EP12 | Barry Hyde | The Poet, The Prisoner and The Lion Tamer | Local Heroes Podcast

In this episode of Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan talk to Barry Hyde of The Futureheads,a rare, unfiltered peek behind the curtain.

We dive into his personal journey through the intense pressures of the music industry - from touring with Franz Ferdinand to confronting the pressure of failure and the emotional weight of creative leadership. 

Barry opens up about his experience living with bipolar disorder, the clash between The Futureheads’ upbeat public image and private struggles.

He shares his passion for community music - from prisons to classrooms - and reflects on his deep ties to Sunderland, a proud Music City with a rich cultural legacy. 

From Dave Stewart, Lauren Laverne, to grassroots champions like The Bunker and Pop Recs, Sunderland’s scene is thriving - and Barry’s right at the heart of it. 

Working with 'The Levellers' Dan Donnelly to revive The Peacock pub and creating Birdland Studios, Barry speaks about his surprise time working in a kitchen, his genuine love of food, and how hospitality became part of his creative life.

We also explore his latest solo project, Miners’ Ballads, released on 21st March. Commissioned by Sunderland City Council and a powerful tribute to the North East’s coal mining heritage.

We touch on the steep learning curve of being a pub owner during that unforgettable Euro 21 lockdown fixture between England v Italy, and how his circus family roots, including lion tamers and boxers, still echo through his sense of self.

This is a raw, funny, moving conversation about survival, creativity, and staying grounded in your community.