Why The 1975’s Matty Healy ‘virtually grew up’ at St. James’ Park and Newcastle training ground

When Matty Healy plays the Utilita Arena as the frontman of The 1975 on Wednesday night it will be some sort of a homecoming for the Newcastle United fan.

The charismatic singer was born in London and has spent much of his life in the North West, but did live some of his early years on Tyneside as the son of famous Geordies Denise Welch and Tim Healy.

A proud Northerner, Matty is known for speaking out in support of the region, recently talking of the "underfunded but culturally overexploited north of England" when playing at the First Direct Arena in Leeds. The star's parents are, of course, proud Geordies with Denise Welch recently taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane with her ancestor's sweet legacy in Whitley Bay.

With Geordie blood, it isn't too much of a surprise to learn that Matty is a Newcastle United fan and although he may not speak about his love for the Magpies as much as stars such as Sam Fender, the club has played a part in his life for as long as he can remember.

Matty Healy: “I virtually grew up at St James’ Park”

Speaking to Football Burp back in 2013, the singer recalled how he "virtually grew up" at St. James' Park and the training ground.

He said: "Yeah, massively. I virtually grew up in the crèche at St James’s Park – because my dad was in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet in the ’80s, so he was mates with Micky Quinn and all that lot.

"He used to go on a night out, pick me up on the Saturday and we’d go to the training ground because that’s where all his mates would be."

Read more: Denise Welch recounts hilarious Matty Healy reaction after accidentally leaking The 1975 tour

In the same interview, The 1975 lead singer was also tasked with picking his all-time Newcastle United five-a-side team.

Healy said: "Peter Beardsley, Paul Gascoigne, Alan Shearer, Micky Quinn and David Ginola. Wait, those are just my favourite players – I need a goalkeeper and defence…Just put Beardsley in nets, he’s pretty good in there!"

The 1975 play a sold-out show at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle on Wednesday, January 25 as part of the The 1975: At Their Very Best tour.