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Nineties Brit Rocker To Make Isle Of Wight Bow At John Hannam Tribute Show

A former member of 1990s indie-Brit rock band Gene says he is looking forward to playing on the Isle of Wight for the first time.

Matt James, who was the drummer with the group, will be appearing at Shanklin Theatre on Sunday February 6, as part of a star-studded charity concert in honour of Island journalist and broadcaster, John Hannam, who died in September last year.

The gig is being organised by John’s son, Sean.

Gene, who had ten top-40 UK singles, split up in 2004, but Matt has now launched a solo career as a singer-songwriter.


Matt said:

“I’m not sure why we never went to the Isle of Wight. Maybe the community there wasn’t up for us — or more likely our agent felt we were covering the south by doing Portsmouth and Southampton.

"Anyway, I’m really very excited about coming to the Island now and would love to play the festival if they would have me. It always looks amazing on the TV."

Matt has released two digital singles since last year, A Simple Message and Snowy Peaks.

A third, High Time, is due out on February 4 — two days before his Isle of Wight debut three decades in the making.

A Tribute To John Hannam will also feature My Darling Clementine, Andy Strickland, Matt Hill, Brian Sharpe, Bobby I Can Fly, Chris Clarke, Amy Bird, Bob and Bertie Everson.

Proceeds for the event will go to the British Heart Foundation and the Wellow Ward at St Mary’s Hospital, where John was cared for.

Tickets, priced £10, are available from the Shanklin Theatre box office or online from the venue's website.

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