Weather and festivals (sigh), they’re never going to be best mates here in the UK, but with last year being such a nightmare for the long-standing rock and pop-punk favourite, Slam Dunk 2024 HAD to be better.
And it was, even despite the weather. It might have been by the skin of their teeth and a few issues here and there, but they managed it.
With the city having hosted Live at Leeds on the already soggy Temple Newsam ground the day before, the conditions were hardly going to be perfect and even with the Whites playing a massive game at Wembley, we still saw thousands marching on together down the hill.
Some ended up sliding most of the time, but you get the picture.
A few spills to say the least.Nothing but vibes though.Credit: The Hoot
We only had boots on the ground at Slam Dunk North on the Sunday, but we’d heard much more positive things from those in the South shows at Hatfield Park in London and, regardless of the rain, spirits were high, voices were full and emo phases were still very much in full effect.
Catching an early throwback with We The Kings for our first slot of the day, it became very apparent that we were going to feel one of two things: pure nostalgia and the added realisation of just how old we’d gotten.
We definitely weren’t alone in that respect, though it was nice to see how much of a mixed age the festival had welcomed this year, but it did dawn on us very quickly that it had virtually been two decades since we first heard some of these songs - not least from the headliners.
But we’ll get on to that…
So many names that hadn't been to the UK in years rocked up for the day.
One of the standout moments had to be seeing Mallory Knox reunite after five years up and they couldn’t possibly have picked a better way to do it than at a festival like Slam Dunk, which had been a proving ground for them and so many other bands from that era.
We were gutted when they started having some sound issues right from the beginning of their set - the last thing you want after so long out of the game - but it warmed our hearts to see the crowd keeping the songs going for every single second and it was clear it meant a lot to them.
Frustration aside, they smashed the set and Mikey Chapman sounded just as good as ever, no matter the odds that were stacked against him and his old friends, not to mention a very wet audience.
We then managed to catch the wonderful Manchester band Pale Waves (which our Manc family visiting for the day clearly appreciated) before the frustrating part of the day where clashes began to crop up and we sadly had to split up. The cruel axiom of all live music festivals.
However, we can all individually vouch for Asking Alexandria, Boys Like Girls, The All American Rejects and The Wonder Years being absolute dynamite. It really did feel like the old days.
But let’s not beat around the bush any longer, there was one big name that most people had turned up to see and although they've consistently continued making music for 20 years now, the performance was a real blast from the past and a bit of a love letter to our younger selves.
Similar to the feelings drummed up by seeing Mallory Knox back on stage and that sense of symbolising so many that had gone before, in between playing banger after banger, frontman Josh Franceschi gave a rousing speech about how young bands need to keep dreaming big.
As he put it, the five-piece were once in their shoes and simply kept going no matter who told them they weren’t good enough. But the message was a universal one, much like the ones in songs such as ‘Underdog’, ‘Stay With Me’ and ‘Take On The World’ have always felt.
And that’s exactly why you didn’t see a single Sixer miss a single word.
This wasn’t just a goodbye for many fans, though they will get one last chance to see them on their farewell tour in 2025, it was a reminder of just how big this particular British rock band and old pop-punk pioneers on this side of the Atlantic meant to their generation.
Hearing an entire field scream their head off to ‘Bite My Tongue’ will forever go down as a core gig memory and we couldn’t ask for anything more when going to see live music: giving you something you’ll remember forever.
Slam Dunk North 2024’s highlight definitely came down to one momentous headliner but it had to be said that despite the weather a few hiccups here and there, they did their very best to battle through obstacles and make things go ahead and we believe they redeemed themselves.
And on that note, all that’s left to say is RIP, You Me At Six, 2005-2025 and thank you, Temple Newsam - we’ll see you next year for more mud and moshing.
The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – it's time to go 'Rollin' with Cole LC
Leeds' own Cole LC has got very far doing his "little music thing" and has seen him reach all new heights as his upcoming project suggests with its title West Yorkshire to Westend Show
This musician has built a pretty distinctive artistic style that fuses rap, all while making sure his West Yorkshire identity was kept in the forefront.
That's because, all of Cole's visuals have been filmed across the city at some pretty recognisable spots like Kirkgate Market, City Varieties and Belgrave Music Hall.
So far, this local lad has captured the attention of music lovers with songs like 'Westbrook' and 'Your Tings My Ting' both having over one million streams.
Now, Cole LC sits down to talk all about being Audio North's ‘Artist of the Month’ and shares more teasers about his highly-anticipated EP.
An interview with Cole LC - Audio North's Artist of the Month
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
This is my first big release in quite a while after the release of Favourite Version in 2023 and I've done a lot of growing. I started writing last Summer when I was going through a tough period but it's gone onto create some of my best songwriting stories. It's a one big note to self that I hope helps other people out.
What is it like being a Northern independent artist?
I grew up in Roundhay with my family and Leeds as a city has had a monumental impact on what I do as an artist. By being close to the city centre, it has allowed me to be exposed to different types of music, soaking up all these genres has helped influence what I do now.
How do you think Leeds is shaping the UK music scene?
This city is a big credit to music and it's a testament to the musicians of Leeds having that talent but also being hardworking. It's also about authenticity and that's what we've got. The climate of music in general is very intense and there's lots of competition but the sheer talent here in Leeds makes it impossible for us to go unnoticed.
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Who are some up and coming artists you're checking out?
Ellur and you spell it "Ell-uh" because she's from Bradford. She's an Alt-pop artist who I've been listening to a lot. I've also loved Charlotte Plank, especially her latest single 'crybby blue'. There's even Aaron Rowe who supported Lewis Capaldi.
What does a performance day look like for you?
I don't have a specific routine before a show. Practicing my lyrics is a big one and having a mint tea too.
What is your ultimate dream musically?
I'd love to perform whenever I like and just know people would be there and support me. I'd love the financial freedom to be able not worry and creative new tracks whenever whereever I want. Music is so powerful and speaks to everyone, I want to keep improving my quality and progress.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
Probably Justin Bieber because of how much I love him, he's the greatest of all time, he just is. When I was 14 I was so fuming watching him and seeing how good he is, I thought he'd put be out of a job forever. He has some unreal albums.
What's next for Cole LC?
I can guarantee you new music every single month for 2026. I know a lot of people have been getting in touch regarding a headline show so I'm hoping to organise a gig. I'm also going to make sure I keep the connection with people who enjoy my music whether that's in person or online.
The Pussycat Dolls announce major comeback with a massive global arena tour
Daisy Jackson
Global pop icons The Pussycat Dolls have announced a major global tour, with 50+ shows across Europe and North America.
The pop icons will be performing a massive show here in Leeds as part of the tour, which kicks off this summer.
The Pussycat Dolls have been teasing their return this week, plastering hints on venues across the UK – including the First Direct Bank Arena, which displayed a pink digital ad reading ‘Don’t cha wish you knew who we’re announcing tomorrow??’
The multi-platinum pop supergroup will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut record, PCD.
They’ll be supported on the European leg of the tour, which will bring them to the UK in September and October, by Lil’ Kim.
The PCD Forever tour will span a whopping 53 dates, where they’ll perform their chart-topping hits including the 5x platinum Buttons, plus Don’t Cha, and Stickwitu.
The Pussycat Dolls were pop heavyweights in the 2000s, known for their electrifying choreography and live performances.
The Pussycat Dolls have announced a major global tour with a Manchester date. Credit: Rankin
Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt, and Ashley Roberts will be back together once again this year for what will be their biggest international run in years.
They’ll be releasing a new song for the first time since 2019 – Club Song is produced by Mike Sabbath (RAYE, Jade) and written by Nicole Scherzinger with Sabbath, Caroline Ailin (Dua Lipa) and Solly (Teddy Swims).
General tickets will go on sale from 10am on Friday 20 March, but fans can sign up for pre-sale at pcdforever.com by Monday to access tickets early.
Danny Jones -
27th May 2024 
