The Pirates are back with an 11-piece band, special guests and auction to raise funds for MND in honour of the bands no.1 fan, Janine Turnbull.

More than a band, certainly in numbers.

Born in the early noughties from a mixture of North East musical talent. John Turnbull goaded his musician friends; multi instrumentalists Alan Fender, Kenny and keyboardist Frank Shields, Deja Vu, out of early retirement to form a “covers supergroup” to raise funds for charity.

John and Alan fronted the band. Initially on drums, young Liam Fender went on to to play keyboards and guitar, singing the odd Bowie tune.

3 bass players in Kenny, Jimmy Champney and Mark Appleby, rotated for reasons unknown. Jason Osborne of Zoots Navarro fame joined later as drummer. The legendary Terry Black, Rough Justice, on guitar rocked each gig with a selection of guest performers to boost the numbers.

The band peaked at 14 members.

Alan and Kenny, directed and beat the band into shape. A stunning array of songs went into the sets with everything from the Beatles and Kinks to Paulo Nuttini and Green Day. Boz Scaggs and Steely Dan to James and the Proclaimers.

Far from the obvious pub sets, there were classic tunes together with anthems. A one off event at the Fat Ox in Whitley Bay became an irregular series of gigs around Whitley Bay and North Shields.

The band had a huge following and each gig was mobbed, however, things fizzled out and Pirates haven’t played together for over ten years....

Now, once again John has called the gang together to celebrate the life of the bands biggest fan. Janine didn’t miss a gig or after party and it's fitting that the band once again gathers for a good cause!

(Please note - this gig is sold out. This page is for donations on the night or after the event. Join waitlist here. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pirates-oooh-arrghhh-tickets-1979983996433)

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