UPCOMING North-East rock talent Pete Shoulder is taking to the road with his new band.

Little has been heard of the 20-year-old from Chester-le-Street, in County Durham, since he played sell-out gigs at Durham City's Gala Theatre and the Rock Bar, in Easington Colliery, County Durham, last autumn.

Mr Shoulder, who signed to recording firm Sony International two years ago, has been busy writing new material and forming a new band.

The trio, called The Others, are taking time off from recording their debut album to support Thunder on gigs in Portsmouth, Norwich, Liverpool, Nottingham, Guildford and Wolverhampton next month.

But the band, reverting for the night to The Pete Shoulder Band, will headline at Newcastle Opera House on Thursday, November 27, at 7.30pm.

Mr Shoulder, who started playing live music aged 13, built a following on the region's pub and club circuit playing blues and rock covers and, in recent years, his own material.

He has twice played at the Stanley Blues Festival, earning the distinction of being the youngest person to perform at the event.

Mr Shoulder, who has only played two acoustic gigs this year, said he was looking forward to showcasing his new band and new sound to his old fans.

He said: "I cannot wait for it. It Is all new material and it will be great to play that to people who remember the stuff I was doing before.

"Hopefully we will be on a roll because it will be in the middle of our little tour. The album is sounding great so far."

Only the stalls will be open for the gig. Tickets cost £7.50 and are available on 0191-232 0899.