A Teesside punk rock band have paid tribute to a local radio presenter by rewriting one of their most popular tracks to feature him in the lyrics.
Billingham and Yarm based band, Zeitgeist 77 have released two albums and an EP and achieved success playing to sell-out crowds supporting bands such as The Stranglers, Toyah and Stiff Little Fingers and last year they played at the prestigious Butlin’s Alternative Music Weekend in Skegness and they recently featured in Northumberland Live at Blyth.
They have achieved even greater popularity after appearing on Bedlington based community radio station Radio Northumberland where presenter Keith Newman heard their music and highlighted the band on his show, “New Wave with Newman.” The show has a worldwide internet based audience and plays a mixture of classic punk from the likes of The Clash and The Ramones to power-pop New Wave from bands such as Duncan Reid and the Big Heads who are actually featured in the reworked song’s lyrics. The show has been very supportive of local up and coming bands and many have exclusively debuted their new material on the show.
Zeitgeist 77’s popularity on the show was confirmed in 2015 when the band topped the annual Christmas Top 79 as voted by listeners with a track about their friend Braney. The song hit the top slot again in 2016 and in 2017 their track about their hometown “Good Morning Teesside” came in at number one. In total, the band had six songs in last year’s Top 30 of the poll.
Singer Steve “Chopper” Harrison said:
“We’ve a lot to thank Keith Newman for. He’s played us constantly on his show and helped us reach new fans all over the world. When Keith’s friend Tom asked us to rerecord the Braney song as a surprise for his birthday we didn’t hesitate. We’ve used lyrics that reflect Keith’s busy life and his day job as a PR consultant and it’s the best way to thank him that we could think of.”
Presenter of the show Keith said. “I couldn’t believe it when my co-presenters Lisa and Paul handed me a CD live on air and simply said “play it.” The band has captured me in minute detail ranging from my passion for local radio to my PR office which is a boat on the Tyne. I feel really honoured that the lads took the time to rewrite and rerecord the lyrics of their most popular song. I’m sure they had an ulterior motive however as they know that I’m guaranteed to play it every week.”
Newman’s Not A Bad Man is available from all download streaming sites.
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Photo Shows: Keith (centre) with the band (the bigger picture agency)
Editors Notes
Zeitgeist 77 were formed in 2011 and their name captures the mood and spirit of the start of the punk movement in 1977. The band comprises of Steven “Chopper” Harrison on vocals, Darren Thomas on guitar, Mick Geezer McGee on bass and David Boz Borrow on drums.
Staffed entirely by volunteers, the internet radio station based in Bedlington broadcasts a variety of music styles and genres as well as running shows produced and presented by local schools and other community organisations. The station has a wide listenership from the Borders to Hexham in the West and south to Teesside as well as listeners all over the world.
The New Wave With Newman show can be heard every Monday at 8pm via its website radionorthumberland.com, by apps such as TuneIn Radio and also by asking Alexa to “play Radio Northumberland.”
Keith Newman runs Highlights PR whose office is on a boat on the Tyne. The office was voted to be one of the top 10 coolest offices in the north east. His clients include Sunday for Sammy, Traidcraft Exchange, Tyneidols, Maritime Volunteer Service and Healthwatch Newcastle. . Media Information: Keith Newman 07814 397951