UB40: at First Direct Bank Arena on 13 June
UB40 were the soundtrack of my childhood. Both my parents were born in Birmingham to immigrant families in the 1970s, growing up during the era that UB40 were forming and becoming and integral part of the City’s musical identity. Their music reminds me of the multicultural City, and seeing them live felt like a celebration […]
Nightmares on Wax: at Howard Assembly Room on 21 May (in association with the Leeds Jazz Festival)
At the magnificent Howard Assembly Room, DJ E.A.S.E delivered an unforgettable tribute to the late Chris Dawkins. Chris was founding member and late session player for Nightmares on Wax. This was a night filled with warmth, soul and deep musical reverence. From the opening moments, the atmosphere carried a sense of reflection and celebration. Tracks […]
Testament: at City Varieties Music Hall on 14 May
Testament’s fabulous tribute to William Blake – with the help of Matthew Bourne and some special guests – begins with Songs of Innocence, an introductory poem and rap by Testament. Then, with Ecchoing Green, we get deep into Blake’s love of nature and wildlife, once more given Testament’s special treatment. Perhaps Blake’s most famous poem, Tyger […]
Rainbow Kitten Surprise: at 02 Academy on Friday 29 May, With Cigarettes @ Sunset
Kicking off their UK/IRE tour, Rainbow Kitten Surprise took the stage for an incredible performance that highlighted spectacular visuals, powerful vocals and an exciting atmosphere. The show began with the electrifying Cigarettes @ Sunset who brought an energetic set to the crowd, warming them up with lots of jumping, harmonizing and laughs. They started their […]
Kiefer Sutherland at 02 Academy on 27 May
Kiefer Sutherland’s Love Will Bring You Home European Tour Spring 2026, with support from Colin Andrew. Leeds is lucky to be hosting Kiefer Sutherland – like many musicians lately, he recently cancelled a US tour. I expect this is largely owing to the challenges of rising costs for both musicians and their audiences. Yep, times […]
