Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Darren Grayer

@darrengrayer.bsky.social

920 followers 850 following 1.2K posts

From the New Forest. Music lover, gig goer, regular Riley/Coe correspondent. Music/gig reviews for www.in-common.co.uk Rescue greyhound owner. MDANT.

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Jun 19

Still pinching myself at being invited to the most iconic music venue on the south coast to interview the man who makes it all tick, and what funding from the Music Venues Trust will mean for all involved.
Please share, not for my benefit, but for the sake of all small independent music venues.

In Common @incommon.bsky.social · Jun 19

Last month it was announced that The Joiners, Southampton, would be included in an initiative by Music Venue Trust to take community ownership of venues.

We caught up with the iconic venue's booker, Ricky Bates.

www.in-common.co.uk/2025/06/19/i...

Interview: Ricky Bates of legendary Southampton venue The Joiners - In-Common - Southampton

Words: Darren Grayer. Pictures: Chris Moorhouse. The recent news that Southampton music venue The Joiners is in line to be granted funding from the Music Venues Trust was gratefully received by everyo...

www.in-common.co.uk

3 8 16

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · 3d

Young Southampton band Welly were absolutely superb in their home city on Wednesday night.
Catch them as soon as you can!

In Common @incommon.bsky.social · 3d

"The energetic delivery in their performance coupled with tunes that you’ll have in your head for days guarantees smiles all round."

See the full gig review of Welly at Southampton's Papillon.

www.in-common.co.uk/2025/10/16/r...

Review: Welly, Papillon, Southampton - In-Common - Southampton

By Darren Grayer. Young Southampton band Welly have been making quite a name or themselves since forming in 2021. Their live performances are noted for their energetic approach filled with crowd inter...

www.in-common.co.uk

1 2

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · 6d

I can't claim to being a TV fan back in the day, but I was never going to turn down the chance to speak to Wendy James or review her gig at The Brook.
I have a lot of admiration for an artist who still loves what she does and appreciates those who come to watch her do it.

In Common @incommon.bsky.social · 7d

"Rock n roll runs through her veins"

See the full gig review of Wendy James at The Brook.

www.in-common.co.uk/2025/10/12/r...

Review: Wendy James, The Brook, Southampton - In-Common - Southampton

By Darren Grayer. Wendy James really needs no introduction to anyone who was around at the end of the 80s. Numerous Top Of The Pops appearances with her chart-topping band, Transvision Vamp, and cove...

www.in-common.co.uk

2 4

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · 18d

Couldn't be happier. As @marcrileydj.bsky.social always says- one of the greatest bands ever!

Reposted by Darren Grayer

In Common @incommon.bsky.social · Aug 11

Southampton Ukulele Jam's incredible uke30 hour marathon raises more than 10 times target for 4 local charities - and counting

www.in-common.co.uk/2025/08/11/s...

Southampton Ukulele Jam vs The UKe-athon – charity fundraiser smashes target - In-Common - Southampton

Over the weekend (Saturday the 9th to Sunday the 10th of August 2025) Southampton Ukulele Jam (SUJ) overwhelmingly accomplished a most marvellous thing. By playing their ‘tiny toy instruments’ for 30h...

www.in-common.co.uk

1 2 3

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Aug 8

Dan

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Aug 7

Thank you!

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Aug 7

Definitely!

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Aug 7

Thanks Alan. Are you at EOTR again this year?

1 1

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Aug 7

Thank you so much, Sally.

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Aug 7

To be fair, I am a brickie by trade and work locally, quite often for people I know, which is a nice position to be in, so I respect that. I'm sure you're right about some of them, though.

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Aug 7

There's always someone willing to make a fast buck. We all have to make a living, but i enjoy my sleep at night!

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Aug 7

Haha, not sure about that, but thanks!

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Aug 7

Thanks, Nick.

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Aug 7

Thank you, Corrinne.

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Aug 7

Thanks! I'm quite lucky to be able to plod around my little village and pretty much suit myself in what I take on, but a lot of that is due to producing a good product without ever over charging

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Aug 7

A friend asked me if I could build a ramp for her dad, who has had a stroke and is really struggling to get about. Someone gave her a quote for 6k, so I told her I could probably come up with something. Built this for a whole lot less.

15 4 110

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Aug 5

Update.Remarkable effort from the local music community. £35k target met in less than five days. Heartening stuff!

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Jul 31

So sad to hear The Railway Inn in Winchester is in trouble.
A lovely venue and the only one of its kind in the city.
Please share and consider donating if you can
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/YlbkNB1...

Save The Railway Inn

Our aim is raise funds to secure the future of the Railway Inn as a community hub and music venue.

www.crowdfunder.co.uk

Reposted by Darren Grayer

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Jul 31

Save The Railway Inn

Our aim is raise funds to secure the future of the Railway Inn as a community hub and music venue.

www.crowdfunder.co.uk

2 4

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Jul 31

Thanks for your efforts, Peter!

1 1

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Jul 31

Save The Railway Inn

Our aim is raise funds to secure the future of the Railway Inn as a community hub and music venue.

www.crowdfunder.co.uk

2 4

Reposted by Darren Grayer

In Common @incommon.bsky.social · Jul 26

Future Arts Centres’ national campaign, Our Freedom: Then and Now.
www.in-common.co.uk/2025/07/24/t...

The Point Launches Flags for Freedom community project - In-Common - Southampton

The Point announces a new community-led project as part of Future Arts Centres’ national campaign, Our Freedom: Then and Now.

www.in-common.co.uk

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Jul 26

Yes, she was very accommodating. That was my first real interview with a relatively big name, so obviously, I felt a bit nervous, but she gave me enough info for a decent write-up.

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Jul 26

Follow this man. I've heard he's got a pretty decent taste in music!

Marc Riley. @marcrileydj.bsky.social · Jul 26

I’m only 90,000 followers off 100,000. COME ON… WE CAN DO THIS BY THE END OF PLAY TODAY! ✊

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Jul 25

Here's the original by The Groupies, along with one of the most amazingly odd videos ever made
youtu.be/LrFum95Qudg?...

The Groupies - Primitive

YouTube video by heavenlyblueorange

youtu.be

1 1 3

Darren Grayer @darrengrayer.bsky.social · Jul 25

It really, really happened! 🙂

1 1