This Is For The NHS
James, Lightning Seeds, Cruel Hearts Club & Beth Macari set to perform at Exhibition Park Thursday 16th September
This Is Tomorrow Festival organisers have today confirmed the line-up for its NHS event which is set to take place in September this year to say a massive thank you for the amazing service of our keyworkers during the pandemic.
Taking place on Thursday 16th of September 2021 in Exhibition Park, This Is For The NHS is offering Newcastle and Northumberland NHS workers free tickets for an evening of live music.
10,000 tickets have already been snapped before the new date was announced but further tickets will be available on Friday, both for free for the NHS and for general sale.
All profits from from the event will be donated to local NHS.
Legends of the Madchester era, James, are set to headline the event alongside Liverpudlian pop-icons, Lightning Seeds, the band behind the smash-hit football single, “Three Lions.”
Joining James and Lightning Seeds on the line-up are the grunge-pop trio Cruel Hearts Club and one of the North East’s most promising rising stars, Beth Macari.
James lead singer Tim Booth says: “We are really happy to announce the NHS benefit gig in Newcastle and would like to thank them for once again putting their lives on the line for all of us. It's time for a BIG wage and funding rise don't ya think?”
Beth Macari continues: “I’m so happy that I can be involved with this show, the NHS has been incredible throughout the pandemic and I can’t wait to perform for them.
“I’ve been busy working on lots of new music, people can expect an uplifting and soulful set of my new tunes!”
Lightning Seeds are one of the greatest bands to emerge from Liverpool’s thriving post-punk scene alongside the likes of Echo & The Bunnymen, The Teardrop Explodes and The Icicles. As the brainchild of legendary songwriter and producer, Ian Broudie, Lightning Seeds are best known for their hit singles, Pure, Life of Riley and Lucky You.
In 1996, the Euros were set to take place in England, making it the first major football tournament to be held on home soil since the legendary 1966 World Cup. Lightning Seeds teamed up with David Baddiel and Frank Skinner, hosts of the hit TV show Fantasy Football and created what is now one of the most iconic football songs of all time, Three Lions.
As hopes for a long-awaited win for England continue to mount, This Is For The NHS could play host to a perfectly timed live rendition of the hit single that has been sung across the country for the past month.
James was formed in Manchester in 1982 before being signed to the now legendary Factory Records the following year. through the 80s, James established themselves as one of the most popular bands of the era, touring with The Smiths and The Fall. Morrissey is known to have called them the ‘best band in the world’.
In the early 90s, James skyrocketed to international fame with their number one single, 'Sit Down' and things haven’t slowed down for the band since. James’s last tour included 86 concerts across 14 countries, including a sell-out show at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. The band released its 16th studio album, 'All The Colours of You' in June this year to acclaim from fans and critics, enterting the charts at #2.
Frequently touted by music publications as ones to watch, Cruel Hearts Club will be bringing their infectious blend of grunge guitars, infectious lyrics and explosive stage presence to the festival. The trio, which was formed by sisters Edie and Gita Langley, have supported the likes of Sting, Iggy Pop and The Libertines, and their string of successful singles and EPs have won support from the likes of BBC Radio 1, Radio X and NME.
North East soulstress, Beth Macari is one of the region’s brightest stars. Her latest single, “Gotta Get Back”, saw the talented songwriter peak at number 5 on the UK Soul Chart and last year, she was awarded the ‘President’s Choice Award’ by the popular US-based Soul Cafe Radio.
She is set to bring her soulful, R&B-infused sound to the stage for what is expected to be a highlight on the region’s festival calendar and a joyous celebration of the region’s NHS staff.
This Is For The NHS will take place on Thursday 16th September at Exhibition Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Tickets are free for Newcastle and Northumberland NHS workers.
