Scenic Eye - Gig Reviews

Saturday saw The Heroes, Waterlooville host Heroes of Rock in support of Help For Heroes.

What is normally a car park was transformed into an outdoor music venue complete with a BBQ, outdoor bar and a fantastic crowd. Despite the lack of sunshine, the warm and humid weather helped create a great atmosphere throughout the afternoon.

Just Sam got things underway with a set packed with favourites, including Jolene. Next came The Smugglers Band who brought some seriously heavy rock to the stage. A little heavier than my usual Bon Jovi playlist, but excellent musicians all the same.

Snake Heart followed with a strong set featuring a brilliant Hotel California, before Candyfloss Blonde rounded off my afternoon in style. Opening with Zombie, they delivered a fantastic set full of classic songs and had the crowd singing along from the start.

Sadly I missed Kneeslider. After four hours of photos, videos and live streams, my camera batteries finally gave up. To make matters worse, according to the parking warden’s signs, I couldn’t return for two hours as my four hour max had expired. With Cooper my dog waiting for his dinner at home, it seemed like a good excuse to call it a day.

The music continues tonight with Masters of Rock headlining what promises to be a fantastic evening.

A great event, a great cause and another reminder of the strength of our local live music scene. Well done to everyone involved in raising money for Help for Heroes.

Jamie Golding made his debut appearance at Stansted Garden Centre, performing to a friendly and appreciative afternoon crowd.

Jamie opened his set with a selection of well loved classics before showcasing his impressive vocal range with several songs from the West End stage. The mix of musical theatre and familiar favourites created a relaxed atmosphere.

With the sun shining and the café busy, it was another enjoyable afternoon of live music at Stansted Garden Centre.

If you enjoy the photos and would like the high resolution, feel free to buy me a coffee. Every donation helps support Scenic Eye and the local music scene.

With the sun shining and the garden packed at the golden lion. Bedhampton, we knew we were in for a treat when Bullet Train rolled into Bedhampton on Sunday afternoon.

From the first song, the band had the crowd hooked. The garden was full of people singing along, dancing, and enjoying a perfect afternoon of live music. In fact, plenty of people wandered in from up the road after hearing the music and wanting to see what all the fuss was about.

There was one moment of concern when the smoke machine kicked into action and briefly made it look like the shed was on fire. Thankfully it was just part of the show and not a call for the fire brigade!

Bullet Train powered through a set packed with 80s rock classics, including crowd favourites Livin’ On A Prayer, Always and a host of other massive anthems that had the garden singing at the top of their lungs.

The feedback from customers was incredible throughout the afternoon.

“One of the best bands!”

“We love these guys!”

“Such energy and passion!”

“When are they on next?”

The band brought the music, the atmosphere and enough energy to light up the whole garden. If there was an award for Sunday afternoon entertainment, this would have been an Oscar winning performance.

Another fantastic day of live music, great company and plenty of happy faces. Exactly what local live music is all about.

The sun returned in style for Portsea Fest on Saturday, bringing blue skies, soaring temperatures and a fantastic atmosphere for a day packed with family entertainment, live music and community spirit.

I was invited along to photograph local singer songwriter Jazzy Paige (Jazzypaigeofficial ) and her family as she took to the stage for one of the festival’s standout performances.

Jazzy is quickly becoming one of Portsmouth’s brightest young talents. Her original single has now spent an incredible nine consecutive weeks at number one on Portsmouth's Express FM’s local music chart and is available across all major streaming platforms.

Adding to an already impressive year, Jazzy has also reached the final of the UK wide Young Songwriter competition, placing her among some of the country’s most promising emerging artists.

Performing for more than 50 minutes in the afternoon sunshine, Jazzy delivered a confident set that had the crowd singing along, dancing and fully engaged from start to finish. Mixing well loved classics with her own original material, she showcased both her vocal ability and growing stage presence.

Highlights included her lively rendition of Bobby’s Girl alongside the performance of her chart topping original single that has captured the attention of listeners across the region.

With a growing fan base, national recognition and continued support from local radio, Jazzy Paige is proving that hard work, talent and determination can take young artists a very long way. Based on Saturday’s performance at Victoria Park, she looks destined for an exciting future.

Photos by Scenic Eye - Your go to guide for live music in Havant and surrounding areas. See less

Friday afternoon was spent enjoying the wonderful talents of Helen Spooner at Stansted Park Garden Centre.

Helen has a rare ability to combine powerful vocals with exceptional piano playing, creating a performance that immediately captures your attention. Helen brings a fresh take to well known songs across the decades while adding her own unique style and personality.

What makes Helen stand out is how effortlessly she connects with her audience. One moment she is delivering a heartfelt ballad, the next she is putting her own spin on a classic favourite.

Stansted Garden Centre continues to be one of the area’s hidden gems for live music. Every Friday from 2:30pm to 4:30pm, the Garden Café provides the perfect setting to unwind at the end of the week. Whether you are catching up on a few final emails, enjoying a coffee and cake, or simply taking a well deserved break, it is a lovely way to spend a Friday afternoon.

A fantastic performance from Helen and another reminder that great live music can often be found in the most unexpected places.

Another evening, another music adventure, and this time it was my first visit to the The Berkeley Arms

When people warned me it was going to be busy, they weren’t exaggerating. I arrived to find the venue operating on a guest list only basis, a clear sign of just how popular the evening had become. Fortunately, I had been invited along by Sean Meads to photograph what was billed as the final The Trevor John Band gig.

The celebrations were in full swing as the Berkeley Arms marked its 12th anniversary, and the atmosphere was electric. Trevor John Band wasted no time getting the party going, launching into a set packed with popular favourites that had the crowd singing along from the very first songs.

Getting photographs was a challenge in itself. With every inch of space occupied, I had to resort to a few cheeky photographer tactics, slipping in through a side entrance and finding a spot beyond one of the speakers to grab some shots from the front. It was worth the effort and it was great catching up with so many familiar faces from the local live music scene.

Once I’d escaped the hustle and bustle indoors, I discovered one of the venue’s hidden gems. The garden offered a much calmer setting where I could still enjoy every song while capturing photographs from behind the stage. From there I had a direct view of the band, the crowd and the stunning surroundings, giving me a completely different perspective on what was a memorable evening.

At the centre of it all was Trevor John himself. Despite many people assuming John is his surname, it is actually his middle name. Originally from a musical family in Singapore, Trevor has spent many years performing in the UK and has built a reputation for a voice that can effortlessly move from powerful rock classics to more intimate acoustic favourites. That versatility was on full display throughout the evening, with songs spanning multiple decades and genres, keeping the packed audience entertained from start to finish.

It’s easy to see why the Berkeley Arms has earned such a strong reputation. The venue is known for its welcoming atmosphere, characterful surroundings and commitment to live music. Combined with the energy of the crowd and a band delivering hit after hit, it made for a brilliant evening.

Congratulations to the Berkeley Arms on celebrating 12 years, and congratulations to Trevor John Band for providing the perfect soundtrack to the occasion.

If this really was the final chapter for Trevor John Band, then it was a fitting way to bow out. A packed venue, a fantastic atmosphere and a set full of songs that had people singing along from start to finish. Not many bands get the chance to sign off in front of a crowd like that, but Trevor John Band did exactly that.

Here’s to the memories, the music and one last great night at the Berkeley Arms. A fitting finale for a band that has entertained audiences across the South Coast for many years.

Sometimes you stumble across an artist for the first time and wonder how you’ve not seen them before.

That was exactly my experience watching Stockman, aka Alex Kriche, at The Lord Raglan Emsworth .

Alexander kriche brings a unique style to every song he performs, putting his own spin on classic 70s and 80s favourites while keeping the crowd engaged from start to finish. Full of charisma and personality, he has that rare ability to make every performance feel personal.

What surprised me most was learning that guitar isn’t even his main instrument. Piano is actually his first choice, which makes his musicianship even more impressive.

The audience were captivated throughout and it was easy to see why. Great songs, great vocals and a genuinely talented performer doing things his own way.

A fantastic evening of live music and another reminder of the incredible talent we have on our local music scene.

If you enjoy the photos and would like the high resolution, feel free to buy me a coffee. Every donation helps support Scenic Eye and the local music scene.

Three bands, one night. A decent challenge even by Scenic Eye standards!

My final stop of the evening was The Zed Men at The Crown, and what a way to round off a busy night of live music. The band brought plenty of energy, delivering a set packed with well known classics that kept the crowd dancing and singing along.

The Crown Inn Emsworth was packed and buzzing, with a great atmosphere both inside and out.

A great reminder of why the local music scene is thriving. Talented bands, welcoming venues and people simply enjoying a night out with friends and good music.

If you enjoy the photos and would like the high resolution, feel free to buy me a coffee. Every donation helps support Scenic Eye and the local music scene.

Take ThatCircus Tour was nothing short of mesmerising.

From the moment the show started, it was clear this was far more than a concert. It was a full scale spectacle. Acrobats, dancers, fire, aerial performers, a giant elephant and some of the biggest pop anthems of the last three decades all combined into one unforgettable evening.

Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald had over 30,000 people singing every word, proving why Take That remain one of the UK’s greatest live acts. The production was breathtaking, the atmosphere electric and the crowd absolutely loved every minute.

The critics have called it “maximal razzle dazzle” and an “eye popping spectacle”, and after seeing it for myself, it’s hard to disagree. One hell of a show and a night my daughter and I will remember.

Russell is a hugely charismatic performer who brings so much energy, humour, and life to the stage. This was my first time seeing his George Michael tribute and, as someone who absolutely loves the music and lyrics, it certainly did not disappoint. Some fantastic performances throughout the night and the atmosphere in the venue was buzzing from start to finish.

I was a little nervous before going as I had never visited the venue before, but I honestly could not have felt more welcome. Matt behind the bar, along with all the ladies working there, were lovely, friendly, and really looked after everyone all evening. I even managed to grab a great staff photo for the ladies as well. Service was incredibly quick, the cocktails looked absolutely out of this world, and the food coming out of the kitchen looked amazing too. Definitely somewhere I will be returning to for a family meal.

Number 73 Bar clearly knows how to put on a great night, with lots of tribute acts and live entertainment lined up. A fantastic venue with a warm atmosphere and great people. Easy five stars from me.

First time watching Brooke Star Brookestarmusic at the The Prince of Wales Havant last night and what a great atmosphere.

It is brilliant to see venues like the Prince of Wales bringing fresh new local talent into the live music scene. Brooke is definitely an up and coming artist to watch locally and it is easy to see why she has built such a strong following on TikTok.

The live stream on her TikTok profile pulled in over 400 concurrent viewers, which is seriously impressive for a local live gig.

Strong vocals and a lively crowd supporting her all night. One to keep an eye on for sure.

Jazzy Paige - Jazzypaigeofficial Remember the name.

There is always that moment in a pub when the background noise drops and people start paying attention. That happened here. A full room, and not just full, but properly listening. No talking over the music, just people locked in.

Jazzy has that rare ability to take control of a room without forcing it. It feels natural. One minute you are chatting, the next you are wondering how you ended up fully invested in every word.

The set moved from powerful Adele covers to her own material, and that is where things really hit. Her original song, with strong lyrics around bullying, landed hard. Honest, real, and delivered with confidence well beyond what you expect from most performers on the local scene.

And here is the thing, calling her “up and coming” does not quite fit. She is already holding her own, and more than that, standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the best local singers around.

Another great example of what the local scene has to offer, and exactly why it matters to get out and experience it live.

This was another talent the The Prince of Wales Havant have added to their gig this this year. Watch out for more.

What an atmosphere at the golden lion. Bedhampton. I got there about 5 after getting the train back from supporting the runners at the London Marathon. The place was packed and full of energy.

The Bullet Train Band brought a full 80s stadium rock vibe, with the crowd singing along to every big ballad and anthem. The lead singer and guitarist drove the set with real presence and energy, a proper frontman performance backed brilliantly by Pete and the rest of the band.

Standout moments came thick and fast, with strong performances of Always, Bad Medicine, and a huge singalong to I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing. It was that loud and that good, even the London Marathon runners stepping off the train at Bedhampton could hear every word. By the time the chorus hit, they were likely wondering if they had signed up for 26.2 miles or just run straight into a live Aerosmith finale.

You could feel the buzz around the pub, everyone talking about how good it was.

Bullet Train are fast becoming a firm favourite at The Golden Lion. If you get the chance to see them, do not miss it. They will be back soon, and it will be another big one.

Peludo Beach kicked off The the golden lion. Bedhampton ’s first summer garden party of the year in absolute style. The garden was packed, the brand new Cruzcampo brollies were out in force, the drinks were ice cold and somehow the bar staff and glass collector kept smiling through 28 to 30 degree heat. Massive credit to them all Peludo Beach smashed out three brilliant sets through the afternoon, with the middle set going LIVE on THE FLASH ON AIR Radio, another great supporter of local music and local businesses in the area. The sound was booming across Bedhampton too, with plenty of people sat in the sunshine smiling, singing along and enjoying themselves. Although you do have to laugh at the people who move next door to a pub with live music and then act shocked when they hear… live music and people actually enjoying themselves. Perhaps they should have joined in to support 3 hours of community fun rather than complaining. A proper summer atmosphere and hopefully the first of many garden parties this year.

Jazzy Paige Jazzypaigeofficial is one of those local artists who makes you stop what you’re doing and listen. Jazzy was singing this afternoon at the local The Prince of Wales Havant who are getting some great fresh music in the area.

Many of you will already know her powerful vocals, but she is also making waves as a songwriter. Her original track Pretty But Not has now spent an incredible 8 weeks on Portsmouth's Express FM, and it’s easy to see why. The song is honest, relatable, and packed with lyrics that many of us can connect with. We all face challenges in life, and Jazzy captures those feelings in a way that is both heartfelt and incredibly catchy.

Adding to an already impressive year, Jazzy has also been selected in the Top 30 of the UK Songwriter of the Year competition. The next milestone comes on 9th June when the Top 10 finalists are announced.

Whether performing covers or sharing her own music, Jazzy has a real ability to command a room and connect with an audience. A local talent with a very bright future ahead.

Good luck, Jazzy. We’ll be cheering you on on 9th June.

Sunday afternoon turned into a little live music tour, and my final stop was Phil Gooding at the golden lion. Bedhampton.

By the time I arrived the garden was absolutely packed. Not an easy achievement when The Goldie has one of the biggest pub gardens around. The sun was shining, the drinks were flowing and it was another fantastic outdoor event following last week’s huge Sunday session and live stream with THE FLASH ON AIR.

Phil was in his element, spending as much time engaging with the customers as he was performing. Between songs he could not resist a little jibe that it was busier than Coalie Fest, which he had heard had been rather quiet for most of the afternoon. I will leave that one between Phil and Emsworth!

The atmosphere was brilliant all afternoon and, living locally, I got an unexpected encore. Walking home, the light breeze carried Phil’s music all the way to my front door, where I could still enjoy the finale until around 6:45pm. A perfect end to the afternoon with classics such as Country Roads and Delilah drifting across Bedhampton.