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Rock extravaganza in Basingstoke

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
15th May 2007


Rock extravaganza in Basingstoke

The Academy live music venue in Basingstoke is hosting a rock extravanganza on Saturday 15th June.

The headline act is Aldershot-based “Vibracore”, an intense four-piece rock band that plays its own brand of swaggering, hard-edged, funked-up, psychedelic, voodoo-blues sleaze.

Their debut album, ‘The Emerald Sessions’ was released to universal acclaim. Simon Bradley of Guitarist magazine said of the album “…forty-a-day vocals from Daniel Card and excellent six string flashes from beardy guitarist John Moline all add up to a totally English experience. ‘Seen the Light’ has a great groove as well as an awesome phat Strat tone.”

The Venue magazine’s Dave Trott said, “In Vibracore’s world a Texas blues riff becomes a rocking mantra as ‘Hard Work, Worry and Pain’ takes a stretch and takes its time to show you what it can do. They juggle (successfully) with Rock, Blues, Soul and Funk… but the main deal is that they are themselves. If I had heard them when I was 14 it would have become a pivotal moment. Is the youth of today safe?”

By gigging extensively and playing at major London venues including three headline shows at the Mean Fiddler, London, Vibracore have forged a reputation as a great live act. Comparisons with Led Zeppelin, The Black Crowes, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and The Foo Fighters are not without merit. The band is currently recording their second album due for release late 2007.

Vibracore’s website is www.myspace.com/vibracoreuk

The support act is south west rock gods “APE” from St Austell in Cornwall whose unique brand of rock music is rapidly bringing their talents to the attention of the music world. Ape’s website is: www.apemusic.net

Full details of this event and other original artists appearing in 2007 at the popular Academy live music venue, alongside their popular tribute band shows, are available on the venue’s website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) which is updated regularly.

Tickets priced £2.50 will be available on the door.


ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh . All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).

Neville Staple formerly of “The Specials” announces Basingstoke live show

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
15th May 2007


Neville Staple formerly of “The Specials” announces Basingstoke live show

The Academy family entertainment centre in Basingstoke is featuring pop legend Neville Staple and his band live on stage on Saturday 20th October 2007 for what is likely to be a sell-out concert.

Best known for his work writing & composing, the lead singer from The Specials, and as one of the founding members of Fun Boy 3, Neville Staple is credited with changing the face of pop music not only once but twice.

Neville's biography and past projects read like a who's who of rock. He has worked with such legends as Elvis Costello (“The Specials” 1979 – Chrysalis Records), David Byrne (Fun Boy 3 “Waiting” 1983 – Chrysalis Records), and Ali Campbell (“Today's Specials” 1996 - Kuff Records/Virgin), to name only a few.

His talents are found on the unique tribute album, “Searching For Jimi Hendrix” (1999 - Capitol Records) a project that Neville is personally quite proud of. In addition to having recorded with some of rock's most famous, he has also shared the stage with such icons as Ranking Roger (English Beat) forming Special Beat. Although this line-up never actually recorded an album they successfully toured the U.S. with Sting and Steel Pulse, which ultimately lead up to their own headline tour.

Some of Neville's recent projects and collaborations include hooking up with Roger Lomas, in Coventry, to record “Skinhead Girl” and “Conquering Ruler” for Trojan Records, and co-producing with John Avila (Oingo Boingo) “The Best of The Specials & Fun Boy 3” performed for Cleopatra Records in Los Angeles, CA.

In America, Neville was also in the studio with Unwritten Law recording on tracks for their release, “ELVA” for Interscope Records. Desorden Publico the Venezuelan ska band met up with Neville in Miami in 2000, to record the track, “Black Market Man” on their album “El Diablo – Guerra Sound Rounds 2000” (Venezuela). The band has also released this song as a video and is found in heavy rotation on MTV Espanol. You’ll find some of Neville’s newest solo work on VANS, “Off the Wall Volume IV” compilation CD. In 2002, released on Cleopatra Records “Special Ska Au Go Go”, the CD features Neville’s own original tracks with some old skool songs in the mix.Since 1998 Neville has been on a mission to entertain, successfully touring Japan, South America and extensively touring North America with his own band. Above all he is a performer. It is worth seeing Neville’s live performance; his captivating stage presence and distinct voice are well worth it. Catch his show these days, and you’ll get a mix of old favourites plus loads of his brand new original solo material.

Before the 20th October gig in Basingstoke, Neville’s busy schedule takes him on a series of US tours, Canada and, unremarkably for someone of this level of talent, Glastonbury.

Full details of this and other original artists appearing in 2007 at the popular Academy live music venue, alongside their popular tribute band shows, are available on the venue’s website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) which is updated regularly. Tickets will be on sale via the website soon and are expected to be in heavy demand.


ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).

Further details of Neville Staple can be found at http://www.blogger.com/www.nevillestaple.co.uk




Media enquiries to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

Youth boxing development in north Hampshire given a boost

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
10th May 2007.



Youth boxing development in north Hampshire given a boost

Basingstoke Boxers are all hoping to be matched for the Open Show to be held at The Academy snooker & pool hall, sports bar and live music venue on Worting Road on the evening of Saturday 26th May.

Due to the success of the boxing hosted at Carnival Hall it was decided that a second show would be hosted before the end of the Season for 2006/2007.

This is a charity fundraiser to support youth boxing development in north Hampshire and the club has been well supported by local businesses placing advertisements in the show programme.

Young local talent will be on show for a series of challenging bouts.

Stuart Third has been boxing for Basingstoke ABC over the past 3 or 4 years. As a senior, he entered the novice championships this season but, unfortunately, was defeated. Stuart is lucky this year to have gained individual sponsorship by W. S. C. Scaffolding of Basingstoke.

James McIntosh, also a senior, manages to fit his boxing into a very busy schedule. James plays football for Thatcham; he also coaches and plays tennis for Totally Tennis in Basingstoke.

Grant Neale (15), grandson of Charlie Neale who founded Basingstoke ABC, has had his first time at championship level travelling to Liverpool for the Golden Belt Championships, where he was defeated by the champion for 2006/2007.

Archie Hutchins who has been boxing for two seasons now, was also unlucky in the Golden Gloves, travelling to Stoke-on-Trent to be stopped in the second round. Since then Archie has bounced back winning 3/3, also managing a second round stoppage in Portsmouth.

Joey Clarke, a promising junior, is looking forward to boxing on home ground. Joey travelled to East Ham in London, where he fought a more experienced boxer for a skills round and demonstrated good endurance and great courage.

Xander Stagg made his debut performance at Carnival Hall in Basingstoke back in October 2006. He attends Costello Technology College and hopes to become a Doctor when he’s older. Xander also plays football for Down Grange under 12’s which won the league this year.

Special guest on the evening will be local boxer Jon Honney, recently crowned Southern Area Light-welterweight Champion.

Advance tickets (£10) are available on-line at http://www.academyclubs.com/; contacting The Academy, telephone 01256 327273. Anyone wanting further information or to reserve tickets on the door can do so by calling 0784 0947864.

Under 16’s can attend this event. Tickets priced £5 are available on the door or by calling 0784 0947864. There will be a dedicated soft drinks bar for under-18’s.



ENDS


Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh . All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).

Photo: Contender Stuart Third



Media enquiries to:

John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
http://uk.f867.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

Keywords: Basingstoke ABC, The Academy Basingstoke, Boxing, Headline Promotions

Pop, Rock, Blues & R’N’B Extravaganza hits Basingstoke

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
May 7th 2007.


Pop, Rock, Blues & R’N’B Extravaganza hits Basingstoke

This coming weekend, 11th & 12th of May, upcoming rock bands “No Sax Please” and “Fat Chance” appear live on stage at The Academy Basingstoke as part of the Worting Road venue’s innovative live music programme.

Following last weekend’s sell out tribute to Bon Jovi, local 60’s/70’s covers band, “Phoenix” (http://www.freewebs.com/phoenixrock) will perform on Friday evening in a show starting at 8pm and going on to 2am, supported by popular local DJ team “Diamond Disco”. Tickets are priced at a modest £2.50 on the door.

On Saturday 12th, 'No Sax Please' a pop/rock/r'n'b 4 piece covers band with a female vocalist will entertain with 'Fat Chance', who describe themselves as “a blues/r'n'b with a sprinkling of rock 5 piece band”, will perform live on stage. Ticket prices are, again, modest at £2.50 before 9pm and £4.50 after.

These shows will surely appeal to all ages and all generations (but admission is for over 18’s only).

Full details are available on The Academy website (www.academyclubs.com) or by telephoning John on 01256 327273.


ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Sport Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(www.academyclubs.com).




Media enquiries to:

John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com

Photo: Basingstoke band "Phoenix"

Modern Romance in Basingstoke

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
May 7th 2007.


Modern Romance in Basingstoke

1980’s pop legends “Modern Romance” appear live on stage at The Academy Basingstoke on Saturday 2nd June to bring their special brand of music to a new generation as well as to fans from across the decades.

When the band first exploded into the charts in the summer of 1981 with their infectious rhythms and tailored glamour, you could be forgiven for thinking they were an overnight success.

In fact, the roots of the group could be traced far back to the mid ‘70s when “The Leyton Buzzards” began life in 1976 as a college band consisting of long time friends Geoffrey Deane (vocals), David Jaymes (bass), Kevin Steptoe (drums) and Dave Monk (guitar). After building up a considerable following on the London pub circuit, the group signed a small record deal with an independent label, and in 1978, released their debut single, “19 & Mad”. Both the record, and success in a music competition backed by Radio One, attracted the attention of the majors and the band signed a deal with Chrysalis soon after. The result was a minor hit in 1979 with “Saturday Night Beneath The Plastic Palm Trees” and an album “From Jellied Eels To Record Deals”. Further singles for Chrysalis failed to capitalise on the initial flush of success, and in 1980 the band changed their name to The Buzzards, signing a new deal with Warner Brothers in the process.

A cover of the Andy Williams’ “Can’t Get Used To Losing You” proved a commercial failure and The Buzzards subsequently disbanded, but Geoffrey Deane and David Jaymes remained with Warner and began developing a new sound and a new brand that was to become Modern Romance.

The pair were accompanied on this new journey by a versatile collective of musicians; John Du Prez (trumpet), Robbie Jaymes (keyboards), Paul Gendler (guitar) and Andy Kyriacou, whose drums and percussion became the backbone of the Modern Romance sound.

Success for the new group didn’t come immediately, but it would have been hard for the public not to have seized upon the fusion of faux-disco and big band that was “Everybody Salsa”. Entering the charts at number 71, the song quickly took hold and within a month was sitting comfortably in the top 20, eventually peaking at a respectable number 12. Follow-up “Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey” went two better and landed in the top 10, remaining in the charts over the festive period and no doubt graced the turntable of many an office party.

January ‘82 witnessed the release of the wondrous “Queen Of The Rapping Scene (Nothing Goes The Way You Plan)”, which featured Bev Sage of the Techno Twins on guest vocal. A hugely memorable appearance on BBC Top Of The Pops helped the record become their third top 40 hit in less than six months.

Debut album, “Adventures In Clubland”, surprisingly failed to register on the UK charts, although it did perform extremely well across Europe and made Gold in Latin America with number one rankings in several countries. It also proved successful in the USA where “Can You Move” had become a significant dance chart hit.

Two more singles followed in quick succession. First up, the lush “By The Way (I’m Still In Love With You)”, which appeared on the 2006 Warner’s Platinum Compilation on a Modern Romance album for the first time. Follow-up “Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White” proved perfect for the UK summer market and sizzled its way up the charts, giving the group another top 20 hit.

In late 1982 Geoffrey Deane quit the group to pursue a solo career, leaving the way for Michael J. Mullins to be promoted from a supporting role on the sidelines to be the bands new lead singer. His arrival signalled a dramatic move towards a more pop oriented sound, clearly evident on the perennial hit, “Best Years Of Our Lives” (as featured more recently on the soundtrack of the movie “SHREK”). This upbeat anthem rocketed to number 4 in the charts over Christmas 1982, and was even supported by a special Yuletide remix.

The new look Modern Romance had a blistering year in 1983, racking up three more major hit singles. “High Life” and “Don’t Stop That Crazy Rhythm” both retained the party feel of their earlier hits, whilst “Walking In The Rain”, a beautiful ballad, showed the group in a new light previously unseen on earlier recordings. These tracks appeared on the chart album “Trick Of The Light”, alongside standouts “Lets Go”, “She’s So Fine” and “After All This Time”.

A career retrospective in late ‘83, aptly titled “Party Tonight”, gave the group another chart album and included their final single for Warner, “Good Friday”. This album also included a brilliant interpretation of the Motown classic “Just My Imagination”, which demonstrated the versatility of this great band.

During these years the band had massive hits around the world and undertook a number of sell-out tours including a massive concert in Tokyo.

In 1984 the group signed a new record deal with RCA and released their final album, “Burn It!” Subsequent singles, including the memorable “That’s What Friends Are For” made little impression on the UK charts and Modern Romance finally signed off in 1985 with a cover of the Baltimora hit “Tarzan Boy”. The beat wasn’t quite ready to quit however and drummer Andy Kyriacou resurrected the group in 2001.

A tour in 2007 is currently underway to coincide with a new album and kicks off with a show at The Academy Basingstoke (http://www.academyclubs.com/) on Saturday 2nd June. The band will perform as an acoustic set to reflect the relaxed and informal atmosphere of the venue.

The show brings together the very finest moments from the group’s career. Twenty five years after “Everybody Salsa” first sashayed its way into the charts, this is your chance to remember why that crazy rhythm still cannot be beat!

And if you belong to a newer generation, then see the people perform songs you hear on the dance floor today and appreciate that the music was created back in the 1980’s.

Full details are available on The Academy website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) or by telephoning John on 01256 327273.


ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Sport Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).

Further details of Modern Romance can be found at http://www.modernromance.com/



Media enquiries and interview requests with Mr Kyriacou to:

John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

PHOTO: Andy Kyriacou (left) with John Hicks on Andy's recent visit to The Academy Basingstoke