Sunderland band Plastic Glass preparing for socially-distanced gig as live music returns

Indoor performances have been permitted again by the Government, providing social distancing is in place, and Plastic Glass are among the first Wearside bands to be getting back in the spotlight.

The four-piece indie rock ‘n’ roll band, whose members are from Houghton and Sunderland, will be headlining a gig at the 100-capacity Tyne Bank Brewery, in Byker, Newcastle, on Sunday, September 20.

With support from fellow Sunderland-band Post Rome, the gig will be seated and socially distanced, with tickets sold in tables of two, four, six and eight.

This summer, Plastic Glass were due to perform a string of festivals including Stockton Calling and Hardwick Live, in what would have been their biggest gigs in their two years together.

But as the country went into lockdown, and the arts sector ground to a halt, they were forced to take band practices online and, as lockdown eased, outside in their gardens for acoustic sessions.

Bass player Ben Richardson says he can’t wait to be back performing live on stage with band members Lewis Conlin, lead singer; Dylan Abbott, guitarist and Frazer Graham, drummer.

"It’s going to be an unusual experience performing to an audience that’s seated at tables, but we can’t wait to be back at it. We were chuffed to be invited to perform,” said Ben.

He added: “Live gigs have been a huge miss on their own, but gigs also benefit everything else. If you have a single, a festival appearance around its release is a huge help. For some acts though, such as acoustic performances, I think seated audiences will work really well.”

Ben, Dylan and Frazer met while pupils at Houghton Kepier School, with Lewis later joining on vocals after they met at the city’s Gen Factor competition.

Since forming, they’ve gone on to perform at North East venues such as Think Tank in Newcastle and Independent in Sunderland, as well as supporting bands such as The Snuts, The Pale White, The K’s and The Spitfires.

They started off recording their debut single in Dylan’s bedroom and have since gone from strength to strength.

Their latest singles Come Clean and Let Me Know have received national radio airplay from the likes of Tom Robinson on BBC 6 Music and Clint Boon on XS Manchester.

Speaking about how the name came about, Ben said: “We had about 30 different names before one stuck. We always say it represents that feeling of disappointment when you’ve been queuing for ages at a festival for a pint and it’s served in a plastic glass. You squish it and half your pint spills out."

*Plastic Glass and Post Rome play Tyne Bank Brewery, courtesy of Little Buildings, on Sunday, September 20. There’s a limited amount of tables remaining and they're available at Ticket Web.

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