July already? We're Cruz-ing through the year. Meet this Northern Indie rock band who've been crowned Audio North's latest Artist of the Month.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known by band-name Cruz, are well and truly making a name for themselves with a whole host of gig dates scattered throughout the Summer.
Live music lovers are about to become very familiar with the 'Disco Colour Beams' songwriters, as Cruz' Summer schedule includes Isle of Wight Festival, Truck Festival and two Sheffield dates.
The Sheff-based shows are special for the fourpiece as they're hometown shows at both Everywhere At Once Festival and the incredible Tramlines Festival - Congrats lads.
Cruz are feeling the love, as the reason they're heading out to Tramlines is because they were voted the Fans' Pick, and this recognition continues as they've been chosen by Audio North to be our Artist of the Month.
An interview with Cruz | Audio North's Artist of the Month: July
Cruz-ing there way from festival to festival this Summer, the Sheffield band sat down with Audio North to talk Artist of the Month title / Credit: Press Shots (supplied)
For those who don't know, introduce us to Cruz
Tom and Sam were jamming in early 2022 before deciding to start a band while looking for other members, with Ethan and Jamie finding out through friends of friends.
Ahead of their first live gig, Cruz were drummer-less, Ethan's recruitment was lifesaving for the band as he stepped up a week before and never looked back since, four years strong.
How has Sheffield shaped you as a band?
It's such a rich city full of creatives, music-based as well as even broader to art and culture, Sheffield isn't just a city, it's a support system.
When we were starting out we got involved with all the local gig venues, who are always on the lookout to champion upcoming bands, it was so nice.
Do you feel any connection to this city's musical heritage?
Pulp, Arctic Monkeys and Richard Hawley of course, Human League and Def Leppard, the list goes on.
Growing up in Sheffield and going to gigs at The Leadmill was so incredible too.
What have been some of your favourite live shows so far?
Sidney and Matilda is prominent to us because it's where we played our very first headline date. We also supported Overpass, which was our fifth show ever as the band as we know it, then playing our headline in the same room was awesome.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known as Cruz, are making waves in the Sheffield music scene / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
If someone wanted to experience the Sheffield music scene, where would you take them?
The Washington does free shows with bands and acoustic sets, making it accessible for everyone. The majority of venues in Sheffield are always hosting gigs.
Kelham Island has a lot of free entry venues too, it's great, getting to watch four or five bands playing out all on one night in this current economy is top tier.
Tramlines and Tramlines Fringe is chaotic in the best way, you never know what to expect but you'll leave with a buzz of energy every single time.
What's some of your favourite songs by these artists?
'Soundcheck Your Soul' by The North they've got so many great tunes, they're an amazing band. Montello's 'Suit and Tie', 'Runaway Instead' The Rosadocs.
Playing out at various festivals across the UK, for this Sheffield act it's Tramlines which is the most important to them / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
What's your favourite track off your newest EP?
Jamie picked 'Man of the People' quoting it as a 'Proper anthem', 'I Get By' is Ethan's pick, it's a track which has been in the works for a while but now the band have finally cracked the code.
While Sam's favourite song is 'Amsterdam' as it's the most personal to him and it's a chilled out number.
The Manchester indie heroes are making a triumphant return to Sheffield.
Following an absolutely belting headline set at Tramlines this year, it seems the Courteeners just can't get enough of the Steel City as they're announced as a headliner for next year's Rock N Roll Circus.
Fresh from a new album and nationwide tour, they'll be bringing their set of singalong indie anthems to Don Valley Bowl on Saturday 28 August 2027.
And they're in good company too, with The Vaccines and The Lathums joining the line-up alongside a brilliant mix of both established and up-and-coming talent.
Also joining the bill are The Guest List, Girl In The Year Above, Little Grandad, Cowboy Hunters, Cherryholt, Saint Clair, Ist Ist and Yorkshire’s Slates and south coast band Crystal Tides.
This is just the first wave of acts to be announced, with three more headliners expected to take to the stage over the bank holiday weekend.
Now entering its fifth year in Sheffield, Rock N Roll Circus has established itself as a big hitter in the UK's festival calendar.
Ali O'Reilly, Festival Director of Rock N Roll Circus, said: "Anyone who saw Courteeners at Tramlines last year knows exactly what Sheffield means to this band. They absolutely blew the doors off the place, and there's something about the connection between Liam and a Sheffield crowd that makes every show feel like a homecoming.
"To have The Vaccines and The Lathums joining them is a huge statement, but we're just as excited about the artists coming through on Stage 2. Bands like Cherryholt, Cowboy Hunters and Ist Ist are exactly why we love putting these line-ups together. There's something brilliant about watching a new band in an intimate setting and then heading into the Big Top for one of the biggest acts in the country.
"2027 marks our fifth year in Sheffield, which is a real milestone for us. We've grown with the city, the audiences have been incredible and we're proud of what Rock N Roll Circus has become."
Rock N Roll Circus returns to Sheffield's Don Valley Bowl from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 August 2027, with Courteeners headlining on Saturday 28 August.
Tickets go on sale this Friday 6 November, find out more here.
Pop royalty S Club announce new arena tour, with huge Leeds and Sheffield gigs
Daisy Jackson
S Club will be heading back toYorkshire on a newly-announced 13-date arena tour next year.
The pop icons have announced the Ain’t No Party Like A S Club Party tour, which will see Bradley, Jo, Jon, Rachel and Tina back on stage for the ultimate pop party.
The huge tour includes a night at the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds, a night at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, as well as two gigs at the O2 in London.
S Club are one of Britain’s most successful pop groups, formerly known as S Club 7, who went on to become a cultural phenomenon with their own TV series – one of which, L.A. 7, remains the highest-rated programme of all time on CBBC.
Their smash hits include Reach, Don’t Stop Movin, Bring It All Back, Never Had A Dream Come True, and S Club Party.
In 2023, S Club celebrated their 25th anniversary with a sellout UK and US tour, shortly after the tragic death of former member Paul Cattermole.
Now, five of the original seven are ready to bring the party back to Manchester, as S Club return to the stage.
They’ll have very special guests supporting on the tour too, announcing Boyzlife, the supergroup made up of the former Boyzone and Westlife members Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden.
S Club say: “We can’t wait to get back out on tour, see you all and celebrate the songs, memories and moments we’ve shared together over the years.
“It’s going to be one BIG party, and we want you all to be part of it!”
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 9.30am on Friday 6 November HERE.
Thomas Melia -
17th July 2026 
