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The Crack Magazine

Music

Fresh Thursday // Salt House + Maja Bugge & Dave Evans

Fresh Thursday is a unique regular event that showcases new music alongside a home-cooked meal. Salt House have been a mainstay on the folk scene for over a decade. Acclaimed cellist Maja Bugge and award-winning pianist Dave Evans take inspiration from narratives around movement, nature, heritage, location and belonging.

Venue:
Cobalt Studios Ltd, 10-16 Boyd Street, Newcastle, NE2 1AP
Date:
Dec 3rd 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£8-£16

The Devout

The UK’s best loved Depeche Mode Tribute Act.

Venue:
Newcastle University Students Union, Kings Road, Newcastle, NE2 4NL
Date:
Dec 4th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£17.80

Heartbreak: The Tom Petty Show

Celebrating 50 years of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 4th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£15

Sunami / Desolated / Missing Link / Extinguish

Bay Area Beatdown band Sunami are finally landing in Newcastle.

Venue:
Anarchy Brew Co., Benfield Business Park, Unit A1, Enfield Road, Newcastle, NE6 4NQ
Date:
Dec 4th 2026
Time:
18:30
Price:
£25

Trevor Horn: Playing the songs he produced, played & sang on

Horn produced some of the most recognizable anthems that defined the Eighties, including ABC’s “Lexicon of Love”, “Owner of a Lonely Heart” by Yes, and Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s number one hits “Relax”, “Two Tribes” and “The Power of Love”.

Venue:
Independent, 27/28 Holmeside, Sunderland, SR1 3JE
Date:
Dec 4th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£35

The Blue Flamingos 60s Review

Showcasing the sounds of the 1960s, a formative decade in the world of popular music. On stage, a six piece live band brings you favourite hits from both sides of the Atlantic.

Venue:
Westovian Theatre, Pier Pavilion, Pier Parade, South Shields, NE33 2JS
Date:
Dec 4th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£20

Nerina Pallott in Concert

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot brings her solo Fire Escape Symphonies tour to The Bowes Museum. Marking the close of her 2026 UK and Ireland dates, these intimate concerts promise a memorable mix of original songs, warmth and wit in a striking historic setting, following four sold-out museum shows last year.

Venue:
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP
Date:
Dec 4th 2026 - Dec 5th 2026
Time:
18:30
Price:
£40-£45

Dylan John Thomas

A self-taught, multi-instrumentalist, mainlining the old-time rhythm of Johnny Cash (“boom-chicka-boom…”), the high-picking melodies of Simon & Garfunkel, the lyrical poeticism of Leonard Cohen – but all retooled with a twentysomething’s freshness, rigour and vigour, and the ardent fandom to match.

Venue:
NX, Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 1SW
Date:
Dec 4th 2026
Time:
18:00
Price:
£22.50+bf

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The Pigeon Detectives

Noughties indie band.

Venue:
The Middlesbrough Empire, Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2RT
Date:
Dec 4th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£25

ladr ache + Powtes

ladr ache is a six-piece collective from Brussels that combines polyphonic singing with hypnotic rhythms and raw punk energy. Powtes are a six piece collective which brings together musicians from Newcastle’s folk and improvised music scene.

Venue:
Cobalt Studios Ltd, 10-16 Boyd Street, Newcastle, NE2 1AP
Date:
Dec 4th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£11-£15

ATFK and ME LOST ME

Co-headline show with ATFK, a genre-blasting duo defy the preconceptions of what their instruments can do, and Me Lost Me, th eproject of Newcastle-based artist Jayne Dent who takes influence from folk, art pop, noise, ambient and improvised music.

Venue:
The Lubber Fiend, 81 Blandford Square, Newcastle, NE1 3PZ
Date:
Dec 4th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£13.75

Sweet Unrest

Fusing psych-garage rock with the infectiousness of Britpop classics, having bonded over a shared mission of creating the greatest art possible.

Venue:
Zerox, 48-52 Sandhill, Newcastle, NE1 3JF
Date:
Dec 4th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£11.50

Kneecap

Belfast trio KNEECAP return with their headline UK shows following the release of their critically acclaimed album, FENIA.

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 4th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£54.70

Toyah's Christmas Party

Get ready for a sparkling seasonal celebration as music icon Toyah Willcox brings her electrifying Christmas Party to the stage.

Venue:
The Fire Station, High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3HA
Date:
Dec 5th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £29

The Funk Collective: The Funk Before Christmas

Join the legends of the holiday dance! It’s the party of the season, don’t be late —The Funk Before Xmas… Year Four will be GREAT!

Venue:
Arc, Dovecot Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1LL
Date:
Dec 5th 2026
Time:
20:00
Price:
£24.50

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Dire Streets

No other Dire Straits tribute act comes as close to reproducing Mark Knopfler’s distinctive guitar and vocal tones.

Venue:
Alnwick Playhouse, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1PQ
Date:
Dec 5th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£29

Brutus Gold’s Love Train

Brace yourselves for an immersive journey through the dazzling days of disco, where polyester reigns supreme, and the dancefloor is ablaze with energy.

Venue:
The Middlesbrough Empire, Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2RT
Date:
Dec 5th 2026
Time:
18:30
Price:
£19.50-£25

Amelia Coburn

Amelia's honest, occasionally hilarious and quintessentially north-eastern persona disarms and beguiles in equal measure. Drawing inspiration from gothic literature and the shadowy allure of film noir, there is a darkness at the heart of many of her songs, populated by vivid characters and nocturnal creatures that inhabit the liminal space “between the moon and the milkman”.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 5th 2026
Time:
20:00
Price:
£22.30adv/£25.60otd

NE Street Band

Another amazing NE Street Band Christmas show. The band will be playing their audience engaging stripped down show 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 2026
Time:
19:45
Price:
£16.50

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 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
318

The Unthanks in Winter

A dream-like winter fantasia, embracing both the dark and the light in the most ritualistic of seasons. Moving in and out of focus, like a memory, In Winter is a bittersweet hymnal to our shared winter experience.

Venue:
Hexham Abbey, Beaumont Street, Hexham, NE46 3NB
Date:
Dec 5th 2026
Times:
15:00, 19:30
Price:
From £10

Step Into Christmas

Packed with all your favourite Christmas classics, the show brings the spirit of the season to life with dazzling performances, stunning festive visuals, and a sensational live band. From heartwarming ballads to upbeat festive anthems, it’s the perfect playlist for your Christmas celebrations.

Venue:
Darlington Hippodrome, Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR
Date:
Dec 5th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£20-£38

Antarctic Monkeys

The longest serving and without doubt, the BEST tribute and the UK’s Number One band to the Arctic Monkeys bar none!

Venue:
KU, Prince Regent Street, Stockton, TS18 1DB
Date:
Dec 5th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£16.50

Courtney Hadwin

Durham-born singer-songwriter known for her famed audition on America’s Got Talent in 2018.

Venue:
Independent, 27/28 Holmeside, Sunderland, SR1 3JE
Date:
Dec 5th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£17.60

The Kaves

4 piece indie/alternative rock band from Glasgow.

Venue:
The Lubber Fiend, 81 Blandford Square, Newcastle, NE1 3PZ
Date:
Dec 5th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£12adv

Sex Pistols feat. Frank Carter

The Sex Pistols are the true originators of punk; no one else had their attitude, balls, or honesty.

Venue:
NX, Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 1SW
Date:
Dec 5th 2026
Time:
18:00
Price:
£57.50

Anarchy in the U.K Tour - Celebrating 50 Years of Punk

Steve Jones, Paul Cook and Glen Matlock of Sex Pistols once again join forces with Frank Carter for one of the greatest nights out in rock'n'roll and the closest thing to the original punk experience there is.

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 5th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£69.30

The Wandering Hearts

This winter, the darlings of UK americana scene The Wandering Hearts return to some of their favourite spots in the UK for an exclusive festive celebration.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 6th 2026
Time:
20:00
Price:
£24.50-£27.90

Serious Sam Barrett, David Broad and Lewis Pugh

Serious Sam Barrett is a folk and country singer/songwriter from Otley. David Broad's playing is steeped in the tradition of American folk and blues guitar. Lewis Pugh is a prolific songwriter, influenced by everything from bluegrass, country and folk through to skiffle and punk.

Venue:
The Waiting Room, 9 Station Road, Eaglescliffe, Stockton on Tees, TS16 0BU
Date:
Dec 6th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£15

The Smokin’ Spitfires

Newcastle-based, horn-driven soul and R&B band known for their energetic live shows and deep roots in classic rhythm & blues.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 6th 2026
Time:
12:00
Price:
£10otd

Big Country

Scottish rock band formed in Dunfermline, Fife, in 1981 by lead singer and guitarist Stuart Adamson (formerly of the Skids), guitarist Bruce Watson, bassist Tony Butler and drummer Mark Brzezicki.

Venue:
Wylam Brewery, Palace of Arts, Exhibition Park, Newcastle, NE2 4PZ
Date:
Dec 6th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£37.94

Christmas At The Movies

A spectacular live concert experience that brings the most beloved festive film scores to life, performed by The Great British Film Orchestra. From the heartwarming charm of Home Alone and Love Actually, to the timeless beauty of The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol, feel the excitement of The Polar Express, the fantasy of Harry Potter, the joy of Elf, and many more cinematic classics - all reimagined in a breathtaking chamber orchestral performance.

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 6th 2026
Time:
18:30
Price:
£48.90

Blues in the Bar Feat Elaine Palmer

Elaine has finely honed her distinctive voice and built a reputation as much for her emotive, mesmerising stage presence as for her fusion of British folk and American country styles.

Venue:
The Georgian Theatre, Green Dragon Yard, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1AE
Date:
Dec 6th 2026
Time:
14:00
Price:
£10

Melanie C – Intimate Performance

The Spice Girl celebrates her new solo album "Sweat", in a stripped-back, intimate format.

Venue:
The Middlesbrough Empire, Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2RT
Date:
Dec 6th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£16.50

Tony Wright

Live solo show from Tony Wright of Terrorvision.

Venue:
The Central Bar, Half Moon Lane, Gateshead, NE8 2AN
Date:
Dec 6th 2026
Time:
20:00
Price:
£22

The Pogues

Original members James Fearnley, Jem Finer and Spider Stacy will lead the charge, and will once again be joined by their usual superlative collection of special guest musicians and singers, among them the cream of the current generation of Irish artists.

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 7th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£46.60adv

The Hi-Stakes

Quintet based in Amsterdam that makes the audience jump, dance and shout to Rhythm and Blues inspired by Louis Jordan, dream away to the sweet sound of Blues Ballads in the heritage of Percy Mayfield and shake the hips to the boogaloos of Blue Note Records of the late 50’s.

Venue:
The Witham, 3 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8YL
Date:
Dec 7th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£20

Rhiannon Giddens

Two-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer and multi-instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens has made a singular, iconic career out of stretching her brand of folk music, with its miles-deep historical roots and contemporary sensibilities, into just about every field imaginable.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 8th 2026
Time:
20:00
Price:
£42.50adv/£49.30otd

The Fell

Modern rock powerhouse.

Venue:
The Grove, 1 St Michael's Rd, Byker, Newcastle, NE6 1QU
Date:
Dec 8th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£27.50

TC.KYLIE

Bringing her full-band mix of cinematic jazz fusion, Japanese jazz-rock and acid grooves to the North East for the first time.

Venue:
The Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 8th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£22

Jamie T

Jamie T returns once again to bless eager fans with a seven-date UK tour alongside the release of his sixth album Ghosts (100 Days of Morning).

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 8th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£54.70

Christmas at The Musicals

Royal Northern Sinfonia and some very special guests straight from London’s West End stages play music from your favourite West End and Broadway shows.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 9th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £29

GreenMatthews’ Gaudete!

Their repertoire spans 600 years from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Featuring Christmas carols, winter folk songs, toe-tapping tunes and a plethora of weird and wonderful instruments, Gaudete! brings the festive season to life in a riot of sound and colour!

Venue:
The Witham, 3 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8YL
Date:
Dec 9th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£18-£20

Buddy Holly And The Cricketers

Five outstanding actor-musicians recreate the sound, spirit and energy of the 1950s in a night bursting with nostalgia, joy and unforgettable live music.

Venue:
Alnwick Playhouse, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1PQ
Date:
Dec 9th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£28

Jess Gillam Ensemble

Superstar saxophonist Jess Gillam and her electrifying ensemble of musical pals showcase unmissable festive favourites spanning centuries, rooted in classical music but taking inspiration from all corners of the musical universe.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 10th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£32

Andrew Cushin

When Geordie songwriter Andrew Cushin has been heralded as a major new talent by two British music icons, Noel Gallagher and Pete Doherty, it's time to take note. Cushin's songs are full of astute observations and honest meditations about life's day-to-day tribulations.

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 10th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£34.20

David J

Musician, producer, and writer. He is the bassist and founding member of the legendary post-punk / gothic rock band Bauhaus and its highly successful alternative rock spin-off, Love and Rockets.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 10th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£22

Jarrod Dickenson

An acoustic affair that is positively ELECTRIFYING! The Small Talk Tour will feature an unplugged duo set with Jarrod and Claire Dickenson performing stripped-back, acoustic versions of their songs in intimate venues.

Venue:
The Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 10th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£20

Fresh Thursday // Arjuna Oakes + Ellen Beth Abdi

Fresh Thursday is a unique regular event that showcases new music alongside a home-cooked meal. Arjuna Oakes is a New Zealand-born, London-based artist whose genre-fluid sound draws on soul, jazz, alternative rock, folk, electronic music, and contemporary classical. Mancunian music-maker Ellen Beth Abdi uses live loops, pokey drums, undulating synths and quietly subversive lyrics to mould her unique sound.

Venue:
Cobalt Studios Ltd, 10-16 Boyd Street, Newcastle, NE2 1AP
Date:
Dec 10th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£8-£15

Nirvana Tribute

A full live show celebrating the music of one of the most influential bands of all time.

Venue:
Newgate Social, The Gate, Newgate Street, Newcastle, NE1 5TG
Date:
Dec 10th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£23.90

The Reminisce

Manchester-based heavy rock band.

Venue:
Little Buildings, 3-5 Stepney Bank, Newcastle, NE1 2PW
Date:
Dec 10th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£10

The Bootleg Beatles

Beatles tribute band.

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 11th 2026
Time:
18:30
Price:
£40adv

Bootleg Eagles

Eagles tribute.

Venue:
Alnwick Playhouse, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1PQ
Date:
Dec 11th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£27.50

The Doors Rising

Doors tribute band.

Venue:
Think Tank?, Digital, Times Square, Centre For Life, Newcastle, NE1 4EP
Date:
Dec 11th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£16.90