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?
21. Neil Tennant (North Shields)
As the frontman of the iconic electronic duo Pet Shop Boys, Neil Tennant revolutionized pop music with their sophisticated blend of electronic dance beats, sharp social commentary, and Tennant's distinctive baritone voice. | Getty Images
22. Hank Marvin (Newcastle)
As the lead guitarist of The Shadows, Hank Marvin’s distinctive sound shaped the landscape of British instrumental rock. His pioneering use of the Fender Stratocaster and smooth, melodic playing influenced generations of guitarists, including legends like George Harrison and Mark Knopfler. | Getty Images
23. Sam Fender (North Shields)
Sam Fender has revitalized British rock with his Springsteen-influenced storytelling and anthemic sound. His albums Hypersonic Missiles and Seventeen Going Under have gained critical and commercial success, making him one of the most important voices in modern UK rock. | Getty Images