North East rock and roll royalty readies star-studded Hexham show
Simon Rushworth talks to chief Quireboy, Spike ahead of a special ultra home turf gig later this month.
He’s played St James’s Park with the Rolling Stones, the infamous Monsters Of Rock festival with Aerosmith, arena shows across Europe and even appeared on Top Of the Pops…
…but charismatic frontman Spike, a former pupil at Queen Elizabeth High School, has never played a full band show in Hexham. Until now.
The Quireboys singer spent his teenage years in Corbridge before upping sticks and heading to London in the early 80s, where Sharon Osbourne became his manager.
Spike’s often been spotted donning his trademark bandana and brandishing an acoustic guitar across the pubs of the Tyne Valley.
But this month he’s bringing a full band along for the ride as The Quireboys hit Hexham’s Queen’s Hall for a special acoustic show celebrating the launch of brand new album Wardour Street.
“It’s my mam’s birthday that week and we’re planning one hell of a party,” said Spike ahead of the September 24 gig.
“She’s been all over the world watching me and the lads but it’s nice to bring the show to her.
I moved to Corbridge when I was 13 and I’ve always wanted to play a bigger show in Hexham. It’s the right place at the right time!
“It’s a theatre-style performance with two sets split by an interval. We’re going to playing Quireboys songs from the first album and bringing things bang up to date with the new songs.
“And yes, I’m bringing a few friends up for the night!”
Hairy Biker Si King, Squeeze drummer Simon Hanson and Jim Creagan (Rod Stewart, Steve Harley) will be joining Spike on stage.
Thunder duo Luke Morley (now a member of The Quireboys) and Harry James will be adding some blues rock heft to proceedings alongside former Shark Island rocker Chris Heilman.
County Durham singer songwriter Pete Shoulder — rumoured to be working with Spike on a new Geordie folk album — is set to put in a cameo appearance.
And Cerys Jones, a violinist and rising star of the region’s folk scene, will be adding to the rootsy feel of what promises to be a unique evening.
“We wanted to do something special in the North East to build up to the album release,” added Spike.
“The Quireboys played Newcastle a few months ago but the next run of full electric shows doesn’t come through here.
“I moved to Corbridge when I was 13 and I’ve always wanted to play a bigger show in Hexham. It’s the right place at the right time!”
Spike admits his attendance at Queen Elizabeth High was ‘hit and miss’ but insists he did attend the ‘odd class’.
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And he’s always had a soft spot for a part of the world that’s inspired a fresh burst of songwriting in recent months.
“I’ve written a few folk songs with a definite North East flavour in the last few weeks and I’ll be recording an album soon,” he added.
“But the focus for the Quireboys show will be on the hits from the early days and a few new songs from Wardour Street.
“I’m really proud of that record. Luke, who produced the album, did such a great job getting the guitar sound right and it’s a fitting tribute to [late Quireboys guitarist] Guy Bailey — they were big mates and it’s the album Guy would have wanted.
“Next year’s the 35th anniversary of our debut A Bit Of What You Fancy and so we’ll be celebrating those songs and Wardour Street throughout 2025.
“In the meantime, this is a chance to enjoy a stripped back version of the band and see some amazing musicians up close and personal.”
Spike is back in the region on October 1 when he appears as special guest to Terry Reid at Newcastle’s Cluny.
Tickets for The Quireboys’ show at Hexham’s Queen’s Hall are available via www.queenshall.co.uk