Be Right Back Set for Debut Release ‘Grey / History’ and Special Blyth Launch

Young North East five-piece Be Right Back are preparing to release their first original music on Friday 20 November 2026, with a double A-side featuring ‘Grey’ and ‘History’.

The band began at a rock club at Seaton Sluice Middle School in 2024, when their youngest member was just ten. Music teacher James Peacock brought the young players together, and they’ve since continued rehearsing, performing and developing their own sound, even after moving to different schools.

They won Blyth’s Battle of the Bands at the Phoenix Theatre in 2025 and have since appeared at Blyth Live and Into the Fields, as well as gigs across the North East. Their live sets began with rock covers before lead vocalist Matilda Blakely started writing lyrics and the band began building music around them.

Their five members are Matilda Blakely (vocals and songwriting), Finn Jones (lead guitar), Matthew Emmerson (drums), Roo Bedford (keyboards and saxophone) and Ben Caton (bass). Their influences range from Stevie Nicks and Oasis to metal and Radiohead, with the two new songs putting Matilda’s vocals at the centre.

‘Grey’ and ‘History’ — Be Right Back’s debut release

Speaking in the band’s announcement, Matilda says ‘History’ is inspired by her friends Gracie and Ali and reflects how quickly fears and nerves can disappear when she is with them. ‘Grey’ is about self-confidence and the struggles many young people experience.

“Having music that started as simple lyrics in my notebook finally out in the world means everything to me. I’m so grateful I could bring these ideas to the band, and that together we turned them into something so meaningful for all of us.” — Matilda Blakely

A Night with Be Right Back — launch in Blyth

The band will mark the release on Friday 20 November 2026 with A Night with Be Right Back at Blyth Rugby Club. It is an invite-only launch event, not a publicly ticketed gig. The band says more than 120 supporters will attend, with 20 places reserved for local press, radio and people working in the North East music scene.

Media representatives, promoters and music industry guests interested in attending can request a place through the band’s contacts, Robin Jones or Matt Blakely. No public ticket link or start time was supplied in the announcement.

Be Right Back will also appear in Sunderland, supporting Radio 1’s Charlie Hedges at Silksworth Ski Slope on Friday 23 October, with further live dates expected into 2027.

Release date: Friday 20 November 2026 · Tracks: ‘Grey’ / ‘History’ · Availability: All streaming platforms from release day.