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.
Pick up the Pieces! 
I remember them as a tight rock/jazz outfit, who had some great classic singles such as the aforementioned “Pick up the Pieces”. The Average White Band split up in 1982 but regrouped after some years and have finally decided call it a day with: A Funk Finale – Farewell Tour 2024.
The publicity announced this farewell tour: “Average White Band, one of the soul and funk bands of all-time will bring their farewell tour to venues in 2024. The group will perform their biggest hits and fan favourites, such as US No.1 Pick Up the Pieces, Cut The Cake.…….Formed in London in 1972, the band – somewhat incongruously given their Scottish roots – took the influences of their R&B heroes such as Marvin Gaye, James Brown and Stevie Wonder, and Jazz greats Cannonball Adderley and The Crusaders, then developed their own authentic sound rapidly adopted by black audiences in the US, UK and worldwide.
The group’s consistently accomplished songwriting helped them to achieve several Gold & Platinum-selling albums and multiple Grammy nominations with Atlantic Records. Having remained a perennial fixture at top venues & festivals across the world for over 50 years, the Average White Band’s farewell tour is the not-to-be-missed last chance for multiple generations of fans to experience the musical energy and trademark sound of one of the world’s truly great soul bands.”
Two guitarists and vocalists Onnie McIntrye and Alan Gorrie remain from the original band, alongside a set of musicians who they have assembled over the years, including a black soul singer who now fronts the band. But Alan Gorrie was very much the bandleader, with his old friend and side kick Onnie McIntyre standing quietly to his left on guitar duties.
The Tyne Theatre was packed ready to say a last goodbye to this band. I can’t say I recognised many of the songs, but I greatly enjoyed the performance, and I was glad I took the opportunity to catch them one last time. Of course, I knew the aforementioned “pick up the pieces” and “cut the cake” but I had forgotten the great singalong “let’s go round again” which had the entire theatre audience up and dancing.
Many thanks to Jan for the photographs and to Chris for helping me manipulate the site stop
Set 2: When Will You Be Mine; Walk on By; Cut the Cake; A Love of Your Own; Whatcha’ Gonna Do for Me; Atlantic Avenue; Put It Where You Want It.
Dionne Warwick
Anyway, enough reminiscing and back to the beautiful, soulful voice of Dionne Warwick who sang so many Bacharach and David classics. The show was entitled Don’t Make Me Over, after the famous song. The Glasshouse website proclaimed her arrival:
Iconic singer Dionne Warwick brings her captivating life story and legendary catalogue to the stage for an intimate evening of conversation and song. Join the chart-topping vocalist behind classics like “Walk on By,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “That’s What Friends Are For” as she takes audiences through her groundbreaking 60+ year career. Warwick will share personal anecdotes and career milestones interwoven with live renditions of her hits, supported by archival footage and testimonials from figures like Elton John and President Clinton.”
The show was in two parts with a short interval. Dionne took to the stage with “don’t make me over” emblazoned on the screen above her. She started by singing that classic song. Sure, her voice may not quite as strong as it used to be, but it was tremendous to hear her sing the song again, accompanied by a small band who appeared left off stage. A large, very comfy -looking, sofa was to the right of the stage and Dionne took her place there alongside long-time collaborator Dave Wooley who was shortly to interview her.
A short excerpt from the recent documentary also entitled Don’t Make Me Over, directed by Dave Wooley was shown at the start of the performance. Publicity for the documentary explains that it “Reveals the intimate stories behind a pioneering artist who took charge of her own career and smashed through cultural, racial and gender barriers to become the soundtrack for generations.”
The conversation between Dionne and Dave began with video of her humble beginnings, gospel singing in a New Jersey church. The discussion then moved through her life and career, her first meeting with Bacharach, in the UK where he was touring as pianist and musical director for none other than Marlena Dietrich. Now that is some tour that I wish I had seen! And so, the evening progressed moving through the years, with tributes from many famous people including Smokey Robinson, former President Bill Clinton, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Barry Gibb and many more. Dionne concluded the first set with a lovely rendition of the beautiful “I Say a Little Prayer”.
After a short break the proceedings resumed in a similar manner with Dave and Dionne chatting about her more recent achievements. Dionne talked about her family and her children. She then revealed that her drummer for the evening was none other than her son, who also sang with her. This part of the show included more songs, accompanied by her son: “Walk on By”, “Anyone Who Had a Heart” and “Heartbreaker. The evening concluded with a lovely rendition of “That’s What Friends Are For.” It doesn’t get much better than this. A lovely evening spent with a true legend and icon of our generation.
This was a great local event, hosted by 
Friday night was wonderful and eventful in many ways. My carer Jackie and I arrived late afternoon in order to catch Eric Bell, who was playing two sets: one in the early afternoon and one later in the day. We decided to go along for the later set hoping to catch him play some old Thin Lizzy favourites. As we arrived we were welcomed by the guys on the door who pointed us towards the VIP lounge where we were introduced to the man himself, Eric Bell!
We had a pleasant chat with this legend, during which I reminded Eric about meeting him with Phil Lynott in the bar of Sunderland Locarno around 1971 or 1972. Eric asked me if liked old Thin Lizzy, which of course I replied I did, and I also said I liked the later Thin Lizzy which he agreed with. “Do you like the Beatles? And Jimi Hendrix?” Asked Eric. “Yes of course” I replied. “I also love the Rolling Stones” I added. Eric nodded his head. Do you like “Whiskey in the Jar” and “The Rocker” he asked. “Of course,” I replied.
We then entered the main stage room which was situated upstairs. Downstairs there were two further stages: an acoustic stage and a blues stage. This really was a fantastic, well-coordinated event. The organisers had kept a table for us at the back of the room where Jackie and I had a great view of the proceedings. They then very kindly, as a result of our early bird VIP tickets, presented us with a plate of pizza, and another containing garlic bread and nibbles. Lovely. This really was a great event in every way.
After a short while, the Eric Bell Trio took to the stage. The first part of their short set was a series of excellent renditions of traditional blues classics. I was beginning to think that maybe Eric now focuses on the blues and might not play thin Lizzy songs. But then the opening bars to “Whiskey in the Jar” rang around the room and we were off back into many happy memories of the early Lizzy that I saw several times in the first part of the 1970s. After a great rendition of “Whiskey in the Jar”, Eric finished the set with the aforementioned “The Rocker”. Pure magic from a gent and a legend.
After another short break, the 
We all left the club in quite an orderly fashion, Jackie and I taking the lift downwards and out onto the cold windy seaside street in Cullercoats. Everyone was waiting outside to be re-admitted to the venue. My friendly taxi driver was waiting around the corner so Jackie and I decided to take a ride home that evening. A very eventful and enjoyable evening at the 
Roll-on to Sunday night and we had a shorter but also eventful visit back to the Cullercoats Crescent Club. The programme told us that Martin Turner was playing two sets: one in the afternoon and one quite early in the evening. Once again, I was really interested in seeing Martin as the headline act so Elaine my carer for the evening and I turned up just in time to see him play. On arrival we were told “Martin Turner has already been on. Because of the weather he decided to play a longer set in the afternoon”.
I was a little disappointed, however the organiser was very kind and apologetic, explaining the circumstances which were, on reflection, very understandable. The weather last Sunday evening was terrible with gale force winds and we were situated right on the coast. I would imagine that Martin Turner had to travel quite a distance to home or his next gig so I can understand why he needed to leave early. Never mind I have tickets to see him perform at Newcastle Cluny later in the year. Elaine and I decided to join in with the full festival experience and after a pint of Guinness and a great set by the 
Down to the Doctors again! It has been a long time since I have witnessed 
I saw them several times after that at the City Hall, and the Reading Festival which they headlined on the Friday night one year. Wilko would soon depart, to be replaced by a succession of guitarists including Gypie Mayo. The last time I saw Dr. Feelgood was probably in the 1980s at Newcastle Mayfair with Lee as the only original member. Following the sad passing of Lee Brilleaux, the band continued with new singer Pete Gage and more recently Rob Kane, who hails from my own hometown, Sunderland.
From the current tour publicity: “Dr. Feelgood formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970’s and have enjoyed a string of hit singles in many countries including ‘Milk & Alcohol’, ‘Down at the Doctors’, ‘Roxette’, ‘She’s a Wind Up’ and ‘See You Later Alligator’.” “Some places are particularly important and highlights on the tour roster. Newcastle’s Cluny is one of those highlights. We have played the Cluny regularly for well over a decade, fantastic crowd, fantastic beer! The audience are right there in front of you, always up for it and so are we! Importantly it will be a fabulous gig and we can all sample some excellent real ales once again.” (Dr. Feelgood Facebook)
The current membership of Dr. Feelgood is: Phil H. Mitchell – bass, acoustic guitar, backing vocals, Kevin Morris – drums, percussion, backing vocals, Gordon Russell – lead and slide guitars, backing vocals (all of whom have been with the band, on and off, since 1983) and Robert Kane – lead vocals, harmonica (who joined the band in 1999).
The Cluny was packed and as Jackie, Norm and I made our way into the venue. First led up was a cool blues singer and guitarist, who played a natty cigar box guitar and warmed the audience up for the main act. I warmed myself up with a cool pint of Guinness which set me well into the mood for the great rhythm and blues which was to follow on from the excellent support (pictured right).
Now I mentioned that singer Robert Kane comes from Sunderland and I have seen him in many local bands and venues over the years including an early performance upstairs in the Londonderry, as a member of the Showbiz Kids in Sunderland Locarno, Newcastle Mayfair and various workingmen’s clubs, and more latterly as front man of a later lineup of local heroes The Animals. He was always super energetic, charismatic and would take charge of the stage and captivate the audience with his presence and strong vocals.
The legacy and soul of the Feelgoods remains safe in the hands of the current line – up. They did justice to all the classics including their biggest hit “Milk and Alcohol”, “Roxette”, “Down at the Doctors” and my particular favourite “She Does It Right”. The Cluny crowd lapped it up. They played everything that I expected them to and more. Their set was over in the blink of a choppy guitar riff. Excellent. I had held reservations about going to see this lineup and whether they could live up to the legend that was, and is, Dr. Feelgood. I need not have worried. The original R&B merchants continue.
Setlist: (something like this) Drives Me Wild; No Mo Do Yakamo; I Can Tell; Mary Ann; All Through the City; She Does It Right; You Don’t Love Me; Damn Right I Do; Milk and Alcohol; Shotgun Blues; Baby Jane; Riot in Cell Block #9; Keep it Undercover; Back in the Night; Roxette; If My Baby Quits Me; See You Later Alligator; Going Back Home; Down at the Doctors; Give Me One More Shot.
I remember seeing 
Something I wasn’t aware of, and that Jackie discovered while researching her background, was that she first came over to the UK as one of Ike and Tina Turner’s Ikettes, on a package tour supporting the Rolling Stones. This lady has a long career and is to be much respected.
PP started her set with a song dedicated to her mentor Tina Turner: “River Deep, Mountain High” and so we were off to a great start of another great concert. She has just released a new album, so her set consisted of old favourites, collaborations and tracks from her latest record. I recognised a number of the songs, but many were unfamiliar to me. PP was supported by a group of excellent musicians and her voice, rhythm and soul remain undiminished.
The lady is 76 years young and looks just great! She explained that she was once a backing singer for Eric Clapton in the days that he was forming Derek and the Dominoes. This led into a song that they were performing at the time: Traffics’ “Medicated Goo”. She then sang a song which she has performed with the great Steve Marriott and Small Faces in the late 60s. She made reference to rehearsing Small Faces’ “Tin Soldier” for future performances. Now that would be something to see. If you get the chance look up her performance of the song with Steve Marriott and Small Faces on YouTube. It is simply incredible.
Soon she was back for an encore, closing with “The First Cut Is the Deepest”, telling us that Cat Stevens wrote the song for her personally.Many thanks to Jackie for buying me a signed book (see image) for my birthday present 🙂
After George’s passing in 1967, his widow Faye continued to manage the group and their success grew until they become a household name. The Drifters had many hits on both sides of the Atlantic and they were, quite rightly, inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ in 1988.
Further success and accolades followed. In 1993 The Drifters were requested by the President of the USA to perform at the White House and in 2004 they were listed by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the top 100 ‘Greatest Artists of All Time’.
Faye Treadwell passed away in May 2011 and then her daughter Tina Treadwell continued to manage The Drifters and their legacy. Tina has recently launched a new version of The Drifters and intends to take their story to the West End and Broadway. (Some of the above adapted from material on The Drifters official website).
It was this completely new version of The Drifters which I saw at Billingham Forum on Saturday night (a very appropriate evening on which to see this band). So, the members and the voices have changed many times over the years; yet the songs and the soul of the band remains constant. You know what to expect: lots of singalong, many hits which you have forgotten and a great evening of pure nostalgia and joyous entertainment.
That is exactly what we got. The show cleverly used video of Tina Treadwell introducing the band and their history, sections of covers of songs by Ben E King and Motown classics, all put together to ensure maximum entertainment. By the end of the evening everyone in the house was up and dancing. I knew almost every song. A few years ago, out of musical snobbery and would not have contemplated going to see this band. However today I have come to the point where I recognise music for what it is: an opportunity to get out and have some great fun.
Setlist: (Something like) Set 1: On Broadway; Under the Boardwalk; This Magic Moment; There Goes My First Love; Come on Over to My Place; I (Who Have Nothing); Spanish Harlem; Stand by Me; Fools Fall in Love; Down on the Beach Tonight; Hello Happiness; I Count the Tears; Dance With Me; Save the Last Dance for Me.
Set 2: Kissing in the Back Row; When My Little Girl Is Smiling; My Girl; Get Ready; I Can’t Help Myself; It’s the Same Old Song; Uptight; Some Kind of Wonderful; Up on the Roof; Like Sister and Brother.
“Billy is a Geordie”. So the chant went from the Newcastle crowd. Billy joined in and danced around while the crowd kept chant going. This occurred halfway through the set and demonstrated the love and respect the Newcastle crowd have for 
This time I went along and the impetus came from the man himself. I saw pictures of him and he looks so cool these days. He is reborn as a Rasta Man with long grey dreadlocks right down his back, almost to his waist. Completely unrecognisable from cool soul singer of the 80s. So when I saw recent pictures of Rasta Billy I decided I should go and show my support for the cool guy. And after all, I do know lots of his songs.
The City Hall was packed. Carer Jan and I arrived during the set of the support act, a young female singer 
Then he returns to his true roots, Bob Marley, and he does justice to “no woman, no cry”. My thoughts run back to the hot summer of 1976 when Marie and I were dancing along to Bob Marley performing that very song in Leeds Students Union Refectory. Billy brings back magic memories. The ballad “Suddenly” is just lovely. Billy the Geordie leaves us with, of course, “When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going”. Another massive singalong, the capacity crowd simply love the guy and his performance is superb. For many of the songs he holds his microphone towards the audience who take over the singing.
Now sometimes I don’t like it when an artist allows the audience to take over, but the vibe between Billy and the City Hall crowd is so strong and there is so much love for the guy, it works well. It is like we are all with him, the artist and the audience together as one; as it should be. A few moments later and he is back. There is only one song left to perform: “Caribbean Queen”. We all singalong with Billy the born-again Rasta man Geordie. Magic.
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