We want to celebrate the city by singing and writing songs about Sunderland and inspired by Sunderland. This list contains a few examples to help with the mission. Many other names have come up – Hyde and Beast, Coal Train, Cohesion, Kenickie, the Cornshed Sisters, This Ain’t Vegas and of course Dave Stewart and Bryan Ferry. We are bound to have missed others so please send any other suggestions to keith.gregson.t21@btinternet.com .We know this is far from a complete list.
Seagulls and the Saints
Barry Hyde was inspired to write this by the city’s lengthy historical heritage (thus the ‘saints’).
He is well known for his work with the Futureheads and, more recently, for his ground-breaking musical suite ‘Malody’.
The Noisy Days Are Over
Field Music are one of the most respected 21st century British bands – particularly for their search for creative independence. The ‘video’ proves that this is all about Sunlan’!
Shipyards
Martin Longstaff aka The Lake Poets is another Sunderland musician with a world-wide following. His sensitive local songs and haunting voice are the reason for this. ‘Shipyards’ is Marty’s choice – others may have plumped for ‘City by the Sea’
Hunger
Frankie and the Heartstrings are another band with supporters across the nations. Part of this song, about forming a band in the city, was used for a well-known T.V. advert.
Back to the Sea
The Futureheads were a globe-trotting charting Sunderland band during the first decade of the present century. In this song Ross Millard recalls his roots north of the river.
Waiting to Go
Lilliput is another local band with an ever-strengthening reputation for good songs and fine harmonies. This song actually mentions a number of places in the city and south of the river.
Burn Bright Rebecca Young AKA ‘This Little Bird’ took this beautiful song about her city to Parliament as part of the 2021 bid for City of Culture. Where can we get hold of a copy, Becky? It’s a cracker.
She Goes to Finos
The Toy Dolls – A very clever band which charted with ‘Nelly the Elephant’ in the 1980s and is still going strong. This is one of a number of amusing songs about the city.
Alice in Sunderland
A typical 60s guitars’ tune written for a pantomime at the Sunderland Empire.
Although little known to the younger generation, Ed is one of Wearside’s most prominent songwriters. He wrote the chart hit ‘The Oldest Swinger in Town’ and his ‘Workers’ Song’ has been recorded and performed all over the world.
https://www.shazam.com/gb/track/124968868/sunderland-oak
Composed by veteran north east songwriter Johnny Handle to celebrate the Wear’s ship- building heritage
Leatherface
Now regarded as one of the best punk groups of its day, Leatherface had a number of songs and albums which referenced the city.
Here Lies Alice
An ageing man’s reflection on life, the world and everything –Keith Gregson’s song was inspired by a gravestone outside Sunderland Minster.
Sunderland Till I Die
Dave Murray ‘The Mackem Folksinger’ has been responsible for teachings dozens of successful ‘Mackems’ about music and his many local songs come straight from the heart.
SR7
Suppose it’s Durham but… Social Room – SR7 are a Sunderland based band anyway.. So says Alex!
Everybody’s favourite Sunderland video star Grassi Hopper draws our attention to SoundCloud and his fascinating experimental pieces that he says are “very much influenced by the city”:
Roker Beach Kids by Chlorinemix
Songs For Days Gone By
Two songs from the talented Yuma inspired by stories of the old East End and created in co-operation with the local library service. Amanda Gerry also recommends two other songs written by Marty Longstaff with local schoolchildren.
https://yuma3.bandcamp.com/album/songs-for-days-gone-by
