Northeast Music Guide

A Smoove and Funky Start to Christmas The last weekend before Christmas and what better way to let your hair down, especially if you are one of the lucky ones who is now off until 2015. DJ Tom McVicar warmed up the crowd with some soulful funky beats before local lads Smoove and Turrell took to the stage. And when S&T took their places the whole venue was packed to the rafters. It was definitely a party vibe at The Riverside and got down to business straight away with Don’t Go.   Front man, John Turrell even mentioned the derby day score of the football but this crowd was all about the music. Hands were going up throughout and people just kept dancing. It’s actually quite surprising to know that they were actually playing their fourth straight night with no break, as their energy was 110%.  They played Glasgow and then two sell out nights at Newcastle’s Hoochie Coochie before taking to The Riverside. Some, like me, are very new to the sounds of Smoov...

The Sage Celebrates its 10th Birthday with a Knockout Performance from Beverley Knight Unless you been hiding under a rock, this week is the 10 th Birthday of The Sage  and what a way to celebrate a birthday, by inviting the funk-soul sister Beverley Knight to sing. Ms Knight burst onto the stage with much loved numbers Made It Back   and Greatest Day then into a few number from the So ul UK album, which was the last time she had performed at The Sage.  One of the biggest interactions with the crowd was when Apparently Nothing was performed as 90% of the crowd had their mobiles out shining their ‘little lights’. Hit after hit came from slow songs to funky sounds. Then to honour the 10 th birthday of The Sage, hundreds of school children, came onto the stage to perform. These children were also in their 10 th year!  What a brilliant addition to the set.  They sang their hearts out and signed a lot of the words to Shoulda Woulda Coulda , Ba...

Michael Schenker: Bridge the Gap tour at the O2 Academy, Newcastle The good-sized audience at the O2 was treated to some dirty rock and roll from support act, Western Sand. The band played music reminiscent of 90’s band Circus of Power. Fresh from supporting (Filthy) Phil Campbell of Motorhead, they gave a headbanging-inducing performance, with songs such as Black Water Resolution , from their current EP Cut You Down To Size . I’d like to hear more from these lads, the twin-Gibson attack the fast fretboard solos (popular with this crowd) and the small overworked drumkit with almost tribal rhythms, all hit the spot nicely. Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock are out touring their new album: Bridge The Gap, with a set of shiny new songs to play. Older ones were revisited, however, the proggy sounding How Long and the instrumental From Coast To Coast gave Herr Schenker (UFO, Scorpions) an opportunity to display his guitar virtuosity. I particularly liked the ode to Ronny James ...

Fleetwood Mac in San Jose Tuesday 25 th November 2015, the first time I have specifically travelled out of the UK to see my favourite band. In 2013, I unfortunately missed out on Fleetwood Mac tickets in the UK as I was travelling Australia. Then they announced the gigs over there, only to be cancelled due to John McVie’s cancer scare!  I swore then that the next tour I was going to be there wherever it was. Bring on San Jose, California. As predicted the venue, SAP Arena, was bigger than those in most UK cities. We were perched on the side from stage up in the high tiers which was perfect except every now and then the staging would revolve and get in the way. Luckily this was not too often. The usual ‘sounds’ of the Mac taking to the stage were played and the crowd erupted.  They opened with a frenzied performance of Chain . Immediately I was envious of those that could fork out money for the front floor tickets, especially as my area of seating w...

Pam Vardy: Art by a roaring fire and nibbles, lovely! Sunday 7th and Sunday 14th December, 11a.m. – 6 p.m.Mulled wine and mince pies in front of a log fire in the atmospheric setting of a medieval pele tower. Pam’s paintings, prints, cards and gift vouchers for paintings; workshops.Pele House (The Old Vicarage), Middle Rd., Shilbottle, Nr. Alnwick, NE66 2XS(located between St. James Church and Village Farm fitness centre)Tel: 01665 575017 Mob: 07503724848  email: pamelavardy@gmail.com   www.pamvardyart.co.uk A donation from sales to the National Society for Phenylketonuria (pku).

Double Headliner Gig at the Sage Gateshead and the Arc Stockton  Hazel O'Connor and Hugh Cornwell Hazel will perform songs from her stunning back catalogue and her critically acclaimed recent material whilst Hugh’s electric performance will include a mix of solo and classic Stranglers catalogue. Coinciding with the the 2014 release of the new album, Here She Comes, award-winning singer- songwriter Hazel O'Connor teams up with legendary performers - saxophonist Clare Hirst (Bellestars, Communards, David Bowie) and Sarah Fisher (Eurythmics) on keyboards. The superb blend of the three voices and musicianship adds a touch of class to their vibrant performance. Her unforgettable songs from the iconic film Breaking Glass including Eighth Day, Will You, Big Brother and If Only seem even more relevant in our present times. “They were absolutely fantastic, bringing the entire audience roaring to its feet.”  - DAILY TELEGRAPH Hugh Cornwell is one of the UK's ...

Michael Schenker  Coming to the O2 Newcastle On the 10th December The award-winning, legendary guitarist  Michael Schenker  will embark on a nationwide UK tour at the  Newcastle O2 Academy  from  10th December . Tickets are available from the 24 hour box office  0844 478 0898  or from  www.thegigcartel.com . Even better...walk to the box office at the O2, pay cash and avoid those pesky booking and credit card fees! photo by Diana Fabbricatore Schenker will perform tracks from his current studio album  "Bridge The Gap"  which features the new single  "Lord Of The Lost And Lonely" . Four days before his UK tour kicks off, Schenker will headline  Planet Rockstock  Festival at Trecco Bay in South Wales on  Saturday 6th December .  Bridge The Gap features Schenker’s Temple of Rock band, comprising ex-Scorpions Herman Rarebell (drums) and Francis Buchholz (bass), ex-Rainbow vo...

Two Gigs on Two Consecutive Nights: Peculiar Disco Moves: The "When Your Mother Goes Home" Launch Lady Gaga : the ArtRave Tour Venues:   Peculiar Disco Moves: Not one but 2 venues consisting of the historic Castle Keep and the almost as historic Bridge Hotel, both across the cobbled road from each other in Newcastle. The beautiful vaulted high ceiling and  sandstone block walls with all the little stairways and room made for a very niche venue. The Bridge Hotel has a cosy upstairs room with delicious, reasonable priced beer. Simple lighting, mic stands and the usual stage furniture. Lady Gaga: only one venue, the Metro Radio Arena no less, with a capacity of of over 10,000 and most of those seats taken. Beer expensive and bland, soft drinks equally as expensive, and the food follows suit. The stage was extended into undulating runways into the crowd, some runways went over the heads of the standing audience. The lighting was sophisticated and everywhere. The ...

WHO KNEW  the P!nk musical Coming soon to Newcastle It's rare a new musical is developed and produced right here in Newcastle but Limelight Theatrical Services have taken the bull by the horns and created this, a family story built around the songs of P!nk. Check out the Facebook page . Initially set to run from 19-21st February 2015, this production has ideas way beyond the Basement Cafe venue in Carliol Square. Although I've found the venue behind the cafe to be absolutely perfect for this kind of performance and a hidden gem in the Carliol Square crown. The story is built around a cast of 5 players. We start with a headstrong 14 year old Alecia Hart struggling with the knowledge her parents' marriage is crumbling. We follow her through her life as a troubled teenager than as a young woman with the love of her life Tom, even if the love of Tom's life lies with the motors he works on as a mechanic. There is sadness, joy, a little domestic here...

Brewery Open Day at Almasty! There’s an open day at Almasty Brewery on Saturday 15 th  November between 12noon and 5pm. The brewery is at Unit 11, Algernon Industrial Estate, New York Road , Shiremoor. NE27 0NB (Near Cobalt Business Park ) There will be Almasty beers on sale plus guests, food from Utter Swine (Local Sausage Company) and coffee from Lola's Coffee (the events side of Flatcaps coffee). There will be a mix of cask and keg beers available to drink on site or purchase to take home. The Free Trade Inn will be running a bus, leaving at midday and returning at 4:30 for anyone who cannot make it otherwise. For information on this please contact  michael.t.potts@gmail.com  or 07584636656

Got the mother-in-law coming round this Christmas? Is your home going to be some kind of festive "Dragon's Den?" Available on Bandcamp as MP3 or limited edition CD on 5th December Forced to face 20 questions by your partner's disapproving mum? Peculiar Disco Moves release  When Your Mother Goes Home , an addictive hook-littered pop rollercoaster to provide a light-hearted anecdote to this very situation that has haunted mankind since the dawn of time. The single will be available to purchase via  Peculiar Disco Moves' bandcamp page  and will be supported by a special launch event at  Newcastle's Castle Keep and the Bridge Hotel on Friday 21st November. A very appropriate and yet surprising video is being prepared for your enjoyment right now.  We'll be in touch when it's ready to view. When Your Mother Goes Home  is simple in sentiment, based on young love struggling to blossom because of a mother's refusal to accept her daughter...

Denature  "Time" In "My Music Masterclass" Competition Vote for "Time" b y Denature, video by Chris Lavelle Denature are asking for your vote so that they can win some crucial new equipment to help them in their next musical project. They've entered their most recent single, "Time" with a video from award winning videographer Chris Lavelle. Denature are signed to Music Panther and are currently working in Loft Studios on new music. Give this northeast band your support and help us help them to to next level. Jo Oliver Jowheretogo PR MD Music Panther

Review: RJ Thompson  at the Sage Gateshead 17/10/2014 Richard J Thompson has had some success so far, from getting a support slot with Midge Ure to supporting the likes of Jools Holland (shortly to do so again), Gabrielle Aplin, Duke Special, Sandi Thom, The Proclaimers and Deacon Blue, Mr Thompson seems set to grab the attention of the music industry elite shortly. Tonight was a triple treat as we had a starter of Candi's Dog, a threesome rather like a folk pop, more mature version of Bros with much better songs. I mean, these are really good songs, they have that vaguely familiar feel that makes them part of your mental soundtrack very easily. Harmonies with a touch of the Crowded House/Del Amitri but a bit more here and now. We purchased the EP CD as this is definitely something you want in your car, well I do. Beth Macari we have up to now only seen at a beer festival singing mainly covers. It was pleasing to hear her singing her own material as it suited he...

Review in pictures:  Toxic Melons "Bus Therapy" Album Launch Mining Institute, Newcastle 15th Oct 2014 Toxic Melons, which always consists of at least Paul Fairbairn, tonight was augmented by a full band to fully encompass the sound of these compositions. Written on many bus journeys, hence the name, Bus Therapy draws influences from the Beatles, ELO and 90s power pop legends like Jellyfish.  The Mining Institute lecture theatre was an interesting gig venue. Unfortunately those house lights were not great for photography, especially when turned right down to the level of 10 candles as they were for the first support act Fading Face. Luke Hobson was indeed a "Fading Face" in the darkness so no lovely photos of him. Luke is a purveyor of the psychedelic flavoured 60's style songs driven by personal experience it seems. Despite a possessed plectrum Luke put in a good shift and managed not to be too disturbed by the disembodied voice that at one poi...