Sunderland musician "can't wait" to take the stage with Belinda Carlisle at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland musician Dave Taggart reveals whether he has taught Belinda Carlisle any Mackem ahead of Stadium of Light concert
Sunderland musician Dave Taggart has said he is “immensely looking forward” to returning to his home city and hopes to show Belinda Carlisle Seaburn Beach whilst back in the North East.
Dave, 68, who used to go to Red House School, has been a guitarist and backing singer in Belinda’s band for 28 years, but “can’t wait” to take to the stage at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday (June 9).
Belinda, who had a number of chart topping hits in the 80s, and her band are appearing alongside Take That as part of their Circus Tour.
Despite having played at BBC Radio 2’s In the Park, and the Royal Albert Hall, the prospect of playing in front of 50,000 people at the Stadium of Light is “extra special”.
Dave said: “Playing at the stadium in my home city means everything to me. I’m not sure the other members of the band realise how important this is for me, but the excitement is really building and I’m looking forward to it immensely.
“I live in Brighton now, as a lot of my work is in London, but there has been so much positive change and development in the city and I always love coming home.”
Born and raised in California, Belinda shot to fame with a number of chart topping 80s hits including ‘Leave a Light on For Me’ and ‘Heaven is a Place on Earth’, and whilst the Wearside weather looks set to be a bit different to Southern California when they take to the stage, Dave said Belinda is “really looking forward to the concert”.
He added: “I’m hoping to show her Seaburn Beach if we have time.”
When questioned about whether he planned on teaching Belinda any Mackem ahead of the concert, Dave joked: “We were in Manchester a few years ago and Belinda and the rest of the band were having a meal and I said to Belinda ‘be honest, I’ve worked with you for the last 25 years and I don’t think you’ve understood a word I’ve said’.”
When asked about whether it was extra-special to be playing at the home of Sunderland AFC, Dave added: “I wouldn’t say I’m a big football fan, but like anyone who grew up in Sunderland, I follow the team and want them to do well.
“Back in the winter I was supporting Jimmy Nail on his Crocodile Shoes tour. It was the day of the derby and before the concert he had said to me ‘no offence, but I think we are going to smash you in the derby’.
“He had asked the crowd not to let him know the score. It was when we came off for a break and I found out we had won, it was brilliant - such a sweet moment.”