List of bands from Newcastle-upon-Tyne facts for kids

Newcastle upon Tyne and the wider Tyneside area in the North East of England have been home to many amazing musicians and bands. This article will tell you about some of the famous music stars who come from this vibrant region!

Music Stars from Newcastle and Tyneside

Tyneside is a cool place known for its music. Many talented singers, guitarists, and bands have started their journeys here. They have gone on to become famous all over the world! Let's meet some of them.

Pop and TV Stars

Some of the biggest names in pop music and television come from Tyneside.

• Ant & Dec

Ant & Dec are a super famous TV presenting duo. They are known for shows like Britain's Got Talent. But did you know they started as actors in a show called Byker Grove? They even had a pop music career in the 1990s! Their song "Let's Get Ready to Rhumble" was a big hit.

• Cheryl

Cheryl is a pop superstar from Newcastle. She became famous as a member of the girl group Girls Aloud. They won the TV show Popstars: The Rivals in 2002. Girls Aloud had many hit songs, including "Sound of the Underground" and "The Promise". Cheryl later had a very successful solo career.

• Little Mix

The hugely popular girl group Little Mix has two members from Tyneside: Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards. They both grew up in South Shields. Little Mix won The X Factor in 2011. They are one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. Their songs like "Shout Out to My Ex" and "Black Magic" are loved by many.

Rock and Pop Legends

Tyneside has also produced some true legends of rock and pop music.

• Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson is a rock icon. He is best known as the lead singer of the legendary Australian rock band AC/DC. Before joining AC/DC in 1980, Brian was the singer for a Newcastle band called Geordie. He is famous for his powerful, gravelly voice.

• Bryan Ferry

Bryan Ferry was born near Newcastle. He is the lead singer of the influential band Roxy Music. Roxy Music was famous in the 1970s for their unique sound and stylish look. Bryan Ferry also had a successful solo career.

• Mark Knopfler

Mark Knopfler is an amazing guitarist and singer. He was the founder of the band Dire Straits. Although he was born in Glasgow, his family moved to Northumberland when he was young. He went to school in Newcastle. Dire Straits had huge hits like "Sultans of Swing" and "Money for Nothing." Mark Knopfler is known for his incredible finger-picking guitar style.

• Neil Tennant

Neil Tennant is one half of the famous electronic pop duo Pet Shop Boys. He was born in North Shields and went to school in Newcastle. The Pet Shop Boys are known for their clever lyrics and catchy synth-pop sound. They have had many hits, including "West End Girls" and "Go West."

• Sting

Sting is a global music superstar from Wallsend, near Newcastle. He first became famous as the lead singer and bassist of the band The Police. They had massive hits like "Every Breath You Take" and "Roxanne." After The Police, Sting started a very successful solo career, exploring different music styles.

• The Shadows

Two key members of the legendary instrumental rock band the Shadows are from Tyneside. Hank Marvin and Bruce Welch are both from Newcastle. The Shadows were famous for their guitar-driven sound. They had many hits in the late 1950s and 1960s, often backing Cliff Richard. Their song "Apache" is a classic!

• Lindisfarne

Lindisfarne is a folk-rock band that formed in Newcastle in 1968. They are very much loved in the North East. They are known for their catchy songs and lively performances. Their most famous songs include "Fog on the Tyne" and "Lady Eleanor."

Modern Music Makers

Newcastle continues to produce exciting new talent.

• Sam Fender

Sam Fender is a very popular singer-songwriter from North Shields. He has won several awards for his music. His songs often talk about life and issues in modern Britain. He is known for his powerful voice and honest lyrics. His albums include Hypersonic Missiles and Seventeen Going Under.

• Maxïmo Park

Maxïmo Park is an indie rock band from Newcastle. They formed in 2000 and are known for their energetic live shows and catchy, intelligent songs. They have released several successful albums and are a big part of the Newcastle music scene.

• Lanterns on the Lake

Lanterns on the Lake are an indie rock band from Newcastle. They are known for their atmospheric and beautiful music. Their songs often feature dreamy sounds and emotional lyrics. They have been nominated for prestigious music awards.

Other Notable Artists

Here are some more musicians and bands with strong ties to the Tyneside area: