Amy Winehouse was one of the most distinctive voices of her generation—a once-in-a-lifetime talent whose music continues to resonate long after her passing. This concert at the Fire station in Sunderland was billed as a celebration of her legacy, performed by her original band, led by long-time musical director Dale Davis. With a setlist spanning her career, the night promised a tribute to one of the most influential British artists of the 21st century.
I was lucky enough to see Amy live back in 2007 when she was supporting the Arctic Monkeys at their huge gig in Manchester Old Trafford Cricket Ground. Even as a support act, she made a strong impression. Her voice was rich and unmistakable, and she had that effortless, jazz-infused style that set her apart from anyone else at the time. That night, she was at her peak—already a star, but still in the midst of her meteoric rise.
This Sunderland show by The Amy Winehouse Band aimed to keep Amy’s music alive. The setlist was well chosen, featuring all the major hits “Back to Black”, “You Know I’m No Good”, “Rehab”, and of course “Valerie”, which brought the night to a close. The band attempted to recreate the arrangements that made these songs so special. This was her original band, featuring a new singer recreating Amy’s performance.
From the fire station site: “We’re delighted to bring you this exceptional & unique show – Amy’s original band led by her long-term Musical Director/bass player Dale Davis and Amy’s close friend from the very start of her career. Celebrate her era-defining music and live performances, keeping legacy and the Amy Winehouse sound alive.
Fronted by the incredible vocalist Bronte Shandé and featuring on-screen visuals and unique footage, the show has become an unforgettable experience and celebration for audiences young & old alike with sell-out shows across the UK & Europe incl. Paris, Munich, Sofia, Athens, London and festival stages.
Amy Winehouse was the greatest female voice to have ever come out of the UK, a national treasure and – for so many – simply the greatest artist of her generation, missed by everyone who loved her and her music. Join us on a joyful and emotional journey celebrating Amy’s incredible songbook with the musicians who knew her best, who stood alongside her on stages all around the world and helped create her timeless sound, both onstage and in the studio.”
Hearing these songs live again was a reminder of how strong her songwriting was, and how she blended soul, jazz, and R&B in a way that no one else quite managed: before or since. This was more than a simple tribute show. The band certainly brought Amy’s songs to life and for fans of Amy’s music, it was a welcome opportunity to hear these songs performed live once again. The local crowd really enjoyed the experience.
Overall, it was a night of nostalgia, and a reminder of just how much Amy Winehouse’s music still means to so many people. Many thanks to Jan for the photographs and to Laura and Chris for helping me prepare the blog entry.
Setlist: Tears Dry on Their Own, October Song, Mr Magic (Through the Smoke), Stronger Than Me, Moody’s Mood for Love, You Sent Me Flying, Take the Box, Addicted, Cupid, Doo Wop (That Thing), Love Is a Losing Game, Back to Black, You Know I’m No Good, Me & Mr Jones, Rehab, You’re Wondering Now, .Monkey Man.
Encore: In My Bed, Valerie.
This was The Artic Monkey’s big gig, and sold out in amazing time, with a second night being added immediately to satisfy demand for tickets. The Artic Monkeys had come from nowhere, and were suddenly all over the place and massive. I hadn’t heard anything by them, but David and Laura fancied going so I bought tickets as soon as they went on sale. I’m glad I did, as this was a great gig. We drove down and arrived just in time to see The Coral. David and I had already seen them supporting The Who at the Albert Hall a year or so before. Their very 60sish blend of jangling guitar, folk-rock, and psych is exactly the sort of thing I like. They went down well with the crowd, but the sound mix was pretty poor. Supergrass came on and really rocked, and were a bit of a pleasant surprise to me. Much more rockier than I expected; reminded me of Steve Marriott and Humble Pie.
The Cricket Ground is a massive venue and it was absolutely packed by the time The Artic Monkeys took to the stage. The reception was unlike anything I’d seen for some time. The whole crowd sang along with every word, and went absolutely mental, with beer (or was it piss?) flying everywhere. By the day of the gig Laura had bought the album and I knew some of the songs, particularly I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor, Mardy Bum and When the Sun Goes Down. We all sang along, and had a great time. Stayed the night in a hotel which was walking distance away and drove back in the morning.
Setlist: Fluorescent Adolescent; I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor; Brianstorm; Still Take You Home; Dancing Shoes; From the Ritz to the Rubble; Fake Tales of San Francisco; Balaclava; Old Yellow Bricks; You Probably Couldn’t See for the Lights But You Were Staring Straight at Me; This House Is a Circus; Teddy Picker; D Is for Dangerous; If You Were There, Beware; Mardy Bum; Do Me A Favour; The View from the Afternoon; When the Sun Goes Down; Leave Before the Lights Come On; Encore: Plastic Tramp; 505; A Certain Romance.
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