Leeds has been named one of the best cities in the UK to see live music this autumn.
For those of you who thrive on feeling the bass run through your veins whilst sipping on a warm pint in a plastic cup, this is news you could've only hoped for.
A new study carried out by SeatPick examined the UK's biggest towns and cities to find the best spots for gig-goers based on both venue numbers and scheduled events per 100,000 people in each location.
Brighton took the top spot, with an impressive 89 out of 100 in the index study, based on the city being home to 40.14 venues per 100,000 people, combined with 117.42 upcoming music events per 100,000 residents.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Our friends over in Manchester came in fourth place scoring 76.83, with 20.45 venues and 124.76 events per 100,000 residents.
London came in fifth place, whereas our very own Leeds came in tenth...listen, it's not the best but out of fifty locations across the country we'll absolutely take it.
Leeds scored 66.74 with 14.54 venues and 72.54 per 100,000 residents. But we'd argue it's the quality of our venues that make Leeds the best.
From the incredible and iconic Brudenell Social Club to independent venues like The Wardrobe, we've got plenty of banging spots to see a huge selection of live music.
Gilad Zilberman, CEO of SeatPick, commented on the findings: “Brighton taking the top spot highlights just how important grassroots venues and a thriving events calendar are for keeping live music alive in the UK.
"The city offers music lovers more opportunities than anywhere else to discover new artists and enjoy unforgettable nights out. It’s great to see places like Cambridge, Glasgow, and Manchester also celebrated, showing that the UK’s live music culture is thriving well beyond London.”
Hollywood Vampires are heading back out on tour, with a huge Yorkshire gig announced for this year.
The supergroup, which consists of one of the biggest names in Hollywood as well as one of rock’n’roll’s most iconic names, are set to perform at the AO Arena as part of a run of shows.
Hollywood Vampires is made up of A-lister Johnny Depp, as well as rock royalty including Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, plus Tommy Henriksen.
They last performed with an arena tour back in 2023, making these their first gigs in almost three years.
Hollywood Vampires have now announced a return to the stage, with a show at the iconic Piece Hall in Halifax on 22 August.
They’ll be supported by The Jesus and Mary Chain, who marked their 40th anniversary in 2024 with a new album, Glasgow Eyes.
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires announce Manchester gig. Credit: Aaron Perry
Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012, named after Cooper’s celebrity drinking club of the same name where the aim was reportedly to ‘drink until no one could stand up’.
Over the years, the supergroup has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Zak Starkey (formerly the drummer for Oasis).
A Three Presale for tickets will take place from 10am on Wednesday 21 January, followed by a venue presale on Thursday 22 January, then general sale from 10am on Friday 23 January.
You can now apply to play at Tramlines Festival 2026 as part of programme to support emerging artists
Clementine Hall
Ever wanted to play at Tramlines Festival? Well, now's your chance.
Applications are now open until Wednesday 28 January for Tramlines Festival’s 2026 Apply to Play programme.
This fantastic initiative offers emerging and unsigned artists the chance to perform at the festival, which is set to take place from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July.
This year's Tramlines Festival will be headlined by Fatboy Slim, Courteeners and Wolf Alice - so it's safe to say that if you win, you'll be in great company.
Alongside a paid slot at the festival, the overall winner will also perform at Truck Festival, Y Not Festival and Victorious Festival.
Images: The Sheff
The talented winner will also receive an official endorsement with Epiphone, one of the most iconic guitar brands in the world, a professional electric guitar, 12 months of artist relations support, access to Epiphone’s London showroom and a performance slot at the Gibson Garage.
And it doesn't stop there as they will also get £500 in studio credit from Pirate Studios and a slot at the This Feeling industry showcase.
Finalists will receive paid performance slots at Tramlines and a second artist will be chosen through a public vote from a shortlist of 100 entries. That artist will also receive the full Epiphone package and secure a guaranteed place in the final selection.
Timm Cleasby, Operations Director at Tramlines, said: “Apply to Play is one of the things at Tramlines I’m proudest of. Every year we get blown away by the talent coming through, not just from Sheffield but from all over the UK.
"We’ve had artists start out on a small stage and come back a couple of years later to play a packed tent. That kind of journey means a lot to us and shows emerging artists there is a pathway for them to grow. It’s why we do it and I can’t wait to see who steps up in 2026.”
Clementine Hall -
30th September 2025 
