With Sam Fender tickets having gone on presale this week and about to go on general sale tomorrow through Ticketmaster, it seems fitting to take a look at the North East music scene.
While Fender continues to blaze a trail for other songwriters of his generation, that path has previously been tread by a number of luminaries from the area, all of which offering their own indelible influence across the spectrum of music genres.
Metal heads will no doubt point to the mayhem of Venom and how Black Metal influenced many metal bands ahead of them, or how a certain lead singer of Roxy Music helped blend glamour with touches of art-rock.
We’ve selected 23 artists from the North East area that we felt helped shape a wide range of genres after their successes, along with which part of the North East can proudly say they’re sons or daughters of the area.
Were you a fan of any of these acts growing up and did they help shape your music tastes growing up?
5. Mark Knopfler (Newcastle)
Mark Knopfler’s intricate fingerpicking guitar style and evocative songwriting made Dire Straits one of the biggest rock bands of the late 20th century. Hits like Sultans of Swing and Money for Nothing showcased his unique approach to guitar playing, which has influenced artists across rock, blues, and country. | Juan Naharro Gimenez
6. Bryan Ferry (Washington)
Roxy Music, led by Bryan Ferry and featuring drummer Paul Thompson, were pioneers of glam rock and art rock, blending sophistication with avant-garde experimentation. Their music influenced David Bowie, Duran Duran, and countless new wave acts. | Steve Riding
7. Lindisfarne (Newcastle)
Lindisfarne was instrumental in bringing British folk-rock to the mainstream in the 1970s. Their album Fog on the Tyne topped the UK charts, and songs like Meet Me on the Corner became folk staples. Their distinctive blend of folk, rock, and social commentary influenced future folk revivalists and remains a defining part of Newcastle’s musical heritage. | Getty Images
8. Maxïmo Park (Newcastle)
As part of the UK’s 2000s indie rock explosion, Maxïmo Park delivered angular guitar riffs and intelligent lyrics that set them apart from their peers. Their debut album A Certain Trigger became a cult classic, and their blend of post-punk energy and literate songwriting influenced later indie acts while keeping the North East relevant in modern rock. | Provided