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?
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13. The Toy Dolls (Sunderland)
The Toy Dolls became cult icons in the punk scene, known for their humour and high-energy performances. Their 1984 hit Nellie the Elephant became a punk classic, and their influence extended into ska-punk and pop-punk, inspiring bands like NOFX and The Offspring. | Provided
14. Arthur Baker (Middlesbrough)
Arthur Baker is one of the most important producers in hip-hop and electronic music history. He helped define the early ‘80s electro sound, working with Afrika Bambaataa on Planet Rock and later producing for New Order and Pet Shop Boys. | Getty Images
15. Chris Rea (Middlesbrough)
Chris Rea’s gravelly voice and blues-infused songwriting made him a major figure in soft rock. The Road to Hell and Driving Home for Christmas remain staples of British music, and his blend of blues, rock, and pop earned him a lasting global fanbase. | Getty Images
16. The Wildhearts (Newcastle)
The Wildhearts combined punk, hard rock, and pop sensibilities into an aggressive but melodic sound. Led by Ginger Wildheart, the band’s influence can be seen in acts like Foo Fighters and The Darkness. | Getty Images