Following my recent list of gigs to get down to at the end of January, here’s a bunch of electric events happening in Leeds for the rest of February!
Peter Hook & The Light @ Leeds 02 Academy – February 9:
Kicking things off, we have former New Order bassist and co-founder, Peter Hook playing with his current band – The Light. The Leeds date is off the back of a worldwide tour performing New Order classics from their impeccable back catalogue. You can expect to hear plenty of tunes from New Order’s Republic and Technique. Technique was the first New Order LP to reach No. 1 on the UK charts and Republic is home to one of their finest ever tracks – ‘Regret’. The Academy is a phenomenal venue for acoustics and sound quality, which will complement Hook and his band perfectly, make sure you do not miss out on this one!
Tears for Fears @ First Direct Arena – February 9:
I’m afraid Tears for Fears are playing the same night as Peter Hook so you have the choice of either, but I couldn’t leave either out of this list. The seminal 80’s giants are currently touring arenas around the UK and playing some of the biggest shows of their careers. Mega-hit ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’ has been their opening song for the shows so far, and that is certainly one way to draw in an already eager crowd and to send them into hysteria. Also, Alison Moyet is your support act for the night, thus leaving you with seeing two legends in one night!
The Lemonheads @ Leeds Stylus – February 13:
You will most definitely recognise American rockers The Lemonheads from their cover of the Simon and Garfunkel classic ‘Mrs Robinson’. However, the band, who have been around since 1986, have a plethora of great rock tunes which will sound great in the intimate Stylus venue. Touring their brand new covers album ‘Varshons 2’, you will hear a great deal of the new material, as well as classics of arguably their most famous piece of work, ‘It’s a Shame about Ray’.
Brian Cox @ First Direct Arena – February 14:
Granted, Brian Cox is no musical artist, but if you can get tickets to this one then be sure too!
Ormstons @ Oporto – February 17:
If you haven’t got any plans next Sunday evening, then make sure you head down to Oporto to check out a very new and exciting band – Ormstons. The local four piece are yet to release an album, but I would recommend checking them out solely on the basis of their biggest single to date – ‘Mexico City’. They recently played a set at the Live at Leeds announcement event (where you can check out my Skinny Living and The Hubbards interviews on these links) and put on an encapsulating show, including their two other singles available on Spotify – ‘Can’t Take your Call’ and ‘Bridgewater Way’. Stay tuned with Leeds: Live and Loud, as I have a video interview upcoming with Ormstons in the coming days!
Fling @ Brudenell Community Room – February 22:
Indie-pop rockers Fling head to Brudenell to dazzle the Leeds crowd on February 22. Another band who are touring based on the pulling power of their singles, leaving the crowds drooling for the soon to come debut album release. Hit single ‘That’s Nice’ has racked up some big viewing and streaming numbers on Spotify, signifying that they are building a big following up and down the UK. Their debut album ‘FLING OR DIE’ is due to be released on the very day of this gig, so it’s set to be a special night for all involved!
Drenge @ Headrow House – February 24:
Here is a slightly different experience than your average gig. Rock band Drenge are a hosting a special FREE entry launch gig/signing to celebrate the release of their new album “Strange Creatures” at Headrow House, on Sunday 24th February (Doors 7pm band on at 7:30pm). Make sure you pre-order their new album on either CD or vinyl to guarantee yourself a ticket. Also, for those that haven’t been to a gig at Headrow House before, I would strongly recommend checking it out, as it will not disappoint. Drenge have also recently been added to the Live at Leeds lineup in May.
The Lemon Twigs @ Stylus – February 25:
New York rock duo The Lemon Twigs are heading to Leeds on a Monday night to showcase their 70’s energy to the Yorkshire crowd. Brothers Brian D’Addario and Michael D’Addario front the band and are both vocalists and multi instrumentalists. They recently supported Arctic Monkeys on their huge UK arena tour and dazzled audiences with their unique sound. The duo will be playing hits from both of their two albums ‘Do Hollywood’ and ‘Go to School’.
Like I have said before, these are just a few selections, please keep your eye out for all that’s going on at the Leeds venues this month!
Leeds: Live and Loud 