Here's Emile Ford in Sunderland in January 1960. He also performed at the Sunderland Empire in 1961 with his band, Emile Ford & The Checkmates.
He is primarily known for his hit "What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For? — Here's Emile Ford in Sunderland in January 1960. He also performed at the Sunderland Empire in 1961 with his band, Emile Ford & The Checkmates. He is primarily known for his hit "What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For? | se

placeholder image — Here's Emile Ford in Sunderland in January 1960. He also performed at the Sunderland Empire in 1961 with his band, Emile Ford & The Checkmates. He is primarily known for his hit "What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For? | se

13 of the biggest stars who came to Wearside in the 1960s

Digital specialist in nostalgia

Published 30th Aug 2025, 06:00 GMT

You lived the dream if you lived in Sunderland in the 1960s - because the place was a magnet for huge stars.

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.

13. The Who

Roger Daltrey performing with The Who at the 1969 Isle of Wight Festival. The legendary band also performed at the Locarno Ballroom in Sunderland in 1969. Picture: McCarthy/Getty Images. | Getty Images Photo: McCarthy

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13 of the biggest stars who came to Wearside in the 1960s

You lived the dream if you lived in Sunderland in the 1960s - because the place was a magnet for huge stars.

13. The Who

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