Shock over Adrian’s death
WILL BE SORELY MISSED BY LGBT COMMUNITY
TRIBUTES have been paid to a legend of Newcastle’s gay scene who has died at the age of 62.
Adrian Gadd suffered a bleed on the brain on Wednesday and underwent surgery at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
Despite the best efforts of NHS staff he died in hospital on Thursday, leaving the community shellshocked.
Known as the Godfather of the city’s LGBT scene, he was a popular figure, having owned a number of pubs and clubs, including The Yard, Rockshots and SR44.
He was also part of the team behind what is believed to be the UK’s first LGBT radio show, Gay 2 Gay, which was broadcast in the 90s.
Devastated friends have paid tribute to Adrian, who was renowned for his sense of humour and his pioneering work.
The owners of the The Boulevard, on Churchill Street, posted on Facebook: “We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of our neighbour, Adrian Gadd.
“Adrian was instrumental in shaping Newcastle’s LGBT scene over a long period of time – from being the driving force behind the world famous ‘Rockshots’ to the present day, operating The Yard, Newcastle’s longest established gay bar.
“Both opened at a time in which the freedoms and acceptance enjoyed by the community today were hard fought. Adrian fought for this in creating spaces for people to enjoy and be simply who they wanted to be.
“Adrian had an infectious sense of humour, an acerbic wit and was always at hand with the latest gossip, which inevitably he always knew first.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and to his staff; and give thanks for his life and pioneering work. RIP Adrian Gadd.”
Adrian, who ran Fat Boy Leisure, was the first to spot the potential of sprucing up the gay scene.
He opened The Courtyard in the early 80s, which soon proved popular with the LGBT community. The bar was overhauled in 2000 and had its name changed to The Yard, which is now the longest running gay bar in Newcastle.
In the early 2000s Adrian also had the Eagle and Rockies, all on Scotswood Road.
They formed a small part of the burgeoning scene at the time, which included the likes of Trafalgar Leisure spearheading the glut of new bars around Times Square, such as the Baron and Baroness and Twist, and the Powerhouse.
Northern Pride said Adrian was a “prominent person” in the LGBT community and will be sorely missed by many.
The charity added:“Many will know Adrian more recently from The Yard, but he’s been a prominent person of the LGBTQ scene in the North East for many years. From running bars and clubs, to being apart of what many call the first ever UK gay radio show, Gay 2 Gay. He will be missed by many, including his close friends and family, and we send our deepest condolences to them.”
Many fellow bar owners have been left heartbroken by Adrian’s death. The Bank Bar wrote: “Newcastle’s gay community wouldn’t be what it is today without him. He’s a man who gave so many people a safe space to be who they are and an opportunity to come together without fear.”
Eazy Street bar added: “Adrian Gadd, our community would certainly not have been the same without you and will be a huge miss to the North East.” Bobby’s Bar said: “Adrian Gadd you’ll be hugely missed by many. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues from all of us here at Bobby’s.”
Paul Knight, who runs Thyme Square Cafe in Station Road, South Gosforth, said: “I met Adrian in the late 80s by just visiting all his venues. It started from Rockshots where I got on with him. Adrian gave me a gold card for Rockshots for free entry. Well I was never away from the place.
“I also visited all other venues and he would go out his way to come and sit with me and my best pal Max.
“Adrian had a very good sense of humour, always taking fun out of people but not in a bad way. I will miss him and so will the gay community.
“He was the Godfather.”
Adrian had an infectious sense of humour, an acerbic wit and was at hand with the latest gossip
The Boulevard
A WOMAN has avoided jail after she spat in the mouth of one police office and kicked another.
Kelly Wright had been arrested for breaking a former friend’s living room window and was being transported in the back of a police car when she began to get agitated.
The 42-year-old lost her temper and spat at one of the officers, hitting her in the mouth, a court heard.
Wright was immediately removed from the vehicle and restrained on the floor but continued to be aggressive and scratched another constable before kicking him in the knee.
Eventually, back-up arrived but Wright continued to be obstructive before finally being detained.
Now, Wright, of Harle Road, in Backworth, North Tyneside, has been given an 18-month community order, with a three-month curfew between 8pm and 8am, after she pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage and two of assaulting an emergency worker.
Grace Taylor, prosecuting at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, said Wright and a former friend had argued over money on September 28, 2019, when she turned up at her house in Shiremoor and smashed her living room window.
The police were called and found Wright nearby and she was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.
Miss Taylor added: “During transport to custody, the defendant became very aggressive in the back of the vehicle.
“The police vehicle is stopped and a caged van is requested to transport the defendant. The defendant spat in the face of one of the officers.
“She was removed from the vehicle and restrained on the floor. While the two officers attempted to restrain her, she continued to be aggressive and lash out. She scratched them and kicked the left knee of the other officer.”
The court was told that further officers arrived and Wright, who has one past conviction, was arrested.
In a statement, one of the constables said: “After this incident, I feel appalled and disgusted. I come to work daily to help people and protect the vulnerable.
“I don’t come to work to be assaulted in such a vulgar way as being spat at in the mouth.”
Stuart Athey, defending, said Wright had a number of difficulties and suffered from mental health issues.
As well as the community order, Wright was ordered to pay £200 compensation to the victim of the smashed window, £100 to one officer and £50 to the other.