FROM SHIELDSY CRIMBO TO THE NORTH EAST MUSIC SCENE
People often ask how The Quiet Fire came together. Vanessa usually smiles and says, “Only in North Shields.”
The story began on Christmas Day 2025, at the Shieldsy Crimbo community meal at The Loading Bay, organised by the brilliant Earl Charlton. Vanessa was singing, and Colm was there enjoying the celebrations with friends. They got chatting later over a post-Christmas lunch pint at The Lowlights Tavern and, a few days later, bumped into each other again while watching the wonderful Errant Moose at The Globe in Newcastle. Vanessa remembers thinking: “It didn’t feel like coincidence, more like the universe unfolding as it should. Sometimes what’s meant for you doesn’t pass you by.”
Colm Charles Grey, originally from Kilkenny, grew up with folk music in his blood. Inspired by his grandfather, a folk musician himself, he developed a love of songs that tell stories and bring people together. Whether he’s singing, playing guitar or picking up the tin whistle, Colm brings warmth and authenticity to every performance.
Cameron Wynn, originally from Florida, is one of those musicians who can turn his hand to almost anything. Guitar, piano, harmonica – if it makes a noise, Cam can probably create something beautiful with it. His musicianship, creativity and instinctive ear for harmony have become an important part of The Quiet Fire’s sound.
Vanessa Clarke has long been a familiar face on the North East music scene. A gifted vocalist with a voice that can move effortlessly from delicate and intimate to powerful and soaring, she has spent years honing her craft through live performance. Her ability to bring emotion, depth and character to every song is one of the defining qualities of The Quiet Fire.
Bev and Vanessa have been singing together for years, so asking her to join the band was an easy decision. Beverley Craggs is an exceptional singer-songwriter, born and bred in North Shields, whose heartfelt songwriting and distinctive voice captivate audiences. She comes from one of the town’s best-known musical families — her dad, Marty Craggs, who was a member of Lindisfarne, has been part of the soundtrack of the North East for decades. Together with her father and brother Andrew, Bev recorded The Craggs Family Album, celebrating the family’s original songwriting, with Vanessa providing the fourth harmony. Music really does run through Bev’s veins.
What makes The Quiet Fire special is that everyone brings something different to the fire. After years of singing, writing and performing music individually, together they’ve discovered something greater than the sum of their parts. Their sound is rooted in folk, Americana and acoustic storytelling, woven together with rich harmonies and a shared love of songs that speak to the heart.
For The Quiet Fire, it isn’t just about festivals, bookings or a diary filling into 2027. It’s about friendship, community and the privilege of sharing songs that find the people who need them.
However far the journey takes them, they’ll always be grateful that North Shields brought them together. Sometimes what’s meant for you really doesn’t pass you by.
