Studio 54 returns to Strings on Friday 03 April . . .

Brought to you by DJ Tony Martin, Studio 54 celebrates the iconic 60s and 70s New York Disco scene in style!

Get out those sequins and dance the night away . . .

50 years after the genre turned the music world upside-down, Grade 2 bring the raw power of old school punk to a new generation. Their second release on Tim Armstrong's legendary Hellcat Records is a thumping 15 track tour de force melding the uncompromising ethos of punk with the howl of contemporary injustice, personal identity and frustrations of Gen-Z youth, authentically told by three lads with punk coursing through their veins.  

It's quizzing for the 21st Century. No waiting until the end of the round to find out if you're right. Automatic marking (so no need to swap papers) and a live leaderboard so you always know how you're doing against the other teams.

All you need is the FREE SpeedQuizzing Virtual Buzzer app on your smartphone or tablet (see below).

Drinks prizes to be won and if you are a regular player, your team could win tickets to a show at Strings if you top the leaderboard at the end of the month!

Bring your smartphone or tablet with the app pre-installed to save time.

Download the Speedquizzing Smartphone Virtual Buzzer app from Play Store or Apple Store via this link:-

https://bit.ly/speedquizzing

Songwriter’s Round, an intimate evening of original songs and the process behind the writing.

Featuring a talented lineup of songwriters including Corrine Atkins, Chasing Scarlett, JC Grimshaw, Kindred Found, and Andy Roberts, telling you the stories behind their songs and performing their original material in a relaxed, acoustic setting.

A welcoming atmosphere as each artist takes turns performing and collaborating in true songwriter round style. Whether you're a fan of folk, acoustic, Americana, or simply love discovering authentic live music, this is a night not to miss.

Tom Hingley was lead singer of  the Inspiral Carpets from 1989 to 2011 and sang on all the bands hits and four albums.  Tom will be performing songs from the 30+ years of the Inspiral Carpets including the hits, such as This Is How It Feels, Dragging Me Down and Saturn Five.

It's quizzing for the 21st Century. No waiting until the end of the round to find out if you're right. Automatic marking (so no need to swap papers) and a live leaderboard so you always know how you're doing against the other teams.

All you need is the FREE SpeedQuizzing Virtual Buzzer app on your smartphone or tablet (see below).

Drinks prizes to be won and if you are a regular player, your team could win tickets to a show at Strings if you top the leaderboard at the end of the month!

Bring your smartphone or tablet with the app pre-installed to save time.

Download the Speedquizzing Smartphone Virtual Buzzer app from Play Store or Apple Store via this link:-

https://bit.ly/speedquizzing

Platform One Music College students present a live music showcase.

This is chance for them to gain performance experience, build confidence and trial material - both original and covers.

These events are cash only on the door.

For information on studying at Platform One please email info@platformone.org.

Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs. In constant demand and having played just about every festival and two-bit, jibe-arsed dive in Christendom, Mad Dog Mcrea are, in every sense of the word, a live, band.

Matched with the unshakable dedication of their massive and “loyal-to-the-hilt”, fan base – Mad Dog Mcrea are more than just a very popular, festival act – with five albums under their belts, they are serious and acclaimed recording artists too. During 2019 Mad Dog Mcrea will be in the studio recording a new album.

The famous purple happy bus is fired up and ready for action, and there’s room for you – jump aboard!

The band that keeps on giving - VOTE PEDRO - return to Strings on Saturday 18 April!

The madcap Mariachi Band from the island that spread Mexican sunshine wherever they go with their own blend of tequila fuelled mariachi madness!! A show that is always in demand and sells out EVERY TIME!

It's quizzing for the 21st Century. No waiting until the end of the round to find out if you're right. Automatic marking (so no need to swap papers) and a live leaderboard so you always know how you're doing against the other teams.

All you need is the FREE SpeedQuizzing Virtual Buzzer app on your smartphone or tablet (see below).

Drinks prizes to be won and if you are a regular player, your team could win tickets to a show at Strings if you top the leaderboard at the end of the month!

Bring your smartphone or tablet with the app pre-installed to save time.

Download the Speedquizzing Smartphone Virtual Buzzer app from Play Store or Apple Store via this link:-

https://bit.ly/speedquizzing

Kindred Found are an original outfit situated on the Isle of Wight, playing a dirty blues infused country rock.

The band boasts a twin lead vocal tandem of Dave Eastman and Corrine Atkins, Dan Smith on lead guitars and vocals, Tom Daly on bass, Pete Ball on drums and Mark Line on harmonica and mandolin.

With their debut EP "Bones" and their follow up single "Should'a" available on all streaming sites, they are now celebrating the launch of their album with a live show.

Bare Jams is a dynamic collective that blends feel-good pop with elements of soul, funk, jazz, and rock, creating a soundscape that's both diverse and familiar. They have built a reputation for tight, exuberant, and genuinely candid performances, with music that spans a wide array of genres and line-ups. Focusing on catchy hooks, motivational lyrics and singable horn lines, they create an infectious sound that’s both unique and familiar.

Closed for a Private Function . . .

If you would like to the hire the venue for your own private function, please get in touch via the website or email info@stringsbarandvenue.com

The Spice Girls Experience is the UK’s premier tribute to the biggest girl band of all time. Touring for over a decade, this high-energy show perfectly captures the spirit, style, and sound of the Spice Girls with authentic casting, spot-on vocals and stunning replica costumes.

 They deliver a powerhouse performance packed with all the Spice Girls’ greatest hits—from Wannabe to Spice Up Your Life. When it comes to Spice Girls tributes, there’s simply no better show than The Spice Girls Experience — the ultimate girl power party

A true highlight of their career includes performing as the official opening act for Adele during her 2024 Munich Residency, cementing their reputation as the ultimate celebration of girl power

The session is all about the students and involves advice regarding every aspect of the music industry in 2026, it's designed to prepare students for the real working world, from rehearsal rooms to recording studios to the big stage. Sandy will be available as a resource to them, throughout the session to answer any questions they may have.

Sandy will be covering professional skills, pathways to success, maintaining success and ways in which to achieve each student's individual goals. During the masterclass there is video/audio content as well as a quiz and an interactive section where the Platform One House Band "The Project" will perform in a real rehearsal scenario.  As well as this there is a short section of Sandy performing some sections of One Direction songs, to discuss his approach and ways in which to fit in to a live scenario musically.

Originally launched back in 2013, the Rob da Bank Music Club is making a powerful return to the Isle of Wight — bringing fresh energy, creativity, and opportunity to young people aged 11–18.

The much-anticipated relaunch takes place on Tuesday 25th November at Strings Bar & Venue in Newport, marking a new chapter in youth-led music, creativity, and wellbeing on the Island.

Founded by Rob da Bank — acclaimed DJ, festival curator, and passionate advocate for youth creativity — the Music Club is designed to break down barriers and open doors for young Islanders who want to explore the world of music, regardless of experience, background, or ability.

It's quizzing for the 21st Century. No waiting until the end of the round to find out if you're right. Automatic marking (so no need to swap papers) and a live leaderboard so you always know how you're doing against the other teams.

All you need is the FREE SpeedQuizzing Virtual Buzzer app on your smartphone or tablet (see below).

Drinks prizes to be won and if you are a regular player, your team could win tickets to a show at Strings if you top the leaderboard at the end of the month!

Bring your smartphone or tablet with the app pre-installed to save time.

Download the Speedquizzing Smartphone Virtual Buzzer app from Play Store or Apple Store via this link:-

https://bit.ly/speedquizzing

The most notorious Guns n Roses Tribute . . . established back in 2002!

Guns 2 Roses are the only GnR tribute to have played live with 4 different members of the original band. Having performed at top venues and festivals across the world, Guns 2 Roses are the most internationally recognised GnR tribute in the world!

With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the '70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits "Hocus Pocus", "House of The King" and "Sylvia", as well as critically acclaimed albums 'Moving Waves', 'Focus 3' and 'Hamburger Concerto', the iconic Dutch music masters are back with their tenth album, which is guaranteed to please their legions of fans!    

Closed for a Private Function . . .

If you would like to the hire the venue for your own private function, please get in touch via the website or email info@stringsbarandvenue.com

It's quizzing for the 21st Century. No waiting until the end of the round to find out if you're right. Automatic marking (so no need to swap papers) and a live leaderboard so you always know how you're doing against the other teams.

All you need is the FREE SpeedQuizzing Virtual Buzzer app on your smartphone or tablet (see below).

Drinks prizes to be won and if you are a regular player, your team could win tickets to a show at Strings if you top the leaderboard at the end of the month!

Bring your smartphone or tablet with the app pre-installed to save time.

Download the Speedquizzing Smartphone Virtual Buzzer app from Play Store or Apple Store via this link:-

https://bit.ly/speedquizzing

We’re excited to announce our brand new Jam Night, which will take place on the first Wednesday of every month!

We’re encouraging local musicians to bring their instruments and get involved, with all abilities welcome. It is a chance to build your skills as well as meet other like-minded musicians. If you’re struggling to put the final members of a band together, this could be the place to find them. Don’t want to play right away? Come and hang out and witness the flow . . .

Colin Blunstone, lead singer of The Zombies and acclaimed Solo Artist, returns to UK stages with the “Believe In Miracles” Tour, his first national solo outing in 7 years.  The tour title is a nod to Blunstone’s 1972 hit “I Don’t Believe In Miracles” (penned by Argent singer/guitarist Russ Ballard), but is also a reflection on his remarkable 7-decade career.  Blunstone relates, “I joined The Zombies as a teen thinking it would be a two or three year adventure.  Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined it would lead to a lifetime in music…and that at the tender age of 80, I’d be the subject of a documentary, recording a new album and embarking on a major tour!”.  

For more than three decades, Fabio & Grooverider have stood at the forefront of a movement that has evolved from underground raves to a worldwide phenomenon. Their influence has shaped generations of artists – from Chase & Status and Wilkinson to Sub Focus many of whom first received airplay and recognition through the duo’s award-winning 14-year show on BBC Radio 1.

Together and apart, their output helped define every era of Drum & Bass — from jungle’s raw beginnings to the present-day diversity of liquid, tech, minimal, jump-up, and halftime styles.

Myspace or Yours is more than a tribute band – it’s a full-on nostalgia trip back to the social networking days of the 2000s - and they will be at Strings on Saturday 09 May!!

Specialising in live dedications to the biggest pop-punk, emo and screamo anthems, Myspace or Yours covers everything from My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy to Linkin Park and beyond. Their setlist is a love letter to the bands that defined a generation – the tracks you blasted on your Myspace profile, the ones that shaped your teenage soundtrack . . .

Expect high-energy performances, sing-along choruses and all the angst you remember (and secretly still love). Whether you were an OG scene kid or just want to experience the glory days of eyeliner and skinny jeans, Myspace or Yours will take you straight back to the era of bulletins, Top 8 drama and black nail polish. Because when it comes to emo… it’s Myspace or Yours!

Get those tickets now on our app or via the website!

Platform One Music College students present a live music showcase.

This is chance for them to gain performance experience, build confidence and trial material - both original and covers.

These events are cash only on the door.

For information on studying at Platform One please email info@platformone.org.

The homecoming of popular island outfit 'GWEIDO' . . . 

Following a successful reuniting at the IW Festival 2025, the band are once again bringing the nostalgia to the locals by celebrating 15 years of their album 'City Lights'. 

The boys are back in town . . . again!

The popular Hipshaker night returns to Strings on Saturday 16 May. As always, you can expect to hear funk, soul, jazz, rock, r&b, motown, latin, ska, reggae etc - all from the late 50s through to the early 70s and the best bit is that it is all on chunky vintage vinyl!

They've been going since 1998 and show no sign of slowing down!!

Get ready to rewind the clock and relive the ultimate party years at Sunday Skool – the Island’s original daytime clubbing experience for the over 30s and over 30s at heart!

We’re bringing you a full afternoon of non-stop 80s, 90s & 00s bangers, packed with singalong anthems, feel-good classics and dancefloor favourites that guarantee pure nostalgia from start to finish.

Join us at Strings Bar & Venue in Newport as we transform the space into a high-energy daytime club, hosted by Xtreme Vertigo DJs Crabbie & Stu Murray, delivering the soundtrack to your best nights out… just earlier

Platform One Music College students present a live music showcase.

This is chance for them to gain performance experience, build confidence and trial material - both original and covers.

These events are cash only on the door.

For information on studying at Platform One please email info@platformone.org.

Mark Morriss is a singer songwriter who famously made his name fronting English indie outfit The Bluetones. Mark fronted the four piece over a successful and fruitful 15 year period, scoring 14 top ten singles and 3 top ten albums.

The most in demand and sought after tribute to one of the best rock bands in the world - Green Haze return to Strings on Friday 22 May - The No.1 Green Day Tribute!

Green Haze go to every length to capture the raw power and dynamics of Green Day’s music and bring it to life on stage with full 2.5+ hour stage show. With both the MUSIC and the LOOK, their energy packed show comes complete with costumes, fun crowd interaction, on-stage antics and all of the trimmings that make a Green Day live show so recognisable to their fans. It is this attention to detail that makes Green Haze the most authentic Green Day tribute band on the circuit today.

Platform One Music College students present a live music showcase.

This is chance for them to gain performance experience, build confidence and trial material - both original and covers.

These events are cash only on the door.

For information on studying at Platform One please email info@platformone.org.

Billy Bibby was the founding member and lead guitarist of Catfish and the Bottlemen and he was instrumental in writing and releasing their debut album, 'The Balcony,' which charted Top 10 and was certified 2x platinum in the UK, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. Since then, Billy has fronted other bands, HAIG and Billy Bibby & The Wry Smiles, touring extensively across the UK and building a significant following. For this unique tour, Billy will solely focus on and celebrate his contribution to 'The Balcony' album, something he has never done before!

Billy Bibby will be performing the first Catfish album in its purest form with a stripped-back acoustic set featuring all the tracks recorded on it. The Balcony Tour will be full of nostalgia, powerful delivery and include short anecdotes about the times spent writing and recording it with the band. This is a must-see for Catfish fans!

It's only Dave McCabe from THE ZUTONS !!!!

The songwriter and frontman from the legendary Liverpool outfit will visit Strings on Wednesday 24 June! Raised in Liverpool and shaped by the city’s famously uncompromising music scene, McCabe has always written from instinct rather than fashion. His songs draw on soul, rock and roll and classic pop songwriting, delivered with a vocal style that is as fearless as it is emotionally direct. Long before wider recognition, he was honing his craft in local bands, building a reputation for lyrics that cut straight to the point and performances that felt lived-in and urgent.

Audiences can expect a carefully chosen mix of Zutons classics, deep cuts, songs McCabe has written for other artists, and, most importantly, a selection of new material that points clearly to where he is heading next as a writer.

The UK’s best tribute to Coldplay return to Strings on Saturday 25 April!

Ultimate Coldplay are the closest you can get to the real thing with such attention to detail that you start to question whether that really is Chris Martin! They are always in demand so if you want to catch them grab your tickets now! . . . We may have even saved some confetti from New Years’ Eve especially for them!

Levellers frontman Mark Chadwick returns on Sunday 28 June!

Chadwick is one of the UK’s most successful songwriters and has co-written 20 chart singles and 6 Top 40 albums (including a Number 1) as part of the folk-punk band Levellers, who he has fronted for over 30 years.

During this time Mark has released two solo albums ‘All the Pieces’ and ‘Moment’ His upfront and personal solo performance will see him play a mixture of material from solo albums ‘All The Pieces’ and ‘Moment’ as well as those Levellers classics!

The UK’s BEST Stone Roses Tribute return to the stage! If you love I Am The Resurrection, Made Of Stone, Fools Gold, Waterfall, She Bangs The Drums and many more then do not miss this exclusive opportunity to hear your favourite Stone Roses anthems performed live by the UK’s finest tribute!

Get ready to be transported back in time to the electrifying era of rock ‘n’ roll as INXS GB pays homage to the legendary Australian band, INXS.

Punk & New Wave Supergroup Class of 79' are heading to Strings on Friday 24 July!

This is not just a tribute or a covers band, Class of ’79 features members from The Rezillos, Eddie & the Hot Rods, UK Subs, The Selecter and possibly more . . .

They will be playing the biggest hits from their own associated bands as well as the tracks that are the sound tracks (to many) of your lives!!

If you're a fan of the above, this is one not to miss!

The UK's premier tribute to the Stereophonics will be visiting Strings on Friday 31 July!

'The Phonics' play all the classics that you'd come to expect from the Welsh rockers! These guys are the closest you'll get to the real thing! So if you've spent many a night singing your heart out to them at the IOW Festival, then here is your chance to do it again!

The Pendulum DJ’s are coming to Robin Hill . . .

Formed in 2002 by Rob Swire, Gareth McGrillen and Paul ‘El Hornet’ Harding, Pendulum quickly took to the road, touring across their native home in Perth to internationally acclaimed clubs and festivals around the release of their seminal debut album ‘Hold Your Colour’. After relocating to the UK and forming the Pendulum live band, El Hornet took the reins on the Pendulum DJ Sets and has spent the past 15 years performing at some of the biggest electronic festivals in theworld including Liquicity, Let It Roll, Rampage, Dreambeach and EDC. Now alternating between the individual band members, the Pendulum DJ sets have taken on a life of their own with a huge global presence and genrespanning shows ranging from drum and bass, house, techno, tech house breaks and hardcore.

This is going to be a huge night with special guests to be announced.

As the lead singer of Kasabian – helping sell over four million albums - Tom Meighan’s unmistakable vocals are a central, and many would say essential, component on timeless tracks like ‘Fire,’ ‘Club Foot,’ and ‘Shoot the Runner,’ to name only three.

On the back of five number one albums with his old band, Tom fronted headline festival shows across Europe - including Glastonbury, Leeds and Reading - and won NME, Q, and Mojo awards, as well as a Brit.  Tom Meighan had it all. Bona fide British rock royalty.

His live show with the full band is an unapologetic rock set from start to finish. Yes, it’s tempered by some more mature material – proving that Tom can do tender as well as tumultuous – but he now brings fresh life to even those Kasabian classics that liberally pepper his set. And his brand-new bangers smartly retain those terrace style chanting choruses, those danceable guitar riffs, and a stadium worthy groove too.

Multi-platinum British pop band Scouting for Girls will bring their infectious, feel-good hits to Robin Hill on Sunday 16 August, for a special open-air performance in the woodlands, set to be one of the highlights of the summer.

Known for chart-topping singles including “She’s So Lovely,” “Elvis Ain’t Dead,” and “Heartbeat,” Scouting for Girls have built a reputation for energetic, crowd-pleasing live shows that get audiences singing along from start to finish.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Strings again to bring an unforgettable live music experience to the woodlands at Robin Hill” says Lee Priddle, co-owner and CEO of Robin Hill Adventure Park. “Their vision aligns perfectly with our ambition to create unique, atmospheric events on the Island, and Scouting for Girls is the perfect Sunday headliner to finish what promises to be an incredible weekend”

The larger-than-life UK entertainer BIG NARSTIE who crossed over from grime & UK rap into mainstream TV and internet culture will be performing at Strings on Friday 25 September! . . .

Known for his charismatic personality and deep voice, he gained mainstream fame through collaborations with artists like Ed Sheeran and his own hit on Channel 4, The Big Narstie Show! He was a pivotal figure in the 2000’s UK Grime scene and has since built an incredible following!

Back by popular demand, the Blow Monkeys . . .

The Blow Monkeys are a stylish and influential British band who rose to prominence in the 1980s with their distinctive blend of sophisti-pop, soul, jazz and new wave. Fronted by the charismatic Dr. Robert, the band became best known for hits such as Digging Your Scene, combining polished melodies with sharp social and political commentary.

The Blow Monkeys remain one of the most distinctive and enduring acts of their era and this is the perfect time to catch them!

Formed in New York City, Spread Eagle quickly became a notable force in the rock world with their raw and powerful sound. Their debut album, Spread Eagle (MCA), gained critical acclaim, particularly for its gritty energy and the hit single “Switchblade Serenade,” which received significant MTV airplay. After the success of their debut, Spread Eagle continued to evolve with the release of their second album, Open to the Public (MCA), and their most recent effort, Subway to the Stars (Frontiers). The band’s influence and legacy have only grown stronger, allowing them to maintain a global following as they tour, bringing their unique “streetmetal” sound to audiences worldwide.

Republica dominated the charts in the Nineties and exploded back in 2013 with a new EP,UK tour and festival slots. The band’s iconic and fiery front woman, Saffron, Tim Dorney (keyboard) and Johnny Male (guitar) rode the Britpop wave of female-fronted rock bands like Sleeper, Elastica, Garbage and Lush, injecting it with their self-dubbed “techno-pop, punk rock” sound. Between 1996 and 1999, Republica sold an incredible 3 million albums and clinched Top 5 slots in the UK, America and Europe with platinum sales across the globe, while their hit single ‘Ready to Go’ soared to Number One in many countries.

Punk rock icon TV Smith has been a relentless voice of rebellion and sharp-eyed social commentary since the 1970s. Rising to prominence as the frontman of The Adverts, he helped shape the first wave of British punk with raw energy and unforgettable hooks. While many of his contemporaries faded, TV Smith kept moving, building a fiercely independent career defined by constant touring, uncompromising lyrics and a deep connection with audiences across generations.

Decades on, his music remains as urgent and relevant as ever. Blending melody with defiance, his songs tackle politics, humanity and the everyday struggles that never seem to change. TV Smith continues to prove that punk isn’t just a moment in time . . . it’s a lifelong commitment.

Introducing the Toxicity & IOWA 25th Anniversary show with Chop Suey, Slip-NOT, A7Xperience and Propa Roach.

The show brought to you by Doppelgang3r features members of Dragonforce, Anti-Nowhere League, Tigertailz and Sinsaenum. Chop Suey and Slip-NOT have cemented themselves as two of the best tribute acts in the UK! This year they are bringing a special show to a city near you, celebrating the 25th anniversary of two of the most iconic metal albums of a generation!

They will be joined by A7Xperience and Propa Roach, this is a night not to miss for fans of 00s metal! Come and join the party and see for yourself just how good a tribute show can be!

Letz Zep are internationally recognised as the Number One tribute to Led Zeppelin and Baby they ain't foolin'.

When Robert Plant says it is like watching himself onstage, 'I walked in, I saw me' was his comment about vocalist Billy Kulke, Jimmy Page says 'That was ambitious but you pulled it off' to guitarist Andy Gray when he attended a show by Letz Zep. When legendary Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant once described Toby Sadler as 'The New John Paul Jones' when Toby played in a band with Jason Bonham.

With drummer Jake Blackwell being the son of Robert Plant drummer Chris Blackwell. Chris performed recorded and wrote with Robert on his Now and Zen, Fate of Nations and Manic Nirvana era . . . Then there can be no closer proximity to the Led Zeppelin experience.

The authoritative Ticketmaster organisation awarded the band 'The Most Popular' and 'The Most Highly Rated' tribute to Led Zeppelin today.