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?
9. Prefab Sprout (Witton Gilbert)
Prefab Sprout, led by the enigmatic Paddy McAloon, created sophisticated pop music that blended jazz, folk, and intricate lyricism. Albums like Steve McQueen and Jordan: The Comeback were ahead of their time, and McAloon’s songwriting is still widely respected, influencing artists from The Blue Nile to modern indie-pop musicians. | Getty Images
10. Cheryl (Newcastle)
As a member of Girls Aloud, Cheryl helped redefine British pop in the 2000s with a fresh, innovative sound. The group achieved 20 consecutive UK Top 10 hits, and Cheryl’s solo career continued her success, making her one of the UK’s biggest pop icons. | Getty Images
11. DJ Sasha (Whitley Bay)
DJ Sasha is a globally renowned DJ and producer who helped shape progressive house and trance music. Emerging from the UK club scene in the early ‘90s, his influence on electronic dance music is enormous. His legendary DJ sets, collaborations with John Digweed, and boundary-pushing remixes have made him one of dance music’s most respected figures. | Getty Images
12. Paul Rodgers (Middlesbrough)
Paul Rodgers’ powerful, soulful voice helped define rock music across multiple bands, from Free (All Right Now) to Bad Company. He later performed with Queen, proving his versatility and longevity. Many rock vocalists, including Robert Plant and David Coverdale, cite him as a major influence. | Getty Images