 In 1969 , the band found time to contribute to other projects . Emerson performed as a session player for Rod Stewart and the Faces , while the whole group provided instrumental backing for the track " Hell 's Angels " on Harper 's 1970 album Flat Baroque and Berserk . Mid @-@ year , tour promoter Michael Emmerson asked the Nice to write some music for the Newcastle upon Tyne Arts Festival . The result was the Five Bridges suite . The group premièred the piece on 10 October 1969 at Newcastle City Hall . A complete version with an orchestra was performed at the Fairfield Hall , Croydon on 17 October , which was recorded for the album of the same name . The title refers to the city 's five bridges spanning the River Tyne , and Jackson 's lyrics refer to his Newcastle childhood and the St James ' Park football ground . 
