An historic Newcastle music venue that played host to David Bowie, Nirvana, Oasis and Gil Scott Heron has been awarded a blue plaque by the city council.
The much-loved Riverside venue on Melbourne Street was established in 1985 by a collective of music lovers in the city, and hosted memorable nights across all genres.
Regularly voted the best venue in the country in NME polls, the venue helped launch the careers of legendary jazz artist Wayne Shorter and a string of local artists.
It was an extra special venue given that it was set up by a committed group of founders as a co-operative, giving Tyneside artists a chance to shine.
Almost four decades after the venue opened its doors, the work of the co-operative has been recognised with the award of a blue plaque by Newcastle City Council.
It was unveiled at an event at Melbourne Street on Thursday, August 29, before the screening of a film showcasing the history of the venue at The Cluny.
Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Nick Kemp, has helped organise the installation of the plaque and will be joined at an unveiling by Keith Jeffrey who was part of the original co-operative.
Cllr Kemp said: “As Leader of the City Council I have been clear that music and the creative sector is of fundamental importance to the city.
“It shapes and defines who we are, it is classless, and anyone has the opportunity to succeed and enjoy. For me Newcastle as a city is the home of music and words.
“Newcastle has a thriving music scene and for decades has been the birthplace of some of the country’s best artists.
“We deserve to be in the conversation of great musical cities and the Riverside is a big piece of that artistic heritage.
“I am delighted to support the installation of this commemorative blue plaque, a representation of the fond memories so many hold for the building and its history, and to be honest the biggest reason I first came to Newcastle”.
Mr Jeffrey, who led the 1985 campaign to create the community-owned venue, has also hailed the installation of the plaque.
He said: “This is wonderful recognition of a deeply significant music venue.”
The unveiling at the Riverside followed the instalment of a commemorative blue plaque at the former Tyne Tees Television studios on City Road at the end of last year.
It was unveiled by musician and presenter Jules Holland with the venue recognised for the role it played in the development of the TV programme The Tube.