Newcastle’s city centre was alive with music and excitement on Thursday night as the annual Cosy Joes karaoke final crowned a new singing champion, just a week after the city celebrated Sam Fender’s Mercury Prize win. The event, which has become a staple for local music lovers, saw 19 hopefuls take the stage, each determined to claim the 2025 title and a top prize of £500. After weeks of heats and a nail-biting final round, it was Tony Souter who emerged victorious, stunning the crowd with his powerful rendition of “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down on Me.”
The competition, held at the ever-popular Cosy Joes bar in the heart of Newcastle, drew a lively crowd eager to see who would be crowned this year’s karaoke king or queen. According to ChronicleLive, the atmosphere was electric as contestants belted out an eclectic mix of songs, ranging from classic ballads to modern hits. The judging panel, which included former Voice UK star Jeffri Ramli, Steph from Frisk Radio’s Andy & Steph breakfast show, and a ChronicleLive reporter, faced a tough decision as the standard of performances soared ever higher with each round.
In the end, Tony Souter’s show-stopping performance just edged out the competition. “Tony was most definitely a deserving champion,” wrote ChronicleLive, highlighting how his version of the Elton John classic brought the house down. Elise Scott took second place with a pitch-perfect take on “Who’s Loving You,” while Wendy Ghazal claimed third after a fierce cover of “Finally.” The night’s most entertaining act went to Ian Drever, who, clad in a sparkly suit, wowed the audience with “New York, New York.”
For Newcastle, the karaoke final was more than just a night of fun—it was a testament to the city’s thriving musical culture. The event came hot on the heels of Sam Fender’s Mercury Prize victory, a point not lost on attendees or the local press. “Never let it be said the city isn’t brimming with fine musical talent!” ChronicleLive exclaimed, underscoring a sense of pride that has only grown as local artists gain national and international recognition.
That sense of musical community is echoed by another of Newcastle’s musical sons, David ‘Greenie’ Green. As reported by The Chronicle, Greenie’s story is one of homegrown roots and international acclaim. Growing up in Gateshead, Greenie’s twin passions were music and football—“There was a whole period of my life when Newcastle United and bands were all I really cared about,” he said. Those early days, spent watching Newcastle United with his uncle and grandfather, shaped his outlook and inspired a career that would take him around the world.
Greenie’s musical journey has seen him work with a host of stars, including Sam Fender, Becky Hill, Reef, and Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor. He reminisced about his long friendship with Fender, recalling, “I’ve known Sam for more than 10 years. He used to support Little Comets, who I drummed for, and then I got him a support slot for my former band VANT—we were just ending as Sam was starting.” Despite a busy touring schedule that saw him miss Fender’s historic three-night stand at St James’ Park in June, Greenie remains a vocal supporter, praising the authenticity and camaraderie of Fender’s band: “It’s not contrived, it’s authentic. It’s not put together or manufactured and that’s what makes it so special.”
This October and November, Greenie is back on home turf as part of Adam Ant’s Antmusic tour, sharing the stage with another 80s icon. The tour includes stops at The Glasshouse in Gateshead on October 29 and The Globe in Stockton on October 30, giving North East fans a rare chance to see Greenie perform live in the region. “It’s not often that I get to play in the North East these days and I’ve had those dates in the diary for a while,” he told The Chronicle. “As a Gateshead lad I’m over the moon to be playing The Glasshouse. It’s a real homecoming for me.”
Greenie’s role in Adam Ant’s band came about through a chance conversation with the group’s former drummer, Andy Woodard, in late 2024. That serendipitous meeting led to Greenie joining full time and even participating in an 80s-themed cruise before the UK headline shows. “Management thought it was a great match and I jumped into the job full time—including an 80s-themed cruise! It was a random—but fun—way to get to know the rest of the band and everyone’s been buzzing to get back together for the UK headline shows,” Greenie explained. The Antmusic tour promises to deliver classic hits like “Stand And Deliver” and “Prince Charming,” with Greenie and fellow drummer Jola providing the driving rhythms that defined Adam And The Ants’ distinctive sound.
For Greenie, the chance to play in front of friends and family on Tyneside and Teesside is particularly meaningful. “We’ve got a treat in store for the region’s music fans,” he said. “Stockton has a special place in my heart—whether it was KU Bar back in the day or Stockton Calling, the crowds down there have always been some of the loudest!” The tour also coincides with the release of a career retrospective, The Singles, featuring music from Adam And The Ants and Adam Ant’s solo career, available on CD and coloured vinyl from October 31.
Back at Cosy Joes, the karaoke final may be over, but the buzz around Newcastle’s music scene is far from fading. The bar’s annual competition is a reminder that the city’s talent pipeline is as strong as ever, with new voices ready to step into the spotlight. And with established artists like Sam Fender and David Green continuing to put Newcastle on the map, the region’s musical legacy looks set to endure for years to come.
As the city celebrates its latest karaoke champion and welcomes homegrown talent back to its stages, one thing is clear: Newcastle’s passion for music—whether on the world stage or the karaoke stage—shows no sign of waning.
