The Tyne pub in Byker has become the talk of the US over the last few months. The string of acts serving up some quite delectable alternative country, Americana, western swing and rockabilly on Tyneside over the last few months has been strictly top drawer stuff. The fact that they chose to do so at The Tyne is, in the words of David Coleman, quite remarkable.

For the uninitiated, The Tyne is one of the jewels in Tyneside’s pub scene, slightly out of town, nestling under the Glasshouse Bridge, it has long since attracted those in search of a decent pint and flowing banter. Now they have the added attraction of some truly great gigs.

For the uninitiated, The Tyne is one of the jewels in Tyneside’s pub scene.

Back in October last year Graham Anderson who is no stranger to music promotion in Newcastle with his involvement in The Jumpin’ Hot Club, approached The Tyne with the notion of putting on the US band Tandy. They happened to be passing through Newcastle on their UK tour and Graham managed to convince them that the gig would be very rewarding, artistically if not financially…A capacity audience turned up and they went down a storm.

Since then Graham has collaborated with Ben Wilkinson, assistant manager at the pub, to bring bands such as The Be Good Tanyas, Paul Burch (Lamb Chop), Radiogram and The Songwriters’ Circle to the venue and the bands have been truly delighted by the intimate and friendly atmosphere. Not resting on their laurals, the next few weeks sees the pub also playing host to Andrew Bird’s Bowl of Fire (Chicago), Ewen Carruthers (California), Flophouse Junior (Canada) and Chris Mills (Texas).

Quite a line-up for a little bar in Byker! And all free of charge. Just what exactly are you waiting for…?

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