Statement 5th August 2010:

Ashford will Rock again! we have teamed up with CLUB Q in Ashford Town Centre to revive these shows. Firstly many thanks to Gary Luckhurst for sewing the seed with the manager there, Martyn Cheeseman for starting talks and to Leah who runs the venue for her support. Club Q is a venue with a vision, at the moment we will be sharing the space with quite a few pool tables which will be covered up for the event. Leah who runs the Club Q has big plans for making the third floor of the building into a multi-purpose venue and work has already started,  if successful Ashford Rocks could be moving into that floor, but for the time being we are in the pool hall. There is a nice bar for the over 18's and a few seats for those that wish to chill as well as standing room.

The trial gig will be on Saturday 2nd October 2010, when we will have three Awesome bands, still to be confirmed, but we want this to go with a big bang and let everyone know we are back!. I will confirm the line up soon, but you should be amazed, I am aiming for all three bands to have an Ashford connection, cover all ages and be some of the best around for this one. There are so many great bands around it's hard to choose, but I hope we can put on further shows after this one and get all the best bands around to play. This is down to you guy's, support it and it will happen :-).

Thank you to everyone who has got in touch by facebook, phone, or email, thank you for your support and faith. - Steve The Rocking Monk.

statement: 2nd August 2010

I have started a facebook group with a view to seeing just how much support there would be to start something up again. So if you would like to see Ashford Rocks! return, join the group and let us know.

Statement: 24^th June 2007

After nearly four years and a lot of deliberation it is with a very heavy heart that I have to call an end to the regular Ashford Rocks! Events. 

This is mainly due to the fact that people are no longer supporting it in regular numbers, the last few shows have cost me money and I just can’t afford to carry on subsidising it. The Football Club are spending more on bar staff than they are taking over the bar and the Smoking ban is going to effect it as well.

As you can imagine this is something I have not taken lightly, over the years I feel I have put a lot of my spare time and my heart and soul into trying to provide regular events where young and sometimes not so young up and coming bands can play and show off their immense talents.  This decision is going to leave a big hole in my life, but carrying on will leave a big hole in my pocket.

Over the last few years I have met and worked with some stunningly brilliant musicians and some wonderful people, truly professional and a pleasure to meet and work with. I have made many friends for life through these gigs. 

I may in future put on “One Off’s” and will keep the Ashford Rocks website going so keep visiting ….. but I have no plans for any further gigs beyond the end of July this year. I will be cancelling all other bookings. There may well be one at Christmas !!! But keep an eye on the website.

I hope that in some way I can still be involved in the local Rock Scene, I don’t know how or when and where and the local Rock scene will have a nig hole in it without Ashford Rocks but I am hanging on to the thought that I can still be involved in some way.

I will still be involved with the band Led by Zeppelin so maybe that’s my future.

I would like to thank all those of you that have supported me in the past, far too many to mention but you will know who you are.

I apologise unreservedly to the bands that I am not going to be able to help anymore, it’s not your fault but I feel I am letting you down by stopping, but I just can’t go on losing money, I know you would all play for nothing, but I feel embarrassed at not being able to pay you, and the hall, PA, and security still need to be paid for, as I have made public in the past we need 100 people paying a fiver to cover running costs alone. 

Please keep in touch and if and when I put on a “One Off” I hope you will support me.

There have been some real memories and some top class shows.

Thank you.

Come along to the July 6th SPiT LiKE THiS / My Life in the Making (Also the Old Gits Birthday Bash) and enjoy.

Steve.

The Rocking Monk

Ashford Rocked !

Gig Guidance Notes - Please read all of it carefully.

To clear up any misunderstandings please note.

Anyone under the age of 14 years will need to be accompanied by an adult (18 or over)

The Security guys will want to see your ID if you have it, as there is no official ID for 14 to 17 year olds the security guys will have to make their decision on your looks if you don’t have ID. Please co-operate with them.

1)  No Aerosols of any description

2)  No Bottles, plastic or glass, even Water to be allowed in (water will be free of charge at the bar)

3)  No cans of drink

4)  All bags to be searched at the gate

5)  All vehicles to be searched, including the boot

6)  We may ask people to turn out their pockets

7)  All customers to have ID checked if you have some bring it along

8)  ID if you have it and hand stamps may also be checked at the door

9)  No weapons!

10) No drugs!

As far as the bar is concerned for ID purposes we only accept, Passport, Driving Licence, Prove it ID card, Citizen ID card, Gun Licences or Forces ID cards. We do not accept the Connections card as that has proved to be easily forged.

Please DO NOT bring any bottles, cans etc and expect to sit outside the gates drinking them, even if you are 18 and over, there is likely to be a police presence and behaviour like this will not help us.

Please remember a lot of people have done a lot of work to keep these gigs going for you, please comply and respect those that have worked hard for you.

The End.

Ashford Rocks ! is now on myspace: www.myspace.com/ashfordrocks