Leeds

Leeds is a prominent breeding ground for great British musical talent. Robert Palmer, Soft Cell and Gang of Four in the '80’s, The Wedding Present, Cud and Spacehog in the '90’s and recently bands like Embrace, Hood and The Music. A thriving Punk, Emo and Electronica scene and new bands like the Kaiser Chiefs, 10,000 Things and The Cribs are all putting Leeds firmly on the UK music map.
 

Did you know……?

1) The Who’s most famous album The Who – Live at Leeds was recorded at Leeds University. 

2) Amongst other bands, Nirvana played at The Dutchess in Leeds to an audience that was only half full! The Dutchess is now Burton’s clothing shop.

3) The Beatles played a gig in the old Odeon cinema in the 1960’s. 

4) Lord of the Rings star, Liv Tyler has been regularly spotted walking along Headingley high street with her Spacehog husband Royston Langston.

5)   Carling Leeds Festival is one of Britain’s largest festivals in the spectacular surroundings of Temple Newsam. Check out the Music Festivals section for more information.

Best places to see the big bands

Leeds Metropolitan Student Union

The music scene is closely linked to the student population in Leeds and both unions provide the biggest venues in town, which means the gigs are always lively! Recent acts include Radiohead favourite the Beta Band. City Campus B Building, Calverley. >> Find out more (www.lmusu.org.uk)

Leeds University

The great and the good have all played here; The Who recorded their classic live album here, and loads more rock heavyweights have made their mark here. Recent shows include The Streets, Ash and Britpop favourites, Supergrass. Woodhouse Lane. >> Find out more (www.leedstickets.com/home)

Best places to see the bands of the moment

The Cockpit

One of the most popular live venues around on the gig circuit and one of the best places for touring bands with recent shows by The Bees and the Ordinary Boys. Great Indie club nights as well. Swinegate. >> Find out more (www.thecockpit.co.uk/)

Josephs Well

A great venue with a genuine underground feel and a reputation for kinetic punk and emo shows. Recent acts including hotly-tipped Newcastle band Yourcodenameis: milo. Hanover Walk. >> Find out more (www.josephswell.co.uk)

Best places to see the next big things

The Royal Park

A downstairs cellar provides the setting for local and legendary punk and emo gigs. You can feel the excitement dripping down from the ceiling. 39 Queens Road.

Brudenell Social Club

This used to be an old Working Man’s Club and still has a fantastic charm and is great for underground gigs, including recent memorable gigs from London’s Four Tet and a secret gig by hot new band Franz Ferdinand. 33 Queens Road.

Hip hangouts

Milo

Great DJs mixing it up, free entry, and it looks like the Flintstone's house; and a great rockin’ atmosphere. 10 Call Lane.

North Bar

This is one of the friendliest pubs in town, a welcoming and cosy, busy bar with loads of great local art on the walls. Vibrant tunes on the jukebox, tasty bar snacks and lots of speciality beers. 24 New Briggate.

Best clubs to rock out, move and groove

The Mint Club

A unique décor complete with polo-mint inspired seating. Top DJs playing cool grooves and the popular Funky Worm Hole night every Thursday. 8 Harrison Street. >> Find out more (www.mintclubleeds.co.uk/)

Rehab

Winner of numerous awards, including Musik Magazine’s Dance Club of the Year, this place attracts the big talent in the DJ scene and is home to the legendary Back to Basics night every Saturday. Assembly Street, (behind the Corn Exchange).

Best record shops

Jumbo Records

A milestone in the Leeds music scene for over 30 years, with a large selection of vinyl and a cool clothes section as well. You can also buy tickets to all the local gigs and concerts. St John's Centre. 
>> Find out more (www.jumborecords.co.uk)

Crash Records

A fantastic CD selection, including an eclectic mix with loads of excellent hip-hop, drum and bass, jungle and house music. The Headrow. >> Find out more (www.crashrecords.co.uk)