Simon Rushworth
On the day that Newcastle’s iconic Trillians Rock Bar ceased trading with immediate effect, regular visitor and RUSHONROCK editor Simon Rushworth offers a personal perspective on the venue’s sudden and sad demise.
It has been a Mecca for the more discerning rock and metal fan for decades.
A basement haunt boasting atmosphere, authenticity and just that little bit of danger.
Synonymous with great gigs, great music, great craic and great memories.
But it seems Trillians Rock Bar – in the heart of Newcastle – has had its day.
The first time I visited the hallowed venue followed a trip to Volume Records and preceded a City Hall show.
I can’t remember the album I bought or the show I was about to see. But I remember that first trip to Trillians.
As a teenage rock fan in Newcastle it was a rite of passage and represented a coming of age (not quite legal drinking age – but almost).
It was also opposite the Central Library. On one side of the square there were books about bands and on the other those bands were booked.
My mates played there. My idols played there. And even though I never played there it always remained a dream.
Meeting like-minded metallers was always guaranteed. And for every average gig was a show that blew you away.
I was in there earlier this month. Falling Red and New Device played to a small but perfectly formed midweek crowd and as usual the craic was class.
I’d turned up on my tod but it felt like I was meeting friends. And sure enough I’d chatted to Dickie, caught up with Mel and, well, the list goes on…
Sadly Steve wasn’t around on my last trip to Trills. Jonesy’s been responsible for the venue for the past decade and did a brilliant job alongside his dedicated team.
Tonight it would have been packed. It would have been loud. It would have been full of talk about Bring Me The Horizon, Pierce The Veil, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Metallica and more.
It would have been Trillians.
And it’s a terrible day for the North East’s live music scene that its owners have closed this iconic bar at a moment’s notice.
Its parent company forced into administration, it seems there won’t even be a chance to say goodbye.
Like so many tear-jerking rock n roll stories Trillians appears set for a tragic finale. Newcastle will never be the same again.
Simon Rushworth