Just look at the line-up of celebrities we got to see live on Wearside - from music icons like The Beatles and The Who to stage legend Marlene Dietrich.
Have a look and see for yourself thanks to these photos from the Sunderland Echo archives and Getty Images.
9. Spencer Davis Group
British pop band The Spencer Davis Group. They performed at El Cubana in Sunderland in January 1966. (Photo by John Pratt/Getty Images) | Getty Images
10. Marlene Dietrich
Marlene Dietrich's famed visit to Sunderland in December 1966. She stayed for two nights while she appeared at the Empire. | se
11. The Bachelors
The Bachelors visited Atkinsons shop in Sunderland in 1967 and were surrounded by fans. | se Photo: SE
12. Ken Dodd
Ken Dodd was pictured at a Wearside fashion show in April 1968. | se Photo: SE
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