Fundraiser for Musicians’ Legacy to Support Young Artists Reaches Target

The family of a couple who died in a motorbike accident expresses hope that “their legacy can live on” through a local music centre. Andrew Lartey, 30, and Georgia Tate, 23, both from Newcastle, were tragically killed in a crash in the Scottish borders in July, an incident that also claimed the life of Jason Gibbon, 37, from Northumberland. As both individuals were musicians, Andrew Lartey’s father, Dez, requested donations to the North Tyneside Music Hub, where they had previously assisted young people, in place of flowers. The fundraising initiative has now successfully met its £10,000 target, and Mr. Lartey remarked that it would be a “chink of light” if the funds could “inspire young musicians.” Mr. Lartey noted that the couple performed as a duo in the band Love Over Gold, and his son was also a member of The Straits UK, a Dire Straits tribute act. Both had supported young musicians at Traxx Studios, an integral part of the music hub, which offers complimentary rehearsal space and coaching for aspiring artists. Bobby Proctor, representing Traxx Studios, stated that the money collected would provide them with “more of an opportunity fulfil more activities for youngsters in the music industry.” Laila, 14, who rehearses at the studios with her band Belladonna, indicated that the funding could assist her in becoming a professional musician. “We could even maybe get some recording equipment to help maybe record some songs of our own,” she said.