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The Crack Magazine

Music

Fastlove

The Tribute to George Michael.

Venue:
The Fire Station, High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3HA
Date:
Dec 11th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £28

Juliet's Not Dead

Adrenaline fuelled, modern hard rock band.

Venue:
The Grove, 1 St Michael's Rd, Byker, Newcastle, NE6 1QU
Date:
Dec 11th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£16.50

Smoove & Turrell Xmas Party

Bringing their very own brand of Northern Funk to GCT in December with their Xmas Show! Joining the lads will be Deja Brew DJs and support to be announced.

Venue:
Gosforth Civic Theatre, Regent Farm Road, Newcastle, NE3 3HD
Date:
Dec 11th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£24

Slady

Cum on feel the noize with the world’s only all female Slade tribute band.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 11th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£15

Lunchtime Classical Concert: Sophie Iliaifar & Alison Gill

Sophie Iliaifar, mezzo-soprano and Alison Gill piano.

Venue:
The Lit & Phil, 23 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 1SE
Date:
Dec 11th 2026
Time:
13:00
Price:
Free

Darlington Rock & Blues Club Presents: Deborah Bonham Band

Over the course of an impressive career, Deborah Bonham has established herself as one of the finest Blues, Rock and Soul singers that the UK has produced. Support from The Bone Idols.

Venue:
The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG
Date:
Dec 11th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£20

OMO

Glasgow’s doom cabaret collective, OMO, blends the intensity of sludgy doom with Sabbath style grooves.

Venue:
The Lubber Fiend, 81 Blandford Square, Newcastle, NE1 3PZ
Date:
Dec 11th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£15+bf

Et Al

Upcoming alt rock band from Manchester. Support from Wool and Reverie.

Venue:
Head of Steam, 2 Neville Street, Newcastle, NE1 5EN
Date:
Dec 11th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£14.30

glasshouse oct 26.gif

Adele – Hometown Glory

The Award-winning Adele Tribute Starring Natalie Black.

Venue:
Alnwick Playhouse, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1PQ
Date:
Dec 12th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£30

Lost In Music

Get ready to re-live timeless hits from icons like Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic.

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 12th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£33.45adv

Rock Rampage 2026

With Sons Of Nirvana, Biffy McClyro and more tba.

Venue:
The Georgian Theatre, Green Dragon Yard, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1AE
Date:
Dec 12th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£14adv

Sedgefield Rock & Blues Club: Gerry Jablonski & the Electric Band

Aberdeen’s internationally acclaimed blues-rock outfit. Support from Kingdom Come.

Venue:
Sedgefield Parish Hall, Front Street, Sedgefield, County Durham, TS21 3AT
Date:
Dec 12th 2026
Time:
TBC
Price:
£20

Viva Morrissey

A sincere homage to Morrissey.

Venue:
Think Tank?, Digital, Times Square, Centre For Life, Newcastle, NE1 4EP
Date:
Dec 12th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£16.90

Qween UK

The premier UK Queen tribute band.

Venue:
Westovian Theatre, Pier Pavilion, Pier Parade, South Shields, NE33 2JS
Date:
Dec 12th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£18

Handel's Messiah

Choral specialist Sofi Jeannin returns to conduct Royal Northern Sinfonia and Chorus, plus a superb line-up of vocalists. They'll be playing Handel’s ever-green hit, Messiah, which has been delighting audiences for almost 300 years.

Venue:
Middlesbrough Town Hall, Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2QJ
Date:
Dec 12th 2026
Time:
14:30
Price:
From £18.50

glasshouse oct 26.gif

Aynsley Lister

One of the most exciting contemporary blues guitarists around today. Known not only for his exceptional guitar playing, he is also a highly regarded songwriter whose passion for music crosses genres, effortlessly combining blues, soul, Americana, rock and sometimes even pop elements.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 12th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£18

Ash

Britpop-era icons.

Venue:
Boiler Shop, 20 South Street, Newcastle, NE1 3PE
Date:
Dec 12th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£34.50

Sky Full of Stars

A Tribute to Coldplay.

Venue:
The Fire Station, High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3HA
Date:
Dec 12th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £26

Ash

Britpop-era icons.

Venue:
Northumbria University Students’ Union, 2 Sandyford Rd, Newcastle, NE1 8SB
Date:
Dec 12th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£33.66

Christmas In Ireland

From the producers of Seven Drunken Nights and performed live by an outstanding cast of musicians and singers, the show features hits like, ‘Driving Home For Christmas’, ‘Dirty Old Town’ and, of course, ‘Fairytale Of New York’.

Venue:
Stockton Globe, 153A High St, Stockton, TS18 1PL
Date:
Dec 12th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £28.60

Daftones / Mildhearts / ZZ Mop

Venue:
Little Buildings, 3-5 Stepney Bank, Newcastle, NE1 2PW
Date:
Dec 12th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£11

Jason Isaacs Big Band Xmas

Enjoy the big swinging sound of a great band to classic swing tunes Rat Pack stylee. Jason’s Xmas Sunday shows here have become bigger & bigger. Do. Not. Miss. This.

Venue:
PILGRIM, 54 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, NE1 6SF
Date:
Dec 13th 2026
Time:
16:00
Price:
£20

Handel's Messiah

Choral specialist Sofi Jeannin joins Royal Northern Sinfonia and Chorus to play Handel’s ever-green hit, Messiah, which has been delighting audiences for almost 300 years.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 13th 2026
Time:
15:00
Price:
£5-£55

Culture Club

Music icons Boy George and Culture Club are known for classic hit singles including “Karma Chameleon” and “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me”.

Venue:
Utilita Arena, Arena Way, Newcastle, NE4 7NA
Date:
Dec 13th 2026
Time:
18:00
Price:
From £58.55

Goodnight Texas

Stories of the Americana of yore blend into the near past and present via tales of DB Cooper and North Dakota oil field workers. Electric guitars pound like hammers, but the mandolins still twinkle like dim stars.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 13th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£18

Mountain Song

High lonesome harmonies from the heart of the hills.

Venue:
The Waiting Room, 9 Station Road, Eaglescliffe, Stockton on Tees, TS16 0BU
Date:
Dec 13th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£17

Kate Rusby at Christmas

Blending traditional carols, glittering originals, and joyful festive favourites, folk Christmas queen Kate Rusby creates a magical, cosy atmosphere that audiences adore.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 14th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£27.30-£49.30

Lady Maisery and Jimmy & Sid present Awake Arise: A Midwinter Show For Our Times

In an unmissable collaboration, five of the English folk scene’s most inventive artists bring you Awake Arise – A Christmas Show For Our Times; celebrating the riches of our varied winter traditions and reflecting upon the hope and resilience in music and song that can bring joy to us all in the darkest season.

Venue:
Gosforth Civic Theatre, Regent Farm Road, Newcastle, NE3 3HD
Date:
Dec 14th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£22/£18.50

Scottish Christmas Songbook

A joyful festive concert featuring Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, John McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian Carr, Kevin McGuire and the Scottish Christmas Songbook Brass Ensemble.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 15th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£38

Demi Marriner

One of the UK’s most exciting Americana and country artists

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 15th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£20

Sinfonia of London - A Christmas Songbook

Gateshead’s very own John Wilson and his brilliant orchestra, Sinfonia of London play a perfectly seasoned blend of Christmas classics and Big Band hits.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 16th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£28-£58

The Deadlians

Dublin based band with a cult following playing folk songs, punk rock, psychedelic segues.

Venue:
The Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 16th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£15

Christmas at The Glasshouse with Matt Baker

Get in the festive spirit with presenter Matt Baker, conductor Ellie Slorach, Royal Northern Sinfonia and Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 17th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£5-£58

Morpeth Music Society concert: Corvus Consort with harpist Louise Thomson

Corvus Consort with harpist Louise Thomson performing a programme to include Britten, Judith Weir and Peter Maxwell Davies.

Venue:
Morpeth Methodist Church, Howard Terrace, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 1HU
Date:
Dec 17th 2026
Time:
19:30 - 21:30
Price:
£20

Ministry of Sound Classical

The very best tunes hand-picked from dance music history and recreated in a breathtaking performance by an incredible 31-piece orchestra.

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 17th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£54.55adv

The Wildcats of Kilkenny present Sparkle & Shine

Three jam packed ‘Sparkle & Shine’ shows promise to contain all of the usual festive chaos, special guests and smog infused snowy surprises that the ever-increasing Wildcats fanbase love. Sitting somewhere between a It’s A Wonderful Life, A Fairytale of New York, an anarchic Christmas School Assembly and with a hefty dose of Mike’s Teesside blarney, they remain the fastest selling Christmas gigs in the North of England.

Venue:
Arc, Dovecot Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1LL
Date:
Dec 17th 2026 - Dec 19th 2026
Time:
20:00
Price:
£30

Dr Feelgood

Formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s Dr. Feelgood remains one of the most popular and exciting live rhythm and blues acts in the world.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 17th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£22

Janice Burns & Jon Doran

Award-winning Anglo-Scottish duo who’s songs tell vivid stories about the nature of life and our place in the world.

Venue:
The Common Room, Neville Hall, Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 1SE
Date:
Dec 17th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£13-£20

Jez Lowe & The Bad Pennies: Defrosted!

Jez Lowe is back again this year with his band The Bad Pennies with their infectious mixture of seasonal songs, old favourites, toe-tapping tunes and witty banter.

Venue:
Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7NP
Date:
Dec 17th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£18/£16

The Sensational Alex Harvey Experience

A ‘Sensational’ tribute to Scotland’s finest, one-of-a-kind rock sons and his band.

Venue:
The Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 18th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£17.50-£19.50

The Local Heroes & Friends

The North East’s hottest new act, flying the flag for all things Geordie and some special guests will be joining them for this Christmas show. With big choruses, massive sing-alongs, and a setlist that reads like a love letter to the North East — Lindisfarne, Sam Fender, The Animals, Sting, Dire Straits, Jimmy Nail, Geordie, The Police, and a few traditional folk belters thrown in for good measure, this is going to be a cracker!

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 18th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£10

Simply the 80s Featuring That 80s Band

Get ready to travel back to the 80s with ‘That 80s Band’! From catchy pop anthems by Duran Duran and Wham to irresistible grooves from Billy Ocean and Hall & Oates, be prepared to sing and dance all night long. It’s a nostalgic sensation that’ll have you partying like it’s 1989!

Venue:
The Georgian Theatre, Green Dragon Yard, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1AE
Date:
Dec 18th 2026
Time:
20:00
Price:
£8adv/£5otd

Maybe Oasis, The Richard Ashcroft Experience & Gerry Mega Cinnamon

A night of the best tributes…

Venue:
The Middlesbrough Empire, Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2RT
Date:
Dec 18th 2026
Time:
18:30
Price:
£15/£20

The Jack Logan Band - Rat Pack & Big Band Christmas Show

Local Rat Pack and Buble' big band singer Jack Logan & his Band will bring you a very Special Xmas show.

Venue:
The White Room Music Cafe, 15 Station Rd, Stanley, Durham, DH9 0JL
Date:
Dec 18th 2026
Time:
19:45
Price:
£16.26

999

A veteran act on the London punk scene, 999 have outlived most of their peers among the bands that rose to fame during punk's first major splash in 1977.

Venue:
The Georgian Theatre, Green Dragon Yard, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1AE
Date:
Dec 19th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£15adv

Ultra:foxx

A tribute to the music of Ultravox and John Foxx.

Venue:
The Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 19th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£15

Lindisfarne

Legendary 70’s folk-rock pioneers.

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 19th 2026
Time:
18:45
Price:
£33.70

Strictly Smokin’ Big Band’s Christmas

Expect seasonal offerings with a mix of bold, contemporary and classic arrangements — but remember SSBB doesn’t always do things by the book, so you can expect a few curve balls in there as well.

Venue:
Alnwick Playhouse, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1PQ
Date:
Dec 19th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£23.50

Nu-Castle

Nu Metal Tribute Show.

Venue:
Anarchy Brew Co., Benfield Business Park, Unit A1, Enfield Road, Newcastle, NE6 4NQ
Date:
Dec 19th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£17.10

D’Ukes of Scarth – The Ukulele Christmas Sessions

Come along to The Witham and enjoy a fun filled afternoon of ukulele music with the D’Ukes of Scarth. Something for everyone – songs to join in with, songs to listen to, songs old, new and Christmassy.

Venue:
The Witham, 3 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8YL
Date:
Dec 19th 2026
Time:
14:00
Price:
£7

A Jazzy Christmas 2026

Featuring new arrangements of festive favourites penned by pianist Paul Edis and performed by the ‘velvet-voiced’ Jo Harrop alongside a 9-piece band, A Jazzy Christmas returns to the Glasshouse this December for their 10-year anniversary. You can expect to hear classic Christmas hits reimagined as swinging big band numbers, sambas and much more besides.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 19th 2026
Times:
14:00, 20:00
Price:
£22.30

The Bottom Line

Emerging from England's South Coast, The Bottom Line have grown with the wave of revival acts in the Pop Punk scene.

Venue:
The Grove, 1 St Michael's Rd, Byker, Newcastle, NE6 1QU
Date:
Dec 19th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£16.50

Nuromantica Christmas Party

The NU name in 80s, Nuromantica play their annual Christmas party, playing classics from artists such as: Duran Duran, The Human League, King, Spandau Ballet, ABC, Ultravox, and many more!

Venue:
The Exchange, 1 Howard Street, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE30 1SE
Date:
Dec 20th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£14.50

Richie Remo

Get ready for a brilliant night of country and Irish music as Richie Remo brings his energy, great songs, and party atmosphere to Newcastle for the very first time.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 20th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£12.50-£25