Music

From rising local bands to legendary venues, explore the heartbeat of North Shields’ music scene. Discover interviews, reviews, and stories from the people and places making noise on the coast.

Salt Market Social’s Crossing the Tyne showcase delivers young talent with tons of potential

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Crossing the Tyne teenage talent showcase at Salt Market Social, February 2026 Image credit: Wayne Bordoli

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.

Tyneside Americana Blues Festival | Folk flock from far and wide for fun festival finale

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Bay City Rollers Burns Night 2026

We recall three days of music, memories and tartan as fans from the UK and beyond gathered at King Street Club for the Tyneside Americana Blues Festival finale in North Shields.

HERE WE ARE: How North Shields Turned 800 Years Into a Soundtrack

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800 Years – Here We Are” explores the music, stories and spirit of North Shields through artists like Liam Fender, Ray Laidlaw, Hector Gannet, Man Power and DJ Schak. A raw, powerful documentary capturing the town’s identity and creative rise during NS800.

The Fishnet Tavern: The Beating Heart of Fish Quay’s Community Spirit

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Discover why the Fishnet Tavern has become one of North Shields’ most beloved community pubs. From weekly quiz nights and open-mic sessions to Try Tag Newcastle, drag nights, live music and local sponsorships — here’s how Chris and Calum built a true community hub on the Fish Quay.

Necronoise“Casket Crawler” | Darkwave Dance from North Shields

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A haunting new release from North Shields’ own Necronoise. “Casket Crawler” blends cinematic synths and horror-inspired beats in a Darkwave collaboration with Dead by Dawn.

Sam Fender Wins the Mercury Prize 2025

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A North Shields Story That Hits Home When the words “And the winner of the 2025 Mercury Prize is… Sam Fender!” echoed through Newcastle’s Utilita...

Social Youth Cult Light the Way with Debut Album “Lighthouse”

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Social Youth Cult band photo by Paul M Baxter – Newcastle post-punk band

Social Youth Cult, Newcastle’s rising post-punk band, release their debut album “Lighthouse” — a dark, driving mix of Joy Division, Bauhaus, and Killing Joke influences. Catch them at Whitby Goth Weekend and The Lubber Fiend this autumn.

Singing The Songs of Their Lives | The Lost Voices of North Shields

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When my late mother, Veronica, answered an Amber Films advert in the 1980s, she never imagined how much those North Shields singalongs would change her life. From the smoky nights of the New Clarendon pub to cassette recordings capturing forgotten songs, characters, and the warmth of Shields community spirit, this story revisits a lost world. Featuring connections to Amber’s iconic dramas like Shields Stories and In Fading Light, and even a German film crew’s visit, the tapes reveal both laughter and poignancy. As I press play nearly forty years later, voices rise again — reminding us of a time when everyday folk filled local pubs with music, humour, and camaraderie. This is more than history: it’s a community memory waiting to be rediscovered.

Lay Claim To Brindle’s Manse: They Are Coming To You 

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From a chance encounter on an online musicians' forum, to the release of their highly anticipated debut album ‘Remember!,’ Brindle's Manse have forged a unique sound that defies easy categorisation. Hailing from diverse backgrounds—Florida, Ukraine, and Northumberland —the band's journey is a testament to the power of shared musical tastes and a passion for creating something truly original. Their distinctive blend of angular guitar, jazz-infused drums, and captivating vocals has carved out a loyal following, proving that in a world saturated with digital music, there's still a strong appetite for authentic, engaging live performances and tangible releases.

Live at Red: Ben Ottewell, Healy and Luke Porter

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Ben Ottewell, Healy and Luke Porter black and white

Thanks to John Peacock, I had the massive pleasure of visiting Red to see Ben Ottewell, Healy and Luke Porter. With a theatre and recording studio, Red is a recently opened multi-purpose...

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Depicted: Leslie Forman Photo credit: Megan Ramsey men's mental health advocate, Lez

Leslie Forman: Mental health, mosaics, and an olive branch

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Men’s mental health is too often pushed aside — but North Shields creative Leslie Forman is helping to change that narrative. Through candid conversation, community support and the healing power of art, Lez has transformed personal loss and struggle into purpose. From founding men’s mental health groups to using mosaic-making as a form of therapy, his journey is one of resilience, honesty and a deep-rooted love for his hometown.
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