WRITING

LET THE MUSIC PLAY – in conversation with Martin Francis Trollope owner of Harbourmaster Studios, South Shields

/ Alikivi

The studio in Prospect House, Simonside is handy to get to as Bede metro station is only 5 mins away and it’s just off the main road between South Shields and Jarrow. I was feeling flush so I got a taxi there.

Last time I was in this area it was 1982 and I’d just left school. With proper jobs being scarce at that time there were only Government schemes around like YOP’s – Youth Opportunity Programmes which lasted under a year.

The Careers Office sent me to an office building on Bede Industrial Estate which offered a number of practical courses. I took a 3 month course in Basic Industrial Electronics – how to solder and wire a plug that sort of thing. It’s come in handy.

I’ve been self employed for over 30 years so understand the highs and lows of working in a creative industry. I’ve talked to people on this site about ‘how do you survive in the arts?’ And asked Martin the same question.

Martin Francis Trollope, Harbourmaster Studio pic. Alikivi March 2026

‘With two kids I try to have some structure to my work but am still available via text, email or phone every minute of the day really. The odd email comes in late at night ‘I think we can change the mix on that.’ It’s a 24 hour thing. People with creative brains man, it can happen at all sorts of times.’

Could you see yourself with a ‘proper’ job like an office or factory?

‘I was a very good barman at The Fountain in South Shields. The job wasn’t just about pulling pints. I was quiet at first but learned how to talk to people and have conversations. I’m quite good at making spread sheets, but I’m not sure about an office job.’

For a number of years Martin worked in Customs Space a community recording studio in South Shields, sadly, now demolished.

‘I started recording over 20 years ago at home then went to The Cave youth club with John Clavering (musician/producer) which became Customs Space. Unfortunately, the building was planned to be demolished and no plans were in place for the studio to move. The feeling was that the time was up.’

How long have you been in this studio?

‘Nearly 6 years. It was essentially a Covid thing. When that hit, I knew I wasn’t going to have a job after it. After being on furlough at Customs Space for around 8 months I went freelance. I used that time to get things together, put the wheels in motion and look around for studio space.’

‘Luckily Jen Stevens (vocal coach) and Jordan Embleton (photographer) who worked at Customs Space had found units here in Simonside so asked me to come down.’

Is this your dream job?

‘I’ve never really had ambitions but deep down I really wanted to do it. I suppose you never think it’s viable. The work is great though. It’s so varied from first timers to experienced musicians like Steve Thompson who you’ve interviewed. Not everything is recorded here some people bring stuff over that they’ve recorded in their house and we work on it here.’

As well as recording and mixing Martin offers guitar lessons.

‘I enjoy teaching all ages. I have seven people at the minute but my time is restricted with the amount of recording and mixing that I do. All I want to do is take the music that the musician is hearing in their head and put it down so they hear it back’.

‘I rarely push my ideas on them it’s all their work. They don’t want to take a CD home and wonder why they let the engineer put that sound on! I’m not offended when they say no I don’t want that. Although some have asked me to put a solo on cos they don’t play guitar! A collaboration is fun to do. As long as it comes out the way they want it to, I’m happy.’

Martin Francis Trollope, Harbourmaster Studio. pic. Alikivi March 2026

Do your customers travel far to get to the studio or are most people local?

‘All over the North East is where they mainly come from. There is a death metal band called The Larches from Yorkshire, they should have an EP ready soon. There is also a guy from Leeds called Fun Park Fugitives who comes in and makes really good low fi indie. He’s got a really good ear for a tune.’

It must be worth it for him travelling a 200 mile round trip?

‘Sometimes you make a connection with someone. Making art is a very personal thing. When I make a song, I’m careful who I show it to. You are sharing a private thing. Especially if it’s not fully formed and complete. You have to feel comfortable around someone having bad ideas.’

When you were starting out can saying no to some work be hard to do?

‘When I started doing this, I took on some work teaching music in primary schools – up to 30 kids at a time absolute chaos but they enjoyed it. I said yes to a lot of jobs that’s why I ended up working on a lot of styles of music. That’s the challenge, you learn something. And a new connection can lead you to another job.’

How do you find making contact with other small business and networking at formal events?

‘I’m not great at starting conversations with strangers at these events but I realise the importance of them. But for me going to gigs is my networking event really. My advice to anyone starting a music career for want of a better word, is go to gigs, chat with the band, find out who organised it, see who runs the venue, maybe talk to the sound tech. Straight away you’ve found a load of information.’

‘Social media has its functions my customer base use it so yes for that purpose it’s good, but really talking face to face and experiencing a live gig can’t be beaten.’

For further information check out the official website >>>

http://www.harbourmasterproductions.co.uk

Alikivi   March 2026

SHE’S SO EUROPEAN – New tour planned for UK Rhythm & Blues singer-songwriter Emma Wilson

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Emma Wilson 2026 pic. Paul May

These past few years have been golden for Emma – tours, awards, recording in Memphis, appearing on BBC Radio 2 with Cerys Mathews and in April she is getting ready to represent the UK in the European Blues Challenge in Poland.

‘And In January just gone I went to Memphis in America to represent the UK at the International Blues Challenge. That was great, of all the times I’ve visited Memphis this was the first opportunity I had to play on the iconic Beale Street.’

‘I also played a live session on Memphis Radio with DJ Ric Chetter. He’s championed me for years and always gets me in the studio when I’m over in the States’ said Emma.

‘On a more sombre note, my visit to Memphis coincided with a wake for the late Don Bryant. As you know Don and I duetted on his song What Kind of Love for my ‘Memphis Calling’ album. It was a very moving day and it was a privilege to be there.’

‘I was able to meet up with friends from the record – Scott Bomar and Hubbie Turner. A few of us went out later for some food and to raise a glass to Mr Bryant….Mr.B..’

Since we last spoke you have lost your good friend and fellow vocalist Terry Reid, how has this affected you?

‘It was so sad losing Terry, he really was one of those people you thought would go on forever. He shone so brightly in every way. I was lucky to have him as a friend and mentor. Even writing this hurts, I miss him so much.’

Emma added ‘We used to chat on Whatsapp (he lived in California) and he would tell me all the tales about his life in the 70s with Taj Mahal, Crosby Stills & Nash and David Lindley when they were all young crazy lads. He had some brilliant stories and an incredible memory for detail.’

‘There will be a tribute concert in 2027 which his lovely wife Annette has asked me to perform at. I’ll probably sing the song we wrote together See You in The Morning – if I can hold back the tears.’

You are putting together a new tour for 2026 are you playing any new venues?

‘Yes! It’s great to be expanding my gig repertoire! Of course, Katowice in Poland is new I’ve never played there before. I’m also on a festival in Germany – Dreyland Festival. Then in the UK the Swanage festival, I’ve played as a guest before but this time headlining. And the Beer Blues Festival in Devon is a new one for me’ said Emma.

‘Also, there are a couple of clubs such as The Angel in Bardsey and the Chantry Brewery in Rotherham. It’s fantastic that promoters – some of whom are musicians – are starting new clubs. Then in December I’m back at the 100 Club in London which is always a cool night – the room just throbs with energy.’

For further information on singles, albums and full list of tour dates contact the new official website >>>  www.emmawilson.co 


Listen to the new album ‘A Spoonful of Willie Dixon’ >>> 

https://EmmaWilson.lnk.to/SpoonfulofWillieDixonNE

Alikivi   March 2026

THESE ARE MY BOUNDS – new collection from Jarrow born poet, Tom Kelly

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Playwright, lyricist and poet Tom Kelly who now lives further up the Tyne river at Blaydon, has released a new collection of poems published by Northumberland based Red Squirrel Press.

‘My collection, prior to ‘These Are My Bounds’ was ‘Walking My Streets’ (interview on site July 2024) published in 2024 and from that point I was building up work for my next collection’ said Tom.

‘I prefer to have new work published in magazines and the majority of poems in a new collection have been published. It allows me to see them more objectively.’

‘Once I’ve had a number of poems published, I begin to select which ones may work in the together. Next is the business of the running order. I found with, ‘These Are My Bounds’ they worked best by moving from past to present. I open the collection with a poem using my grandmother, Maggie Henderson, who died in Jarrow in 1969.’

Tom has had fourteen books published by Red Squirrel Press, the first was ‘The Wrong Jarrow’ from Smokestack Books.

‘That was in 2007 and is now out-of-print. Before these collections I had a number of pamphlets published by a variety of small publishers.’

Tom adds ‘My first pamphlet was the ‘Gibbeting of Wm. Jobling,’ published by the Bede Gallery, Jarrow in 1972.The publication was made up of poetry, prose, contemporary documents and illustrated by Vincent Rea.’

What are your hopes for this new collection?

‘I would, like most poets, to find readers who warm to my work with positive reviews and good sales to have my publisher Sheila Wakefield of Red Squirrel Press publish my next collection.’

Quotes and reviews from previous collections.

‘Another consummate, heart-warming collection from the talented Tom Kelly’.

Alan Morrison, in Morning Star.

‘He writes in a simple style, sometimes in the dialect of his native north-east. What he writes about should never be forgotten, though the rich and the powerful do their best to expunge it from collective memory.’ Review of ‘No Love Rations’, short story collection. MQB  

‘Tom Kelly writes poems that are straightforward and about the people and the places he’s known all his life. The North-East is his “small patch” and its history and traditions loom large in just about everything he writes. If the term “regional writer” means anything it certainly applies to a writer like Kelly. You can see and smell and hear both the past and the present as you read the short, jabbing lines with their penny-plain words.’ The Penniless Press 

‘These Are My Bounds’ available from Red Squirrel Press.

Alikivi   March 2026

HOME SWEDE HOME – with singer & songwriter Alan Barker

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Originally from Middlesbrough, for the past 12 years 71 year old Alan has lived in Sweden with his wife Jude.

‘After school I went to train as a school teacher at Durham University then spent my first seven years in the workplace as a teacher then in business for several years in and around the Northeast.’ explained Alan.

‘The first business was an up market private health and fitness Centre in Yarm. It was called Gym and Tonic. My second business was a construction company renovating properties and building new houses’.

When did you first pick up a guitar?

‘When I was 12 year old and sang my first song at the school folk club. It was Bob Dylans Blowing in the Wind. Like everyone else at the time I joined a band at 16 and played a few gigs around the Teesside area particularly Redcar pubs. It didn’t last. We didn’t get a record deal. But I really did enjoy it.’

Was music in your family, did anyone play an instrument?

‘Yes, my mother. She played a mean piano but she had to have her arms twisted too actually do it. She was a musical one. Most family and friend’s parties ended up around the piano with her playing the hits of the day. So, I guess I got my performing bug from her and from her brother. My uncle was a professional singer all his working life.’

‘Fast forward five decades and songwriting has taken over. There was a song in me called Running Man. I wrote it quickly and we recorded it. Since then, I’ve just kept writing.’

‘Jude and I became involved with a professional football club In Sweden and formed a refugee team called The Mighty Cosmos. The original members of this team had all escaped the 2003 and still ongoing genocide with Sudan and Darfur and had an amazing story to tell.’

‘Over two years, they told me their personal stories and every line in Running Man was a part of one of those stories.

One night at the height of the refugee migration across Europe I saw the Hungarian foreign minister say we will build a fence and send them back and that became a line in the middle eight part of the song. The rest of the song came very quickly.’

Alan’s song has received radio airplay in Sweden and he has been interviewed on several radio stations across northern Sweden.

‘Songwriting came to me late, but I’ve really enjoyed it. I think the early protest singer songwriters of the 60s and 70s especially Dylan, Roy Harper, Tom Paxton, Loundon Wainright along with the amazing Leonard Cohen have influenced the way I write.’

‘There’s a rich pallet of subject matter in the world right now so plenty to go at. I have several songs on Spotify now and a whole load lined up ready to be recorded including an EP of four songs of nostalgia about my home town.’

Songs recorded in Studio 306, Ostersund, Sweden. Produced & engineered by Johan Arveli & Anders Lagroix Kronlund. Available to download on all music platforms.

Tracks include Jamtland County, Monster in the Water, War is Cancelled Today, Darfur Wind, Into the light and Lady Liberty.

Alikivi     March 2026

CRIMINAL MIND with Cullercoats author Glynis Drew

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Glynis was born in Cullercoats, a small fishing village on the North East Coast of England.

‘Where I spent a happy, carefree childhood. Cullercoats Bay was, literally, at the end of my street, and the village had a real community feel – it still does. Now aged 63, I haven’t moved too far from where I grew up.’

Her creative writing journey began at the age of eight.

‘In reality, I was copying the themes and formats of children’s authors. At the age of 11, I was still making notes for my first full-length story book – Five at Mystery Camp!’

‘Leaving school, I wanted to do something other than sit behind a desk – so with the qualifications I had, I was encouraged to spend the next 45 years working behind a desk! I also took on part-time work all within the Cullercoats or North Shields area. I was a barmaid, had a go at working as a housekeeper and one job was cleaning a local morgue. The smell was one of bleach and cleaning products but the atmosphere was spooky and spine tingling. I dreaded every shift – my imagination sometimes does get the better of me.’

Who inspired you to start writing?

‘Growing up, I would spend a lot of time in Cullercoats library, and my first real interest in reading came from Enid Blyton mystery stories. By the time I joined Marden High School in North Shields, it seemed my natural reading progression was to jump from Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers series to James Herbet – The Rats – a huge leap in genre. My imagination was ignited, and my storytelling went up a few notches!’

‘I created my DCI Caron Dell crime fiction novels in 2005, and have written several short stories – none of which are published. I began taking things more seriously when my daughter, Beth, a singer-songwriter, wrote a piece called Stay Young. Something about that song lit a fire in me—and that spark become the basis for my first novel.’

‘To date, I have written and self-published two books from my DCI Caron Dell series: Dying to Stay Young and Where is January Blue?’ 

Have you surprised yourself?

‘I am surprised at how engrossed I have become in my research, whilst developing personality profiles, locations, and murder! Autopsies were an eye-opener, too!’

‘I’m learning something new each time I delve into the world of DCI Caron Dell – she is a stalwart for justice. And, I’m totally bowled over by the interest and support I’ve received, not just from family and friends, but from people I haven’t even met. So, a huge thank you – genuinely, I value everyone’s support.’

 How was your debut book received?

‘My first book Dying to Stay Young, has good reviews on Amazon and five-star reviews in Goodreads. I am delighted by the feedback. Another huge thanks to those who have taken the time to read my books and to those who have left a review.’

‘At the beginning of March 26, Cullercoats Library hosted an event for me to talk about my DCI Dell novels. The venue was very fitting. Providing more detail about DCI Caron Dell and having a face-to-face discussion has encouraged me to continue my storytelling. For my first event, I was grateful for a full room and an engaged audience.’

While researching have you come across any unusual stories?

‘Not unusual, but more surprising. Whilst listening to Professor David Wilson, a Criminology expert, I was shocked by the low number of convictions for crimes against vulnerable groups. With one statistic flooring me – 2% of abuse against women crimes actually lead to a conviction.’

‘Obviously, there is more to the stats, but what is worth noting is that not all crimes are reported, so what is the real percentage? Is it higher or lower? I don’t think we’ll ever know for certain. My interest was piqued, and my hunger to write psychological thrillers grew.’

Would you like to see any of your books adapted for the stage or TV?

‘Absolutely, that would be utopia!’

For further information and upcoming releases contact the official website >>>

 Drews Fiction

Alikivi   March 2026

FREEZE FRAME with singer & songwriter Mark Aynsley Hay

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Mark Aynsley Hay

‘Freeze Frame’ is the new four-track album and first official release in 2026 by Mark Aynsley Hay and songwriting partner Chris Morris (ex Paper Lace guitarist). Both have featured on this site – Chris in May 2025 and Mark in March that year.

Chris Morris

‘Chris will be 72 this year and I recently reached the grand old age of 80. In my head I’m still 21, but a few health issues persuaded me I am really 80. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my back and neck which – excuse the pun – can quite literally be a pain in the neck. Still, c’est la vie as they say in France.’

Explained former Teessider Mark who for the past 14 years  has lived in the French town Pays De La Loire with his wife Alison.

‘We’ll have been together 50 years this June. We first met in 1976 in Aberdeen, Scotland, when I was performing in a cabaret club called Jay Jays. ‘76 was the height of the oil boom in Aberdeen and the nightclubs were thriving. Jay Jays had been the Gaiety Theatre and like many venues then was converted into a nightclub to suit the changing market particularly with the large number of American oil workers in the city.’

‘For album ideas my songwriting partner Chris suggested that we write a romantic ballad built around a theme called ‘Freeze Frame.’ Bringing those two ideas together gave us a broad and flexible creative direction.’

‘My thoughts immediately turned to early relationships and those first, overwhelming impressions—the wow! The one moment when I responded to attraction and sexuality. That realisation inspired the lyric “Love is not what we first see.”

‘The song centres on a couple navigating midlife crises that affect them in different ways. Although their love for each other remains strong, they decide to separate temporarily to give themselves space to breathe. The man longs to reunite, while the woman feels the timing isn’t right.’

‘In essence, he is writing a love letter in song expressing his devotion and vulnerability, yet at times he feels stuck—trapped in a kind of ‘Freeze Frame’, facing it alone.’

‘Things That Make Up Life was born from a conversation between Chris and myself. Chris mentioned he had an idea for a theme designed to embrace a wide range of life’s moments. That idea quickly sparked a flurry of rhymes and melody.’

‘As the lyrics evolved, so did the chord structure, and the song began to take shape. While the initial version showed promise, a change in tempo and a pop rock feel brought it fully to life — delivering the sound and feel we were aiming for.’

‘I delved into the myth of the three rabbits, a quest that led me to a very interesting discovery of facts on Google. I found fascinating facts about old folklore, superstitions, and myths, each with origins rooted in ancient beliefs, observations of nature, and attempts to explain the unexplainable.’

‘I mentioned to Chris that with such lot of material, we have enough to write another new song titled Weird Old Superstitions.’

‘Attentive observation of our everyday habits and dependencies became the inspiration for Addiction Holds the Reins. I’m referring to our daily reliance on laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.’

‘A few weeks ago, Alison and I were socialising with a group of friends. One of the younger people jokingly commented, “Older people are always criticising the young for constantly being on their phones—but look around. There are five older people here scrolling through their screens, completely unaware of what’s happening in this room.” Unfortunately, he was absolutely right—and I was one of the guilty ones.’

‘I became increasingly observant of how often people browse their phones—in hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, waiting rooms and even while walking down the street.’

‘We don’t converse to each other just text or message mainly irrelevant topics that have no real significance to personal or worldwide situations. This isn’t meant as criticism – I’m equally at fault.’

‘Recently the British government have been discussing whether schools should be mobile-phone-free by default, including the possibility of a complete ban for children under sixteen. This policy has already been implemented in Australia and is currently under consideration in Sweden.’

‘I also came across a report from the United States in which primary school teachers noted that many children are starting school unable to read or write their names, yet are already able to swipe on a phone. I’ve incorporated that observation into the song.’

‘While working on this song, I became more aware of my online habits and tried to scale them back, a difficult task when research plays such a big role in songwriting.’

‘As for our hopes for the album, they’re much the same as they’ve always been with our original music. We’d love for it to be picked up by a producer, a publishing company, or perhaps a well known artist who doesn’t write their own material. It’s not really about the financial side although a bit of extra income never hurts.’

‘More than anything it’s about having your work recognised and valued. I often find myself reading your North East Culture site and thinking that’s interesting or I’d never have considered that before – that kind of acknowledgement means a great deal.’

The four tracks are available to stream and download on most major online music platforms.

Alikivi February 2026

‘Addiction Holds the Reins’

‘Weird Old Superstitions’

NUTS & BOLTS in conversation with Tyneside songwriter John Heston

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(John Heston in the Littlehaven Hotel, South Shields Feb. 2026. Pic. Alikivi.)

I’ve known John since 1970s living in South Shields and going to Tyne Dock youth club where rock music was blasted out of the disco.

‘Yeah, I was a bit of a rocker then. The first band I got a ticket for was Scorpions at Newcastle City Hall. I went on my own, I was only 11 – I’m 57 now. I had no concept of what a gig would be like’ said John.

‘When the band were on stage, I noticed something different. Was it an extra member? I didn’t recognise some of the songs. When they finished, I walked out when a bouncer on the doors stopped me “Hey son you not hanging around for the main band?” ‘I’d only watched the support band who happened to be Tygers of Pan Tang from Whitley Bay!’

‘Harry Hill the drummer of rock band Fist, his mother lived near me when I was a kid. When he used to come to see her, he’d drive into the street. A few times I would run over to get his autograph cos the band had just released a single. I met him years later he was really nice. We had a laugh when I told him about it. “What! You were that little squirt who used to come over all the time?”

‘Buddys nightclub in the town had an under 18’s disco and what caught me ear was bands like Stiff Little Fingers, The Jam and The Clash. Alternative Ulster from the Fingers blew us away. Unfortunately, as I was just getting into them these bands were starting to split up! I was a curse, too late for the party’.

One day in 1985 I was in Newcastle record shopping when I was surprised coming across a band busking at the Grey’s Monument. I wasn’t sure at first but it was The Clash.

‘Yeah, I’d been up Newcastle that day but missed them. The busking dates and locations were unannounced. I did meet Mick Jones’ band Big Audio Dynamite at the Mayfair – they handed out cans of Red Stripe. But we missed the last bus so had to walk home afterwards. About 10 mile!’

‘I’ve met Joe Strummer when he was on his solo tour. Had a smoke and drink with him backstage at Newcastle Uni. They say never meet your heroes but glad I did cos he talked patiently to us and answered our questions. I like that, open and relaxed not like now paying for a meet and greet.’

Since being a teenager John has been attracted to music.

‘I was never one who wanted to sound like Jimi Hendrix. The guitar was a songwriting tool for me. I remember when I was around 12 walking in the West Park, South Shields and this loud noise was coming from a distance. I followed the sound which led to a hut. I opened the door and there was a band inside rehearsing. It just hit me. I immediately thought I wouldn’t mind doing that.’

‘It was songs I was interested in, not just the guitar, I wondered how did they put them together? I was interested in the nuts and bolts of the song.’

We talked about great 80s music TV programmes like The Tube which I was lucky to get free tickets for to be in the studio audience. Watching rock bands like Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest and Gary Moore was great but this was the time that The Alarm, The Cult, Killing Joke and Big Country were making a different noise.

‘The first Big Country album really helped me learning guitar. It was a big influence.’

Previous interviews have revealed a family member who used to sing in the clubs or a granny who had a piano in the front room – but not in John’s case.

‘Me mam says I don’t know where it has come from cos there is no history in our family of any musical talent. I think it was just the generation I grew up in. I thought being in a band was beyond me. The punk attitude of going out to just do it made it more possible.’

‘Thing was there was no money around. I only had a cheap guitar from a shop in South Shields called Second Hand Rose. The scratch plate was made from the perspex from a bus shelter window. I don’t know what the strings were made of – possibly chicken wire – but they toughened my fingers up.’

‘It was just getting the feel of playing guitar along to records. I got a book out the library which showed me a few chords. I never got a proper guitar until I was 18. As I say writing songs was what I wanted to do and I started looking around to work on this with somebody.’

(Cloud 10, Laygate 1995 with John on the left pic. Alikivi)

‘I had a mate, Paul Stephenson, who wrote lyrics so we worked on them with some music for about two years. His brothers were a guitarist and drummer and we contacted Neil Newton to come in on bass so formed a band called Cloud 10. We found rehearsal rooms in South Shields this was around ’94.’

‘There was a good scene in Shields then. Plenty of bands like The Calm, January Blue, The Fad, Lemongrass and Nosh at venues like The Vic, the Amphitheatre and I remember playing a showcase gig for community radio station Seven FM at Temple Park Leisure Centre.’

‘After a few gigs we were getting noticed and a guy called Danilo Moscardini, who had a music page in the Sunday Sun newspaper, got in touch after hearing our demo tape. He managed Sunderland band Kenickie at the time who had a few hits. The singer/guitarist Lauren Lavern works on the BBC TV One show now. But after initial interest from record companies it faded away and me and Neil went our own way, forming a band called Speedster’

‘Pre-internet it was adverts in local music shops ‘looking for drummer’ that took ages. Then Neil left to join The Chasers with ex Wildheart Danny Mccormack and I joined The Last Men on Earth with Chris Wraith, Martin Payton and Wayne Burgess. We played around the pubs doing a mix of our own songs with a few covers which earned us enough money to buy new equipment and book in studio time.’

(The Last Men on Earth with Chris Wraith, John Heston, Martin Payton, Wayne Burgess).

‘We were playing a few days a week around the North East and we got down to Camden in London. Again, this band fizzled out and me and drummer Martin Payton talked about getting something together.’

‘As Panic Report (Richy Harbison – keyboards, guitar & vocals, Steve Moore – bass & vocals) we went a similar route as Last Men on Earth by playing originals mixed with covers. From this we got ourselves a decent recorder where we got a few tracks down on CD. Obviously not as good a sound as studio but we spent more time on the tracks and didn’t worry about looking at the clock ticking. Studios are expensive.’

‘We did eventually book into a pro studio and have recorded two CD’s with our new one ‘Kingston to Coventry’ (pic below) which we are releasing on vinyl in a few months. The master tracks are sent away and the wheels are in motion. We will be arranging a launch party in the summer.’

‘For gigging the Panic Report have supported Toyah and Bad Manners at Newcastle Academy. We have played at Stone Valley festival (Bad Manners, From the Jam, Cast, The Professionals with Paul Cook, Bob Geldof). When I was 16 and people said you would have been in a band playing gigs alongside these people I wouldn’t have believed them.’

‘Although not long ago we done a gig down Bishop Aukland with only ten people in the audience, but you still play and just get on with it and enjoy it. We love what we are doing.’

‘A gig I enjoyed was when Angelic Upstarts supported us at Mensi’s 60th birthday at his pub the Alexandria in Jarrow. It was unbelievable. We couldn’t believe it when the big man asked us. Mensi wanted to go on before us then relax before the whole gig finished. It was a great night. The place was rammed’.

‘We’re playing on the Mensifest soon. The organisers are looking to get a festival in remembrance of the Upstarts singer who sadly died a couple of year ago. The gig will be at the Unionist Club, South Shields. There will be about seven bands on with Crashed Out headlining. The tickets are going well the organiser is hoping to make it an annual event.’

‘We’re more or less busy through the year with festival dates and there’s promoters still getting in touch to arrange more.’

Since he was a teenager playing music has been in John’s blood and being able to still be doing what he love’s for over 40 years, he says is a privilege.

‘I’ve done around 700 gigs since starting and I’m ready to keep going’.

‘Kingston to Coventry’ available on vinyl this summer. Check The Panic Report social media for details.

Southside Promotions present ‘Mensifest’ on 21st February 2026 at The Unionist Club, South Shields. Line up featuring Crashed Out, Red London, The Fauves, The Panic Report and more. Tickets £15. On the door £20.

Alikivi   February 2026

FUGUE STATE debut single from South Shields band Class Gymnast

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Class Gymnast are Jon Melvin (Vocals), Mark Cliff (Drums), Jordon Ridley (Bass), Andrew Yates (Guitars) and John Dempsey-Curry (Guitar).

“We’re mainly South Shields lads, although I suppose our spiritual home is Sunderland – we’ve rehearsed at The Bunker on and off for the best part of two decades” said guitarist John Dempsey-Curry.

What are your hopes for this single?

“I’ll be honest, it’s just nice to get some music out there. We started this ‘project’ in 2019 as a way of playing some older songs and ended up writing and recording new music. Right when we started trying to do anything of substance, the pandemic happened and we had to slow right down. We’re not fast at the best of times, but we ended up writing and recording around one song a year, and never really doing anything with it. This is us finally committing to something.” 

How long have the band been playing music for?

“We’ve all been playing together in some form for a while. Three of us were in a band called The Volts in 2000 for a couple of years. Four of us were in The Broken Things back in the early 2000s. A few of us started a band called Maps Are Fiction / The Dead Generosities in the 2010s. A couple of us are in the going concern The Union Choir. I believe The Broken Things may be making a brief comeback as part of a charity gig alongside some other bands of that time shortly, which will be exciting.”

What do you think about the state of live music today?

“We’re all in our 40s and most of us have kid(s) so getting out to see gigs is hard. Playing them even harder. I know from other folks I’ve seen posting pictures (on social media) that there’s still a thriving small band scene, so I know there’s a scene out there, but it does feel very much like there’s a lack of venues dedicated to this kind of thing like there was ‘in my day’. I’m very probably wrong on that though!

Have the band planned any gigs soon?

“On the live music front we are playing the Ship Isis in Sunderland on 31st January with two other bands – American Wrestling and Becca Rubin.”

Produced by Martin Trollope – aka Harbourmaster – ‘Fugue State’ the debut single released 26/1/2026 and same day music video premiering on You Tube at 6pm. Pre-orders on Apple music 19/1/2026.

Alikivi   January 2026

CRAMLINGTON TRAIN WRECKERS – returns to Newcastle Theatre Royal

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After a sold out stage tour in 2024 Cramlington Train Wreckers is back. The inspiring story of working class solidarity will be staged at Newcastle Theatre Royal on Sunday 12th July 2026 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the national strike in 1926.

The strike was the biggest rupture in society since the English civil war. Miners were asked to take a pay cut to ‘improve productivity’ – really just to maintain the profits of the bosses. North East actor Micky Cochrane played one of the main roles on the tour and is revisiting the play at Theatre Royal.

“The audiences were really good in ‘24. Lots of bums on seats and a great response. A lot of people come with high expectations for Ed’s plays and love what he does.”

Written by Ed Waugh (Wor Bella, Carrying David, Hadaway Harry) the story of the striking miners who accidently derailed the famous Flying Scotsman train in Northumberland is told by former actor and director Russell Floyd (The Bill, Eastenders), and after a very successful Carrying David and Billy Elliott the musical, the afore mentioned Micky Cochrane.

“I had worked with Russell on Carrying David and The Great Joe Wilson. I know how he works and what he brings out of actors. We work really well together.“

“I also won the North-East Culture Awards Performing Artist of the Year. It was a great reward for the fantastic plays and big roles I played last year” said Micky.

Also starring is Alex Tahnee who was in Romeo & Juliet and Alice in Wonderland “I knew Alex. She was great. The play has lots of information so we had to be on it. We had to help each other out”

“I had heard of the Cramlington Train Wreckers but I didn’t know the full story and main players so it was another chance to learn more about the history of the area.” explained Micky.

Tickets for Cramlington Train Wreckers at Newcastle Theatre Royal on Sunday 12th July 2026 available from >>>

The Cramlington Train Wreckers | Newcastle Theatre Royal

Alikivi  January 2026

RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME?

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A lot is made of being in the right place at the right time to help bring success. But you can’t get past the sheer amount of hard work put in, every time giving 100% and never complaining. There is no substitute for rehearsal and when the opportunity presents itself you’ve got to be ready to take it. A snapshot of a story taken from Sting’s autobiography Broken Music hits the mark. This all happened within a few heady months during 1978.

The Police went out on a UK tour to open for Spirit led by guitarist Randy California. They won over a hippy audience and released their single Roxanne. Their record company A&M fully supported the record but money wasn’t rolling in yet.

To pay rent on his London flat Wallsend born Sting was still filming a few adverts and bit part in films. The Great Rock n Roll Swindle was one, although his scene ended up on the cutting room floor. ‘I was grateful, however, for the 125 quid at the end of the day’ said Sting.

He also went for a part in Quadrophenia filmed in Brighton. ‘I know that they’re seeing half of London for this role, but somehow I know it’s mine’.

After finishing on the film set in Brighton the record company hired a private car to whisk Sting off to Gatwick airport and jump on a flight to Manchester, finally arriving at the BBC TV studios where The Police were due to appear on the Old Grey Whistle Test. Sting remembers ‘It’s still raining when we land in Manchester. Yet another car and driver waiting to take me to the studio, where we have a sound check. The performance tonight is live’.

After a successful TV appearance a tour of the east coast of America was booked. Second night of the tour The Police are in Poughkeepsie theatre with only six people in the audience. Do they cancel? No. Sting brings the audience down to the front and introduces each other. Then ‘give a blistering set we will ever manage, encore after encore’.

The audience are invited back stage where it turns out three of them are DJ’s. The next day Roxanne makes its debut on USA radio. Within a couple years The Police are one of the biggest bands in the world. Now how did fellow Tynesider Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits knock them off their perch?

Alikivi   January 2025