Thurrock's new music column Ok, so, it's been a while since the Gazette has had a dedicated music section, and as a local music enthusiast and a wannabe journalist, it seemed apparent that this was a niche that needed filling. Something of a second coming for me, as I wrote something along these lines for the Gazette a few years back, and now seems the right time for the resurrection; there's a real buzz in the local area, with bands, venues and punters creating a genuine vibe, so it's only right that there should be a forum allowing people to interact, exchange views and add to what's already a vibrant and lively scene. Occasionally there'll be room in the newspaper itself, but for regular news, views, previews, reviews and competitions, keep watching this space. In the meantime you can email me directly at andrew_sl@tiscali.co.uk Feel free to offer suggestions, reactions, details of any local events I should be aware of, recommendations or indeed anything music-related. ANDY SLOCOMBE Monster weekend at Fat Surfer 2:58pm Thursday 15th May 2008 IT'S a monster weekend at The Fat Surfer in Grays, with an under-18s event on Saturday as well as the usual Friday night rock action. See the Girls on big screen 3:11pm Saturday 10th May 2008 GIRLS Aloud has joined forces with Vue Entertainment to give fans in Thurrock the chance to see their Tangled Up tour "Larger Than Life" on the big screen. Chance for bands to feature at top festival 9:58am Saturday 10th May 2008 THE End of the Road Festival, in the stunning surrounds of North Dorset, is offering local bands the chance to perform alongside some of the coolest names in alternative music in a fantastic competition. Goldfrapp booty up for grabs 7:16am Fri 9 May 08 GOLDFRAPP surely need little in the way of introduction, with their fourth album 'Seventh Tree' reaching no.2 recently and with a sizeable following as a by-product. And we've got a signed copy of the album to give away to a lucky Thurrock Gazette reader... Adam turns music passion into business 2:22pm Thu 1 May 08 GRAYS shoppers can now sell or exchange their unwanted records, CDs and DVDs in a new shop on the High Street, opened so a music fan can live his dream. Club NME storms it 2:48pm Friday 25th April 2008 EXCITING times at Chinnerys in Southend, and a viable Saturday night option for the indie kids in the area, with the opening of Club NME last Saturday (19th April) and with a lengthy list of bands booked for the next three months already... Try your ears on these... 1:48pm Thu 10 Apr 08 GOLDFRAPP 'SEVENTH TREE' (MUTE) NEVER seemed right to me that Goldfrapp seemed to peak in popularity with their electro workouts on second and third albums 'Black Cherry' and 'Supernature'. Grays Beach rock event is back - and you can join in 12:28pm Wednesday 12th March 2008 SCHOOL'S Out - the live music extravaganza for young bands, is back at Grays Beach this year on Sunday July 27. Keyboard chance with upcoming band 12:17pm Wednesday 12th March 2008 IF you're a proficient keyboardist and the opportunity to play Liverpool's legendary Cavern Club pricks your interest, read on... Verve and Amy Winehouse join Kaiser Chiefs and other pop giants at V festival 4:18am Wed 5 Mar 08 AMY Winehouse and the Verve lead the swathe of acts announced for this year's V Festival. More ... Most read Comments 1 Hammers fight back for super victory 2 Thurrock targeted in immigration and fraud crackdown 3 Community meeting over Ockendon landfill site 4 Grays boss Woodward forced to pay up in Sestanovich case 5 Kidnap case goes to trial 6 Purfleet was atom bomb target 7 Urgent call for your blood in Thurrock 8 MP tells of 'cosy carve up' in honours system 9 Grays boss Woodward forced to pay up to convicted Sestanovich 10 Mod revival at Cafe Blue before scooter rally Today | 7 Days 1 Jailed Grays factory worker had 50 bank accounts in tax fraud 2 Renewed call for new access to London Gateway superport 3 C'est le vie says deposed Gordon 4 Thurrock targeted in immigration and fraud crackdown 5 Max's signal of hope 16 days after attack 6 MP tells of 'cosy carve up' in honours system 7 Car gutted in garage blaze 8 1,500 new homes plan in Tilbury eco-community project 9 Stan, 81, gets on his bike for St Luke's 10 MP steps into wages row over jailed footballer