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From Foo Fighters rocking the stadium and Sunderland's bid for City of Culture to James Bay serenading the crowds in a Fawcett Street shop, our entertainments editor brings you her highlights of 2015.
Top Gigs
The crowds at Sunniside Live
The crowds at Sunniside Live
-April, James Bay at Pop Recs, Fawcett Street
Despite being one of the most in demand musicians of 2015, thanks to hits such as Hold Back the River and a Number 1 album, James Bay found time to lend his support to Pop Recs Ltd. Hearing that the record shop's original base in Fawcett Street was sold to developers, he took a break from his tour to play an intimate gig to encourage people to support the arts venture, which has now reopened in Stockton Road. It also gave him the chance to duet with local lads Hyde & Beast to a standing room only crowd.
Watch the performance here
-May, Foo Fighters, Stadium of Light
Dave Grohl and Co proved why they're billed as one of the best live acts in the world when they played the home of the Black Cats.
Huey Morgan fronting FLC at Durham Gala. Photo by Dave Hudspeth
Huey Morgan fronting FLC at Durham Gala. Photo by Dave Hudspeth
Though the gig was to support eighth album Sonic Highways, they've got a 20-year back catalogue to thrash their way through, and that they did, in all its sweaty, screeching glory. The recognisable riffs came thick and fast in a howling tour-de-force of rock.
Read the review here
-July, Sunniside Live, Sunniside Gardens
This year saw the first Sunniside Live festival, which was set up to bring more footfall to an under-used quarter of the city.
Wicked flew into Sunderland Empire
Wicked flew into Sunderland Empire
Thousands turned out across the course of the day to see acts including Frankie & the Heartstrings, Hyde & Beast and The Voice finalist Olivia Lawson. It's hoped the event will build upon its success and return this summer.
-July, Fun Lovin' Criminals, Durham Gala Theatre
Twenty years after their first ever gig in a bar in New York, Fun Lovin' Criminals brought their slick sound to Durham's annual Brass festival.
Led by the charismatic Huey Morgan, their...