Key Points
- New Touring Band Announced: Andrew Cushin, a native Heaton singer-songwriter, has put together a new band to accompany him on his upcoming 12-show winter UK tour.
- Rock Legends Coming Together Again: The lineup will see lead guitarist Johnny Bond (‘Bondy’) and drummer David Green (‘Greenie’) come together once again after having performed together in the indie rock group Detroit Social Club.
- Expanding Musical Horizons: Also playing in the band is Joe Corby (‘Joe The Blow’), a former Red Rum Club’s horn player, on trumpet, along with bassist Michael Anderson and keyboardist Richard Smedley.
- Breaking Records at Newcastle: Andrew Cushin will be playing his 5th show in a row at the O2 City Hall in Newcastle on the 10th of December, breaking the record for a male solo artist from the North East.
Newcastle (Newcastle Times) September 17, 2026 – Heaton-born singer-songwriter Andrew Cushin has unveiled an updated, star-studded backing band ahead of his biggest UK headline tour to date. The newly assembled six-piece lineup brings together prominent figures from indie rock history and brass music, setting the stage for a landmark homecoming concert at Newcastle’s O2 City Hall this December.
As reported by Life Writer Barbara Hodgson of Chronicle Live, Cushin’s refreshed live group re-establishes historical ties within the North East music scene. The new band reunites lead guitarist Johnny Bond—formerly of Catfish and the Bottlemen and Detroit Social Club—and drummer David ‘Greenie’ Green, who previously shared the stage in Detroit Social Club. The lineup is further elevated by former Red Rum Club trumpeter Joe Corby, bassist Michael Anderson, and keyboardist Richard Smedley.
The tour, which spans 12 dates starting 29th November in Hartlepool, follows the commercial milestone of Cushin’s second studio album, Love is Everyone, which earned the artist his first top 40 record. The tour culminates locally with a record-setting fifth headline show at the O2 City Hall on 10th December—the most by any male solo musician from the North East—before concluding with Scottish dates in Glasgow and Edinburgh on 14th December.
Who is in Andrew Cushin’s new live band?
The newly revealed touring personnel features a mix of seasoned British indie veterans and regional musical talent:
- Andrew Cushin: Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar
- Johnny ‘Bondy’ Bond: Lead Guitar (formerly of Catfish and the Bottlemen and Detroit Social Club)
- David ‘Greenie’ Green: Drums (formerly of Detroit Social Club, Little Comets, VANT, and session player for Adam Ant)
- Joe ‘Joe The Blow’ Corby: Trumpet (formerly of Red Rum Club)
- Michael Anderson: Bass Guitar
- Richard Smedley: Keyboards
As detailed by Barbara Hodgson of Chronicle Live, the combination of Bondy and Greenie marks an emotional and musical reunion for two musicians who originally rose to prominence together in the Geordie indie ensemble Detroit Social Club. Furthermore, drummer David Green brings extensive session experience, having contributed to projects with Little Comets, VANT, Adam Ant, and television productions such as The X Factor UK.
Adding a fresh instrumental layer to Cushin’s guitar-driven songwriting is brass player Joe Corby. Corby’s recruitment comes after his departure in February from Merseyside alt-rock group Red Rum Club, where he performed as trumpeter for a decade.
What has Andrew Cushin said about the upcoming tour and new band members?
Addressing the upcoming winter road run, Andrew Cushin acknowledged the scale of the undertaking while expressing enthusiasm for the new sonic arrangement.
As reported by Barbara Hodgson of Chronicle Live, Cushin stated:
“This is my biggest UK tour to date. That in itself can be a little daunting but we all can’t wait to get it started.”
Commenting on the chemistry of the newly formed group and the addition of brass instrumentation, Cushin added:
“Bondy and Greenie have played in a band together before and now, with the addition of ‘Joe The Blow’ on trumpet, I think this band is more than capable of smashing these shows out the park. To have three Geordies in the band as well and then bring this whole new live show back home to the City Hall is going to be class.”
Reflecting on his relationship with his hometown audience in the North East, Cushin emphasized:
“Newcastle has been behind me from the start and I know what that room is like when everyone gets going. We cannot wait to get up there and give them a proper show.”
How have the new band members reacted to joining Andrew Cushin?
The newly appointed musicians have shared their excitement regarding the collaboration and rehearsal process.
As reported by Barbara Hodgson of Chronicle Live, lead guitarist Johnny Bond expressed confidence in the line-up, describing the roster of “wonderful faces of old and new” as a unit that would be “a force to be reckoned with!”
Drummer David Green disclosed that he had followed Cushin’s trajectory prior to joining the live setup. As highlighted by Barbara Hodgson of Chronicle Live, Green stated that he had been a fan of Cushin
“since discovering his music a few years ago and recognised his talent instantly.”
Trumpeter Joe Corby shared his eagerness to return to touring following his departure from Red Rum Club earlier in the year. As reported by Barbara Hodgson of Chronicle Live, Corby remarked:
“I was really flattered to get the call as they’ve already got such a big sound. I can’t wait to add to that. I’ve been itching to get back out there since parting ways with Red Rum Club in February and I couldn’t be happier to do it with this group of lads.”
