Film puts the focus on the punk scene in its heyday
Sunderland’s punk days are to feature in a new film about the North East's scene – with the search on for people to help tell the story.
Rob Kilburn, from Seaburn, has already helped make documentaries as part of a team, with its work including Two Monkeys, which tells the story of the Blue Monkey and New Monkey dance clubs, Our Cup of Tea, about West Auckland FC’s Sir Thomas Lipton trophy win, and Red Coats, which looks at hunting in the region and those who campaign against it.
Now the next project being researched under the banner Tyne and Weird is the North East's own contribution to punk, with the hunt on to find footage, photos, recordings, ticket stubs, flyers and more to help tell the story.
He hopes to hear from people so they can share their memories of venues including the Barbary Coast, Seaburn Hall, The Mayfair Suite, Manor Quay and The Old Twenty Nine, while a look back at bands local to the region such as Leatherface, Toy Dolls, Penetration and Angelic Upstarts will be featured.
The city’s Bunker studio and rehearsal rooms, as well as Little Rocket Records, will give an insight into how bands came together, while shows at North East venues such as Newcastle Mayfair and the City Hall will also play a part.
Footage already sourced includes GBH playing the River Wear Social Club as they supported Snarling Horses in December 1992, passed on by Paul Storey.
Other images include a photo of Joe Strummer playing The Station in Gateshead in May 1985.
Rob, a University of Sunderland graduate who scooped an RTS award alongside fellow students for a film the made about Parkour, said: “I listened to punk music growing up and some of it still has a legacy, like the rave scene.
"It started in the 1970s and has gone on through the years and there’s still a scene now.
"What I’m looking for is any old photos or footage, particularly cine reels or VHS, it would be great to see some old gigs.
"It would be great to see if people still have flyers too.”
Anyone who would like to get in touch with Rob to pass on memories or share images or memorabilia can contact him via the Tyne and Weird Facebook page.