North Musicians Supergroup In Bid To Save Newcastle City Hall...
A Supergroup of North East musicians have joined forces to release a single aimed at saving one of Newcastle's iconic venues.
Written by songwriter Steve Daggett, the track, 'Save The City Hall', features Roxy Music's Paul Thompson, Lindisfarne's Ray Jackson and Charlie Harcourt, ex-Sting counterpart John Hedley, bass player Steve Martin and the group Prelude.
The group hope the song will encourage more people to join protests to keep open the 85-year-old venue, which is currently under threat because of budget cuts.
While any money raised through its sale will be donated to support North East children's charities.
As well as the title tune, the four-track CD will also feature a previously unheard version of the Alan Hull song 'All Fall Down' that was recorded by Billy Bragg for a tribute album to the late Lindisfarne singer which never came to fruition.
Another Alan Hull song, 'Marshall Riley's Army', performed by Paul Liddell, Alan Fish & The Attention Seekers and Mandolin Moon, is also included.
John Tobler, of Washington-based Road Goes on Forever Records, which is putting out the CD, said: ''Many of the greats have played at the City Hall over the years and it would be a tragedy for the region if this venue was to close.''
The CD is downloadable from ITunes now.
Singer-songwriter Steve will join a host of the region's stars for a one-off "protest concertā€¯ on Sunday night.
The gig at The Cluny in the Ouseburn, Newcastle, will also feature Paul Liddell of North East folk group Prelude.
The city council announced in November that it plans to sell the 85-year-old venue as part of efforts to save Ā£90m.
Steve said: ''A lot of people still don't know the City Hall is at risk and we've got to make more noise to raise awareness.
''It's iconic and it's part of the history of rock and roll. The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Chuck Berry ... it's almost harder to find someone who hasn't played at the City Hall.''
The night will also include the official launch of the single Save The City Hall, which has been recorded by Steve and a star-studded North East line-up.
Featured on the track is Roxy Music drummer Paul Thompson, Lindisfarne's Ray Jackson and Charlie Harcourt, former Sting counterpart John Hedley and bass player Steve Martin.
The release also features a previously unheard version of the Alan Hull song All Fall Down recorded by Billy Bragg for a tribute album to the late Lindisfarne singer which never came to fruition.
Bragg donated the track on which he duets with folk singer Eliza Carthy.
Sunday's concert is between 2pm and 6pm. Tickets cost Ā£7 and include a free CD. Call 0191 230 4474 for details.
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