The Pitmen Poets’ performance at my local venue the Fire Station was a celebration of the North East’s rich cultural and mining heritage. The group, comprising of renowned local folk musicians Jez Lowe, Billy Mitchell, Bob Fox, and Benny Graham, delivered a powerful show from the moment they took the stage.
The Pitmen Poets effortlessly weaved tales of mining life through their songs and anecdotes. Their set included a mix of traditional folk songs, contemporary compositions, and spoken word pieces, each carefully chosen to reflect the struggles, resilience, and humor of the mining communities.
Jez Lowe’s songwriting shone brightly, with tracks like “Black Diamonds” reminding the audience of our coal mining roots. Billy Mitchell’s vocals and stage presence (remember this guy used to front Lindisfarne at one stage in his career) reminded me of when I last saw him perform at the Gala Theatre as part of the Lindisfarne Story, while Bob Fox’s excellent guitar work and Benny Graham’s rich, resonant voice completed the Pitmen Poets sounds and stories of times long past yet well remembered and implanted in our local heritage.
One of the evening’s highlights was their rendition of “The Collier’s Rant,” a traditional Geordie folk song that had the entire audience joining in. Even more familiar, and fun, was their performance of “when the boat comes in” which they explained was not about coalmining but nonetheless fitted within the same genre. Another great singalong.
The band explained that none of them had actually worked down the pit, but their close relatives (in most cases their fathers) had been pitmen. They went on to explain how they were of a generation whose parents said “You are not going down the pit like your Da, that life is not for you” (or something like that).
There were also visual elements to the show, including archival footage and photographs projected behind the band, bringing the history and stories of the miners to life. The Pitmen Poets’ performance was a memorable and moving tribute to our region’s mining history.
I bought a signed book by Jez Lowe, his fourth novel. A quote from the rear cover text: “A 19th Century village in County Durham is blighted by an all-too familiar tragedy, an explosion down the mine, but this time with a curious twist that sends waves of surprise and confusion across the region. It is left to a newly arrived young policeman to solve the mystery, in the face of hostility from the mine-owners, suspicion from the miners and their families and an over-arching web of prejudice that reaches out from a distant foreign land.
Only a scattering of odd characters and Tyneside eccentrics reach out to help him, along with a mysterious woman who captivates all those who come in contact with her.” Perfect! The rest of the band were also available to meet after the show.
Many thanks to Jackie for the photos and to Chris for manipulating the site. And many thanks again to the Pitmen Poets for a great evening of Geordie heritage.
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by ciarant1step on July 1, 2024 at 9:35 pm
Even though I’ve never heard The Pitmen Poets, this sounds like the kind of gig I’d love. Hope you enjoy the book too.
Posted by vintagerock on July 2, 2024 at 10:53 am
Yes Ciaran it was thought-provoking as well as great fun Best wishes Peter
Posted by treetopflier2009 on July 2, 2024 at 7:19 pm
Sounds like it was a great night Peter. My Dad was a pitman all his working life. I love tales about the old days of chasing the “Black Gold”! I will definitely ty to catch these!
Posted by vintagerock on July 5, 2024 at 12:51 pm
Yes they are definitely worth seeing cheers Peter
Posted by Bryan on July 8, 2024 at 10:19 am
A few years back my good mate & local Gateshead artist Paul Oughton, provided the artwork for the Pitmen Poets stage set. One of the band members was browsing through Tynemouth Market & came across Paul, & his work. He was struck by the power of his coalmining artwork & the nostalgia it evoked.
Posted by vintagerock on July 8, 2024 at 5:57 pm
Hi Bryan I used to love rummaging around Tynemouth market and buy old Rupert and Dandy and Beano annuals and LPs. A magical place 🙂 Peter
Posted by Bryan on July 8, 2024 at 6:23 pm
It’s never too late for a good rummage Peter! There are still plenty of oddities on sale & some very talented artisans. If you ever get up there, introduce yourself to Paul. He’s a great character & very talented artist. His work recreates a North East, as you’d remember it growing up!
Posted by vintagerock on July 8, 2024 at 6:43 pm
Will do Bryan Peter