A huge night out is coming to Leeds with a full orchestra and iconic 80s singers next month.
80's icons Jimmy Somerville, Nik Kershaw, Go West, Carol Decker, and Yorkshire’s own John Parr will be landing in Leeds next month for a special orchestra rendition of some of the era's greatest hits.
The rescheduled 80s Classical event comes to Leeds Millennium Square in September, taking place on Friday 10.
Those attending will be treated to chart-topping sounds from one of the most momentous decades performed by a 60 piece orchestra, accompanied by some of the decade's original performing artists.
Jimmy Somerville first performed at the event in 2019, and is now preparing to return next month with renditions of hits including Never Can Say Goodbye, Don't Leave Me This Way and Smalltown Boy.
2019's event was a huge hit in Leeds / Image: 80s Classic Leeds
Speaking on his upcoming performance, he said: “The first 80s Classical was such a memorable evening, and after everything that we have all been through over the past two years I can’t wait to perform to a packed live audience in Millennium Square once again – it is going to be truly special."
Yorkshire's own John Parr will be in attendance, playing hit St Elmo’s Fire from the cult 80s movie.
Also returning in September is synth-pop superstar Nik Kershaw, who'll be performing his like Wouldn't It Be Good and I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, as well as songwriter Carol Decker with favourites Heart and Soul and China In Your Hand.
Brit Award-winning duo Go West is also set to make an appearance. Lead singer Peter Cox and rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist Richard Drummie will perform Pretty Woman hit King of Wishful Thinking as part of a ten-track smash hit setlist.
This year's event takes place at Millenium Square on 10 September / Image: 80's Classical Leeds
Backing vocalists Bianca Claxton, Gavin Condor and Adetoun Anibi will also perform a selection of crowd-pleasing 80s favourites like Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, Toto’s Africa and The Jacksons’ Can You Feel It,
“We have all so dearly missed live music and to be able to work once again with such iconic singers and the amazing Orchestra of Opera North in front a live audience is going to be such a magical feeling and provide a night full of pure joy, drama and excitement,” said Musical Director Steve Anderson, whose credits include Kylie Minogue, Emeli Sandé and Leona Lewis.
The event takes place at Millenium Square on 10 September, with doors from 6.30pm. Liverpool-based club and 80s event specialist DJs Sonic Yootha will be on the ones and twos from 6.45 pm to warm the crowd up, before main performances start at 8.15 pm.
Standing tickets start from £33 and can be purchased here.
Leeds
‘End of an era’ as beloved Leeds bar announces move after 15 years
One of Leeds' most loved late-night bars has announced it will be moving on from its current location after more than a decade.
Known for its eclectic party atmosphere, fabulous cocktails and fun DJs, Wax has long been a go-to spot for Leeds night owls looking for a big night.
The New Briggate bar has built up a loyal following over the years, becoming something of an institution on the city’s nightlife scene.
And now, Wax has announced that it will be moving location, bringing an end to an era at its current home at the top of town.
Image: Wax Bar
Taking to Instagram, Wax shared the news with its loyal customers, stating: “Wax is moving!!!
"Thats right folks, our time on New Briggate is coming to an end. For 15 years many a drink we have drunk, many a dance we have shared, many a hangover we have nursed.... so let’s keep that going in our new home.
"Don't worry you can get your OG Wax fix for the next few months. More info announced soon. See you around. X"
Of course, in classic Leeds fashion, customers flocked to the comments to express their support.
One person said: "So many memories, will forever have a very special place in my heart" whilst another expressed that "Change is good! Long live Wax Bar."
We'll keep you updated with where Wax is moving to as and when we find out, but we're sure its loyal fans will follow them wherever they go.
For now, it’s business as usual at New Briggate - so if you’ve got memories to make (or simply want one last night in the OG Wax), you’ve still got a few months to do so.
Major Leeds Festival artist cancels string of dates after losing voice
Daisy Jackson
Rising rock star Violet Grohl has addressed fans after cancelling a series of sold-out gigs just hours before fans entered the venue.
The singer (who, yes, is the daughter of Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl) had been set to perform to a packed-out crowd at Band On The Wall in Manchester last night.
But just hours before doors opened, Violet announced that the show would be postponed, along with tonight’s show in Glasgow.
She said in a statement that she was ‘really f**king bummed’ to be cancelling the shows.
Violet told fans that the gigs had to be cancelled because she ‘doesn’t have a voice right now’.
She is due to perform on The Canopy stage at Leeds Festival this Friday, and its sister site Reading Festival on Sunday.
The star added ‘it pains me to make this decision’ as she officially postponed her Manchester show.
Those who had tickets will receive updated information soon, with the plan to reschedule them.
She wrote: “hey everyone. really f**king bummed to have to let yall know i’m canceling tonight and tomorrow’s shows in Manchester and Glasgow.
“i don’t have a voice right now and it pains me to make this decision, but i just can’t perform.
“we’re rescheduling these shows and everyone who bought a ticket will receive the updated info. looking forward to seeing you soon xx i’ll be back!!!”
Violet Grohl released her debut album, Be Sweet To Me, back in May, produced at the home of acclaimed producer Justin Raisen.
Her music takes influence from late 80s and early 90s rock, including Pixies, Soundgarden, Bjork, PJ Harvey, and more.
When she announced her UK tour dates, demand was so overwhelming her Manchester show was upgraded from The Deaf Institute to Band On The Wall.
Georgina Pellant -
12th August 2021 
