Leeds has been treated to magical music moments, and we've rounded up some of the best gigs and concerts we were lucky enough to see in 2025.
Local music establishments, give yourselves a huge pat on the back, because you've done it again, bringing together class artists for another year of phenomenal live music.
This city has hosted a wide range of bands and musicians, from US exports to hometown heroes, glam rock geniuses to soulful singer-songwriters; the list is endless.
There's been a whole host of cultural moments that have taken place in our city, so here's a look back at some of the very best throughout the year. Leeds, we've well and truly been spoiled.
Top 10 best gigs and concerts we saw in Leeds | 2025
Gracie Abrams - Leeds First Direct Arena
Gracie Abrams played a packed-out Leeds crowd at First Direct Arena back in March (Credit: Audio North)
But, just two weeks later, she took to the Leeds First Direct Arena stage and had us screaming tracks like 'Risk', 'us.' and 'Where do we go now?' at the top of our lungs.
After watching this singer-songwriter play out to the over 13,000 capacity venue, Abrams had us in awe of her talent while simultaneously wondering if we could rock a bob-cut as impressive as hers.
about-faces - Lending Room
Lending Room had Leeds local act about-faces performing back in April / Credit: (The Hoot Leeds)
Who says you're 'Too Old For Fun'? Certainly not about-faces, Leeds-based rock band, who played out at the intimate venue Lending Room back in April.
This band are no stranger to a live performance or two, closing out the year with another Leeds date at local music institution, Brudenell Social Club.
If you're yet to watch these local legends grace the stage, you're in luck, as they're heading to Huddersfield next year to support East London Desert Rockers The Howlers at The Parish - see you there.
Inhaler - O2 Academy Leeds
The Leeds crowd went crazy for Inhaler at O2 Academy Leeds back in February / Credit: The Hoot
These Irish rockers had us catching our breath when they treated us to a three-song encore consisting of 'Open Wide', 'It Won't Always Be Like This' and 'Your House'.
The O2 Academy Leeds crowd rose to the occasion when they received not one but two live debuts in the form of 'X-Ray' and 'Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)'.
Besides playing a packed-out Leeds gig, this February night was even more memorable for the Indie rockers as it also marked the release of their LP Open Wide.
Live At Leeds: In The Park
Live At Leeds: In The Park had an awesome line-up for the Temple Newsam crowd / Credit: The Hoot
This bi-annual music celebration makes us feel like Christmas came early - twice - with 'Live At Leeds: In The Park' in Summer and 'Live At Leeds: In The City' taking place in Autumn.
It's always a jam-packed day of music, and 2025 was no different with Bloc Party, Manic Street Preachers, Yard Act and more making up the bill.
It was a very special occasion for one artist in particular as Brit star Natasha Bedingfield celebrated 20 years of her huge hit 'Unwritten' and the Temple Newsam crowd loved every second of it.
A Day To Remember - Slam Dunk Festival North
One day later and Temple Newsam was filled with rock and alt artists for Slam Dunk / Credit: The Hoot
Movements, Neck Deep and Hot Mulligan soundtracked the start of the day before US rockers A Day To Remember closed out with an electric set, even playing a cover of 'Since U Been Gone'.
This band, paired with the almost-perfect weather, really made Slam Dunk Festival North a day to remember, excuse the pun.
Chappell Roan - Leeds Fest
Leeds Fest was iconic, and Chappell Roan wowed Bramham Park in August / Credit: The Hoot
The CEO of the 'Pink Pony Club' came to Leeds at the end of August, and she really was 'The Giver', treating us to a near 20-song setlist.
Leeds definitely earned itself some bragging rights as Chappell said our crowd were the loudest she had ever heard after she performed her yearning hit single, 'The Subway'.
The city was filled with live music from Amyl and the Sniffers, Bring Me The Horizon, AJ Tracey and Travis Scott, with this Leeds date being a European exclusive set - a stellar line-up as always.
If you received your Spotify Wrapped and this Neo-Soul queen wasn't top five, you haven't done 2025 right.
'Nice To Each Other', 'Man I Need', 'So Easy (To Fall In Love)', the number of hits Ms Dean has racked up over the course of the year is endless.
The London 'Lady Lady' took to The Wardrobe for two intimate shows ahead of the release of her latest album, The Art of Loving, which has been on repeat since it dropped at the end of September.
Get Down Services - Brudenell Social Club
Energetic and lighthearted, Get Down Services had Brudenell Social Club roaring / Credit: The Hoot
Bristol duo Get Down Services - who refer to themselves as 'Britain's best band' - visited one of Britain's best venues, Brudenell Social Club, this November.
They performed a selection of hits that were the 'Cream of the Crop', including some from their debut album, named after one of the country's favourite snacks, Crisps.
The pair might not have been wearing shirts as they paraded the stage, but they still had all their usual charm, charisma and witty lyrics.
Keo - The Key Club
The Key Club was electric as ever when Keo played an anthemic gig date in late October / Credit: The Hoot
It was a family affair at The Key Club as brothers Finn and Conor Keogh, alongside bandmates Oli and Jimmy, played a cracking Leeds gig in late October.
The band had this music venue in the palm of its 'Hands' as they jammed out with tracks like 'Kind, If You Will' and 'Only We Know'.
Of course, we have to mention the epic crowdpleaser 'I Lied, Amber', which closed out the show - please come back soon, Keo.
Kaiser Chiefs - Temple Newsam
The riot predictors, Kaiser Chiefs, celebrated 20 years of Employment at Temple Newsam / Credit: The Hoot
The hitmakers played out at Temple Newsam over the summer as they celebrated 20 years since their glorious album Employment.
This band 'Never Miss a Beat' and in case you missed it the first time round, Ricky and his band blessed the crowd with two renditions of 'I Predict a Riot'.
It's always sentimental to watch this huge band, especially in their hometown of Leeds, and even more so when they covered 'Blitzkrieg Bop' by The Ramones and brought out the Leeds United Championship trophy.
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.
Thomas Melia -
19th December 2025 
