Sting backs summer live show as Tyneside unites in honour of North Shields music legend

Get ready to rock out and raise money at the hottest music event hitting North Tyneside this summer. Behold, The Strangest Party, a day-long music festival that promises a symphony of homegrown sounds, a feast for the senses, and a whole lot of heart, all in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust and in honour of a Tyneside music legend.

Icons such as Sam Fender and Sting have thrown their support behind a one day festival at Salt Market Social in June 2024, which is paying tribute to North Shields singer, producer and recording studio owner Martin O’Nions, who tragically lost his life last year to cancer.

This spectacular extravaganza, set against the unique backdrop of North Shields’ bustling fish quay, is not your average summer soirée however. On Saturday 8th June, music enthusiasts, charity champions, and fun-seekers alike will converge for a day of rhythm, revelry, and raising funds for a noble cause. And the festival’s already garnered the support from two of the town’s most famous songsmiths.

“Some good musician friends of mine are putting on a one day festival in memory of a really good mate of ours, Marty O’Nions, who sadly passed away recently,” said Sam Fender. “Marty was a legend and ran a music studio in North Shields with Phil Martin called Notes. Marty was a great mentor to me and massively helped my early career… without him I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Meanwhile Sting, whose niece Jeri-Marie Sumner is organising the event with fellow Tyneside promoter Jon Corbett – continued: “Marty was taken away too soon and I know Jeri and her friends are going all out to do something special in his memory. Go buy your tickets, enjoy some music on the Tyne and raise a toast to a great man.”

Guests to the Salt Market Social-based event can expect a blast from Britpop past as Blor, the ultimate Blur tribute band, takes the stage to transport fans back to the glory days of the ’90s. With their uncanny resemblance to Damon Albarn’s iconic gang, Blor promises to have you singing, swaying, and reminiscing about those heady, halcyon days of old.

Jango Flash, hailed as one of the most thrilling live bands in the North East, meanwhile, join the event hot on the heels of the release of their rapturously received debut EP. Seamlessly blending themes of love, life, death and addiction, the North Shields’ natives look set to take festival attendees on a unique sonic journey from indie pop to psych-tinged garage rock.

Another sonic injection of 90s classics will come courtesy of the UK’s leading Britpop band, The National Anthems. The dynamic group who have toured throughout the country, will cover chart-toppers from Oasis, The Verve, Stone Roses, Shed 7, and more, while fans can expect nothing less than a riotous whirlwind of noise, passion and sweat.

From the screen to the stage, local singer-songwriter Geoff Mull is set to dazzle with his extraordinary vocal prowess. A standout contestant from Teenage Kicks in 2011 and a memorable participant on ITV’s X-Factor in 2014, Mull became a well-known name in the music scene, winning 2 UBEAT Music Awards and a Best Male Solo Artist gong at the NEA in 2020 and 2021. Renowned for his incredible vocal talent, songwriting prowess, and distinctive appearance, Mull has captivated audiences across the UK and abroad over the past decade and now looks set to wow audiences on his own doorstep.

In honour of Marty, the local music maestros’ former band, Revolver, will also be joining the lineup for a special one-off show. Known for their dedicated work ethic and eclectic musical influences ranging from Sting/Police, Michael Hutchins/INXS and Bono/U2 to Spacehog, Cheap Trick and Hootie and the Blowfish, the Tyneside rockers look set to do their fallen frontman proud with a crowd-pleasing set of classic and alternative rock.

The festivities don’t end with the music, though. The Strangest Party will invite guests to dive into the world of classic cars with a unique exhibition of vintage vehicles, try their luck at exclusive prize auctions and raffles, and savour the flavours of the region with street food and craft ales from local artisans.

Indeed as the sun sets and the music fades, remember that every note, every cheer, and every bid contributes to the Teenage Cancer Trust. Join us in making a difference and supporting young lives affected by cancer while enjoying some of the best live music the region has to offer.

Tickets for ‘The Strangest Party’ are on sale now priced at just £15.00 plus the normal booking fees and are available via Fatsoma and saltmarketsocial.co.uk.

The event will run from 2 pm until late on Saturday 8th June