Blue Water Giants to play Isle of Wight and Lymington Royal Yacht Club in November

Following their headline appearance at Southampton International Boat Show 2026 and PBR’s filmed interview with two leading members of the band, Blue Water Giants will play Strings on the Isle of Wight on Thursday 26 November, followed by Lymington Royal Yacht Club on Friday 27 November 2026. The band brings together musicians whose careers include Procol Harum, Tears For Fears and Simple Minds, and its live shows are built around well-known songs its members made their names performing, alongside some new original music. Special guests also perform with the band, which describes its shows as “the greatest play their greatest hits”.

The band is led by Josh Phillips, who was Procol Harum’s organist from 2004 to 2022. His credits include co-writing the ‘Strictly’ theme tune and playing organ on the Quadrophenia soundtrack, and as a writer and performer he has worked alongside artists ranging from Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney to Midge Ure, Big Country and Ronan Keating.

Guitarist Neil Taylor met Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal in the 1980s and became an integral part of Tears For Fears, touring with them and playing guitar on the albums ‘Songs From The Big Chair’ and ‘The Seeds Of Love’. He released his own album, ‘You’ve Got To Stay Young’, before joining Robbie Williams’ band in 2003.

On drums is Mel Gaynor of Simple Minds, who took his first professional drumming engagement at the age of 14 and also works as a songwriter and producer. He has worked with artists including Elton John, Tina Turner, Peter Gabriel and The Pretenders, and the band describes him as one of the most sought-after session drummers in the world.

The band’s guest performers include singers Alex Dee and Jesse Smith, who alternate in the role and also play piano and guitar.

Tony Butler, bass player with Big Country, will join Blue Water Giants in January 2027, following Rhino Edwards’ decision to leave and concentrate on his other projects. Butler has played with Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and The Pretenders, featuring on “Back On The Chain Gang”, as well as across the full Big Country catalogue.

Blue Water Giants play Strings on the Isle of Wight on Thursday 26 November and Lymington Royal Yacht Club on Friday 27 November, with special guests performing alongside the band.

In case you missed our original interview from this year’s Southampton International Boat Show, here’s another opportunity to watch it, filmed aboard the Fairline Squadron 58 on display at the show.