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The North East has created a wealth of musical talent; there's Sting, Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music, The Animals, Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys, Lighthouse Family, Dire Straits, Lindisfarne, Pete Doherty from Babyshambles/The Libertines, The Toy Dolls and Eurythmics musician and record producer Dave Stewart, who, like the Futureheads, hail from Sunderland.

The area has no shortage of venues either:

Middlesbrough Town HallHosts a wide ranging entertainment programme from classical music to pop and rock, comedy and craft fairs. Something for everybody.

The Sage GatesheadIs an international home for music and musical discovery, bringing about a widespread and long-term enrichment of the musical life of the North of England.
Live Theatre CompanyWas founded on Tyneside in 1973. Its work has a strong regional identity, and aims to attract new audiences to its friendly and informal theatre space. Live Theatre has opened its doors again after an impressive £5.5m renovation. This redevelopment has joined together 4 historic, listed buildings to create a beautiful 21stC new writing theatre for the region.

Sunderland Empireis the North East's flagship theatre. Showcasing season after season of record breaking smash hits from West End musicals such as Starlight Express, Miss Saigon and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to opera and ballet; cutting-edge comedy to very latest kids shows and not to forget the legendary "Bootleg Beatles" tour.

Metro Radio ArenaIs a 11,000-seater venue and is the region's largest indoor entertainment complex with an ice floor (during the ice hockey season). The venue can host a variety of events including premier league basketball, super league ice hockey, major conferences and exhibitions, ice shows, family shows and concerts.