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The Crack Magazine

Music

Northern Roots Winter Showcase

A cozy winter showcase celebrating the best of Northern Roots music and culture! Featuring REiiGN, Chloe Castro, Kay Greyson, Mcxxne, Sisi, Gift, Manny The Mann, Angel, Fabz, K1 SGO, Miss Bundz, DJ Jamal G and Sushi Sound.

Venue:
PILGRIM, 54 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, NE1 6SF
Date:
Dec 11th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
Free, booking required

Ransom Van

Headed by local jazz guitar maestro Rich Herdman and accompanied by double bass legend Jude Murphy, the soulful, heartfelt vocals of Shayo and sweet, melodic harmonica from Ray Burns.

Venue:
Black Swan Bar, Newcastle Arts Centre, 69 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 1SG
Date:
Dec 11th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£5

The Brand New Club #31

Independent’s (not) monthly new bands showcase night The Brand New Club. Featuring New Eye, One Month Apart, Trivia and RIOT.

Venue:
Independent, 27/28 Holmeside, Sunderland, SR1 3JE
Date:
Dec 11th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
Free

Cherry Knowle + Claudia + Nemo

Venue:
The Globe, 11 Railway Street, Newcastle, NE4 7AD
Date:
Dec 11th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£8adv/£10otd

Steröid

Aussie punks at The Lubber once again - egg punk galore.

Venue:
The Lubber Fiend, 81 Blandford Square, Newcastle, NE1 3PZ
Date:
Dec 11th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£10

999

The legendary 999 with support from Snide Remarks and Parting Shot.

Venue:
Trillians Rock Bar, Princess Square, Newcastle, NE1 8ER
Date:
Dec 11th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£12adv/£15otd

Pestilence

Dutch death metal band.

Venue:
The Grove, 1 St Michael's Rd, Byker, Newcastle, NE6 1QU
Date:
Dec 11th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£27.50

Phantom Step + Glass + Vennels + Slow Filter

Venue:
NE Volume Music Bar, 21d Yarm Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3DR
Date:
Dec 11th 2025
Time:
18:00
Price:
£7adv/£9otd

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The Bootleg Beatles

The world’s Premier Beatles band and their orchestra.

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
18:30
Price:
£40.95adv

The Devout

Depeche Mode Tribute.

Venue:
Newcastle University Students Union, Kings Road, Newcastle, NE2 4NL
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£17.60adv

Tony Hadley, The Christmas Big Band Tour 2025

Tony will perform a selection of timeless jazz standards and swing anthems in his distinctive, powerhouse voice, from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Elvis Presley. He’ll also blend the old with the new by performing stylish reworkings of Spandau Ballet classics, such as ‘True’, ‘Gold’, and ‘Through The Barricades’.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £45

Remones

Ramones Tribute.

Venue:
The Black Bull, Mulgrave Terrace, Gateshead, NE8 1PQ
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
20:30
Price:
£11

Cattle & Cane (Acoustic)

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their debut album ‘Home’, indie-folk siblings Cattle & Cane are releasing the much loved album on vinyl for the first time, as well as performing some special ‘Home’ stripped back acoustic live shows across the country.

Venue:
The Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£17.50

Dirtbox Disco + Guitar Gangsters

Venue:
The Central Bar, Half Moon Lane, Gateshead, NE8 2AN
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£22

Smoove & Turrell

North Eastern Northern Soul. Smoove & Turrell perform singles from their extensive back catalogue spanning eight albums.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£26.30

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Marketplace

Hartlepool’s Marketplace return for a pre-Christmas homecoming. With their infectious indie-pop, sold-out shows nationwide, and acclaimed new EP Marketplace Mean Business, expect a night of irresistible hooks and high-energy performance.

Venue:
The Studio, Tower Street, Hartlepool, TS24 7HQ
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£7adv

The Chicago Blues Brothers

Fresh from London’s West End, The Chicago Blues Brothers’ RESPECT Greatest Hits tour brings 40 Motown, soul, rock and roll, and Blues Brothers classics!

Venue:
The Fire Station, High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3HA
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £28

Oh My God! It’s The Church

The band’s fearless leader Reverend Michael Alabama Jackson promises to dress to impress and bless your excess as he is joined by his 10-piece band on a mission to save your soul with Rock’n’Roll.

Venue:
The Georgian Theatre, Green Dragon Yard, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1AE
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£19adv

Ventura Highway

A new collective of pro-players with a killer set of yacht rock and blue-eyed soul (Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Toto, Hall & Oates and more).

Venue:
PILGRIM, 54 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, NE1 6SF
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£5

X-Fest 2025

The festive celebration of original live music is KU’s last original gig of the year and it makes a long-awaited return featuring four top up-and-coming acts. Featuring Arkayla and Casino alongside two stars of the local scene – Blackout The Arcade and The Wednesday Flowers.

Venue:
KU, Prince Regent Street, Stockton, TS18 1DB
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£12.50

The Sensational Alex Harvey Experience

Sensational tribute to the Sensational Alex Harvey Band.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£16.50

Darlington Rnb Club Christmas Party: Aynsley Lister

One of the UK’s hottest contemporary blues guitarists – many consider him to be among the best in the world. His unique brand of blues-based rock delivers contemporary song writing fueled with the kind of heart and soul that’s missing from so much modern music. Support from Smokehouse 3.

Venue:
The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£20

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Shipcote and Friends + Philippa Ogden

Gentle Geordie country swinging tunes & lilting self-penned charm-filled songs by acclaimed local acoustic trio Shipcote & Friends. Support from Philippa Ogden who has been singing and playing old-time and bluegrass fiddle /guitar for many years.

Venue:
The Globe, 11 Railway Street, Newcastle, NE4 7AD
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£10

LN

Pagan viking metal.

Venue:
Anarchy Brew Co., Benfield Business Park, Unit A1, Enfield Road, Newcastle, NE6 4NQ
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
18:30
Price:
£10-£12

Camel Island

High-energy indie rock trio hailing from the North East of England, playing their debut EP in full alongside new material and old favourites.

Venue:
The Bridge Hotel, Castle Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1RQ
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£5

Rapid Aye Movement (A Tribute to R.E.M.)

The North Easts Finest R.E.M. Tribute band playing all the hits and more.

Venue:
The Cumberland Arms, James Place Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE6 1LD
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
19:30 - 23:00
Price:
£10

Creaking Bones & The Sunday Dinners

Formerly Deacon Jones and the Sinners, who brought you the best in good time rhythm and blues. Support from Led Presley.

Venue:
The Hive, Nenthead, Cumbria, CA9 3PF
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£10

Rare Breed

Northern Alternative Metal band. Supported by Marrick, Detonata, Alvo Jade and Pretentious. All proceeds will go to Middlesbrough Food Bank to help feed people at Christmas time.

Venue:
The Green Room, Green Dragon Studios, Theatre Yard, (off High Street), Stockton on Tees, TS18 1JZ
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
18:30
Price:
£7adv

Fiesta En El Vacio and Memotone

Big up. Double headliner. Fiesta En El Vacio make janky, warped electronics with an almost cold wave feel, mixed with elements of folk and flamenco and even dub at times. Memotone similarly crafts little worlds within his songs, drawing from jazz, field recordings and folk to name a few. Support from Worm Saliva aka Me Lost Me aka Jayne Dent.

Venue:
The Lubber Fiend, 81 Blandford Square, Newcastle, NE1 3PZ
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£12

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NE Street Band

A night full of Springsteen classics, covers, sing a longs & of course some festive favourites.

Venue:
The White Room Music Cafe, 15 Station Rd, Stanley, Durham, DH9 0JL
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
19:45
Price:
£13

Splint-R

Hyperpop-punk from Liverpool. Supports from Burnouts & Critch.

Venue:
The Grove, 1 St Michael's Rd, Byker, Newcastle, NE6 1QU
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£11

Sounds of Underground: Groundbird

Groundbird and Honoured Guests play songs about ghosts, gunge and graves deep underground in the Victoria Tunnel.

Venue:
Victoria Tunnel, 55 Lime Street, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
18:30
Price:
£8

The 1202

Plus support.

Venue:
NE Volume Music Bar, 21d Yarm Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3DR
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
18:00
Price:
£7adv/£9otd

The Jive Aces, "Swinging Christmas Show"

This special Christmas-themed show promises a festive evening of toe-tapping classics and high-energy numbers that have become The Jive Aces' trademark. Expect to hear a joyful mix of swing, jive, and rhythm & blues, with just the right amount of holiday cheer sprinkled in.

Venue:
The Witham, 3 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8YL
Date:
Dec 12th 2025
Time:
20:00 - 22:30
Price:
£22

ABBA-Merry Christmas

Get ready to say “Mamma Mia!” this festive season as ABBA-MERRY Christmas brings you the ultimate festive party!

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
18:30
Price:
£29.90adv

Aynsley Lister

One of the most exciting contemporary blues guitarists around today.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£18

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Cattle & Cane

Indie-folk siblings.

Venue:
Arc, Dovecot Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1LL
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£24

Niall Southall...is Elvis!

Local legend Niall Southall and his band return after taking the roof off last Christmas!

Venue:
Saltburn Community Theatre, Albion Terrace, Saltburn by The Sea, TS12 1JW
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£18.50

Fastlove - The Tribute to George Michael

Venue:
The Fire Station, High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3HA
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £28

Black Eyed Sons

Members of The Quireboys and Down n’ Outz are joined by an amazing collection of fellow musicians for a joyous collaboration of mutual admiration and musical celebration.

Venue:
The Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£20

A Jazzy Christmas - Paul Edis and Friends

Featuring new arrangements of festive favourites penned by pianist Paul Edis, with the velvet-voiced Jo Harrop and a swinging 9-piece band, A Jazzy Christmas has become an annual tradition.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Times:
14:00, 20:00
Price:
£18.40-£21.80

Kate Rusby - Christmas is Merry

Kate Rusby celebrates 20 years of festive joy with this year’s tour, ‘Christmas Is Merry’—a heart-warming tradition for thousands of fans. Her pure, unmistakable voice breathes new life into traditional South Yorkshire carols, winter songs, and Christmas classics, creating an enchanting, magical atmosphere.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
From £40.90

Salty Dog

3 Guys who play for the fun of it and for the love of the music.

Venue:
Alnwick Playhouse, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1PQ
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
19:45
Price:
£15

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Simply the 80’s Christmas Special Featuring Ant Trouble

Annual 80’s Xmas special featuring the excellent Ant Trouble the UK’s Number One tribute to ‘Adam and the Ants’. With a DJ playing 80’s bangers until late it’s guaranteed to be a ball!

Venue:
The Georgian Theatre, Green Dragon Yard, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1AE
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£8 or 5 for £35

Ohasis

Oasis tribute.

Venue:
KU, Prince Regent Street, Stockton, TS18 1DB
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£13

These Smiths

A Tribute to The Smiths.

Venue:
Independent, 27/28 Holmeside, Sunderland, SR1 3JE
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£15

Brazilian Christmas Party: Roda de Samba w. Banda Zuêra & Andrea Robertson aka SistaSoul

Experience timeless classics by the likes of Gilberto Gil, Ivete Sangalo, and Jorge Ben Jor performed by some of the UK’s top musicians in a distinctly Brazilian style.

Venue:
Cobalt Studios Ltd, 10-16 Boyd Street, Newcastle, NE2 1AP
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£10-£14

Destination: Elton Xmas Special

It’s a proper Xmas party night out as the hit show returns, with 11 top session bods celebrating Elton John’s stunning back catalogue. Expect all his classics, from those high octane, up-tempo bangers, to his melodic & beautiful ballads, for a proper festive knees-up.

Venue:
Wylam Brewery, Palace of Arts, Exhibition Park, Newcastle, NE2 4PZ
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£17-£19

Roxy Magic

The UK’s best and longest-running tribute to Roxy Music.

Venue:
The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£13

Christmas Carols – Northern Camerata

Northern Camerata presents a magical candlelit evening of Christmas inspired music. From the Baroque splendours of Corelli’s Christmas Concerto and Pachelbel’s famous Canon, to many of your favourite Christmas songs and melodies.

Venue:
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, Woodland Road, Durham, DH7 9RH
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£14/£10

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Sedgefield Rock n Blues Club: Rhino's Revenge

Unleashing raw power and rebellious spirit, Rhino's Revenge is more than just a band—it's a sonic stampede led by John "Rhino" Edwards, legendary bassist of Status Quo. Support from Anth Purdy.

Venue:
Sedgefield Parish Hall, Front Street, Sedgefield, County Durham, TS21 3AT
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
TBC
Price:
£17.50

The Fire Doors

A celebration of The Doors’ six classic albums, from the brooding psychedelia of the self-titled debut to the bluesy howl of L.A. Woman.

Venue:
Pop Recs Ltd, 172-175 High St W, Sunniside, Sunderland, SR1 1UP
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£12

The Washboard Resonators

Fine purveyors of blues, jazz, folk, music hall and hokum.

Venue:
The White Room Music Cafe, 15 Station Rd, Stanley, Durham, DH9 0JL
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
19:45
Price:
£13

Split the Ticket

Alternative indie rock band from Newcastle.

Venue:
The Grove, 1 St Michael's Rd, Byker, Newcastle, NE6 1QU
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£7.70