AN eighties pop icon is urging up-and-coming North-East bands to take part in an event aiming to showcase the region's talent.

The all-day event is scheduled to take place at The Gate complex, in Newcastle, on Saturday, February 22.

Tyneside-born Andy Taylor, part of legendary New Romantic group Duran Duran, said: "Hailing from Newcastle myself, I am only too aware of the real raw talent that exists in the area.

"It is highly important for cities to get behind and nurture their own talent.

"The North-East has its own scene, its own sound and identity, and should be proud of that. It is time to gain our individuality back, to rebel from a world where processed and packaged pop puppets head the charts.

"The North-East has talented musicians and song-writers that should be getting more exposure."

The event will feature ten of the region's unsigned bands and DJs. The band Passengers have already signed up, but The Gate is looking for another nine acts and DJs from any musical genre.

Jude Leitch, the marketing manager at The Gate, said: "The North-East is an absolute hotbed of musical talent, and it is only right that new artists should be given a platform to be heard and to perform.

"We are looking for the freshest, most vibrant, cutting-edge acts in the North-East.

"Not only will the acts be given the opportunity to perform in front of hundreds of people, we have also invited down local music journalists, record label executives and managers, so this could be a big break for someone."

Artists interested in performing should send a demo, biography and a photograph to Margaret Murray, The Gate, Newgate Street, Newcastle, NE1 5TG.

The deadline for entries is Tuesday, February 10.

Published: 19/01/2004