British rockers Reef announce special Sunderland show
The gig celebrates a milestone in the city’s grassroots music scene.
Get ready to rock with Reef as they announce a special Sunderland show.
The 20th anniversary celebrations are continuing at Independent in Holmeside with another top gig announcement as Reef take to the stage on Saturday, November 21.
Known for defining an era of British guitar music with anthems including Place Your Hands, Come Back Brighter and Consideration, Reef will bring their blend of soulful rock, huge choruses and live energy to Sunderland for an intimate show as part of Independent’s year-long birthday series.
Formed in Glastonbury in 1993, Reef have sold more than 3 million albums worldwide, achieved multiple UK Top 40 singles and albums, and built a reputation as one of the UK’s most powerful live bands.
Their career has seen them tour alongside the likes of The Rolling Stones, Soundgarden and Paul Weller, while recent years have seen the band enjoy a huge resurgence following acclaimed album Shoot Me Your Ace and major festival appearances across the UK and Europe.
The show joins an already standout run of sold out anniversary events at Independent, which so far has included performances from Tom A Smith, Red Rum Club, Courtney Barnett and The Futureheads.
Speaking about the announcement, Paul Smiles from Independent said: “This year means a lot to us. We’ve spent 20 years putting on gigs, club nights and events in Sunderland and wanted our birthday celebrations to reflect the artists and shows we’ve always loved bringing to the city.
“Reef are one of those iconic British live bands that people genuinely connect with. They’ve got massive songs, an incredible live reputation and they feel like the perfect fit for a special Independent show. To have them joining our 20th birthday series alongside the incredible artists we’ve already hosted is really exciting for us.”
Independent has become one of the North East’s most recognisable grassroots music venues and nightlife spaces over the past two decades, hosting touring artists, emerging bands, club nights and cultural events while playing a major role in Sunderland’s music community.
The venue’s 20th birthday programme continues throughout the year, with further special events still to be announced.
Tickets for Reef at Independent on Saturday, November 21, 2026 are on sale now via independentsunderland.com