The Closest Thing to Heaven is a unique photographic record of the Newcastle music scene in the 1970s and 80s. Featuring a mixture of professional and amateur photos capturing the energy and DIY ethos of the bands and artists that played to the city's loyal crowds. Despite the many social upheavals and economic recession in Britain during this period, there were still people keen to go out any night of the week. The atmosphere of this scene is captured by many of the shots taken from within the crowd of local bands such as Prefab Sprout. The Kane Gang and Arthur 2 Stroke. As well the music, this book features some of the important venues, labels, art and people that were major part of Newcastle's music culture at this time. Covering various genres including post punk and electronic music, as well as more tradition rock, this photo book will bring back memories of a carefree youth that for some was 'The Closest Thing to Heaven'.