Ranking in fourth place as one of the UK's most celebrated music venues, The Duchess, or Duchess of York is well-known across the city as a spot to catch some of the UK's biggest artists - many before their heyday.
Grass roots music venues have been in decline for the past 20 years or so (with a 35% closure rate, according to the Music Venues Trust), and now the number of pubs closing due to an increase in bills (rising by 50% according to Altus Group) - it's more important than ever to shine a light on venues that allow up-and-coming artists the space to try out new songs.
In light of this, The Insurance Emporium has taken a trip down memory lane to look at some of the UK's most loved music venues - and naturally Leeds' was The Duchess.
Today the grounds of The Duchess are a Hugo Boss store. / Image: Google Maps
Known as The Duchess of York, the music venue was famous not just in Leeds but across the north – serving as an integral piece of the city’s music scene for many years.
Right up until 2000, 71 Vicar Lane was home to an iconic Leeds pub that hosted such bands as Nirvana, Oasis, Blur and the Manic Street Preachers.
After its closure in 2000, it was replaced by fashion giant Hugo Boss which still has a store on the site to this day.
Further big names to grace The Duchess’s stage over the years include Radiohead, Coldplay and Green Day – but its biggest claim to fame has to be welcoming in Nirvana as a support band back in the late 80s.
It’s said that the little-known band from Aberdeen, Washington came to support Tad – and that Kurt Cobain went and slept on the sofa upstairs afterward.
At the time, the band was in town to promote their album Bleach; but they also played some songs that would feature in their second album Nevermind, such as About a Girl, Love Buzz, Floyd the Barber and Polly.
For anyone who was there, it was surely a truly iconic gig to witness. We have to say, we’re rather jealous.
‘The Duchess’ or ‘The Duchess of York’ as it was also known as, on Vicar Lane, was one of Leeds’ most highly regarded music venues until its closure in 2000. One its biggest claims to fame was that Nirvana performed there before they were propelled to fame.
The venue has since been transformed from a pub to the designer clothing retailer ‘Hugo Boss.’ It’s hard to imagine that before this immaculate, high-end shop was a gritty Yorkshire pub that welcomed the likes of Blur, Manic Street Preachers, Radiohead, and Coldplay.
Bringing back a piece of nostalgia the pub was reincarnated in 2021 in the form of a pop-up in Leeds’ Kirkgate Market for the Compass Festival.
The Duchess became a pop-up bar inside Kirkgate Market in 2021. / Image: Compass Festival
Everything you need to know about Slam Dunk North – lineup, tickets, dates and more
Some of the UK's most celebrated music venues also included The Astoria Theatre in London, that also saw Nirvana and Manic Street Preachers play before closing in 2009.
The Roadhouse in Manchester, which only closed in 2015, saw Elbow perform their first ever gig, also made the list, as well as The Boardwalk in Sheffield - an institution that saw The Clash's first performance, and Arctic Monkeys' own Alex Turner used to be a bartender here, loving the place so much that the band's first demo was called ‘Beneath the Boardwalk.’
You can find the full list of celebrated music venues here.
Feature Image- Leeds Civic Trust / YouTube
Audio
Korn announce huge Leeds gig on first UK tour in a decade
Korn have announced a major Manchester gig as part of a new UK tour – their first in more than a decade.
The nu metal legends will be heading to the First Direct Bank Arena later this year, making a monumental return to British shores.
And they’ve announced very special guests will be joining them on the tour too – support will come from Architects, as well as Youth Code.
Korn burst onto the scene back in 1991 with their seminal self-titled debut album, and have gone on to release a whopping 14 studio albums.
The Californian group have sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, collected two Grammy Awards, and headed out on countless world tours.
They’re often cited by newer bands as a major influence and have pushed the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres.
The Ringer has described Korn as ‘a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now’.
As well as performing in Leeds, Korn will play at venues across the UK including in Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and London.
They’ll be joined by Architects, a British metalcore band who have continued to top the charts even after the tragic death of founding member, guitarist, and principal songwriter Tom Searle.
Korn will be at our very own First Direct Bank Arena on Monday 26 October, with pre-sale tickets available from Tuesday 17 March at 8am, before a general on-sale from Friday 20 March at 8am.
Run, don't walk - as we reckon these tickets will fly off the shelves.
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026
Thomas Melia
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 Hoot -
14th March 2023 
