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The Crack Magazine

Music

ECHO Rising Stars Festival

Four of the best young classical musicians around perform a mix of traditional and contemporary classical music chosen to showcase their incredible talents.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Jan 24th 2026
Time:
10:00 - 19:15
Price:
£21.50-£26

Re-Take That

Jason Orange calls the show “brilliant”. Dec of Ant and Dec says it’s “the best Take That tribute act you’ll ever see”. . .

Venue:
Tyne Theatre and Opera House, 111 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 4AG
Date:
Jan 24th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£30.25-£39.25

Money For Nothing

A tribute to the Dire Straits like no other before.

Venue:
The Fire Station, High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3HA
Date:
Jan 24th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £26

Showaddywaddy

‘The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World’ is a bold statement but Showaddywaddy has lived up to that title for the last 5 decades!

Venue:
The Forum Theatre, Queensway, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees, TS23 2LJ
Date:
Jan 24th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £28.50

Big Girls Don't Cry

The Internationally-acclaimed Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

Venue:
Middlesbrough Theatre, The Avenue, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS5 6SA
Date:
Jan 24th 2026
Time:
18:45
Price:
£30

Paul Jones & Dave Kelly

A live acoustic set by this dynamic duo is an occasion you’ll remember. If you’re a true Blues fan, everything you need is here.

Venue:
The Witham, 3 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8YL
Date:
Jan 24th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£30

The Classic Rock Show

An amazing opportunity for rock fans, young and old, to celebrate three decades of the world’s greatest classic rock music with a stunning multi-million dollar sound and light show to match.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Jan 24th 2026 - Jan 25th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£46.50-£52.10

Beethoven's Septet

Royal Northern Sinfonia and Maria Włoszczowska play Haydn, Strauss and Beethoven.

Venue:
St Mary's Church, Wooler, Northumberland
Date:
Jan 24th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£tbc

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Noise Pollution / Rarebreed

North-East based grunge band “Noise Pollution” co-headline with “ Rarebreed”, an alternative metal band from Teeside, joint on support by Hell Dawg and Fractures.

Venue:
Independent, 27/28 Holmeside, Sunderland, SR1 3JE
Date:
Jan 24th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£7

Yuilly

Headlining with support from Scrannabis + Dee1 for a night filled with some of the best rap music in the north east.

Venue:
The Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Jan 24th 2026
Time:
18:00
Price:
£5

Not The Rolling Stones

Tribute to the Rolling Stones.

Venue:
The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG
Date:
Jan 24th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£15

Headfirst for Halos

“Hailing from Newcastle’s West End, Headfirst for Halos are making serious noise with their fresh sound and passionate songwriting, expect a unique blend of Punk Energy, heavy riffs and emotional depth”.

Venue:
The Globe, 11 Railway Street, Newcastle, NE4 7AD
Date:
Jan 24th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£5adv

Beethoven's Septet

An afternoon of chamber music – basically music for small, intimate spaces, designed to be shared between friends. On the bill is a joke from Haydn, the merry pranks of the practical joker Till Eulenspiegel as imagined by Richard Strauss, plus the lighter side of Beethoven with his Septet.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Jan 25th 2026
Time:
15:00
Price:
£23.50

Le Vent Du Nord

The multi-award winning and highly acclaimed Le Vent du Nord is a leading force in Québec’s progressive francophone folk movement.

Venue:
Alnwick Playhouse, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1PQ
Date:
Jan 25th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£25

Royal Northern Sinfonia: Spohr’s Nonet

Elegant. Expansive. Criminally underplayed. Louis Spohr’s Nonet in F major doesn’t turn up on concert programmes all that often – which is a shame, because it’s a proper treat.

Venue:
The Witham, 3 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8YL
Date:
Jan 25th 2026
Time:
14:00
Price:
£22/under 30s £10

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The Caldeiras / Short Back and Shields

Kicking off Independent Venue Week 2026 with three hotly tipped up and coming North East bands: The Caldeiras and Short Back And Shields co-headlining with support from Dog Days.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Jan 26th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£7

The Pete Roth Trio feat Bill Bruford

The band creates jazz for a new generation of music enthusiasts, exploring beyond traditional jazz conventions.

Venue:
The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG
Date:
Jan 27th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£20

Legends of American Country Show

Europe’s No.1 multi-award-winning show returns for another fantastic night of toe-tapping Country nostalgia!

Venue:
Queen's Hall Arts Centre, Beaumont Street, Hexham, NE46 3LS
Date:
Jan 27th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £28

The Rock Anthems Show

With classics like 'Don’t Stop Believin’', 'Livin’ on a Prayer', 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'Sweet Child o’ Mine', and 'Summer of ‘69', this is the ultimate soundtrack to a great night out.

Venue:
Darlington Hippodrome, Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR
Date:
Jan 28th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£17.50-£38

The James Hunter Six

British singer, songwriter and GRAMMY-nominated James Hunter and his six-piece band deliver a dose of timeless rhythm & soul.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Jan 28th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£28.50

Mama Terra

Hotly tipped nu-jazz show – as seen at Ronnie Scotts and SXSW festival.

Venue:
PILGRIM, 54 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, NE1 6SF
Date:
Jan 28th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£18

Dylan Leblanc

A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who often finds himself flirting with the edge – or “dancing on a razor,” as he calls it. A verdict vagabondsince he was a little boy tossed between Texas, Louisiana and Alabama, LeBlanc thrives on the precipice, never staying in one place for too long.

Venue:
The Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Jan 28th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£17.50

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One Night Of Billy Joel – The Piano Man

The ultimate celebration concert to one of the most iconic and best-selling artists of all time.

Venue:
The Forum Theatre, Queensway, Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees, TS23 2LJ
Date:
Jan 29th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £26

Kim Richey (USA)

Acclaimed American country songwriter.

Venue:
The Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Jan 29th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£18

Sam Scherdel

Blending heartland grit with widescreen indie ambition, Scherdel delivers raw honesty, huge choruses, and cinematic energy — channelling Springsteen with the soul of Paolo Nutini and Ray LaMontagne.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Jan 29th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£10

GlasVille - The Modern Country Music Show

Glasville have established themselves as the pinnacle of modern country music bands in the UK and their tenth anniversary tour promises a night of live music you won’t want to miss.

Venue:
Middlesbrough Town Hall, Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2QJ
Date:
Jan 30th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£29.95

The ELO Show

The World’s Greatest tribute to Jeff Lynne and E.L.O.

Venue:
Darlington Hippodrome, Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR
Date:
Jan 30th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£18-£32

Radio Gaga

Queen tribute.

Venue:
Tyne Theatre and Opera House, 111 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 4AG
Date:
Jan 30th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£33.50

Bad Manners

English Two Tone Ska band fronted by the legendary Buster Bloodvessel.

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Jan 30th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£35.80adv

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The Glam Rock Show – Get It On

Bringing you the biggest hits from T. Rex, Slade, Bowie, The Bay City Rollers, Sweet, Suzi Quatro, Wizzard, Mud, and more.

Venue:
Empire Theatre and Cinema, Front Street, Consett, DH8 5AB
Date:
Jan 30th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £26

Celebrating Celine

The ultimate live concert experience honouring the legendary music of Celine Dion.

Venue:
Middlesbrough Theatre, The Avenue, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS5 6SA
Date:
Jan 30th 2026
Time:
18:30
Price:
£32.50

Calling Planet Earth

Relive, sing, dance and party to many of the best 80s songs ever from artists such as Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Ultravox, Visage, Tears For Fears, ABC, Japan, Yazoo, Human League, Eurythmics and more.

Venue:
Middlesbrough Town Hall, Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2QJ
Date:
Jan 30th 2026
Time:
18:30
Price:
£31

Lunchtime Classical Concert | Alison Gill

Performing Fanny Henschel’s Das Jahr (German for “The Year”), A groundbreaking cycle of 12 solo piano pieces characterizing the 12 months of the year plus a short postlude.

Venue:
The Lit & Phil, 23 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 1SE
Date:
Jan 30th 2026
Time:
13:00
Price:
Free

The Jive Aces

The UK’s No.1 jive and swing band. They effortlessly transition from smooth-as-butter ballads to rip-roaring rhythm & blues, with a nod to the raw, foot-stomping roots of rock ‘n’ roll.

Venue:
Alnwick Playhouse, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1PQ
Date:
Jan 30th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£23.50

Vukovi

Scottish alt-rock duo.

Venue:
Newcastle University Students Union, Kings Road, Newcastle, NE2 4NL
Date:
Jan 30th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£22.50+bf

Foghorn Stringband

The present day gold standard for real-deal hard-hitting genuine old-time American string band music. Support from Serious Sam Barrett.

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

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The Unthanks at 20: An anniversary special with Royal Northern Sinfonia

The Unthanks unite with Royal Northern Sinfonia to celebrate 20 years as a band in spectacular style. Simultaneously marking the 10th anniversary of The Unthanks winning BBC Folk Album of the Year, with Mount The Air, the show features cherry-picked crowd favourites from across their 15 albums to-date.

Venue:
The Glasshouse, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2YR
Date:
Jan 30th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£35.30-£42

Girl Power Live

Bringing together the timeless hits of the most legendary women in music, performed by an electrifying 8-piece live band. From the powerful anthems of Whitney and Beyoncé to the pop perfection of Madonna, Kylie, and Gaga, this show delivers non-stop energy and unforgettable tunes.

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

Pete Roth Trio feat. Bill Bruford

The band creates jazz for a new generation of music enthusiasts, exploring beyond traditional jazz conventions. A jazz standard might reveal its essence only in the final moments of performance.

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

Junior Brother

Carefully pushing the boundaries of what modern Irish folk can look and sound like, Junior Brother is an idiosyncratic, challenging and richly lyrical singer/ songwriter from Co. Kerry, Ireland.

Venue:
The Cumberland Arms, James Place Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE6 1LD
Date:
Jan 30th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£16.50adv

Verdi's Requiem

With over 250 musicians and conducted by the celebrated Tim Burke (Musical Director of the Royal Northern Sinfonia Chorus and Tête à Tête Opera), this performance promises to be a true highlight of the musical year. The evening opens with the Orchestral Society performing the overture to Rossini’s The Thieving Magpie, setting a dramatic tone with its exuberance and verve.

Venue:
Durham Cathedral, Chapter Office, Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3EH
Date:
Jan 30th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£22/£19.80/£14.30

Independent Venue Week: Red Rum Club

Liverpool favourites.

Venue:
KU, Prince Regent Street, Stockton, TS18 1DB
Date:
Jan 30th 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£22

ELO Beatles Beyond

A high-energy tribute band that celebrates the musical legacy of Jeff Lynne and Paul McCartney.

Venue:
The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road, Darlington, DL1 1SG
Date:
Jan 30th 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£14

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Destination Live Bowie

Expect a 12-piece live band of session musicians blasting through your favourite Bowie hits.

Venue:
Alnwick Playhouse, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1PQ
Date:
Jan 31st 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£25

Queen of the Night

A Tribute to Whitney Houston.

Venue:
Middlesbrough Town Hall, Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2QJ
Date:
Jan 31st 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £22.70

The Bon Jovi Experience

Immerse yourself in a phenomenal celebration of Bon Jovi’s timeless classics.

Venue:
Darlington Hippodrome, Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR
Date:
Jan 31st 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£17.50-£33.50

Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana

The world’s finest Elvis tribute to Nirvana!

Venue:
O2 City Hall, Northumberland Road, Newcastle, NE1 8SF
Date:
Jan 31st 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£34.95adv

Legend: The Music of Bob Marley

Combining his superb, distinctive vocals with flawless musicianship, a supremely talented cast recreate all the timeless hits.

Venue:
Whitley Bay Playhouse, Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, NE26 1LZ
Date:
Jan 31st 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£35.95

Celebrating Celine

The ultimate live concert experience honouring the legendary music of Celine Dion.

Venue:
Empire Theatre and Cinema, Front Street, Consett, DH8 5AB
Date:
Jan 31st 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
From £27

R.E.M. by Stipe

Tribute to R.E.M.

Venue:
The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Jan 31st 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£15

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Just My Imagination

The Ultimate Temptations Tribute Experience!

Venue:
Middlesbrough Theatre, The Avenue, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS5 6SA
Date:
Jan 31st 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£27

Sophie Gordon

Local singer/songwriter who can be seen alongside her band, performing a blend of genres such as pop, funk and rock. The 5-piece band provides a high energy sound that is bound to get you up dancing and singing.

Venue:
The Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Date:
Jan 31st 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£10

Midlake

Texas band whose sixth record blends pastoral folk-rock with emotional clarity. Two decades in, Midlake continues to evolve, offering music that feels timeless, heartfelt, and deeply human.

Venue:
The Fire Station, High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3HA
Date:
Jan 31st 2026
Time:
19:00
Price:
£35

John Bramwell (I am Kloot)

Bramwell’s razor-sharp wit, on the line and refreshingly true [and often hilarious] observations and instantly recognisable haunting vocal is channelled through some of the most honest and direct songwriting of our times.

Venue:
Gosforth Civic Theatre, Regent Farm Road, Newcastle, NE3 3HD
Date:
Jan 31st 2026
Time:
19:30
Price:
£27