Within a few weeks of moving to Newcastle in 2010, I was first introduced to Trillians Rock Bar, thanks in part to its friendly atmosphere, penchant for live music and immediate accessibility to the city centre. In fact, I can clearly remember the first gig I ever attended at this fabled cellar bar (Enuff Z’Nuff), walking through the snow to catch a Metro home after an incredible live performance at an intimate and underground venue.
When you first enter Trillians and descend its majestic staircase, you’re transported to a location that literally seeps history from its walls. In fact, there’s a beautiful display of musicians carefully calligraphed on the wall into their “gig hall of fame.”
With regular rock, metal, punk, hardcore, reggae, glam and many other shows, you can guarantee an eclectic mix. What I would have given to be a fly on the wall (or in attendance) during American Glam band Poison’s performance in 2001.
Whilst much of its precise history has been lost to anecdote and myth, Trillians has – at the very least – been in operation under this name since the late 1980s. Firsthand accounts of the time indicate that the “bar was in the middle of the room…the room was decorated in pink and bronze”, with many seeing it as just another one of the citiy’s surplus cocktail bars. But a major overhaul (and movement of the bar, and potentially construction of the current permanent stage) occurred soon after, leading to several important moments within the venue’s history; not least the first attendance of soundman Dave Hills and customer Barbara Blair, both of whom would take joint ownership of the venue some 23 years later when its former parent company, The Bramwell Pub Company, entered administration.
An online campaign to save the venue, led by Yvonne Rutherford, attracted the support of over 13,000 people, including the late Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead, and Trillians was able to once again provide a sanctuary for those in need.
As Barbara herself explains: “The main reason for taking on Trillians was to keep it in the hands of people who love the place and to make sure the alternative community had a place to drink and feel safe”.
With its selection of beers, cocktails and, of course, eclectic clientele, welcoming staff, and great music, Trillians Rock Bar continues to excel.
For further information about Trillians and their upcoming gigs, head to trilliansnewcastle.co.uk.
