About

It’s been 17 years and counting since we opened our first set of doors for the first time and in that time we’ve seen countless bands and DJs grace our stages. We’ve been Sunderland’s only constant in youth culture through the last very rocky (nearly) two decades. Independent is the home of music in Sunderland, nurturing young talent, supporting bands and often giving people a stage to play their first ever show. We’re a Venue, a Disco and a Drinking Den, and the home of the Blue Pint.

Alongside hosting regular live shows from some of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists and local North East talents, Independent is also the biggest and longest running nightclub on Wearside. Having been the place to party for young people for so long our brick walls (and sticky floors) have seen so many big nights and bad dancing. In 2024, Independent hosts three weekly club nights (see below) alongside a bunch of extra one-offs and extras including monthly residencies with My House (house/techno) and Naijaway (Afrobeats).

Weekly Club Nights:

• Guilty (Wednesday) – Student night with weekly themes and 2-4-1 drinks.
• INDEPOP (Friday) – Giveaways, beer pong, polaroids, free shots, photo booth & more.
• The Sesh (Saturday) – From club bangers to indie anthems, a big Blue Pints fueled sesh.

Independent’s stages (across four rooms, in two different premises) have been graced by tons of acts; from Andrew Weatherall, Jamie Jones or Marshall Jefferson to The Zutons, Jamie T, The Klaxons or local heroes like The Futureheads and Field Music. More recently emerging artists such as The Snuts, The Murder Capital and Holding Absence have played our stages on the way up, plus being lucky enough to host intimate shows in recent years for the likes of Slowthai and The Big Moon. All whilst keeping ourselves grounded doing what we do best, providing a home for the bands of the North East to showcase their original music.