THIS IS TOMORROW FESTIVAL 2019 // EXHIBITION PARK, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Second edition of Newcastle’s newest outdoor festivals ‘THIS IS TOMORROW’ was massive success at Exhibition Park over May Bank Holiday weekend, despite Friday headliners ‘FOALS’ headline set being cut short due to safety concerns.
THIS IS TOMORROW FESTIVAL 2019 // EXHIBITION PARK, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE // 24-26 MAY 2019
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
★★★★★ (5/5)
Following on from last year’s debut for Newcastle’s newest outdoor festivals ‘THIS IS TOMORROW’, organisers had confirmed late last year, that the festival would return during May Bank Holiday of this year at it’s new home of Exhibition Park across three days with Headliners FOALS, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Stereophonics take to the main stage in front of thousands of fans.
Following it’s move to Exhibition Park, the extra space on the festival site gave promoters the chance extend their line-up bill by adding bands and artists to perform across three stages, which allowed fans and festival goers the chance to see different bands and artists from local to main stream on at same time. The new site also had wide range of food and drink outlets,VIP zone for those who wanted to live VIP life at a festival and relaxing areas.
First day of the weekend (Friday) kicked off with Newcastle Upon Tyne’s very own BARE ROOTS whom are combined 80s soundscapes with 90s soulful rock and roll band. The band who are formed with school mates Anthony Francis (vocals, guitar), Joe Anderson (bass) and Martin Corkhill (on drums), as well later joined forces with Ollie Petrie (on guitar) opened up this year’s festival as well as The Richard Hamilton Stage at THIS IS TOMORROW 2019. The RH stage is second stage at this year’s festival which had a lot great bands and artists performing on across the weekend.
BARE ROOTS bought in a great crowd and got the party started, for those who didn’t know who they were, were starting to get into their music and those who did know they were singing along lyrics to their songs. The band definitely have potential to follow footsteps of fellow Newcastle favourite… ‘Sam Fender’ who appeared at last year’s Festival opening up for CATFISH & THE BOTTLEMEN. They’ve just recently just released their sophomore single ‘Away Too Long’ and also appeared at Hit The North Festival few weeks back. These past few weeks have must been a great feeling for the band and performing in front a massive crowd and big festival in their hometown must be a awesome feeling.
BARE ROOTS OPENING UP FIRST DAY AT THIS IS TOMORROW 2019 ON THE RICHARD HAMILTON STAGE
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Next up on The Richard Hamilton Stage we caught up with Southampton’s Wild Front who next to play straight after Bare Root’s great festival performance. Wild Front continued to keep up the great vibe over on The Richard Hamilton Sage, the band are known for their unique sound due to each member of the band having different musical influences forming as a band. From their classical music to hip hop and their different backgrounds their sound together makes something completely incredible.Wild Front have performed at many festivals over past year including Truck Festival, Common People, Isle of Wight and Reading and Leeds where we first catched them last year. The band who released their most popular single ‘Rico’ during 2016 , ‘Make You Feel’ during last year and their most recent single ‘Confetti’ released recently were songs which clicked well with crowd who had stayed from Bare Roots and more who appeared coming through main gates to discover new music. Their performance at This Is Tomorrow was definitely a teaser what to expect from their upcoming debut album, which due for released this year.
WILD FRONT PERFORMING ON FIRST DAY AT THIS IS TOMORROW 2019 ON THE RICHARD HAMILTON STAGE
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Next up over on the Main Stage which was presented and sponsored by Graham Wylie Foundation was another of Newcastle’s finest bands ‘THE PALE WHITE’. The Pale White are three piece indie rock band and comprised of brothers Adam (Lead Vocals and guitar) and Jack Hope (on Drums), and long time friend Tom Booth (on Bass), the trio have become a fast gaining attention for their signature melodic guitar work, thunderous rhythm section and magnetic live shows. The band bought in large crowd to the main stage, most likely a home crowd, this probably their biggest show to date in Newcastle. We first noticed The Pale White when they opened up for Scottish rockers TWIN ATLANTIC on their mini UK Tour last year.
With already making profile of support from the likes of NME, Radio X, Apple Music, MTV, Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing, THE PALE WHITE are sure going to be the next big thing from the North East. With already releasing singles over past year, the band recently released their latest single ‘Medicine’, produced by Jolyon Thomas (Royal Blood, Slaves), the band gave fans teaser what to expect from their forthcoming debut studio album, which due at some point in the nearby future. As the band left the stage, the buzz in the atmosphere from their performance was incredible and crowd were really going for them and their music.
THE PALE WHITE are definitely a band to watch out for.
As sun continued to dazzle over Exhibition Park, we continued at the Main Stage for one of finest bands, who are ‘Nothing But Thieves’. The five piece from their hometown of Southend in Essex who are made of Conor Mason (on Lead Vocals, Guitar), Joe Langridge-Brown (on guitars and backing vocals), Dominic Craik (on guitars, keyboard, piano and backing vocals), Phillip Blake (on Bass) and James Price (on Drums and Drum Machine).
Nothing But Thieves who are known for their talent incredible sounds and music are inspired by artists as diverse as Ray Charles, Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters, MUSE, Nirvana and Arcade Fire have gained their valuable experience on the on the local live circuit, even if they weren’t going to change the world. Nothing but Thieves have grown massively with success since their debut album in 2015. It reached no.7 on the UK Album chart and reached no.3 on iTunes, kickstarting their flourishing music career. They released an EP in 2018 titled What did you think when you made me this way? with the single ‘forever and ever more’. From supporting the likes of MUSE on tour previously the band proven why their one of greatest upcoming bands right now in the music scene.
As the band appeared on the stage all you heard was screams and chants for the band, NBT played variety of fan favourites and some new songs as well, some tracks included… ‘Itch’, ‘Amsterdam’, ‘Sorry’, ‘Forever & Ever More’. NBT left the stage leaving the crowd in massive frenzy from their performance and also built up atmosphere for YOU ME AT SIX who were next to appear on the main stage before FOALS took to the stage to headline.
NOTHING BUT THIEVES PERFORMING ON THE MAIN STAGE AT THIS IS TOMORROW 2019 IN NEWCASTLE
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Next up back over on The Richard Hamilton stage was the incredible Kawala. The band are duo who feature Jim (on vocals) and Dan (on acoustic guitar and vocals), they quickly developed a distinctive sound while studying in Leeds and London. Their sound is a joint love of close vocal harmony, and rhythmic finger-style acoustic guitar, the pair started writing songs inspired by the likes of Bombay Bicycle Club and Half Moon Run.
Kawala attracted a reasonable size audience, although most of crowd were at Nothing But Thieves who were still on the main stage, the band released their debut EP ‘Counting the Miles’ earlier this year has overly down very well and attracted a lot people to their music, the duo are also signed to Mahogany Records and re backed by their full band of Ben (on drums), Reeve (on Bass) and Dan Lee (on Electric Guitar). The group had made start of great evening by giving relaxing acoustic vibe feeling for the crowd watching them in the sunshine. Their career has truly started and we expect big things for them.
Back over to the Main Stage, was one of Surrey’s greatest rock bands ‘ YOU ME AT SIX ‘ who attracted a massive crowd to their performance and probably the biggest of the first day so far, was definitely a performance not to be missed. YOU ME AT SIX were here to have a party and to kick off their summer festivals tour.
As frontman Josh Franceschi and co appeared on stage to a massive loud reaction from their fans and festival goers waiting to see their performance. YMAS kicked off their twelfth-song set with Fast Forward from their latest album ‘VI’ released last year. Their set continued to play tracks from new album and fan favourites including ‘Underdog’, ‘3AM’, ‘IOU’ and ‘Night People’. They ended their set with ‘Straight To My Head’ and invited fans crowd-surfing from the crowd to the photo pit for quick selfie with Josh before leaving to go back out to the crowd.
You Me At Six’s set was a great performance and will be something fans will walk away with remembering. Although we expecting see some songs from Take Of Your Colours’ but sadly nothing was played during their set from the debut album, which turned ten years old last year. The band definitely got the crowd warmed-up for FOALS who were due to take to stage to close the first day at THIS IS TOMORROW 2019.
YOU ME AT SIX PERFORMING ON THE MAIN STAGE ON FIRST DAY OF THIS IS TOMORROW 2019 IN NEWCASTLE
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Also during YOU ME AT SIX’s set we nipped up to The Richard Hamilton Stage to catch ANTEROS who were also on stage during the same of their set, they’re on hottest upcoming bands right now on the music scene so we really had to go and check them out. Anteros named their back from the Greek god of requited love, which is a perfect moniker for a band whose buzzy indie-pop is to fall for. The London-based four-piece boast influences from range of Blondie to Brandon Flowers (from The Killers).
Releasing their debut album ‘When We Land’ two months ago, Anteros are highly tipped to the next Wolf Alice of 2019. Performing tracks of the album including ‘Breakfast’, ‘Drunk’ and ‘Call Your Mother’. As expected from previously times we’ve seen Anteros live, Laura Hayden (on vocals) was doing what she does best on stage, dancing about and at one point almost started climbing up stage. They definitely attracted reasonable sized crowd to their performance and probably one of biggest at The Richard Hamilton stage of the first day. Anteros are definitely going to be a band goes somewhere great and are already proving and showing that right now on the music scene.
ANTEROS PERFORMING ON THE RICHARD HAMILTON STAGE DURING FIRST DAY OF THIS IS TOMORROW 2019 IN NEWCASTLE
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Staying at The Richard Hamilton Stage for headliners of first day who were ‘BAD SOUNDS’. The band formed by two brothers during 2015, Bad Sounds have grown dramatically since their debut single ‘I feel’, which already received admiration from everyone and began the growth of their massive fanbase. Their renowned wild performances always result in an epic show, and with popular singles such as ‘are you high?’ from 2017, and their latest singles ‘get better’ and ‘how are you gonna lose?’ it is definitely going to be a night to remember.
As expected they put on hell of performance and had the crowd going, fans were singing along to words and even festival goers who’ve never seen them before were enjoying the music, the band bought a great energy to the festival and was definitely worth wait, waiting till the end to see them live.
Bad Sounds will always be known for their draft ideas and great sounds and both work and will have great career ahead of themselves, no wonder their headlining second stage of the first day at THIS IS TOMORROW 2019.
BAD SOUNDS HEADLINING THE RICHARD HAMILTON STAGE AT FIRST DAY OF THIS IS TOMORROW 2019 IN NEWCASTLE
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Now to the main stage for one band everyone is here for, closing the first day of THIS IS TOMORROW 2019 were oxford finest’s ‘FOALS’. Oxford rockers consists of Yannis (on Lead vocals and guitar), Jack (on Drums), (Jimmy on Rhythm Guitar) and Edwin Congreave (on Keyboards) are also joined by Everything Everything’s Jeremy Pritchard (on Bass) who’s filling in and helping FOALS as Walter left the band, few months ago.
Foals released first part of ‘Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost’ albums during march which is their sixth studio album and first new material since What Went Down. Album was supported by the lead single ‘Exits’ other singles ‘On The Luna’, ‘Sunday’ and ‘In Degrees’. - Foals only performed a ten-song set list during their headline set as their set had to be cut short due to safety concerns when a barrier burst open and collapsed during band’s track ‘Providence’. Up to this moment the band and crowd were having the time of their life’s, band bent up some fan favourites including ‘Mountain at My Gates’, ‘Snake Oil’, ‘Olympic Airways’, ‘Black Gold’ and ‘Spanish Sahara’. The set had end after their latest single ‘In Degrees’ although crowd were booing and chanting sing more and Yannis telling the crowd “Sorry we would play all night for yours but they’re cutting the show, we’re sorry”. This was right decision to do for safety concerns we standby totally by festival organisers of pulling the plug. As we said previously the band performed nearly a hour’s set before leaving and gave the performance of their life’s and have promised to come back to Newcastle very soon.
Foals are due release the second part of ‘Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost’ during the autumn.
Following a great day at first day of THIS IS TOMORROW 2019 we were looking forward to second full day of great music across three stages at Exhibition Park, despite the rain which landed across the site across most the day this didn’t change mood of festival goers who were eager and looking forward to seeing The Mighty I… AKA Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds who will close second day of THIS TOMORROW 2019.
As second day kicked off and music started, we headed across to The Richard Hamilton Stage to check out Dublin’s newest rock and roll band ‘INHALER’. The band are from Dublin are made up of School mates Ryan McMahon, Elijah Hewson (who is U2’s Bono’s son), Robert Keating and Josh Jenkinson.
Since forming in 2016, and finishing School during 2018, Inhaler have spent their time writing and rehearsing and gigging around Ireland, with occasional slots in the UK. Their debut single 'I Want You' is included on the 2017 “This Is Garageland - Volume 1”, an album showcasing up and coming Irish acts, while Hot Press magazine featured INHALER in their “Hot for 2018” lost.
Having completed the Leaving Certificate in June 2018, they continue to fine-tune their live set, and focus on recording and releasing a growing repertoire of their own material. They featured in the line-up for their first festivals (Indiependence and EP) in 2018, and sold out their first headliner in Whelan's Dublin on Sept 8th. In the final part of 2018, they have supported the Sherlocks, Blossoms, the Coronas, Picturehouse and toured with The Academic, Inhaler featured in last year's lineup for Dublin’s New Years Festival.
Kicking off the music for day two, Inhaler bought in a crowd for their set and reception and atmosphere was amazing with the band. There was a really great vibe and really good feeling about their performance. This is definelity one band to watch out for and who might end up following the footsteps of band member Elijah Hewson’s father who is Bono from U2.
INHALER KICKING OFF DAY TWO AT THE RICHARD HAMILTON STAGE AT THIS IS TOMORROW 2019 IN NEWCASTLE
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
We next headed across to the BBC Introducing stage to check out Newcastle’s The Noise & The Native who are known for their reputation for their fire-cracking live sets which stretches far beyond the confines of their native Newcastle. Their latest track ‘Mus Musclus’ which is out now is an explosion of unfiltered energy.
As we appeared at the stage, the band appeared on stage and energy levels just started going everywhere, kicking into their set and crowd were already going for their music, like some people knew who they were already and also with new people checking them out, by far one of craziest local bands I’ve seen so far.
Definitely one band to check out for sure.
THE NOISE & THE NATIVE OPENING UP THE BBC INTRODUCING STAGE AT DAY TWO OF THIS IS TOMORROW 2019 IN NEWCASTLE
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Next up was first time over at the main-stage for day two at THIS IS TOMORROW 2019. Appearing on the main stage were Sheffield’s ‘REDFACES’ who have became a staple on the festival circuit and indie scene over the last past few years. The band have released a stream of strong singles ranging from 2016’s ‘Kerosene’ to ‘Way Down’ last year.
As the band appeared on stage some of the crowd chanted and screamed as they appeared on stage, suggesting they already knew who the band were. As they got into their set, crowd already started to engage well with the band.
Redfaces set went down a storm with Newcastle crowd, their music i feel kinda inspired by Arctic Monkeys since both bands are from Sheffield and kinda had vibe of Alex Turner and co on stage. Think the way the band going could end up following footsteps of their fellow Sheffield rock stars in the nearby future.
REDFACES PERFORMING ON THE MAIN STAGE AT DAY TWO OF THIS IS TOMORROW 2019 IN NEWCASTLE
PICTURE BY: CALUM BUCHAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Next up on the main stage were one of Glasgow’s finest cult favourite and alternative rock bands ‘GLASVEGAS’. As frontman Rab Allen and co appeared on the stage, as massive crowd awaited for them to appear, chanting and screaming as they appeared on stage the Newcastle crowd were really looking forward to Glasvegas’s set.
Last year marked a landmark year for Glasvegas, marking ten years since their release of their self-titled debut album, during this year is set to be aother stellar time for the band who will be releasing their new album.
Kicking off with ‘Flowers & Football Tops’, the crowd engagement with band was already there and vibe around Exhibition was incredible, despite the rain Glasvegas knew how to keep the good vibe up. Continuing to battle through their short set band played more known favourites such as ‘Geraldine’, ‘It’s My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Cry’, ‘Daddy’s Gone’ and ‘Go Square Go’. The band also chucked in a cover of The Ronette’s ‘Be My Baby’.
Glasvegas’s set was definitely something to remember from THIS IS TOMORROW 2019
Next up were Oxford’s rockers ‘RIDE’ and the band who consists of Andy Bell (from OASIS as well), Mark Gardener, Laurence “Loz” Colbert and Steve Queralt kept up the great vibe for fellow Oasis fronter ‘NOEL GALLAGHER’ who due to headline and close day two at THIS IS TOMORROW 2019. Ride have been around since 1988 and their debut album ‘Nowhere’ has been named one of most important albums of the shoegazing era.
Kicking off with ‘Leave Them All behind’ Ride’s performance was off to great start, the crowd were enjoying their performance for sure. Continuing their set they kept playing fan favourites such as ‘Future Love’ from their latest album, ‘Charmed Assault’, ‘Vapour Trail’ and ‘Kill Switch’.
Their set is definitely another performance which has made great weekend so far at THIS IS TOMORROW 2019.
Next up were another great rock band from England - EDITORS known for their great front man Tom Smith who put on a great performance for the Newcastle crowd, I’ve been wanting to see this band live for a while now and finally got the chance and amazed by their set. I’ve never seen something like before and Tom clearly knows how to bring in a crowd and also to how to keep crowd in a great vibe, definitely a great band to open up for Noel Gallagher’s headline set.
Opening up with latest album title track ‘Violence’ Editors proved one they’re one of greatest bands in the music scene right now. Continuing to win the crowd, Tom and co performed more fan favourites such as ‘Blood’, ‘Munich’, ‘An End Has a Start’ and end their set with ‘Frankenstein’. Throughout their set the crowd were just having a great time and enjoy every moment, Editors were definitely favourite act from weekend so far on stage, really hope they tour around UK soon again, great band live!
Now on the Main-Stage were band practically every festival goer must have attend to watch. Appearing on stage were THE VACCINES from London. Known for fan favourite tracks like ‘If You Wanna’, and their successful debut album which made their career ‘What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?’, The Vaccines show why their one of the greatest bands in the music scene.
The Vaccines have recently released their fourth studio album ‘Combat Sports’ which has been a great success. Kicking off with ‘Your Love Is My Favourite Band’ the crowd were already in frenzy. Continuing belt out belters like ‘I Always Knew’, ‘Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)’, ‘Norgaard’, evening dropping a new track which is already a tune ‘Let’s Jump Off the Top’ and then onto newbee favorites like ‘Handsome’, ‘Nightclub’ and ‘I Can’t Quit’ the crowd were definitely loving this. The Vaccines known for their fronters Justin Young and Freddie Cowan show what great energy they have on stage and what they love doing as a career. The band ended with their classic hit ‘If You Wanna’ which ended a perfect in a great way.
The Vaccines have promised to return to North East again soon.
Now to one man everyone has been waiting all day in the rain for… The Mighty I aka…NOEL GALLAGHER and his High Flying Birds band. Despite the rain, The Mighty I appeared on the stage in front of thousands and thousands of people.. Since the emergence of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds in 2011 he has made incredible solo career since post-Oasis period. His debut album was incredibly successful leading to 2.5 million worldwide sales and reaching number on in the UK album charts. Noel Gallagher’s most recently released album ‘Who Built The Moon?’, received positive reception and with high singles such as ‘Holy Mountain’ makes it exciting headline performance for Newcastle. Noel Gallagher also expected perform new tracks off his recent EP release.
Kicking off with ‘Fort Knox’ and ‘Holy Mountain’, the crowd were already in frenzy and having a great time. Luckily Noel Gallagher manage to perform his entire set which made up for FOALS previous night being cancelled due to safety concerns. Continuing to belt out belters like ‘Keep On Reaching’, ‘Everybody’s On The Run’, ‘If I Had A Gun…’ and ‘AKA… What A Life!’, Noel Gallagher showing why he’s one of greatest front mans around in the music scene right now.
Gallagher also treated crowd to some favourites from OASIS which made his career before going solo since split of OASIS ten years ago. Performing classics like ‘Talk Tonight’, ‘The Importance of Being Idle’, ‘Little by Little’, ‘Halfway the World Away’, ‘Wonderwall’, ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ and ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ fans were delighted and very happy these tracks were being performed. Despite OASIS being no more, both Gallagher brothers still known how to keep their fans happy by adding classics from OASIS back catalogue at their solo shows. Also gives fans slight hope OASIS may reform sometime in future but chances are very high and slim.
Gallagher also performed ‘Black Star Dancing’ from his new latest EP release ‘Black Star Dancing’. Noel Gallagher ended his set with Beatles classic cover ‘All You Need Is Love’ which left the crowd leaving Exhibition Park signing and chanting the words to the song plus Oasis classics. It was definitely a night to remember.
Onto the final day of THIS IS TOMORROW 2019, luckily the rain stayed away for majority of the day, but throughout the day was often very gusty and windy, but this didn’t stop the music and atmosphere going throughout the festive day. Everyone here today are here today to see our favourite welsh man with many talents and with his band… the one and only ‘KELLY JONES’ with rest of members of Stereophonics who will close the festival on a high performing nearly two hour set from 8:15pm till 10pm.
Kicking off the day for us on the main stage were Brighton rockers ‘YONAKA’. The band only formed in 2015, but have already played many shows and festivals across the UK and Europe over past couple of years and have now signed to a major-label Atlantic Records. Their fiery reputation has grown rapidly and with the release of their latest single ‘Bad Company’, the tension and excitement are building for their official album release which due for release this week. YONAKA are frequently known for their unique sound, and have been labelled as the ‘ones to watch out for’.
Performing a eight-song set kicking off with Bad Company bought in a huge crowd to witness YONAKA performing. The band who is made up of Theresa Jarvis (on Vocals), George Edwards (on Guitar), Alex Crosby (on Bass & Keys) and Robert Mason (on Drums). YONAKA continued to perform belter tracks like ‘Ignorance’, ‘Creature’ and ‘Don’t Wait ‘Til Tomorrow’. The band finished with ‘Fired Up’, the band left the crowd in great mood and vibe and built up great way to finish a great festival. Thersea is a great performer and she kinda reminds us of PARAMORE who are massive and Hayley Williams and Thersea Jarvis are very similar. YONAKA have definitely landed and have attracted more fans to their music from being on tour and supporting likes of DON BROCO. Definitely watch out for this band for sure and especially with their album release this week.
Over at The Richard Hamilton Stage for the first time of last day of THIS IS TOMORROW 2019 we went to check out Newcastle’s ‘SICK JOY’ who are now based in Brighton. The trio who have a tendency to knock out animated garage rock tunes with a hit of grunge where welcomed by crowed on The Richard Hamilton Stage at THIS IS TOMORROW 2019.
Since forming, Sick Joy have support under their belt on stations such as BBC Radio 1 and Radio X and recently went on the road supporting fellow emerging rockers Demob Happy.
Sick Joy are due to release a album at some point but have been releasing singles for past year. Crowd engaged well with their set, the band played their newest single ‘Heaven’ and other singles ‘Dissolve Me’, ‘Amateurs’ and ‘Senses’.
Next up back on the main stage were ‘EMBRACE’, they’re on of those bands where their back catalogue which is simply anthems galore. The band who are responsible for the tracks such as ‘Gravity’, ‘Ashes’ and ‘Nature’s Law’ have proven to be one of the north’s top tier acts. Hailing for Huddersfield and forming in 1990, Embrace have had an incredible run so far, they’ve released seven albums and three of which reached no. 1 in the UK album charts. The band’s most recent album ‘Love Is A Basic Need’ was released last year.
Embrace had attracted large crowd to their performance and fans of the band were surely in the crowd signing along to words and engaging with front man ‘Danny McNamara’. Embrace kicked off their set with ‘Follow You Home’ and played a short set as well as engaging some time with the crowd. Their set continued to play belters from their back catalogue including ‘Come Back to What Your Know’, ‘Gravity’ and ‘Ashes’. The band left the crowd in great mood and were perfect choice for the bill on Main Stage before Stereophonics took to the stage to end this year’s festival.
Next up we headed over to the BBC Introducing Stage to catch upcoming north east east born band ‘PARA ALTA’ now based in London. The four piece consisting of Jonny, Sonny, Tommy and Luke. Having released their debut ‘Greatest Hits’ recently, Para Alta have attracted some attention from BBC Radio and were introduced by BBC Radio Newcastle on when coming on stage. The band attracted a reasonable size crowd to their performance and performed a great set. Would certainly watch out for this band as could be next big thing in the nearby future.
Back over at the main-stage, a massive crowd awaited to see LEWIS CAPALDI take to the stage at THIS IS TOMORROW 2019. Since emerging in 2017, Lewis Capaldi from Bathgate near Glasgow in Scotland has catapulted into the spotlight very well. The Scottish singer-songwriter made waves his voice, rife with emotional depth far beyond his 22 years. 2019 has already been a outstanding year for Capaldi, with his debut album ‘Divinely Inspired To A Hellish Extent’ released very recent and went straight to number one in the charts, this follows winning his first UK number one single ‘Someone You Love’ and selling shows after shows including two coming shows at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro next year. Capaldi is expected to achieve many more great awards this year.
Appearing on stage in front of thousands who were chanting, screaming, clapping for Capaldi’s appearance on stage. Kicking off with his track ‘Grace’ the crowd were already in love with Capaldi, singing along to every lyric of the song and giving Capaldi a great exception. His set continued to play tracks off his debut album including ‘Bruises’, ‘Hollywood’ and finishing his set with ‘Somebody To Love’. The crowd couldn’t get enough of Lewis Capaldi, no wonder practically every single festival goer was watching his set, some people only bought a ticket to come and see Lewis Capaldi perform.
Capaldi engaged quite a lot for with audience, introducing himself and promoting his new album. He couldn’t believe how many people were there and also people chucking clothes onto the stage as well. Capaldi definitely for sure is storming the music scene right now and everyone can’t see to get enough his music.
Scottish hour continued up at The Richard Hamilton Stage with alternative rockers ‘THE LAFONTAINES’ from Motherwell in Scotland (just outside Glasgow). The LaFontaines formed back in 2008, and have released two studio albums since 2015, their debut album (Class) in 2015 and most recently ‘Common Problem’ during 2017. The now three piece band with Kerr Okan (on Vocals), Darren McCaughey (on Guitar and Production) and Jamie Keenan (on Vocals and Drums) are due to release their third upcoming studio album titled ‘Junior’ next month. As The LaFontaines were due to start their set, there was small crowd came to watch them, but as first song kicked in, the crowd started build up and more and more people appeared. Some people came from BBC Introducing Stage and rest came from Lewis Capaldi. They were some Scottish fans there to see The LaFontaines and even Kerr mentioned “this is Scottish Hour we have Lewis Capaldi over on the main-stage and us on this stage you’re getting two for the price of one”.
The LaFontaines played tracks from their first albums and gave teaser off their new upcoming album ‘Junior’. Some of songs played included ‘Up’, ‘Release the Hounds’, ‘Pon De Fonts’, ‘All In’, ‘Under The Storm’ and latest single ‘Alpha’.
As the crowd got bigger the crowd were actually enjoying The LaFontaines and were getting into their music in a big way. Even band were enjoying themselves on tour and joking around saying “please go buy our new album and don’t steal it by llegally downloading… we want money to live and for petrol so we can come and do more shows for you”.
Kerr did what he usually does by getting the crowd going, coming off the stage standing the barrier and even going in the crowd and getting the crowd going. It was definitely highlight of the weekend for us and we really loved it - For those who haven’t seen or heard this band’s music get on it now! They’re definitely going somewhere now.
Back over to the main stage for legendary artist now… The Smith’s very own ‘JOHNNY MARR’ was due next on the main-stage opening up for the mighty STEREOPHONICS who were due next on stage to close last day of THIS IS TOMORROW 2019. Johnny Marr is one of the most well respected names in UK music. Marr rose to fame as the guitarist and a co-songwriter in iconic 80s alternative band The Smiths alongside Morrissey.
In the wake of The Smiths disbanding in 1987, Marr fulfilled several high profile collaborations with acts including Talking Heads, Kirsty McColl and The The, along with a supoergroup called Electronic formed with Bernard Summer from New Order and Neil Tennant from Pet Shop Boys. After several projects, including stints as being members of The Cribs and Modest Mouse, Marr finally embarked on a solo career. The Manchester-born artist returned to his hometown and recorded his 2013 album ‘The Messenger’ which went on to garner critical acclaim. Two further successful records, ‘Playland’ and ‘Call The Comet’ followed.
As main bulk of festival goers were at the main-stage for Stereophonics, fans were also there to see Johnny Marr. Kicking off with ‘The Tracers’ fans were already in a good mood. Marr also kept up the great mood by singing a couple songs by The Smiths including ‘Bigmouth Strikes Again’, ‘How Soon Is Now?’, ‘This Charming Man’ and ‘There Is A Light That Never Goes Out’. He also performed songs by Electronic including ‘Get the Message’, and ‘Getting Away With It’.
His set was definitely one not be be missed. Johnny Marr still proves it when he’s one of greatest musicians around in the music scene and was great opener choice for the Stereophonics.
Now onto the big finale of THIS IS TOMORROW 2019, welsh rockers ‘STEREOPHONICS’ are guaranteed to provide an outstanding performance while headlining on finale at THIS IS TOMORROW 2019. Since 1997 when their debut album Word Gets Around reached number six in the UK album charts, and only one year later in 1998 were they presented the BRIT award for best new group, Stereophonics have continued to have great success for the past twenty years and more. In 2001 their third album Just Enough Education To Perform was released, topping the UK album charts and exciting the music industry with the acclaimed singles ‘Mr Writer’ and ‘Have a Nice Day’.
Stereophonics’ achievements are historical and boundless, with six number one albums and eleven top ten singles, including the cherished ‘Dakota’. Their new single ‘Chaos From The Top Down’ has just been released at the beginning of 2019, in wait for their album release later this year. The new single is a story in the perspective of a fifteen year old boy who has been shot, Frontman Kelly Jones explains that ‘he’s reflecting in his time of dying about his life and the choices he made through the lack of options and opportunities he felt he had in today’s Britain’, stressing the modern political climate. Stereophonics provide a sound and experience that is like no other.
Kicking off with ‘C’est La Vie’ and ‘Caught by the Wind’, the Newcastle crowd were already in frenzy. The crowd couldn’t get enough of Stereophonics. The band are playing songs from all their albums and continued to perform belters from their back catalogue including ‘Superman’, ‘Have A Nice Day’, ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ and ‘Mr Writer’.
The band included more intimate set during the middle of their headline set, Stereophonics who are formed by Kelly Jones (on Lead vocals, lead guitar and keyboards/piano), Richard Jones (on Bass, harmonica and backing vocals), Adam Zindani (on Rhythm guitar and backing vocals) and Jamie Morrison (on Drums an percussion). The band performed at end of the walkway platform and performed acoustic versions of ‘I Wouldn’t Believe Your Radio’ and their well known cover of ‘Handbags and Gladrags’.
As always Kelly Jones was on top form, his guitar solo during Sunny went down a storm with the crowd and He continued to perform more belters like ‘Just Looking’, ‘Indian Summer’, ‘Traffic’ and ended their set with massive classics ‘A Thousand Trees’, ‘Local Boy In The Photograph’ and ‘The Bartender and the Thief’ which sent the crowd into wild moshing.
As the crowd chanted ‘one more song’, Kelly and co reappeared on stage for two more songs, one being massive hit which wouldn’t be a Stereophonics show without being played and one being another great song from one of newest albums. The last two tracks played were ‘Mr & Mrs Smith’ and ‘Dakota’. Overall it was great well worth wait for Stereophonics headline set and everyone left THIS IS TOMORROW 2019 with great spirit and looking forward to see what 2020’s festival has install for Newcastle at Exhibition Park.
