music

THE THIRD DAY OF SPRING – New album from Newcastle band The Attention Seekers

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‘The Third Day of Spring’ is the seventh album from The Attention Seekers…‘Four years in the making and I can hardly believe that I’ve made another album’ said songwriter Alan Fish…’and in many ways is the third album in a trilogy that pay homage to the 3 minute pop song.’

The other albums in this sequence are ‘a song for tomorrow’ and ‘Seven Bridges’. Check out the interview with Alan in April this year.

‘The main outlet for these albums has been radio, downloads/streaming and the occasional play at St. James’ Park. This very much influences the type of songs I am writing, the musicians I use and the effort that is taken in the production process.’

‘We are all aware of how we are living in uncertain times, I like to think that the positive and upbeat vibe of my songs give the listener a welcome distraction from the doom and gloom of the daily news.’

‘I am lucky and fortunate that the previous albums have more than covered their costs which allows me to use the very best musicians in the area, this has a huge impact on the sonic quality of tracks.’

‘A key moment for me was discovering Tony Davis’s Cluny Studios in Newcastle. Tony is a brilliant engineer and also an excellent keyboard player. Tony also introduced me to drummer Trevor Brewis, they played together in The Caffreys. Tony and Trevor are both key to the sonic quality of my last two albums.’

‘I’m often asked what is the inspiration behind the songs? To be honest I try not to analyse the process too closely, I’m just eternally grateful when a new melody or idea arrives. However, I have attempted to answer the question’.

The Prudhoe Song (Fish/Wanless) In 2023 I was approached by Prudhoe born and bred singer/songwriter Rob Wanless to help him write and record a tribute to his home town. As far as I’m aware this may be the first song written about this bustling Northumberland town. The song has received extensive radio play both locally and nationally. In December 2025 it was nominated as Radio Caroline’s Steve Anthony’s ’Song of the Year’.

Sweet Anna Brown (Fish/Leslie) I had the melody all I needed was the subject matter. I decided to have a look back on my old junior school class photos and via social media see what everyone was up to. Anna Brown was the cleverest girl in the class and doesn’t appear to have any social media presence… “whatever happened to Sweet Anna Brown?”

The Thought Never Crossed My Mind (Fish) Whilst on tour in the Netherlands (2024) with USA singer/songwriter Jesse Terry, I would often play this song at our soundchecks. Jesse really liked it and suggested we added it to the set. He also asked if he could sing it. The song was perfect for Jesse’s voice and after the tour via the wonders of 21st century technology we transatlantically recorded the song.

The Third Day of Spring (Fish) This song came to me very quickly and served as the perfect vehicle for my extremely talented friends, Niles Krieger (fiddle and mandolin) and Shona Newey (accordion).

The Background Action Game (Fish) Having spent many years working in the TV and Film industry inspired me to write a song dedicated to those unsung heroes – the Background Action actors.

Where The Deals Are Done (Fish) A song about facing life’s challenges and where possible, turning them into opportunities.

Here Comes Trouble (Fish) By the age of fifteen I had developed into a reasonably competent guitar player and via a friend’s older brother found myself playing in a covers band with musicians 10/15 years older than me. This was a fast track into the adult world and I soon learnt that not everyone was in a band for the same reasons.

Whilst I had ambitions to become the next Pete Townshend, Alvin Lee or Paul Kossoff, for Tom, (rhythm guitar vocals) there were three reasons for getting up on stage. In no particular order they were girls, girls and more girls!!! This led to occasionally Tom beating a hasty retreat from venues and some dynamic confrontations with furious boyfriends and husbands.

I’ve remained friends with Tom throughout the years and was best man at his third wedding! Tom (yes that’s his actual name) has given me permission to tell his story.

It Doesn’t Happen Every Day (Fish / Leslie) Every now and then I have a major tidy up and a ‘re- listening to’ of old ideas, and every now and then inspiration arrives and breathes new life into a half finished song. ‘It Doesn’t Happen Every Day’ dates back to 2001, but never got off the ground. With our 40th wedding anniversary on the horizon I was determined to get this one over the line, and here it is, finished at long last.

Blue Red and Green (Fish) Recorded in May 2023 the song features my dear friend Sam Blewitt on vocals. Sam, fresh from touring with Kenney Jones (The Jones Gang) was on fine form for the sessions, equalled by some lovely cool brass work from Pete Tanton (trumpet).

Your Poster On My Wall (Fish/Smeaton/Younger) Paul Kossoff was one of the greatest guitarists of his generation. This is our tribute – “When the kid played the blues, you were hard to lose”.

Seven Bridges (Fish/Leslie) – At the start of the 2025-26 season, I received a call from the club asking if I would be interested in creating a bespoke version of ’Seven Bridges’ (by which they actually meant ‘a shorter version’), there was no hesitation. Within 24 hours they were sent this mix which now receives regular half-time plays at St. James’ Park. As a lifelong Newcastle United football fan, I am in ‘Geordie Dreamland’.

Alan added…‘Many thanks to all the talented musicians who contributed to the album and to our friends in ‘radioland’ for all the plays and support, it’s greatly appreciated and makes the time and effort all the more worthwhile. I will definitely be playing the songs live and will be posting details on my Facebook page.’

‘The Third Day of Spring’ promo video 2026.

‘You know I’ve been writing songs for over fifty years – I’m still learning the craft, and I’m confident there is more in the tank.’

The album is now available to download/stream via the digital platforms with CD copies available to buy at gigs. For more information contact the official website >>> 

Home | The Attention Seekers

Alikivi   October 2026

ANARCHY IN THE TOON – Can you remember the Pistols and Clash gig at Newcastle City Hall in ‘76 that was cancelled?

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Black Market Clash are researching the full story and would love to hear from anyone who remembers the controversy, bought tickets, worked at City Hall, or was involved in the discussions.

Black Market Clash website is a comprehensive archive of The Clash on stage, in the studio, on film with links to rare recordings. The site also includes fans memories of seeing the band.

Life long Clash fan Graham Jones from BMC explains…‘I’m based in Accrington, Lancashire, and yes, you could certainly describe me as a lifelong Clash fan, going right back to 1977.’

‘I was only young then and couldn’t really get to concerts. Public transport was a major problem, particularly as there was no evening bus back from Manchester. By the time I was old enough and able to travel more independently, around 1981, The Clash weren’t coming anywhere near us.’

‘One thing I remember vividly was our local record shop. They weren’t bothered by all the negative publicity surrounding punk and stocked everything, including the Sex Pistols original EMI single, ‘Anarchy in the UK’ which was openly displayed. We used to hang around the shop, looking at records and soaking up everything that was happening.’

‘Despite being a fan since 1977, I didn’t finally get to see The Clash live until 1984, when I managed to see them twice. That early fascination eventually developed into Black Market Clash, which I’ve spent many years building into a detailed historical archive of their concerts.’

On Sunday 5 December 1976, The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Damned and Johnny Thunders’ Heartbreakers were due to play Newcastle City Hall as part of the infamous Anarchy Tour.

Graham adds…‘The concert was cancelled following a dispute involving Newcastle City Council, City Hall management and the promoters. I’m particularly interested in the exchanges between City Hall manager Bob Brown, Councillor Arthur Stabler and promoters Endale Associates.’

‘The newspapers provide a fascinating account, but I’m hoping someone can fill in the gaps with firsthand memories. Original photographs, posters, tickets, correspondence and newspaper material are welcome.’

If you think you can help contact Graham at: blackmarketclash.co.uk@gmail.com

www.blackmarketclash.co.uk

Alikivi   October 2026

CLOSE CALL – new single by County Durham singer-songwriter Sasha Sky

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“I began my journey as an independent musician back in 2021 with the release of my debut single”.

Sasha has loved singing and writing songs since she was 8 years old, music has been a lifelong passion “My dad is a big music lover too, so I’d hear all sorts growing up. It started with bands like The Who and then I got introduced to Biggie and Tupac” explained Sasha.

Heavily inspired by R&B, Sasha loves to write in a variety of genres. “I love R&B to its core and that does reflect in the music I create, but I’m inspired to write music through Indie Pop and Folk styles too.”

“When it comes to writing my own music, I’m mostly inspired by artists like Billie Eilish and more recently, Bella Kay. But I love R&B to its core and always feel inspired listening to artists like SZA, Raye and Victoria Monét.”

‘Close Call’ will be Sasha Sky’s 10th released studio single. She was inspired to write this single after events in her life triggered a trauma. The resurfacing of those feelings is what led to the creation of ‘Close Call’.

“I’d really love for this song to reach people who relate to the emotion behind the lyrics. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. And I’m ready to take things further with my music now. I’ve been planning an EP this year and I can’t wait to see how it all comes together. I’m proud of the journey I’ve taken so far, but I’m ready to do so much more.”

Sasha added “I recorded ‘Close Call’ at Heartbreak Studios in North Shields. It was my first time at the studio and I genuinely had the best time. I had the pleasure of working with Andi Anderson who I cannot thank enough for how he helped this song come to life.” 

‘Close Call’ will be released 24 September 2026.

Social Tags / Links

Instagram: @ itssashasky

TikTok: @ itssashasky

Spotify Profile Link

Apple Music Profile Link

Email: sashaskymusic@gmail.com

Alikivi   September 2026

SAME REFRAIN new track by Sunderland punks Slalom D

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Back left: Lisa Lindstedt (keyboards), back right: Tony Lindstedt (bass)
Front left: Antony Bircham (guitar), front middle: Iain Murray (drums)
Front right: Fiona Duncan (vocals)

Bassist Tony introduces the band…

‘We formed in 2017 as a vehicle for original singer Craig Macbeth’s political rants. When Iain and I joined, gigs were arranged despite Craig’s protest as he never wanted to play live – he did learn to enjoy it. But sadly, he died in 2019.’

‘His good friend Fe was asked to step in when the band decided they wanted to carry on. They have been gigging and recording ever since. There have been a few line up changes along the way.’

‘We all have day jobs so our gigs are mainly in the North East, but we have ventured up to Scotland a handful of times as well as playing Blackpool’s Rebellion festival four times, Manchester punk festival in 2024 and Bearded Theory this year.’

‘We try to get out and about as much as our jobs will allow. In March we played Leicester and Northampton and we have other gigs out of town planned.’

What type of audience do the band attract?

’We have a varied audience. We do get the older punks coming to see us but we also have some really young local bands who come to our gigs as well. It’s heartening that all walks of life seem to ‘get us’.

Link >>> Slalom D: Same Refrain Official Music Video

The new track Same Refrain has been released. What is the story behind it?

Tony explained ‘Same Refrain was one of the first songs written for our third album ‘I Choose My Own Way to Burn’ which should be out this summer. The music is nearly three years old and Fe wrote the lyrics soon after.’

‘The song is about my dad receiving a diagnosis for Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis and how he now often repeats the same stories.’ said Fe. ‘I was always told how it could be annoying to have to listen to the same things over and over again. I haven’t found it like that, I’m just happy when he is talking and how happy he is when he’s back living those old memories.’

‘It’s a love letter to anyone who is going through the same and to my dad, to let him know I’ll always be here to listen, even if I’ve heard it all before.’

‘My long time friend Gavin Selby wrote, directed, shot and edited the video. Apart from our very first one, he’s done all our videos and we credit him with being part of the Slalom D family now. He really knows what we’re trying to say and he can interpret them perfectly.’

Have you got any gigs planned this summer?

We have dates in June, a few festival dates in July and in August in Newcastle at Trillians then a date in The Globe opening for TV Smith on September 6th. More to be confirmed.’

The album launch is on 12th September at Diego’s in Sunderland.

For more information contact the band on social media.

Alikivi   June 2026

FAMILY TIES with Newcastle singer-songwriter Simon Taylor

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48 year old Simon Taylor is a singer songwriter based in Newcastle.

“But, cliche alert, music seems to make me younger every day – mentally anyway.”

Is music in your family?

Yes, my Grandad played piano beautifully in his council house in Longbenton. Classics like Debussy and Ravel. He was a genius really, he was brilliant at science as well, entirely self-taught.

That musical side was passed on to my Mum who also plays piano. I used to love listening to her play as a young boy, maybe a connection was made right back then. On my father’s side my Gran sung at Hexham Abbey and I notice I probably get a bit of my voice from her when I go into my falsetto – er not very often.

Finally, my brother has taken after my Mum and Grandad and is a very well-regarded classical/ jazz piano improviser who plays concerts at venues across the UK and also in Europe. A much more skilled musician than me.

When was the first time you picked up a guitar?

I really got the idea of playing guitar at the age of nineteen when I was on holiday in Benidorm with my girlfriend of the time. I saw a flamenco teacher in a little plaza teaching a student and the image absolutely resonated with me and practically stopped me in my tracks.

I must have decided not long after to learn guitar because I got my first acoustic for my birthday two months later. It might well have been my ex-girlfriend’s lovely father who bought it – I forget. He gave me some early lessons anyway.

I kind of messed about with it for a couple of years from the age of 20 but then it was leaning against the wall of my bedroom for two years, untouched. The decision to then pick it up again at the age of 24 was one of the best I ever made. Almost immediately I realised I could compose melodies and that was how the whole songwriting thing started for me.

What studios have you used or do you record at home?

I have recorded at home, (I made two e.ps around Covid times this way), but decided I was probably better off personally working with a skilled producer on my projects in future. Recently these have included Lisa Murphy and John Martindale at Blank Studios and Ziad Jabero at Chilli Studios. I absolutely love recording and have also recorded at Loft Music Studios in Newcastle and the Old Church Studios in Thropton, Northumberland which were both also excellent.

What is your latest release?

I’m releasing a single whose title is inspired by my recent difficult domestic troubles called Bad Vibes Boulevard. A curator described it recently as ‘alt-pop’, maybe it is, I don’t know. I recorded it with Ziad Jabero at Chilli Studios he also played electric and 12 string guitar on it so I was very lucky to have his assistance there. It’s out on Wednesday 1st July.

When are your next gigs?

I have a couple of gigs coming up but they may have passed by the time this goes to press. The next one after that is an exciting one for me as it will be my first gig with a band performing my music in over eight years. It hasn’t been announced yet so I’d better keep schtum but we’ve been rehearsing at First Avenue Studios and are close to ready for that.

It’s been very gratifying to hear my songs live with added instrumentation as most of them were designed to be performed so we’ll see where that particular avenue of my life leads.

For more news/music/photos contact the official website >> http://www.simontaylormusic.com

Alikivi   May 2026

NEW ROAD MOVIE – new album from Autoleisureland

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In 2022 vocalist Paul Woods and multi-instrumentalist David Brewis released Autoleisureland’s debut album ‘Infiniti Drive’ – now they are ready to release their second album ‘New Road Movie’.

Paul explained “I guess our hopes for the album are just to reach a wider audience. We’re building a little bit of a community of listeners through Last Night From Glasgow, also having a number 1 on Mike Read’s Heritage Radio with our single ‘All the World Over’ has helped too. We’re just getting our music and name out there and then see what happens.”

All the World Over official Autoleisureland video

Back in the 80s David and Paul were founding members of  chart regulars The Kane Gang who formed in Seaham, County Durham in 1982 and signed to Kitchenware & London record labels.

Alongside vocalist Martin Brammer, the group racked up UK and European hits including Closest Thing To Heaven, Respect Yourself and Gun Law. They also scored a US pop hit with Motortown and a US dance No.1 with Don’t Look Any Further. And still spinning in 2026 the debut album released in 1985 ‘The Bad and Lowdown World of The Kane Gang’.

“Martin is busy with us in The Kane Gang. That’s the other great thing happening for us” said Paul. “In the last year or so the KG played two shows at Sunderland’s Fire Station, and at Dingwalls, London, and St Luke’s, Glasgow, aided and abetted by Field Music, We’re also writing and recording a new album with Field Music that we are a good way into. It’s all good”

Autoleisureland’s new release ‘New Road Movie’ is packed with effortless vocals by Paul Woods blended with David Brewis’ deep pop sounds and hooky tunes all wrapped up in an eazy-breezy West Coast feel. Are there any plans to take it out on the road?

Paul added “At the moment we have no plans to play live. We want to concentrate on writing and recording as many albums as we can. Things can change though.”

The 11 track album is released by Last Night From Glasgow on Transparent Amber vinyl, Transparent Red vinyl, CD & digital formats on 15 May 2026.

Alikivi   May 2026

Links to previous interviews >>>

AUTOLEISURELAND – new album by ex-Kane Gang duo | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST MUSIC & CULTURE

THE KANE GANG: On ‘80s Live Music Show The Tube | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST MUSIC & CULTURE

NORTHERN MELODY with North East musician & ex- Kane Gang member, David Brewis | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST MUSIC & CULTURE

BULLFROG 50 YEARS ON with North East songwriter & producer Steve Thompson

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Apprentice steelworkers and musicians Steve Thompson and Robin Hird formed Bullfrog in 1969. Being a Consett band their first ever gig was in The Freemasons Ballroom. Reportedly a wild west of a venue! Bullfrog played all over the North East gaining a huge following, and supporting big names including The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Hot Chocolate and Wishbone Ash.

Bullfrog finally attained the holy grail of a record deal but sadly failed to turn North East popularity into global stardom.

Steve(bass) takes up the story …“Ultimately, we had two record deals on offer from EMI and Cube. After a few years slogging around pubs and clubs in the North East we decided we needed to cut some demos and go after a record deal. So off we went to Multicord studios in Sunderland and laid down our entire repertoire of original songs.”

“We had also come second in a national competition and the prize was a recording audition at EMI Studios. EMI liked the recordings and started discussing a deal. Then we heard from Cube. They liked the demos we had sent and wanted to come see us at a live gig.”

“They came to Wingate Constitutional Club. It couldn’t have worked out better. They were swinging from the rafters and the band were going down great. Girls were banging on the dressing room door desperate to ravage our young bodies.”

“The Cube dudes were impressed and wanted to sign us there and then. We mentioned the interest from EMI. They said at EMI we would just be a small fish in a big pool. Come with us, they said, we’re smaller and can give you individual attention. They convinced us and we agreed to sign.”

“In due course we were booked into Island Records’ Basing Street studios. Many of our heroes had recorded there so it was quite exciting. Our producer was Roger Bain who had produced Black Sabbath of whom we were fans so another plus. Roger’s mate came along for the sessions, a guy called Gus Dudgeon with whom I was to work with several years later. Unfortunately, we made a string of dumb moves.”

“Dumb move one – we wrote a joke song called ‘Ridley Tiddly Tum’. Dumb move number two – we made a demo recording of the joke song. Dumb move number three – we played it to the record company. They declared it would be a massive hit and it was to be our first single. We were horrified but we couldn’t talk them out of it. But they were wrong it wasn’t a massive hit.”

“On reflection something else we did was probably a dumb move too. When you’re young you have a huge propensity for doing dumb things. We declared the single was a double A side and at every opportunity we promoted the actual B side a song called ‘In The City.”

“We did a film for BBC’s Look North driving around Newcastle in an open top car with ‘In The City’ blasting out. At every opportunity and interview we promoted the B side of the single. Our record company must’ve loved this. And so, it wasn’t to be and finally the band broke up in 1974.”

Steve then decided to concentrate on songwriting which led him to Wallsend’s Impulse Studios as House producer and eventually the legendary Neat Records who were responsible for launching the big four North East rock bands – Fist, Venom, Raven and Tygers of Pan Tang.

Steve explains his new project “It’s been over 50 years since Bullfrog’s first gig with 50 being a magic number in the music business. It’s the amount of years that must pass before recordings drop out of copyright. So finally, Bullfrog are free of that ill fated record deal so I’ve dug out the old master tapes and dusted them off”.

Steve added “These remixes of our 1972 demo tapes have been assisted by AI and I’ll own up to a small number of 2025 overdubs. The band now sounds how it would have done if modern day recording studios had been available when we first cut the demo tapes. And now you can enjoy the songs too – 50 Years On” 

Bullfrog 50 Years On is available on 12 inch Vinyl album and a CD (with bonus tracks). You can hear previews of the songs and purchase your copy here >>>

https://elasticstage.com/bullfrog

Alikivi   May 2026

ELECTRIFYED – new record & new guitarist for Tygers of Pan Tang

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John Foottit was born and bred in York in 1960 and now lives in Darlington with his wife Sandra.

I have been in Darlington for about 30 years.

Is music in the family?

There is no musical history in my family so I am not sure where it has come from. I had a couple of toy guitars as a kid and apparently my mother said I used to play nursery rhymes on one string.

Who were your influences?

Back in the day I loved Hank Marvin and the Shadows and I wanted to play guitar. I broke my ankle at 14 and I asked my mother for a guitar. That was it. The bug was there and I started to learn. I’m self taught and practice for hours. No instructional videos, dvd’s, YouTube etc it’s all by ear and books.

When I started an apprenticeship at 16, I was getting into early Queen, Thin Lizzy, Priest. I was lent an album by UFO featuring Michael Schenker. That was when serious practicing started.

When were your first gigs?

I was in my first gigging band at about 18. Nerve Senta we were called. We just played local gigs in York which had a good music scene back in the day.

I have been in some quite successful bands throughout the years with lots of material on YouTube. Mai Rouge, Change of Heart, Chrome Molly and my own instrumental album called ‘Equilibrium’. It is very influenced by my guitar hero’s Michael Schenker, John Petrucci, Joe Satriani, Randy Rhodes and George Lynch.

How did the job with the Tygers come about?

The Tygers job came through knowing Huw (Holding) the bass player who I’ve known a few years. We play in a covers band together and one evening he asked me if I was interested in a guitar position that had become available with the Tygers. I knew a few of the band already through gigging and festivals. They knew me and knew I could play so there was no audition as such. We met and it was mainly about how we would get on as people working and travelling together.

What’s next for the Tygers?

The new album is recorded and the first single comes out on May 4th. It’s titled Electrifyed. As is the album. The album was recorded remotely, due to the logistics of the band being so far apart. Some was recorded in Italy, the Netherlands and back home in the North East. It was completed at Christmas.

The songs were pretty much written prior to me joining but I played all the rhythm guitar parts along with Robb (Weir) and 80% of the leads were mine.

It’s a bit heavier than a lot of the albums but is full of catchy hook lines and still has the character of a Tyger’s song. I think it will be received well by the Tyger’s fans. The people that have heard it really like the single Electrifyed. Did I say it is due out on 4th May!

Any gigs lined up this year?

We have just completed a four day Spanish tour supporting FM. It went really well and I’m starting to bed in with the rest of the band now.

We have three UK shows coming up this week. Shows in Europe for the festival season are arranged and we have a South American tour at the end of May for 10 days.

For more news/gigs/photos/shop contact the official website >>>  Tygers Of Pan Tang – The Official Site

Alikivi   May 2026

THE BATTLE OF BOLINGBROKE – The Borestiffers 50th anniversary gig

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Where were you in the latter half of the 70s? New Rose by the Damned was the first single released by an English punk band, Monty Pythons Flying Circus became as big an influence on TV comedy than The Beatles had on music and before the end of the decade audiences were exposed to their surreal comedy film ‘The Life of Brian’. Sadly, millions mourned across the world as 1977 claimed the life of Elvis Presley.

However, here in South Shields also in 77, boxing’s Heavyweight champion of the world Muhammad Ali visited the town to have his wedding blessed at Laygate Mosque. And legendary punk band Angelic Upstarts formed and within a few year appeared on Top of the Pops and toured the USA. Before making it they gigged at the Bolingbroke Hall in the town. Another crew who played in that hall were The Borestiffers.

Who were The Borestiffers? The Borestiffers featured an early Wavis O’Shave he of later musical fame and appearances on live TV music show The Tube, other members included Heedfuzz, Braddy, Teddy Anteater and John ‘Fig Roll’ Davies who would rarely turn up. February this year was the 50th anniversary of that notorious gig played in front of several rival gangs of the town.

A surreal non-musical skiff-lish group playing empty suitcases, sooty guitars, bullworkers and even a kitchen sink, The Borestiffers in total recorded two cassette albums, played four gigs in South Shields, three at Bolingbroke in 76 and one at The People’s Palace in 77. But it was the initial gig that ended in a riot that remains in folklore memory.

Heedfuzz, Wavis, Braddy & Teddy.

I hear you had some trouble during your Bolingbroke rehearsal?

WAVIS:  Two of hardest men in the town used to work out in the gym there and when they heard us making such a racket they turned up to see what was happening. All of the band went deadly silent and I had to explain. When they asked how much we charged admission I told them, a slice of bread, hard boiled egg or a stick of celery.

HEEDFUZZ: They wanted to sit in on the rehearsal of the first piece of our noise. Once we finished, they silently returned to the gym.

Who and how many turned up – any local ‘celebs’ of the town?

WAVIS: There was a fair turn out from about four different rival town gangs – Whiteleas, Biddick Hall, the Nook and Westoe.

BIG PHIL: There were about twenty members of the Whiteleas Estate Aggro Boys – most of them didn’t have a clue what to expect. I knew it was going to be nuts but the idea of trouble wasn’t in my mind, we were a well-known gang of lads who stood together in times of trouble.

HEEDFUZZ: About 50 or so attendees from various parts of the town. Turf warfare was a common practice during the 70s.

Teddy, Braddy & Heedfuzz

What songs were on the set list?

WAVIS: Most I recall were from the first Borestiffers cassette album ‘Black Shoes and Mongooses’ like Rubber Song where we dropped the stylus onto the rubber turntable and chanted ‘Rubber song’. Three different songs about shoes, one making it to my ‘Anna Ford’s Bum’ album, also Josepheener Tursepheeners with accompanied customised absurd dance.

HEEDFUZZ: We also did The Seven Puppets of Corbett – spoofing the Queen hit, and it was about The Sooty Show. Intro music was the Can Can followed by a loud recording of an outside back yard toilet flushing where we entered the stage, wandered round like lost souls, and then re-entered again.

Can you remember how you were dressed?

WAVIS: I had a Subbuteo floodlight strapped on my head and played a Sooty guitar.

HEEDFUZZ:  I had a top hat with a child’s pink telephone attached around the rim with elastic bands, and a tailcoat.

BIG PHIL: The gig itself was so surreal many of the lads just couldn’t cope with what they had witnessed – the weird outfits, the fact that the group couldn’t play. I was in heaven.

On the night was there a compere?

WAVIS; Nope, we had no one to spare but I doubt anyone would offer if we did, but we did have member of the Sunderland Hells Angels on the door as a bouncer who in later life featured on various TV shows as Martial arts instructor. His jacket was padded out with multiple parts of a lathe.

HEEDFUZZ: Spike Milligan would have been superb but he had earlier wrote to Wavis declining an invite to manage us thinking we were musical.

Heedfuzz, Braddy, Wavis & Teddy. pic taken in the famous South Shields landmark The Westoe Netty.

Why did you choose to play Bolingbroke Hall?

WAVIS: I had to tell the owners that we wanted it for a poetry recital otherwise I doubt they’d have given it us. Eight quid it cost. I thought it was the perfect size venue for an expected sizeable gathering and if there were any trouble which I’d predicted, they’d be plenty of space for people to fight! It inspired the Angelic Upstarts to book the place.

HEEDFUZZ: It was a suitable size and ideally situated in the centre of town ideal for public transport.

BIG PHIL: At the end it all erupted, and the place got trashed in unison by all the gangs there. On the way home everyone was laughing in bewilderment. We knew we had witnessed something out of the ordinary but most couldn’t grasp what! I was a bit upset about the mini riot but over the moon that I had witnessed so much absurdity in such a short space of time.

HEEDFUZZ: On the way to the show I met a kid who was going and he opened his wallet to prove he had a ticket as well as a slice of bread in there asking if it was really needed. I told him it was a charity gig for the Marine Park wildlife.

Alikivi   April 2026

THREE MINUTE POP SONG with Newcastle singer-songwriter Alan Fish

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In the 1980s Alan was guitarist and songwriter in Newcastle bands Loud Guitars and White Heat – who signed to Virgin records and recorded one album.

For the past 10 years he has toured as a session musician with American singer-songwriter Jesse Terry. He has also produced a number of recordings as The Attention Seekers.

‘The Attention Seekers were formed around 1999, our first album was released in 2002 since then we have released six albums and a seventh is in the final stages.’

‘I am very fortunate in the fact that over the years I have built up a relationship with a number of radio stations in the UK, and USA. I measure the success of my releases by the number of plays they attract. It’s always a thrill to hear one of my songs on the radio like Seven Bridges, The Prudhoe Song, The Girl With The Jukebox Mind and Sweet Anna Brown.’

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The Attention Seekers – Sweet Anna Brown – YouTube

In the 1970s Subbuteo teams and pop singles was what I spent my pocket money on. The first singles I bought were Elected and Hello Hurray by Alice Cooper plus Sweet and Slade who were always on Top of the Pops.

‘Good choices. I was a big fan of Alice Cooper. I discovered them on Old Grey Whistle Test performing Under My Wheels. The album ‘Killer’ is a classic. Slade finally won me over with How Does it Feel – a brilliant song.’

‘Examples of perfect pop singles would be All The Young Dudes – Mott The Hoople, When You Are a King – White Plains, Virginia Plain – Roxy Music, Fire – The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown and Waterloo Sunset – The Kinks. My first single was Woodstock by Mathew’s Southern Comfort. To this day it still sounds perfectly crafted.’

Tony Davis & Sam Blewitt, Cluny Studios, Newcastle.

‘In my opinion the three minute pop song is the ultimate art form. This feeds directly into the way I write and record. The flexibility of The Attention Seekers is the perfect vehicle for me to explore this concept. In the studio the song will dictate the line up.’

‘My ‘go to’ musicians include Trevor Brewis, Tony Davis, Sam Blewitt, Jesse Terry, Romaana Shakir, and Niles Krieger. I would definitely feel compromised if I had to use a conventional ‘rigid’ band line up.’

Trevor Brewis, Cluny Studios, Newcastle.

What have you got planned for this year?

‘I am presently in the final stages of completing a new Attention Seekers album, I have recording sessions booked for the end of April. Tony Davis’s Cluny Studio is my studio of choice. I am also working with ’The City Of Newcastle Male Voice Choir’ developing a choral version of ’Seven Bridges’.

‘Recently the choir invited me to play a guest spot at one of their concerts. I enjoyed the challenge of performing ’stripped back’ versions of my songs, and the impact of the choir adding their voices to the choruses was an experience I’m keen to repeat.’

For further information, news, photos, songs, video & gigs contact the official website >>>

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Alikivi   April 2026