Glendale Gossip . . .
"Really enjoyed Lock’n’Load’s gig in the Glendale last night, I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people in there, the heat was ridiculous. The band have a new bass player since I saw them last, I’m pretty sure his name is James Shepherd, he’s ex Alcatraz House Band apparently and he’s sharing the bass duties with another guy. The set list was pretty much the same as the last one I heard from them, delivered with accuracy and enthusiasm to a crowd who were up dancing from the off. The club must have made a mint on the bar last night; the staff were constantly going around the room to retrieve empty glasses. To me it proves that there’s an appetite for proper Rock music in the region, and people will turn out to hear it. Other local venues (no names, no pack drill) insist on putting on what amounts to cabaret and describing it as Rock. It was announced last night that Vigilante are playing in the club [Glendale] on the 21st November, another proper Rock band, I look forward to watching that. Still no word on what dates Rock Solid are booked for in Houghton…"

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From LA’s Whisky A-go-Go
to Spennymoor’s Penny Gill
And why wouldn’t you? Well, The Paul Austin Band did.
But hold on a mo’ - aren’t the band Teesside based?
Ah, now you’re wanting an explanation . . .
Paul Austin Lead vocals and writer (Blues and country influenced, also Classic Rock - also played in NWOBHM Fireclown);
Simon Milan (SK) (FoFo) Drums and co-writer (likes Dead Daisies, AC/DC style rock);
Kenny Nicholson, live guitars (likes Doug Aldritch and masses and masses of stuff!)
Paul Simpson, live bass (likes Classic rock, Iron Maiden to Marillion, Whitesnake to Metallica).
Up till a few days ago I hadn’t heard of The Paul Austin Band but, thanks to Paul S, not only have I had a proper introduction but I’m rather impressed with their style of Rock - now don’t expect Motorhead, but don’t expect MOR either. Their sound is tight and controlled, gutsy but, dare I say, melodic [you dared, you dared] Classic Rock brought bang up to date. The type of band that would be perfect for a Rock Venue, but could easily hold their own at a biker gig.
Hoping you locals recognised Kenny Nicholson (left) in there on lead guitar. This guy can play; if I remember correctly [well, that’ll be a first] as lead in The Paul Rodgers Story, the band broke some sort of record at The Hummingbird during Darlo’s Blues weekend. Over the last few years he’s graced several bands, all of whom gained a well-deserved reputation. He’s like a seal of approval - if Kenny’s in it, y’know it’s gonna be good. Like Russ Tippins being in a band - it’s all you need to know.
Anyway, I’m babbling again, you want to know about Whisky A-Go-Go. Well, I’m gonna let Paul S explain how it started: “It started with a wildfire!  Wildfires in Los Angeles to be more accurate; Paul Austin submitted a song he’d written to an organisation in LA that were putting together a charity CD, with other independent artists, to support the brave fire fighters battling the ever-growing blaze around their city. The song ‘Land of Plenty’ about poverty and the plight of veterans sleeping on the streets was snapped up and included on the disc.”
Now, at this time The Paul Austin Band didn’t actually exist. Paul S and Kenny had an idea for a covers band and auditioned Paul Austin and that was the catalyst. Then Paul Austin was contacted by Whisky A-Go-Go in LA and was asked if he would like to fly over and perform his song live. He asked if the whole band would like to go with him. “Kenny and me thought long and hard - about a nano second - before agreeing of course!” explained Paul S.
Not wanting to travel all that way for just one gig, Paul Austin managed to book a couple more gigs. “He booked us into the other famous LA venue, The Viper Room (a la Johnny Depp) but not to be humbled he also booked the Universal Bar and Grill. This was mind blowing!” expanded Paul S, and continued: “A favourite part of the trip was driving through the Mojavi desert. That place is vast. As a computer game fan, I began to recognise locations from 'Fallout'. It was amazing to see these sites in real life.”
But sightseeting apart, it was soon time to brave the Whisky venue. Paul S was awestruck: “The Whisky A-Go-Go felt intimidating, to see that iconic venue that so many great bands had played gave us butterflies. Once inside though the friendly and professional atmosphere made us feel at ease and it began to look like most other venues. But you know it isn’t.”
There was, though, a slight downer for the band when they learnt they were booked to play an early slot. “We soon got over that disappointment as the band knows only one way to play - and that’s full on!”
But like a flash the lads were heading home to the cooler climate of the North East of England - next stop Spennymoor’s Penny Gill on Saturday October 11th.
The band continue to grow and have secured gigs around the UK; London, Manchester and Sheffield - and in Norway and, believe it or not, India!
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578315105526
Listen here - https://thepaulaustinband1.bandcamp.com/album/austintatious

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WHY A "BETRAYED" PHIL LYNOTT WASN'T INVITED TO PLAY LIVE AID
The end of the life of Thin Lizzy bassist and leader Phil Lynott was not a happy time. The rock star was barely in his mid-30s, but his world was crumbling around him. Thin Lizzy had broken up in 1983, and Lynott’s next group, Grand Slam, failed to find a recording contract and split. Lynott was thoroughly addicted to drugs and alcohol by this point, limping through a modest solo career without much in the way of direction. But all was not lost. Lynott learned through some of his friends that a massive benefit concert was being staged in London in the summer of 1985. Even better, it was being organised by his old friends, Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. For a few months between 1979 and 1980, Ure was briefly a touring Thin Lizzy member and had a good relationship with Lynott. Surely this would have been the moment for Lynott to clean up, turn things around, and reclaim his status as one of Ireland’s true stars. It wasn’t to be. “It wasn’t even that they thought, ‘No, better not’,” Graeme Thomson, the author of Cowboy Song: The Authorized Biography of Phillip Lynott told RTÉ in 2016. “It’s actually that he wasn’t even on the radar at that point for that kind of thing. And I think that is really telling of where he was. And that was only six months before he died. If he had been in a healthy state, that could have been the Queen moment for them – ‘The Boys Are Back in Town’ at Wembley? Can you imagine?” Ure said in the book. “But it never crossed our minds, and we were both good friends of his. I think he would have felt absolutely betrayed by that. I think if we had done that [asked him to appear at Live Aid], Lizzy would have reformed.” Lynott was indeed tossing around the idea of reforming Thin Lizzy with drummer Brian Downey in 1985. Years prior, Lynott had helped the Boomtown Rats, Geldof’s band, secure a recording contract with Ensign Records. Despite his friendship with Geldof and Ure, Lynott was not invited to play at Live Aid. He helped the fundraising efforts by auctioning his bass and even might have attended the event in London as a spectator, but that was the extent of Lynott’s participation. “He actually turned up at the RTÉ studios that day and he auctioned a bass off. He did his bit, I guess, and there’s something quite heartbreaking about that,” Thomson added. “He wasn’t somebody who would vent about it. But privately, I think, you can be sure that that had a profound effect. It’s someone literally looking in from the outside at this party that’s going on, this rock celebration. And he’s quite clearly been left out.” In the final days of 1985, Lynott collapsed and spent his final days in the hospital. On January 4th, Lynott died of pneumonia and heart failure, largely caused by his addictions. It was a premature end for one of Ireland’s biggest rock stars, but his legacy with Thin Lizzy continues to live on.

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Mike Hall – Before Midnight
Mike Hall is the front man of Newcastle band After Midnight (aka Classic Clapton). He has just written a book about his early life. It is entitled “Before Midnight” and is now available on Amazon, either as a paperback or on Kindle.
The book covers the period up to 1985 when he formed After Midnight after being inspired by Eric Clapton’s performance at Live Aid.
Before Midnight is about growing up in the 50s and 60s in and around Durham. At school he developed a love for music and in particular for the guitar, as played by his heroes; Hank Marvin, George Harrison, Paul Kossoff, Rory Gallagher, Eric Clapton and many others. Many gigs are described in the book. He was lucky enough to see some amazing bands including the Beatles, Free, Taste, Savoy Brown, The Nice,  T Rex, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Blodwyn Pig, Skid Row, Bakerloo, Fleetwood Mac, Steve Marriott, Moody Blues, Wings, Queen, Dire Straits, Santana, Back Street Crawler, Delaney & Bonnie, Derek & the Dominos, Eric Clapton and many more.
The first chapter is about Mike and his mates seeing Cream play at Club a’GoGo in 1967. Another significant gig was the first time he saw Free live in 1969 at Durham Town Hall supported by Gin House. He saw Free many times - at Dunelm House, Sunderland Locarno, Newcastle City Hall and Mayfair ballroom and these gigs are all described in detail.
Mike was inspired by many local musicians and he attended gigs at legendary northeast venues, such as Newcastle City Hall, Club a’GoGo, Durham Town Hall, Boom Boom Beat Club, Dunelm House, The Argus Butterfly and Sunderland Locarno (Fillmore North). So if you played in a local band there is a chance you might get a mention. There is a chapter on club bands that he saw in the 70s and 80s and a particular mention of the late great Dave Black and the various bands he was in. Other local bands mentioned include 747, The Astronauts, Anzio, Armageddon, Abraham Slate, Beckett, the Blue Chips, Brass Alley, Burlesque, Danceclass, East Side Torpedoes, the Executives, Exposè, Felix Welk, Fogg, Four Star Hotel, Gin House, The Gas Board, Goldie, Geordie, Invision, Jet Set, Kestrel, Last Exit, Motorway, Messenger, Mick Whitaker, Little Mo, Magic, The News, Oasis (late 70s band), Piranha Brothers, Mr Poobah’s Chicago Blues Line, Quadrant 4, Skywalkers, Toy Dolls, Twilight Zone, West Coast Promotions, Linda Wright, Zoots Navarro and many more.
Mike  formed his first band at school in 1967. In the 70s and early 80s he also played with other bands around the northeast club circuit. After leaving Durham Johnston School he went to college in Manchester and Newcastle. So part of the book is about his various career changes over the years. For a time in the early 70s Mike and his girlfriend lived and worked in King’s Road, London. There were several lengthy spells during the 70s when he barely touched a guitar. However, all this was to change in 1978 when he fell in love with the guitar playing of Mark Knopfler.
Mike will have copies of the book at the following gigs if you wish to get one signed:-
After Midnight unplugged at Cullercoats Crescent Club on Sat 25 October, and
Classic Clapton 40th Anniversary gig at The Glasshouse, Gateshead on Friday 5 December.
To buy the book you can go to Amazon books and search for – “Mike Hall Before Midnight”.  (Paperback £14.99, Kindle £4.99).
Hopefully some of you will enjoy it.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Before-Midnight-Memoirs-Guitarist-Early/dp/B0FFNFFG6J/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

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Due to The Stones Story gig at the Red Lion in Earsdon getting cancelled (pub temp closure) the band now have this Saturday free (September 20) If you would like the band for your venue then fire off an email to Jeff at  stonesstoryinfo@gmail.com.

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There's Nights Out and there's nights out, but this defo goes down as a NIGHT OUT.
As Val just pointed out "If Doyle turn out to be only a tenth as good as they were at Crook FC, they're still gonna blow the bloody roof off."

To be a part of this one-off event you only need to fork out a poultry tenner for a ticket. They are available from The Glebe box office or message 07951 587022.

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"Hey, how do you like your Rock?"
"Solid."
"May have some good news for you . . ."

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Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76.
A statement from his family said: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning.
"He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
He had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019.
As frontman of Black Sabbath, he was at the forefront of the heavy metal scene – a deeper, darker offshoot of hard rock.His theatrical stage presence, including once biting off the head of a bat, and styling himself as the Prince of Darkness marked him out as a controversial figure.
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3 1948 in Aston, Birmingham, he left school at 15 and did odd jobs including factory work before teaming up with school friend Geezer Butler in several bands.
Earlier this month he bid a farewell to fans with a Black Sabbath reunion, telling thousands of heavy metal enthusiasts at Villa Park, Birmingham – a stone’s throw from where Black Sabbath was formed in 1968 – that it was “so good to be on this stage” as he performed his last set from a large black throne.
Osbourne and his fellow original Black Sabbath members – Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler and Bill Ward – were the last to appear on stage as part of a star-studded line-up for the Back to the Beginning concert.
Also among the bands performing were Anthrax, Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, and there were messages of thanks from other celebrities, including Jack Black, Ricky Gervais and Dolly Parton.
Black Sabbath’s eponymous debut album in 1970 made the UK top 10 and paved the way for a string of hit records.They went on to become one of the most influential and successful metal bands of all time, selling more than 75 million albums worldwide.
The group were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, and Osbourne was added for a second time last year.
He rose to further fame alongside his wife Sharon – whom he married in 1982 and with whom he has three children, Aimee, Jack and Kelly – through their reality TV series The Osbournes.
In 2020, Osbourne revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and he paused touring in 2023 after extensive spinal surgery.
He had a fall at home in 2019 which aggravated injuries from a near-fatal quad bike crash in 2003, stopping his No More Tours 2 shows from going ahead in Europe and the UK.
The tour had previously been rescheduled several times because of illness, the Covid-19 pandemic and logistical issues.
He released his twelfth studio album Ordinary Man in 2020, followed by Patient Number 9 in 2022, which went to number three and two in the UK charts respectively.

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The Cottage Tavern in Cleadon requires a covers band for Sunday 27 July for a 7pm start. Contact Neil 07546 931493.

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End of a Legendary Era: Rob Halford Officially Announces His Retirement from Music at Age 73
The announcement was met with an outpouring of respect and nostalgia from fans, fellow musicians and industry insiders, all acknowledging his unparalleled contributions. In his statement, Halford expressed gratitude for the support over the decades and reflected on the transformative journey that took him from a young singer in Birmingham to a global metal icon. He emphasized the importance of passing the torch to new generations of musicians who will carry forward the spirit of heavy metal. While saying goodbye to touring and recording, Halford hinted at exploring new creative avenues and maintaining a presence in the music community in some capacity. His retirement marks the closing of a chapter but also celebrates a legacy that will continue to influence generations to come. Rob Halford’s departure from the stage signifies the end of a remarkable and influential career that transformed the sound and spirit of heavy metal, inspiring millions and shaping the genre’s evolution. As fans bid farewell to one of metal’s most enduring voices, they do so with gratitude for the music and memories that Halford has gifted the world, ensuring his legendary status remains secure for eternity.

Brian Wilson, cofounder of The Beach Boys and the creative force behind the group’s surf sound, orchestral arrangements and perfect harmonies, has died, his family announced on Wednesday.
He was 82.
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” his family wrote in the statement shared on Instagram and his official website. “We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.”
Wilson’s life was marked just as much by struggles with substance abuse and mental illness as it was by repeated comebacks, remarkable talent and timeless songs that still echo across the country, decades after their release.
His story, by all accounts, is one of resilience. Despite a childhood scarred by his father’s abuse, becoming partially deaf, and the years of haunting voices in his head from schizoaffective disorder, the two-time Grammy Award winner went on to become the “reigning king of pop melody,” as the Denver Post once put it, often bringing to life songs that told a much different tale than his own reality.

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COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN (Always the Same)

‘Morning Nige,
This should have been a review of Elenbak at the Glendale. I turned up at the club and the stage was covered in prizes and trophies, I asked the stewardess if the band were still on, to be told they’d cancelled and it was an awards night. Whoopsie-do. Apparently, the club had put it on Facebook, but that’s no good for the likes of me who refuses to engage with FB. Bugger. It later transpired that there were several versions of who had cancelled the gig, I know who I believe, but moving on:
I rang around guys who I knew were intending coming to see Elenbak and managed to get us diverted to Hetton Big Club to watch The Deeks. By the time we eventually got to Hetton the best viewing tables had gone, but we settled in. During the course of the evening I discovered we weren’t alone in showing up in the Glendale expecting a band, to be greeted by the PA blaring monkey music.
It was hot in Hetton club, and to add to the warm greeting, the heating was on in the bogs! Farcical.
The Deeks put on their usual polished set, identical to the previous 4 or 5 shows.
The place was pretty full, boosted by dejected Rockers from Houghton.
The band line up for the next month is more of the usual shite with the exception oLock’n’Load in about 5 or 6 weeks.
Ho-hum, it was a night out with mates so it wasn’t a total loss.
I’ll keep you posted,

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SUNDAY AFTERNOON GIGS AT THE GLENDALE
LOCKED AND LOADED
      

I went down to Houghton Glendale yesterday afternoon to watch Lock’n’Load with a couple of mates. For a Sunday afternoon it was a decent turn-out in the club, probably 2/3 capacity. Bearing in mind it was a beautiful sunny day outside, that’s good going these days. While the band were finishing their set-up and sound check I noticed there was a new guitarist in the line-up, sporting a very pretty cherry red Gibson ES335, not the usual weapon of choice on the club circuit, but nice to see.
Shortly before the band came on, we were joined by CJ, one-time frontman and chanter for Rock Solid who informed me he’s come to check out the new guitarist (by the name of John) who, he’d been informed, was quite tasty. After the usual banter it transpires that CJ has retired from gainful employment but still performing with Sceptre on a regular basis around the North East.
Lock’n’Load have had their fair share of reviews on Riffs, so I’ll not give them the full works, but apart from the new band member they’d added some new tunes to their set. They still kicked off with “Tie your mother down” but have added Foreigner’s “Jukebox Hero” to the set as well as Bryan Adams “Can’t stop this thing we started”. They’ve also added another smoke machine as well, and more than once the drummer was hidden from sight by the clouds coming from them. We were sitting at the back of the room and there were layers of smoke drifting across the floor towards us. Hence the crap photos; the auto-focus won’t play when there’s smoke in the air.
Lock’n’Load continue to impress, singer Dave’s voice was superb all afternoon, something that CJ observed as well. High praise from an old pro like him. The band jelled well and John fitted in like he’d been playing with them for years.
Well worth turning out for, and if the Sunday afternoons are going to be a regular feature a welcome addition to the calendar of local Rock fans.

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Sunday 4th May noon till 10.30pm
 
Patterson Stage
CODA Led Zeppelin Tribute, Fu Fighters, The mOObs,The Sensational Alex Harvey Experience, Sleeze Sisters, Lock 'n' Load.
 
Middle Marquee
Hat Shaped Heads, The Odels, Tubesnake, ABBA Girls, Kitto's Suspect Device, The Blarney Boys.
 
Scooter Tent
C-Collective, The Breakfast Club, Ultimate Whitesnake, Manchester Anthems, Punk Pop Disaster, Strings for Ammo, Rebel Rockstars.
Tickets £25      crookfest.co.uk

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Yeah, I know this has got zilch to do with music, but how shameful that we are the generation that wiped out these beautiful animals.

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"Hi Nige, Still here, not a lot happening: I went out to Whitley Bay Playhouse last week to see a Dire Straits tribute called Money for Nothing. Nice venue (drinks prices were extortionate - £4.95 for a glass of diet Coke!) but the band were dreadful. played the right tunes and sang the correct words but that’s were the similarity ended. Mark Knopfler made his name with subtle, understated guitar work, the band were loud and raucous. However, the audience, by and large, seemed to like them. I can only assume they never get out to see decent bands.
Friday gone, my colleagues went to the Glendale to watch Born Villains and they were excellent, just my luck.
Sticky Fingers are coming back to the Glendale 19th September. Well pleased, that’s the only band we’re going to hear any Megadeth from on the circuit, plus Phil's guitar work is amazing. Copperhead are playing this Friday and I’m torn on whether or not to go, the club will be rammed. I struggle with crowds, so a combination of mediocrity and claustrophobia will doubtless sway my decision.
A couple of weeks ago I went to Hetton to see a duo called Ultrafonix; 2 guys with synths and backing tapes. The front man had a very good voice and wasn’t a bad guitarist, but standing on the amps and posing like he was in Guitar Hero wasn’t going to impress us, but they’d brought some friends of Dorothy with them and they were lapping it up. They opened up with Barry Ryan’s “Eloise” which would test the vocal chords of any chanter and the singer couldn’t get close to the notes. This coloured my opinion for the rest of the evening, I dare say if he’d tried the song after he’d got his voice warmed up he’d have managed the song, but opening with it was a bridge too far.
As usual nobody has a clue who’s playing in Hetton this coming Friday so we’ll have to play it by ear..."

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The Grindon and Broadway Bar is back up and running. Laura and staff have been working tirelessly and live gigs are now in full swing. Hopefully they will let Riffs have the full gigs and we will post them on our Listings page....
The Force are there on 12th April.  In the meantime check out their Facebook page.

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BLUES NOMINATIONS FOR HARTLEPOOL STEELIES
It's always nice to find out that what you've been doing is not only appreciated, but also noticed by those 'in the know'. And let's face it, it doesn't happen that often. So how cock-a-hoop must Tommy from Hartlepool's South Durham Social feel when he found out his venue has been nominated in no less than two categories in the 2025 UK Blues Awards.
Blues Club/Venue of the Year and
Blues Based Festival of the Year
Riffs is actually not that surprised as, for the last four years (five including 2025), Tommy has arranged an annual Blues extravaganza entitled 'Hallelujah' featuring celebrated Blues men [and women], yes, and women, and bands, groups, call them what you will, many have travelled half way across the world to play at Hartlepool. And not just Hallelujah, if you want Blues - whether it be deep and dirty, soulful or 'woke up one morning', South Durham Social is your place to go. [Now, I hope you're not pushing this cos you design Tommy's adverts?]. Proud to do so - not as proud as Tommy though. What a tremendous achievement, fingers crossed he can go all the way.

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The Flying Scotsman in Forest Hall is now hosting live music only on the last Friday of each month.

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TALKIN' 'BOUT BLACK FRIDAY

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GEORGE MICHAEL V ABBA TRIBUTE
Sat 5th April at The Point Events Venue, Sunderland
Doors 7:00 PM    Show: 8:00 PM
Two 60-minute sets with an interval, ending 10:30 PM-ish
Tickets £15.00 + fees        HERE

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Steels Social Club in Sunderland is ceasing all live music as of February 1st. Thanks to Norm Force for the info - although he does point out that this is now on their Facebook page. Sad state of affairs as Steels has been going for decades and with a regular clientele this comes as a bit of a shock.

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As in previous years Riffs will be open every day over these Christmas holidays. I would like to say, though, a massive big mensh to all the venues hosting Rock and live music nights so the bands have somewhere to show off their immeasurable talents. And, of course, a similar massive mensh to all the bands who give the punters in the region so much pleasure. You are ALL very much appreciated.

Have had a couple of emails asking why no Christmas images on Riffs this year. Well, not wishing to bring down the mood, but half hour on CNN or Euronews shows just how much war and hate there is in the world and, in all honesty, just can't get into the mood with so many images of everyone - including innocent children - suffering in front of our very eyes. Man's constant inhumanity to Man leaves me shocked. Terrible, ashamedly awful.

Oh, yeah, and a happy New Year.

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Friday January 10: FLEETING RUMOURS  7.30pm  Tickets £22
Sunday January 12: An evening with THE ANIMALS plus
RHINO'S REVENGE [inc Status Quo members John Rhino Edwards and Leon Cave]. 7pm    Tickets £24
The Exchange, North Shields    Tickets: Tynesidefest.co.uk

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For anyone that has so generously given to help the brave fighters of Ukraine against the terrible Russian aggression, they will know that they get email updates on the situation. I give this snippet to show that every single penny you give helps in the sturggle. "This time, we brought 24 cars, 17 night vision cameras, 41 drone jammers, 120 FPVs and 52 ISR drones with a total cost of around €694,227".
Yes, it's 'brought' and not 'bought', cos the lads get their hands dirty and repair, build or make whatever they need and take them to wherever is needed - on many occasions directly to the front line.
To donate to Ukraine:  www.help99.co

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After Midnight’s Christmas Party will be held at Cluny 2, 34 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st December. Doors open at 7.30pm. Band on stage at 8.30pm.  Tickets are £15 (subject to booking fee), available in advance from The Cluny - Tel:  0191 230 4474     Visit the venue’s website:-   www.thecluny.com.
After Midnight have chosen Cluny 2 because it is one of the best and most intimate theatre spaces in the north east.  The Cluny has deservedly acquired great reputation for championing live music. The Friday gig is virtually sold out but a second night has now been added on Saturday 21 December. Tickets are available.
After Midnight comprises:-  Mike Hall (lead vocals/guitar), Gregg Strettle (drums) and Dave Robson (bass) and Stevie Hutch (keyboards)
NB: This will NOT be an Eric Clapton tribute gig although one or two of Slowhand's songs will be covered, along with music by Free, Dire Straits, The Beatles, Steely Dan and many other rock classics.                www.after-midnight.org.uk

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Jeff from the Stones Story has been in touch with Riffs to say that this Friday's (25th) gig at the Trimmers Arms will not now take place as the venue have double booked and it's Romeo's Pistol who is playing on that evening.

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WELL, NOVEMBER'S LOOKING UP

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'ERE'S ANOTHER ONE FOR YA

Glad [all over?], no just glad that I, at last, have something to add to this News page. Bands and venues don't seem to want to publicise what they're up to, so it was great to get a few lines concerning the recent gig at Blackhall Community Centre which took place last Friday (11th Oct) with headliners Ultimate Whitesnake and supported by the long-standing stalwards of the Rock scene here in the North-East, none other than Sticky Fingers.
Blackhall Community Centre has been the venue for some great live Heavy Rock and Metal bands [and long may it continue] and with the fans' support let's look forward to many more [well, think I just covered that].
Ultimate Whitesnake have been commended by our regular contributor, The Seaham Silverback, who rates them very highly indeed, and The Stickies have always been relied upon to play some Classic Rock loud and heavy. Anyway, here's some words on the gig - plus pics - from live music fan Graeme.

“A great night of Live Classic Rock witnessed by a bumper crowd, at Blackhall Community Centre last Friday. Local Legends “ Sticky Fingers “ opened the show with their Punchy Powerhouse versions of rock covers, then the crowd were treated to Ultimate Whitesnake who perfectly delivered all the hits and more by David Coverdale's rock outfit, the punters were treated to a fantastic night once again at this great venue“

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"Hey, hey, ya got me rockin' now"

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