Slam Dunk present
FREE THROW
plus guests
Wednesday 8th July 2026
Newcastle University Students Union
Doors 7pm

Since forming in 2012, FREE THROW’s story has been simple: keep going. New records,
longer tours, bigger rooms – it’s always been another step upward for the Nashville-based
quintet, whose 2014 debut, Those Days Are Gone, has become an era-defining classic in the
emo-punk genre, launching them onto global tours with Hot Mulligan and New Found Glory and
slots at Slam Dunk, Riot Fest, and The Fest. Every milestone has pushed them ahead, but on
their sixth LP, Moments Before The Wind (Wax Bodega), that constant charge gradually slows,
suspended mid-step, mid-thought, mid-life.
Recorded with longtime producer Brett Romnes on either end of the sold-out Those Days Are
Gone 10-year tour, the follow-up to 2023’s Lessons That We Swear To Keep chronicles a
surrealist descent into liminality: a period of intense personal upheaval colored by loss, renewal,
reflection, and, ultimately, life-altering joy through the impending birth of a child. The 11-song set
is disarmingly real, colored by sonic spontaneity – a swirl of Midwest emo, sweat-soaked punk
fervor, and crashing alternative rock – but also the sort of achingly vulnerable lyricism fans and
critics have come to expect from the band. Through it all, Moments finds Free Throw still
moving, still growing, but now, perhaps more than ever, acutely aware that the path ahead is
neither straight nor obvious. There’s a quiet confidence guiding them there into a brand-new
era, ready for whatever the wind blows their way.

Description

Newcastle University Students' Union stands as a prominent cultural and social anchor within the city, extending its influence far beyond the student body it primarily serves. As a Grade II listed building, its architectural presence, a blend of neo-Jacobean grandeur and modernist extension, contributes significantly to the urban fabric of Newcastle upon Tyne. This independent charity operates as a dynamic hub, facilitating a broad spectrum of activities that engage both the university community and wider public audiences.

Within its walls, a distinct atmosphere prevails, where the scent of freshly brewed coffee from its cafes mingles with the subtle aroma of aged timber in the older sections of the building. The lighting shifts from the bright, functional spaces of its advice centres to the more ambient, adaptable illumination of its performance areas, creating varied environments for study, socialising, and entertainment. This thoughtful design ensures comfort and utility across its diverse offerings.

Practical amenities are well-integrated, including Luther's, the established student bar, alongside various food outlets providing convenient sustenance. The building also features dedicated spaces for student support and administrative functions. Its central location on King's Road ensures ease of access, making it a readily available resource for a wide demographic.

Throughout the year, the Union hosts an extensive programme of events. These range from significant live music performances and club nights in its dedicated venue, to a multitude of society gatherings, volunteering initiatives, and welcome events for new arrivals. It consistently delivers a varied calendar, cementing its reputation as a key destination for cultural engagement and community activity.