Independent

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27-28 Holmeside, Sunderland, SR1 3JE

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Upcoming events at Independent

Florence Black
Community
Around £28.00

Florence Black

Florence Black are a Welsh rock trio known for their no-frills power, soaring hooks, and thunderous riffs. Hailing from Merthyr Tydfil, they’ve built a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting live acts. After two acclaimed records, the band now enters their most ambitious era with the release of Coloured In, the first single from their upcoming third album. Named Planet Rock’s “Best New Band” in 2022 Debut album Weight of the World entered the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 10. Second Album ‘Bed Of Nails’ went to number 1 in UK Rock & Metal Albums. The band have clocked millions of streams across platforms and have supported acts like Stone Sour, Tremonti, Steel Panther and played Europe's biggest festivals, Download, Hell Fest, Sweden Rocks, Resurrection Fest. Independent. Venue, Disco, Drinking Den. We are Sunderland. On show days, ticket holders can enjoy 20% off food and drinks at local business’ Koji, Mexico 70, and The Ship Isis. We recommend booking the restaurants on weekends. Flat level parking is available directly opposite the venue, free after 3pm on weekdays and after 6pm on Saturdays & Sundays. Sunderland train station is just a two-minute walk and the bus interchange is a five-minute walk. For more venue information: www.independentsunderland.com

Mon 13 Apr18:00Independent
via IndependentCurated
Aziz Ibrahim
Community
Around £12.00

Aziz Ibrahim

Aziz Ibrahim live show + supports - Doors 7pm + support from Crescent & The Fry Ups Aziz Ibrahim talk, Q&A + mini jam - 4pm-5:30pm An influential guitarist, singer, songwriter from Manchester whose eclectic body of work spans from The Stone Roses, Ian Bown, Simply Red, Asia to writing/staging south Asian symphonies for the Manchester Camerata and working in prisons, homeless shelters, charities or other community work. He has had chart success with Ian Brown (co-writing songs such as My Star, Corpses & many more plus delivered guitars, vocals & songs for Paul Weller. Over a career spanning more than three decades, the Longsight council estate born guitarist has played or written for artists such as Simply Red, Paul Weller, Manic St Preachers, Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke of The Smiths, folk singer Donovan, UK rapper Akala and progressive rock musicians Asia, Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree), Marillion, Yukihiro Takahashi (Yellow Magic Orchestra) and JBK (Japan). Aziz founded the Asian Blues Collective with Tabla maestro Dalbir Singh Rattan in developing his own unique south Asian instrument influenced sound. His present instrumental release on all platforms is 'The Key Of 3'. Currently Aziz is recording an EP for Brazilian superstar Nasi and releasing new solo music for 2025. Ibrahim also works in the arts/culture/heritage sector and has currently been granted a commission by the Arts Council England on his project 'Sound of Heritage 2025-26’. Independent.

Fri 17 Apr18:00Independent
via IndependentCurated
Young Musicians Project X Mixtape
Community
Around £5.00

Young Musicians Project X Mixtape

WMC's Young Musicians Project are thrilled to welcome young people from Edinburgh's Mixtape music group to perform together at Independent, Sunderland! The latest in a string of cultural exchanges, which have led to young Mackem artists playing sold-out shows at Sneaky Petes in Edinburgh, this event is a celebration of emerging musicians from both sides of the border. Representing Sunderland, we've got... The prince of sad dance bops, Ethan Stayman, the Kate Bush-tinged enigma that is Ava & The Fates and brand new brash indie rock from Shipyard Rejects. Your offering from Scotland consists of 90's nostalgia inducing alt-rock from The Citrines and in your face indie duo, Southpaw. Opportunities like this are huge for emerging artists and we want to keep making them possible, so please get down and support these super talented young people! Independent. Venue, Disco, Drinking Den. We are Sunderland. On show days, ticket holders can enjoy 20% off food and drinks at local business’ Koji, Mexico 70, and The Ship Isis. We recommend booking the restaurants on weekends. Flat level parking is available directly opposite the venue, free after 3pm on weekdays and after 6pm on Saturdays & Sundays. Sunderland train station is just a two-minute walk and the bus interchange is a five-minute walk. For more venue information: www.independentsunderland.com

Sat 18 Apr17:30Independent
via IndependentCurated
via IndependentCurated
Berry Hagman Album Release Party @ The Ship Isis Sunderland
Community
Around £7.00

Berry Hagman Album Release Party @ The Ship Isis Sunderland

Join Berry Hagman and friends for an awesome night of folk music celebrating the release of his new album "Old Fashioned Millennial" on 23rd April Berry Hagman is a solo folk musician from the North East of England, blending folk tradition with an occasional modern twist. His sound is earthy, sincere, unpolished and unmistakably his own. Drawing influences from storytellers like Bob Dylan and The Mountain Goats, Berry crafts music that feels lived-in and close to the bone. Armed with guitar, banjo, foot stomper, harmonica and the occasional kazoo, his arrangements lean deliberately rough-around-the-edges, embracing a sonically raw and musically rustic style Joining him as a support act is Slow For a Poet; a fantastic folk singer/Songwriter from Scotland. Doors are 7pm with a 9:30pm finish

Thu 23 Apr18:00Independent
via IndependentCurated
The Old Black Cat Jazz Club: Daniel John Martin
Community
Around £12.00

The Old Black Cat Jazz Club: Daniel John Martin

Daniel John Martin, often abreviated to DJM, is celebrated as a leading figure in the Gypsy jazz genre, a movement inspired by Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli’s work in the 1930s. His style is rooted in this rich tradition, yet infused with his own approach, blending classical technique with vibrant improvisational jazz. This unique blend of classical and jazz elements has become DJM’s hallmark, making him a standout performer in Paris who continues to inspire emerging musicians globally. DJM will be accompanied on this short hop around the UK by an ensemble led by Mick Shoulder (Swing Manouche).A one off intimate gig that will be a real treat for jazz fans here in Sunderland that will sell quickly. Grab your seat in The Vaux Room at The Ship Isis while you can. The Old Black Cat Jazz Club meet regularly in Sunderland for relaxed performances in beautiful surroundings. All are welcome. Show starts 7:30pm sharp The Ship Isis. Home to The Vaux Room, an intimate live venue in one of Sunderland's oldest pubs. The venue is situated on the edge of the city centre and is within a 15-minute walk from both bus and train stations, with a flat level car park directly behind the venue. On show days, ticket holders can enjoy 20% off food and drinks at local business’ Koji and Mexico 70. We recommend booking the restaurants on weekends.

Fri 24 Apr18:00Independent
via IndependentCurated
Long/Remon/Zilker
Community
Around £10.00

Long/Remon/Zilker

Nicolas Long is a fiddle player who grew up playing Irish music in North London public houses run by musical families from Kerry. Nicolas’ music and individual fiddle style is influenced by his Kerry heritage and frequent trips over to his family home in Listowel. Nicolas has a very personal, emotive and soulful playing style, over the last 15 years he has become a very important part of the London traditional Irish music scene. Ben Zilker is a flute player who currently resides in between North Kerry in Ireland and Athens in Greece. Originally starting out as a Bodhran player and quickly became an incredibly accomplished flute player. Ben has performed in concert with some of Ireland's most acclaimed musicians including Aidon Connolly, Padraig Keane, and Coaimhin O Fearghail amongst many others. Tom Remon is a guitarist and composer based in London. As a jazz musician Tom has released three albums as a leader and has toured all across the UK, Europe, North Africa with many acclaimed jazz musicians including Jean Toussaint, Jim Mullen, David Lyttle and Neil Yates. Tom through the tutelage and inspiration from trumpet player Neil Yates has embraced traditional Irish music and is becoming a recognised Irish guitar backer on today's traditional Irish scene. The Ship Isis.

Wed 29 Apr18:00Independent
via IndependentCurated
Humour ‘Learning Greek UK Tour 2’
Community
Around £12.00

Humour ‘Learning Greek UK Tour 2’

Humour live together in Glasgow. They formed across the 2021 lockdowns, writing and recording their material at home, with the music intended as a backdrop to Andreas' lyrics. Sometimes they’re about letting people down, sometimes they’re about pets dying, sometimes they’re about trying to say something when you don’t have anything worth saying. Signing to SoYoung Records off the back of a few rough demos, it was clear Humour had a unique sound. Their first release ‘Yeah, Mud!’ gained critical acclaim from NME, Clash Magazine, DIY, Dork and more. Following multiple plays on Radio 1, BBC Radio 6, and BBC Scotland, the band eventually released their debut EP, ‘Pure Misery’, which quickly established Humour as one of the most exciting acts in the country. They were featured in NME’S 100, BBC Scotland’s Top 25 for 2023, and three tracks from Pure Misery featured in The Herald’s Top 100 Tunes from Scotland in 2022. The band immediately began to tour extensively off the back of the Pure Misery EP, supporting Do Nothing, Folly Group, Egyptian Blue, and Enumclaw at gigs and festivals across the UK, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The band were then invited across the Atlantic to showcase at SXSW, where they packed out venues across Austin, TX. They followed this up with a debut UK headline tour, including shows in Brighton, London, Margate, Leeds, and Newcastle.

Fri 1 May18:00Independent
via IndependentCurated
via IndependentCurated
Roulette Festival 2026
Community
Around £15.00

Roulette Festival 2026

Sunderland’s biggest celebration of grassroots music is back! The North East is brimming with talent, and we’re inviting you to experience some of the best acts Sunderland, Newcastle, and the surrounding areas have to offer! Always championing local and grassroots talent, Roulette Festival promises an unforgettable lineup of incredible artists, from intimate acoustic performances to electrifying thrash metal bands. With 3 stages at Sunderland’s iconic venue, INDEPENDENT, there’s something for everyone - no matter your taste in music, we’ve got you covered! Join us for a day of unbeatable performances and a celebration of the North East’s music scene! Independent. Venue, Disco, Drinking Den. We are Sunderland. On show days, ticket holders can enjoy 20% off food and drinks at local business’ Koji, Mexico 70, and The Ship Isis. We recommend booking the restaurants on weekends. Flat level parking is available directly opposite the venue, free after 3pm on weekdays and after 6pm on Saturdays & Sundays. Sunderland train station is just a two-minute walk and the bus interchange is a five-minute walk. For more venue information: www.independentsunderland.com

Sat 2 May12:00Independent
via IndependentCurated
The Futureheads
Community

The Futureheads

Sunderland royalty and long time friends of the venue, The Futureheads, join us for a very special show as part of our 20th birthday celebrations throughout 2026. The Futureheads first electrified audiences with their 2004 self-titled debut album, which included the explosive cover of Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love—a track that not only earned them the NME Single of the Year but also solidified their place in the pantheon of Britsh rock. With subsequent albums like News and Tributes (2006), This Is Not The World (2008), The Chaos (2010) the a cappella masterpiece Rant (2012) and 2019’s Powers, The Futureheads consistently push the boundaries of their sound, all while maintaining the raw edge and infectious energy that have become their trademark. Independent. Venue, Disco, Drinking Den. We are Sunderland. On show days, ticket holders can enjoy 20% off food and drinks at local business’ Koji, Mexico 70, and The Ship Isis. We recommend booking the restaurants on weekends. Flat level parking is available directly opposite the venue, free after 3pm on weekdays and after 6pm on Saturdays & Sundays. Sunderland train station is just a two-minute walk and the bus interchange is a five-minute walk. For more venue information: www.independentsunderland.com

Fri 8 May18:00Independent
via IndependentCurated
Gan On: Magazine Launch, Panel & ShowcaseFree! (worth double-checking)
Community

Gan On: Magazine Launch, Panel & Showcase

Gan On is releasing it’s second issue of 2026, and, as part of the magazine’s rebirth, will be hosting a live event to discuss the new era of the project, as well as showcasing some of the city’s finest emerging talent, all of whom are highlighted in the upcoming May issue. With live performances from Swindled, Claudia Callum O’Neil, andAimee - as well as a panel hosted by editor Jenny Dean, featuring various local music legends who have played a key role in shaping Gan On - the evening will be packed full of the best of the best from Sunderland’s ever improving local music scene. Independent. Venue, Disco, Drinking Den. We are Sunderland. On show days, ticket holders can enjoy 20% off food and drinks at local business’ Koji, Mexico 70, and The Ship Isis. We recommend booking the restaurants on weekends. Flat level parking is available directly opposite the venue, free after 3pm on weekdays and after 6pm on Saturdays & Sundays. Sunderland train station is just a two-minute walk and the bus interchange is a five-minute walk. For more venue information: www.independentsunderland.com

Wed 13 May18:00Independent
via IndependentCurated
Plug In Maybe: A Tribute to Muse
Community
Around £12.00

Plug In Maybe: A Tribute to Muse

Come and celebrate the universe of Muse as authentic tribute Plug In Maybe take you on a ride through the veins of history. From Showbiz to Origin of Symmetry, Absolution and beyond. The trio are dedicated to recreating the Teignmouth trio’s massive arena shows in intimate venue settings. Utilising synced lights, visuals, live cameras and stage dressing to capture the essence of the epic live shows Muse have come to be known for. It’s an immersive Muse experience that reminds you of how they became the legendary stadium rockers that they are today. That their music and performances are just that little bit special and create a universe you want to sing and jump around in. Independent. Venue, Disco, Drinking Den. We are Sunderland. On show days, ticket holders can enjoy 20% off food and drinks at local business’ Koji, Mexico 70, and The Ship Isis. We recommend booking the restaurants on weekends. Flat level parking is available directly opposite the venue, free after 3pm on weekdays and after 6pm on Saturdays & Sundays. Sunderland train station is just a two-minute walk and the bus interchange is a five-minute walk. For more venue information: www.independentsunderland.com

Fri 22 May18:00Independent
via IndependentCurated
Finn Forster Live in Sunderland
Community

Finn Forster Live in Sunderland

Metropolis Music This Feeling Presents Finn Forster + special guests Finn Forster is an upcoming British artist firmly on the rise. With support from the BBC, Finn has been a Track of The Week consideration for BBC Radio 1, completed a BBC Introducing Maida Vale Session and been playlisted by BBC Radio 2. In 2025 Finn supported Stereophonics on their European arena tour, UK Stadium tour, and UK Arena tour and alsosupported JADE for BBC Proms, The K’s in Cologne and Bastille at Nottingham arena. He also played Reading and Leeds with BBC Introducing, opened the main stage at Kendal Calling and played Truck, Latitude, The Great Escape, SXSW Austin and Reeperbahn. With over 2.2 million streams and growing, Finn is supported by Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer and VEVO. An advocate for inspiring more arts and culture in his hometown, Finn Hails from the industrial town of Middlesbrough in the North East of England and his songs come from places of real truth, deliver anthemic melodies and shine light on the trials and tribulations of his youth told through captivating vocals. Independent. Venue, Disco, Drinking Den. We are Sunderland. On show days, ticket holders can enjoy 20% off food and drinks at local business’ Koji, Mexico 70, and The Ship Isis. We recommend booking the restaurants on weekends. Flat level parking is available directly opposite the venue, free after 3pm on weekdays and after 6pm on Saturdays & Sundays.

Sat 23 May18:00Independent
via IndependentCurated
Back to Basics in Sunderland
Community
Around £15.00

Back to Basics in Sunderland

For the first time ever… Bringing together Dave Beer, founder of the legendary Back to Basics, and Graeme Clark, former resident DJ of the Middlesbrough Arena – and very nearly a Basics resident himself. Friends for over 30 years, these two house music legends finally unite behind the decks for one unforgettable night. With the possibility of special guest appearances, expect nothing but pure underground energy. The unmistakable Back to Basics sound lands in Sunderland for the very first time. This is a night not to be missed. Grab your tickets early… and watch this space. Independent. Venue, Disco, Drinking Den. We are Sunderland. On show days, ticket holders can enjoy 20% off food and drinks at local business’ Koji, Mexico 70, and The Ship Isis. We recommend booking the restaurants on weekends. Flat level parking is available directly opposite the venue, free after 3pm on weekdays and after 6pm on Saturdays & Sundays. Sunderland train station is just a two-minute walk and the bus interchange is a five-minute walk. For more venue information: www.independentsunderland.com

Fri 29 May18:30Independent
via IndependentCurated
The 30+ Club: Daytime Clubbing
Community

The 30+ Club: Daytime Clubbing

The 30+ Club is the unrivalled daytime clubbing experience that's just for grown-ups. Expect; Proper DJs playing nostalgia from 80s-00s A no-kids, no judgement atmosphere Huge Stage Production Confetti Blasters, Co2 Jets, Pyro Inflatables & Glow Stick Giveaways …and best of all, you'll be home by 10pm! Saturday 14th March |   5-9PM | Independent Sunderland |  Strict 30+ Door Policy Independent. Venue, Disco, Drinking Den. We are Sunderland. On show days, ticket holders can enjoy 20% off food and drinks at local business’ Koji, Mexico 70, and The Ship Isis. We recommend booking the restaurants on weekends. Flat level parking is available directly opposite the venue, free after 3pm on weekdays and after 6pm on Saturdays & Sundays. Sunderland train station is just a two-minute walk and the bus interchange is a five-minute walk. For more venue information: www.independentsunderland.com

Sat 30 May16:00Independent
via IndependentCurated
via IndependentCurated
via IndependentCurated
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