Peter Smith

I taught Computing at the University of Sunderland and was for some time Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Technology. Since my retirement I have started to teach students online for several universities, including Sunderland.

I have three children who all live in the area and my mother, who is almost 95 years old, also lives close by.

I had a life changing accident almost seven years ago when I fell down the stairs at home and broke my neck, leaving me paralysed from the neck downwards. I have a team of personal assistants, working on different shifts and looking after me at all times.

I have three passions in life: my family, working and supporting my students and rock music. I love classic rock and pop: music from the 1960s and 1970s. My favourite bands are old rock bands such as the Rolling Stones and The Who.

I have been to hundreds, if not thousands, of concerts over the years since my first concert, when I went to see the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band at Sunderland Empire in 1969, when I was 12 years old.

Since then, I have seen a wide range of artists including the Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Abba, Barbara Streisand, Oasis, Status Quo and many, many more.

I blog about the concerts that I go to and I continue to go to as many concerts as I possibly can. Although the logistics of this have become more complex; I still manage to get out and about a lot.

I am particularly pleased that Sunderland now has its own great venue The Fire Station, which I visit often to see concerts.

I will be reporting on my musical adventures, concerts I go to, and music I like. I am excited by the prospect of sharing my musical passion with residents of Sunderland.