"Sunderland rockers The Futureheads provided the icing on the cake at the grand opening of Carling Academy Newcastle…. But what made it even more special was the venue, restored to its former art deco glory. It seems, with the success of The Futureheads and the reopening of the Majestic, the North East's music tradition is enjoying a revival." - Evening Chronicle
"There could have been no better way to christen the Academy than to have booked the talented threesome of native bands who raised the roof." - The Journal
Academy Music Group opened Carling Academy Newcastle on Friday 14th October 2005 with an exclusive, sell-out live performance by The Futureheads, plus support from fellow locals, Field Music and Kubichek! Devoted fans were treated to a cracking evening of live entertainment, in true North East style! AMG announced the successful acquisition of the former Gala Bingo Hall on Westgate Road in April 2005 and a £4,000,000 total refurbishment of the site took place to create a magnificent near 2,000 capacity auditorium.
Historically, the North East has created a wealth of diverse musical talent and the City Centre site already had a musical heritage. Originally built as a Picture House (The New Westgate) in 1927, it was once the legendary Majestic Ballroom, famed for a performance by The Beatles in 1963, who went on to write their biggest selling UK hit, 'She Loves You' after the show! As well as The Beatles, The Moody Blues, The Kinks, Spencer Davis Group, The Hollies, Van Morrison and the Small Faces are just a few other famous names that graced the Majestic Ballroom stage.
Carling Academy Newcastle has been lovingly restored to its former glory, its original ceiling features, stairways, stage and balcony create a dramatic and atmospheric space to present to major artists and AMG has invested heavily in its production with the installation of its PA and lighting equipment to offer high quality, professional, in-house production as standard. The venue also has the capacity to become an 'all seated' format as an alternative arrangement for varied shows and events.
The venue has quickly established itself as a major player on the UK touring circuit. Prior to its opening, the region was distinctly lacking a mid-range venue and following its opening, immediately attracted high quality shows from artists such as Goldfrapp, Supergrass, The Bravery, Athlete, My Chemical Romance and Ian Brown. Over the last twelve months, shows have sold out in rapid time by artists such as The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian and Panic! At The Disco.
AMG has also extended its 'Carling Academy 2' concept within this site, following on from success at venues in Liverpool and Birmingham. With a capacity of 400, Carling Academy 2 Newcastle is a stand-alone gig venue and also acts as a second room for club nights and dance events. It is perfect for showcasing new talent from the local area and breaking new acts on the touring circuit. Already, the likes of The Young Knives, Paolo Nutini, Enter Shikari, Hot Chip, Orson and Cold War Kids have hit the stage with exceptional live shows.
With a legendary 'up-for-it' crowd, Carling Academy Newcastle is also home to two weekly club residencies. At fifteen years old, 'Bulletproof' is Newcastle's longest running club night and the North East's most successful indie club. Each and every Saturday, 'Bulletproof' features guest rock star DJs and live sets at midnight for the very best in new and upcoming acts. In previous days, the Bulletproof regulars have been treated to live club sets from Kasabian, Bloc Party, Maximo Park, Hard-Fi and more. The NME even quoted 'Bulletproof' as 'the who's who of bands about to become famous!”. Every Friday the Academy is home to 'Revolution', the City's biggest rock night featuring two rooms of metal, rock, punk, ska, hardcore anthems, courtesy of resident DJ's DJ Oddy, Ash & Russell and Bruce plus live bands. Revolution is the most rocking place to be in the City to get the weekend started with a bang and Academy 2 hosts indie and alternative at 'Where Angels Play', tunes from 'Madchester to New York'.
Awards
- Total Production Awards 2006 NOMINATION for Best Venue
- BEDA Awards 2006 NOMINATION for Best Venue
|
