folk music. His involvement with political activism has continued down the years and many of his songs reflect this. His solo, acoustic performance is an emotive, entertaining tour de force containing both old favourites and new songs from the heart.

Rory Mcleod - ex-circus clown and fire eater. A one man soulband, poet and storyteller, singing his own unique upbeat dance stories. A modern travelling troubadour using tap shoes, acappella, harmonica, guitar, trombone, spoons, finger cymbals, bandorea, djembe and various percussion instruments!

Rory has travelled the globe for different reasons at different times, from Asia to the middle East from Gambia to Cuba, Central America, Australia, North America, Canada, Europe and other nooks and crannies of the earth.

"You don't listen to McLeod you travel with him"
City Hub, Sydney (Australia)

"I've travelled to look for work, to mend a broken heart, to be with someone I longed for. I'd travel to visit friends and on the way I'd make new ones, I'd roam because I was curious to see what was around the next corner, sometimes I travelled to follow the warmer weather and migrate... like the birds and the big whales and fishes do".
Rory

Big River's mission is to keep the spirit & passion of British Blues / Rock Bands such as Free & Bad Company alive but with the modern influence of artists such as Rival Sons, Chris Stapleton, Vintage Trouble and Clutch. They do their own thing, they don’t follow trends and they’re known for playing passionate, heart wrenching performances at every show, always leaving the audience wanting just that bit more sweat from their brows. 

Since forming in 2016 Big River have notched up some serious live performances & have been chosen to open for bands including; Cats in Space, Kip Winger, Burning Rain, Little Caesar, John Corabi, Marco Mendoza, Kris Barras, Frankie Millers Fullhouse, Dave ‘Bucket’ Colwell and many more...

They have played prestigious Festivals & venues such as Cambridge Rock Festival, Blues on the Farm, London 100 Club, Camden Underworld, Half Moon Putney, Black Heart Camden.  

Their debut album “Redemption” released in August 2019 received astounding reviews, being played on Radio Stations all over the world & making the Top 20 in The Netherlands Rock Chart as well as regularly featuring on Top 20 playlists on Radio and digital platforms.

In early 2021 Adam Barron (The Voice finalist / Mick Ralphs Blues Band) joined as the bands new vocalist. 

Adam says;

“I’ve known the band for a few years and always loved their sound so I didn’t think twice when they asked me to join. The music they play is right up my street and I can add definitely add something to it. Rehearsals are feeling and sounding great, I can’t wait to get on a stage and make some noise in front of people!”

Dee Palmer was the long-time musical arranger, keyboard player and occasional sax player with JETHRO TULL, and recently a member of Martin Barre's band. She has arranged and orchestrated works by Queen, Genesis, Pink Floyd and many others, performed by world famous symphony orchestras.

Last year A New Day released the TALLIS album, recorded 1979-1981 with John Evans of Jethro Tull amongst others.

Dee will perform her exquisite piano arrangements of Jethro Tull classics

Rodney Branigan - Americana folk roots music with virtuoso presentation, with a touch of clean comedy thrown in for good measure.

The Texas-born troubadour who learned to play in Austin, perform in Los Angeles, craft songs in Nashville, and put it all together in London has played all types of music in all types of venues in his storied career. His adventurous, boundary-breaking guitar playing (sometimes at the same time) earning him the title "The Two Guitar Man" has led to performance invites across America, India, Africa, and Europe.

In 2018 Michael Eavis asked him to headline the 11,000 people Glasto Extravaganza at Glastonbury Abbey when Paloma Faith was forced to pull out - leading to a spot on the Acoustic Stage at the last Glastonbury Festival, where he went down a storm!

Privileged to have shared stage or collaborated with likes of Jack Johnson, Alabama 3, Billy Bragg, Show of Hands, Seth Lakeman, Andy Mckee, Cross Canadian Rag Weed, Kelly Willis, Dick Dale, Billy Sheehan, Frances Cabrel, Bad Finger, Slim Jim Phantom, Bo Didley, Tommy Emmanuel, Tom Odel...

Received a standing ovation at Folk East - quote "Every year there will be one or two artists that take the audience completely by surprise. This year Rodney Branigan was undoubtedly that artist, his name being mentioned in our feedback over and over again as peoples stand out act"

John Marshall-Potter, FolkEast

QUOTES:

Music connections USA described him as  - “Impossibly talented”
Whispering Bob  - 'Outstanding showmanship'
Mike Harding BBC Radio2 FolkShow -  'One of the Worlds greatest guitarists'
Music Week  -  'A multi-instrumentalist with a rich and soulful voice comparable to Jeff Buckley' 
Official website: http://www.rodneybranigan.com

N’famady Kouyaté is a young master musician from Guinea (Conakry), now based in Cardiff, Wales, UK. N’famady’s primary instrument is the balafon – a traditional wooden xylophone, sacred to West African culture and his family heritage of the griot. N’famady plays both as a solo artist and with a full band line up – where his arrangements are a fusion of Mandingue African and western European jazz, pop, indie and funk influences provided by an ever-evolving collective of musicians. 

 “N’famady Kouyate is one of the most exciting and skilled musicians that we have in Wales today. Following on from his significant contributions performing on the critically acclaimed Gruff Rhys album PANG!, it’s no surprise to us that N’famady is now gaining good career momentum in his own right, as a solo artist. We’re delighted to have N’famady showcasing at FOCUS Wales 2021 in October, and I didn’t hesitate to select N’famady as one of just 5 INES artists from Wales selected for our FOCUS Wales INES roster 2021-2022, as N’famady is well placed, with the right support, to take big steps in his career over the next year.”Andy Jones, Co-Founder & Music Programmer, FOCUS Wales (09/03/21

“…a kaleidoscope of vibrant sounds and colours, a mesmerizing and joyous introduction to a truly international artist” Bill Cummings, God is in the TV

“The sound of unfettered joy…that’s utterly utterly wonderful” Adam Walton BBC Radio Wales on Balafô Douma

The John Hackett Band is made up from four gents who are also artists in their own right. We thought you’d appreciate a handy guide to who they are!

John is probably the best known of the band, from his work with his brother Steve, both on record and countless live appearances, extensive session work, and (of course) his solo output.

He’s mostly recognised for his exquisite flute work, though he’s a multi-instrumentalist, also playing guitars and keyboards in the band.

As well as bringing both gentle and fiery electric guitar to the band’s sound, Nick Fletcher is also a stellar classical guitar player and composer, with many albums to his name, performing around the country. He and John also perform together as a duo, and have a released couple of albums together.

Jeremy Richardson was the final piece that formed the band. He has brought bass, vocals and guitar to complete the sound, but is also a writer, both musically and dramatically – we perform some of his tunes on stage, and those lovely bits of prose that get posted, well…

Finally, Duncan Parsons wears many hats, though in performance with the band it’s mainly drums and triangle (as in, he plays them, rather than wearing them..). He has a variety of album credits playing a variety of instruments, and releases his own material (some with video), including instrumental albums under the banner of ‘Music for Stairlifts’ – make of that what you will.               

New Wave pioneers, still rocking!

Department S are a British post-punk/new wave band formed in 1980, who took their name from the 1960s TV series Department S. They are best known for their debut single, "Is Vic There?", which was originally released in December 1980 and reached No. 22 on the UK Singles Chart the following year. Their latest album, When All Is Said and All Is Done, was released in 2016.

Current line-up:

Eddie Roxy – keyboards 

Phil Thompson - guitar, backing vocals 

Simon Bowley- drums

Mike Lea- bass

Way back in the halcyon days of rock, there came a trio known as THE GROUNDHOGS. Riding the blues boom into uncharted territory, they gained a reputation as one of the most dynamic live acts around, and are influential and inspirational to this day.

The classic line-up of Tony McPhee, Ken Pustelnik and Pete Cruickshank toured the world for 6 years straight, including seminal shows with greats like The Rolling Stones, John Lee Hooker, John Mayall and Canned Heat. In this time they produced the four classic albums: Blues Obituary, Thank Christ For The Bomb, Split and Who Will Save The World?

Now Ken brings you a new and exciting line-up, Ken Pustelnik’s Groundhogs, playing that classic material with verve and power, and giving performances of energy and excitement that are as fresh and relevant to the modern audience as the originals were back in the day.

Ken Pustelnik (Drums). Ken officially joined The Groundhogs in 1967, leaving at the height of their success in 1972. Since then – apart from running his own PA and management companies, studio and record label – he has formed and led numerous groups of his own, as well as lending powerful support to others. He has also collaborated on the international online recording project ‘Spirits Burning’ with members of King Crimson, Gong, Yes and Hawkwind. His drumming is known and respected the world over, and he is still as energetic and enigmatic as ever.

In the absence of (and with the greatest respect for) Tony McPhee and Pete Cruickshank, Ken is joined by a trio of new Hoglets, flying the flag magnificently for the mighty sound of The Groundhogs.

Chris D’Avoine (guitar/vocal)

Sol Latif (guitar)

Latch Manghat (bass)

With Del Bromham still at the helm, and just as powerful as they ever were, the legendary Stray have been going strong for 50 years and more... on and off! Definitely on these days! STRAY (Del Bromham, Karl Randall, Simon Rinaldo, Colin Kempster, Pete Dyer) will deliver the goods, that's for sure.

Andy Glass
Andy founded the band in 1980 with violinist Marc Elton and the following 4 years would see them make the Marquee Club their home and take the band to the main stage at Reading Rock Festival, Glastonbury and many others. Following the split in 1985, a change of tack led to touring as guitarist for American soul legends Bill Withers and Geno Washington alongside his work as studio engineer and session musician.   After recording Ian Anderson in the studio, Andy was invited to take the job of 'front of house' sound engineer with Jethro Tull leading to  five American tours and long outings  through Europe and the UK, as well as a 3 album deal with A New Day Records.

Nothing would prove as satisfying as playing with Solstice though and so, inevitably, Andy reformed the band in in 2007.

Pete Hemsley
Pete first played drums with Solstice on the 1992 album, New Life. Pete and Andy had already been working together closely having met whilst Pete was signed to Virgin with the Jazz Devils. Soon after New Life Pete immigrated to Australia where he made a name for himself as an award winning producer and artist and released the acclaimed Lords Garden album through Sony....oh and he worked with Page and Plant too!!! Since his return from Oz Pete's encouragement played no small part in the band's 2007 reformation.

Jess Holland
Jess, Jenny and Andy have been working together since 2018 in Jenny's highly successful Festival ceilidh band, FCPB, and joined Solstice in 2020 to begin work on the sixth studio album Sia. 

Jenny Newman
Andy had been looking for a new fiddle player ever since Marc Elton's tinnitus made it impossible for him to continue playing amplified music. A mutual friend introduced Jenny and, although she was up for playing on Circles, by the time recording started Jenny was touring in Canada and beyond with folk rock band Rock, Salt and Nails. On her return though, she joined the band for live shows and her celtic musical roots have been gracing gigs and recordings ever since.

Robin Phillips 
Robin is the son of Margaret Phillips, who played on Silent Dance and occasionally joined the band onstage at the Marquee. He grew up surrounded by music and so it was destiny that he should join Clive Bunker to form the Solstice rhythm section that gigged in support of 1996's Circles. His reputation as a great bass player and 'the nicest guy you could meet' has led to work with numerous projects alongside his recent work as a wolf handler......yes really!

Steven McDaniel
Steven's brilliant piano playing came to the attention of Andy during a recording session in the dungeon that was the Madcap Studio, where Steven was conjuring poetry from a Fender Rhodes so battered that it was a miracle it worked at all. Steve joined Solstice in the wake of Circles and remains the only Solstice keyboard player. Beyond Solstice Steve is an accomplished sessioneer and songsmith as his solo album, Lark, will testify.