Event type: Music

Slinging his signature guitar and singing with inimitable soulful grit, Graham Parker has spent more than four decades carving out a singular place in rock and roll.

A critics’ favourite and a songwriter’s songwriter, he emerged in the mid-1970s at a pivotal moment in British music. With his band The Rumour, Parker released a run of essential albums including Howlin’ Wind, Heat Treatment, and the undisputed classic Squeezing Out Sparks, records that fused literate songwriting with the raw energy that helped reshape rock in the late seventies.

Throughout the following decades Parker continued to evolve, releasing acclaimed solo albums such as The Up Escalator, Another Grey Area, and The Mona Lisa’s Sister, blending British rock attitude with deep roots in American R&B, soul, and country traditions. Rolling Stone once observed that Parker “owed more to Dylan and Van Morrison than to his punk counterparts,” a lineage reflected in the emotional intelligence and biting wit that define his songwriting.

April 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Parker’s debut album Howlin’ Wind. To celebrate the milestone, writer Jay Nachman has authored a new book, Graham Parker: Howlin’ Wind, featuring extensive interviews with Parker, members of The Rumour, and producer Nick Lowe. The book traces Parker’s childhood and early musical journey, revealing the experiences and influences that shaped the songs on this classic record.

Adding to the celebration, a new limited-edition live album recorded in England featuring Parker with The Goldtops and backing singers The Lady Bugs will be released on vinyl in May 2026.

More than fifty years after his debut, Graham Parker remains a true original. His music continues to blend soul, rock, wit, and sharp storytelling in a way that few artists have matched, securing his place among the most enduring voices in rock and roll.

Keeping the Faith to the original sounds of the underground movement that started on the dance floors in the North and eventually swept the Nation including an 11-piece band with 4 lead vocalists performing over 30 original hits, expect to hear:

Dobie Gray – “Out On The Floor”, R Dean Taylor – “There’s A Ghost In My House”, Frank Wilson – “Do I love You – Indeed I Do”, Gloria Jones – “Tainted Love”, Al Wilson – “The Snake”, Yvonne Baker – “You Didn’t Say A Word”, Jimmy Radcliffe – “Long After Tonight Is Over”, Garnet Mimms- “Looking For You”, Dean Parrish – “I’m On My Way” and many, many more.

Less tribute and more homage, Nearly Dan is saviour to the ever growing legions of Dan fans, desperate to hear the meticulously crafted grooves and allusive lyrical style of Donald Fagen & Walter Becker. Nearly Dan’s approach is faithful, though not reverential, and relaxed but as tight as their namesakes. They bring their own unique spirit and spontaneous humour to every concert.

It’s been over 40 years since the release of the first Steely Dan album “Can’t buy a Thrill”, featuring the hits “Do it Again” and “Reelin’ in the years.”

Nearly Dan now in its 29th year on the road press on into 2026 with a full year of tour dates booked and an exciting new line up, showcasing a set list featuring deep cuts along with all the favourite Steely Dan classics. In a two hour-plus show, featuring tracks from the groove of Countdown to Ecstasy to the super cool of celebrated albums The Royal Scam. Aja and Gaucho also featuring Donald Fagen’s classic solo masterpiece “The Nightfly”

A real treat for all music lovers and an unmissable concert for any aspiring musician young or old.

Grateful Fred’s have been pioneering Americana and Roots music in Formby, Southport and Liverpool since 2010 and during that time have presented some of the best US, Canadian and World artists.

On the first Wednesday of every month, join the Fredhead’s at The Atkinson for a wonderful night of live acoustic music.

Martin Stephenson with full supporting programme.

We’re chuffed to bits to welcome back one of our favourite artists, Martin Stephenson, one of Britain’s best-loved musicians. As a solo artist and with his band The Daintees, he’s produced over 40 albums and played thousands of concerts since forming the band in the early 1980s. Born in Durham, Martin’s music is a glorious collision of styles – Spanish, Jazz, Blues, Country, Skiffle, Reggae – all blended into his unique trademark sound. His live performances are an exuberant tour-de-force, combining heart-in-your-mouth intimacy with playful humour and warm self-deprecation. Recently featured in Billy Connolly’s BBC documentary “Made in Scotland” (with Billy calling him “my kind of musician”), Martin now lives in the Scottish Highlands and continues to captivate audiences with his finger-picking guitar skills and wonderful storytelling. This will be a truly special evening with a master performer.

Please note: Line-ups are correct at time of purchase but may be subject to change. Customers will not be notified of any changes to the line-up. No refunds will be offered for changes to the line-up.

Grateful Fred’s have been pioneering Americana and Roots music in Formby, Southport and Liverpool since 2010 and during that time have presented some of the best US, Canadian and World artists.

On the first Wednesday of every month, join the Fredhead’s at The Atkinson for a wonderful night of live acoustic music.

Kirsten Adamson with full supporting programme. Many of you will remember when Kirsten came to play for us previously – and she’s back by popular demand! Kirsten Adamson, daughter of rock legend Stuart Adamson (Big Country, Skids), is an award-winning singer-songwriter who summons the same heart-stopping purity as Sandy Denny, by way of Emmylou Harris and Kate Bush. Since spending summers in Nashville with her dad and singing on Big Country’s last album, Kirsten has forged her own remarkable career with indie-folkers Aberfeldy, country rockers The Gillyflowers, and Americana duo The Marriage. Her voice has been described as angelic, and her second solo album “Landing Place” showcases her extraordinary vocal range and deeply emotional songwriting. She’ll be joined by her band The Tanagers for what promises to be a truly special evening.  

Please note: Line-ups are correct at time of purchase but may be subject to change. Customers will not be notified of any changes to the line-up. No refunds will be offered for changes to the line-up.

Get Your Kicks On Tour ’26

Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring the legendary Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness, two original members of Manfred Mann, along with the talented Marcus Cliffe, Simon Currie, Pete Riley, and Mike Gorman. Experience a thrilling two-hour performance packed with iconic hits, dynamic jazz, and powerful blues.

This exceptional line-up has become one of the most sought after live bands touring the UK and, in 2026, they’re inviting you to celebrate their timeless classics. Enjoy favourites like “5-4-3-2-1,” “Pretty Flamingo,” “Mighty Quinn,” and “Do Wah Diddy Diddy,” alongside a captivating selection of rhythm and blues-inspired gems and unforgettable solo successes.

Don’t miss out on this electrifying event! Join their journey and GET YOUR KICKS ON TOUR ’26 with THE MANFREDS.

In 2026, China Crisis invite you to step into the next chapter of their story with their Warped 2026 tour, a journey through over four decades of innovative pop brilliance.

Since their early 80’s breakthrough from Liverpool’s renown music scene, Gary Daly and Eddie Lundon have distinguished themselves with sound that is both instantly recognizable and constantly evolving. Their sophisticated yet irresistibly catchy style of pop – blending everything from synths to soul and unexpected textures – produced beloved hits like “Wishful Thinking”, “African and White”, and “Arizona Sky”, and they continue to push forward now with fresh projects that highlight their adventurous songwriting and professional artistry.

The band’s latest works, including their acclaimed Autumn in the Neighbourhood and China Greatness albums, prove their music shines brighter than ever, reaffirming their place as pioneers, innovators, and creators of timeless songs. On stage, China Crisis remain true originals: blending classic songs, new work, and the humour and heart that make every performance unforgettable. The Warped 2026 tour is not just a celebration of their past—it’s a testament to a band still in full creative stride.