I am very sad to announce that my dad, Peter, died on Tuesday (27th May) evening. I’m his daughter, Laura and I know my dad would have really wanted me to let you all know the news of his passing.
My father began this blog on 6th August 2008, beginning with a review of Tom Waites at Edinburgh playhouse. At the time, he simply wanted to keep a record of the gigs he was attending—and from that moment on, every time he went to a gig, he would religiously write a review. I remember him tapping away at his computer the morning after a show. Often he would do this from the corner of our living room, or sometimes he’d be posting whilst on a train, traveling back from a gig. I used to tease him about typos and strange grammatical quirks, but he always told me: “The reviews have to be authentic, they don’t need to be polished.”
On 1st January 2012, he decided that, as his New Year’s resolution, he would go a step further. He set himself the enormous task of blogging not just about the gigs he was attending, but also about every gig he had ever been to. Guided by his meticulous archive of ticket stubs, programmes, and memories, he set about writing one entry every day—yes, even on Christmas Day—until he’d completed the entire back catalogue. It took him just under five years. After that mammoth task, he returned to the original rhythm of reviewing gigs as and when he saw them.
In 2016, my dad had a life-changing accident. He fell down the stairs, broke his neck, and sustained a spinal injury that left him paralysed from the neck down. He spent seven months in hospital—the longest period he’d ever gone without attending a gig since he was 12 years old. Once home, there were many adjustments to be made, and at first, he wasn’t sure how easy it would be for him to continue going to concerts. But slowly, he began to figure things out.
In November that year, he went to see Black Sabbath at Newcastle Arena—and reconnected with the passion that had sustained him for a lifetime. He didn’t feel quite ready to restart the blog just yet—telling us it wouldn’t feel the same—but in time, as he began to accept his new normal, he found his way back to it. He caught up and provided reviews for every gig he’d attended since his injury, and from then on, he once again wrote about every show he saw.
Since January of this year (2025), his health had begun to deteriorate, and although he hadn’t managed to keep up with the blog, he was still very much going to gigs. In due course, I will share a list of the concerts he attended this year and make sure they are tagged so that there is a complete and searchable record of every gig he ever saw. Right to the end, he was still gigging. His final concert was Steven Wilson at Newcastle City Hall on Thursday 15th May—just the night before he was taken into hospital.
I wanted to provide this update not only to inform those of you who have subscribed to this blog, but also to draw attention to the astonishing contribution to music history that this blog represents. It serves as a public archive of some of the most iconic moments in rock and pop, and as a record of my dad’s personal legacy—capturing some of his happiest moments, spent in fields, theatres, bars, concert halls, arenas, stadiums and, on occasion, the odd cattle market.
He was immensely proud of this blog. He loved how many of you took an interest in his musical exploits. He was thrilled every time someone left a comment, and he so enjoyed engaging with those of you who shared your own memories and reflections. The blog even brought some wonderful opportunities his way—he published books based on these entries, contributed images to fellow music enthusiasts, took part in exhibitions, and connected with people across the world who shared his love of live music.
On behalf of my dad, I want to say thank you. Thank you to all of you who have followed this blog and supported him over the years. It brought him so much joy.
If you’ve enjoyed my dad’s work, I warmly invite you to share in the comments your own personal favourite gig memories. For those of you who knew him personally, I’d especially love to hear your standout gig moments with Peter. And for those who didn’t know him, I’d still love to hear about the concerts that have been important in your life. This blog has always been a celebration of live music—and your stories will help keep that spirit alive.
With love,
Laura
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by Gemma Dickinson on May 29, 2025 at 4:02 pm
I’m so sorry to read this Laura. I’ve been a neighbour of your Dad’s for 15 years, and always smiled in recent years when I’d see the taxi pull up to take him to his next gig! As a lover of live music too I loved reading this blog, including the back catalogue, to read about the awe inspiring historical acts his experiences in person. His blog will live on, and I will think of him fondly with each gig I attend myself. Rest in peace Peter
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 11:59 am
Hi Gemma.
Wow! I can imagine you must have seen that taxi hundreds of times over the years. Particularly in the last couple of years, he went out more than ever. He was even out at a gig the night before he was taken into hospital.
If its not to much to ask, I’d be really grateful if you could pass on to the residents that dad’s funeral will take place at Sunderland Crematorium on Friday 27th June, 11 AM. We would like to encourage people to wear a gig t-shirt to the funeral.
I actually remember my dad mentioning that one of the neighbours followed his blog … he was delighted!
Thank you so much for making my dad feel like a celeb by showing an interest and following his work.
If you ever see me going in and out of the house please come and say hi.
Thanks again,
Laura
Posted by Gemma Dickinson on June 2, 2025 at 12:29 pm
Of course Laura, I’ve let everyone know. And I love the idea of everyone wearing a gig T-shirt, what an amazing way to remember your Dad and what he loved
Posted by Mark Miller on May 29, 2025 at 4:10 pm
Good evening Laura,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss; although I never met your dad, we did have a couple of email conversations about the blog and gigs we’d been to. I was incredibly impressed (and jealous!) by the number of gigs he had managed to go to. I shall really miss reading his blog.
With deepest sympathies and my best wishes to you,
Mark
Sent from my iPhone
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:01 pm
Hi Mark,
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking such an interest in my dad’s project. I can’t tell you how much joy it gave him, not only to attend all those gigs, but to reminisce about them with other music enthusiasts.
On his behalf, I’d like to thank you for following the blog and for loving live music in the way it deserves to be loved.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by TerriersFan on May 29, 2025 at 4:12 pm
Such very sad news, Laura.
Your father’s blog inspired me to create my own, and almost right up to the end Peter would ‘like’ and comment on my posts, just as I always did on his.
He obviously lived a full and very musical life, and will be sorely missed by family and the gigging community as a whole.
RIP Peter.
Roger 🤘👍
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:05 pm
Thanks Roger,
It sounds like my dad would have got so much from your own blog too! I’m so glad this project of his inspired you to start your own.
I can well believe he liked and commented on as many posts of yours as he could. I know how much he appreciated you and others doing so for him. He was delighted with the community of gig-lovers this blog brought together. Thank you so much for playing a part in that.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Alan Conner on May 29, 2025 at 4:26 pm
so sorry to hear your sad news, I’ve followed your dads blog for a number of years and looked forward to reading them, checking to see if we’d been to the same gig and whether I agreed with the review.
I’ve got a terrible memory but one concert that stands out for me was Santana supported by Earth, Wind and Fire back in the 70’s. In my opinion, Santana were blown off the stage by Earth,Wind and Fire, the first time I’d seen a support band do that to the main act.
best wishes
Alan
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:03 pm
Hi Alan,
That sounds like such a memorable night. I’ve just checked the blog and it seems dad was at that one. He talks about Earth Wind and Fire’s revolving drum kit and said that “Santana had a lot to follow with such a strong opening act”. Apparently he and my lovely mam Marie went along without tickets and managed, despite it being sold out, to buy two and ended up standing at the back. I wonder if they were anywhere near you!
Thanks so much for following my dad’s blog. I can say with absolute certainty that your interest meant so very much to him.
All the best
Laura
Posted by LESLEY PATRICIA Patricia GRIFFIN on May 29, 2025 at 4:52 pm
Laura that is the saddest news – your Dad was such a lovely man. I worked with him at the University and met him last year and had a chat with him at the Jethro Tull concert at the Glasshouse. We conversed a little through his blog too.
He was a very special gentle person with a heart of gold and I will always remember his legendary red boots. May he rest in peace now 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:15 pm
Lesley
Oh Lesley, I absolutely love that you remember his red boots! He was always a fan of flamboyant footwear. After his accident he couldn’t really ware his pointy shoes or platform boots any more, but he still always went for something eye-catching. I think he was most recently sporting a pair of banana yellow crocks.
Thank you for your lovely comments. I know he adored it when people he already knew also interacted with his blog. Thank you so much for following and engaging with it.
All the best
Laura
Posted by John Hodgson on May 29, 2025 at 4:53 pm
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was clearly a lover of music of all kinds, and I always enjoyed the gig reviews arriving in my inbox, the attention to detail and the dedication shone through every paragraph.
The archive will stand as a testament and a resource for generation yet to come. RIP.
Posted by David Wilson on May 29, 2025 at 5:00 pm
Hi Laura, I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing and send sympathy and condolences to you and his close friends.
I never met him, and only engaged with him once or twice on this platform, but I read the vast majority of his blogs when the emails came through. Even for bands or singers I’d never heard of or listened to, I just loved his enthusiasm for music and gigging in particular, which is a big passion of my own.
He las left a lovely legacy which you can be proud of, and look forward to seeing all the memories of gigs that people will share.
Thank you, and rest in peace Peter.
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:16 pm
Thank you David. I will pass your condolences on to the rest of the family.
He certainly had a diverse taste in music and, particularly in the last couple of years, I think he may have been challenging himself to see anyone and everyone, especially if he’d never seen them before. He certainly taught me, my brother and sister to have an open mind when it came to music.
Thank you so much for following the blog and taking such an interest.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Stewart Thompson on May 29, 2025 at 5:05 pm
Dear Laura
I was very saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing and like a great many people I am wishing you and your family my sincere condolences.
In all honesty I have no idea how many years I have been following your Dad’s Webblog – but it is certainly a long time! In keeping with many I am sure, I used it to keep abreast of what was relatively new in terms of his/my attendances and to hear his recollections from gigs/artists we saw from times gone by. It always made me smile when I received the alert to let me know a new post had been put up on the Vintage Rock Weblog – another gig that I had half a chance of either being at or seeing the same artist(s) on another leg of that tour. His attention to detail, particularly over the setlist and his recollections of the previous times he had seen which band/artist under review was always warmly welcomed. I only wished I had thanked him more for this down the years.
I am sure I speak for many when I simply say thank you Peter – your encyclopaedic knowledge of rock music and passion for live events will be forever missed. Rest easy.
Stewart
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:17 pm
Thank you Stewart,
Your words mean such a lot to me and the rest of the family. I have passed on everyone’s comments to my brother and sister and we can’t believe the outpouring of appreciation and love my dad and his blog have received.
This blog started in such a casual way. I remember thinking he probably wouldn’t keep it up when he started it back in 2008. Here we are 17 years on and I’m so grateful that he did!
I’m so glad his reviews and archives have been of interest to you. I can’t thank you enough for taking an interest and for following. I know how very much it meant to him.
All the best
Laura
Posted by robiz12 on May 29, 2025 at 5:11 pm
Oh Laura, I’m so sorry. I went to school with Peter and had recently reconnected with him. I am saddened beyond words.
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:18 pm
Robiz12?
Thank you so much for your kind words. I know how much it meant to dad reconnecting with old friends and I feel sure he must have been delighted that you were following this blog too.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and for supporting this special project of my dad’s.
Take care and all the best
Laura
Posted by robiz12 on June 2, 2025 at 3:02 pm
The RobiZ is an old user name I had for the website. I had my own blog there years ago. My name is Jan Newby (Ward) when Your dad was one of my best friends. We had so much fun in our teens, for years we pretended we were twins and it was only when someone started buying me presents on your dad’s birthday we came clean. I moved away and we gradually lost touch, however we used to bump into each other quite by chance at gigs. Not local gigs but I bumped into him in London, Carlisle and Edinburgh to name just a few. We met again outside Sunderland high school, I was picking up my daughter Astrid and he was picking you up. Small world. We lost touch again other than odd gigs and then fairly recently I was speaking to Norman and told him to tell Peter I was thinking of him. I then reconnected with Peter and visited him at his home a few times where we revelled in nostalgia and relived some of the gigs we had seen. I took am a relentless gigger. I don’t know if you needed or wanted to know any of this waffle. However it goes without saying I loved your dad ( in a friend way) and I will miss him so much. I was due to see him 30th. Once again my deepest condolences to you and your brother and sister. Love Jan xx aka Robiz12.
Jan
Posted by robiz12 on May 29, 2025 at 5:11 pm
Oh Laura, I’m so sorry. I went to school with Peter and had recently reconnected with him. I am saddened beyond words.
Posted by Richard Muir on May 29, 2025 at 5:18 pm
Sad to hear about Peter’s passing. I have really enjoyed this blog. I went to many of the concerts listed in the 1970/80s at Newcastle City Hall and the blog rekindled many happy memories for me for which I am very grateful. As a music lover, I was impressed and a little envious of Peter’s passion for concerts. My favourite gigs Peter listed are Bruce Springsteen Newcastle 1981 and Rush Newcastle 1978 but many others too. Bless you Peter and Laura.
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:20 pm
Hi Richard,
I’m so glad that you’ve got so much from dad’s blog. I don’t think I ever saw dad happier than when he was reminiscing with other music-lovers about past gigs. I’m glad his posts stirred some happy memories for you.
I bet Bruce in 1981 was incredible! I was lucky enough to see him with my dad 4 times and each time was such a special night. Having only ever seen him in stadiums, I can’t imagine how epic seeing him in the City Hall must have been. I’ve just looked up that post on the blog and dad says “this is one of the best shows I have witnessed in the City Hall, or anywhere else for that matter!” High praise indeed.
As for Rush in 1978. Again, I’ve just looked up the blog post and it sounds like it was a huge show! I saw them with dad at Newcastle Arena in 2005 however I didn’t really know who they were then and not sure I fully appreciated it all at that time.
Thanks so much for supporting dad and his blog. He was just so thrilled to interact with people who loved music as much as he did.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Mark Watson on May 29, 2025 at 5:21 pm
I went to my first gig in 1975 or 76, sadly i don’t remember the year but it was Steve Harley and your dad was there. I went to many gigs after that in Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Redcar and having chanced upon your fathers blog i found he’d been to many, if not all, of the gigs id been to. His memories of the shows moved me to leave comments and he always replied. One that sticks in my memory is his recollections of the march of the mods tour in 1979, to know he was there and experienced it to, amazing. I no longer live in the north but your father wrote a review of my favourite band The Wedding Present, he’d seen them at the city hall. He’d enjoyed them so when i saw they were playing Stockton Georgian Theatre i messaged him. They’d organised a Sunday afternoon show after the Saturday night one had sold out. He replied saying he’d try and get along if he could. He then messaged he had a ticket for the Sunday. I went to both shows and following the support bands performance i introduced myself. We spoke until The Wedding present started. It was a joy, so interesting. Your dad had seen so many band, bands i never got to see. the Sex Pistols and Be Bop Deluxe to name just two. When i told him i seen The Wedding Present and Cinerama over 60 times he’s the first person who didn’t look at me as if i was mad. I’d love to tell him its over 70 times now. I left a comment regarding From The Jam recently and as always he replied. Ill continue looking at the blog and when i go to see a band featured on the blog, i go to see a number of the older bands, ill make a point of leaving a comment. I am so, so sorry.
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:22 pm
Hi Mark
Thanks so much for your lovely comment. I’ve just looked up the Steve early gig on the blog. If it was the 1975 gig, then your first gig is also one that I remember my dad speaking about a lot! There are particular gigs that I remember him speaking about a lot throughout my whole life. This is one of them. I think he felt the energy was extraordinary and that “make me smile” had just been number one in the charts at the time of the gig.
I absolutely love that you managed to meet my dad at the Wedding Present gig. In fact, I remember him telling me about meeting you when I spoke to him that night on the phone. It honestly meant so much to him. I know there’s a few of the blog’s followers that he managed to meet in person and I think he’d have liked to try and do more of that. He was never happier than when chatting to a fellow music-lover about his life-long passion.
Thank you so much for contributing and following the blog. I love your idea of continuing to comment on the blog, it would honor his memory beautifully.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Bryan Jones on May 29, 2025 at 5:23 pm
Dear Laura,
I shed a tear as I read the very sad news of Peter’s passing. As a 68 year old man, I thought of Peter as a kindred spirit, his love of music truly touched my soul. I was in awe of his music legacy, I don’t believe it will ever be surpassed. He memorialised the most amazing journey through every genre of our popular music culture. He saw all the greats, many of them had yet to experience greatness. I have no doubt his blogs will be read many years after we have all passed. He really captured a moment in time.
Peter’s last gig is the great gig in the sky. I have no doubt that his beloved wife will once again be at his side. Thank you for everything Peter, we are going to miss you. I shall order a Guinness at my next gig & remember a most extraordinary man, who brought joy into our lives, with his wonderfully crafted blogs.
My condolences to you & you family,
Bryan Jones
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:24 pm
Hello Bryan, your comment meant so much to me and my brother and sister. Thank you for those beautiful words.
You say that the blog brought joy into people’s lives, well I would love to try and get across just how much joy my dad got from you guys too.
What started out as a way of documenting his gigs, turned into the growing of a community. I know many people have mentioned how my dad would reply to pretty much every comment … its because he got so much from connecting with you all and from knowing there were other people who loved live music in the way he loved it.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting my dad by loving his little project that grew to be such much bigger.
All the best, and you enjoy that Guinness!
Laura
Posted by Virgin Media on May 29, 2025 at 5:28 pm
Dear Laura I
Posted by Lesley Griffin on May 29, 2025 at 5:29 pm
Dear Laura
It was with such sadness that I read your tribute to your Dad on his blog. My sincerest condolences to you.
Your Dad was such a lovely gentle man and I will always remember him with such fondness. I worked at the University and when he came to visit our office we would talk about his concerts and reminisce. I will always remember his red boots! I met up with him only last year at the Jethro Tull concert at the Glasshouse where we had a lovely chat. He was always very generous with his comments when I responded to his blog.
I hope that he is now at peace and rocking all over heaven as well as being reunited with your mum.
I know you will be going through such a difficult time but hope you take some comfort in knowing how Peter was held in such regard both professionally and through his love of music.
Take care of yourself
Lesley (Griffin) 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Lesley Griffin
Posted by blazevaliantlyfc3a4bdc17 on May 29, 2025 at 5:50 pm
Sorry to hear of your loss, only got to comment from about the beginning of the year and your father had kept his condition hidden and I’d started emailing and he switched me to an account name ‘valiant’ something when I posted because of my fruity/salty language. We’re of the same generation, even been to the same festivals but never met, I’m from S Wales.
I live in Thailand and had invited him to come and stay as my wife has a small holiday resort not knowing his condition. I got the impression we could have enjoyed a few beers together, chewing cud over the concerts we’d been to.
Respect to Smith Family,
Paul Morgan
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:27 pm
Thanks Paul,
What a wonderfully lovely offer to have invited dad to stay. I’m sure you are right that you guys would have had a lot to chat about! He was honestly never happier than when he was reminiscing about gigs with another music lover.
Thanks so much for following and taking such an interest in the blog. I can whole heartedly say that it meant the world to my dad.
All the best
Laura
Posted by annelambton on May 29, 2025 at 5:57 pm
Hello Laura, thank you for the update about Peter, your amazing dad. It’s very sad news and I hope his passing was a peaceful as possible. I had the privilege of knowing Peter as a colleague and then as my doctoral supervisor. He was probably the most liked and respected person the University – no-one ever had a bad word to say about him – I called him the Dolly Parton of academia – everyone just loved him. He was laid back, thoughtful, always had a kind word, and of course, loved music.
It was a pleasure to reconnect via his blog and I am flabbergasted by the number of concerts he attended and his open mind towards all genres. We shared similar tastes and saw many of the same concerts in the 70s.
We once shared an academic joke when the University used to run combined subjects: ‘who would ever want to study geology AND music?’ A rock and roller of course!
Rest well my comrade.
Anne Lambton
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:29 pm
Hi Anna. Thank you so much for your lovely message. His passing was incredibly peaceful. He was in hospital after a short illness and my brother and I were with him at the end. We even managed a gig chat on the day he died.
I absolutely adore that you called him the “Dolly Parton of academia!” I remember coming to the university when I was 14 to do my work experience placement. I remember really having my eyes opened to just how well liked my dad was. I felt like a celebrity because everybody made such a fuss of me because I was Peter’s daughter.
I will pass on your lovely words to the rest of the family and want to say a huge thank you for your support of my dad’s blog and for your friendship towards him.
All the best
Laura
Posted by johnmadden660 on May 29, 2025 at 6:01 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing. I’ve been following his blog for a wee while now and looked forward to his comments and reviews. It was hard to keep up with him in recent months though as he crammed quite a few in.
I’m sure you’ll give him a fine send off. Condolences to you and his loved ones.
Regards
John
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:30 pm
Hi John,
Thanks so much for commenting and for your support of dad’s blog. You are right, the last few months he really went for it on the gig-going front. Despite his worsening health, he seemed determined to see as much music as possible.
We will certainly endeavor to give him a good send off although chasing the music will be a very difficult business I’m sure!
Thanks again for your support, it meant so very much to my dad.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Ron Jones on May 29, 2025 at 6:15 pm
Hi Laura, So Sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you, God bless
yours faithfully Ron
Posted by Ron Jones on May 29, 2025 at 6:17 pm
Hi Laura, So sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you. God bless.
yours faithfully Ron
Posted by Ron Jones on May 29, 2025 at 6:17 pm
Hi Laura, So sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you. God bless.
yours faithfully Ron
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:31 pm
Hi Ron,
Thanks so much for your comment and for your support of my dad’s blog. It honestly meant so much to him that people took an interest.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Kieran McPeake on May 29, 2025 at 6:44 pm
Hi Laura, so sorry to hear about your dad.
I discovered his blog when researching the gigs I went to in Newcastle upon Tyne during the 1970s. Every gig I attended Peter was there, including my first ever gig at the City Hall to see T Rex, but his memory was so much better than mine, so it was great to relive these early experiences through his blog. I too kept all my ticket stubs and when I compared mine to his, often I would find I was sitting a few rows or even a few seats away from him.
His latest reviews were always interesting and I loved his diverse taste in music. I will really miss that email popping into my inbox.
Much love
Kieran
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:32 pm
Hi Keiran,
Thank you so much for your comment.
Wow, T-Rex is an amazing first gig. T-Rex were one of the bands my dad spoke of a lot when I was growing up and I know seeing them at the City Hall was a very special experience for him. In fact, when you say he had a diverse taste in music … he always used to say that it was actually T-Rex that taught him to remain open-minded. He would tell me how all his friends at school were into much heavier rock and that, to them, seeing T_Rex was not the done thing! I think somebody made a bet with him that he had to go see them, and a man of his word, he did. He said that they were incredible, so much better than he’d expected and from that moment on, he decided to keep an open mind when it came to music.
I’m so happy that you’ve enjoyed dad’s blog so much and I can’t tell you how much joy it brought him.
All the best
Laura
Posted by Stephen Trinder on May 29, 2025 at 7:12 pm
So sorry for your loss. I liked reading about gigs that I had also been at plus I had a little chat about the famous ‘Slade at Reading Festival’ with your dad. It was just nice to know someone else felt passion for live music. I thougth your piece was very strong and moving. All the best to you and your family at this difficult time
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:39 pm
Hi Steven,
Thank you so much for your comment. I’m sure my dad would have thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing about that particular gig! He loved Slade and I remember him telling me how incredible they were at Reading.
Thank you so much for following and showing an interest in my dad’s blog. It meant so much to him.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by ciarant1step on May 29, 2025 at 7:40 pm
Dear Laura,
Thank you for this lovely tribute to your Dad, Peter. I knew him as an absolutely wonderful man, and a great friend. I am terribly sad to hear about Peter’s passing, and I send all my sympathy to you and your and Peter’s family and friends. It’s so good that we can still read this blog and remember so many good things about him. Peter really was the best.
Deepest Sympathies,
Ciaran
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:40 pm
Hi Ciaran,
Thank you so much for those lovely words, I will pass them on to the rest of the family. I’m so happy you knew my dad, not only through this blog but also as a friend. I know how much joy he got from surrounding himself with people who loved music too.
Thanks so much for following his blog … he honestly used to give me updates whenever he got new followers so I know it really did mean so much to him.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Peter Barry Lambert on May 29, 2025 at 8:25 pm
Hello Laura,
Well, that has come as quite a shock, and I am so sorry to learn of it, I have spoken to Peter on a few occasions, I also go back to those gigs starting back in 1969, and, like Peter, I still continue to this day, in fact tomorrow Friday 30th May, I’m off to the Boiler Shop to see PiL and Mister Rotten, grow old disgracefully, that’s my motto !
I think Peter was amazed when I told him that I had been a fan of The Residents since 1980 and that over the years I have travelled all over the country to see them, the show at the Boiler Shop was the first time they had played in Newcastle. I told Peter they are somewhat of an enigma with hidden identities which all adds to the mystery, I think Peter found the show an interesting one !
My favorite show of all time has to be Frank Zappa at the City Hall, Feb.1979. He came on stage with his 8 band members at 8pm exactly, played non stop to 10.30pm, then came back on stage for one of his legendary guitar solos which took us to 11pm…Unbelievable !..even the sound quality was superb. Mind you it was a tough choice between this and the Jeff Beck gig at the Sage in 2022 when he appeared with the pirate guy !…that was another masterclass of guitar work.
Both Peter and myself had agreed that we would have to meet up at a gig and have a good old chinwag and reminisce about all those past shows that we have been to, sadly that will now never happen, but, you know what Laura, whether I’m at The Sage, The City Hall, or The Boiler Shop, Pete’s spirit will be there and I know I will have his presence and his company.
Best wishes and Special Thoughts for you and all the family.
Pete Lambert.
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:51 pm
Hi Pete,
Thanks so much for those lovely words. I actually remember my dad telling me about that Residents gig and saying somebody off his blog had recommended he should go! He absolutely loved connecting with people over the blog.
I’ve just looked up that Frank Zappa gig on dad’s blog. The guitar playing gets some special mentions! I attended Zappa plays Zappa with my dad at the Sage in 2011 which was great so I can’t imagine how incredible this 1979 gig would have been!
Thanks so much for connecting with my dad over this blog and for taking such an interest. It seriously meant so very much to him.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Stephen White on May 29, 2025 at 8:27 pm
A wonderful tribute to your Dad, Peter. I never met him, but I loved his reviews, particularly when I went to the same shows at different venues. Will add my favourite shows and look forward to reading about Peter’s last concerts, Steve White
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 12:56 pm
Hi Steve,
Thanks so much. I’m so glad that you’ve enjoyed the blog reviews and I love that you’ve shared some similar gig experiences with dad.
I’ll be posting some time in the next few weeks, trying to get his blog up to date. I’m unsure how many gigs weren’t yet covered on here, but I think their might be around 5 months worth, which could actually, knowing him, turn out to be somewhere between 50 and 100 in that space of time.
Thanks gain for your support. It means so much to Peter’s family to know that this blog has caught the attention of so many people.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Ian on May 29, 2025 at 8:57 pm
Laura I am really really sorry to hear of your loss you must be devastated but can only thank you for letting us know very brave and a fitting tribute to a remarkable man
I stumbled on your dads website while searching for Free in Newcastle and what a treasure trove I discovered and what memories it stirred
I had been to many of the same concerts and wondered if I had ever sat/stood by your dad or even spoken to him
We had many heroes in common but I was so jealous that he had seen The Grateful Dead and Neil Young at the City Hall to mention just 2.
I always wondered whether I would bump into Peter and then I was at the Cluny to see Love when I spotted a man in a wheelchair summoned up my courage and introduced myself I know people say never meet your heroes but for the next 20 minutes waiting for the support to start I had the time of my life just talking music and listening to your dads stories continued the discussion while waiting for Love and then managed to say goodbye at the end and wish him a safe trip
Couldn’t wait to get home to tell my wife who I had met really made my day was really buzzing
Kept an eye open for him at future concerts and it was about 6 months later I went to the Sage with my wife to see Robert Plant and knowing Peter was a huge Zeppelin fan thought there was a good chance of bumping into him and fortunately on the way out there he was he actually remembered me from the Love concert which left me gobsmacked and he entertained us with stories about early Zeppelin concerts a special lovely man
Peter was really an inspiration how he managed the trips especially London was marvellous
Hard to believe there will be no more reviews but boy what a legacy
If there is a heaven for musicians then I know thats where your dad will be
I don’t know what kind of ceremony you have planned or if it will be family only but if possible I would be so grateful if you could let me know so I could say a proper goodbye
Another good one has gone
Although I have never met you you are in our thoughts and prayers take care of yourself and I will think of your dad at every future concert
Ian Barrett
ian barrett
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 1:05 pm
Ian!
I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to read your comment, particularly as I so vividly remember dad telling me when you came up to him at the Love gig at the Cluny. Honestly, it made him feel like a celebrity and he completely loved chatting to you. He was a big Love fan and “Alone Again Or” was part of the soundtrack to my childhood. I remember dad making a mix tape for the car and it was the first track on side one, that brilliant guitar intro slowly fading in … I loved that song.
I am so touched that you would consider attending dad’s funeral and, if that’s something you’d like to do, the family would be delighted. It’s on Friday 27th June, 11 AM at Sunderland Crematorium. We would like to encourage people to ware a gig T-shirt. I’ll probably put a link to funeral details on this blog in case anybody else wants to come, however we are still making some arrangements so I’ll post it once we have all the details.
I’d like to thank you for showing such an interest in dad’s blog and for making him feel like a celebrity! It meant the world to him.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by John Johnstone on May 29, 2025 at 10:01 pm
Hi Laura. Sorry to hear of your sad news and your loss. I didn’t know Peter but I’m sure that our paths must have crossed as we seem to have gone to many of the same gigs at the City Hall in the seventies and eighties. I loved his recollections of these gigs and always appreciated his comments when I posted my memories of various ones that I had attended. He has left a fabulous legacy to us all with his wonderful blog. My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time but his memories shine on.
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 1:08 pm
Hi John,
Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the blog and I’m sure you are right … you probably did cross paths with my dad at some point in the past.
I hope the blog archive continues to be useful to you whenever you want a walk down gig memory lane.
Thanks for supporting my dad.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by James Burns on May 29, 2025 at 10:24 pm
So sorry to hear of your Dads passing Laura. I’ve just written a few words from over here in Spain. For some reason it isn’t letting me post them? I’ll try again when I get back home to Newcastle. God bless Jimmy 🙏
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 1:09 pm
Hi Jimmy,
I’m sorry you are struggling to post. Please let me know if the problem persists as I’d love to read what you’ve written.
Thanks for your support of my dad,
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Paul Ruddick on May 29, 2025 at 10:48 pm
Laura, very sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. Although we never met we had shared experiences of Black Sabbath concerts at Newcastle City Hall in the late 70’s, and more recently we messaged about the Rolling Stones as he was considering writing a book I thought. He will be sorely missed by many people but as you say you do have his great legacy of the history he created with his blogs. Heart-felt condolences from Dallas, Texas. Paul
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 1:10 pm
Hi Paul,
Thanks so much for your comment. Aaah yes, I’m sure you had a lot to chat about, dad was a huge Black Sabath fan.
Thanks for chatting to him about the Stones. He was indeed considering writing a book about them, although I’m unsure as to how far he ever got with this project. I’m sure he would have appreciated you messaging him about it.
Thanks for following the blog and for showing such an interest.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Andy Pingle on May 30, 2025 at 9:18 am
Dear Laura and the Smith Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I only go to know Peter in 2021 when he was working at the University Derby where he mentored me. Upon meeting your Dad, it turned out our paths had crossed when I worked at the University of Sunderland in the early 90s and then in the early 80s when he and I had attended the same gigs at Newcastle City Hall. I loved hearing about his accounts from gigs from local venues to landmark events, including Live Aid in 1985. More recently we shared our experiences of ACDC at Wembley and Paul Weller at the City Hall. Peter has been hugely influential and remains an inspiration to me. My sincere condolences to you all and my very best wishes. Andy (North Yorkshire).
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 1:13 pm
Hi Andy,
Thanks for your lovely message. I actually remember dad mentioning that somebody at Derby was following his blog, I’m guessing it might have been you.
My dad was never happier than when chatting to fellow music enthusiasts about gigs. I’m sure he would have got so much out of getting to know you and sharing music experiences.
Thank you so much for showing such an interest and for following this blog. My dad was immensely grateful.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Diana Lambton on May 30, 2025 at 10:01 am
Dear Laura
My condolences to you and your family. I was shocked to hear of Peters Passing. I initially met Peter when he was my supervising Professor at Sunderland University.
Then when he had his accident I saw him down at the Spinal Unit a few times and we would chat about aspects of having a spinal injury (as I’m a SI and paralysed too).
Peter was highly respected professionally and personally, and always full of life, friendly and warm. He took everything in his stride and would always give his time to those around him.
I would often see him at gigs, the last one being Leo Sayer at the Fire Station.
I enjoyed reading Peters blogs and he will be dearly missed by many people.
Bless him xxx
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 1:18 pm
Hi Dianna,
It’s so lovely to hear from you. It sounds like you and dad had a lot in common and I’m sure he was very grateful for your friendship. Going back to his time in James Cook after his accident, I am still overwhelmed by how many people came to see him! I know he remained grateful of that for many years.
I’m so glad you also continued to see dad at gigs and I know he would have been over the moon that you followed the blog. He loved it when people took an interest.
Thanks again for your kind words,
All the best,
Laura
Posted by teenagepizzaa027ce6c86 on May 30, 2025 at 11:55 am
Hi Laura.
I was very saddened to read about your dad. Peter was roughly a year older than me and although we never met I felt I could relate to most things he wrote about. There was always something interesting in his blog no matter the band or artist. I last contacted him about the Rolling Stones memories he wanted for a book he was planning and it was so heartwarming to feel his enthusiasm when he replied.I at least shared distant company with your dad at Wembley Stadium for Simon & Garfunkel way back in 1982 and still consider this my favourite concert.
I will miss his knowledge & humour and will have a Guinness in his memory.
God bless.
Les Graham.
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 1:19 pm
Hi Les,
Thanks so much for your comment. I’m sure dad really appreciated you chatting to him about your Stones memories. He was indeed working on a book however I am unsure as to how far he got with this project.
I’ve just looked up the Simon and Garfunkel Wembly gig. Wow, I can’t imagine how incredible it would have been to see them back then, especially as they’d not played together in this country for such a long time. I was lucky enough to see them with my dad when I was 15 (2004) at Manchester Arena and that was probably one of my own favorite gigs.
On behalf of my dad I’d like to thank you for supporting his blog and for showing such an interest.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by treetopflier2009 on May 30, 2025 at 1:26 pm
Dear Laura and family. We are sorry to hear this sad news! When I first started following the blog I was amazed at how many of the same gigs we had been to, especially at Newcastle City Hall, The Mayfair and also festivals like Reading. In fact at one ZZ Top gig we were sitting in the same row! (Yes I have loads of my old tickets as well) We started corresponding online and I eventually got to meet Peter at a Wishbone Ash gig at The Wylam Brewery in Newcastle in 2023. Due to our love of Wishbone, we met again at Whitley Bay Playhouse in October last year. He also turned up at the Tygers of Pan Tang at the same venue shortly after! At that show I told him our last gig of the year was going to be del Amitri at The Boiler Shop in Newcastle. “I’ll not be able to go” he said ” I’m going to London to see Paul McCartney!” We said our goodnights and promised to keep in touch. So there my wife and I were at the gig when Peter trundles in. “I got my dates mixed up” he shrugged. Considering the amount of gigs he went to I was not surprised.
When I first started my blog, Peter’s was (and still is) a constant resource, a fountain of information and inspiration. Peter was always encouraging with his comments. Although I only met him a few times, I counted him as a friend, a true kindred spirit! Now he has gone to the great gig in the sky. Rock on forever Peter “Vintage Rock” Smith.
Forever in our hearts. Peter & Linda.
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 1:24 pm
Hi Peter and Linda,
Thanks so much for your lovely message. I’m so glad you found dad’s blog useful and enjoyable. I must admit, I use it as a resource myself whenever I want to learn anything about a particular artist, I can usually count on them being reviewed on my dad’s blog.
I’m also really glad you got to meet him, and I’m sure your friendship and support meant the world to him.
Thanks again for supporting Peter and his work.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by petermaggiore on May 30, 2025 at 7:48 pm
Hi Laura
I was saddened by the news of your dads passing. I have known him since the mid 70s when we would bump into each other on the train on the way to the City Hall. He had a great (cheeky) smile and it was always good to see him, most recently at The Fire Station for The Manfreds a few weeks back. His blog reviews brought back many great memories and I will miss the excitement of the latest review popping up on my email messages.
Heartfelt sympathies, Peter Maggiore
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 1:26 pm
Hi Peter,
Yes, yours is a name I heard my dad mention so many times. You might even get a mention in some of these gig reviews!
On behalf of my dad, I want to say thank you for your friendship and support of this blog. You were an important part of his gig-going community.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by TrevorSAnderson on May 30, 2025 at 8:57 pm
Laura, I’m dreadfully sorry to hear of your loss, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your dads blog, please know in your sorrow at his untimely passing that he leaves behind not just the legacy of having been such a lovely, engaging man, but in this very blog he created something akin to a history of rock music in the North East from 1970 onwards. We attended many of the same gigs over the years and I always looked forward to his posts and I admired his catholic tastes that took in everything from Sabbath to Streisand! He will be sorely missed. RIP Peter, I hope you’re at the city hall bar in the great beyond, and that one day we’ll have a beer together when its my time, god rest your soul mate.
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 1:38 pm
Hi Trevor,
Thank you for your lovely comments, I will pass them on to the rest of the family. I’m so glad you got so much from reading dad’s blog. I am very proud of what he achieved and so grateful that he took the time to archive his memories and experiences, providing, as you say, a history of the north-east music sceen.
I want to thank you on his behalf for your support and I’m sure you are right, he’s in that Heavenly City Hall bar, drinking his Aguinis and perusing the great gig in the sky program schedule.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Sarah Horton on May 31, 2025 at 12:36 am
I’m fortunate to have worked with Peter as part of ACM’s public policy work. He was a regular participant in accessibility subcommittee meetings and had important insights that informed our work in advancing accessibility in the digital world. He was also just a delightful person to work with. I am so sorry we have lost him so soon. We will miss him.
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 1:40 pm
Hi Sarah,
Thanks so much for your kind words, they mean so much to me and the rest of the family.
I’m sure my dad was delighted that you took an interest in his blog. It seriously meant so much to him when people he met and worked with took the time to check it out.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by lawson1830 on May 31, 2025 at 9:23 am
Good morning Laura
I’m really saddened to hear the sad news of you dad’s passing, I read many of the post in his blog since the day he wrote about the Who’s concert in the Charlton Athletic stadium. His dedication to live music was unique and much appreciated, I’m sure, by all those who followed and read about his experiences as if they’re their own. Condolences to you and all the family
Posted by lawson1830 on May 31, 2025 at 9:24 am
Good morning Laura
I’m really saddened to hear the sad news of you dad’s passing, I read many of the post in his blog since the day he wrote about the Who’s concert in the Charlton Athletic stadium. His dedication to live music was unique and much appreciated, I’m sure, by all those who followed and read about his experiences as if they’re their own. Condolences to you and all the family
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 1:42 pm
Hi Lawson1830,
Thanks so much for your comment. Ah, The Who at Charleton … this is a legendary gig to my family as it was one of our favorite stories for my dad to recount his adventures at this particular gig. I’m glad his review converted you to his blog.
I know it meant so very much to my dad that people bothered to follow and engage with the gig. I can’t thank you enough for playing a part in that.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Jon Gold on May 31, 2025 at 10:59 am
Dear Laura
I am so sorry to hear this and my sincere condolences go out to you and your family.
I never had the privilege to meet your dad, but we connected through our shared love of music and his wonderful posts describing his exploits at gigs both recent and back in the 70âs, and it was through these, that along with countless others, we all felt that we came to know him and his personal life intimately.
I used to look forward to his posts dropping in my inbox and i will miss these immensely.
Once again condolences for your loss Laura and i look forward to hopefully seeing the posts that are still outstanding from the final shows that he attended and please be assured to know, that he has left a lasting legacy with all of us and some wonderful anecdotes and memories, that will live with me forever.
Very best Wishes
Jon (Gold)
The Music Store Ltd
127 Regent Crescent
The Trafford Centre
Manchester
M17 8AR
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Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 1:43 pm
Hi John,
Thank you so much for your lovely message. It’s wonderful to hear how much joy my dad’s blog has brought you and so many others. I’m so grateful to him for taking the time to create this extraordinary music archive and I am equally grateful to you and the many others who took the time to engage with the blog and to help grow it into a gig-lover’s community.
I will try and get the outstanding gigs updated over the next few weeks. I Think there may be about 5 months worth of reviews he didn’t manage to do. That’s a lot of gigs, perhaps around 50 or even 100, I’m not sure yet. I’ll have to do some investigating and see what can be done.
Anyway, thanks again for your support of my dad and his work.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Jon Gold on June 2, 2025 at 8:38 pm
Thanks once aga
Posted by Jon Gold on June 2, 2025 at 8:38 pm
Thanks once again Laura and it’s wonderful that you are aware of how much he was loved by the live music community and the lasting legacy and memories he has left, not to mention the incredible amount of memorabilia, books and ticket stubs he must have left you!!!!!! We all certainly enjoyed hearing about his exploits and reading his reviews and it will leave a real void and it’s good to know that there is still a bit more to come!!! God bless you and your family at this sad time and thank you for all he gave us🙏
Posted by Jon Gold on May 31, 2025 at 11:00 am
Dear Laura
I am so sorry to hear this and my sincere condolences go out to you and your family.
I never had the privilege to meet your dad, but we connected through our shared love of music and his wonderful posts describing his exploits at gigs both recent and back in the 70’s, and it was through these, that along with countless others, we all felt that we came to know him and his personal life intimately.
I used to look forward to his posts dropping in my inbox and i will miss these immensely.
Once again condolences for your loss Laura and i look forward to hopefully seeing the posts that are still outstanding from the final shows that he attended and please be assured to know, that he has left a lasting legacy with all of us and some wonderful anecdotes and memories, that will live with me forever.
Very best Wishes
Jon (Gold)
The Music Store Ltd
1
Posted by Steve Miller on May 31, 2025 at 3:11 pm
Hi Laura
I am saddened to hear that Peter has passed away and hope that you and your family are comforted knowing he was loved and respected by so many people from all walks of life.
My name is Steve Miller and I have known Peter as a good friend for over 60 Years! We first met when he moved into the newly built house at the top of our street, Westgate Avenue. I was around 10 years old and Peter was just 7 or 8 I think!? My brother Gilly (who Peter went to school with) and I quickly came to like the new posh kid who had suddenly appeared in our lives, and he quickly became part of the Westgate Avenue scene, although I don’t think his dad was so keen at first as we were, lets just say, not so posh!! I remember his mam being very warm and welcoming however! Peters favourite word in response to, maybe a swear word, or naughty comment from us was “CHARMING” which always made us fall over with laughter! I remember Peter playing his electric guitar like a pro from the start and spent many hours at his home, listening in awe!! Throughout the mid 60s Peter was especially close to Gilly as they were school mates but he mixed with us older kids as well, holding his own! I always remember one incident when Peter and I were playing in the snow and ice with Peters neighbour Ivan, who suffered from epilepsy (I think), Ivan suddenly appeared with a chopping axe and chased Peter and me around the waste ground beside his house waving the axe in the air, luckily we both could run faster than Ivan!!
Into the early 70s Peter was ever present at the rock gigs in the town and further afield, I’m sure he was at the Groundhogs gig (probably aged 13 or 14!) at The Bay Hotel in Seaburn around 1970/71 and subsequent gigs featuring the best rock bands of the era at the Mecca, The Rink, the Mayfair and City Hall in Newcastle etc. I could go on but that’s a part of Peters life already well documented! Late 70s we all settled down and lost touch a bit and the next time we really crossed paths was when I started a part time IT degree at Sunderland Uni in the mid 80s, when I was delighted to find Peter was one of my very knowledgeable tutors. I later caught up with him again after his accident when I stumbled (no idea how!) on his Vintage rock weblog and said hello!
I know Peter warmed the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him and he was a true inspiration.
Kind regards
Steve
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Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 1:45 pm
Steve!
It’s so lovely to hear from you and to read your memories of my dad.
My Gran lived in that house until she died last year. I love imagining my dad and all of you playing on Westgate Avenue. My Gran used to tell me tales of how she’d be coming along the street, and she’d hear dad blasting his guitar at full volume. She used to creep into the house and turn the electric off. There would be a moment’s silence, then shouts of “mam!!!!” I’m not sure my grand parents were quite ready for the rocker they got as a son. I know dad’s long hair was a constant source of annoyance to both of them and gran was always threatening to cut it in his sleep. She never did though, and he kept it his whole life.
I have never heard that axe story before, but it actually makes so much sense! Dad was always telling us daft stories when we were kids and his go to bad guy would always have an axe as a weapon. Now I know the origin story to this.
I can also totally hear his voice in my head saying “charming” … it remained his go to response if any of us said anything he considered to her a bit crass. I think I may even say it myself now to my own kids.
Thank you so much for being my dad’s friend and for following the blog. It was his favorite thing to reconnect with old friends, especially if they loved music.
All the best and thanks for sharing these memories,
Laura
Posted by 855dam on May 31, 2025 at 5:11 pm
Dear Laura
I was so shocked and saddened to hear this news and feel for you in these terrible moments. I only discovered Peter’s blog during the dark days of COVID when I was sitting at home wondering what to do next in those awful times. What a discovery. Reading through those 100’s and 100’s of gigs many of which I also attended especially during the 70’s & 80’s. The bus down to the early Knebworth concert, Elton John’s disastrous concert at Wembley after following on from a superb set from the Beach Boys to name but a few. I really regret not reintroducing myself to him lately as I sort of knew him and Marie from the past. It was more of an acknowledgement of recognition really but he would have had so many stories to tell that I have long long forgotten. I can see that from his historic blogs that triggers a spark from deep in my memory banks. So thankful for that.
You should be immensely proud of you Dad Laura and the legacy he leaves behind. I have no doubt he’ll not miss The Great Gig in the Sky.
I am so sorry for your loss
Dave M
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 1:46 pm
Hi Dave,
Thanks for your lovely message. I’m so glad you discovered dad’s blog and that it brought back so many gig memories for you. It’s also lovely to hear that you knew him and my mam, I’m sure he would have been delighted to know you were following the blog.
I’ve just re-read his review of the Elton Wembly gig. Wow! It must have been rare for him to leave a gig early … it really must have been terrible!
Thank you so much for reading his reviews and showing an interest.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Pete Wilkinson on June 1, 2025 at 3:18 pm
First met your dad(Smithy) in September 1973 when we enrolled on our respective A level courses at Monkwearmouth college. We soon became friends and the rest as they say is history. My first gig with Smithy was Roy Harper , Sunderland Empire , 18/11/73 . I have the ticket stub in front of me, another good habit he passed on. From then on it was gig after gig, not sure how I got through my A levels etc
Too many favourite concerts but here are a few. The Who Charlton 1974. Check out the blog for the event. I was the mate that almost severed his thumb! Again The Who Bingley Hall , Stafford 1975. The concert was great but not as epic as the journey. Three of us squeezed into Smithy’s MG midget travelling there and back in one day in foul weather. But the real happy memories are the long weekends at The Reading Rock festivals from mid to late 1970’s. I still have photos of mud covered mackems in mud covered treble denim. Happy days and that’s how I will always remember your dad, my mate Smithy.
We last met at the Glasshouse early May this year at a Roger Daltrey gig. It was always good to meet and discuss who we had recently seen and what was next on the agenda. I will miss your dad but I feel so lucky to have met him all those years ago and to have his friendship for so long.
Best wishes and my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Pete Wilkinson
.
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 1:49 pm
Hi Pete,
Oh My goodness that Charlton Who gig is the stuff of legend! I used to love hearing dad telling me the story of that night….it sounds like one to remember for so many different reasons.
Of course, I’ve heard your name mentioned so many times and dad’s endless stories of his gig adventures. So pleased you bumped into him at gigs right up until the end.
So on behalf of dad, thank you so much for your friendship and being such an important part of his gig going community. I’m sure that he loved that you followed his blog too.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by exuberantda13b02ee9 on June 2, 2025 at 9:10 am
Dear Laura, Thanks for posting this lovely tribute to your dad, which has had me in tears. I’ve been following his blog since I discovered it since about 2014, and I often exchanged a few comments with Peter, especially on the entries where I was at the same gig, or saw a show on the same tour, usually in Manchester or Leeds as I live in the pennines. The blog is indeed a massive cultural contribution to the history of live music, and a wonderful diary of your dad’s whole adult life, and indeed your whole family often featured in some of the reviews. I was quite envious of a lot of Peter’s early gigs as he was allowed to go to concerts from an early age, so he saw some amazing early gigs by the titans of rock music such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Ten Years After, etc. My own first ever gig was Black Sabbath on 14th november 1975 when I was 16. Since then I’ve been to over a thousand gigs, but it’s still nowhere as many as Peter’s tally. I look forward to your final entries and I’ll be thinking about your dad on Thursday when I go to my first gig of my recent retirement from work, Robert Cray at the Bridgewater Hall. Sending you and your family some big hugs and deepest condolences. Michael xx
Posted by vintagerock on June 2, 2025 at 1:54 pm
Hi Michael,
Thank you so much for you lovely message. It really does mean a great deal to me and my family knowing just how impactful this blog has been. It’s wonderful that you have been following it for over 10 years!
You are right, as well as being a wonderful archive, the blog also serves as a piece of my dad and our family as a whole. I’m sure whenever I want to feel close to my dad, I will often turn to his gig reviews.
Thank you so much for showing such an interest and following the blog. Your support and engagement meant so much to my dad!
Congratulations on your retirement.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Alun Rees on June 2, 2025 at 10:25 am
Dear Laura, please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss. Peter’s posts were an absolute delight to read and reminded me of the many gigs I attended during my time as a student in Newcastle from 1973 – 78. As I once shared with Peter, I studied Dentistry at the “old” Dental School which was situated in the Sutherland Building at the junction of College Street and Northumberland Road, diagonally opposite the City Hall. This meant that a couple of times a day I passed the front entrance of the City Hall and could see any additions to the “coming attractions” board adjacent to the ticket office. In those days you didn’t hear about tours until the venue advertised them or Melody Maker, Sounds or the NME carried the “news”. So it was that I was able to get to see so many concerts at the City Hall, plus the University Refectory, The Poly, Mayfair, Guildhall, and various pub backrooms and function suites. I also ran a mobile disco for several years “The Midnight Rambler Roadshow” – so called because I would keep playing as long as they would keep dancing – which was put away when my finals loomed large on the horizon and any dreams of a radio career disappeared with the parental and peer pressure to get a proper job.
Three memories – The Who’s three nights at the Odeon in November 1973 – including the famous incident on the first night when the backing tapes during the Quadrophenia didn’t work and the band left the stage for quite a while before returning to do a stripped down, angry but memorable, set. Little Feat supported by The Outlaws at The City Hall in 75/76 or so. The Outlaws were young, with several lead guitars and played an incredibly energetic, fantastic set that I feared that Little Feat would find it hard to follow. Lowell George et al came on, dropped anchor, found their unique, blues and soul and more, groove and with their sheer musicianship showed why they remain my favourite US band. Finally the show that didn’t happen, Steely Dan were supposed to tour in 73/74 and were scheduled to play the City Hall, but for whatever reason it never happened, it took until February 2019 for me to catch one of their shows…
I was one of the people at the periphery of Peter’s world but to whom he brought his wonderful enthusiasm for live music which rekindled in me the delights of raucous, noisy nights wrapped in those performances in the North East – live music has never been the same again for me. Long may his memories remain with us, we are all indebted to him.
My sympathies once again.
Alun
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Posted by David Conway on June 2, 2025 at 11:06 am
Laura,
I’ve known your dad since 1999, met him in my first week at the Uni, where I still work, and spoke not so long ago. I count myself, as do many of my colleagues, hearing the news just today, as someone who was very fortunate to have known him and to have spent time in his company.
His passion for music was just as strong as his passion for the university and, more importantly, our students. It’s the only time I’ve seen a Prof with cowboy boots and jeans and flowing hair boldly strolling through the executive corridor, but there he was. Talked to everyone, especially if you were interested in music, and was just the nicest of men.
Posted by mark on June 2, 2025 at 1:37 pm
Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing.
I found his blog a few years ago, I was looking for the date Queen played Newcastle City Hall in December 1975.
I was a massive Queen fan at the time, I bought a ticket the day they went on sale & bagged a seat dead centre row B.
I recall arriving to find a large crowd of ticketless people milling about on the steps. Your dad being amongst them .
Have a read of the Blog as to what he did to get in – made me laugh out loud
Posted by david henderson on June 2, 2025 at 6:57 pm
Hi Laura,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad passing away. I always enjoyed reading his blogs – he liked a lot of the bands I liked and our paths would cross every now and again. I didn’t know him that well but I would always chat to him if the opportunity arose. This blog will be a fitting legacy to Peter’s memory.
Dave
Posted by dave thomas on June 2, 2025 at 7:41 pm
Hello Laura,
So sorry to hear this news, like many comments on here I had followed your dads posts for many a year and we had many tastes in common with his choices of music and events we had been to. We had over the last few years exchanged stories on the Rolling Stones in regards to a book he was hoping to publish. Will be raising a glass to him tonight in Monmouthshire.
Dave Thomas.
Posted by Anthony Corbett on June 3, 2025 at 2:47 pm
So sorry to read this Laura – although I didn’t know your dad through music, he was my favourite lecturer at Sunderland Polytechnic in the late 80’s and really helped me to obtain my degree. I never forgot his help and what an easygoing, kind and helpful man he was.
Posted by lakelandspirit on June 3, 2025 at 2:47 pm
I knew Peter when I was a lecturer at Sunderland University and he was one of the nicest and most genuine people I ever worked with. He was always highly knowledgeable and professional in his day job, whilst at the same time friendly and engaging. I loved it when he got talking about the Rolling Stones and The Beatles, two of the groups that had dominated my boyhood, and he once had me in stitches telling me about some autographs (with a family connection) that he had managed to track down and purchase…
Rest in Peace Peter – you truly are a Rock Legend.
Posted by Ronan Fitzpatrick on June 4, 2025 at 5:26 pm
Laura, So sorry to learn this very sad news of your dad’s passing. I first met him back in 2003 when he became my supervising Professor here in Dublin at the Dublin Institute of Technology. Pete was a wonderful gentleman full of positive energy with a natural gift for communicating and encouraging everyone. He was good company and easy to get along with. His visits were always looked forward to, never stressful and the work always seemed to improve after his visit. I’m not a gigger but he always managed to mention gigs on his visits to Dublin. When we emailed last Christmas he mentioned that he was looking forward to going to see Paul McCartney and I have enjoyed reading his post about Paul and the one about Culture Club – more my era. Taken so young with so much more still to give. The music journalism scene in Heaven is much richer now. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Posted by wisejoyfully2ae15dea60 on June 6, 2025 at 1:34 am
Hello Laura:
I’d like to join Sarah is expressing our sympathy to you and your family. Peter was a valuable contributor to our public policy activities, and most recently had participated in co-authoring our latest briefing document on Digital Accessibility (https://dl.acm.org/doi/book/10.1145/3731725). Since it was only added to the ACM Digital Library on April 28, it may well be the last article bearing his name to be published during his lifetime.
Peter frequently opened our meetings with some old or new stories about his rock concert adventures. It was during one of those chats that I realised we had both attended the same Rolling Stones concert at Knebworth back in the 1970s. It was my first rock festival experience, but Peter, although several years my junior, was already an established veteran of such events!
Your dad took great pride in his work on ethics, AI, and disabilities, and he spoke often of how pleased he was to collaborate with you on writing about these topics. Our community will try hard to continue carrying forward his vision for a better tech world.
John Murray
Silicon Valley
California
Posted by vintagerock on June 9, 2025 at 1:51 pm
Hi John,
Sorry it’s taken me a while to get back to you. I’ve also read your comment on my dad’s linked in profile. I’m so grateful you’ve shared the Digital Accessibility article…I think you are correct, it will be his last publication, having only been released 3 weeks before his death.
I love that you guys had a concert in common and I also loved hearing your memories about ym dad opening meetings in his trademark characterful style..he was never happier when chatting about music and would do so in any setting!
I noted that on linked in you expressed that you may be attending my dad’s funeral in person, that would be wonderful, and if you do please come and say hi. I will of course pass on the link for remote access. I intend to post the link both here, and linked in, as there have been so many requests I figured it would be easier this way.
Thank you so uch for your lovely comments and thanks for supporting my dad’s blog, it meant so very much to him.
All the best,
Laura
Posted by Mitchell Thompson on June 7, 2025 at 2:32 pm
So sorry Laura to hear the sad news. I was an avid follower of your Dad’s daily blog and often made comment as I had attended many of the same concerts.
It was after seeing The Groundhogs at Barnard Castle in 2011 that I came across his review a few days later. I was amazed and in awe of the number of shows that he had attended.
I would often saw him at various venues across the North East. The last time was at Newcastle Cluny for Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash last September. I was near the front of the stage and your Dad was immediately to my left. We spoke at length during the interval about various bands and I remember him telling me that he was looking forward to seeing Dave Gilmour and Paul McCartney in the upcoming weeks.
I’ll be at the funeral wearing my Groundhogs T shirt.
With deepest sympathy and best wishes.
Mitch.
Posted by Paul J on June 8, 2025 at 12:31 am
Hi, Laura – I’m very sorry to hear that your Dad has died. I loved reading his memories of so many gigs that I also attended (mainly at Newcastle City Hall). His memories and archive are a wonderful testimony to the great era of pop music that we were blessed with back in the day . . .
By a strange quirk of fate I met your Dad quite a few times in a totally different sphere of life when he worked at Sunderland University. I was an employment lawyer specialising in discrimination and equality law and I sometimes was invited to various official events (graduation ceremonies and business school discussions) and your Dad was often there as a representative of his department. It was during some off the record chat/banter that we found we both shared a love of old skool pop/rock/punk bands and he told me about his blog. What a revelation ! Such a cool dude and a lovely man. . . I shall always remember your Dad with fondness, admiration and much respect . . .
RIP Peter x
Posted by Jimmy Burns on June 8, 2025 at 10:46 pm
Hi Laura,
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of your Dad’s passing.
We first corresponded several years ago after I realised that I had been to quite a few of the same gigs as Peter. I was lucky enough to acquire the odd ticket and a few posters from some of these gigs and offered to share them with your Dad on his fantastic Vintagerock Weblog.
Peter’s knowledge and enthusiasm was truly infectious. We hit it off straight away and loved chatting about our similar experiences of going to North East gigs in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s.
Two gigs that we both attended, particularly grabbed our attention. The Clash & the Specials which were played at Newcastle Mayfair in 1980. It was the energy and violence that was displayed at each of these concerts that we haven’t seen or experienced since. It was really hard to put into words what it was like unless you were actually at the concerts. But Peter had a great knack of conveying the feeling and spirit of the concerts over to his readers which we all loved and looked forward to reading.
He later came to the two exhibitions that I held in Newcastle with his carer Jan. He also gave me two lovely right ups and encouraged other people to visit them. Which I was extremely grateful for.
The last time I seen your dad was at a concert late last year (September 2024).
Mind you. It wasn’t exactly Punk!
We both laughed when we seen each other. Two lads who were both mad for punk and rock concerts, now chatting at, and thoroughly enjoying Elkie Brooks!
I am hosting my third exhibition in September and was hoping to have Peter (and Jan) come along so I could talk them through this years weird and wonderful pieces. He may not be there in person, but he will certainly be there in spirit.
God bless you old chum. xx
Jimmy Burns (aka Punk Hoarder)
Posted by James Burns on June 8, 2025 at 10:51 pm
Hi Laura,
I have just got back from Spain this afternoon. And managed to say a few words about your Dad on his Weblog. He really was a special man, and I am sure you and your family must be very proud of him.
God bless him, you and all of your family. Jimmy x
Posted by James on June 10, 2025 at 3:39 pm
Dear Laura,
I didn’t know your dad at all, except for a very brief exchange here after I left a comment on his blog entry for a concert that we both attended in June 1977. I blogged about it myself years ago, here: http://www.jamesgibbon.com/35-years-ago-tonight/.
But in an odd way, because we both liked to write about music and especially because were were both at that very memorable gig, I felt a sort of kinship with him. Decades ago, Rush fans would exchange knowing nods and smiles at railway stations on their way to (or from) a concert when the band was touring here; members of the same tribe in strange towns. Now we offer brief words across the Internet. I’m sorry to hear that we’ve lost one of our own.
Best wishes, and I’m sorry for your loss.
James
Posted by Tribute to Professor Peter Smith and myvintagerock.com - his online music legacy - Hifi hobbyist - a safe space for Hifi enthusiasts on June 11, 2025 at 11:06 pm
[…] Professor Peter Smith was a remarkable academic and teacher, a wonderful human being, and the most remarkable live music fan, a passion he recorded faithfully on his blog at myvintagerock.com. Peter died after a short illness on 27th May 2025. I am proud to have been his friend for thirty-five years. He lived his entire life in Sunderland but was loved all over the world by his former students and colleagues. His daughter posted a wonderful tribute on myvintagerock.com […]
Posted by Rob Norman on June 15, 2025 at 7:48 am
Hi Laura,
Your Dad was a lifelong friend of mine both of us attended Silksworth Infants School where he’d entertain the class with his Doctor Who Puppet Shows. Saw him many times at gigs notably Oasis at the SofL, Steve Harley at the Sunderland Empire the Gateshead Sage and of course the Mecca in Sunderland
Peter will be a big miss but he won’t be forgotten
Rob Norman
Posted by dcmuso on June 24, 2025 at 11:59 pm
Hello to Peter’s family. I’m so sad to learn of his passing and send my sincere condolences.
I don’t think I ever met Peter, although he attanded and reported on so many concerts everywhere, and I’m of a similar vintage, so I could well have done!
I’ve followed his blog for some years, anddid have some correspondence with Peter awhile ago regarding his plans to write a book of his extensive exploits travelling around to gigs, with such loving support from family / carers.
So I do feel as if I knew him and will really miss his enthusiasm and spirit, as well as his great writing that was always informed by his encyclopedic knowledge of muisc, bands and artists.
When we lose such a beloved person, the hurt is tempered in time by the many great memories of them, so that we’re able to cherish and celebrate how they enriched our own lives.
Thank you, Peter xx
David in Birmingham.
Posted by Prof_Alistair on June 25, 2025 at 6:23 am
I was very sorry to hear the news about Peter’s passing and send my condolences from Adelaide. We never met but we shared a degree of overlap in terms of the venues and bands that we attended and saw in the North East before I began my moves around the UK and then wider afield.
Peter’s reminiscences refreshed my memories and his enthusiasm for live music reminded me (and others I suspect) just how precious life is.
We worked in the same field (higher education) and he kindly sent me a copy of his book on PhD examination (which sits next to me as I type) completely out of the blue a few years ago. That’s how we met and somehow (as often happens between blokes of a similar age) the topic of music came up. Hence our ongoing engagement via the blog.I’ll miss Peter and wish him well on his continued journey through eternity. Vale!
Posted by Steve Williams on June 26, 2025 at 7:52 pm
I worked closely with Peter for a few years when I was at the Council and he at the University. I was always interested in his passion for music and inspired by his passion for the city of Sunderland. I will wear my Sex Pistols t-shirt to his funeral tomorrow with pride. My warmest wishes and heartfelt condolences to Peter’s family. Steve.
Posted by ciarant1step on August 16, 2025 at 9:50 pm
Dear Laura and family,
I’ve been to a few gigs this summer (Neil Young, The Waterboys in Dublin) and I’m going to The Waterboys tomorrow night In Limerick. Each time there has been something missing – I would have shared an account and a few short videos of a few songs with Peter and I’d have been looking forward to hearing what he thought. They all bring me back to remembering what a great and lovely man Peter was, and it must be so hard for you and David and Ashley, whom he loved so much and who miss him so much.
What a wonderful man. I am so lucky to have known him. I think I only met him in person about three or four times, but traded a lot of emails and I still miss him.
Peter Smith was the best. Thinking of you all tonight.
Ciaran
Posted by Fa-Metal Kween on August 26, 2025 at 12:13 am
Dear Laura,
Thank you for letting us know about your father’s passing. I’ve enjoyed reading his blog for years. I’m very sorry for your loss and grateful for his love of music.
Much love,
Posted by James Burns on November 25, 2025 at 10:47 pm
Hi Laura,
Hope you are coping ok at the moment? Just thought I’d show you a few pics from my latest (3rd) exhibition. This was held from 12th September to the 31st October at Newcastle Central Library. Your Dad visited my previous 2 and seemed to really enjoy them. I actually think he featured them both on his blog?
Take care pet Jimmy