Futureheads’ Barry Hyde Commemorates Unreleased Music: “They Never Got Out”

When Barry Hyde of the Futureheads was asked by the Sunderland city council to create an album celebrating the region’s mining heritage, he was in for a surprise. A historian friend shared with him that some of his own ancestors had tragically perished in the Trimdon Grange mining disaster of 1882. The young sons of his great-grandmother, Thomas and Joseph, were among the victims, along with another Joseph Hyde and possibly a William J Hyde. This unexpected family connection added a deeply personal layer to the album Barry was creating, titled Miners’ Ballads.

Sitting in the cozy surroundings of the Peacock, the Sunderland pub he runs with his family, Barry reflects on the significance of the mining legacy. The pub’s former name, the Londonderry, still visible on an old window, serves as a reminder of the mining roots that run deep in the region. Despite the pub’s transformation, the memory of the Marquis of Londonderry, who once owned many of the mines, lives on.

Barry approached the creation of Miners’ Ballads with a sense of responsibility, wanting to do justice to the lives of the miners despite never having been one himself. Delving into historical archives, he immersed himself in the miners’ reality of uncertainty and danger, juxtaposed with the strong sense of community that emerged from the shared experience of working in the mines.

The album features a mix of musical styles, reflecting the range of emotions and experiences associated with mining life. From uplifting anthems to poignant ballads, Barry masterfully captures the essence of the mining experience. The haunting track “The Endless Ropes” draws inspiration from a former miner’s chilling account of a mining accident, while the energetic drumming on “Come All You Colliers” pays tribute to a departed friend who was a talented drummer.

For Barry, Miners’ Ballads is just the latest chapter in a journey that has taken him from music to pastry chef to music teacher. Embracing each new opportunity, he has found ways to express himself and connect with others through his creativity. The album represents a culmination of these experiences, a meaningful tribute to his familial roots and a testament to the enduring legacy of the mining industry.

Standing at the memorial in Kelloe, where his ancestor William J Hyde is commemorated among the victims of the Trimdon Grange disaster, Barry reflects on the lives lost and the impact of that tragic event. Making Miners’ Ballads has been a transformative experience for him, reinforcing the importance of creating something meaningful and impactful. As he prepares to perform the album with the Durham Miners Association brass band, Barry feels a profound sense of pride in what he has accomplished.

Miners’ Ballads by Barry Hyde is out now on Sirenspire Records, offering listeners a glimpse into the rich history and emotional depth of the mining community. Don’t miss his performance at the Durham Brass Festival on July 14th, where the music will come to life in a powerful celebration of heritage and resilience.