Music

Sam Fender has landed another Official Number 1, putting North Shields back in the national spotlight. Explore the hometown landmarks, lyrics and local venues that shaped his rise from Tyneside teen to chart-topping artist.

A sold-out reunion by The Pirates at King Street Social became a powerful tribute to Janine Turnbull, raising vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease research. Led by her husband John, Team Janine has already raised £45,000 in her memory — and the night carried that mission forward. With emotional performances, community solidarity and a surprise appearance from Sam Fender, the event proved this was more than a gig — it was a declaration of lasting love and defiant hope.

Saturday night in the Low Lights Tavern and the place is jumping with revellers of all ages enjoying a cracking night out in the...

North Shields is buzzing once again as DJ and producer Man Power (Geoff Kirkwood) follows up his triumphant collaboration with Scottish powerhouse Ewan McVicar by unveiling his next big venture: a brand-new club space inside King Street’s Phoenix House. His rallying cry — “Are you Affiliated?” — has already been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, signalling the arrival of a fresh hub for the region’s grassroots music community.

North Shields’ next generation of music stars may already be stepping into the spotlight. At Salt Market Social’s intimate Loading Bay gig, Steve Willis’ youth showcases are proving that teenage talent is anything but amateur. From soulful soloist Sam Iduorobo to the swaggering, original sounds of headliners The Paradimes, four young acts delivered performances brimming with confidence, personality and serious promise. Not just “good for their age,” these are musicians finding their voice — and their audience. If history has taught us anything, it’s that today’s showcase could be tomorrow’s headline act.

A figure deeply embedded in the tapestry of the North East folk music scene, Jed Grimes possesses a narrative as rich and varied as...

What started as a pint-fuelled idea in a North Shields boozer has exploded into one of the North East’s biggest grassroots music events. Meet John “Peasy” Peacock — the bucket-hatted whirlwind behind Coast Fest. From wrangling headliners to dodging cease-and-desist letters from Coachella, Peasy’s turned organised chaos into an art form. We catch up with the man who’s putting North Shields firmly on the music map — one unforgettable weekend at a time.

A sold-out reunion by The Pirates at King Street Social became a powerful tribute to Janine Turnbull, raising vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease research. Led by her husband John, Team Janine has already raised £45,000 in her memory — and the night carried that mission forward. With emotional performances, community solidarity and a surprise appearance from Sam Fender, the event proved this was more than a gig — it was a declaration of lasting love and defiant hope.

North Shields never ceases to amaze me. I’ve known for some time that this town is home to many wonderful creative artists, whether they are musicians, singers, painters or potters - but I am beginning to wonder just how many. You really don’t have to look far and the chances are you have met someone living in North Shields who’s written a song or penned a poem or painted a picture. In fact, it was a chance meeting that led me to discover the musical talents of Sabrina Kennedy. I was having a coffee at the ultra-cool Hyem coffee shop in Church Way when Sabrina and Johnny Cash walked in. I had never met either before. Casual conversation followed and I noticed Sabrina’s American accent - naturally, I asked where she was from (Boston, Massachusetts) and we got chatting.

The eclectic heartbeat of North Shields' creative scene. In the ever-evolving landscape of independent music and art venues, Baba Yaga’s in North Shields stands out...