Byline please - Richard Derbyshire
Some of the most exciting music acts from across the country and closer to home celebrated Independent Venue Week in Southampton.
The Brook in Portswood saw Wigan four-piece The Lilacs play a raucous set after performances from Portsmouth’s Harvey Jay Dodgson and Oxygen and energetic London five-piece Emergency Break, who were making their debut on the south coast.
The headliners - lead singer-guitarist Ollie Anglesea, lead guitarist Sam Birchall, drummer Dave Gomersall and bassist Matt Johnson - showed why they play to thousands in the north and are now gaining a growing following in the south too.
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“We are a long way from home, and you’ve made us feel welcome again,” frontman Ollie told the crowd, before adding, “it’s getting bigger for us down here every time we play.”
They also gave a first live performance of a song called One More for the Road from their forthcoming debut EP The 395 To Forever, alongside setlist staples including Grace and Vicarage Road.
All the performers expressed how independent venues are a lifeblood at this stage in their careers.
(Image: Rhona Murphy) Harvey Jay Dodgson, who will appear on the Victorious Festival main stage in August, said that they “keep the local music community alive,” while Oxygen’s Luca and Jack told The Echo that “no band or singer begins playing arenas, so grassroot venues are vital for everyone.”
They also explained how supporting a more established band like The Lilacs was a “massive opportunity,” as it put them in front of a big crowd of potential new fans as well.
The event at The Brook was popular with punters who saw four acts for only £12.
(Image: Rhona Murphy) Elsewhere in Southampton, Sunderland’s Tom A Smith and Nottingham trio Girl Band headlined at The Joiners, legendary rockers The Blockheads were at Papillion and Heartbreakers hosted Yorkshire acts Avalanche Party and The Lounge Society.
Independent Venue Week is an annual tribute to grassroot venues and the people and touring bands that make them thrive.
Upcoming Southampton gigs include Circa Waves at The 1865 in February, Red Rum Club at The Engine Rooms in March, Apollo Junction at The Joiners in April, and The Sherlocks, supported by The Denabys and Southampton’s The Manatees, at The Engine Rooms in May.
(Image: Rhona Murphy)
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