In the early ‘80s, young teenagers in Newcastle found solace and a vibrant music scene in an old, disused warehouse venue called The Garage. This iconic location became a haven for young punks, featuring performances by bands such as Total Chaos, The Reptiles, Model Workers, and The Village Idiots. This do-it-yourself music space was run by the kids, for the kids with minimal adult supervision and a huge amount of teenage angst.
However, after The Garage closed in 1981, the Gateshead Music Collective breathed new life into a former police club in Gateshead, known as The Station, which became the new epicentre for punk music in the area.
The Station was refurbished with help from Gateshead Council and The Millfield House Trust and became the place to be for live punk music including a secret appearance by The Clash on their acoustic tour. The venue also hosted rehearsal spaces too reinforcing the community spirit and fostering the development of local bands. A similar venue, The Bunker, in Sunderland, continues to thrive today.
Now, four decades later, a group of people who were part of the Garage and Station scene are coming together to host an exhibition that pays homage to the culture and significance of these venues. The exhibition will feature a captivating array of video footage, photographs, and memorabilia, including posters, that chronicle the energy and spirit of those times. Visitors will have the opportunity to delve into the punk movement’s history, explore the enduring impact of the Tyne and Wear Youth Music Collectives, and gain insights into youth engagement methods that can inform current and future practices.
The exhibition, hosted by Newcastle Contemporary Art, will be held at their gallery on High Bridge, Newcastle, starting from the 18th of November. The opening day will be marked by a special event to commemorate the exhibition’s launch. Following the opening, the exhibition will be open to the public on weekends throughout November and December.
Keeks McGarry, former singer with Total Chaos and now a manager of an adventure playground, eagerly anticipates the event, saying, “This exhibition is a remarkable opportunity to revisit the incredible culture that emerged from the punk venues of our youth. It’s a chance to reconnect with the spirit of those times, honour the bands and performers who shaped our lives, and inspire a new generation of music enthusiasts. I’m thrilled to be part of this exhibition and can’t wait to witness the impact it will have.”
The group have a go fund me page that anyone wishing to donate can use to help the event go ahead. https://gofund.me/43f16053
More info gmcexhibition@gmail.com
Ends
Photos From L to R Gaz Gray, Helen Smith, Alan Christie, Lesli Godfrey, Keeks McGarry and Mike Elphick.
Keeks from Total Chaos
The Village Idiots
Media and PR keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951 www.highlightspr.co.uk