Ne-Yo has just announced details of a huge UK tour, including a night at Leeds' First Direct Arena.
Setting millennial hearts aflutter, the R&B star will perform at the First Direct Arena with support from Mario.
Three-time Grammy Award-winning Ne-Yo is bringing his Champagne and Roses tour to the city in 2024, as well as venues in Leeds, Cardiff, London, Birmingham and Newcastle.
The news comes as the star wraps up a sold-out tour of the US and in support of his eighth album Self Explanatory.
Since releasing his debut album in 2006, Ne-Yo has sold 20+ million albums worldwide and racked up hits including Sexy Love, Closer, Because of You, Miss Independent, So Sick and Push Back.
Image: Publicity picture
The Las Vegas-born star has also written songs for stars like Rihanna, Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Carrie Underwood, and Celine Dion, among others.
His award-winning lyrics include: “Just one touch and I erupt like a volcano and cover her with my love.” The noughties were a weird time…
Ne-Yo will be joined on his tour, including his Manchester gig, by R&B legend Mario, the man behind iconic hit Let Me Love You as well as his recent collaboration with Chris Brown on Get Back.
Mario also starred in films including Step Up, and on the small screen in Empire.
Tickets for Ne-yo’s Leeds show will go on sale at 9am on Friday 24 November from See Tickets here.
Ne-Yo’s UK Champagne and Roses tour dates in full
Thu 7 March 2024 – Manchester AO Arena
Fri 8 March 2024 – Leeds First Direct Arena
Sat 9 March 2024 – Cardiff Utilita Area
Mon 11 March 2024 – Newcastle Utilita Arena
Wed 13 March 2024 – London The O2
Thu 14 March 2024 – Birmingham Resorts World Arena
Veteran Manchester rock and blues band Proud Mary recently announced a limited run of UK reunion shows, including one right here in Leeds.
The seasoned Northern outfit may have seen plenty of lineup changes and a long hiatus of sorts, but now they’re returning for just a small handful of comeback gigs across the country.
Ahead of their seminal debut album turning 25 years old this year, 2026 also seems them steadily creeping up on the best part of three decades as a group in some form or another.
For anyone uninitiated, the native 90s and early noughties name was the first band signed to Noel Gallagher’s Sour Mash Records in 2001.
Their first-ever LP, The Same Old Blues, still remains their most revered work to this day.
Dubbed by the older Burnage brother and legendary Manc musician as “a lesson in songwriting” in an interview with the NME way back when, they started out as long-time friends and turned into fellow studio peers.
As well as supporting the likes of Oasis, Neil Young, The Stereophonics, Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, Ryan Adams, Noel’s High Flying Birds and more on various tours over the years, they also famously headlined Isle of Wight Festival in 2004.
Having collaborated with the likes of another Britpop legend, Gem Archer, as well as The Smiths’ Andy Rourke, not to mention gaining plaudits from so many other contemporaries, they’re likely one of your favourite bands’ old faithful bands.
Moreover, in regional terms, rising local indie rock quintet Rosellas are also joining them on the road for their shows.
Proud Mary will be playing at The Warehouse in Leeds on Friday 8 May and you can grab your tickets HERE.
Featured Images — Proud Mary (press shots supplied via Sonic PR)
Audio
New grassroots music space aiming to make DJing and music more accessible opening in Headingley this month
Clementine Hall
A new grassroots music space is opening in Headingley with a mission to make DJing, vinyl and music culture more accessible.
Meanhood Studios, founded by long-time LS6 residents Jim and Katie Young, will combine a professional DJ rehearsal studio, record shop, performance space and tuition hub all under one roof.
Their aim is simple, "to level the playing field in a scene that has often felt exclusive and gatekept.”
Meanhood started as a guerrilla pop-up record shop in lockdown when Jim started selling records from his personal collection.
Built solely on quality and word-of-mouth reputation, the venture quickly grew into a respected local record spot known for its carefully curated vinyl selection.
Images: Supplied
Jim’s roots trace back to Manchester’s late-90s free party scene, he began DJing at 17 and from Hyde Park house parties to residencies at legendary clubs, he went on to host nights featuring artists who would later become major names in UK dance music.
Katie grew up in rural Cumbria, discovering music through pirate radio, library tapes and out-of-town raves. After moving to Leeds for university, she built a 20-year corporate career while supporting events, fly-posting for club nights and working behind the scenes.
“DJing is so much more than pushing buttons,” says Jim. “You’ve got to love it when no one’s watching. We want to share that knowledge and remove some of the barriers we experienced.”
Meanhood Studios will open on Friday 13 March and will offer access to equipment, rehearsal space, vinyl records and tuition for aspiring DJs and music lovers.
It's more important now than ever to support grassroots music venues, and we can't wait to check out this new space.
Daisy Jackson -
17th November 2023 
