THERE’S no denying that the North East is home to some impressive musical talent.

From iconic rock stars to pop royalty, the region has produced some world-renowed musicians who have put their own stamp on the industry.

Some have toured around the world and others have had number one hits that you’ll instantly recognise.

Here are five musicians from County Durham, Middlesbrough and Teesside- how many did you know about?  

Dunstan Bruce from Chumbawamba

You might have spent several nights in your local bar screaming Tubthumping (I get knocked down) on the karaoke machine- but did you know that the lead singer is was born locally?

While the band itself was formed in Burnley, Dunstan Bruce was born in Billingham in Stockton-On-Tees.

(Facebook/Interrobang)

Chumbawamba formed in 1982 before disbanding in 2012.

Bruce is currently the lead singer of another Leeds-based band called Interrobang

James Arthur

(Credit: Instagram/@jamesarthur23, @rahulb91)

Middlesbrough-born James found fame on the TV talent show, The X Factor which he won in 2012.

His music career didn’t end there, as he went on to produce several successful albums.

Hit songs that you might recognise are ‘Impossible’ and ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’, both of which reached number one position in the UK charts.

Pete Trewavas from Marillion

(Instagram/@marillionofficial)

Marillion is a rock band that rose to fame in the 80s. You might recognise some of their most popular songs at the time- ‘Kayleigh’ was a UK number two in 1985.

While the band itself was formed in Aylesbury, bassist and backing singer Pete Trewavas, hails from Middlesbrough.

Marillion isn’t the only band that Pete has been part of- he has also played for Transatlantic, Edison’s Children, Kino Iris and The Sea Within.

Trevor Horn from The Buggles


(Instagram/@trevorhornmusic)

Do you remember The Buggles?

This 80s band are best known for their hit song Video Killed The Radio Star; according to the Official Charts, this song reached number one in 1979.

Other well-known songs include ‘Living In The Plastic Age’ and ‘Elstree’.

Trevor Horn was a singer and bassist for the group, alongside keyboardist Geoffrey Downes.

However- did you know that Trevor Horn was born in Durham and grew up in Houghton-le-spring?

Trevor’s successful career didn’t end with The Buggles, as he went onto produce music for bands such as Frankie Goes To Hollywood, ABC, Pet Shop Boys, Malcolm McLaren and Simple Minds.

Whitesnake

(Credit: Instagram/@whitesnake)
80s rock group, Whitesnake, was formed in Middlesbrough.

If you’re a fan of rock music, you will undoubtedly recognise some of their hits ‘Here I Go Again’ and ‘Is This Love’.

Lead singer, David Coverdale, grew up in Saltburn-by-the-Sea before moving to the USA more than 20 years ago.
 

Speaking to The Northern Echo back in 2013, Coverdale admits that he is still a Yorkshire man despite moving away from Saltburn many years ago.

He said: “I start every day with two mugs of Yorkshire Gold Tea, so I am immediately umbilically connected.

“I travel everywhere, all over the world with my Yorkshire Gold, I am a huge ambassador for it, but have never had a thank you, the cheeky buggers.”