Yorkshire indie rock icons Kaiser Chiefs are set to play their biggest Leeds gig to date at a very special venue.
The group dominated UK airwaves with their string of singles like ‘Ruby’ and ‘I Predict a Riot’ in the early noughties and now they’re back in their hometown to do it all over again.
Next year marks 20 years since the release of their debut album ‘Employment’ and to celebrate, frontman Ricky Wilson and the rest of the group are hosting a special event in Leeds.
Supported by some of the most notorious indie rock favourites of the 2000s, the Leeds formed band are hosting a spectacular night of live music entertainment at Temple Newsam park.
Kaiser Chiefs will be joined by Razorlight, The Cribs and We are Scientists who will also be raising a glass to their albums turning a milestone age in Leeds.
The Leeds lads will be making themselves at home in the grounds of the Grade I-listed building as they perform ‘Employment’ and their greatest hits in full next summer.
The album, which was released in 2005, has seen nothing but accolades come its way, scoring multiple awards and even becoming seven-times Platinum, and more importantly, its standout single ‘I Predict a Riot’ becoming a fan chant favourite.
As much as the night celebrates everything 2000s indie rock, Kaiser Chiefs are also shining a spotlight on up and coming talent with support acts HotWax and West Yorkshire’s own Ellur joining the impressive list of icons like The Coral.
Kaiser Chiefs announce HUGE hometown gig in Leeds next year. Credit: Cal McIntyreKaiser Chiefs will play Temple Newsam in Leeds on their homecoming show. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Kaiser Chiefs are thrilled to be hosting this special event, saying: "Very excited to announce our biggest Leeds gig ever. Twenty years since Employment and twenty-three years since we last played at Temple Newsam we are delighted to be back.
"Last time we played there (in Parva) we joked we were on after Guns n Roses who had played the previous night so it’s been a long wait to finally actually headline the Park.
"We are a band that historically always looked forwards but after 20 years of people telling us how important Employment is to them and how it soundtracked people’s lives, we felt we had to organise a celebration.
"We’ve managed to get a few of our old touring friends to come and celebrate with us and of course everyone is invited. Come celebrate the 2000s, Employment, When Leeds took over the World. See you all in May."
The huge 20 year celebration is taking place on Saturday 31 May 2025 and sees Kaiser Chiefs and six special guests ready to raise the roof of the historical building next summer.
Tickets for the one-night-only event go on general sale on Friday 11 October at 9am and super fans can get exclusive pre-sale access at 9am on Thursday 10 October here.
Arctic Monkeys are back in business, with new music on the way later this week.
The legendary Sheffield indie group have been largely silent (as usual) since the release of their last album, The Car, back in 2022.
But today, War Child has confirmed that the Alex Turner-fronted group are coming back with a new song, in support of the charity's upcoming project to provide aid for children living through war.
Arctic Monkeys are the first to be announced for the new War Child Records project, but if you leap to some conclusions based on who the new account is following, there are set to be some BIG names involved.
As well as Arctic Monkeys, War Child Records is also following 32 artists including Fontaines DC, Olivia Rodrigo, Wet Leg, Foals, Damon Albarn, Pulp, Depeche Mode, English Teacher, and Beck - to name just a few.
Based on this afternoon's teaser announcement, the new Arctic Monkeys single will be live at 3pm on Thursday 22 January.
War Child has said: "There is a group of artists who are working on something important in support of War Child. There will be more information coming soon.
"No child should be part of war. Ever. For over 30 years, War Child has worked in some of the world's most dangerous places to protect, educate, support mental health and stand up for the rights of children.
"Today our challenge is bigger than ever.
"When the legendary HELP album was released in 1995, 10% of the world's children were affected by conflict.
"That figure has almost doubled to 19%, affecting 520 million children. Right now, 1 in 5 children worldwide are at risk of losing their childhoods to conflict.
"Help us support children to heal and grow for a safer, brighter future. Donate and sign up to hear more news about forthcoming music releases."
You can sign up for the latest War Child Records announcements HERE.
UK punk icons The Stranglers announced as latest headliner of outdoor concert series
Clementine Hall
The Stranglers have been announced as the third headliner of 'Live At Tileyard North'.
The new two-week series of outdoor live music will take place in central Wakefield, with The Stranglers taking to the stage on Friday 21 August at the historic courtyard of Rutland Mills.
Formed back in 1974, The Stranglers quickly made a name for themselves by embracing the punk movement of the late 70s.
Their first three albums (Rattus Norvegicus, No More Heroes and Black and White) were released within just 13 months of each other, scoring hit singles with ‘Peaches’, ‘No More Heroes’ and ‘Walk On By’.
Image: Supplied
In 2024 The Stranglers’ 50th anniversary year featured celebratory sell-out tours across the world and headline slots at festivals worldwide, including a sell-out performance at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall.
The Stranglers will be joined by a full supporting line-up including fellow punk legends Buzzcocks as well as alternative-indie quintet FEET and buzzy Irish garage rock trio Adore.
Previously announced Live at Tileyard North headliners include the Vaccines, who will be in Wakefield performing their critically acclaimed 2011 debut album What Did You Expect From the Vaccines? in full to celebrate 15 years since its release on Sunday 30 August, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor who will headline the outdoor venue on Thursday 27 August.
It's safe to say it will be a very fun two weeks indeed, now we just need to wait until summer arrives.
Postcode pre-sale for residents local to Tileyard North (WF1, WF2, WF3, WF4, WF5, WF6) will open at 10am on Wednesday 21 January here with general sale opening at 10am on Friday 23 January here.
Thomas Melia -
3rd October 2024 
