About us ...

Myself and Paul have a huge passion for promoting the culture and musical heritage of 1960s Newcastle. The original Club a’ Gogo was hugely important in the 60s and many iconic bands and stars first made their name at the club. Legendary bands played there such as The Animals (who even wrote a song about the club!), The Who, The Rolling Stones, Cream, Spencer Davis Group and Jimi Hendrix to name but a few. American blues acts such as Sonny Boy Williamson, John Lee Hooker and Memphis Slim also appeared there.

The Club a'Gogo Heritage Plaque

Jools and Paul with the Lord Mayor of Newcastle

We are incredibly proud to have successfully lobbied Newcastle Council for a heritage plaque for the Club a'Gogo. The plaque was unveiled on the 8th September 2022. The plaque also remembers the Handyside Arcade, home of the North East sub cults. We feel it is important to remember this part of our more recent cultural heritage and we are aiming to lobby for more heritage plaques.

What we do ...

Our aim is to promote Newcastle’s sub cult history which has been largely forgotten, we want to change that. We write and publish books. So far, the history of the Club a’Gogo and the North East mod scene. We are also writing a book on the sub cult scene of the Handyside Arcade 'Why can't I be you?'. And the diaries of a Newcastle mod girl which will be published towards to end of 2022. We self publish these books, funding our website helps us free up funds to cover the costs of printing these books.

PS! We want your stories! Email us at infoclubagogo@gmail.com if you were a Mod, Skin, Punk, Indie Kid, New Wave, Goth or any other sub cult back in the 60s, 70s or 80s.

Cross Generational Events

Much as we would love to step back in time to 1960s Newcastle, we know we can’t do that. What we can do is bring that authentic Club a’Gogo sound to our dance events. Our events are cross generational and open to all ages who want to dance, love the 60s R&B sounds, meet like-minded people and above all have fun! We feel it is important to provide these events and our age range is 18 - 80. Helping us to fund our website, frees up funds to cover the costs of running these community events.

Student Markets

We bring to the North East the first student markets. Working with Newcastle and Gateshead College Art departments we offer subsidised tables for students to allow them to trade and sell their art/merchandise for the very first time. Funding our website helps us to free up funds to cover the costs of putting on these student markets. Click on link below to see how much our students love their markets!! The Student Markets!

Thank you so much for supporting us, we really do appreciate it!

Jools and Paul Donnelly