NE Online Magazine issue 32 by Wayne Groves

Hi Chris and welcome to NE Magazine, for the few readers who must be living in a cave somewhere and don’t know who you are how about giving th em a quick l ow- down o n yourself? - Hello! Can’t help but think I’m writing your interview introduction for you here, oh well… I’m a stand-up comedian from South Shields and I’m also a bit of an actor now and then… but mainly a comedian… that might not come across as well as it should in print form, but I am. So there. At the moment it’s hard not seeing you on the TV when we switch it on as you’re everywhere, but what has been the highlight for you so far? - Not everywhere though am I? If you turn on QVC and I’m selling a frying pan, just assume you’ll find me floating face down in a river very soon. The highlight for me so far was probably being in Hebburn. Since starting comedy I always wanted to try my hand at being in a sitcom too so I was over the moon to do one with my mate and so close to my heart, and I got to work with Vic Reeves. I know you had a bit of a crazy time with fans wanting pics and autographs when you were having a few drinks in a South Shields bar recently, how are you finding this, does it put you off going out? - Not at all. Any person in that position who has been on TV or whatever and people want photos (I’m trying my best not to say celebrity here!) who pretends they hate the attention is a liar. You don’t go for a career on TV because you don’t want anyone to notice you. As long as I’m not eating or having a shit when you want a photo then it’s no problem at all… I meant, like on the toilet, not just in the middle of the dancefloor. Registered Charity England

Have you had any weird fan requests or incidents? - Not really. The odd person will show up to a gig with my face on a T-Shirt, or bake me a cake, or send me a dead animal in the post but other than that it’s just photos and autographs. A little kid in Hebburn when we were filming asked me to sign his micro scooter… that was a bit weird.

Are there any venues on the tour that you are looking forward to playing or any you’re quite nervous about? - The Theatre Royal in Newcastle. I absolutely can’t wait. I used to watch panto there when I was a kid. I’m

As well as being a bit of a regular on Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 out of 10 Cats you are now starring in the North East based sitcom Hebburn, how did that come about? - My mate and fellow comedian Jason Cook decided to write a sitcom about the town he was from, Hebburn, and he actually wrote me a little side part which he named after me. But when it came to being made the BBC asked me to read for the main character, and when I got it, Jason took the part that he’d written for me! It came about so gradually that I didn’t really realise the enormity of being lead role in a BBC2 sitcom until I saw the advert on TV. I nearly passed out. How has the response for Hebburn been so far? - Overwhelmingly positive. And we just won Best Drama at the RTS North awards too. And we’ve got a second series!

Great North Run You are now embarking 9 September 2018 on

your biggest tour to date, how do you feel about this? - Yeah incredible! It’s an extension of my last tour, Feeling Lucky. I did 60+ dates in 2012 but the demand for tickets was so high and people enjoyed the show so much that I’m doing another 40 odd dates this year in much bigger venues. I can’t wait to get back out on the road.

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We l c o m e N o t e . 2 0 1 8 i s n o w u n d e r w a y, h o p e f u l l y everyone is well and have managed t o s h a ke t h a t c ra z y b u g t h a t s e e m s to have hit all of the North East. A b i g t h a n k y o u t o Pe t e r M a n n fo r a l l of the help with this issue, he has c e r t a i n l y m a d e i t e a s y fo r m e w i t h l e s s w o r k t o d o s o I a m g ra t e f u l l , that pesky bug haha. As always, if you have something you want to see in a future issue then d o n â&#x20AC;&#x2122; t fo r g e t t o d r o p u s a n e m a i l t o wayne. groves@neonlinemagazine. com P l u s r e m e m b e r t o fo l l o w u s o n Fa c e b o o k a n d Tw i t t e r fo r o u r r e g u l a r updates on events and competitions. Till next time Ta ke c a r e Wa y n e

EDITOR & DESIGNER Wayne Groves wayne.groves@neonlinemagazine.com

Cineworld Boldon www.cineworld.co.uk The Theatre Royal Newcastle & Newcastle City Hall www.theatreroyal.co.uk/ Ocean Beach Pleasure Park www.oceanbeach.co.uk Quasar Elite South Shields www.quasarsouthshields.co.uk For all queries or if you would like to feature or advertise in NE Magazine email wayne.groves@neonlinemagazine.com Unless stated otherwise all competition entries should be sent to win@ neonlinemagazine.com Plus you can catch up with us online for news, events, blogs, competitions and more at www.neonlinemagazine.com Follow us on Facebook - www.facebook. com/pages/N-E-Online-Magazine join us on twitter @NEOnlineMag

CONTRIBUTORS Nicholas Dunn NJDunn Photography Peter Mann BSc Inside Mann Media & PR petermann78@hotmail.com LeeNemsPhotography www.ne-ms.co.uk SPONSORS Sergeant Clip www.sergeantclip.com Facebook - Sergeant Clip F.ound Digital Website: ino.digital

THIS ISSUE P6 What Singe Said P14 Lee’s Custom Woodwork P22 Rebecca Annan Photographer P32 Extreme Rocks the O2 Academy P38 Cover Star Beth Macari P48 What’s On Newcastle Theatre Royal P56 Cineworld Film Round Up P72 Ted’s Story By Alan Robson MBE P78 Daley Mathison P84 Peter Mann 5

readers?

Hi Colin, welcome to NE, can

you introduce yourself to our

What Singe Said

Hi Andy and welcome to NE, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself? Thanks for having me, I think I’m just a typical lad from Stanley, Co Durham. Fast approaching my mid 40’s who one day might grow up. The reason for you chatting with us today is to tell people all about your brand-new book “Singe Said” that is launching later in the month, can you tell us more? ‘Singe Said’ is basically a collection of random memories and short stories from me

growing up to the current day. It covers getting toys at Christmas, getting wrong at school, fighting in a nightclub, playing football in Holland. All the little life experiences I’ve had. You are well known for your funny posts on Facebook, when your status has the “see more” link highlighted you just know it’s going to be another cracking Singe story or observation. Is the book a collection of these or something entirely new, or even a bit of both? Basically, it’s an extended version of the stuff that I have posted on Facebook, with a load of new stuff added. A mate of mine once said that I should publish a book of all my Facebook stories/tales/ rants/memories and the idea sort of grew from that. So what can people expect from your book, why should they buy a copy? It’s just a book about life growing up in a small coal mining town in the 70’s and 80’s the things I used to get up to, little bits of mischief. Then I got older and

kind of didn’t grow up and still get up to mischief. Should any of your family or friends be worried? One or two of my mates might get their names and reputations tarnished and my poor Mother is quite worried as well.

Is this a one off or will there be more books in the future? The book covers the first 44 years of my life and at the end I have said part 2 will be available when 88. I’m sure I might have a few more tales to tell. Potentially there might be another book in the pipeline about my photography experiences as well. But that’s another story for another day! Your book launch is on the 15th of

February, how can people attend and what can they expect? It’s just a small book launch in my local working men’s club (in the turn end). I will do a couple of readings from the book and it will be available to purchase on the night. There is going to be a raffle in aid of PACT House which is a local charity that offers advice and guidance in a café style atmosphere, as well as a buffet with tasty nibbles on offer. The club do the best pint of

Kronenbourg as well. A lot of our readers may recognize you as the photographer from one of the many sporting events that take place all over the North East with famous faces from the world of Football, Boxing etc, are you still doing those? I’m fortunate in that I’ve photographed almost all of my sporting hero’s Gascoigne, Shearer, Beardsley, Keegan, Ferdinand, Cole from football. Mayweather, Joshua, Holyfield, Tyson from boxing, the list is endless. And yes, I’m still very much involved covering sports dinners and talk-in’s. You have a canny collection of pictures with the celebrities you’ve met doing these events, but who has your highlight, the one you’ve really wanted to meet? Probably David Kelly, he scored the goal that kept us from relegation to the ‘old 3rd division’ back in the early 90’s. He’s my all-time favorite player

and I got to meet him last year and thank him for the goal. But on a whole almost all of the celebrities I’ve worked with have been friendly and approachable. Even Mike Tyson was decent crack, his security team were not so friendly. And who is the one you really didn’t like working with and why? Hahah, there is only one in particular, some darts player who’s just retired. He wasn’t very nice at all. But you will have to read ‘Singe Said’ to find out what went on that night.

yourself? I once stole a strawberry from Mike Tyson’s fruit bowl I travelled all the way to Tunisia just to see the place they used as Luke Skywalkers house in Star Wars I’m the worst Sunday League footballer ever. Where can people follow you and keep up to date with events?

You can find me on Facebook and twitter by searching for Andy Singe Thompson. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us Andy and we can’t wait to read your book. Thanks for having me! The book launch is on the 15th February at Oxhill Central WMC, 1 Eden Terrace, Stanley, Co Durham, DH9 7LW from 7-10pm

When you are not writing books and taking pictures what do you like to get up to with your free time? Loads, I’m a season ticket holder at Newcastle United and travel to away games, I’m involved in Sunday morning football, I have a LEGO city in my loft and I drink a lot of gin. Tell us 3 random facts about

UK tour dates announced for March 2018 including London’s Alexandra Palace New album ‘Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life’ due via Kobalt Music Recordings this February 9th 2018 Stream new track ‘Lemon To A Knife Fight’ HERE

You can pre-order the album HERE Having just detailed their fourth album ‘Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life’ for a February 9th 2018 release via Kobalt Music Recordings, The Wombats have announced headline UK tour dates for March 2018, including Lon-

don’s Alexandra Palace. 2017 has already seen the Liverpool-bred trio headline O2 Academy Brixton (which sold-out in

under 24 hours), as well as two sold-out nights at the Sydney Opera House. Having debuted as Annie Mac’s ‘Hottest Record’ on BBC Radio 1, and premiered online with The Fader, new single ‘Lemon to A Knife Fight’ is available to stream here. 2015’s ‘Glitterbug’ album, that debuted in the Top 5 UK Album Chart and Billboard 100, has received over 200 million digital streams, surpassing even the band’s euphoric hit singles ‘Let’s Dance To Joy Division’, ‘Moving To New York’ and ‘Kill The Director’, that established them as chart-quashing champions of the noughties guitar pop explosion.

Set to headline North America this January, and join The PIxies and Weezer through the US in June and July, The Wombats will

play the following headline UK shows through March 2018. UK Headline Tour Dates *ticketmaster.co.uk March 13 - Belfast - Limelight2 14 - Dublin - Academy 16 - Cardiff - Great Hall 17 - Sheffield - O2 Academy* 19 - Aberdeen - Beach Ballroom 20 - Newcastle - O2 Academy* 21 - Nottingham - Rock City 23 - Birmingham - O2 Institute* 24 - Manchester - Academy 25 - Norwich - UEA 27 - London - Alexandra Palace 28 - Bristol - O2 Academy* 29 - Southampton - O2 Guildhall* CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR THE O2 ACADEMY

IF THE ANSWER IS YES THEN CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT

ino.digital

Hi Lee and welcome to NE. Seeing as this is your second time featured it shouldn’t feel like Blind Date this time haha, but we could still do with an introduction for any readers that didn’t see your feature a few years back? Hiya. I’m Lee Thompson and my company is ‘Lees Custom Woodwork’. I set the company up a few years back after my wife posted a few pictures of some things I’d made on Facebook. She had loads of comments from people asking if they could buy them. Lee’s Custom Woodwork has been around a while now but can you tell us a bit more about it? Pretty much what it says in the title, I make custom pieces, which are designed by myself and the customer. But also your generic joinery, for example garden fences and decking. I’d like to think that I specialise more in custom and bespoke work, that’s where my passion lies. The more elaborate the better!! Things have definitely changed since you first started out, has that been a conscious decision or just something that happened naturally? I think it’s just happened naturally.

I started off with wanting to make garden furniture, chairs, tables etc. I’m quite a creative person and my ideas sort of just took over and made me want to push myself to create different things. For example, the more bars I’ve made, the more they get seen and the more people want their own bespoke bar.

You have become known for your custom bars, can you tell us a bit more about that? A few people asked me to make bars and with working in the bar industry for so long, I’d like to think that I know what works and what looks good. From making my first bar, my ideas tend to evolve rapidly and I tend to think ahead to how I can make the next one even better. I love it when people give me a theme to work with. I’m currently working on a design for a customer. They didn’t have a theme at first, so I asked them a few questions about their hobbies and interests. The man told me that his wife loves VW campervans and he was a big cricket fan. From that information I have incorporated both of these things into their bar design. I drew a digital design of the bar front and the couple fell in love with it and asked me when I could start haha!! Why do you think these have become so popular? I think they are just a popular thing these days. I think more people prefer staying in and having their friends over. What better way than having your own bar at the bottom of the garden, with your own beer on draught.

Think it’s time I made myself one haha!! So what other kind of things have you been doing since we last spoke, tell us a bit more about the work you do and your projects? I have been working on a few projects for some schools in the region. I am currently working on a few projects for Westoe Crown Primary school. I joined one of

their funded projects last year alongside other tradesman and since then I have been contacted by the headmaster to add more things to their school yard. My favourite project for them is a hand-carved wooden throne that I’m still working on. A few months ago I was contacted by the owner of a wedding props company and asked to help with some ideas that she had. Cat, the owner and creator of Grumbleduke Events is totally on my wavelength when it comes to creating and designing random items. Some of the things she brings into my workshop are bizarre but she has a good eye for originality. For example, I turned an old dusty piano into an elegant and classy portable bar that can be hired out for weddings.

refurbishing it and making better use of the space. Originally it was just really meant for storage and so my wife could have her garden back, but due to the work I have coming in, it has proven to be invaluable. I can build stuff in there then transport it to the customers’ house. Was it a gamble or has it paid off for you having your own space? Like I say, I was just going to use

You now have your own workshop, how much has it helped you having your own premises? Massively!! I’ve had the workshop for a few months now and I’m already looking at

it for storage but it’s so versatile. I have a spray-painting room, and a building area. I can bring customers in while I’m working on their projects, so they can make any changes if need be. The best part has to be my reclining chair and coffee machine! Are there any projects that you have done that really stand out for you?

I think I’d have to say the chair that I’m making for Westoe Crown as It’s the first time that I’ve ever carved anything and I’m really pleased with how it is turning out.

projects and keep up to date with everything? On my instagram @ leescustomwoodwork and my facebook page. www.leescustomwoodwork.com

You used to be one of the regular faces around the bars as a DJ, have you hung up the headphones like the rest of us or are you still gigging? I still do the odd gig now and again for Kerrie Katapodis at one of her many venues. I worked on NYE at the waterfront and often work events in Club Del Mars event suite. I’m happy doing the odd one but don’t think I could go back to working every weekend until 4am, I’m too old for that now and the music just isn’t the same (now I sound old) haha!

What is the best way for someone to hire you? Ring me or drop me a message on social media.

When you are not hard at work what do you like to get up to in your spare time? Spare time, what’s that?????

Where can people follow your

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us Lee and we wish you luck with Lee’s Custom Woodwork

It is nearly time for another Screen-Con, the original and biggest North East convention that is ran by fans for the fans, bringing a whole host of guests from your favourite TV shows and Films giving you the chance to meet and chat with them all up close and personal as well lots to see and do both on stage and around the venue.

Screen-Con 2017 will have Hammer Horror and Bond star Martine Beswick and original Star Wars Stormtrooper Laurie Goode taking centre stage appearing, but unfortunately Spencer Wilding is not able to attend the event as he is now going to be filming over in America, but he has posted several messages on the Screen-Con event page apologising to his fans and promising to make it up to them by appearing at a future event. Good luck Spencer and we will see you at the next one. Al and Vicki, the people behind Screen-Con, are busy sorting a replacement as I type this so watch

this space for a big announcement coming your way soon. NE are always a regular feature at all of the Screen-Con events doing everything from taking photos for the magazine to getting on stage to judge the Cosplay Competitions. This year we will be there but this time we will have our very own stall where we will be holding the NE Charity Tombola. We have

already taken this to a few of the SciFair events last year and it is always a huge success raising money for some great local charities. We have several boxes of great prizes already with more prizes still to come, with everything from Funko Pop Vinyl Figures to comic books and even sweets. So make sure you come pay us a visit. Screen-Con is a fun day out for all of the family, with your host Markus Percy bringing you all manner of fun and games along with all of your favourite characters all wondering about and happy to pose with you for those great facebook profile pictures, so you really do not want to miss out, get your tickets HERE.

Hi Rebecca, welcome to NE, can you give our readers a little introduction? Hello! Thank you for having me. So my name is Rebecca, I’m from Gateshead and I am 21 years old. I graduated from my BA Hons Photography and Creative Digital Media degree in July 2017. I’m quite lucky to have walked into a graduate job, as the Creative Content Director at Feel Good Promotions Ltd, which is helping my event photography business massively, whilst also working for Nikon as a sales REP at weekends.

You are part of the team behind Trinity Photography Studio, can you tell us how that all came about? Trinity Photography Studio came about after I met Nicholas Dunn in 2014 when studying for our Photography degree at Newcastle College. Me and Nick would

always team up for creative challenges as he’s amazing with lighting techniques and has a massive social group of models and makeup artists etc, whereas I’m very much a director of arts, bringing the ideas and life into the shot with props etc. After the degree I carried on with

my photography business, photographing events (weddings, birthdays etc.) with the help of Nick on occasion. Then he got an amazing opportunity to purchase the space for the studio. Using my business knowledge and client list we organised a bunch of events and got the word out about the space. Which is proving to be a great suc-

cess from what I hear from Nick. What is it like working with Nicholas? Nick is a character, always jolly and up for trying anything once. Willing to help others with their creative ideas. Do you both share the workload when it comes to shooting or will it be a case of you doing certain types of shoots and Nicholas doing others? We try to keep our commissions separate unless one would suit the other person better. If that’s the case say Nick was working with a band, I have more experience in that field. So I pop in and give him hints and tips. Make cups of coffee etc. just an extra pair of hands when needed, throw some creativity in the mix.

recently talked about me trying out some cosplay style shooting. I’m a massive Disney fan, so of course id be narrowing characters down a little. However I’ve seen a lot of his more creative pieces and I just think it’s a lot of fun. He seems to really enjoy cosplay and a lot of the friends of his that I have met in the field have been lovely! So we will definitely be working

on that in the near future as a project together which will be nice. How long have you been a photographer and how did you get into photography? I started taking photographs when I was about 13, so 8 years ago. Which only feels like yesterday, it’s crazy. I got my first camera for Christmas when I was 14. It was

It’s nice to have a friend around with experience in different areas of photography; me and Nick have

voluntarily for a few clothing brands, helping charities, working on things such as promotional posters, Logo design, Social media posts, covering event photography, marketing images of products. 2016-2017:I Am Left Clothing 2017-Current:ToonAid I was really overwhelmed in December 2017 as I got a message from the Toonaid team asking for my help to get some images of some of the volunteers down on the pitch at St James Park. I got to meet some of the players, which was great! We’re also going to be attending some amazing events this year to raise money for the Westend Foodbank. Never a bad day when you meet a few celebrity idols.

a Pentax K-3, which was my baby until I discovered full frame at A Level. I’ve been using Nikon ever since, luckily I work for Nikon too as a rep all year around so I get a bit of discount and have the pleasure of owning some nice equipment. I would definitely advise anyone wanting to go into photography to look into being a sales rep for the manufacturers. You get to meet people learn about how the products work and also meet lots of other kinds of photographers while at work, it’s such an interesting job. Do you specialize in any type of photography in particular? I’m a jack of all trades really but I focus my business mainly on event

photography (weddings, birthdays, christenings, live music, corporate events and meetings, parties etc.) but I like a little bit of a challenge. Since 2016 I’ve worked

And being the Creative Content Director at Feel Good Promotions Ltd has allowed me to use my imagination with briefs, talk to clients and meet clients. I get to see many other aspects of a photographer in the industries job, because I don’t just take photos. I buy the props, I hire the lights, edit the images, design the logos and fronts etc, then create the posters and submit to magazines and upload to the website. It’s been a massive learning curve after

getting my degree. But I’m always up for learning new things and the days always throw a new challenge my way. Now that you have helped launch the Trinity Photography Studio what are your aims and goals for it? I hope Trinity Photography Studio can grow and be as successful as some other local studios. It has great potential because of its location and the space is more private so you don’t have too much going on at one time. So you can focus on the shoot and getting to know the people within the team. I love how open planned the space is too. I’ve had 16 people in there at once and been able to talk to everyone and see what everyone is up to so I don’t miss anything. You really feel relaxed and at home in this studio. What are your personal aims and goals as a photographer for 2018? 2018 will hopefully be my best year; I have a lot of creative ideas flowing which I’ll be basing at the studio location. Also, my event bookings coming up that I’m excited about. I have some fab wedding locations on the list, which

always means meeting new people and seeing new locations. I’m hoping to submit to some projects and get my work out there for people to see, magazines, exhibitions and social media. Taking part in stuff like this is so good as I get to see other people’s work too.

I can, also plays and exhibitions. I’m very influenced by other art always striving to be better. This year’s bucket list is to work on some sort of taxidermy art piece, travel Europe and of course go back to Disneyland!

When you are not working hard what do you like to get up to in your spare time? In my spare time, you’ll find me in the cinema or the sweet shop! I’m a big fan of art, I try and get to museums and galleries when

Tell us 3 random facts about yourself? I’m super afraid of heights! My dream job is to be a Pathologist My favourite quote is “have courage and be kind” As a photographer have you got anyone that you admire and look up to? So many! If I was to pull a few out of the bag, I’d probably say Adam Bird would be one, his work is very surreal with a fairytale element. Georgia Rose Hardy is another photographer who just amazes me with every new piece. She uses the subconscious to form coherent narratives for paintings and also makes incredible props by hand from scratch. Such a talent! I can’t not mention the work of Annie Leibovitz, photographer to the stars. WOW just wow. And finally, Bill Brandt who I spent about 5 years researching and pulling inspiration from. His work with the human body and use of his camera from the most crazy angles creates the most simple images that keep people guessing.

I took some pieces that I photographed to honour his work down to Free Range Exhibition in London in 2016 and so many people stopped to look and discuss them. Which is what any artist wants.

research really got me thinking. I focused my piece into renaissance food painting 1400-1800. I had no idea what I was going to use or how I was going to set it up, I just knew I wanted to mix these two things that aren’t very big focal points of the 21st century together. After dashing around the local market I came back to the studio with £10 of vegetables, a silver tray and a pig’s heart...

Out of all of the shoots that you have done what would you say has been your favourite shoot so far and why? My favourite shoot so far, as much as I love the big fairytale weddings, in the second year of my de- When it comes to photography or doing a shoot what are your pet gree I wanted to look into medial photography after the Bill Brandt hates?

My biggest pet hate in photography has got to be when I see a portrait and the photographer hasn’t edited the whites of the eyes. So many people these days buy an expensive camera and then call themselves a photographer, why should a customer hire a professional rather than just a friend with a decent camera? You hire a professional photographer because you like the look of their work, it’s really important to support the work of photographers that you enjoy because otherwise we wouldn’t get to see these images. I think that photography is really important because you can see many things in a photo that you may never have the chance to see in real life. A professional photographer has the knowledge and experience to capture that photo as well as edit and produce it up to a standard that you wold never have imagined. There’s a lot of behind the scenes work when it comes to photography and you really do have to pay for quality. What advice would you give to someone wanting to hire a photographer for an event or a photoshoot? Do your research! I even do it myself. Making my website I looked for other businesses, what artists use, layouts, colours etc. Even when I see a nice wedding photo I’ll dig into it asking who took it? Where are they based? What location is it? Especially with wedding photography. You only have

one chance, you want a beautiful album full of photos and a stress free time to get those. Do you have any offers or promotions going on at the moment with you just launching the studio? Studio sessions with me start at £40, home studio sessions from £60 perfect for newborns. As summer is coming I’m offering full day wedding packages for £450 in local areas. I don’t have many dates left since releasing that package actually. (Message me for info on the full package)

hire you for their events? You can contact me via any of my social media accounts, email: rebecca.annan.12@hotmail.co.uk or phone: 07468592123 Is there anything you would like to add? Just want to say a massive Thank You to everyone involved the images, to Nicholas at Trinity Photography Studio and of course to NE Magazine!

Where can people keep up to date with you and your work? Click here for Facebook Click here for Instagram Click here for Twitter My website is currently undergoing some TLC but you’ll also be able to find me at: www.rannanphoto.com I’ll be online by April 2018 What about for the Trinity Photography Studio? Click here for Facebook Click here for Instagram Click here for Twitter How can people contact you to book a shoot in the studio or to

December saw EXTREME make their long awaited return to Newcastle to play to a packed O2 Academy, 9 years after their last gig in the Toon. It was well worth the wait though!!! This is a band that features one of the best front men since Freddie Mercury in vocalist Gary Cherone, he was even the vocalist for Van Halen, so you know this guy can sing!!! Sadly he was let down by mic issues on the night, but when he did his solo’s you really got to hear his incredible voice, even more fitting was the last song, a version of Queen’s “We Are The Champions”, all I can say is WOW! Gary never stands still, he has a stage presence second to none, using every inch of the stage when he performs and he always gets the crowd involved in the show. He has an energy and passion you feel in every single song.

Nuno Bettencourt is without a doubt one of the greatest guitarists in the world, if you don’t believe me then go on youtube and see for yourself as there are so many videos of his great solo’s on there

to see. The highlight of the night for me was seeing him perform “Flight Of The Wounded Bumblebee” which is a solo that has been giving me goosebumps since I first heard it back 1990. Seeing him

work his magic less than 2 metres away from you is truly breath-taking. “Midnight Express” is another amazing solo he performed that just blows you away, the guy is an absolute genius. Bass player Pat Badger is himself an accomplished artist away from Extreme, with 2 fantastic solo albums released under the name Badger and a new tour as Dark Desert Eagles playing the hits of the Eagles. Pat is actually a great vocalist which was great to hear come through during the show as he backed Gary on several songs, his dirty bass in “Get The Funk Out” is just unreal and seeing him and Nuno standing back to back playing together laughing and having fun was amazing, you can see how much the 4 of them just love performing together and it really does show. Last but not least is drummer Kevin ‘kFigg’ Figueiredo, this guy is unreal, his drum solos are just astounding. When him and Nuno had a drum-off during “Play With Me” the place went crazy, the 2 of them really went for it and just had fun together. He is also part of the Dark Desert Eagles alongside Pat. If you get a chance check out some of his incredible drum solos on youtube, the man is mega talented! This is a band that really do put on a show, from the vocals to the banter with the crowd during the songs, Extreme really do put on an amazing show. The crowd appreciated the fact that they played a few songs that wouldn’t normally be played live which was a treat, they really did cover all 5 albums well, not just playing the standard songs Extreme fans have come to expect, though they did still play some of those or else there would’ve been

hell on. During the night they were constantly throwing things into the crowd, from set lists to drumsticks and plecs, so plenty of fans took home some great memorabilia, myself included. Then to top off the night they even came down to meet the crowd, with Gary walking tightrope along the security barrier high fiving and hugging all of the fans he could, Nuno, Pat and KFigg were a little more reserved walking in front of the barrier, though Nuno did climb up the barrier a few times so he could meet the fans. Not many bands these days bother with their fans the way Extreme did, they really did go the extra mile to show their appreciation to a fan base that has supported them for nearly 30 years. I was one of the lucky ones with a meet and greet ticket so I finally got the chance to meet the band I’ve followed since I was 8 and I have to say, I was not disappointed. They were all so friendly giving us a warm welcome, making a point of shaking hands and even giving a hug or two, it’s one of the few times I’ve been lost for words when meeting someone. We had a few pics taken together then they

sat down to do autographs, whilst they signed my album cover we chatted and I mentioned how my daughter was learning to play the guitar and cheekily asked if she could have a plec as she wasn’t well enough to attend, Nuno didn’t give it a seconds thought and got one out of his pocket that he said he had used in the sound check, Pat got one out too for her and Nuno told me to get my phone

out so they could record a message for her, I was gobsmacked at this, such kindness when they really didn’t need to. My daughter was absolutely over the moon, as was I. When it comes to Extreme I can honestly say they are 4 of the nicest guys in rock, the fact that

they are still selling out gigs all over the world 30 years on goes to show how good they really are. I have seen them twice now and both times I have left blown away by their performance, they really do put on a great show and they sound just as good live as they do on cd, if not even better!!! If you like rock music then do yourself a favour and check out their back catalogue of music as well as their solo work. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve hinted that

they have some new music ready to put together so letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hope that means a new album released soon and hopefully another tour with a return to the UK, I know I will be there. You can keep up with the band on the usual social media platforms as well as their website which you can view HERE

NERG is the biggest retro gaming event in the North East, held at Gateshead Stadium over the course of 2 days, this event is as big as it gets for retro gamers or just the big kids re-living their youth playing the games they used to play, after all, they don’t make them like they used to. 2017 will be the fifth year of NERG and it will be a big one. With 100 video arcade machines, 35 pinball machines and 60 consoles and computers this really is an event you do not want to miss!. The event is held over the weekend of 1st & 2nd of July. Entrance is £15 per day or £25 for the full weekend. Children aged 5-13 years can also get in for only £10 on the Sunday. All the machines are set to free play so once you pay the admission fee, it’s free gaming all day., so no need for those pockets full of change. CLICK HERE TO TICKETS ONLINE.

PURCHASE

or you can pay on the day if the event hasn’t sold out. More details can be found at w w w.northeastretrogaming. com Machines are announced on a regular basis through the social feeds so make sure you keep checking to see what games will

be there, though with so many we are sure your favourites will be there. CLICK HERE FOR FACEBOOK For Twitter - @NERGOfficial

Soul Searching aplenty for the North’s Queen of Soul. The first feature with NE ONLINE MAGAZINE Artist of the Year, Beth Macari, sees the Tynesider look back at what has gone before, and forward to what is most certainly a very bright future.... Come with me and you’ll be In a world of pure imagination Take a look and you’ll see into your imagination We’ll begin with a spin Traveling in the world of my creation What we’ll see will defy explanation (From Beth Macari’s cover of Pure Imagination) Blake’s in Newcastle on a mild, winter’s morning, and just a few days shy of Christmas, finally, after fourteen months of waiting, and a meet at the 2016 uBeat Awards, Northern Soul Queen, Beth Macari, finally succumbs to

an interview. Appearing with the voice of angel, the looks of a fifties movie star, Beth is certainly a lady who oozes both style and class well beyond her youthful age. No longer feisty red-headed bombshell of recent years, the 24-year-old songstress presently sported a flame-haired ginger, but it doesn’t alter the smile and demeanour which remain, or her demure nature which adds credence to her persona, the aura, which shines outwardly. Hers, musically at least, has been

a career which has taken several routes, but in recent months, through the latter stages of 2017 at least, the soul singer has been doing plenty of soul searching, preparing for what is somewhat a change of direction as the New Year comes around. “I’ve wanted to find myself, and my music, a lot more so the past year has seen me being more about my development,” began Beth as she eases her way through a flat white coffee. “It’s all about the results, what I want from my career and from

within the industry, not repeating what I’ve done previously or being impulsive as I have on occasion in the past. “There’s been so much going on over the past few years but to be honest, I wouldn’t be the singer I am now without it all.” I would sail the seas Put my heart on a flag for you I’d give you everything But i know you’d only break me in two I’d buy a house on the moon I’d travel the world and back Nothing would be too soon. You know I’d come running back (Beth Macari, Heartstrings; 2013) Prior to the recent period of soul searching Beth has spent time as backing singer to the iconic Jane McDonald as well as seeing herself alongside some of the biggest names in the industry- Tinie Tempah, Nicole Scherzinger, even a spell in Scarlet Street and with Brendan Healy at Sunday for Sammy, the biennial charity concerts performed in the region for the Sammy Johnson Memorial Fund. “What can I say, it’s just all been amazing really and it’s hard to

think that, looking back now, that I’ve been doing this for around

a decade,” enthused, and smiled, Beth. “I turned 21 when I was touring with Jane, and she sang happy birthday to me whilst we were on stage – that was a surreal moment. “I was even on Loose Women with her, a show that had Keith Lemon as one of the guests. That was probably my first real experience of being in front of the television cameras and learnt a lot from that experience. “That whole time (with Jane) opened doors for me I could only have dreamed of. Jane’s album

iconic Dolls track ‘Don’t Cha,’ that my voice came from baby Jesus. “That’s probably one of the highlights of my career, well until I dived into the bathroom to call my mother, Tina, all giddy and excited, she sharp pulled me back down to earth, thanks mum! “Sunday for Sammy meanwhile was just awesome. “Brendan is just an amazing guy, really funny, and took me under his wing – I found it an all-round, great experience to be a part of.” Experiences aplenty which have led the star-in-the-making on a rollercoaster musical ride culminating in her performing her track, ‘Voodoo’ at the 2016 uBeat Music Awards, a track which of course claimed the ‘Best Video’ award. The music though, primarily that of the past few years, is what, in essence, has seen Miss Macari look at taking stock somewhat, and punt for a ‘little’ change in direction. Heartstrings being a track with afforded success in the iTunes charts whilst Voodoo gave her the awards, both at differing levels of the songstresses measurement of music, the former beginning out producer, Nigel Wright, was impressed enough that I was offered a slot on the comedy/chat show, ‘Bring the Noise’ where I fronted the live house band. (Bring the Noise was hosted by Ricky Wilson, of Kaiser Chiefs fame, and had team captains Nicole Scherzinger of the legendary Pussycat Dolls, and hip-hop artist, Tine Tempah, which ran between October and December 2015). “I had the opportunity to sing Happy Birthday to Tinie Tempah, photographed with David Tennant (in the first episode) and was told by Nicole, after I’d performed the

festivities some four years ago, the latter several years in the making. It was also a period that saw just some ‘Pure Imagination.’ “Heartstrings was amazing, to be able to get that to number eighteen in the iTunes charts, fantastic,” oozed Beth. “I wrote it on Christmas Eve 2013 with my drummer, recorded it one day and just went with it. However, I didn’t know the industry well enough and just went with it all myself whereas Voodoo is the total opposite of that, a funky, soul kind of track which took some time doing and getting to a release stage. “Now though, with ‘Clone’ and ‘Boy,’ along with some feature releases with DJ’s being released in 2018, I’ve turned a corner somewhat. “The former definitely something that people can relate to and I love the lyrics, biased I know but it’s quite cutting, in a good way, and people can interpret that themselves. “Now, I can finally see myself releasing a lot of music, working with a lot of people, committing myself to putting the music out there and eventually getting to release that first album which is testament to not only myself but my close-knit team, management, musicians and a hard core base of fans. “That’s important to me, and to my music.” Feel me when the lights go out Treat me like you own my body Even till my breath goes out Hold me hold me in darkness (From the track ‘Like That’ by Kissy Sell Out feat. Beth Macari; 2018)

Starting as she means to go on, with a brand new sound, look, and PR Specialist, Beth Macari’s first roll of the dice in 2018 would see her collaboration with worldrenowned DJ, Kissy Sell Out. Kissy, from London, has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry over the past decade, names such as the Sugababes, Gwen Stefani, Mark Ronson and Calvin Harris among others. With five albums already to his name the house – bass – garage Mixmaster has collaborated with Beth Macari on the Sean Dean Remix, ‘Like That,’ a track which hits general sale on February 19 2018.

Beth Macari will be supporting RJ Thompson at the Sage Gateshead (Sage Two) on February 23, 8pm. Thompson, a singer-songwriter from the region, has released three albums and three EP’s to date, his latest, Echo Chamber, coming out mid-November last year.

All Media and PR enquiries to petermann78@hotmail.com.

Tickets for the event, priced at £10.90, are available from the SAGE website HERE

CLICK HERE TO WATCH BETH MACARI’S NEW VIDEO FOR NOBODY

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW BETH MACARI ON FACEBOOK CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW BETH MACARI ON TWITTER

Images by Nicholas Dunn @ Trinity Photography Studio

Photo by Darren Bell

LID IS LIFTED ON THEATRE ROYAL’S 2018 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Ballet British Columbia 13-14 March ‘18 Sherlock Holmes 8-12 May ‘18 Dusty the Musical 17-21 July ‘18 Kinky Boots 29 Oct–10 Nov ‘18 Newcastle Theatre Royal’s 2018 Spring/Summer season opens a theatrical treasure chest of riches featuring breath-taking dance, thought-provoking drama, feelgood musicals and family shows aplenty. So resolve to make 2018 your year of theatre! The Grade 1 listed Theatre will be bursting at the seams this year as it welcomes no less than five big musicals, including Evita (22-26 May), Hairspray (25-30 June), Dusty the Musical (17-21 July), Calendar Girls (18-29 Sep) and Kinky Boots (29 Oct – 10 Nov). Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s hit show Evita returns to Newcastle in May, starring Madalena Alberto (Les Misérables) and Gian Marco Schiaretti (Tarzan). Telling the story of Eva Peron – wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron – Evita follows

Eva’s journey from humble beginnings through to extraordinary iconic status and features some of the most famous songs in musical theatre. Returning for one week only after a sell-out visit in Spring 2016, West End and Broadway hit Hairspray lands 25-30 June. Set in 1962, Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, who’s on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. This is a feel-good show with the ultimate dance-in-your-seat and singalong soundtrack. Dusty the Musical (17-21 July) is a

landmark new show based on the authorised biography of Dusty Springfield, featuring many of her blazingly soulful pop hits, including I Only Want to Be with You, Son of a Preacher Man and You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me. With a fiercely funny and emotionally charged script from BAFTA and Olivier nominated writer Jonathan Harvey, Dusty celebrates the extraordinary and vivacious woman with the iconic voice. Calendar Girls the Musical (1829 Sep), by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, is the award winning musical comedy based on the true story of a group of ordinary ladies who achieved something extraordinary. Straight from the West End, this is a glorious new production with an all-star cast. But perhaps the most anticipated of the season is Kinky Boots (29 Oct – 10 Nov), winner of every major Best Musical award, including the 2016 Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Featuring songs by Grammy and Tony winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper and a book by Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein this dazzling show is a joyous story of Brit grit, taking audiences from the factory floor

of Northampton to the catwalks of Milan! Dance fans will delight in three big names this season, starting with the breathtaking Ballet British Columbia (13-14 Mar). Making its Theatre Royal debut, Canada’s leading national dance company present an exhilarating evening of dance by three internationally celebrated female choreographers. Recognised for their fresh creativity, this 18-strong company of dancers will astound UK audiences with their unique blend of cool, classical elegance, contemporary flair and extraordinary skill.

Returning in May due to phenomenal demand is international Irish dance sensation Spirit of the Dance (16-19) on its recordbreaking 20 year anniversary tour. One of the world’s most successful dance shows, Spirit of the Dance showcases the heart-pounding rhythms of Irish dance as well as sensual Flamenco and red hot salsa. Not one dancer steps out of line as their thunderous feet perform in this thrilling and explosive production. Another big name to return this season is Stomp (13-18 Aug), the unstoppable smash-hit but fresher, faster and funnier than ever!

Combining dance, comedy and music into a theatrical experience like no other Stomp takes familiar objects like newspapers, bins, plastics bags and even the kitchen sink and uses them to create a universal language of rhythm and movement that’s playful, thrilling and exploding with energy. For drama lovers we are proud to present one riveting new show and one old favourite. Sherlock Holmes – The Final Curtain (812 May) is a gripping new stage show with an all-star cast including Robert Powell and Liza Goddard in celebration of the world’s greatest detective. Holmes lives

in retirement on the South Coast and is concerned in his advancing years he may be an easy target for his enemies. So when a new case presents itself Holmes is determined to kill two birds with one stone - solve the mystery and confront his own demons. Following its sell-out success in January, the multi award-winning West End smash hit comedy drama The Play that Goes Wrong returns 2-7 July. The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong... does! As the accident prone thesps battle on against all the odds to reach their final curtain call, hilarious results ensue! Now playing on Broadway and enjoying its 4th year in the West End, the show has secured rave reviews and won a host of celebrity endorsements along the way. Another comedy treat, back once again to warm the hearts of their loyal fans are the incorrigibly Grumpy Old Women (20 May). Fed up with flogging their guts out and always having to be in charge, the GOW have put their knobbly old feet up in glorious retirement. Free at last to practise their extreme colouring-in, ukulele orchestra and novelty fudgemaking! But, with the world in a bigger mess than ever before, they will need to unleash their superpowers as only three old Grumpies know how! Stars Jenny Eclair, Dillie Keane and Lizzie Roper.

Kinky Boots London Company 2017-2018. Photo by Matt Crockett Newcastle born West End producer Michael Harrison (The Bodyguard; Young Frankenstein) the show features the much loved TV cast and will bring a heady dose of sangria-soaked Solana sunshine to the stage for the very first time!

August sees the return of everyone’s favourite piggy in Peppa Pig’s Adventure (22-23 Aug) where we welcome back Peppa and friends as they embark on a camping trip full of games, laughter and live music!

Two great new shows for our smaller customers complete the new season – a brand new live stage show from the Youtube sensation Little Baby Bum (10-11 July) invites pre-schoolers to step into the magical and colourful world of Nursery Rhymes, while

Tickets for all new shows in the Spring / Summer ‘18 season can be purchased online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge)

Also sure to be a sell-out is the official world premiere of ITV’s smash hit comedy Benidorm (7-15 Sep), which opens at Newcastle Theatre Royal prior to a major national tour. Produced by iconic

We have double the fun now as we have teamed up with Cineworld Boldon and the new Cineworld Dalton Park to give you a quick run down on a few films that are coming soon and really have got us excited. Plus make sure you check out their Facebook page to keep up to date with their daily competitions and updates. Boldon and Dalton Park

The Shape Of Water Release date: 16 February 2018 Running time: 123 minutes The Shape of Water is an other-worldly fairy tale, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962. In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa is trapped in a life of isolation. Elisaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life is changed forever when she and co-worker Zelda discover a secret classified experiment. Cast: Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins,

Doug Jones, Michael Stuhlbarg, Octavia Spencer Director:Guillermo del Toro

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER

Pacific Rim Uprising Release date: 23 March 2018 The globe-spanning conflict between otherworldly monsters of mass destruction and the human-piloted super-machines built to vanquish them was only a prelude to the all-out assault on humanity in Pacific Rim Uprising. John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) stars as the rebellious Jake Pentecost, a once-promising Jaeger pilot whose legendary father gave his life to secure humanity’s victory against the monstrous ‘Kaiju’. Jake has since abandoned his

training only to become caught up in a criminal underworld. But when an even more unstoppable threat is unleashed to tear through our cities and bring the world to its knees, he is given one last chance to live up to his father’s legacy by his estranged sister, Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi)—who is leading a brave new generation of pilots that have grown up in the shadow of war. As they seek justice for the fallen, their only hope is to unite together in a global uprising against the forces of extinction. Jake is joined by gifted rival pilot Lambert (The Fate of the Furious’ Scott Eastwood) and

15-year-old Jaeger hacker Amara (newcomer Cailee Spaeny), as the heroes of the PPDC become the only family he has left. Rising up to become the most powerful defense force to ever walk the earth, they will set course for a spectacular all-new adventure on a towering scale. Cast: Adria Arjona, Burn Gorman, Charlie Day, John Boyega, Max Martini, Rinko Kikuchi, Scott Eastwood, Tian Jing Director:Steven S. DeKnight CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER

I, Tonya 16 February 2018 Based on the unbelievable but true events, I, TONYA is a darkly comedic tale of American figure skater, Tonya Harding, and one of the most sensational scandals in sports history. Though Harding was the first American woman to complete a triple axel in competition, her legacy was forever defined by her

association with an infamous, ill-conceived, and even more poorly executed attack on fellow Olympic competitor Nancy Kerrigan. Featuring an iconic turn by Margot Robbie as the fiery Harding, a mustachioed Sebastian Stan as her impetuous exhusband Jeff Gillooly, a tour-de-force performance from Allison Janney as her acid-tongued mother, LaVona Golden, and an original

screenplay by Steven Rogers, Craig Gillespieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s I, TONYA is an absurd, irreverent, and piercing portrayal of Hardingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life and career in all of its unchecked----and checkered----glory. Cast: Margot Robbie, Allison Janney, Sebastian Stan Director:Craig Gillespie CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER

Red Sparrow Release date: 1 March 2018 Dominika Egorova (Jennifer Lawrence) is drafted against her will to become a sparrow, a trained seductress in the Russian security service. Dominika learns to use her body as a weapon, but struggles to maintain her sense of self

during the dehumanizing training process. Finding her power in an unfair system, she emerges as one of the programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strongest assets. Her first target is Nate Nash (Joel Edgerton), a CIA officer who handles the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most sensitive infiltration of Russian intelligence. The two young operatives fall into a spiral of attraction and deception, which threatens

their careers, allegiances and the security of both countries. Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Jeremy Irons, Mary-Louise Parker, Charlotte Rampling Director:Francis Lawrence CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER

Peter Rabbit Release date: 16 March 2018 Running time: 92 minutes PETER RABBIT, the mischievous and adventurous hero who has captivated generations of readers, now takes on the starring role of his own irreverent, contemporary comedy with attitude. In the film, Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feud with Mr. McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) escalates to greater heights than ever before as they rival for the affections of the warm-hearted animal lover who lives next door (Rose Byrne). James Corden

voices the character of Peter with playful spirit and wild charm, with Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki, and Daisy Ridley performing the voice

roles of the triplets, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER

Unlimited Card Love Cinema. Join the club - £17.90 a month. You will receive... Preferential Discounts Unlimited members get 10% off all food and drink bought in-cinema at any time of day, every day!* Plus, you’ll also receive discounts for all nonfilm screenings such as Live Opera in HD, Live National Theatre, Live sport in 3D and live gigs etc. (All discounts subject to terms) Get access to Exclusive advance screenings

As an Unlimited member, you can be among the first to see great movies at our special screenings. Just keep an eye on our Unlimited newsletter for your invitation. Discounted Meals & Shopping Unlimited members benefit from exclusive deals set up by their local cinema*. These offers vary from cinema to cinema, but are a great way to save pennies. (All deals are subject to terms) *Until further notice

Watch as many films as you like Are you mad about movies? Feed your fascination by watching as many films as you like at Cineworld every month from just £17.90. There’s literally no limit to the number of times you can visit! Apply for your card now at www.unlimitedcineworld. com/uk/pages/apply. aspx?step=1 using promo code RAF-63KG-29XM-00SB31WU.

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new premises Unit 4, maurice road ind est Newcastle upon Tyne, Ne28 6by

ROCK LEGENDS EXTREME RETURN TO THE UK IN DECEMBER. DAN REED NETWORK TO PERFORM AS SPECIAL GUESTS AT ALL SHOWS TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM LIVENATION.CO.UK & TICKETMASTER.CO.UK Extreme have announced that they will be returning to the UK for a full tour. Starting at Newcastle’s O2 Academy on the 13th December the band will then head out across the nation, playing to 6 different cities before closing the tour with a show at London’s O2 Academy Brixton on the 20th December. Talking about the newly announced dates, Guitar sensation Nuno Bettencourt had the following to say “The UK has always embraced Extreme and has really understood what we were about from the beginning. We share a mutual appreciation and can’t wait to come back in December. This is going to be a special tour for us”. Grammy-nominated Extreme, one of the most successful rock acts of the late 1980s and 1990s, have sold over 10 million albums worldwide. They have released six studio albums, plus a greatest hits set and 2 live DVDs since their formation in 1985. The band had initially described their music as ‘Funky Metal’, but it would evolve much more in the mid-90s by blending classic rock influences with postgrunge and alternative rock.

Gary Cherone’s resonant vocals and socially conscious lyrics, Pat Badger’s rock solid bass, and the hard hitting Kevin Figueiredo on drums. Their unwavering songcraft and diverse musical approaches have earned the band multiplatinum albums with chart topping hits and sold-out tours

all over the globe.

Extreme’s popularity is fuelled by guitar virtuoso Nuno Bettencourt’s signature style,

Ted’s story Robson tells Ted’s Heroic Tale The war years threw up a lot of heroes on the home front and here, in the north east, there are many untold stories of young lads who went away and never returned, lads that left their homes and returned men and this Remembrance, Alan Robson MBE, tells Ted’s Story. Ted, from Bedlington, Northumberland, has a story few people will have heard until Alan told it on air, a story which led to his receiving a prestigious New York Radio Award, and since, people may have forgotten even though it’s been less than two years since a young lad walked into the Metro Radio reception. That call up from reception led Alan into the trenches, and the Tamajoa (PoW) camps of the latter stages of World War II and the Battle for Singapore, February 1942. Ted was one of a number captured upon arrival to Singapore as the Japanese laid claim to the SouthWestern Pacific stronghold, it became the biggest surrender of British-led military personnel in history with an 80,000 capture adding to 50,000 already in the Tamajoa camps. Ted, along with his closest friend Alec Smith from Edinburgh were among those captured and subjected to the Japanese tyranny of the time; Alan deciding to take on the story due to his own father having served in the military, in North Africa and Italy with the Borders Regiment. Taking up the tale Alan said: “I received a call from reception about an agitated lad in reception wanting to see me and his first words were along the line of ‘My grandad was a hero in the war and I want you to tell his story.’” Over the coming weeks contact was sporadic, the lad, Anthony, being the grandson of Ted informing Alan that his mum, Ted’s daughter, had lung cancer and didn’t have long to live, that

she wanted to pay tribute to him before he passed away. “This lad, Anth, just came to me with some notes as that was what Ted had done, wrote down notes and hid them under the huts and other unlikely places. “I couldn’t promise them anything as there was very little to work on but, as time passed, Anth returned with a carrier bag full of scrunched up bits of paper; in the end I had over 300 pieces to try and work something with. “All I needed then was the structure so, knowing they were captured on arrival in Singapore I researched that, the Tamajoa work camps and anything else that came up. “I then began seeing names occurring so I went through the historical parts the best I could as I wanted to get things nailed and link his story with that which could be proven. “Something which came from this is that, a few years beforehand, I’d had a Ernie Warwick on the show who was also a PoW and he confirmed a lot of what was needed with Ted.” The writing of Ted’s Story, and more importantly the radio show a matter of days before

Ted’s daughter, Anth’s mother, had passed away, is a story of true heroism, against the odds, with a strong bond of friendship running through its core. “I think it’s a beautiful story, one of true friendship in absolute, deadly adversity”, added Alan. “I hope and think that I have done Ted (and his comrades) justice for the response to the radio show was fantastic and I feel that this is probably the last story of World War II and one that is needing to be told – I have absolute respect for all those who have and continue to serve.” Ted’s Story will be available from February 23 (the date the US Marines raised the American flag on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima), you can follow Alan’s successful career via Facebook HERE. CLICK HERE FOR Twitter @NightOwlsNE and the new website www. robsonsworld.com

Daley Mathison

Taking a chance on Mathison

Stockton rider, Daley Mathison, has made further inroads into what he, and his team, expect will be a successful 2018 when signing with Jackson Racing Academy. Backed by transport giants, Eddie Stobart, Mathison, 26, who has finished third in each of the last two Isle of Man TT SES Zero competitions as well as being a two-time European MotoE champion, is using the step to further progress his career on the roads. Mathison, who has spent the past twelve months “making adjustments and having a reliable bike beneath me,” is looking at using specific strategies tailored to each race in order to maintain that progression. “Everything is moving up a level

and I’m making things more professional around me,” began Daley. “The aim now is to build up my character, to become a face both on, and off, the racetrack whilst

Image by GTHpiscsnaps Photography

keeping the people who support me, by my side.” Having begun racing more for the love of the sport than anything else, the father-of-one, daughter Daisy-Blu was born earlier this year, Daley is pushing to turn the love into a blossoming career. The hope now being that, with Jackson Racing being alongside his association with Stobart, it’s the final piece of the jigsaw for success. “I’m really excited to join the Jackson Racing Academy and feel this is just what I need to further my career,” he added. “With Jackson’s providing me with all the relevant pieces, I feel there is no reason why I can’t stand on the top step at an international event. “It goes without saying that their reputation is second-tonone and I’m privileged to have

been chosen to join this fantastic team. “I was impressed with Jackson Racing and Alan Jackson is a family man as well which made things comfortable when meeting them at the NEC Birmingham recently (where the announcement of Mathison’s addition was made). “They are one of the top teams around with some fantastic pedigree and have worked with names that certainly speak for themselves. “That in itself makes this the right move for me and provides great potential for the future.” That future will begin in earnest in February when Mathison and his team head to Spain for the BSB and BMW bike testing before entering the BSB SuperStock class at Donnington and progressing in more classes than the season just finished. However, as Daley is a road racer, with increasing stock himself, the main target is the famed Isle of Man and the 2018 TT, bettering the past two years third-placed finishes alongside breaking the 130mph mark being the overall goal. Ahead of the upcoming 2018 campaign, Daley Mathison is looking for additional sponsorship to aid the team throughout the year, interested parties urged to email him via ddmracing@hotmail.co.uk.

Image by GTHpiscsnaps Photography

DREAMING OF A r r e e t t e e P P

n n n n a M Ma

PR WONDERLAND If last year, 2017, was something of a breakthrough year then surely 2018 would be the year changes are brought about, progression solidifying a future worthy of recognition. Last year certainly bore witness to events, occurrences that, even a few years ago, would have been unthinkable, things I could have only dreamed of. And yet, what with album launches on the local scene for artists Twister (Combined State of Mind), Chloe Chadwick (Dustbowl Jukebox) and Scream of Sirens (Run for your Life), what I didn’t count on was something altogether unique, something different. The oncoming thunderstorm that is Vicky Hamilton. Starting at home though, and the beginning of the year, I was starting to make breakthroughs in producing media, social media, and PR services for, primarily mu-

sicians, but also in my other field, sports, as a series of firsts began occurring. In sports, and boxing in particular, then a first client arrived in the guise of Chester’s British-Cypriot super-bantamweight champion, Paul Economides with us meeting up in Nottingham at the start of the year, the joining providing a series of early successes with publication of an article on the other side of the world, in the

Cyprus Mail, as well as a visit to Chester on a PR exercise to boost his portfolio. A further, exciting addition to the ever-bulging portfolio of work over what is now fifteen years ploughing away in the industry, was to date at least, the only feature in Boxing News magazine, and it was a challenge in doing that as well. The subject was Brummie’s Devon international fighter, Tommy

Langford when following an indepth interview prior to a title fight, shortly before its scheduled publication the fight was upgraded with an alteration to his opponent. This all meant an updated interview and a minor rehash of of the article ahead of deadline. Fortunately for myself, and I guess for Tommy, the article was successful and yes, I would love to do more, regular features as well as show reports, for the magazine, who wouldn’t as they’re the best in the business and recent award nominations for Editor, Matt Christie, goes a long way to proving that fact. Sport continued to be the focus as we hit the summer as well and, with my contacts in the regions non-league scene still very much intact, I began at the likes of Esh Winning, Ryton, Norton & Stockton Ancients et al all those years ago, fifteen to be precise, then I found myself covering a little bit of Sunday League history – again! Previous years had seen my producing regular content with those famous All England Sunday Cup winners and dominant Durham & District Sunday League outfit, Hetton Lyons. Since I’d produced the last ever piece on the Lyons when they called it a day the season before last, I never considered the who, or what’s next scenario. Hardwick Social Club had though

and I found myself, on a hot summers eve, back in Stockton (I lived there for four years whilst studying Sport Psychology at Teesside University), interviewing several of the Hardwick squad ahead of their trip to the final, which they won of course. Another box ticked off and the success continued to flow.... The summer would see the second Pavel Cup in Dunston and my interviewing, on camera, the legend that is Gazza; there were single and album launches for Chloe Chadwick, meeting DJ Yella and Lil Eazy E, and covering the

fantastic SummerTyne Americana Festival at the Sage Gateshead, as well as adding Kyle Hughes and Alan Robson MBE to the client list. Something was brewing in the background though and, although I was involved in organising two charity music gigs, one for mental health the other for the foodbank initiative, and a vigil for Bradley Lowery, all in Newcastle, as well as meeting a sporting hero in Sir Bradley Wiggins, at the Tom Simpson Memorial Plaque unveiling in County Durham, you couldn’t help but think that there

was something else. The year was set to finish in the eye of a thunderstorm, Vicky Hamilton’s thunderstorm. Something which we had been working on behind the scene’s for several months prior to the autumnal announcement that I was working with the legendary US music executive and several of her acts. What’s more, she wanted me in New York for the book launch of the second edition of ‘Appetite for Dysfunction.’ I’m now failing to find the words to describe the feelings I had then, and still have now – Vicky, Love Past Blue, Matt, Damian, Antonio and Sole, they’re all family now and that trip, well it did something deep inside – awoke a sleeping entity. That became a creator of things to come and, as 2017 came to a stunning close, I was to add the title of

author to my repertoire due to the publication of, via Britain’s Next Bestseller, the books ‘The Interviews Volume One: Music,’ and ‘The Trip of a Lifetime.’ It also saw interviews with Danni Nicholls, Rob Richings, Sir Michael Parkinson and a Happy Mondays gig, being published by a New York-based website in Music Interview Magazine as 2017

turned into 2018. The books are on sale, the client base is ticking along nicely, and, who knows, I could get back to the USA at some point in the not too distant future. Clients now stand at Newcastle Legends, Britain’s Next Bestseller, Twister, Scream of Sirens, Kyle Hughes, The Voluntears, Beth Macari, Alan Robson MBE, Paul

Economides, the Northumberland Vikings and a few others tbc for added measure – it’ll all make for an interesting year or two to come. There is another book in the pipeline, possibly a second one for 2019 as well, both biographies, both sporting. As for those that have been for the ride – thank you – it means more than you know....

Books are available priced at £16.50 ($23.50) for the pair (inc. P&P), email petermann78@hotmail.com for further information CHECK OUT PETER’S LINKS www.facebook.com/petermannmedia/ insidemann.co.uk/about-us/ petermann.contently.com/

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Does Your Business Need Fire Curtains? Fire safety has been brought to the fore this year. It has always been important, but business owners and landlords are now taking it a lot more seriously. Beyond the risk to life, there is also a huge risk to property that can completely ruin a business â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even if the business is well insured. There are lots of ways to protect your workplace from fires; fire curtains are one of the lesserknown fire-safety features, yet they are extremely effective, so this brief article looks at how fire curtains work and the kinds of business that could benefit from installing them. High-quality fire curtains have

saved many lives by impeding the spread of fire. They are usually made from extremely flame-retardant materials that can prevent the spread of fire for at least two hours. They are installed close to areas that have a higher-than-normal risk of fire, such as factories, shops with a lot of flammable fuel (such as books or clothes), and any workplace with a lot of electrical equipment. If you are unsure whether or not your business needs fire curtains, ask yourself if there are sources of ignition (electricity, heat, naked flames) and if there is enough fuel to help the fire spread quickly. Fire curtains are fitted to an automatic system that

activates when local firewarning systems are set off. Once activated, fire curtains can either close immediately or be set on a delayed timer. You can integrate this function into your workplaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current automated fire alarm system. If you want to go a step beyond fire curtains, you can invest in fire shutters, which have a soldered link design that melts when exposed to a fire, making an extremely fire-resistant barrier. Local Sunderland-based company K & D Systems (www. kanddsystems.com) is a fire curtain specialist with a 3-day turnaround on fire curtain installations and a proven track record. Contact their Newcastle branch on 0191 204 9070 if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to learn more.

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When you think of Bare Knuckle Boxing I’m sure most people will think of travellers fighting in car parks or some of the call out videos, both of which you often see popping up on youtube and facebook. What people don’t realise is that over the last few years a company called UBBAD have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring BKB out of the shadows and into the mainstream.

fight defeating Cowboys Michael who was undefeated in 200 BKB fights. There have been a few occasions where Terrill was due to face current UBBAD Champion Michael “The Real Deal” Ferry on other promotions but it has yet to happen, hopefully now that they are both signed to UBBAD there’s nowhere to hide and this eagerly awaited fight won’t be far away. It will be a fan favourite fight when it happens seeing as Ferry’s fans think there is no competition left for him to face, whilst Terril’s fans think Ferry is ducking Terril because he knows that he will lose his title and has been avoiding the hard fights to keep it. With this kind of talk there can only be one outcome and that is for the fight to take place, which will be great news for neutral BKB fans.

They already have some top level fighters on their books, but in recent months they really have pulled out all of the stops with signings like North East fighter Michael Terrill, who is a Champion Kickboxer and who this year won his first ever Bare Knuckle

Another of the big name signing is former UFC fighter Melvin Guillard who is a well-known striker and a massive household name to be added to the UBBAD roster. He will be taking on the winner of the upcoming Jimmy Sweeney and Dann Henry-Welsh fight. Sweeney

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