Alice Cooper might not seem to have much to do with the local music scene, but at Mickleton Village Hall they tell a different story.
The Teesdale building is home to Mickleton Live, a long-established live music experience. And the legendary School’s Out rocker got a video tour of the venue a few years ago.
Blue Coupe, a Blue Oyster Cult/Alice Cooper-inspired act featuring Dennis Dunaway, bassist in the original Alice Cooper band, was on that night’s bill.
“Before the show Dennis was sat here chatting on his iPad,” said Steve Brown, one of Mickleton Live’s founders. “We didn’t take much notice, until we realised he was chatting to Alice Cooper and showing him the hall. That was a surreal moment!”
Everything started with Mickleton RnB in 2002. Steve, his wife Sue, Judy Caplin and John Carrington set it up. Under a new name, but dancing to the same beat, Mickleton Live celebrates its silver jubilee next year.
“We’ve had members of The Animals here, Albert Lee was part of the George Harrison Memorial Concert and he played here,” said fellow organiser Terry Wilson. “We had Imelda May with Mike Sanchez going back a few years. Aynsley Lister, who is playing this month, tours the world but we’ve got him right here.
“That’s a reflection of what Steve and Sue have done. Musicians know Mickleton, they know they’ll be well looked after. We’re respected in the music community.”
Although gigs share a space with taekwondo and table tennis, there’s nothing amateur about the set up. From lighting to banners, it recreates a dedicated live music venue – with the added bonus of a homely serving of pie and peas.
“We started changing some of the old spotlights into LEDS, we have a proper lighting desk,” said Terry. “And we use pro sound engineers who balance the sound with the artists to give the audience the best night we can.”
And while there’s an established team behind each event, Mickleton Live also helps encourage the next generation to get involved. The current lighting crew are recent school leavers interested in a career in music.
“They learn the skills, get some exposure to this environment,” Terry added. “Every couple of years we get a new crew, they start when they are 15 or 16 then leave to go to university. It’s good for kids in the village.”
The change of pace is also an attraction. Artists and audiences alike often make a weekend of it, travelling from across the north of England and exploring some of the area as well as the Saturday night gig.
“It’s a nice tourist thing,” said Sue. “A lot of people come for the weekend, staying in a B&B or bringing a camper van. They can eat at the Crown, grab a drink at the Blacksmith’s.”
Performers often stay with Angie Gilling, another Mickleton Village Hall stalwart. For touring musicians, who often see little more than hotel rooms and venues, it’s a welcome change of pace.
“We have more of a homely atmosphere and I think that’s what makes it for the band, that’s why they enjoy playing,” said Angie. “I’ve got to know some of them really well, it’s interesting to get to meet different people.”
