By Mark Tavender
No way was I going to turn down an opportunity to go on a trip on The Tyne Idols Bus. I first became aware of it at Coast Fest where it hosts acoustic local acts on the top deck. I had also seen it passing by a couple of times, music playing, full of people laughing and singing.
So, on Sunday 7 July, I jumped on board for a trip around South Tyneside to learn all about the cultural icons and history of the region. Passengers were met by Ray Laidlaw, legendary drummer for the band Lindisfarne, before the bus headed off to Customs House in South Shields to pick up the rest of the people who had signed up for the trip.
The bus is kitted out with a fantastic sound system and adorned with posters of North East music, film, TV and other cultural icons. Ray sits on the top deck whilst the bus makes its way through the streets of South Tyneside and regales us with tales of past musical legends and other artists- he is a very engaging host with plenty of knowledge, much of it personal.
Not being a born and bred Tynesider, I was astonished how rich the cultural history of the region is; as well as the countless local artists we heard tales about Tina Turner, David Bowie, Eric Idle and Ridley Scott to name but a few. Even Muhammad Ali gets a mention.
Ray’s presentation is well put together and often sprinkled with his own anecdotes – he tells a funny story about a phone call from Monty Python’s Eric Idle enquiring about the chart position of a Monty Python album. But it’s not all talk – the stories are interspersed with tunes fitting to the storytelling. Some of them get the whole bus singing and people on the streets waving as we glide past. I have never been on the top deck of a bus before with ‘Nellie the Elephant’ by The Toy Dolls being played at full blast (their lead singer and guitarist, Michael Algar, was born in South Shields.)
Whilst there are plenty of mentions for the more famous stars and acts who have performed in the region, Ray is very keen to point out the lesser known ones too, further highlighting the rich vein of talent in the area.
Our trip takes us to the new Stack in Seaburn, a new multi-purpose venue, where we can refresh ourselves with a drink and bite to eat. Despite the drizzle, there was a band on stage too as if to emphasize that culture and creativity is everywhere.
Back on board, we head for the Westovian Theatre where we are treated to a short talk by local playwright Ed Waugh who is responsible for plays such as ‘Maggie’s End’ and ‘Dirty Dusting.’ The theatre has a fascinating history and has retained much of its original architecture. It relies mainly on donations and is run by volunteers who produce a wide range of productions all year round for all types of audiences – well worth a visit.
Not long after we head back to Custom’s House, via the Arbeia Roman Fort, to drop off some very satisfied passengers, most of whom want a photo with Ray who is very happy to oblige.
On the way back to North Shields, I got chatting to two other passengers who I spotted had been drinking some champagne (it was a birthday outing) whilst taking in the sounds and sights. They had been on other Tyne Idols trips too and thoroughly enjoyed them. ‘This isn’t our first trip and definitely won’t be our last!’ they beamed, as they walked off arm in arm towards the Metro.
To me that highlighted how enjoyable the coach tour was – although the anecdotes and stories were fascinating, there was an overriding sense of fun and community. As I got off the bus, I managed to grab a few words with Ray Laidlaw and Paul Irwin and asked how the idea came about.
‘It came about in the pub like most good ideas,’ laughs Ray. Paul confirms this. ‘I had East Coast taxis and was doing tours. One night in the pub we got talking and I said, ‘Let’s do some rock and roll tours!’ and we’ve gone from there.’
It has now grown into a full-blown business popular with locals and visitors to the area. Events manager, Julie Clay, plays a vital role in organising the trips making sure everything runs on time and people are kept informed. There should be a special mention for the driver, Paul Fuller, who had to negotiate some tight spots at times but ensured that it was a smooth ride throughout.
Tyne Idols put on several different events and tours which are well worth checking out. No two are the same so get on board and sign yourself up! www.tyneidols.com
