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- Category: whats on
- Updated: 25th January 2023
What's on in Leeds: Upcoming Concerts and Events in 2023
With a thriving music scene, Leeds is a destination for music lovers looking for a mix of established and up-and-coming artists. The city's many venues, from the O2 Academy Leeds to the First Direct Arena, host a variety of genres and styles, making it a must-visit for keen concertgoers.
Indie Gigs in Leeds
Suede
Britpop veterans, Suede, are delivering their slick, sneering brand of glam rock to the O2 Academy Leeds. Frontman Brett Anderson takes down British culture in his signature wail to a backdrop of Bowie-esque riffs and playful basslines, continuing to captivate audiences with their onstage magnetism just like they did back in the 90s.
Inspiral Carpets
Madchester band Inspiral Carpets are back on the circuit, having reformed in 2022. They’ve come a long way since 1980 (they actually reformed once before in 2003), but they can still give classic tracks like ‘This Is How It Feels’, ‘Saturn 5’ and ‘Dragging Me Down’ the psychedelic strut that made fans fall in love with them in the first place.
Razorlight
British indie icons Razorlight will be reinvigorating Leeds with their catchy hooks and down-to-Earth lyrics. Having built up a dedicated fanbase over the years thanks to their electric live performances, Johnny Borrell & co. promise to deliver a concert experience that will leave you wanting more.
Rock Concerts in Leeds
Black Stone Cherry & The Darkness
Black Stone Cherry & The Darkness, American and British rock bands respectively, are set to electrify Leeds with massive drums, collosal riffs, and soaring vocals. Dominating 2000s rock radio with such Black Stone Cherry hits as ‘Lonely Train’ and ‘Me and Mary Jane’ and such Darkness anthems as ‘Love is Only a Feeling’ and ‘One Way Ticket’, it’s hard to image a bill big enough for both bands - yet here it is! Get your tickets now for an evening of wall-to-wall modern rock classics.
Don Broco
Alternative rock and post-hardcore band, Don Broco, are making a stop at the First Direct Arena as part of their 2023 tour. Rising through the UK alternative rock circuit ranks ranks, from supporting the likes of You Me At Six and Bring Me the Horizon to headlining the Slam Dunk Festival, Don Broco have never shied away from experimenting, with their latest single, 2022’s ‘Fingernails’, leaving fans excited to find out what they’ll do next.
Hundred Reasons
After reforming in 2021 and with a new album out in 2023, Hundred Reasons are back to remind the O2 Academy Leeds why we’ve been missing them so much. With two albums reaching the top 20 and six singles reaching the top 40, fan support for this beloved rock band has always been just and strong and enthusiastic as their live performances.
Focus
Focus, the Dutch rock band, is set to entertain and delight Leeds concert-goers with their eclectic take on progressive rock. Adored and revered for combining some of the most memorable rock riffs with some of the most unusual musical elements (such as the flute - and yodelling!), Focus deserves every bit of success and longevity that comes their way. Don’t miss them at the Brudenell Social Club - it’s be an experience that will be etched into your memory forever.
Pop Concerts in Leeds
George Ezra
Get ready Sheffield, George Ezra is coming to town! The British singer-songwriter will be soon be having the whole First Direct Arena singing along to hits like ‘Budapest’ and ‘Shotgun’. With a powerful yet soulful voice that’s unmistakably his own, Ezra’s popular podcast ‘George Ezra & Friends’ is yet further evidence that this performer is as likeable as he is talented - very! Book yourself a ticket now for what’s sure to be an uplifting concert experience, courtesy of the Gold Rush Kid.
Olly Murs
Leeds is in for a treat as Olly Murs, the chart-topping pop star, is set to take the stage at the First Direct Arena. With a string of hit singles and albums, Murs is sure to bring his signature energy and charisma to the stage for an unforgettable night of music. Fans can expect to hear all their favorite songs including ‘Troublemaker’ and ‘Dance with Me Tonight’. Don't miss your chance to see this pop sensation live!
Elton John
Rocketman Elton John is preparing for takeoff with a hotly anticipated show at the First Direct Arena. The legendary singer-songwriter has selected this Leeds venue as one of the over 300 shows that make up his three-year ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’, which serves as a loveletter to and celebration of his half a century as a popular performer. Promising an evening packed with singalongs, from ‘I’m Still Standing’ to ‘Tiny Dancer’, this is a show that will please music lovers of all ages. Don't miss your chance to see this music icon live for the final time!
Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys, the iconic synth-pop duo, are treating the First Direct Arena to a night of non-stop entertainment. Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe are set to perform their greatest hits, including ‘West End Girls’ and ‘It’s A Sin’, accompanied by a spectacular live show, which is sure to leave audiences in awe. Still creating forward-thinking music and visual after four decades, Pet Shop Boys are one of the most successful electronic acts of all time and definitely not one to miss.
Shania Twain
Shania Twain, the Queen of Country Pop, is concluding the UK leg of her 2023 tour at Leeds’ First Direct Arena. The five-time Grammy winner is a must-see thanks to her tireless energy and charisma, best seen in such fan favourite songs as ‘Man! I Feel Like a Woman’ and ‘That Don't Impress Me Much’. Book your tickets now to witness Shania in person!
Metal Gigs in Leeds
Bullet for My Valentine
Bullet for My Valentine, the Welsh metalcore band, are about to give the O2 Academy Leeds a lesson in heaviness. Scoring multiple hit albums since exploding onto the UK metal scene with 2005’s ‘The Poison’, Bullet have remained an enduring presence thanks to their impressive live performances, plus their signature dual guitar attack and clean/screamed vocals heard on such classic metal anthems as ‘All The Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me)’ and ‘Tears Don’t Fall’.
Beartooth
Columbus, Ohio hardcore band, Beartooth, are touring the UK again, making a stop at O2 Academy Leeds. Credited for their part in the revival of nu-metal, it’s Beartooth’s huge choruses that fans stay for. Judging by their latest single, 2022’s ‘Riptide’, the energy is set to go through the roof at this show!
Electric Callboy
Nobody combines electronica, metal, and comedy in quite the same way as German electronicore band, Electric Callboy. Celebrated for taking a more relaxed, comedic approach to heavy music - just check out their extremely popular YouTube channel for evidence of that - Electric Callboy are nevertheless an impressive live act, with devastating metal riffs being swapped interchangeably with insanely catchy pop hooks.
Sabaton
Sabaton are bringing their larger-than-life power metal, all the way from their native Sweden to the First Direct Arena in Leeds, as part of ‘The Tour To End All Tours’. If you liked what Iron Maiden’s take on historic battles with ‘The Trooper’, you’re going to love Sabaton’s frequent riff-laden takes on World War 1.
Comedy Shows in Leeds
Jon Richardson
Jon Richardson has become one of the most recognizable faces in comedy, known for his quick wit and ability to connect with audiences - 8 out of 10 cats say so, anyway! If you like your comedy observational and your storytelling relatable, join Jon for a night of good-natured grumbling you might find yourself agreeing with more than you expected to.
Jenny Eclair
The walls of the City Varieties Music Hall will be echoing with laughter as British comedian, Jenny Eclair, regales Leeds audiences with hilarious tales spiked with her signature sharp wit. A favourite contributor to ‘Grumpy Old Women’, Eclair’s latest show, the aptly titled ‘Sixty Plus! (FFS!)’ is an uproarious reminder of how relatable and engaging she can be from the stage as well from the screen.
Phil Wang
Wang in There, Baby - comedian Phil Wang is on the way. Becoming a firm favourite on the UK panel show scene after appearing on the likes of ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’, ‘Have I Got News For You’ and ‘Would I Lie To You?’, followed by an acclaimed Netflix special, ‘Philly Philly Wang Wang’, in 2021, the quick-witted Wang is a joy to behold.
Simon Brodkin
Hot off the success of his Edinburgh Fringe run, Simon Brodkin is touring the UK with his latest show, ‘Screwed Up’. Making a name for himself with such comedic creations as Lee Nelson, Brodkin has since become the most-viewed British Comedian on TikTok - and, judging by how many dates he’s already managed to sell out, he’s also becoming one of the most-viewed British comedians on stage.