Free cookie consent management tool by TermsFeed Jump directly to main content

The Crack Magazine

Music

The Twang

One of the seminal indie bands of the mid 00’s.

Venue:
Digital, Times Square, Newcastle, NE1 4EP
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£27.50

Jimmy Regal and the Royals

One of the UK's most exciting and original bands on the circuit.

Venue:
Claypath Delicatessen, Claypath, Durham, DH1 1QS
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£12/£10

Bruiser

Plus support.

Venue:
NE Volume Music Bar, 21d Yarm Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3DR
Date:
Dec 13th 2025
Time:
18:00
Price:
£7adv/£9otd

Blues in the Bar Featuring Jimmy Regal and the Royals

Nominated by the UK Blues Federation in 2024 for band of the year and album of the year, Jimmy Regal and the Royals are one of the UK’s most exciting and original bands on the circuit.

Venue:
The Georgian Theatre, Green Dragon Yard, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1AE
Date:
Dec 14th 2025
Time:
15:00
Price:
£10adv

A Fairytale for Christmas

Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as singers, musicians and dancers perform Yuletide favourites “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” and “The Fairytale of New York”. Alongside a celebration of Irish culture with sing-along songs including ”The Galway Girl”, and “The Irish Rover”.

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 14th 2025
Time:
18:30
Price:
£23.70adv

Fleeting Rumours

A live dedication to Fleetwood Mac.

Venue:
PILGRIM, 54 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, NE1 6SF
Date:
Dec 14th 2025
Time:
16:00
Price:
£21.20adv

Handel's Messiah

Kristian Bezuidenhout returns to Gateshead, this time conducting Royal Northern Sinfonia. They'll be playing one of the pieces of music where ‘iconic’ is an apt word – George Frideric Handel’s Messiah.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 14th 2025
Time:
15:00
Price:
£22.50-£50.50

Martin Stephenson presents Frank & Jim - North East Legends

Accomplished entertainer Martin Stephenson pays tribute to two veteran heroes of the North East, Franky Gibbon and Jim Hornsby.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 14th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£24

glasshouse dec 25.gif

Nëwsün

Glaswegian stoner/psych/proto metal rockers.

Venue:
The Lubber Fiend, 81 Blandford Square, Newcastle, NE1 3PZ
Date:
Dec 14th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£10

Christmas Service with Ushaw Chapel Choir

A festive and welcoming gathering filled with music, reflection, and community spirit. The afternoon will feature performances by Ushaw Chapel Choir, alongside classic carols, inspiring readings and prayer.

Venue:
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, Woodland Road, Durham, DH7 9RH
Date:
Dec 14th 2025
Time:
14:00
Price:
Free

Juliet’s Not Dead

Heralding from the North East of England, Juliet’s Not Dead (JND) are an adrenaline fuelled, modern hard rock band, driven by the sole intention of thrilling their audiences at each and every show.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 14th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£15

Hacktivist

British rap/metal legends return with a new line up and the same blistering energy levels. Support from Negatives and Culturist.

Venue:
The Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 14th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£15

The Sean Noonan Trio

The combo explores the outer boundaries of musical radicalism, speculatively blending new music, free improvisation, and rhythmic storytelling.

Venue:
The Globe, 11 Railway Street, Newcastle, NE4 7AD
Date:
Dec 14th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£10adv/£12otd

The Singles Club Christmas Special

Join Mr Drayton & Mr Walton for a gentle stroll through a Winter Wonderland of the 10 Greatest Christmas 45 rpm singles. Expect stories, music, daftness and a splendid competition.

Venue:
The Central Bar, Half Moon Lane, Gateshead, NE8 2AN
Date:
Dec 14th 2025
Time:
16:30
Price:
£11

Alexia Gardner Quintet

The evening promises to be one full of festive spirit with lots of old time jazz, standards & of course plenty of festive classics to get you in the mood for Christmas time.

Venue:
The White Room Music Cafe, 15 Station Rd, Stanley, Durham, DH9 0JL
Date:
Dec 14th 2025
Time:
18:30
Price:
£14

gct 2.jpg

Pink Skies

A fundraiser in memory of Natalie ft. Ernie, Sarah Johsone, Frankie Jobling & Tommy Arch.

Venue:
The Grove, 1 St Michael's Rd, Byker, Newcastle, NE6 1QU
Date:
Dec 14th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£10

The Coyote Men

Some Garage Rock 'n' Roll Punk on a Sunday afternoon?!? Why not? Support from Garage Rock 'n' Rollers The Ravaged.

Venue:
Billy Bootleggers, Arch 2, Stepney Bank, Newcastle, NE1 2NP
Date:
Dec 14th 2025
Time:
14:00 - 18:00
Price:
Free/£2

Miss Winehouse & Me

Tribute night celebrating the voice, soul and attitude of Amy Winehouse.

Venue:
Salt Market Social, 1 Liddell St, North Shields, NE30 1HE
Date:
Dec 14th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£8-£11.50

Cara Dillon Upon A Winter's Night

Cara Dillon, renowned for her ethereal voice and hailed as one of the finest in Irish folk, returns with her beloved Christmas show, Upon A Winter’s Night. For many, her spellbinding show has become an essential, uplifting part of Christmas. The show offers a poignant escape from the hectic holiday season, blending ancient carols with modern songs and Celtic rhythms.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 15th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£33.80

IDER

Singer-songwriter duo from London. Megan Markwick and Lily Somerville create music that combines features of various musical genres, and it has been described as “cross-genre”.

Venue:
The Common Room, Neville Hall, Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 1SE
Date:
Dec 15th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£17

Laura Stevenson

Lilting melodies and a sweet vocal tone follow Laura Stevenson's stylized folk-rock through diversions into distortion-fueled indie rock and whimsical folk.

Venue:
The Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 15th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£13.50

Jez Lowe’s Winter Wanderings

Back for another year of upbeat songs and humour from the song traditions of the North-East of England, Jez Lowe and his intrepid band of touring musicians head off on their Winter Wanderings with you this winter!

Venue:
Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7NP
Date:
Dec 15th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£17/£15

northernschoolofart2.png

Snoopies Children + Pale Ale + Lydia Harvey

3 Great bands.

Venue:
The Globe, 11 Railway Street, Newcastle, NE4 7AD
Date:
Dec 15th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£5adv/£7otd

Cian Ducrot

Irish singer, songwriter, producer and classically-trained multi-instrumentalist.

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 16th 2025
Time:
18:00
Price:
£34.95adv

The Sweet

A National Treasure and Glam Rock Royalty who have taken the world by storm for six decades. With special guest John Otway.

Venue:
Arc, Dovecot Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1LL
Date:
Dec 16th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£32

A Jazzy Christmas: Paul Edis and Friends

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 is returning to the Queens Hall, Hexham this December. You can expect to hear classic Christmas hits reimagined as swinging big band numbers, sambas and much more besides!

Venue:
Queen's Hall Arts Centre, Beaumont Street, Hexham, NE46 3LS
Date:
Dec 16th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £18

Janice Burns & Jon Doran

Award-winning Anglo-Scottish duo who came together after discovering a shared love of traditional music.

Venue:
The Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 16th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£15

Christmas Carols – Rock Choir

Get ready for a feel-good festive performance from Rock Choir, with infectious energy and uplifting arrangements of popular Christmas hits, this is a joyful celebration of community and song.

Venue:
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, Woodland Road, Durham, DH7 9RH
Date:
Dec 16th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£14/£10

SHAN + Iron Petals + CLÄG

A genre-bending night of eclectic sludge featuring doomy hardcore elements from openers CLÄG, punky sludge with melodic vocals, (dubbed ‘sugar sludge’) from IRON PETALS, and bringing their own brand of RAW noise and sludgey goodness to top the night off are noise rock duo SHAN.

Venue:
The Globe, 11 Railway Street, Newcastle, NE4 7AD
Date:
Dec 16th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£7adv/£9otd

rude health 2.jpg

The Wildhearts

Since forming in 1989, The Wildhearts have remained at the forefront of the British rock scene and their legendary live shows have been second to none.

Venue:
Digital, Times Square, Newcastle, NE1 4EP
Date:
Dec 16th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£27.50

Christmas at The Glasshouse

Royal Northern Sinfonia and Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia bring the festive feels to Sage One with the ultimate Christmas carol concert.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 17th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£23-£51

Big Country

One of Scotland's most iconic bands, known for their unique fusion of post-punk, new wave, and Scottish rock influences.

Venue:
Boiler Shop, 20 South Street, Newcastle, NE1 3PE
Date:
Dec 17th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£40.10adv

A Jazzy Christmas – Paul Edis and Friends

Featuring new arrangements of festive favourites penned by pianist Paul Edis and performed by the ‘velvet-voiced’ Jo Harrop alongside a 9-piece band.

Venue:
The Fire Station, High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3HA
Date:
Dec 17th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £18

Daniel Vildósola & John Waugh

They may come from opposite sides of the Atlantic but together, their music finds an effortless middle ground. Drawing from their vastly different environments, they’ve created a sound that feels natural, fusing Americana and jazz with a sense of place and history that’s both personal and expansive.

Venue:
The Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 17th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£12

A Deer For Your Lamb presents Withered Hand

“One of the greatest Alt-folkies” - The Scotsman. The mesmerising Withered Hand comes to Lubber Fiend supported by some very special guests.

Venue:
The Lubber Fiend, 81 Blandford Square, Newcastle, NE1 3PZ
Date:
Dec 17th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£14 adv

Newcastle Cathedral Choir’s Candlelit Carols

The programme moves from ancient words of expectation to lullabies of peace, from joyful dances and timeless carols to striking contemporary works. With melodies both familiar and fresh, pause amid the busyness of the season to be uplifted by the beauty of voices in harmony.

Venue:
Newcastle Cathedral, St. Nicholas Sq, Newcastle, NE1 1DF
Date:
Dec 17th 2025 - Dec 22nd 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£21.50

hate crime long.png

Christmas Carols – Durham Miners Brass Band

Enjoy an evening of seasonal music and festive favourites, as the rich tones of brass fill the chapel and capture the true spirit of Christmas.

Venue:
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, Woodland Road, Durham, DH7 9RH
Date:
Dec 17th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£14/£10

Houghton Brass Christmas Concert

The band will treat you to a huge range of Christmas repertoire from traditional Christmas tunes and carols, to more contemporary festive compositions.

Venue:
Sunderland Minster, High St West, Sunderland, SR1 3ET
Date:
Dec 17th 2025
Time:
18:30
Price:
£10

Kampus + HellDawg, Rancor and Countess

Venue:
The Grove, 1 St Michael's Rd, Byker, Newcastle, NE6 1QU
Date:
Dec 17th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£6.60

Voices of Virtue: Teesside Festive Party

A fantastic Christmas night out with the legendary North East gospel and soul choir, packed with stunning vocals, infectious grooves, and uplifting, feel-good music for everyone.

Venue:
Arc, Dovecot Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1LL
Date:
Dec 17th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£22adv/under 16s £16

Jess Gillam Ensemble

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

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 18th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£28

The Wildcats of Kilkenny: Gaudete!

Rejoice! These shows have been clinically proven to start Christmas off in thousands of lives over the past two and a half decades! The Wildcats of Kilkenny are Teesside’s champions of Christmas spirit and their parties get bigger and better every single year.

Venue:
Arc, Dovecot Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1LL
Date:
Dec 18th 2025 - Dec 20th 2025
Time:
20:00
Price:
£29.50

Sinfonia of London A Christmas Songbook

The magnificent Sinfonia of London orchestra play a swinging mix of Christmas classics and Big Band hits, from Let’s Face the Music and Dance to Winter Wonderland.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 18th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£24.50-£52.50

hate crime 2.png

Moss / Chump Wrecker / Old Corpse Road

Moss: Dark and intelligent trip hop. Chump Wrecker: North East based Industrialised DAWless Breakcore DnB. Old Corpse Road: British black metal based on the dark folklore of Britain.

Venue:
The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG
Date:
Dec 18th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£6

Trevor Horn and his Band

Legendary music producer Trevor Horn heads out on an exclusive run of UK tour dates for his new career-spanning live show 'Video Killed The Radio Star'.

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

Fresh Thursday // Manon Mccoy & Alice Brookes + Dawn Terry

A unique regular event that showcases new music alongside a home-cooked meal. Featuring a Manchester based collaboration between electronics/sound artist Manon McCoy and vocalist/ composer Alice Brookes. Support from Dawn Terry, who produces vast minimalist landscapes with looped accordion drones, hypnotic drumming, slowly intoned vocals and spoken word passages about love, drugs and vengeance.

Venue:
Cobalt Studios Ltd, 10-16 Boyd Street, Newcastle, NE2 1AP
Date:
Dec 18th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£8-£15

Christmas Carols – Ushaw Chapel Choir

Join Ushaw Chapel Choir for an uplifting evening, featuring a beautiful selection of traditional carols, choral classics, and seasonal favourites, all performed in the enchanting surroundings of St Cuthbert’s Chapel.

Venue:
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, Woodland Road, Durham, DH7 9RH
Date:
Dec 18th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£14/£10

Salarymen

Australian indie band playing a jangly, sun-soaked fusion of dream pop, rock and psych. Support from Eddie Doyle.

Venue:
The Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Dec 18th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£10

Volta + Vampire Gurls + Anacrusive

3 emerging bands.

Venue:
The Globe, 11 Railway Street, Newcastle, NE4 7AD
Date:
Dec 18th 2025
Time:
19:00
Price:
£6adv/£8otd

Mediaeval Baebes

One of Europe’s most successful female-led early music and folk ensembles will captivate listeners with rich, ethereal harmonies and a variety of ancient and forgotten languages.

Venue:
Newcastle Cathedral, St. Nicholas Sq, Newcastle, NE1 1DF
Date:
Dec 18th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£15-£32.50

glasshouse dec 25.gif

Jim Soler + Dylan Ribeiro + Joel Harrison

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

Christmas at The Musicals

There’s nothing like a musical to make you laugh, cry, leave on a high. Enjoy the timeless glamour and high drama of your favourite West End and Broadway shows with Royal Northern Sinfonia, conductor Stephen Bell and some very special guests from the West End and Broadway.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Dec 19th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£23-£51

Green Day, Fall Out Boy and Weezer Tribute Night

A Hella-Mega-inspired Christmas special, with a triple bill of pop punk rock tributes.

Venue:
The Georgian Theatre, Green Dragon Yard, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1AE
Date:
Dec 19th 2025
Time:
19:30
Price:
£14adv

Slade

Slade’s unique blend of pop and rock'n'roll, outrageous flamboyance and pure fun, and no less than 23 Top 20 singles, they have become a firm favourite in the hearts of pop fans all over the world.

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Dec 19th 2025
Time:
18:30
Price:
£41.50adv