In News

Seven Day Riot – The Vault – 20/06/20

Seven Day RiotThree months and six days since the last live music event I attended before ‘lockdown’ St Peter Port was back to life with many bars and pubs marking the event with a healthy dose of noise. While there were plenty of options what felt like the first place to fully advertise and get back to business as usual...
June 23, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

Rammstein: Paris

All being well on Sunday 14th June 2020 I should have been in Cardiff experiencing the spectacle of Rammstein live from the so-called ‘Feuerzone’ but, ‘what with one thing and another,’ that show has been postponed by a year so I took the opportunity to find the next best thing and watch the Neue Deutsche Härte band’s 2017 concert film,...
June 21, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

Nemesis – The Fermain Tavern – 28/04/07

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Danny and Brin of NemesisAfter it came up and caused some conversation in a flashback post on Instagram recently, and I noticed the original version of this review had dropped off the BBC website where it was originally posted, I thought I’d revisit this show from April 2007 when...
May 6, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

Tantale – One Moment (Live At St James Concert Hall)

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The last decade has seen Tantale develop their ‘ambient grunge’ sound across three full albums (and an early EP) to become a band with a formidable reputation both on record and on stage – their debut album launch show at The Fermain Tavern in 2012 has long remained a...
April 26, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

Vale Earth Fair Sneakaway To The Library and Zine Launch – Guille-Allès Library – 14/03/20

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Beth Brown on stageAt last summer’s Vale Earth Fair a new stage debuted, The Sneakaway, focussing, for the first time that I can recall at the festival, not on music but on spoken word performances. Now the team behind it have staged a night at Guernsey’s Guille-Allès Library featuring...
March 17, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

Guernsey Gigs Unplugged Club: March 2020 – The Golden Lion – 03/03/20

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Two years ago Guernsey Gigs launched their monthly Unplugged Club at The Golden Lion (read about that first one here) as something of an alternative to the many (and still increasing) other open mic nights that take place each week around St Peter Port. Rather than just a place...
March 7, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands: February 2020 – Magic Moustache and Bubblebrain Records

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Greg and Joe of Magic Moustache RecordsClick here to listen to the show For my February 2020 edition of BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands we had something a little different as I spoke to a pair of record labels from the islands about events and releases they...
March 1, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

Sound At St James 2 – St James Concert Hall – 22/02/20

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The first Sound At St James festival, a little under a year and a half ago, marked something of a relaunch of St James (or at least the perception of it) as a venue for more than classical music and rather staid, traditional entertainment. Since then a range of...
February 26, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

Havoc presents Terrible Stuntman, Lifejacket, Kings and The Crowband – The Fermain Tavern – 15/02/20

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard KingsAs storm Dennis began to give the island a battering Havoc Events took over The Fermain Tavern for the first time this year for a genuinely varied night of live music with The Crowband, Kings, Lifejacket and Terrible Stuntman. While the storm (and no doubt other less obvious factors)...
February 18, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

Vale Earth Fair Unplugged 2020 – The Fermain Tavern – 08/02/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard UkuladeezThe Vale Earth Fair‘s annual unplugged night has become almost as much a part of the Guernsey music calendar as the summer festival itself, albeit with slightly less fanfare. Every year comes with its own surprised and highlights which in the past have ranged from The John Wesley Stone...
February 12, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

Independent Venue Week with Beach Riot, Stone Cold Fiction, The Tarantulips and Case On The Base – St James Concert Hall – 01/02/20

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The TarantulipsFor the past six years Independent Venue Week has been championing bars, clubs, pubs and, for want of a better word, music halls up and down the UK that are run independently of major sponsors and support grass roots music both from their own neck of the woods...
February 6, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

L’Islet Records Acoustic Night: Coastal Fire Dept, John Le Sauvage and Rachel Dawson – The Vault – 31/01/20

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Coastal Fire Dept go acoustic(ish)After rounding off their 2019 with a very noisy night at The Fermain Tavern, L’Islet Records started the new year in slightly more low key fashion with an acoustic night at The Vault (though they still managed to fit in a good dose of their...
February 4, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

Clameur De Haro – The Vault – 18/01/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Clameur De HaroAfter attending Saturday’s show from Guernsey’s own not-quite-bluegrass rock ‘n’ roll band Clameur De Haro, I can’t help but feel a little guilty for spoiling their ongoing joke about the lack of coverage the band have received over the last year or so — that said, even...
January 22, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

Clameur De Haro – The Vault – 18/01/20

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Clameur De HaroAfter attending Saturday’s show from Guernsey’s own not-quite-bluegrass rock ‘n’ roll band Clameur De Haro, I can’t help but feel a little guilty for spoiling their ongoing joke about the lack of coverage the band have received over the last year or so — that said, even...
January 22, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

The Recks and Mojo – The Imperial Hotel – 31/12/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The RecksWhile I’ll admit I’m normally happier seeing in the new year relatively quietly with Jools Holland’s Hootenany or similar this year The Recks rounding off their best year yet alongside newer band Mojo was enough to lure me out to The Imperial Hotel and the wilds of Rocquaine....
January 6, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

L’Islet Records presents From Darkness, Coastal Fire Dept and Terrible Stuntman – The Fermain Tavern – 28/12/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Coastal Fire DeptThe period of time between Christmas and New Year, euphemistically but aptly referred to by some as ‘Chrimbo-limbo,’ can be a strange one for live music. In the past it’s seen rowdy and raucous highlight of the year events such as Dead Sea Skulls return visit to...
January 1, 2020 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands: December 2019 – Live Session Special

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Click here to listen to the show For my December 2019 edition of BBC Music Introducing in the Channel Islands I presented a look back at some of the best of the live sessions we’ve featured across the year. Along with the sessions recorded in our studio from the...
December 29, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Music in Guernsey in 2019

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard After a couple of years where music in Guernsey had upped its game, across the board, to a level that continues to surprise many visitors to the island, or those who hear Guernsey based bands when they venture away, 2019 has had to me a slightly different feel. While...
December 28, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

The Honest Crooks Christmas Party – The Fermain Tavern – 21/12/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Honest CrooksAfter missing a couple of other Christmas gigs for a few reasons I headed out to the last of the bigger ones on the weekend before the big day as ska band The Honest Crooks took over The Fermain Tavern for their festive bash. It was my...
December 24, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

PigsX7, Teaspoonriverneck, Brunt and Track Not Found – St James Concert Hall – 30/11/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs PigsEvery now and again a gig comes around that seems to catch everyone’s imagination more than the usual and, a few months ago, when St James Concert Hall announced they’d booked the awkwardly but brilliantly named Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs...
December 5, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Tiger Army, Grave Pleasures and The Nightmares – O2 Islington Academy – 29/11/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Tiger ArmyDespite this being my fifth time seeing Tiger Army this was my first time seeing them in my usual gig going location of London – on their last UK tour I caught them in Manchester and otherwise attended Octoberflame in 2015 and 2017 at The Observatory in Santa...
December 3, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands: November 2019 – Track Not Found and Brunt

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Track Not Found in the studioClick here to listen to the show On my BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands show for November 2019 we had a live session, a preview a new album and a listen to some of the acts I caught at BBC Music Introducing...
December 1, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Mods vs Rockers: The Risk and Coastal Fire Dept – The Vault – 15/11/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Colin Leach and Mark Le Gallez of The RiskAfter a run of bigger gigs both in Guernsey and further afield there was something refreshing about heading back into a smaller venue on a cold November night to catch what was billed the next chapter in the supposed ongoing conflict...
November 20, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Catfish And The Bottlemen, Zuzu and John – BBC Music Introducing Live, Tobacco Dock – 31/10/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Catfish And The BottlemenAlong with all the panels, seminars and masterclasses live music from upcoming artists was a big part of BBC Music Introducing Live and this was highlighted by two ‘headline’ events. One was a night of dance music broadcast on BBC Radio 1 on Friday 1st November...
November 8, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing Live – Tobacco Dock, London – 31/10-2/11/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Over the past 13 years being part of BBC Music Introducing has afforded me some unique opportunities, from visiting Abbey Road Studios to recently going Maida Vale Studios as The Recks recorded a live session there – BBC Music Introducing Live though was a rather different, but nonetheless impressive...
November 6, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

St James Presents… The Space Pirates Of Rocquaine – St James Concert Hall – 26/10/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Space Pirates Of RocquaineWhile we have been spoiled somewhat with notable and highly enjoyable live music events so far this year every now and then one comes along that stands out from the rest and St. James Presents… The Space Pirates Of Rocquaine is certainly one of those....
November 2, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

The Recks at BBC Maida Vale Studios – 20/10/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Recks in Studio Four at Maida ValeThanks to BBC Music Introducing I have, over the past few years, had the privilege of visiting some historic locations, from BBC’s own Broadcasting House to Abbey Road Studios and of course Maida Vale Studios. This though was the first time a...
October 25, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

St James Presents… Sacred Hearts, Thee Jenerarors, The Risk, The Crowband – St James Concert Hall – 12/10/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Sacred HeartsFor the best of the last forty years Mark Le Gallez, and a rotating, suitably motley, crew of collaborators have been carving a furrow in Guernsey’s music scene that have taken them as far afield as Germany and California across a number of bands and the latest St...
October 16, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

St James Presents… WaterColour Matchbox Album Launch with Isle Stone, Case On The Base and Rachel Dawson – St James Concert Hall – 28/09/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard WaterColour MatchboxSince St James Concert Hall started their ‘Presents…’ series of events showcasing Guernsey bands in a different way a few have certainly stood out; the inaugural one from Track Not Found saw them present their music as time line showing their songwriting evolving while Lord Vapour became the...
October 4, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands – September 2019 – Nick Coleman and Coastal Fire Dept

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Nick Coleman on BBC IntroducingClick here to listen to the show For my edition of BBC Music Introducing In The Channel Islands for September 2019 I featured two up and coming acts from Guernsey with rather different styles. In session was Nick Coleman who’s made a name for himself...
September 29, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Vale Earth Fair Weekend 2019 – 24-25/08/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Neville Staple BandFor the third year in a row the Vale Earth Fair expanded to a two day event with the main festival, this year celebrating 43 years, in its usual place at the Vale Castle on the Sunday of the August bank holiday weekend but with Sound...
August 29, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Black Sabbath – The End (Blu-ray)

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard A little over two years ago, as I write this, the band that really defined what became heavy metal called it a day after a farewell world tour that wound up in their home city of Birmingham England. Dubbed The End this final Black Sabbath concert was captured on...
August 27, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Vale Earth Fair 2007 – Vale Castle – 26/08/07

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard BabyheadAs we approach the 2019 Vale Earth Fair, and I noticed some of my first review of the festival back in 2007 has dropped off the BBC website, I thought I’d revive it here. From the sounds of this it was a packed year and I can only imagine...
August 23, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Havoc Events presents Byzanthian Neckbeard, Granite Wolf, Burning At Both Ends and From Darkness – The Fermain Tavern – 09/08/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Byzanthian NeckbeardNine months ago Havoc Events returned from a decade long break with a night of heavy metal at The Fermain Tavern. Now, after a few other shows, they are back with another night of the heavy stuff featuring Byzanthian Neckbeard, Granite Wolf, Burning At Both Ends and From...
August 11, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

King Nun, Track Not Found, The Recks, Savage Sons and Case On The Base – St James Concert Hall – 13/07/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard King NunWith the sun beating down outside it felt rather incongruous heading into St James on Saturday evening after a couple of the island’s big festival weekends, but with some upcoming visitors in King Nun, live favourites The Recks and Track Not Found, Chaos/Sound Guernsey Battle of the Bands...
July 16, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Ministry, 3Teeth and Grave Lines – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire – 06/07/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard MinistryIt’s nearly four years since I attended a show at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire (The Wildhearts PHUQ anniversary show) and I always seem to forget how good a venue it is — big enough to feel like an event on the scale of those at Brixton Academy or the...
July 10, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

The Devotees, Teaspoonriverneck, No Ambition and About An Hour – The Fermain Tavern – 30/01/09

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Brett and Steve of TeaspoonriverneckThe last review (in terms of date of the event at least) revived from my old blog takes us back to January 2009 again and a show at The Fermain Tavern with an impressively mixed line up of Guernsey rock bands. The Fermain Tavern tonight...
July 8, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Chaos 15 – Pleinmont, Guernsey – 28-30/06/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard After seemingly settling back into a winning formula last year, Chaos returned for a 15th time to the Pleinmont headland in Guernsey over the weekend of 28th to 30th June 2019. With two stages running for the three days it was possibly the most varied Chaos event yet with...
July 4, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Slim Pickings and The Honest Crooks – St James Concert Hall – 22/06/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Honest CrooksWhen it was announced that St James was staging a pirate themed ska party featuring well known Guernsey based band The Honest Crooks and visiting octet Slim Pickings, ‘complete with pirate ship,’ I expected maybe a few Jolly Rogers and some inventive fancy dress. Upon arriving at...
June 26, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BlackTopTales, Blue Mountains and JD And Folk – The Golden Lion – 15/06/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard BlackTopTalesWith festival season fast approaching three bands, BlackTopTales, Blue Mountains and JD & Folk, took over The Lion’s Den upstairs room at The Golden Lion for a bit of an unofficial warm up for this year’s Sark Folk Festival that happens at the beginning of July. Country influenced duo...
June 20, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

The Recks, Hot Plastic, Ukuladeez and Isle Stone – The Fermain Tavern – 14/06/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The RecksThe last time The Fermain Tavern changed hands it was marked with a full refit for Guernsey longest running live music venue and a launch show featuring 70s British R’n’B legend Wilko Johnson. This time things have been less obvious, externally, but nonetheless, following a a few big...
June 18, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing at Arts Sunday – St Peter Port, Guernsey – 09/06/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Burning At Both EndsFor the fifth year in a row BBC Music Introducing was represented with a stage at Guernsey Arts Commission‘s Arts Sunday event. Matching the growing scope of BBC Music Introducing in the Channel Islands the stage featured five acts including performers from Guernsey, Jersey and Sark...
June 12, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

The Cor Damme Lars album launch – The Mariners Inn – 07/06/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Cor Damme LarsBarely a year and a half since their first show, at the 2018 Vale Earth Fair Unplugged event, The Cor Damme Lars launched their debut album, Tangled Lies, with a show at The Mariners Inn on The Bridge. Before they hit the stage though Dave ‘Duke’...
June 10, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Free Range Music – Jamie-Lee, Lucy and Claire, Jamie and Cheese and The Coalbox Generals – The Fermain Tavern – 17/01/09

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Coal Box Generals (at Chateau De Sound)This throwback to January 2009 looks at another of the Free Range Music series of shows including a selection of acoustic artists and an early outing for The Coalbox Generals… Over the past few months the Free Range Music brand, spear-headed by...
June 8, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Havoc Events presents Third Time Lucky and friends – The Fermain Tavern – 18/05/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Third Time LuckyThirteen years ago I started a section on the BBC Guernsey website called Guernsey Unsigned, since then it’s developed into the BBC Introducing radio shows for Guernsey and now the Channel Islands but, back in June 2006, the first live event I covered was headlined by Third...
May 20, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Liberation Day Warm Up with The Recks, The Honest Crooks and Track Not Found – Imperial Hotel – 08/05/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Track Not FoundLiberation Day is always a busy one when it comes to live music and 2019 was no different, however in the past the night before has often been a rather quiet one. This year though that was different as The Imperial Hotel at Rocquaine chose Wednesday the...
May 12, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Rock of Ages 2 – Princess Royal Centre For The Performing Arts – 02/01/09

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Brutus Stonefist – TallpicturesAnother look back to early 2009 and the second Rock Of Ages event that definitely took a turn for the heavier with a selection of some of Guernsey’s top young metal bands of the time in Brutus Stonefist, Elmer Henley and Murder For 10, along with...
May 6, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

L’Islet Records Presents To The Woods, Coastal Fire Dept and Isle Stone – The Fermain Tavern – 20/04/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard To The WoodsWhen a show is announced featuring a rare appearance from To The Woods, a grunge and indie inflected hard rocking trio who built a formidable reputation a couple of years ago, there is always something of a sense of anticipation. When you add to that a newly...
April 24, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Blues Cruise with Rawcuz Crowzz and The Fuzzey Group – The Fermain Tavern – 10/01/09

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Fuzzey GroupAnother throwback moment to early 2009 and another night advertised as a blues night but with The Fuzzey Group we were in for something more, along with Alderney punk-blues trio Rawcuz Crowzz featuring a young Robert J. Hunter. Though tonight was dubbed the Blues Cruise, traditional blues...
April 16, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Spoonful – The Doghouse – 09/01/09

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Spoonful mk 1Back to 2009 for this review, with blues band Spoonful at The Doghouse at a time when it seemed the venue was under threat of closure (for reference, at time of re-posting it’s still going strong) and the band themselves were appearing in a rare form with...
April 12, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Baghdaddies, The Recks and The Cor Damme Lars Take 2 – St James Concert Hall – 06/04/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard BaghdaddiesTowards the end of last year, just as St James was starting to establish itself as a venue of broader use once again, they held a mid-week event headlined by visiting act Baghdaddies. Despite being a Wednesday night it proved rather popular and it wasn’t long before a return...
April 10, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

St James Presents… Lord Vapour And The Buds In Bloom – St James Concert Hall – 30/03/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Lord Vapour and The Buds In BloomFor the second of their monthly St James Presents series the new managers at the concert hall, who have spearheaded something of a revolution in the concert hall, had booked Guernsey’s preeminent vintage style stoner rockers Lord Vapour. However, in the lead up...
April 4, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Elliot Falla and The Blue Valentines Single Launch – The Vault – 22/03/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Elliot Falla & The Blue ValentinesOver the last year Elliot Falla & The Blue Valentines have released a series of singles while gigging around Brighton. For their latest release, So Easy, they returned to Falla’s home island of Guernsey to launch the track with a show at The Vault....
March 26, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Rock Of Ages 1 – Princess Royal Centre For The Performing Arts – 24/10/08

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Danny of About An HourMy final revived review (for now at least) from 2008, this one was the first night of a new series of events giving access to live music in an all ages setting. The Rock of Ages shows went on for a few years, moving venue...
March 17, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

About An Hour and Lydia Pugh – Barbados Night Club – 19/10/08

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Lydia PughMy second to last review revived from 2008 and possibly the only live music event I can remember happening at Barbados at the rather awkward time of around midnight on a Sunday night/Monday morning… With everyone involved in local music always seemingly going on about the lack of...
March 15, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Free Range Music – The Fermain Tavern – 18/10/08

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The John Wesley StoneBack in 2008 The Fermain Tavern started a series of regular monthly events in different styles of music. We’ve already seen reviews from blues nights and one of the Discharge nights focussing on punk but this comes from the first ‘Free Range Music’ night which featured...
March 14, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Black March featuring From Darkness, Ironfoot, Of Abscess And Amputation and Gentle Suburban Boys – The Fermain Tavern – 09/03/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard From DarknessLate last year Havoc Events staged a metal night at The Fermain Tavern and it obviously inspired others as, with a very similar line up, Black March was announced once again highlighting the heavier side of Guernsey music scene that is, arguably, less seen today than it was...
March 13, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Peppered Ant Legs and Swallows – De La Rue – 15/10/08

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard SwallowsBack to Autumn 2008 to a rocking night at the De La Rue with Guernsey’s premier lady band along with old school hard rockers The Peppered Ant Legs With the Thomas De La Rue fast becoming the premier venue for live music in St Peter Port many had gathered...
March 12, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Discharge Punk Night – The Fermain Tavern – 04/10/08

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard 2 Minutes 2 LateIt wasn’t just blues at The Fermain Tavern in autumn 2008, here two of the island’s prime punk acts of the year took to the stage as the guys behind the Discharge events (and fanzine) who were and still are heavily involved in the scene in...
March 10, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Spoonful – The Fermain Tavern – 13/09/08

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard SpoonfulAnother blues night at The Fermain Tavern from back in 2008 – I mention a ‘recent renovation’ of the venue here, this was a precursor to the major overhaul that took place a little while later, just in case the photo of the crowd throws your perception of time...
March 8, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Havoc Presents… Kings, Coastal Fire Dept, Vice and Kiya Ashton – The Fermain Tavern – 02/03/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard KingsBack in November Havoc Events revived themselves after a few years away from organising shows with a metal night at The Fermain Tavern harking back to their former glory days. At the time though they were already saying they had plans to put on shows with a broader appeal...
March 6, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Bluez Crewz with Spoonful and Rawcuz Crowzz – The Fermain Tavern – 16/08/08

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Rawcuz Crowzz on stage at Chaos 2009Another of my revived reviews originally poster elsewhere, heading back to a time when The Fermain Tavern became the heart of something of a revived blues scene in the islands with what I think was the Guernsey debut of a certain Robert J....
March 5, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

The Finale – Princess Royal Centre For The Performing Arts – 08/08/08

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard FireFly (and guest vocalist)A further in my blogs reviving old, lost, gig reviews from 2008 and 2009. This one was a farewell show for Firefly who had made quite a name for themselves over the space of a few years and was held at the Princess Royal Centre For...
March 3, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Thee Jenerators and The John Wesley Stone – De La Rue – 02/02/08

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Thee JeneratorsAnother from the archive that is otherwise somewhat lost to time so I’m reviving here for better or worse… a rocking looking night at the De La Rue by the looks of things (as ever largely unedited unless I’m making no sense whatsoever or have spelling or grammar...
February 27, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Hogwash 2008 – St Saviours, Guernsey – 19/07/08

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard SpoonfulI recently rediscovered a few old reviews from the second half of 2008 and early 2009 so thought I’d revive them on here for those of a nostalgic bent. Following, somewhat appropriately, on from Mudstock 2008, is my review of Hogwash 2008, another of the islands big biker parties...
February 25, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey: February 2019 – Lord Vapour and Dan Ashplant

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Click here to listen to the show For February edition of BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey I featured a familiar band along side a brand new artist. Lord Vapour will be well known to anyone with an eye on the island’s music scene through their relentless gigging and well...
February 24, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

The Eleanor Foundation present The Recks, The Cor Damme Lars, Episode 2 and Nick Coleman – The Fermain Tavern – 15/02/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The RecksIt feels like an age since I last ventured up to The Fermain Tavern as, for a number of reasons, it seems bands have been focussing on shows in and around town more over the last few months (though the Tav is hardly a great distance out-of-town, but...
February 18, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

Granite Wolf and Gentle Suburban Boys – The Vault – 01/02/19

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Gentle Suburban BoysAfter a quiet first month of the year for music in Guernsey February started with a bang as a pair of the island’s heavier bands newcomers Gentle Suburban Boys and comparative veterans Granite Wolf, did their best to tear the roof off The Vault on Friday 1st....
February 4, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey: January 2019 – Hollie Lucia and Mike’s Magic Trip

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Hollie Lucia and Mike MeinkeClick here to listen to the show BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey started off the new year with a whole load of brand new music. As well as new tracks from new from the likes of BLAKALASKA, Blacksmith, Lord Vapour and Robert J. Hunter I...
January 27, 2019 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey: December 2018 – Review of the Year

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Click here to listen to the show For the final BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey radio show of 2018 I took a look back at the last year of music in the islands. As well as reflecting on some of the big events that took place across the year,...
December 30, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Music In Guernsey In 2018

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard A year ago, when I was writing my review of music in Guernsey in 2017, I commented that it felt like a year when the bands and musicians in and from the island had all, collectively, taken a great step forward I terms of the quality of what was...
December 27, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

The Honest Crooks EP Launch and ‘Office Christmas Party’ – The Vault – 08/12/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Honest CrooksThree days on from the launch of Kiya Ashton’s debut EP, and in the midst of a month packed with new music release from Guernsey based artists including Lord Vapour, Insurrection, BLAKALASKA and more, The Honest Crooks released their first EP proper, Crook, Line And Sinker, with...
December 12, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Kiya Ashton EP Launch with The Cor Damme Lars, Gregory Harrison and Elisha Horsepool – The Doghouse – 05/12/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Kiya AshtonAfter the previous week’s mid-week show at St James it was time for another Wednesday night outing, this time at The Doghouse to celebrate the release of Sweet Decadence, the debut EP from 15-year-old musician and songwriter Kiya Ashton, along with support in the night from The Cor...
December 8, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Baghdaddies, The Recks and The Cor Damme Lars – St James Concert Hall – 28/11/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Baghdaddies at St JamesIn recent years at least, mid-week in Guernsey has, when it comes to music, largely been reserved for more low-key events like acoustic showcases or open mic nights. So, when St James announced a show with Newcastle’s Baghdaddies along with perennial party starters The Recks and...
December 2, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Havoc Events Metal Night – The Fermain Tavern – 17/11/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Gentle Suburban BoysA decade ago Guernsey’s metal scene was a place packed with heavy metal bands, with the likes of Iron Cobra, Astral Casket, Ferox and more regularly gracing stages. Staging shows for theses bands, amongst others, were Havoc Events, made up of Martyn Brown (now seen non guitar...
November 20, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Gay Army and Thee Jenerators – The Vault – 10/11/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Thee JeneratorsHeading into The Vault in St Peter Port on Saturday night one might be forgiving for thinking there’d be a nostalgic air to proceedings as this line up, Gay Army and Thee Jenerators, is one that has happened more than a few times over the years and, one...
November 12, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Sound At St James – St James Concert Hall, Guernsey – 27-28/10/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Of Empires on the main stageFor as long as I can remember St James, the impressive looking former church on the main road into St Peter Port, has been the home of classical music in Guernsey with rarely anything even bordering on pop gracing its impressive main hall, or...
November 2, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Guernsey Photography Festival Closing Party – Old Tax Office – 20/10/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Richey Powers of The RecksThe past few years have seen the Guernsey Photography Festival take over different, empty and abandoned, spaces around St Peter Port to exhibit a wide range from works from photographers of various styles with collections from all over the world (including Guernsey). 2018 was no...
October 25, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

The Honest Crooks vs Clameur De Haro – The Vault – 05/10/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard With the summer festival season now well and truly in the rear view mirror it seems to have become a bit of a tradition for The Vault to put on a particularly great night as we move into autumn. Last year it came from SugarSlam and Granite Wolf, and...
October 7, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

2018 Summer of Music in Guernsey

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The Honest CrooksI’m sure it’s a trend I’ve mentioned in the past but more than ever the ‘summer festival season’ in Guernsey is, like it’s larger counterparts in the U.K. and Europe, getting longer and more packed each year. Barely a weekend went by without some event happening and...
October 1, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Guitar Music Is Dead – The Fermain Tavern – 22/09/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The RiskPresented by the possibly fictional record label L’islet Records, Guitar Music Is Dead! was something of an ironic name for this event at The Fermain Tavern, as it featured four bands spanning a wide range of unarguably guitar based sounds. The first of these was a rare outing...
September 25, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Sark Roots Festival 2018 – 14-16/09/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Sark Roots FestivalFor a third year a field at the north-eastern most point of the tiny island of Sark was converted for the weekend into one of the most relaxed and convivial festivals sites I’ve ever encountered, for the Sark Roots Festival. Once again the event featured three days...
September 19, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Vale Earth Fair 2018 – Vale Castle – 25-26/08/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Imperial Leisure at the Vale Earth FairFor the second year in a row the 2018 Vale Earth Fair, marking the Channel Island’s longest running music festival’s 42nd year, was split across two days with the first day again being run by Sound Guernsey and the second being the long-established...
August 28, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey: August 2018 – Savage Sons

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Savage Sons in the studioClick here to listen to the show With summer festival season in full swing BBC Music Introducing In Guernsey for August 2018 featured a live session from Savage Sons, a band who’ve been steadily building their reputation at those festivals as well as recently releasing...
August 26, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

The Recks present… – The Fermain Tavern – 17/08/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The RecksWith one mini-tour, a set at Latitude Festival and several of the Guernsey’s main summer festivals behind them, The Recks returned to The Fermain Tavern for a rare indoor summer show with three of the island’s top up and coming bands. It may not mean much to many,...
August 18, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Vale Earth Fair at Rocquaine Regatta – 04/08/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Vale Earth Fair at Rocquaine RegattaFor as many years as I care to remember the Rocquaine Regatta has concluded with a barbecue in the field opposite the iconic Fort Grey with live musical entertainment provided by the Vale Earth Fair. After last year’s somewhat dampened event, summer 2018 has...
August 8, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Japanese Invasion Night – The Fermain Tavern – 21/07/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard PUNiKTwo years ago Japanese punk rockers PUNiK made a huge impression with their performance at the 12th Chaos weekend and right away talk of their return to the island began. It’s taken two years but on Saturday night that’s what happened at The Fermain Tavern as PUNiK returned along...
July 24, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Lord Vapour and Coastal Fire Dept. – The Vault – 14/07/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Lord VapourThere’s something about the combination of a hot and sweaty summer night, a small bar and loud music that makes for a great combination and that was certainly in evidence on Saturday 14th July 2018 as Lord Vapour and Coastal Fire Dept took to the stage at The...
July 16, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Mudstock 2008 – Pleinmont, Guernsey – 12/07/08

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard The pit kicking off at MudstockAnother flashback from my archive originally written for BBC Guernsey Unsigned (the forerunner to BBC Music Introducing in Guernsey) going back a decade to one of Guernsey’s more minor ‘festival’ style events, Mudstock. This was a biker party of a sort with a lot...
July 12, 2018 by Tom Girard
In News

Chaos 14 – Pleinmont, Guernsey – 29/06-01/07/18

This is an excerpt of an article written by Tom Girard Now in its 14th year I think it’s safe to say that, after the Vale Earth Fair, Chaos (aka Chaos Weekend or Chaos Festival) is one of the most established events in the Channel Islands music calendar regularly attracting visitors from Jersey, the U.K. and mainland Europe. Over that...
July 4, 2018 by Tom Girard