P&O IONA maiden cruise as part of the Gary Barlow 710 Club band!

What a superb time we had on the brand new P&O flagship Iona!

The original 710 band. From left to right, James Kempton (drums), Harrison Treble (piano, lead vocals), Sam Tookey (Bass), Alastair James (Guitar, backing vocals, and lead vocals on a number of tunes).

We performed over 280 sets across the span of 4 months. Performing 4x 45 minute sets 6 nights a week. As a part of Iona's maiden voyage crew and the very first 710 club band!

Above, the band deep into rehearsals, preparing for the maiden voyage to the Scottish Island of Iona.

Each night we performed a different theme, American Vinyl (jazz/ American songbook), On The Rocks (Rock Classics), Handwritten (Singer/ songwriter songs) , Essence of the 90s, The Nation's Number 1s, Classic Artists. This meant we had a lovely variety of material to offer the guests, kept our interest high, and our work cut out!

Live and in action. The 710 Club band blow the roof off for another full house. Somewhere in the bay of Biscay.

All the songs were rearranged in a vintage jazzy style to suit the mood of the venue, and the instrumentation. With this much creative freedom, we really could expand on solos, and be free to express ourselves. What a joy to have such a blank canvas!

The feedback we had from guests was amazing, and the venue was packed out every night of the week! A highlight for me was when Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet (who was performing in the main theatre). came up to me after one of our jazz sets to congratulate me on my singing, and the band on their chops. I was only made aware after the event, when Sam the bass player turned to me and said "That was big Tone."

Just another day in the life of IONA... Queues for the already full 710 Club stretching deep into the atrium.

Here are some of the testimonials.

Not only did I have a superb time performing our shows every night, I had the pleasure of meeting so many great people who were part of the crew onboard Iona. Every night we would, laugh, joke and play music. Fuelled by copious amounts of 3 barrels rum and cokes, 330ml cans of Carlsberg, and cheap packs of Marlboro Golds. People from all different parts of the world, who's paths never would have crossed if it wasn't for the ship. I feel a great sense of gratitude to have had the opportunity to meet, and make friends with such a diverse group of talented, friendly individuals, and to share this experience with them. Thanks to Jon Perry at Sonic Artists for getting me on the gig!

Harrison and I, jammin in the crew bar in the not so early hours of the morning. After a great night in the 710, and more than a few beers. This was not a rare occurrence.

The gang passing around the guitars and singing tunes. Duke scatting.

Uke jams with Mark. Love's In Need Of Love Today.

"weather with you" , with the gang.

About three quarters into the contract Harrison our Piano player and band leader had to leave. So the task of leading that band fell to me. Although saddened and concerned by Harrsion's sudden departure and the nature of it, I was ready to take the bull by the horns.

This led to many unique nights and line ups appearing in the 710, trying to keep the show on the road. Duos with myself and James. Lovely, tasteful trio gigs with Sam and James, Rocking out when Matt Findlay turned up after Sam left, the one where duke blew our minds with some great jazz lines while sitting in on the piano, and likely many others I can't remember.

There was that one gig where Harrison and I took on the 710 as a duo, necked a number of tripple 3 barrels and cokes and proceeded to blow the roof off with me on the drums and H on the keys. That was a blast!!

I am proud to say I didn't miss a single set during my time aboard.

One of the highlights for me was when myself and James were joined by Vadym Pogorilyy (Orchestra trumpet player) from the Ukraine and Mike Higgins (orchestra bass player) from Scotland joined us onstage. We played mainly jazz standards, and had a real connection. Listening intently and responding to each others improvisations and musicality. I was in heaven! Those guys could really play! And collectively, we brought some really nice music out of each other that evening.

After the very last set. From left to right, James Kempton (drums), Matt Findlay (bass), Melroy Marques (Our trusted sound tech and stage manager), Alastair James (lead vocals and guitar). "GOOOODBYE IONA!"