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Doing it Ourselves: Inside the Newcastle Live Music Community

19Dec

By Amy Mescus9 Comments

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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?

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'...

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...