Scallions/Carillion

SCALLIONS/CARILLION

IMV 24th July 2026

Superb evening at the The International Music Venue last night.

Opening up were a new band, Carillion,, led by Oliver Sloan, (Peter Sloans son). Last saw him some months ago as a very young lad playing in a duo with Jacob, they showed real promise and talent... last night leading the band Oliver had grown immensely as a performer... playing and singing with real confidence and authority... indeed the whole band were excellent and show huge potential.. one weakness at this stage is that he needs to develop stage craft and communication.. but given how much it had improved, that wil happen with a few more gigs under their belt

Headlning were the superb SCALLIONS led by Peter Sloan playing their first ever Van Morrison Tribute Show... and it was a triumph!

The band rocked furiously from the first moment and tore through around 90 minutes of Van classics... all delivered with power, passion and impeccable musicianship... No two ways, this is a band of gifted musicians, last night playing a superb set of Van Morrison music. Absolutely superb performance.. exciting, uplifting and hugely enjoyable... hope for more of the same

Keep music live... keep music real... support your local venues

Lirielle/Heart of the Hydra/Rai Waddingham/Chris Ilett

LIRIELLE/HEART OF THE HYDRA/
RAI WADDINGHAM/CHRIS ILETT

Duffys 23rd July 2026

Seems too long since I was in the excellent Duffy's Bar but back last night for Luke Broughton "Take the Stage" event... always a joy. and last night was something extra... undefineable... the feeling in the room was exceptional... a really lovely vibe...

As ever the bill was for me a mix of the familiar, less familiar and unknown

Chris Ilett opened the proceedings,

followed by Rai Waddingham both of whom delivered cracking sets, both somehow more informal and personal than ever.

Next up a total unknown to me, an acoustic duo, "Heart of the Hydra" who concentrated on their original material, along with a couple of covers.. "Wish You Were Here" (Pink Floyd) and "Come up and See me" (Steve Harley/Cockney Rebel) both of which they handled superbly. Was looking forward to seeing them as a new one to me, and they were great... musically excellent and hugely enjoyable set.

Closing the evening was Lirielle, i'd seen her once before and loved it... I'm not usually keen on the use of backing tracks, but in this case they were perfect for the material and Lirielles great voice. A very commited and talented artist delivering another great set...

Thanks to Luke for these events...

keep music live... keep music real... support your local venue