A charity fundraiser on North Shields Fish Quay found itself at the centre of a global music story last week when The 1975 frontman Matty Healy dropped in by video – and delivered an unexpected update on the band’s new album.
Matty appeared alongside his dad, actor Tim Healy, during a sold-out show at Salt Market Social featuring tribute band The 9075 who had booked the gig as a fundraiser for charity Sunday for Sammy - of which Tim is chair and Matty is patron.
During the video appearance, he revealed that work on The 1975’s much-anticipated new album was almost complete, with the update making headlines around the world within hours.
It was an unexpected moment in a night which had already brought together an impressive collection of North East performers to raise money for the longstanding charity, which supports emerging creative talent across the region.
Singer, comedian and Sunday for Sammy trustee Kelly Rickard hosted and performed, while Olivier Award-winning actress Jill Halfpenny and musician Joe Atkinson, known for his work with Sam Fender, were also among those making guest stage appearances.
Also on the bill were Niall Armstrong, Mark Appleby, Michael Mather, Lyndon Philliskirk and Ben Harwood.
There was also a video message from Matty’s mum, actress Denise Welch, who sent her good wishes from the set of new Netflix sitcom Marbles.
Importantly for a charity established to support the next generation of North East talent, young performers who have benefited from grants from Sunday for Sammy also got a slice of the spotlight.
They included North Shields singer-songwriter Chris Forbes; singer, multi-instrumentalist and dancer Aydie Gargett, who recently appeared on Channel 4’s The Piano; singer-songwriter Joe Allan; and North East band Leopard Print.
Students from Gateshead College and the newly formed Tyneside Cinema Talent Unit were also given experience working behind the scenes.
Sunday for Sammy’s Karen Goldfinch said: “We’re committed to providing young creative talent with valuable opportunities both onstage and behind the scenes, it’s something we’re all passionate about in the trust.
“In addition to our young talent on stage, we had students from both Gateshead College and the newly formed Tyneside Cinema Talent Unit gaining first-hand experience of working on a real event. Everyone involved played an important part and were all fantastic to work with.”
Event producer Paul Irwin added: “In true Sunday for Sammy tradition, we wanted to deliver a show packed with surprises. It was great fun having The 9075 share the stage with established stars alongside our exceptional new Sammy grantees.”
The 9075’s involvement with Sunday for Sammy – and the Healy family – has a story of its own.
The Italy-based band became friends with the Sunday for Sammy team during visits the Low Lights Tavern in North Shields above which the charity has an office.
Earlier this year, that relationship took the band considerably further afield when Tim and Denise’s younger son, Louis secretly invited the band to California to perform at his big brother’s stag do.
The 9075 played a 45-minute set for around 25 guests at Aviator Nation Dreamland in Malibu before Matty joined frontman Carlo on stage to sing with the band - a moment captured on film, which immediately went around the world.