Grounbreakers and Earthshakers

Ian Luck Statement

My name is Ian lucky Luck and I have worked in the music business for thirty five years now both in Teesside and London and feel perhaps now I have earned the right to present my own interpretation of which artists and venues have shaped the way we have been thrilled and exhilarated by their live performance.

I have been a record company new release representative for both entertainment UK and Virgin, tour manager for Lonnie Donegan,ran a record label, promoter, presented a local gig guide on the radio and been a London rock tour guide.

Along the way I have collected storis, anecdotes, posters, press cuttings and memorabilia from both musicians and promoters through the decades that I think has the musical relevance to qualify as a Groundbreaker and an Earthshaker.

I have mainly concentrated on the collective towns of Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar and although overshadowed by the neighbouring city of Newcastle and the prestigious Sunderland Empire geographically we some how managed to punch above our weight and attract some world famous names that would grace any stage.

My favourite 3 gigs locally were all at Middlesbrough Town Hall Crypt… Firstly the explosive kings of Canvey Island, Dr Feelgood on their Down on the Jetty Tour… Then the mighty Sex Pistols with the original line up and then it would be the Stiff tour in 1978 with Ian Dury and the Blockheads, Elvis Costello and the attractions and all…

This exhibition is an opportunity to come and discover the wealth of amazing talent that has graced our area over the years, but it is also an opportunity to come and share your experiences of music on Teesside, so if you have any stories or memorabilia, come along and tell me your favourite local gig…

So come along to the private view and be amazed by just who have played here over the years.

As always refreshments will be available from 6.30.

Kind regards, Peter Heselton

(pythongallery curator)