Here at Singing Lessons Newcastle, we understand the great impact it has on our students to see their idols live, and so we urge you all to utilise the fantastic opportunities on offer here at the local venues. Whether you go to see your all-time hero or an act you've never heard of, listening to an act live will vary your musical taste and introduce you to new styles of music, all of which will influence your own vocal skills in subtle ways.
Each year, Newcastle hosts the two-day Evolution festival, giving you the chance to see well-known performers and discover up-and-coming acts at your leisure. For those of you that are unsure of the great venues on offer, we have come up with a quick low-down of what we believe to be some of the most inspirational and awe-inspiring musical locations in Newcastle, so sit back, relax, and read on as we enlighten you on the best venues and the phenomenal acts they've exhibited in the past...
Established in 2005, the Newcastle O2 arena has served locals with eight years of fantastic performances, and has been graced with the presence of such bands as Kasabian, Bloc Party, The Futureheads and Maximo Park in former years. Not only is the venue renowned for showcasing famous acts such as these, but the addition of a secondary O2 arena within the building provides a stage for up-and-coming local acts with a capacity space for 400. Millions were spent on the restoration of this venue, and such features as the auditorium, balcony, stairs, and ceiling boast an original and magnificent design. Not only does this venue satisfy aesthetics, and provide a buzzing atmosphere with an eclectic assortment of performers, but the convenience of this venue is such that the train station (Newcastle Central) is a mere five minutes away. The address for this arena is: O2 Academy Newcastle, Westgate Road, NE1 1SW.
Utilita Arena is the ideal venue for all you fans of the big-time national bands. The arena opened in 1995 and has since been titled the seventh busiest venue in the world by Pollstar magazine. As the largest concert and exhibition venue in the North East of England, the site boasts the capacity to hold 11,000+ fans and is measured to be 40,000 square metres. The arena was created by former Animals star, Chas Chandler and his partner Nigel Stanger, and has displayed such famous bands as Oasis, Coldplay, Robbie Williams, Linkin Park, Foo Fighters and AC/DC (to name but a few). Now owned by SMG, the arena has become a treasure to the North East, and the company pride themselves on their community values, employing local staff and using local suppliers and services to strengthen the economy. You can find the arena with this address: Utilita Arena, Arena Way, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7NA.
The Cluny and Cluny 2 are perfect for smaller gigs, supporting the up-and-coming local bands in Newcastle. Giving amateur bands the opportunity to try out the live music scene, The Cluny offers up to 5 gigs a month with support acts too and has given rise to such acts as that of Kate Nash and Wolf Gang. The Cluny 2 is the latest development, a theatre-like venue right next to The Cluny. This intimate space caters for 130 seated or 160 standing and provides a small bar upstairs too. Find the venue at this address: The Cluny, 36 Lime Street, Ouseburn, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ.
This historical treasure was first opened in 1927 and served forty years as a concert hall for renowned British Orchestras. As a result of the cultural transformation in the 60s, the hall soon became the site for numerous touring bands such as that of the Beatles and The Rolling Stones amongst others. The hall continues to showcase Britain's most profound acts and has paraded the likes of Ed Sheeran, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani in recent years. As a result of the great acts displayed here, the hall has earnt a reputation as one of the best and most utilised 2000-seated venues in Britain. Not only is the venue so highly esteemed by the audiences, but Bruce Springsteen deemed his show at the City Hall in 1981 among his top three best shows ever. In addition to this praise, artists Elton John and Dire Straits insisted on the venue as the first leg of their world-tours. You can find this venue at Northumberland Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8SF.
