Cuba Cuba celebrates its fifth anniversary as the region's leading rock club this month with resident DJ Little Jeff admitting: "I never believed we'd get this far."
It is five years since the legendary Mayfair closed its doors, forcing LJ and his colleagues to decamp east in search of a vibrant new venue.
And if Cuba Cuba is only just realising its potential, with a multi-million pound refit underway, then Friday and Saturday nights at the loudest gig in town have long since proved the popular choice with rockers old and new.
"There was a lot of uncertainty after the Mayfair closed its doors but there has never been so much interest in every genre of rock music," explained Little Jeff.
"We're regularly full to capacity at a time when a number of clubs are seeing a downturn in business.
"The refurbishment - with new floors and plasma TVs - will offer our customers an even better service and I'm confident the region's rock scene will only go from strength to strength."
Cuba Cuba is hosting a Marilyn Manson promo night as part of the club's anniversary celebrations. The American shock rocker releases his new single and Greatest Hits album this month.
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Rush have made a rousing return to the UK as their 30th anniversary tour gathers pace and Rock Solid's team were privileged to attend last night's sensational show at the Manchester MEN Arena.
A classic set featuring a song for every year, including 2112, Spirit of Radio, Tom Sawyer, YYZ and from the latest album Earthshine, had a full house baying for more.
But ecstatic fans leaving last night's show disappeared into the Manchester night wondering whether Canada's finest rock exports will ever tour the country again.
If not then Geddy and the boys cannot be faulted for going out with the proverbial bang.
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Prepare for a real rock ruck later this month as two of the noisiest newcomers on the metal scene go head to head on Tyneside.
Alien Crime Syndicate bring their stadium-style class to The Cluny on September 27 - the same day Johnny Panic seek to whip The Archer faithful into a fret-fuelled frenzy.
And if that little lot isn't quite enough then check out The Vacation at Newcastle's University of Northumbria on October 1.
