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?
17. Jade Thirlwall & Perrie Edwards – South Shields
Little Mix became one of the most successful girl groups of all time after winning The X Factor in 2011. With record-breaking chart success in both the UK and US, their harmonies, empowering lyrics, and global impact place them among pop’s elite. | Getty Images
18. The Futureheads
Part of the early 2000s post-punk revival, The Futureheads’ jerky rhythms and tight harmonies made them one of the UK’s standout indie acts. Their cover of Hounds of Love became an indie anthem, and their DIY approach to music inspired many bands. | Jo Hale
19. Dave Stewart (Sunderland)
As one half of Eurythmics, Dave Stewart helped shape ‘80s synth-pop with Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This). His production work and songwriting collaborations with artists like Tom Petty, Mick Jagger, and Stevie Nicks make him one of the UK’s most respected musicians. | Getty Images
20. Raven (Newcastle)
One of the pioneering bands of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), Raven’s energetic style bridged the gap between classic heavy metal and thrash. Their fast, aggressive approach influenced bands like Metallica and Anthrax. | Provided