Music mural tribute for Dave Stewart in Sunderland
The Eurythmics star will play two sell out gigs at the city's Fire Station this weekend
Sunderland-born music icon Dave Stewart has been unveiled as the first inductee into the city’s spanking new Music Wall of Fame.
The Eurythmics star has spent the back end of the summer back in his home city ahead of this weekend’s two sold-out shows at The Fire Station with his latest project, Dave Does Dylan.
In a special ceremony, Dave’s mural was revealed outside the venue, cementing his place at the heart of Sunderland’s growing Cultural Quarter.
The 72-year-old (until his birthday on September 9), who shot to global fame in the 1980s as one half of the Eurythmics alongside Annie Lennox, has sold over 100 million records worldwide, with era-defining hits including Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), Here Comes the Rain Again and Would I Lie to You?
His influence extends far beyond the duo, with a glittering career as a producer and collaborator working alongside legends such as Tom Petty, Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, Bryan Ferry and Aretha Franklin.
The new Sunderland Music Wall of Fame, designed by acclaimed local artist Kathryn Robertson, stands proudly outside The Fire Station as a permanent tribute to the city’s rich musical heritage. Commissioned by Sunderland Music City and Culture Quarter, the artwork will continue to expand in the months and years ahead, with blank frames waiting to be filled by other homegrown talents.
“Sunderland is a Music City, I’ve always known that being a musician. I’m proud to be from Sunderland, I always have been.”
Dave Stewart
The unveiling was marked with a choreographed performance of Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by students from Arts North Studios, a lively tribute to Stewart’s enduring legacy and Sunderland roots.
Andrew Dipper, marketing director at Culture Quarter and Sunderland Music City, said: “Dave Stewart is a global music icon. He’s written so many amazing songs and produced some of the biggest legends in music.
“Dave has given so much back to Sunderland over the years, and we are absolutely delighted that he has chosen to come back home to not only perform two sold-out nights at The Fire Station, but unveil his mural on the Sunderland Music Wall of Fame.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Dave expressed his pride in his hometown. “Sunderland is a Music City, I’ve always known that being a musician. I’m proud to be from Sunderland, I always have been.”
The mural surrounding the Wall of Fame will be fully completed next week, transforming a former substation into a striking cultural landmark for residents and visitors alike.