Blues In The South (BITS) was first published in 1987 under the editorship of the Southampton blues musician Bob Pearce.

In Bob's hands BITS became a key resource to assist venues and musicians in the Southampton area of England to promote their gigs and to find out what was going on in the area. For 16 years Bob, without any payment whatsoever, and occasionally without any sponsorship, produced without fail, a monthly edition of the flyer.

In January 2004, publication of BITS was taken over by Ian McKenzie, a long-time blues enthusiast, Big Bill Broonzy fanatic and occasional blues musician. The immediate plan for BITS "under new management" was to extend the area of its remit all along the south coast of England.

Since January 2004, BITS has covered the area from Exmouth to Eastbourne and a bit more besides! However, the principal aim of BITS remains the same. To promote and bring to public prominence, blues music of all kinds. Since its inception Blues in the South has reported on blues, gospel, soul, cajun music, zydeco and rock n' roll and it will continue to do so! The journal includes gigs, record and concert reviews, news and gossip about the blues and blues-related material.

We offer BITS only in the form of a pdf file. If you want to get the latest edition of BITS or one of the back numbers, click one of the download links on the home page or on the right here.

If you want more information, contact Ian at

To sign-up for monthly delivery of the pdf click here