Blue Water Giants headline ‘The Shipyard’ at Southampton International Boat Show

British supergroup Blue Water Giants will headline The Shipyard stage at the Southampton International Boat Show on Saturday 26 September 2026, playing two sets at 6pm and 8pm. The four-piece brings together musicians whose careers span Procol Harum, Big Country, Status Quo, Simple Minds, Tears for Fears and Robbie Williams’ band.

Ahead of the show, Powerboat & RIB sat down with guitarist Neil Taylor and Hammond organist Josh Phillips to talk about the band, the music and bringing it to the water’s edge in Southampton. Watch the full interview below.

Josh Phillips (Hammond organ). Josh first played Hammond organ with Procol Harum in 1993 and was the band’s organist from 2004 until they took a break in 2022. He began his career at 16, playing organ on the soundtrack to Quadrophenia, and has written for or performed with artists including Pete Townshend, Big Country, Midge Ure, Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney.

Neil Taylor (guitar and vocals). Neil toured with Tears for Fears several times between 1983 and 1990, playing guitar on their albums Songs from the Big Chair (1985) and The Seeds of Love (1989). He became a regular member of Robbie Williams’ band in 2003.

John ‘Rhino’ Edwards (bass and vocals). Rhino joined Status Quo in 1986 and has been part of the line-up ever since. His earlier career took in The Climax Blues Band, Space and Dexys Midnight Runners, and he earned his nickname while playing in Judie Tzuke’s backing band.

Mel Gaynor (drums and vocals). Best known for his long tenure behind the kit with Simple Minds, Mel began drumming at 11 and turned professional at 14. He has also worked with Elton John, Tina Turner, Peter Gabriel, Gary Moore and Brian May, among many others.

The band’s approach is simple: the greatest play their greatest . Rather than covering other people’s songs, Blue Water Giants perform the classic records the members themselves helped make famous, drawing on decades of work with some of the biggest names in British rock and pop.

Music writer Roland Clare has described them as the figureheads of a new movement he calls “Super-Yacht Rock” – a fitting label for a band topping the bill at Southampton’s waterfront show.

The Shipyard is the show’s live music and entertainment hub, with food, drink and performances every day. New for 2026, it stays open until 9pm on Friday and Saturday evenings. Saturday’s programme also features the Southampton Rock Choir, DJ Kev Muldoon and ska, blues and soul covers band Rehab, before Blue Water Giants close the night.

The Southampton International Boat Show runs from 18 to 27 September 2026 at Mayflower Park on the Southampton waterfront. Entertainment at The Shipyard, including both Blue Water Giants sets, is included in the show ticket, and children aged 15 and under go free.

If you’re heading to the show on Saturday, why not spend the afternoon on the pontoons and stay on for the evening?