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Doing it Ourselves: Inside the Newcastle Live Music Community

19Dec

By Amy Mescus9 Comments

All, Features, News

Doing it Ourselves: Inside the Newcastle Live Music Community

Independent music venues throughout Newcastle are struggling - not just financially, but emotionally too. After years of empty promises and a lack of support from the local council, the people of Newcastle’s live music community feel as though they only have each other to turn to. Newcastle is a city that is renowned for its vibrant live music culture, with the community being at the heart of it. The Toon has been religiously praised for how welcoming and supportive everyone involved is. Eli Stephenson, 20, says "I've been to gigs all over the country, but the energy that Newcastle brings is like no other - the community is so friendly". Image of The Cluny. Taken by Amy Mescus. However, Newcastle's live music scene would have no leg to stand on if it was not for the independent ve...

Post Covid-19: Should Age Restrictions for Concerts be Increased?

12Dec

By Amy Mescus18 Comments

All, Comment, Other

Post Covid-19: Should Age Restrictions for Concerts be Increased?

A growing debate since live music venues reopened after Covid-19: age restrictions at concerts - should they be increased? The age to be able to go to concerts without an 18+ guardian in the UK is, on average, 14. This number varies amongst certain concerts and venues. However, this feels low when you consider all of the dangers that come with the thrill of concerts. Because of this, I believe that the age restrictions to attend concerts alone should be increased to 18. Image of concert crowd. Taken by Amy Mescus. In theory, concerts are stress-relieving, fun, and so much better when you’re not standing with dad, who doesn’t know the lyrics, or is dancing to embarrass you. But in reality, there are countless health and safety concerns that come with attending concerts, which aren'...

Ceiling Beams as Mic Stands? Hoo is the Band: TENT

4Dec

By Amy Mescus8 Comments

All, Band Interviews, Interviews

Ceiling Beams as Mic Stands? Hoo is the Band: TENT

Here is everything you need to know about TENT, the freshest face in Newcastle, who will soon make the city their own with their debut single, Spoonbender. https://open.spotify.com/artist/4tLTRR4pZn0FWp0JmqSgK8?si=2j-b3HCtTQOfo_lir1mwAA Newly emerging onto the Newcastle music scene is TENT: a four piece band made up of local talent, who deliver an entire new genre to the Toon with their first single, Spoonbender. The band consists of frontman and lead guitarist Brandon Gee, rhythm guitarist Mark Watson, bassist Owen Wright, and drummer Alex Bannister. TENT kindly let me intrude on one of their rehearsal sessions to get an inside look at the band, their influences, and their hopes for the future. I even received a personal performance of Spoonbender, though due to a lack of mi...

Sam Fender Ticket Prices – Fair rather than Farfetched?

27Nov

By Amy Mescus4 Comments

All, News, Reports

Sam Fender Ticket Prices – Fair rather than Farfetched?

A live music expert suggests that the complaints about the expensive ticket prices for Sam Fender's upcoming tour are misplaced. Image of Sam Fender's concert at St James' Park (2023). Photo by Amy Mescus Sam Fender will perform at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on December 20th, 2024. Ticket prices range from £65.87 and £88.37 for seats, with standing tickets costing £82.75. Sam Fender also announced a stadium tour with three nights at St James’ Park, Newcastle, in June 2025. These tickets cost £83.70 for standing and between £61.70 and £100.20 for seats. The prices for both tours have been criticised by fans on social media for how high they are. https://www.tiktok.com/@liamgallaghersmonobrow_/video/7427435550396648736?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_...

Wallows Rock Newcastle on ‘Model’ Tour: Concert Review

19Nov

By Amy Mescus4 Comments

All, Concert Reviews, Reviews

Wallows Rock Newcastle on ‘Model’ Tour: Concert Review

Indie icons, Wallows, take on Newcastle for the first time ever at the O2 City Hall for their 'Model' world tour, and it was an electric first impression for the Tyne. After anticipating Wallow’s latest album, ‘Model’, for months, I knew I had to be in attendance to their tour, especially since they were playing a Newcastle venue barely 10 minutes down the road from me. If you're unfamiliar with Wallows, that's understandable, as this was the first time the LA-based band had ever tackled a Newcastle stage. I had the privilege of seeing Wallows on their last world tour in 2023 at Leeds' O2 Academy and was hooked on the vibrant, playful energy that they brought. So, I had incredibly high expectations for the tour this time around. They did not disappoint. https://open.spotify.com/p...