Who’d have thought that one of the top films in most of the major UK multiplexes during the first two weeks of 2012 would be a black and white, foreign, silent film? The Artist is such an immensely charming film that it’s bound to do well anywhere. 

It’s a master class in putting on a show from a performer clearly at the top of his game and loving every minute of it. It’s charming and life affirming in a way music should be.

“If Shed Seven have been chasing rainbows all their life, then it’s our eternal good fortune that they’ve yet to find their pot of gold.”

Hanson may never shake the Mmm…Bop tag, but there’s little doubting that they’re a solid live act to back this up as well. A hugely entertaining way to spend a night.

Kate Walsh is in possession of two qualities which are not often bedfellows; her talent is such that she is capable of captivating the entire hall at The Sage in Gateshead with the barest breath of her ethereal voice, and at the same time she is one of the most unassuming and polite and painfully earnest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. On Tuesday 15th November I was fortunate enough to be allowed an interview with the songstress and musician (who in 2006 managed the Herculean task of knocking Take That’s ‘Beautiful World’ album off the top spot in the iTunes download charts with her album ‘Tim’s House’, which she released on her own record label) to discuss her new album, her influences and of course, the obvious topic- “emotional vomit”.

Washington Irving once said “Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart”. Gracious words there, from a man most famous for a story about a decapitated spook terrorising school teachers. True words nonetheless; charitable acts seem to multiply over the festive season. And the North East’s musical community is no stranger to benevolent acts.

Springsteen will be bringing his “heart-stopping, pants-dropping, house-rocking, earth-shaking, booty-quaking, Viagra-taking, love-making” E Street Band to Wearside for one special night.