Lineup

UK Queen is the UK's premier Queen tribute band, delivering an authentic and electrifying live music experience that truly captures the magic of Freddie Mercury and the legendary rock band. Known for their unwavering dedication to perfection, UK Queen recreates the essence, energy, and excitement of Queen's original shows, captivating both lifelong fans and new audiences alike. What sets UK Queen apart is their commitment to keeping every performance fresh and engaging. With regularly updated set lists, innovative stage designs, and an unmatched spirit of showmanship, they create a uniquely memorable experience that compels fans to relive the magic time and time again. With a proven record of sold-out performances, UK Queen has established itself as a fan favourite, regularly drawing large crowds with their exceptional stage presence and meticulous attention to detail. From the iconic vocals to the unforgettable guitar riffs, every song is performed with precision and passion, creating an immersive experience that takes audiences back to Queen's golden era.

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Ten years after their inception, The Celtic Social Club are still thriving upon their traditional heritage, but also widening their influences to the richness of other genres and cultures.

The Celtic Social Club have been pursuing a fascinating journey in the modernisation of traditional tunes from Brittany, Ireland, Scotland and Asturia, to name a few. On their third LP, the band have never sounded so tight and powerful, nor so relevant and fresh, with great reviews on both sides of the channel. Recorded and produced in France, then mixed in the US by Manu Masko and New-Yorker Ariel Borujow (Black Eyed Peas, Cee Lo), these ten new tracks demonstrate the idiosyncratic synergy between tradition, songwriting and live energy.

Traditional yet progressive, original yet fast becoming a new sensation at venues throughout the world. THE CELTIC SOCIAL CLUB are a vital link between the past and the future of music. Line up features Taylor Byrne (Vocals, Guitar), Manu Masko (Red Cardell, DMFB), Ronan Le Bars (Héritage des celtes, Johnny Hallyday), Goulven Hamel (Cathal Coughlan, Miossec), Pierre Stephan (Meaelstrom), Richard Puaud (Alexandre Varlet, DFMB) and Mathieu Pequeriau (Blue Monkeys, DFMB).

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Mashing their own brew of pop-punk and folk since 2013, the five-piece continue on their mission to provide merriment and moshing to the masses by relentlessly touring the UK and Europe. 

Drawing inspiration from their favourite punk bands growing up, matched with their long affinity to folk legends, the fusion had formed. With the driving force of drums, bass and high energy guitar, they meet unwavering banjo, mandolin and tin whistle melodies, and all stand equally on the battlefield.

The debut album ‘Taking Chances’ was released in 2017, with the sophomore album ‘Comedies and Tragedies’ being released three years later during the first lockdown of 2020. Newest release ‘The Only Life Worth Living’ came out to the masses in 2023 boasting four singles, including one featuring guest vocalist Hannah Greenwood of Creeper. All three releases were released independently and were produced and mixed by Lewis Johns of The Ranch.

To date the band’s UK festival appearances include Cropredy, WOMAD, Boomtown, Beautiful Days, Belladrum, Black Deer, Camp Bestival along with hundreds of smaller UK festivals and beyond, also venturing into Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Czech Republic and France. 

In both 2016 and 2018, Black Water County won their place on Fireball’s ‘Fuelling the Fire Tour’ supporting Less Than Jake, Flogging Molly, The Bronx and The Skints. They subsequently featured in Kerrang!’s online coverage of the tour, received an endorsement from Fireball UK and also appeared on BBC radio stations with the single ‘Rise and Fall’.

‘Ultimately though, it was Black Water County who landed themselves a place on the stage with Flogging Molly.. The Emerald Isle-influenced six piece started the first moshpit of the evening and cemented themselves as the judges’ favourite’ – Kerrang Features, Fuelling the Fire Tour

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Hold on to your tri-corn hats and be prepared to stamp your wooden legs – Blackbeard’s Tea Party are in town. Sea-shanties will be given a bombastic rock edge, and folk instrumentals will become late-night floor-fillers when this raucous bunch of reprobates hit the stage. They have dirt under their fingernails and a twinkle in their eyes, and you can expect fantastic musicianship, playful choreography and an unstoppable urge to move your body. Drums, electric guitars, fiddle, melodeon and 4-part vocal harmonies combine to create music that is drenched in tradition, but filtered through a kaleidoscope of modern rock and pop. Established as the go-to band for late-night folkin’ shenanigans, Blackbeard’s Tea Party have played memorable sets at Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk Festival, Fairport’s Cropredy Convention, The Rainforest World Music Festival in Borneo and many more.

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Chichester’s Music scene got a whole lot cooler when Irrelevant Elephant showed up. This is a multi-generational 7-piece outfit with members hailing from as far away as the USA and as local as Arundel & Chichester. Performing their own interpretations of familiar tunes in styles from Jazz, Funk, Blues, and Hip hop, this band melds together multiple genres to create their own unique sound which is always danceable. Featuring a horn section and multiple keyboards, as well as a soulful singer, they are the full package.

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Raw emotion is the proud currency of this six-piece indie folk- rock outfit from Stroud. Gutsy vocals driven by hard guitars, mandolin, violin, accordion and drums suggest echoes of the legendary folk-rock greats, yet boast a uniqueness that’s making them a rousing festival favourite with their growing army of fans. One of the festival circuit’s most interesting offerings, the band have enjoyed some notable achievements including:

• Saturday night main stage performances at Wychwood, Guilfest and Wickham

• Reaching No. 2 in the Amazon pre-order chart with their latest album ‘The Longest Mile’ (Distributed by Universal, produced by Phil Tennant)

• Featured plays on BBC Radio 2.

With songs such as Hurricane Day (“epic”- Classic Rock Society) and The Garden Song (“a beautiful wall of sound” – Get Ready To Rock) the band hold nothing back.

The lyrical narrative of the songs, both stark and compelling, tells stories of struggles with the extremes of emotion and, although characterised by a distinct lack of optimism, there are “glimpses of stars from the gutter” – R2 Magazine. Ready your ears...

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Totally Blondie have rapidly gained a reputation as the best Blondie tribute band in the UK!
Blondie were one of the most iconic bands of the 70’s & 80’s, with posters of Debbie Harry adorning most teenagers’ walls, and they’ve continued turning out hits and great music right up to 2017’s Pollinator album. People of all ages, not just hardcore fans, know and love songs like Hanging On The Telephone, One Way Or Another, Call Me, Atomic, Heart Of Glass, Sunday Girl, Denis and all the other famous chart-toppers. And Totally Blondie make sure these fantastic tunes sound as fresh and exciting today as they did back then.
With a stunning lookalike and soundalike singer, an exceptional, professional live band, their full-on, passionate performances are winning over audiences up and down the country. So, come along and relieve those classic moments – it’s totally authentic … it’s totally awesome … it’s Totally Blondie!

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Junco Shakers.  

Rockin' Skiffle, Rhythm & Blues .

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of the United Kingdom, The Junco Shakers are a soulful and electrifying rhythm and blues band that captivates audiences with their energetic performances and infectious melodies. With their unique blend of traditional blues, rockabilly, and soul, this four-piece ensemble has carved out a niche for themselves, rekindling the spirit of the golden era of rhythm and blues.

Formed in 2015, The Junco Shakers have honed their craft to perfection, drawing inspiration from legendary blues icons such as Muddy Waters, Lonnie Donegan, and Big Joe Turner. Their music reflects the raw power and emotional depth of these blues greats while infusing it with a contemporary edge that keeps audiences on their feet.

At the heart of their sound is a powerful rhythm section that sets the groove ablaze. The Junco Shakers boast a dynamic duo on guitars, with the rhythmic precision of the rhythm guitarist providing the backbone for their infectious melodies and the lead guitarist's searing solos adding a touch of virtuosity. The band's energetic stage presence is amplified by the pulsating beats of their stand-up bass player, driving the audience into a state of rhythmic bliss. And last but certainly not least, the soulful wails of the harmonica player add a touch of nostalgia and a bluesy authenticity that transports listeners to smoky juke joints of the past.

The Junco Shakers have been tearing up stages across the UK, captivating audiences with their irresistible live performances. Their tight-knit musicianship and magnetic chemistry are evident as they effortlessly weave between heart-wrenching blues ballads and foot-stomping rockabilly numbers. Whether they're playing at intimate venues or commanding larger festival stages, The Junco Shakers never fail to leave a lasting impression on their audience.

With their unyielding passion for the blues, The Junco Shakers have garnered a loyal and dedicated fan base. Their debut album received critical acclaim and further solidified their position as rising stars in the blues scene. Their songs, infused with heartfelt lyrics and irresistible grooves, have been embraced by blues enthusiasts both young and old.

As they continue their musical journey, The Junco Shakers are committed to preserving and revitalising the rich tradition of rhythm and blues. With their infectious energy, authentic sound, and unwavering dedication, they are poised to make their mark as a force to be reckoned with in the world of blues and roots music.tem description

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She’Koyokh (UK, TUR, SRB) are a seven-piece, London-based, virtuosic, versatile and prize-winning band playing klezmer and traditional music from the Balkans and beyond.

Their name is a Yiddish word meaning “nice one!” and they’ve been hailed as “one of the finest and most entertaining British-based exponents of global music” (The Guardian).  She’Koyokh have spent over twenty years absorbing the rich folk music traditions of Jewish Eastern Europe, Turkey and the Balkans. A live force to be reckoned with, they’re a wild swirl of clarinet, violin, jazzy guitar licks, accordion and dance-inducing percussion, plus the sweet and passionate voice of Çigdem Aslan. “What makes She’Koyokh stand out? It’s that most simple and obvious of things: they’re just all very, very, good musicians.” (fROOTS).

A nice note from klezmer clarinet legend, David Krakauer:
“Big fun Friday night sitting in for one tune at the Jamboree in London with the absolutely amazing UK based band She’Koyokh. They have produced an astonishingly organic and seamless synthesis of klezmer and Balkan styles that is a joy to listen to!! Many thanks for a beautiful evening!!”
David Krakauer, London 2023.

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To say that Alex has many strings to his bow would be a metaphor forgiven for the fact that it helps to conjure his presence as a musical magician, in which any number of guitars seamlessly pop into set, beautifully played and adored. Almost totemic, each wood and strings take their part, whether it’s the finger-style acoustic guitar, lap-steel playing, or the Bouzouki, Alex plays with a sincerity borne of years of graft, craft, and a man who seems to straddle multiple time boundaries. His lyrics offer a fusion of cultural and intercultural pertinence, generated by an acute appreciation for our earth and its ancestry, and a raw gift for storytelling. His musical oeuvre is enriched by his travels and immersive living experiences both in the UK and beyond, from backpacking around India and Europe, to playing at Surf festivals in Barbados, to tepee dwelling in the English rural countryside. The result is an oasis of mini ‘odysseys’ in which each song feels like it has been specially harvested for our appreciation. Through years of musical study together with an inimitable, intuitive flair for rhythm and the written word, Alex not only turns life into music, but enables us to see that music provides life with its heartbeat. He urges us to listen. Whilst developing his solo career, Alex has been actively engaged in a number of progressive musical initiatives, from Billy Bragg’s ‘Jail Guitar Doors’ project supporting rehabilitation with music, to working with disadvantaged youths, and music therapy with the disabled which led to the production of a unique film score. He has most recently collaborated with renowned fiddle player Anna-Wendy Stevenson and has shared stages with the likes of John Renbourn, Martin Simpson and Richie Havens. With titles bestowed upon him such as ‘the Bard of Dorset’ and ‘Hollowneck Troubadour’ (after his award winning use of the lap-steel guitar), eight studio albums released and clocking up to 150 shows a year, Alex continues to respond to his calling as a troubadour. ‘Alex’s music comes from the heart & will touch your heart. His songs weave stories, & the music wraps them up in magic. Be prepared to be swept away’. - Wimborne Folk Festival- ‘Superb musicianship and great songs - he should definitely be on anybody's 'to see' list wherever he performs. A true gem’ - Kashmir Stage, Isle of Wight Festival- 'Alex plays bloody wonderfully!' -John Renbourn- 'A firm favourite!' -Larmer Tree Festival

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Imbube UK is a unique organisation formed of the most talented and professional African artists and musicians based in the UK. Imbube have toured the world, singing traditional gospel songs and are also specialists in Zulu dancing and drumming.

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‘The seasoned folk singer Paul Armfield moved to the Isle of Wight at the age of ten, where he now runs a bookshop. His 2015 album ‘Found’ was inspired by a treasure trove of old photographs, while 2020’s Domestic matched ten of Armfield’s own meticulously wrought linocuts of native plants to each track. Mark Radcliffe is a big fan (as are Elbow’s Guy Garvey, Lauren Laverne and all of the Compton Festival team!)

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Jack Boyd is a multi-instrumentalist folk/jazz/spoken word artist from Chichester. Jack has played some of the biggest festivals in the UK, including Glastonbury, Boomtown, and Sidmouth folk festival. Locally, he runs a collection of shanty groups and lectures on the history of shanty songs and Appalachian music.

Following a tour of the south of England with last year’s gutter jazz album ‘Til The Light Comes Back’, Jack performed at the Isle of Wight festival and then gave a festival-closing performance at Wickham festival on their Quay West Stage.

Jack is currently writing a new album of folk songs, which he will be singing for us at Compton.

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