Gateshead, UK – In a move that delighted fans and captivated the North East, singer JADE, formerly known as Jade Thirlwall of Little Mix, launched her highly anticipated debut solo album, “That’s Showbiz Baby!”, with an unexpected pop-up concert at the iconic Angel of the North on Thursday, September 11, 2025. The impromptu performance, announced mere hours before via social media, drew hundreds of fans to the landmark, creating a significant buzz and a memorable start to her solo music career.
From Girl Group to Solo Star
After achieving global success as part of the chart-topping girl group Little Mix, which formed on The X Factor in 2011 and won the competition, JADE has been forging her own path as a solo artist. The transition has been marked by a series of well-received singles, including “Angel of My Dreams,” “Fantasy,” “IT Girl,” and “FUFN (Fuck You For Now)”. Her debut solo album, “That’s Showbiz Baby!”, released at midnight on September 12, 2025, has been years in the making and represents a significant milestone in her artistic journey. The album has already garnered critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its diverse soundscapes and JADE’s vocal performances.
A Surprise Performance at an Iconic Landmark
JADE announced the surprise gig with a simple social media post: “Going live from the Angel of the North at 9pm tonight. Anyone fancy coming down?”. The call to action rapidly gained traction, inspiring fans to travel considerable distances to witness the special event. The artist performed a selection of songs from her new album, including “Fantasy,” “IT Girl,” and “Angel of My Dreams,” from a unique stage set up inside a burger van, complete with DJ decks and dazzling strobe lighting.
The unexpected concert, held in driving rain, saw fans amass in large numbers, lining the A167 and causing traffic disruptions that required police assistance to manage the flow of cars. Despite the weather, the atmosphere was electric, with fans singing along to JADE’s new tracks.
Celebrating North East Roots
For JADE, returning to her North East roots to launch her debut album was deeply meaningful. Hailing from South Shields, she expressed her profound connection to the region, thanking her fans for their unwavering support since her early days on The X Factor. Wearing a Newcastle United shirt, JADE told the crowd, “nobody does it like the Geordies,” highlighting her pride in her heritage and the diversity of the North East. She spoke passionately about being a “product of immigration” and the importance of multiculturalism, referencing her Yemeni heritage in South Shields.
The event was also live-streamed on TikTok, allowing fans who couldn’t attend in person to join the celebration. While the set was a relatively brief but impactful half-hour performance, it served as a powerful and personal launch for “That’s Showbiz Baby!”. Following the Angel of the North event, JADE also participated in a midnight signing at Reflex record store in Newcastle city centre to further celebrate the album’s release.
A Major Step in a Solo Career
The launch of “That’s Showbiz Baby!” marks a major moment for JADE as a solo artist. The album’s release is supported by a headline tour across the UK and Ireland, which kicked off on October 8, 2025, in Dublin. This tour, alongside her successful festival performances and BRIT Award win for Best Pop Act in 2025, solidifies her position as a prominent artist in the contemporary music scene. The surprise concert at the Angel of the North stands as a testament to her connection with her fans and her home region, setting an exciting precedent for the next chapter of her career. This news highlights the dynamic nature of album launches in today’s music landscape.
