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The Crack Magazine

Music

The Rat Pack - A Swingin’ Christmas At The Sands

Starring Tom Russell Fox as Frank Sinatra, Jim Whitley as Sammy Davis Jr and Glenn Macnamara as Dean Martin, the show will offer audiences all the usual most-loved Rat Pack staples as well as singalongs to a range of festive favourites such as “Winter Wonderland” and “White Christmas”.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 3rd 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£33.80-£39.40

Down in Laurel Canyon

A seven piece band featuring touring musicians and friends, connected through music in a similar way, re-imagining the timeless catalogue of songs that came from the Canyon in a nostalgic journey back in time.

Venue:
The Exchange, 1 Howard Street, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE30 1SE
Date:
Dec 3rd 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£20

Jools Holland And His Rhythm And Blues Orchestra

Musical maestro Jools Holland and his famous Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are joined this year by special guest Imelda May.

Venue:
Stockton Globe, 153A High St, Stockton, TS18 1PL
Date:
Dec 4th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £41.80

The Undertones

The Derry band first came to prominence in the late '70s, with their anthem ‘Teenage Kicks’.

Venue:
Boiler Shop, 20 South Street, Newcastle, NE1 3PE
Date:
Dec 4th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£33adv

Alessi Rose

Fast-rising breakout artist Alessi Rose heads out on ‘The Voyeur Tour’ in support of the self-made star’s latest EP Voyeur.

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 4th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£29.90adv

Ryan McMullann

Known for his soul-stirring vocals and heartfelt songwriting, McMullan has earned his place as one of Ireland’s most compelling musical talents.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 4th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£25

Rob Brydon and His Fabulous Band: A Festive Night Of Songs & Laughter

Accompanied by a fabulous eight piece band Rob will usher in the festive season in his own inimitable style with songs, stories and even an impression or two. A wonderful warm hearted evening for all the family.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 4th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£48.80

The Comedy Womb

Featuring 4 top class comedians from across the region. Compared by the wonderful Ian Younghusband.

Venue:
The White Room Music Cafe, 15 Station Rd, Stanley, Durham, DH9 0JL
Date:
Dec 4th 2025
Time:
19:45
Price:
£10

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Christmas by Candlelight

Join a spectacular cast of West End singers and incredible live band, as they perform your favourite Christmas Hits, as you have never heard them before!

Venue:
Middlesbrough Town Hall, Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2QJ
Date:
Dec 4th 2025
Time:
18:30
Price:
From £29

LeBrock

Combining ‘80s style melodic rock riffs with shimmering synthwave melodies and a heartfelt vocal delivery, members Michael and Shaun have established themselves as some of the most uniquely compelling artists within the world of retro revival music.

Venue:
Think Tank?, Digital, Times Square, Centre For Life, Newcastle, NE1 4EP
Date:
Dec 4th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£16

Fresh Thursday // Yama Warashi + Conrad Singh

A unique regular event that showcases new music alongside a home-cooked meal. Yama Warashi are a close-knit coterie of gifted collaborators enriched by the kaleidoscopic influence of Japanese folk dance, free jazz, African music and psychedelia. Conrad Singh is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who lives in Devon.

Venue:
Cobalt Studios Ltd, 10-16 Boyd Street, Newcastle, NE2 1AP
Date:
Dec 4th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£8-£15

Tony Wright

Terrorvision frontman, now solo artist.

Venue:
The Central Bar, Half Moon Lane, Gateshead, NE8 2AN
Date:
Dec 4th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£19.80adv

Organology

Three of the best instrumentalists in contemporary music have joined forces to present their unique and original perspective on the Jazz Organ Trio. Organology pays a great respect to the jazz tradition and the jazz language, but it’s also fresh, innovative, revolutionary and young in spirit.

Venue:
The Exchange, 1 Howard Street, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE30 1SE
Date:
Dec 4th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£20

Dire Streets

Bringing to life the classic songs of one of the world’s greatest guitar bands with a level of musicianship and attention to detail, making them the stand out Dire Straits tribute in the UK.

Venue:
Alnwick Playhouse, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1PQ
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£27.50

Classic Clapton: 40th Anniversary Concert

The World’s No1 Eric Clapton tribute band make a comeback for a special one-off concert celebrating 40 years since their first ever gig which took place in Newcastle.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£22.50-£24.80

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Ash - The Bats Are Back

A One Man Tribute to Meat Loaf.

Venue:
The Studio, Tower Street, Hartlepool, TS24 7HQ
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
20:30
Price:
£6.60adv

Prism

An evening of classic Pink Floyd songs from a host of their biggest albums.

Venue:
The Exchange, 1 Howard Street, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE30 1SE
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£20

Lunchtime Classical Recital | The Westerly Trio

The Westerly Trio was formed in 2012 when three good friends decided to get together to explore the delightful and extensive repertoire for violin, flute and piano.

Venue:
The Lit & Phil, 23 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 1SE
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
13:10
Price:
Free

Nerina Pallot

Join Brit and Ivor Novello–nominated singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot for an intimate evening of raw, heartfelt music. She blends honesty, humour, and emotional power across her acclaimed career.

Venue:
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP
Date:
Dec 5th 2025 - Dec 6th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£35-£40

The Wombats

UK indie rockers who formed in the early 2000s.

Venue:
Utilita Arena, Arena Way, Newcastle, NE4 7NA
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
From £38.25

The Springsteen Sessions

Hailing from Glasgow, The Springsteen Sessions are dedicated to bringing the energy and passion of "The Jersey Devils" music to the stage.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£15

The Saw Doctors

Celebrating 35 years on the road, acclaimed Irish rock band The Saw Doctors head back out on tour, still brimming with their infectious energy.

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£52.85adv

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Daft Punkz

The only full band tribute to the masters of electronic music, Daft Punk.

Venue:
PILGRIM, 54 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, NE1 6SF
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£20

Symphonic Ibiza

Curated by the dynamic DJ and Producer Andy Joyce (known for his electrifying sets at Pacha, Amnesia, Eden, and Café Mambo), along with the accomplished composer and musical director Steve Etherington, Symphonic Ibiza bring you an unforgettable fusion of iconic Ibiza dance anthems, live vocals, a sensational DJ, and an exhilarating live Orchestra.

Venue:
NX, Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 1SW
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
18:00
Price:
£28.50+bf

WHAT!HiFi

Live 8 piece 80’s Tribute.

Venue:
The Barnes Toby Carvery, Durham Road, Sunderland, SR2 7RB
Date:
Dec 5th 2025 - Dec 31st 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£39-£45+bf including 2 course festive meal

Bublé by Candlelight

Featuring the UK’s best Michael Bublé tribute and live band – Josh Hindle (as seen on ITV’s STARSTRUCK).

Venue:
Middlesbrough Town Hall, Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2QJ
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
18:30
Price:
£32

Midwinter Revels

Spanning several centuries, GreenMatthews’ Midwinter Revels is a celebration of Yuletide Past guaranteed to warm the cockles of the most Scrooge-like heart. Featuring Christmas carols, winter folk songs, toe-tapping tunes and a plethora of weird and wonderful instruments, the show is brought to life with GreenMatthews’ trademark wit and humour.

Venue:
The Witham, 3 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8YL
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£14

The Rolling People

Recently coined as ‘Manchester’s next greatest success’ by Northern Exposure Magazine, The Rolling People already have an unmatched reputation for delivering stunning live performances, which match the band’s captivating melodies accompanied by soaring choruses.

Venue:
KU, Prince Regent Street, Stockton, TS18 1DB
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£12.50

Martin McAloon

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of Prefab Sprout’s seminal album Steve McQueen, founding member Martin McAloon will be touring the whole album in 2025.

Venue:
The Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 5th 2025 - Dec 6th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£22.50

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Green Days

Tribute to Green Day. Support from Last Case Scenario.

Venue:
The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£10

Mermaid Chunky + Me Lost Me

Mermaid Chunky are an audio visual duo made up of artists Freya Tate and Moina Moin. Me Lost Me delights in experimenting with songwriting, creating a beguiling mix of soaring vocals and atmospheric electronics that playfully push the boundaries of genre.

Venue:
Cobalt Studios Ltd, 10-16 Boyd Street, Newcastle, NE2 1AP
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£11-£15

Bradley Creswick and David Murray

Internationally acclaimed violinist Bradley Creswick, accompanied by David Murray on the piano, play a programme will feature duos from the Baroque and classical repertoire.

Venue:
The Old Low Light, Clifford's Fort, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE30 1JA
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£15

The Small Dayer

Micro punk rock festival featuring Diaz Brothers, Hidden Youth, Grave Faces, Strop and Tooths.

Venue:
The Green Room, Green Dragon Studios, Theatre Yard, (off High Street), Stockton on Tees, TS18 1JZ
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
18:30
Price:
£10adv

Provenance

Middlesbrough’s Provenance have quickly established themselves as a formidable force, blending classic indie pop sensibilities with raw, gritty undertones.

Venue:
The Georgian Theatre, Green Dragon Yard, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1AE
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£7adv

Villanelle

Amid a rising wave of grunge revivalism, Villanelle are at the forefront— keeping it visceral and real, connecting with audiences through their distinct blend of raw authenticity and pure rock and roll.

Venue:
Independent, 27/28 Holmeside, Sunderland, SR1 3JE
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£12

NE Street Band Xmas Show

The band will be playing their audience engaging stripped down set of Mr Springsteen’s finest songs all reworked & performed acoustically.

Venue:
Old Cinema Launderette, 38 Marshall Terrace, Gilesgate Moor, Durham, DH1 2HX
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
19:45
Price:
£16.50

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Saltburn Jazz Christmas Party - Alligator Gumbo

Fun and fantastic jazz when Alligator Gumbo make their annual return for their Christmas event.

Venue:
Saltburn Community Theatre, Albion Terrace, Saltburn by The Sea, TS12 1JW
Date:
Dec 5th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£15

The Magic of Motown

Taking you back down memory lane with all the Motown classics from artists such as: Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, and many, many more.

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 6th 2025
Time:
18:30
Price:
£41.50adv

Livewire the AC/DC show

Livewire bring the music of AC/DC, one of the greatest rock bands of all time, to life.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 6th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£28.10

Punishment of Luxury

English post-punk band, formed in Newcastle in 1976.

Venue:
The Georgian Theatre, Green Dragon Yard, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1AE
Date:
Dec 6th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£15adv

Total Rex – Christmas Bop

December wouldn’t be the same without a bit of glam rock, so get your glad rags and glitter on and get ready for festive fun.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 6th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£12.50

Mik Artistik's Ego Trip

Genuinely delightful, funny, frightening, and indefinable. Northern rock and roll stand-up comes close.

Venue:
The Cumberland Arms, James Place Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE6 1LD
Date:
Dec 6th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£16.96adv

The Funk Collective: The Funk Before Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the town, A party is stirring – so funk fans get down. For two sold-out years, you’ve danced through the night, Now Year Three is coming, hold on tight!

Venue:
Arc, Dovecot Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1LL
Date:
Dec 6th 2025
Time:
20:00 - 23:00
Price:
£26.50

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Qween UK

The premier UK Queen tribute band.

Venue:
Westovian Theatre, Pier Pavilion, Pier Parade, South Shields, NE33 2JS
Date:
Dec 6th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£18

The Jive Aces: It’s Not Quite Christmas Show

Get ready to swing into the holidays with the UK’s No. 1 jive and swing band. From jumping swing to rockin’ rhythm and blues, hot jazz to cool crooners, the Jive Aces guarantee a night of toe-tapping fun for everyone.

Venue:
The Witham, 3 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8YL
Date:
Dec 6th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£20-£22

Dolly Does Christmas

A dazzling tribute show filled with all the charm, sass and soul from the North East’s very own Andrea Pattison.

Venue:
The Exchange, 1 Howard Street, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE30 1SE
Date:
Dec 6th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£10-£15

Open Jar Christmas Tribute Show

Featuring tributes to Queen, Coldplay, Tina Turner, Robbie Williams and Harry Styles.

Venue:
Stockton Globe, 153A High St, Stockton, TS18 1PL
Date:
Dec 6th 2025
Time:
17:00
Price:
From £24.75

Floyd UK

Pink Floyd tribute.

Venue:
Independent, 27/28 Holmeside, Sunderland, SR1 3JE
Date:
Dec 6th 2025
Time:
18:30
Price:
£18.50

Stereophonics

Legendary Welsh band.

Venue:
Utilita Arena, Arena Way, Newcastle, NE4 7NA
Date:
Dec 6th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
From £53.75

The Glam 'N' Glitz Band

Step back into the golden age of glitter and grooves as The Glam 'N Glitz Band brings the iconic Glam Rock era of the 1970s to life.

Venue:
The Studio, Tower Street, Hartlepool, TS24 7HQ
Date:
Dec 6th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£12-£16+bf

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Christmas tribute charity gig

Featuring Motorhead, Clutch, Kyus and The Dictators.

Venue:
Little Buildings, 3-5 Stepney Bank, Newcastle, NE1 2PW
Date:
Dec 6th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£10

Gnod

Since their inception, Gnod’s musical trajectory has been one of constant fluctuation borne out of an incessant need to discover new sonic worlds. Support from João Pais Filipe and Dextro.

Venue:
Star & Shadow Cinema, 210 Warwick Street, Newcastle, NE2 1BB
Date:
Dec 6th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£18.70adv

A Ceremony of Carols with Northern Praeclassica

Northern Praeclassica directed by Alex Chisholm-Loxley present Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols together with Christmas music and traditional carols arranged by Rutter, Vaughan Williams and Willcocks.

Venue:
Church of St Mary the Virgin, Thornhill Road, Ponteland, Newcastle, NE20 9PZ
Date:
Dec 6th 2025
Time:
19:30 - 21:00
Price:
£15

Jason Isaacs: Xmas 2025

The North East King of Swing is back for another festive show with his incredible live band.

Venue:
PILGRIM, 54 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, NE1 6SF
Date:
Dec 7th 2025
Time:
16:00
Price:
£21.20adv