RIVERSIDE was the venue that wanted to turn the music industry on its head.

So many magnificent gigs and club nights took place at this legendary venue ... from Nirvana’s first ever UK show to the smallest gig on David Bowie’s 1997 tour, 1988’s Ecstasy club night to Black Grape hijacking the decks. Riverside went from a struggling music co-operative (left-wing ideals funded by the Tories!) to a fledgling business and beyond.

The club became a way of life for many from the early 80s to the late 90s. This book takes a nostalgic look at the club, how it was formed, what it wanted to achieve and what it did achieve. It also forms a social history of a venue that meant so much to so many, now sadly missed but never forgotten. In a time when many now stadium bands were cutting their teeth on the gig circuit, Riverside was the place to play — not just in Newcastle or the northeast but it stood proud alongside the likes of Glasgow King Tuts or the 100 Club in London. It was a place where bands wanted to play and sits in time as a venue where you could have seen Oasis , Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins and Blur play for the price of a packet of chips. All genres through Brit Pop, Grunge, Dance and Electronica.

Many acts who played there are no more and many others went on to achieve global success. The club always maintained its reputation and was respected by those in the business. In its early days, Riverside was part of something special as world-renowned rock stars descended onto Tyne Tees studios a stone’s throw away to perform for The Tube. Riverside itself even had a TV series ... as well as its own disgusting, sticky carpet.

With numerous contributors — the members, staff, promoters, DJs and bands, including Blur, Doctor and the Medics, Michelle Shocked, Mega City Four, 3 Colours Red, The Wedding Present and more — this book provides a comprehensive and compelling social history of the building and club as well as that of the changing face of Newcastle and its music scene from the Thatcher years through to New Labour.