Explore the history of Newcastle’s Riverside music venue, from its opening in 1985 to becoming a nightclub by 2005.
It was in a four-story old warehouse. This building was once a bonded warehouse. The Riverside was part of an alternative music scene. Other spots included the Barley Mow and Egypt Cottage.
The area faced economic troubles then. Many people were unemployed and struggling. A group of young people created the venue. They got £150,000 from the government, and the money came from the city council too.
They built live music space, theatre, and studios. There were also rehearsal rooms, a cafe, and a hairdresser. The building previously housed a print shop, and it gave 30 people jobs.
You needed to be a member to enter. It cost £1 per year. Another £1 got you a share. Different music styles filled different nights. Mondays showcased local bands. Tuesdays featured reggae and Wednesdays had jazz.
Thursdays were for famous bands to perform. Fridays focused on heavy rock bands. Saturdays played recorded music. Sometimes live acts or cabaret performed.
Local bands dreamed of playing there. It held 500 people. It had a 4,000-watt sound system and a 13,000-watt lighting system. Bands got £5 for gas money.
The Kane Gang opened the Riverside. Terry and Jerry played first, supported by Marc Riley and The Creepers. Ted Chippington was the host.
Many big names played there later, including David Bowie and Oasis. Nirvana and Elvis Costello also performed, as did The Smiths and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Other bands include Blur and Radiohead.
I recall a crazy show in the 90s. Dread Zeppelin played reggae Zeppelin covers. The singer mimicked Elvis. It was a standard Riverside night.
It became a limited company by 1994. The Riverside closed in 1999. The building became a nightclub in 2005. It’s now the Lugano Building with offices. A plaque honors the old Riverside. It was unveiled recently by the city. A newer Riverside exists on The Close but has no link to the original.