The Grove, Byker, Newcastle. 16 September 2026
The second gig that week was in a venue I’d never been to before. The Grove is in a development of small industrial units in Newcastle’s Byker area. There’s level access into the buillding, which includes a bar, a kitchen serving fast food. a smaller cocktail bar, a music venue and an outside courtyard with a massive tv screen on one wall. I can imagine this must have been great watching this summer’s World Cup matches – I think they also screen movies.
When I enquired about access I was able to secure one of two wheelchair spaces plus free carer ticket. Sure enough, there is a tiny railed off viewing platform to the left of the door into the venue and a seat with my name on. A, who was with me was offered a chair to go behind me.
The staff were really helpful too. Although there is no designated disabled parking, the staff member on the outside door advised me to park by the adjacent industrial unit as it had closed for the day. For everyone else there were a couple of steps down into the space so we had great uninterrupted views of the stage. It is tiny – capacity 350, and reminiscent of another iconic Newcastle venue, the Cluny.
Is it me or are support acts getting better? I’ve seen some great ones recently and tonight’s opener, Zoe Graham is a real talent.
A slight figure with a big guitar, Zoe confidently performs well-crafted pop songs with an edge, with unexpected key changes and melodic vocals. New album “Tent” is being sold on the merch stand in the bar and I’ve been listening to it since the gig. There are some great songs …stand out tracks for me are “Divine Feminine Energy”, “Happen” and “Evelin” (the video featuring Zoe’s mum playing a Fanny Craddock style TV chef having a melt down, smashing cake). So check out the album on your streaming account – it won’t disappoint.
Anyway I digress…it was time for the main feature.
Glasgow’s Altered Images were celebrating 45 years of their breakthrough Happy Birthday album.
Lead singer Claire Grogan has been performing ever since, both with the band and acting….who could forget her as Susan in Gregory’s Girl.
This sort of intimate venue suits her well – she’s as sweet and engaging as ever. The album in question was played in full in the first half, then, after a swift costume change from gold playsuit to a swirl of white chiffon and feathers, she was back with all the other hits, including my personal favourite, “Don’t Talk to Me About Love”
What a great night, and a new venue checked out for accessibility too. I’d definitely go back to the Grove again.
