Thompson Twins' Tom Bailey

Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey plays Playhouse Whitley Bay in Whitley Bay on 15 September 2026. Frontman and songwriter of the Thompson Twins, Bailey brings the crisp, melodic synth-pop that marked the 80s into a tight, contemporary live setup. Synth lines stay clean, rhythms clipped and propulsive, vocals cool and clear. The set moves between the band’s iconic repertoire and his more recent solo work, keeping arrangements lean and direct for a show built on hooks, pulse and economy.

Also on the bill, Blancmange brings the singular touch of Neil Arthur. Formed in 1979 with Stephen Luscombe, the project helped define early British synth-pop with dry keyboards, danceable patterns and hints of Eastern colour. Revived in the 2010s and now led solo by Arthur, Blancmange leans into a more stripped, introspective electronic pop, somewhere between minimal new wave and instrumental textures. Recent albums like Semi Detached, Unfurnished Rooms, Wanderlust and Private View feed a set that balances sharp melodies and steady, understated grooves.