KERRANG! magazine recently printed a story from Young Brando singer Russell James about a song that means a great deal to him.

The song was Shadow Of The Day by Linkin Park, which helped him through the loss of his father. So touched were the staff at the magazine by the story, they arranged for a special message to be sent to Russell from Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington.

"It was a total surprise,” said James. “And it really meant a lot to me that the magazine did that, and that Chester wrote the message – it was so nice. It gave me goose bumps. It's a song that means the world to me, and to have this message about a sensitive subject really meant a lot."

2014 kicked into full swing last weekend. Johannasberg started the weekend with a lively performance in Qudos on Thursday before Stone Donkey Pilots made their venue debut on Friday night, to a great reception. Tapes made their first hometown appearance at The Winchester Gate.

The alt-rock band features former members of These Days and Tides, among others. Saturday saw Altar Club make its first appearance of 2014 with Captain Accident & The Disasters.

The highly thought of Welsh reggae act headed a bill featuring local storytellers Lump, Basingstoke ska act Burning Idols, Nottingham-based Liam O’Kane and Robb Blake. The after party at The Chapel Nightclub featured Bez from Happy Mondays, who got everybody in the party spirit.

Live music returns to The Vestry this week as the Milford Street venue will feature Bret singing soul numbers from 10.25pm. Subgiant head a charity bill at Salisbury Arts Centre on Saturday in memory of Jessica Davies, who died last summer. Proceeds will go to the charity MIND. Tickets are £12. Search ‘Concert in Memory of Jessica Davies’ on Facebook.

Thom Belk