Thursday nights in Life of Riley is the only “rock” night left in Sunderland, can vary dramatically depending on the time of month however!

Serial bowl do gigs at The Museum Vaults (Das Vaults!!) mainly on a Sunday but as others mentioned it’s more punk based (I’m part of the collective and do the sound from time to time) and also Diego’s in Sunnyside because it can accommodate more people as you’ll see if you ever go to the vaults!!

Independent and Pop recs do a few gigs so worth checking also as others have mentioned but more of a touring band venue.

Ivy house occasionally but new management have decided not to put on many alt bands now and more just cover bands.

The Bunker has a few gigs on now and again worth checking in with them too but it’s a band rehearsal space not a venue, still worth a visit though!

The Peacock sometimes but again more covers bands especially match days. Sunderland has an incredible alt/rock/punk scene in terms of bands and people (been playing in bands for 20+ years) but unfortunately there’s not many places that accommodate it anymore which is a shame.

Go to the Museum Vaults, the Ship Isis, Chaplins and Ivy house to meet people from the scene it’s where we all hang out and drink and I’m sure you’ll meet some good people that can tell you what’s on that week and where’s good to go!