Sunbeam started out as ‘mates jamming’ but over time gathered pace – they’re soon to play in Hull as part of the multi-stage tour of the north
Sunbeam in action and inset; Jimmy Organ-Simpson (front left), Nicky Baxter (back right), Sean Stuart (front right), Sean Danby (back left)(Image: Sunbeam/Crosfield Content)
“Buzzing” Whitby band Sunbeam are all set to embark on ‘full throttle’ seven-date tour of northern venues – taking in Hull next month. The band – made up of frontman Jimmy Organ-Simpson, 34; guitarists Nicky Baxter, 34, and Sean Stuart, 35; drummer Sean Danby, 36; and Dave Stuart now on bass – will kick off the string of dates with a show in Newcastle and stop off at The Polar Bear on March 21.
The northern tour, called When The Lights Go Low, comes months after signing to Songbird Music Management, which also boasts Geordie singer-songwriter Andrew Cushin on its books. Sunbeam was the brainchild of friends Jimmy and Nicky in 2016. Nicky and pal Sean Stuart had played in bands together since their early teens, with Jimmy joining them to jam for “something to do”, said the singer.
Sean then had to “up sticks” for work so Jimmy and Nicky decided to carry on under the name Sunbeam. Keen footballer Jimmy, who played a debut game for Whitby Town FC in 2016, said: “What started as a few mates jamming soon became a regular weekend sight in the pubs around Whitby! We played any song, anywhere and said no to nothing. It helped us cut our teeth and learn our craft.
“We gradually started introducing our own tunes into the covers set and before we knew it they were getting sung back at us! We remained a duo for a number of years, often trying to increase the band’s members – but it wasn’t til Sean came back into the fold a few years ago that we really started to take off.
“Now with the addition of Sean Danby on drums and Dave Stuart on bass we are at full throttle!”
Sunbeam soon garnered a hefty home-town following with their anthemic, catchy Indie tunes, often liked by fans of DMA’s, Gerry Cinnamon, The Courteeners, and The K’s. Sunbeam’s breakout track Everytime You Call made #2 on the iTunes Alernative Chart in May 2023. As well as enjoying regular spins on Radio X’s X-Posure show, their sold out their first headline home-town show to a 1,000-strong crowd in December 2024 – and again in 2025.
The band has already hit some of the UK’s biggest festival stages, with standout performances at YNOT Festival and the iconic Isle of Wight Festival, leaving audiences “buzzing”. They’ve also shared stages with the likes of the Kaiser Chiefs and The K’s.
More recently Middlesbrough FC, Leeds United and Match of the Day has played their latest single Afterglow to hundreds of thousands of footy fans, while playlists Formula One Official, F1 Tracks, Silverstone, Premier League and multiple football clubs have added their music.
As well as the tour, Sunbeam’s 2026 calendar is filling up with multiple gigs and festivals on the cards, and an EP out March 6 – to download and stream on digital platforms, Spotify, Deezer, Apple, ITunes.
Lead singer Jimmy said: “We’re delighted to be heading back out on the road this March, following on from our debut headline tour last November – we’ve been itching to get back out! There’s something different about playing exclusive to people who have paid to see us, our people! We’ve got some mint ideas for the live set and can’t wait to get among it!”
Manager Leigh Macfarlane, of North East-based Songbird Music Management, said: “This band has been on my radar for a while – I was just waiting for the right moment to make a move. With new music on the way, a tour in the works, and the right promoters backing them, that moment feels like now.
“Sunbeam are built for big things. Their sing-along anthems and high-energy live shows make them a must-see for any true live music fan. But it’s not just the songs – it’s the attitude. They’ve got the drive, the hunger to grow, and the commitment to keep honing their craft every single day.
“It won’t be long before everyone’s singing a Sunbeam chorus at the top of their lungs – and hearing them all over the radio!”
When The Lights Go Low tour dates:
- Cluny 2, Newcastle, Thursday, March 5, 7pm
- Social Room, Stockton, Friday, March 6, 7pm
- Gorilla Fest, Mexborough, Saturday, March 7, 7pm
- The Fulford Arms, York, Thursday, March 19, 7pm
- Polar Bear Music Club, Hull, Saturday, March 21, 7pm
- Yellow Arch, Sheffield, Friday, March 27, 7pm
- The Wardrobe, Leeds, Friday, April 3, 7pm
Tickets are available here.