The North East remembers The Argus Butterfly in Peterlee. It hosted famous bands before they were huge.
Led Zeppelin played there before they got huge, as did Deep Purple, Jethro Tull, Free, and Thin Lizzy. The Argus also hosted jazz and folk, attracting diverse crowds to its live performances.
Before stadium concerts, bands played small venues. Fans saw these bands up close and remember the energy of the shows. The raw power filled the venue every Sunday.
Some people traveled from Newcastle to see these new rock bands. The pub later became The Tree of York Road, and is now a pub called How Do You Do. The music lives on for those who were there.
Fans recall the packed, sawdust-covered floors, the volume, and the amazing music. Bands arrived in vans then and people did not know they saw rock history being made.
People also fondly remember folk music shows, jam sessions, and tap dancing, showcasing the venue’s wide range of entertainment. Led Zeppelin played March 23, 1969, and Deep Purple played February 23, 1969. Thin Lizzy played July 16, 1972.
It’s hard to believe such a small venue hosted such big bands. The memories are something people will never forget. The Argus Butterfly is gone now, yet the North East remembers it well. It was one of the area’s best music spots.
People are still nostalgic for its impact. It helped music and Peterlee’s culture.