The Last Dinner Party is a band that seems to be on every radio station recently.
And for good reason.
The British indie rock band is still less than three years old and has already signed to one of the world's biggest record labels; won a BRIT award; performed at Glastonbury and followed Hozier, Lana Del Ray and Florence & The Machine on tour in the past twelve months.
After months of teasing fans at shows across the UK, including right here in Leeds at Live At Leeds: In The City, now their debut album has been released - and the momentum just keeps building from here.
The Brudenell partnered with Crash Records for a one-off show as part of an intimate album launch: and it was safe to say the afternoon was a truly personalised experience, showing a different, simpler version of the band that showed off their vocal ranges and plethora of musical talents without being tempted to hide behind stage theatrics. This was all about the album.
Having sold out tickets in a matter of days, the album launch was always going to be busy, but I certainly didn't expect to find myself in a queue snaking around the Brudenell Social Club. At least half of those with tickets had turned up early to try and bag the best seats in the 400-capacity room.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The five-piece, made up of Abigail Morris (vocals), Georgia Davies (bass) and Lizzie Mayland (guitar), Aurora Nishevci (keyboards) and Emily Roberts (guitar), were wooed on stage before Abigail immediately clarified the concert would be a completely acoustic performance: "it's something we've been testing out on this album tour and we've been really enjoying it, before bursting into Beautiful Boy.
Next up was On Your Side, a song that's slower melody lends itself perfectly to an acoustic set: taking listeners on an emotional journey of healing, heartbreak, and that haunting feeling being awake in the middle of the night an bring.
Now the 'more depressing' songs were out of the way (according to the band), it was time to focus on bringing that tempo up and having a good sing-a-long.
Caesar On A TV Screen had the crowd roaring with lyrics that brought the Roman Empire back to life, with a longing for power and attention:'When I put on that suit / I don't have to stay mute / I can talk all the time / 'Cause my shoulders are wide'.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Turns out Sinner is actually a homage to our own West Yorkshire, told guitar and vocalist Lizzie Mayland, who is originally from Halifax. She explained that the song was all about her move from the Yorkshire hills to London (where she met the other members of The Last Dinner Party whilst at university).
The lyrics 'There's nothing for me / Here, where the world is small / But how you touch me /For that I'd leave it all / Back in the city /Cold eyes and lips of dust' seemed to mean even more coming from Emily during the acoustic performance, featuring an unrecorded introduction that the band would love to release in the future. We can only hope.
Mirror was written by Abigail aged seventeen, making it the oldest album on the track by a fair few years, explaining she was "so pleased [her] teenage angst had been put to good use".
Admittedly the song drew parallels of Chris Isaak's Wicked Game: the sexy guitar, dark lights and moody lyrics, and led very quickly into the 2006 hit single.
Nothing Matters was the obvious choice for the band's final song, the single threw the band to success in 2022, and was the first to be released after signing with internationally-renowned label, Island Records.
Unlike some of the other intimate launch afternoons there was no signing or time with the band, pre or post-performance.
The Last Dinner Party will return to Leeds and play the O2 Academy on 24 September 2024, and in the meantime will play in nearby Hebden Bridge at the Trades Club as part of War Child BRITs Week.
Feature Image - The Hoot Leeds
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Miles Kane at Project House Leeds – an utterly electric night fuelled by leopard print
MIles Kane is back in Leeds and he is better than ever before.
“Good evening Leeds, how the f*** are we?"
Everyone's favourite scouser came onto the stage wearing a perfectly fitted leather jacket, and it's safe to say the crowd roared.
It's been a few years since I’ve been in a Miles Kane crowd, the last time I saw him he was supporting Blossoms at Millenium Square back in 2023 and my gosh it's good to be back.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
His whole energy is just utterly infectious and makes him a complete joy to watch. I’ve always been a Miles Kane fan and I just love where he's taken his 2025 album ‘Sunlight in The Shadows’.
We were blessed with a whole stream of songs from over the years, my personal favourite, ‘Rearrange’ was played second and was such a treat. Kane got the crowd to sing back to him “let it out, let it out, let it all out” which soon made me realise you were standing side by side with true fans.
Throughout the setlist we heard bangers from over the years and mid-set Miles screams out “Leeds on a Thursday, come on” and to say it was grey and very wet outside, we all definitely brought the energy.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Supporting Miles on his 2026 tour is Villanelle, you know Gene Gallagher’s band? Some could say nepo-baby but we say, when they were doing their own Leeds dates, they were class. Such a grungy, punk twist they’ve got and it's safe to say Gene has the Gallagher stance behind the mic.
As the set drew to a close Kane said “thank you so much and don’t forget who you are" which brought us to his last three songs, ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’, ‘Sunlight In The Shadows’ and the ultimate bopper and most played song on Spotify ‘Come Closer’ which just never, ever gets old.
In the words of Carrie Bradshaw 'and just like that' my first gig at Project House (can’t believe its taken me so long) was over.
As an overall venue, Project House really had it all, Kirkstall brews, a spacious cool environment and really fantastic acoustics.
And it was time to walk back to the train station along the canal on a lovely Miles Kane high and debrief the evening. Hopefully see you soon Miles, rather than leaving it three years again.
Jason Derulo at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
American chart topper Jason Derulo is visiting Leeds for a night of radio bangers that will get stuck 'In My Head' and yours too.
Known for soundtracking the early 2010s and beyond, Derulo is heading back to Leeds playing out at the iconic First Direct Arena.
The Florida-born performer has five UK number one singles to his name, so it's safe to say his setlist will be stacked with massive hits sure to 'Take You Dancing' all night long.
His latest effort The Last Dance is an eight track EP featuring collaborations with INNA and Melody as well as the bouncy lead single 'Sexy For Me'.
This leg of shows is titled after this project and Derulo is asking anyone going to wear their best futuristic or metallic attire and accessories - You might end up being his 'It Girl'.
Jason Derulo gig guide
Jason Derulo is coming to First Direct Arena Leeds on 6 February / Credit: Supplied via Wikimedia Commons
Jason Derulo UK tour dates
Fri 30 Jan - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
Sat 31 Jan - London, UK - The O2
Mon 2 Feb - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
Tue 3 Feb - Brighton, UK - The Brighton Centre
Thu 5 Feb - Bournemouth, UK - Bournemouth International Centre
Fri 6 Feb - Leeds, UK - First Direct Bank Arena
Sat 7 Feb - Manchester, UK - Co-op Live
Mon 9 Feb - Dublin, IE - 3Arena
Jason Derulo tickets for First Direct Arena gig
If you want to see Jason Derulo 'Talk Dirty' to a huge 13,000 arena crowd over some 'Trumpets' then you'll want to get tickets to this event.
Luckily there's plenty of opportunities for you to see Mr. Derulo 'Wiggle' right in front of your eyes as there's tickets available HERE.
Jason Derulo setlist
Although the tour hasn't kicked off yet, here's one of the Pop/ R&B champs latest sets from September last year which contains some 2010s classics and big belters.
Swalla
Wiggle
Take You Dancing
Acapulco
Savage Love
Whatcha Say
Who Hurt You
Tip Toe
Breathing
In My Head
Ridin' Solo
Spicy Margarita
Love Tonight
The Other Side
Dame Un Grrr
Talk Dirty
Want to Want Me
Don't Wanna Go Home / Shots
Who Hurt You
What are the stage times for Jason Derulo in Leeds?
The 'It Girl' hitmaker is visiting the UK for his The Last Dance Tour / Credit: Supplied via Wikimedia Commons
First Direct Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning as much as we ′Don't Wanna Go Home', at least we'll be tucked up in bed before the early hours.
Anyone attending can expect the doors to open at 6.30pm with a kick-off time expected to be 7.30pm with support from Czech rising star THERA and Manchester EDM group LZ7.
How to get to first direct arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
Sophie Smith -
12th February 2024 
