Blossoms were the third instalment of Sounds of the City 2023 and they did not let the torrential rainy skies dampen their electric performance.
Let me set the scene for you, as soon as the Stockport lads hit the stage the Manchester rain followed.
The band effortlessly swaggered their way onto the stage, dressed head-to-toe in top clobber and of course accompanied by beautifully conditioned locks. The aura they generate is simply infatuating.
Image credit: The Hoot Leeds
Tom reached for his mic and his beautiful Mancunian tones said: "We are Blossoms from Stockport, are you ready to have a good time?", the crowd roared. Wiping the rain from our cheeks, we've never been more ready.
Kicking off the set with 'Your Girlfriend' was just what we needed - hands flying, rain mac heads bobbing, it was official the Stockport lads were in town. Their setlist followed with classic bangers 'Charlemagne', 'Oh No (I Think I’m In Love)' and 'The Keeper'. A great journey through their four studio albums.
Image credit: Millennium Square Leeds
Tom went on to make a special shoutout to Leeds' best-working men's club The Brudenell, "It's been nine years since we first performed in Leeds, playing The Brudenell Social. Big up owner Nathan, we've got a lot of fond memories".
'Ode to NYC' was next, a song the Blossoms were approached to write for a new upcoming film on Netflix before it was "sacked off". Although the deal didn't go through the song was "just too good not to make the album" and we couldn't agree more.
Image credit: Millennium Square Leeds
If I had to pick the best chart-topper of the night it would have to be "How Long Will This Last". The band were on top form, the sky was grey and everyone looked like drowned rats - definitely one for the history books.
All of this wouldn't have been complete without their support act, indie legend Mr Miles Kane. Who got the most lovely reception from the crowd. I heard a few men talking behind me saying "I don't know who this guy is but he's bloody brilliant".
Miles even whipped out The Last Shadow Puppets 'Standing Next to Me'. An album that is close to any Kane and Alex Turner fans.
Image credit: The Hoot Leeds
On behalf of everyone at the gig I think it's fair to say we were all pretty soggy. For the few that rallied the rain for a beverage it was obvious Nation of Shopkeepers was the place (shoutout). These guys kept everyone warm, watered and the spirits high playing Blossoms regularly throughout the venue.
And just like that, my night was over on the most gorgeous damp Blossoms high which will not be drying off for a few days alongside my blazer I used as a shelter for my body from the rain.
A Pulp pop-up pub is heading to Sheffield later this month, following unbelievable success over in Manchester.
The Sheffield icons will be taking charge of beloved local boozer and grassroots gig venue The Hallamshire Hotel.
The news was announced this afternoon by Rough Trade Records, along with Pulp themselves.
While they're keeping the exact details under wraps for now, we've got a pretty good idea of what we might be able to expect, based on their pop-up pub in Manchester in August.
There, there was a jukebox programmed by Jarvis Cocker himself, along with merch literally plastered on every wall and even the ceilings.
The previous Pulp pop-up pub had loads of merch for sale, from tees and totes to records and stickers.
The walls were turned into a shrine for the band, showcasing posters and photography from throughout their illustrious career.
And the crowds came through in a big way, queueing halfway down the street for a chance to be totally immersed in all things Pulp.
So much so, The Rat & Pigeon (who hosted the Manchester edition) have warned on social media: "Note to @hallamshire_hotel - you WILL be 10x busier than you expect - even if it’s pissing it down. Enjoy!"
For their Sheffield pop-up, all we know for sure is the location (The Hallamshire Hotel) and the date (30 October).
Canadian rock legends Nickelback announce Leeds gig on huge world arena tour
Clementine Hall
Nickelback announce world arena tour in support of their new album - and they're coming to Leeds.
The Canadian rockers will be bringing their biggest hits as well brand-new music to arenas around the world.
Formed in Hanna, Alberta, the band made up of Chad Kroeger, Ryan Peake, Mike Kroeger and Daniel Adair, have sold nearly 65 million albums worldwide.
Best known for rock anthems including Rockstar, Photograph and How You Remind Me, Nickelback have built up a huge global following over the course of their career.
The upcoming tour will see the band celebrate their new album, Everything Under The Sun, and they'll be kicking off the UK leg of the tour right here in Leeds at the First Direct Bank Arena.
The tour follows their record-setting Get Rollin' world tour, and will once again take them to venues across North America, Europe, and Australia.
The group have sold nearly 65 million albums worldwide, and achieved billions of streams across digital platforms.
Their new album will be released at the end of the month on Friday 30 October, so you'll have plenty of time to get to know their new tracks before they come to Leeds on Saturday 22 May 2027.
They'll be supported on the tour by Don Broco, an English four-piece featuring Rob Damiani, Simon Delaney, Tom Doyle and Matt Donnelly. Known for their genre-defying sound and dynamic approach to modern rock.
Nickelback 2027 UK Tour Dates in full
22 May - Leeds First Direct Bank Arena
24 May - London The O2
28 May - Birmingham Utility Arena
1 June - Glasgow Ovo Hydro
2 June - Manchester Co-op Live
Tickets for Nickelback at the Leeds First Direct Arena go on sale next Friday 16 October and you can get yours HERE.
Fran Mallinson -
9th July 2023 
