The Top 18 Legendary Southampton Gigs

Hampshire has played host to some of the biggest bands and artists of all time at venues such as The Joiners, The Gaumont and St Mary’s Stadium.

On this page, from River Recording Studios in Southampton

The Top 18 legendary Southampton gigs were some of the best live concerts ever in the city. Bands like The Beatles, Oasis, Clean Bandit and Coldplay have made appearances, as well as solo artists Ed Sheeran, David Bowie and Sir Elton John.

Read on to find out who has performed where – and when.

The top 18 Legendary Southampton Gigs

Southampton’s music scene is vibrant and diverse. Which is why its clubs, bars, theatres and stadiums have been attracting the cream of the crop, for well over six decades. Here are some of the most legendary and memorable gigs to have happened at that time.

#1 Bob Marley and The Wailers – Coach House Club – May 1973

This Swaythling venue has since been demolished. But back in the day around 50-60 people packed in to see this as yet up and coming reggae group perform. They were paid just £75 for the gig.

#2 The Beatles – Gaumont cinema – May 1963, December 1963 and November 1964

Roy Orbison was originally intended to be the headliner at the May 1963 event, but the Beatles were promoted to co-headliners due to their growing popularity. Gerry and the Pacemakers also played Gaumont cinema in May 1963 (and at The Concorde Club in September 2016. The Beatles performed Some Other Guy, Do You Want To Know A Secret, Love Me Do, From Me To You, Please Please Me, ‘ Saw Her Standing There and Twist And Shout.

#3 Queen – The Gaumont – November 1974 and May 1977.

Queen’s first performance here happened as part of their Sheer Heart Attack Tour (check out their setlist). The Gaumont was renamed The Mayflower Theatre in 1987.

Best ever gigs in Southampton, Hampshire

#4 Oasis – The Rose Bowl – July 2005

The Mancunian brothers’ appearance at The Rose Bowl is their most legendary Southampton appearance. But did you know they played The Joiners in March 1994 and The Guildhall in November 1994?

#5 Blur – The Guildhall – May 1994

Oasis’ peer rivals also gigged in Southampton as part of their Parklife tour, supported by the band Sleeper.

#6 David Bowie – The Guildhall – June 1972

The elaborate Ziggy Stardust tour of the 1970s is one of the most remembered in musical history. This took in Southampton’s Guildhall, accompanied by his backing group, the Spiders from Mars.

#7 Sir Rod Stewart – Ageas Bowl – June 2016

The rocker caused a stir when he announced – on stage in the middle of the concert – that he’d just received a knighthood. “It’s all down to you guys,” he said to the 26,000 strong audiences. The singer also appeared at St. Mary’s Stadium in May 2019.

Famous bands playing in Southampton

#8 Clean Bandit – Common People Festival – May 2015

This local family-friendly city-based music festival from the Bestival stable has drawn top acts since its inception. Clean Bandit headlined in 2015.

#9 The Jacksons – Common People Festival – May 2018

While their success dates back to the 1970s, the disco hits of this band are evergreen, earning them a place at Common People’s 2018 lineup.

#10 Primal Scream and Craig David – Common People Festival – May 2016.

The Scottish band headlined the festival alongside one of the best singers to have come out of the local area, Craig David. Primal Scream later returned to the city, playing a concert at the O2 Guildhall in November 2019. The band involved the audience with renditions of Movin’ On Up and Come Together.

#11 Fat Boy Slim – Common People Festival – May 2015

Fat Boy Slim appeared on the bill during the same weekend as Clean Bandit (headlining the Saturday, while the band headlined the Sunday). This was the festival’s inaugural day.

Live music in Southampton – St Mary’s Stadium

#12 Take That – St. Mary’s Stadium – May 2019

The band celebrated 30 years of chart success with a huge Odyssey tour. Rick Astley opened the two-night run. And the band duetted with guests Lulu and the Hampshire based Love Soul Choir. Robbie joined briefly for one song, by video link.

#13 Bon Jovi – St. Mary’s Stadium – June 2006 and 2008

Southampton was one of only six dates the band played in the Uk, during their Lost Highway Tour 2008. They had already played to thirty-five thousand people at the football stadium in June 2006.

#14 Rolling Stones – St. Mary’s Stadium – May 2018

The Stones had played THe Gaumont in Southampton the year that England won the World Cup. But they returned 50 years later for perhaps the biggest gig the city has ever seen. This was the second leg of their No Filter tour and the third of 14 UK shows.

#15 Sir Elton John – St. Mary’s Stadium – May 2005

Lulu made another guest appearance at St Mary’s stadium this time with Sir Elton, who has played at The Concorde Club in the 1960s on his rise to fame. Elton was the very first act to play at the soccer stadium.

Best live concerts ever in Southampton

#16 Ed Sheeran – The Joiners – May 2011

Ed’s setlist included The A-Team, You Need Me, I Don’t Need You, Play Video and The Wayfaring Stranger. Later that year he also played at The Railway Inn, in what was a gruelling year of gigging for the young star.

#17 Green Day – The Joiners – December 1991

This was one of the US punk rock band’s very first UK dates and comprises 10 numbers. Entry to the gig was just £3!

#18 Coldplay – The Joiners – April 2000

Coldplay played their hits, including Parachutes and Yellow at the 100-year-old venue. Other notable bands to have played here are Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Muse, Franz Ferdinand, Wolf Alice and The 1975.