Gigs

GIG: The RomantiX @ The Never Say Never Tonbridge

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RomantiX and Preston James at Never Say Never 15/08/26
15
Aug

The RomantiX were booked to play at The Never Say Never in Hildenborough, Tonbridge, the old Hilden Manor which was a Beefeater pub previously. It is opened as the The Never Say Never at The Hilden Manor on 30th January 2026 and the pub is establishing its new identity focussing on food, music and drinks. Set in a nice location and retaining its charm and character, it’s undergone a full-scale refurbishment, breathing new life into a much-loved iconic pub in Tonbridge.

For those who’ve not been, it’s certainly worth a visit as a destination pub for a bite to eat and a few drinks whilst enjoying the music. Parking is plentiful round the back and the front garden has plenty picnic tables.

Our slot was 2-4pm and we lined up with Neil on vocals/guitar, Dave Friend on lead guitar, Van Greg on synthesiser, Geoff Trickey on bass and Ivor Sewsanker on drums.

We had a very enjoyable gig with plenty of interaction with the audience, we started off by singing Robin a surprise Happy Birthday; there he was quietly enjoying a birthday lunch with his family in the garden! We played on the front patio in front of the manor house looking out in to the front garden. The garden was pretty much full, so we had plenty of good audience interaction and enjoyed our set in the sunshine.

After the gig we became punters, enjoyed a beer and watching Preston James from Nashville, Tennessee set with his wife – both full of Southern charm. He was in the UK on holiday with a few gigs thrown in to help fund the fun! Dave was impressed that he was wearing a West Ham shirt, and we found out later that he’s actually a fan!

Preston James is a rising country music singer and songwriter from Cheatham County, Tennessee, known for his soulful voice and appearance on The Voice. He’s also listed on IMDB for Winnie the Pooh!

Preston James website…

Date: 15th August 2026
Time: 2-4pm
Gig Number VIII
Venue: The Never Say Never, Tonbridge
Weather: Hot but slightly less than recently!

Vocals / Rhythm Guitar: Neil Rigby
Synthesiser: Van Greg
Lead Guitar: Dave Friend
Bass: Geoff Trickey
Drums: Ivor Sewsanker

Set List

SET 1

  1. I Will Follow – U2
  2. Planet Earth – Duran Duran
  3. Quiet Life – Japan
  4. Between Days – The Cure
  5. Somewhere in My Heart – Aztec Camera
  6. Rip it Up – Orange Juice
  7. Perfect Skin – Lloyd Cole and the Commotions
  8. Uncertain Smile – The The
  9. Love will tear us apart – Joy Division
  10. Killing Moon – Echo & The Bunnymen

SET 2

  1. Peter Gunn – Art of Noise feat. Duane Eddy
  2. Run to You – Brian Adams
  3. Just Like Heaven – The Cure
  4. Living on the Ceiling – Blancmange
  5. Electric Avenue – Eddie Grant
  6. Cars – Gary Numan
  7. Enola Gay – Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
  8. Don’t You Forget About Me – Simple Minds
  9. Fantastic Day – Haircut 100
  10. Favourite Shirts – Haircut 100
RomantiX and Preston James at Never Say Never 15/08/26

RomantiX Never Say Never Tonbridge 15/08/26

RomantiX Never Say Never 15/08/26

RomantiX Never Say Never Tonbridge 15/08/26

RomantiX Never Say Never 15/08/26

RomantiX Never Say Never Tonbridge 15/08/26

RomantiX and Preston James at Never Say Never 15/08/26

RomantiX and Preston James at Never Say Never 15/08/26

RomantiX and Preston James at Never Say Never 15/08/26

RomantiX and Preston James at Never Say Never 15/08/26

RomantiX and Preston James at Never Say Never 15/08/26

RomantiX and Preston James at Never Say Never 15/08/26

RomantiX and Preston James at Never Say Never 15/08/26

RomantiX Never Say Never Tonbridge 15/08/26

RomantiX Never Say Never Tonbridge 15/08/26

RomantiX Never Say Never Tonbridge 15/08/26

RomantiX Never Say Never Tonbridge 15/08/26

RomantiX Never Say Never Tonbridge 15/08/26

RomantiX Never Say Never Tonbridge 15/08/26

RomantiX Never Say Never Tonbridge 15/08/26

RomantiX Never Say Never Tonbridge 15/08/26

RomantiX Never Say Never Tonbridge 15/08/26

RomantiX Never Say Never Tonbridge 15/08/26

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