Easington Colliery Band has secured the type of stage gig any band in the world would be envious of, as they look forward to performing with rock star Dave Stewart at a special homecoming concert in Sunderland in September.

The singer songwriter was part of the phenomenally successful Eurythmics duo with Annie Lennox — a musical partnership that topped pop charts around the world with songs such as 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)', 'Who's That Girl' and 'Here Comes That Rain Again'.

Birthday homecoming

The show at Sunderland Empire on 10th September, will celebrate the musician's 65th birthday back in the city where he was born. Easington Colliery will accompany him on two of his songs written about his time growing up there.

Speaking to 4BR, Band Chairman Peter Lawson said that despite competing at the Dr Martin Wainstone's Cup contest on the same day, this was an opportunity too good to miss out on.

"I have to admit that when I first got a call from a bloke saying he was Dave Stewart and that he wanted to play with the band, I was a little bit sceptical — but I was amazed that he knew so much about us.

He was brilliant about everything, especially when he came to visit our rehearsal to explain what he wanted to do with the two pieces and to go through things. He's a superb musician and so full of respect towards the band and the brass band movement."

He's a superb musician and so full of respect towards the band and the brass band movementDave Stewart

Amazing night

Peter added: "Our MD Ian Robinson has arranged the accompaniment to the songs, so as soon as we have performed at the Dr Martin contest we will head straight back to Sunderland for a sound check and then take to the stage.

The concert was sold out within hours, so it's going to be an amazing night."