Highlights:
- Following a 26-year hiatus, Shakespears Sister returns with an exciting new tour
- Prince Charming himself Adam Ant presents his Friend or Foe album live in its entirety
- Mercury Prize-nominated Portico Quartet debut new music from their forthcoming album, Memory Streams.
The Tallest Man On Earth plus support Julie Byrne
Monday 4 November, 7pm
This year, The Tallest Man On Earth released his first album in four years, I Love You. It’s A Fever Dream.
In recent years Kristian Matsson has undertaken single oriented projects that incorporate writing, producing and self-releasing songs and videos in regular intervals, often with purposefully intense deadlines. He’s described finding inspiration in the entire process, and in particular in the satisfaction of making something and having it out quickly. For listeners and viewers, the fascination has been in watching an artist work through his life, in problems and celebrations large and small, putting his thoughts out into the world while he’s still processing them himself and watching them evolve over time.
Plus Support Julie Byrne
American wanderer Julie Byrne’s second album, Not Even Happiness, vividly archives what would have otherwise been lost to the road – bustling roadside diners, the stars over the high desert, the aching weariness of change, the wildflowers of the California coast, as well as the irresolvable mysteries of love.
A more confident beast than her 2014 debut, Rooms With Walls And Windows, adding atmospheric instrumentation and electronic flourishes to Byrne’s unusual guitar tunings and fingerpicked melodies, moving the songs from the front-porch into subtle anthemia.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/the-tallest-man-on-earth-2019/
Charlie Cunningham plus Winnie Raeder
Monday 4 November, 8pm
Charlie Cunningham has announced his return with the release of a brand new single, Permanent Way. Permanent Way is the first new material from the British guitarist since the release of debut album, Lines, in 2017 and is a nod to more that we can expect from him in 2019.
Permanent Way finds Charlie embellishing his sound with subtly arranged synths and an upbeat tempo, whilst still allowing enough space within the arrangement for his distinctive vocals to echo and captivate.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/charlie-cunningham/
ALBUMS SHOW: Elio Pace’s Billy Joel Songbook featuring David Brown
Tuesday 5 November, 8pm
Elio and The Billy Joel Songbook band perform the classic albums Storm Front and The Stranger in their entirety with special guest from the USA, lead guitarist on the original albums, David Brown.
David played lead guitar in Billy Joel’s band from 1978 until 1991 and went on to record and tour with many music icons including Paul McCartney and Simon and Garfunkel.
There’s just no stopping the incredible success of the critically acclaimed Billy Joel Songbook led by the phenomenal Elio Pace and his amazing band. This really is a night of musicianship and ingenious song writing you simply cannot miss!
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/elio-pace-presents-2019/
Sixties Gold 2019
Wednesday 6 November, 7.30pm
Sixties Gold 2019 returns with an even stronger line-up of artists that, between them, scored over 50 chart-topping UK hits. Re-live the magic of the 1960s with five of the biggest chart acts of the decade.
- Herman’s Hermits
- The Merseybeats
- The Marmalade
- Wayne Fontana and The Mindbenders
- Steve Ellis of Love Affair
Herman’s Hermits. One of the biggest selling bands of the 60s. From their beginning in Manchester in 1964, the band has sold in excess of 75 million records. This year marks their 55th anniversary, with hits including: There’s A Kind Of Hush, Silhouettes, Can’t You Hear My Heart Beat, Wonderful World, A Must to Avoid, and many more.
The Merseybeats. Another success story from the Liverpool, Merseybeat boom years. Great memorable hit records including: Sorrow, I Think of You, and Wishin’ and Hopin’.
The Marmalade. Adding another dimension to the sound of the classic pop song, with great harmonies. Hits include: Lovin’ Things, Reflections of My Life, Falling Apart at The Seams, Cousin Norman, and their Lennon & McCartney composed No1 smash hit, Ob-la-Di Ob-la-Da.
Wayne Fontana and The Mindbenders. Another of the iconic bands from Manchester, also on his 55th Anniversary tour. Wayne had his first hit in 1964, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, followed up with The Game of Love, Pamela Pamela, and Groovy Kind of Love.
Steve Ellis the original lead vocalist and founder of Love Affair who had five top 20 singles, including their number one, Everlasting Love.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/60s-gold-2019/
Wishbone Ash 50th Anniversary Tour
Wednesday 6 November, 7.30pm
It’s a remarkable milestone few bands have achieved – 50 years of continual touring and recording and always at the highest level. As Wishbone Ash take their place amongst an exceptionally rare elite, they’ll be celebrating the occasion with a specially extended show, taking the audience on a unique journey through their illustrious history. Having sold millions of albums, the band’s iconic twin-guitar sound has become familiar to audiences around the world with classics such as The King Will Come, Throw Down the Sword and Blowin’ Free.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/wishbone-ash-50th-anniversary/ – SOLD OUT, RETURNS ONLY
Folkworks: May Monday, Karen Tweed and Timo Alakotila plus Amy Leach
Thursday 7 November, 8pm
Both Karen Tweed and Timo Alakotila are supreme lyrical performers who have a true gift for uncovering the spirit and text of the tunes they play.
It’s 16 years since the first May Monday album. Six years later came Midnight May Monday and now Midsummer May Monday. These recordings are a testament to the enduring and magical partnership of the vivacious and elegant accordionist Karen Tweed and the quiet genius of pianist, composer and arranger Timo Alakotila, who have underpinned and inspired so many recordings and projects with Finnish musicians.
Amy Leach is a traditional Scots singer from Edinburgh, now based in Newcastle upon Tyne. After playing in groups such as The Lindie Quartet and The Flyting, this set explores traditional songs both solo and accompanied by the wonderful Karen Tweed.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/may-monday-karen-tweed-timo/
Presented with GemArts
Riverside Ragas: Music from courts of Kings and Saints
Friday 8 November, 7.45pm
Featuring:
- Qais Essar Rabab
- Kirpal Singh Panesar Tar Shehnai and Vocals
- Sunny Channa Tabla and Pakawaj
We invite you to step back in time and experience a new music commission that explores 15th century sounds from Afghanistan and Punjab – the land of five Rivers – in this special double bill.
In the first half immerse yourself in the ancient melodies, moods and rhythms of the rabab, a 2500-year-old instrument from Afghanistan, by award-winning musician and composer Qais Essar. Joining Qais on stage to explore these sounds will be Sunny Channa, a rising star on tabla and pakawaj.
Completing the line-up in the second half of this double bill will be eminent musician Sri Kirpal Singh on the tar shehnai, who will join forces with Qais and Sunny to present A series of shabads (sacred songs from Sikh Scriptures) synonymous with the great court of Guru Nanak Dev and his minstrels.
The 550th anniversary of his birth will be celebrated across the world in November 2019 (according to the Nanak Shahi calendar), through Kirtan Darbar’s filled with sacred music.
Don’t miss this special double bill in what is truly ancient music.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/riverside-ragas-music-from-courts/
Classical Season 2019/20 | RNS at Home
Rachlin’s Prokofiev
Friday 8 November, 7.30pm
Julian Rachlin conductor/violin
Royal Northern Sinfonia
Prokofiev Violin Concerto No.2
Prokofiev Classical Symphony
Mozart Divertimento in D, K136
Mozart Symphony No.36 ‘Linz’
Amid the turmoil of the Russian Revolution, the young Prokofiev sat down to imagine the music Mozart or Haydn might have written if they’d been alive in the 20th century. Whip-smart and uproarious, his Classical Symphony is the result – the centre of a concert in which violinist-extraordinaire Julian Rachlin takes a marvellously entertaining tightrope walk between two centuries.
Prokofiev’s zingy Second Violin Concerto is every bit as tuneful and irreverent as his symphony, but even that is no match for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. From the Italian influences of Divertimento K136, written when Mozart was just 16, to Symphony No. 36 ‘Linz’, a masterpiece written in just four days, this is a programme that will take you on a journey through the life and times of this great composer.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/rns-at-home-rachlins-prokofiev/
Portico Quartet
Friday 8 November, 8pm
Mercury Prize-nominated Portico Quartet debut new music from their forthcoming album, Memory Streams.
Sending out echoes of jazz, electronica, ambient music and minimalism, the group created their own singular, cinematic sound over the course of four studio albums, from the band’s 2007 breakthrough Knee-Deep in the North Sea, and Isla in 2010, to the self-titled recording Portico Quartet in 2012 and the heralded Art In The Age Of Automation in August 2017 and the EP Untitled (AITAOA #2) in April 2018.
The show will feature new music from their forthcoming album, Memory Streams, released this autumn. Expect mesmeric new music that draws both on their luminous past while pushing their trademark sound into exciting new pastures.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/portico-quartet/
Adam Ant: Friend or Foe Tour
Saturday 9 November 2019 | 7:30pm
Following a world tour to sold-out venues throughout the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, Adam Ant confirms his 2019 Friend or Foe UK Tour which is coming to Sage Gateshead on Saturday 9 November.
Adam Ant will play his landmark Friend or Foe album in its entirety, as well as classic chart-topping singles and personal favourites.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/adam-ant-2019/
Folkworks: Postcards & Pocketbooks: The Best of Bella Hardy
Saturday 9 November, 8pm
Bella Hardy has sung unaccompanied ballads at a sold-out Royal Albert Hall. She’s taken a band of drums, brass and electronics to the National Concert Hall of Budapest. She’s learnt the songs of Chinese farmers as she helped gather ginger in Yunnan Province. She’s sat on the moors of her beloved Peak District with only her fiddle for company. She’s worked as a ranch hand, looking after horses and fiddle-singing in the diners of Tennessee.
With her mesmerising voice and ability to conjure and twist stories that call straight to the heart, Bella has beguiled audiences from Canada to Japan, from Spanish bars to castles to concert halls.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/bella-hardy-2019/
Cauls (Album Launch) with support from Pave The Jungle, Bradfield and Dutch Elm
Sunday 10 November, 6pm
Cauls are a six-piece, female-fronted, alt-prog collective forged in the swirling bitter winds of North East England. Compromising disparate musical heritages ranging from prog-rock to jazz via 80s synth soundtracks, their unique voice evokes musical titans such as The Mars Volta and Tool.
AEG Presents
Shakespears Sister
Sunday 10 November, 7pm
Shakespears Sister announced their official reunion as a band, 26 years after they originally disbanded.
Shakespears Sister’s debut album, 1989’s Sacred Heart was a top ten record and spawned the band’s first hit single, You’re History, which also went top ten.
Even greater success followed with a second album, Hormonally Yours, in 1992; amongst its hit singles I Don’t Care, Hello (Turn Your Radio On) and Stay, which remained at number one for eight weeks. The triumphs and accolades piled up: over a million albums sold, a Brit award for best video for Stay and an Ivor Novello award for Outstanding Collection of Songs for the band’s second album, 1992’s Hormonally Yours. The pair went onto headline the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury in 1992 and supported Prince at Celtic Park at his personal request.
They embark on the Shakespears Sister Ride Again tour this November, including a date at Sage Gateshead.
Book Now: https://sagegateshead.com/whats-on/shakespears-sister/