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MUSIC OF THE NORTH
A brief look at northern music.
Tyne Bridge - Photo: David Weddle
The north-east of England, and in particular Newcastle and the surrounding areas, has an enviable musical heritage that has had a long-lasting influence across the globe. Whether it is traditional folk songs and music hall anthems of days gone by to modern pop, rock, heavy metal electronica, and more, the north east has provided the soundtrack to memorable moments throughout the generations.
Many will be familiar with the likes of 'The Blaydon Races' written by local songsmith Geordie Ridley or 'Fog on the Tyne' by local folk rock giants Lindisfarne. There are songs that evoke nostalgia and a sense of regional pride, but there is a whole lot more that may surprise you. Whether it's Animals frontman Eric Burdon, Brian Ferry, or Girls Aloud singer Cheryl, the north of England has been blessed with a wealth of musical talent.
The region also boasts legendary names such as Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler, whose band's track 'Money for Nothing' was the first ever music video to be played on MTV. There is Brian Johnson, whose band Geordie saw some success back in the early 1980s before Brian joined rock band AC/DC as their vocalist, going on to achieve worldwide success and legendary status within the genre.
Former singer with The Police and now an esteemed solo artist, Sting also hails from the region. Born and bred in Wallsend, the singer-songwriter has achieved numerous awards, from Brits to Grammy awards. His influence on the music scene is immeasurable, and he remains a global superstar.
Many will be familiar with the likes of 'The Blaydon Races' written by local songsmith Geordie Ridley or 'Fog on the Tyne' by local folk rock giants Lindisfarne. There are songs that evoke nostalgia and a sense of regional pride, but there is a whole lot more that may surprise you. Whether it's Animals frontman Eric Burdon, Brian Ferry, or Girls Aloud singer Cheryl, the north of England has been blessed with a wealth of musical talent.
The region also boasts legendary names such as Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler, whose band's track 'Money for Nothing' was the first ever music video to be played on MTV. There is Brian Johnson, whose band Geordie saw some success back in the early 1980s before Brian joined rock band AC/DC as their vocalist, going on to achieve worldwide success and legendary status within the genre.
Former singer with The Police and now an esteemed solo artist, Sting also hails from the region. Born and bred in Wallsend, the singer-songwriter has achieved numerous awards, from Brits to Grammy awards. His influence on the music scene is immeasurable, and he remains a global superstar.
Lindisfarne - photo David Weddle
Moving away from rock one half of electro synth band Pet Shop Boys, Neil Tennant is also a north-east alumini. His distinctive voice has helped to take the duo's music across the continents, with hits such as 'West End Girls' and 'It's a Sin' being instantly recognisable and loved by millions. Pet Shop Boys are due to release their new album 'Nonetheless' on 26th of April.
Newcastle gave us Ant and Dec, award-winning TV presenters who saw success in the 1990s with their pop music career under the names PJ and Duncan; their most well-known single, 'Lets Get Ready To Rhumble', saw the pair being nominated for a Brit Award.
Time doesn't stand still in the music business, and neither does the talent that the North East continues to nurture. In recent years, we have seen the rise of singer-songwriter Sam Fender. His first two albums hit the number one spot in the UK charts, and he has gone on to perform at festivals across the world, including Glastonbury and two sold-out headline nights at his beloved St.James Park.
Newcastle gave us Ant and Dec, award-winning TV presenters who saw success in the 1990s with their pop music career under the names PJ and Duncan; their most well-known single, 'Lets Get Ready To Rhumble', saw the pair being nominated for a Brit Award.
Time doesn't stand still in the music business, and neither does the talent that the North East continues to nurture. In recent years, we have seen the rise of singer-songwriter Sam Fender. His first two albums hit the number one spot in the UK charts, and he has gone on to perform at festivals across the world, including Glastonbury and two sold-out headline nights at his beloved St.James Park.
Lizzie Esau - Photo David Weddle
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Liam Fender - Photo James Robinson
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Sam's brother Liam Fender is also forging his own path and place in the musical history of the region with his debut EP, 'Love Will Conquer', gaining him a dedicated following of fans, and he is scheduled to play at numerous festivals throughout 2024.
On a slightly different end of the musical spectrum, indie alt-folk rock band Hadrian's Union has been creating incredible music for nearly twenty years now. Formed by frontman Stew Simpson, the band has stayed true to their northern roots and is just about to release their fourth album, 'Splendiferous'. Grass roots music is the bedrock of the music scene in the North, with a plethora of grass roots venues all contributing massively to the rich network of musical talent the North has produced.
In recent years, we have also seen national record chain HMV roll out their Live and Local events, which include the Newcastle store where bands like Dayzies and Specky Cult are able to play a short set to shoppers every Saturday, which is great for helping to reach new audiences and giving people a taste of the quality of local live music that is out there.
The music scene is very much alive, with home-grown talent like female-fronted metal band Crowley taking their music on the road across the UK, local singer L Devine recently headlining Newcastle music venue Wylam Brewery, busking duo Hunni winning The Voice UK, and seeing their careers skyrocket and acts like Lizzie Esau, India Arkin and Keiran Bowe all seeing their fan base grow it is evident that the music of the north is in safe hands.
One man who has seen his fair share of music acts from across the decades, is Alan Robson MBE, born in Newcastle and known for among other things, his late night radio show Night Owls and his Rock Show, Alan has a large back catalogue of stories and interviews with huge artists who played the bustling music venues across the region including the iconic and sadly demolished Mayfair. In recent years Alan has built upon his audience from his radio days with his YouTube channel. He is now releasing on his website Robsonsworld.com , some of those stories and interviews accrued over the years that show just how incredibly important the region has been and still is in the music scene.
With such a wide variety of styles and talent making up the rich tapestry of our musical north, it is fair to say that the sounds of the region have had and continue to have an important place in the music world.
On a slightly different end of the musical spectrum, indie alt-folk rock band Hadrian's Union has been creating incredible music for nearly twenty years now. Formed by frontman Stew Simpson, the band has stayed true to their northern roots and is just about to release their fourth album, 'Splendiferous'. Grass roots music is the bedrock of the music scene in the North, with a plethora of grass roots venues all contributing massively to the rich network of musical talent the North has produced.
In recent years, we have also seen national record chain HMV roll out their Live and Local events, which include the Newcastle store where bands like Dayzies and Specky Cult are able to play a short set to shoppers every Saturday, which is great for helping to reach new audiences and giving people a taste of the quality of local live music that is out there.
The music scene is very much alive, with home-grown talent like female-fronted metal band Crowley taking their music on the road across the UK, local singer L Devine recently headlining Newcastle music venue Wylam Brewery, busking duo Hunni winning The Voice UK, and seeing their careers skyrocket and acts like Lizzie Esau, India Arkin and Keiran Bowe all seeing their fan base grow it is evident that the music of the north is in safe hands.
One man who has seen his fair share of music acts from across the decades, is Alan Robson MBE, born in Newcastle and known for among other things, his late night radio show Night Owls and his Rock Show, Alan has a large back catalogue of stories and interviews with huge artists who played the bustling music venues across the region including the iconic and sadly demolished Mayfair. In recent years Alan has built upon his audience from his radio days with his YouTube channel. He is now releasing on his website Robsonsworld.com , some of those stories and interviews accrued over the years that show just how incredibly important the region has been and still is in the music scene.
With such a wide variety of styles and talent making up the rich tapestry of our musical north, it is fair to say that the sounds of the region have had and continue to have an important place in the music world.
Crowley performing at HMV Newcastle Live and Local
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L Devine - Photo David Weddle
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