Smokin' Spitfires | The Bubble Foundation
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Smokin' Spitfires

fundraiser

Who are the Smokin Spitfires? AKA the East Side Torpedoes


The Smokin' Spitfires are an eight+ piece soul and rhythm and blues (R&B) band based in the North East of England. They specialise in performing original music composed by their lead singer, Neil Hunter. Both Neil Hunter and trombone player Terry O'Hern were pivotal members of the East Side Torpedoes, a renowned band from the same region - they also donated their remastered album to us which you can download below. The Smokin' Spitfires have continued this legacy, delivering dynamic performances that blend original compositions with classic soul covers.

The band has a longstanding tradition of supporting charitable causes, notably the Bubble Foundation. They host monthly Sunday afternoon gigs at The Cluny in Newcastle, in aid of the Bubble Foundation. Between 2013 - 2024 they raised an astounding £24,100!

Over the years, the Smokin' Spitfires have been recognised for their exceptional musicianship, with individual members having collaborated with prominent artists such as Ray Charles, Jimmy James, David Coverdale, and John Miles. Their collective experience and passion for soul and R&B have solidified their reputation as one of the most popular bands to emerge from the North East since The Animals, and we couldn't be happier to have them as regular fundraisers, supporting the patients and medical research on Ward 3.

Watch them live on the first Sunday of every month at the Cluny, Newcastle - in aid of the Bubble Foundation

Get ready for an afternoon of soul, rhythm and blues that will have you moving your feet. The Smokin’ Spitfires are at The Cluny on the first Sunday of every month, filling the room with powerful brass, classic covers and feel-good energy.

Every ticket helps raise funds for children and families on Ward 3, so you’ll be enjoying great music while making a real difference. Bring your friends, sing along and be part of something special. You can only pay on the door at this event.

View Cluny website for updates

What do the Smokin' Spitfires sound like?

The Smokin’ Spitfires bring the very best of rhythm and blues and soul music to life. The brass section is powerful and drives every song with energy, whilst Neil's soulful rasping vocals and a tight rhythm section bring classic covers like Jackie Wilsons Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and Higher to life. At The Cluny in Newcastle, where the band perform every month, the sound mixing is perfectly balanced so that every note rings out, which is a hard job when there can be 10+ people on stage. The result is a wall of soul that fills the room, gets feet moving and makes each show as good as the last.

A special thanks to Ross Lewis for doing the sound for The Cluny gigs for many years. While also helping bands like Frankie & the Heartstrings and Detroit Social Club

Occasional support - Ft. Kissed the band

On special occasions we often have the pleasure of our delightful support act, Kissed - Adding their own magic to an already special afternoon. You'll know when you have been Kissed!!

Since 2014, Kissed have been delighting audiences across the North East and beyond with their melodic interpretations of classic pop songs. Their harmonies and heartfelt performances capture the joy of live music and bring people together wherever they play.

Kissed are a group of well-loved North East actors and musicians who came together through the Muma Moonshine Festival. Nicky Rushton, Sarah Van Jellie, Charlie Hardwick (our very own Patron!), Zoe Lambert and Nathalie Stern make up the band, and their music is filled with warmth, creativity and joy.

When they perform with the Smokin’ Spitfires, the result is always uplifting. Together, they create unforgettable afternoons at The Cluny that not only celebrate music but also raise vital funds for families on Ward 3. You can follow them here

Download the East Side Torpedoes album in aid of the Bubble Foundation

Before Neil Hunter and trombonist Terry O’Hern formed the Smokin' Spitfires, they were in a band called the East Side Torpedoes, where a lot of their material started.

We’re excited to announce the remastered album The Best of the East Side Torpedoes, now fully handed over to the Bubble Foundation UK. All proceeds from this remastered collection go directly to support the charity.

The album, produce by the Chas Chandler features 3 classic studio tracks and 4 live recordings from the 1981–1984 line-up, plus three bonus videos from Knebworth Jazz Festival, Tyne Tees TV, and the Buddle Arts Centre. These remasters capture just how thrilling this Newcastle band was, one of the finest live acts in the UK at the time. East Side Torpedoes played across the country, supporting legends such as Ray Charles and Robert Cray, and regularly appeared on TV and radio.

Download the album on Bandcamp and enjoy great RnB, soul, and blues while helping children and families on Ward 3.


Credits:
Neil Hunter - vocals Brendan Healy - piano (Dave Price on Face It Where It Stands) Steve Hall - guitar Derek Nattrass - bass Dave Allan - drums (Steve Dolder on Face It Where It Stands) Lindolph D’Oliveira - tenor sax Nigel Stanger - alto sax Dave Connolly - trumpet Terry O’Hern - trombone

P.S on Bandcamp Friday's the platform waives all fees giving 100% to charity. Bandcamp Fridays in 2025 are on:

Buy the album in aid of the Bubble Foundation

Formed in 1978, the East Side Torpedoes were one of the most influential live acts to emerge from Newcastle. Led by vocalist and songwriter Neil Hunter, the band began as a five-piece and expanded to include a full horn section, delivering a powerful blend of original material and classic soul covers. Their performances were known for their energy and tightness.

Throughout the early 1980s, the Torpedoes played extensively across the UK, supporting renowned artists such as Ray Charles and Robert Cray. They gained national recognition with airplay on BBC Radio 1 and Radio Luxembourg, and their music was featured on Tyne Tees TV. Their 1982 album Coast to Coast, produced by Chas Chandler of The Animals, showcased their dynamic sound, though it was noted that the production did not fully capture the band's live energy - Until today Through the fully Remastered version of the tracks.

The Best of the Eastside Torpedoes, a collection of remastered tracks is now live and that includes live recordings and music videos from the early 1980s. All proceeds from this release benefit the Bubble Foundation, supporting children and families facing serious health challenges.

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More about the Spitfires

Their music is full of energy and soul, blending original songs with powerful versions of classic soul favourites by artists such as Wilson Pickett, Sam and Dave, and James Brown. Every performance is a celebration of live music that gets people dancing and singing along.

The band’s story is not just about music. Individually, members have supported legendary names like Ray Charles, Jimmy James, David Coverdale and John Miles. Together, they have become one of the most respected live acts to come out of the region, with a loyal following that spans generations.

What makes the Smokin’ Spitfires truly special is the way they give back. For more than ten years they have played monthly Sunday afternoon gigs at The Cluny in Newcastle, raising money for the Bubble Foundation. Through their generosity, and the support of their fans, they have helped us raise over £24,000 for children and families on Ward 3.

The band also release music, including their retrospective album that brings together fan favourites from earlier CDs. Their Christmas shows in Darlington and other seasonal performances are a highlight of the year, bringing even more people together to enjoy soul music at its best.

The Smokin’ Spitfires are part of our story at the Bubble Foundation. Their music not only lifts spirits, it helps us provide the comfort and resources that families need while facing long stays in hospital.