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An old indie favourite is heading back to Leeds for a ‘Best Of Tour’ homecoming gig
So many memories.
Time to roll back the years as old-school indie favourite The Pigeon Detectives are coming back to Leeds.
We swear, if we could find our old iPod, their tracks would still be all over it.
The Pigeon Detectives will be playing a special ‘The Best of Tour’ in line with their latest record, Still Not Sorry.
The Yorkshire lads have announced just six UK headline sets to support the album release, but let’s be honest, they were never going to skip Leeds, were they?
They'll be playing at the O2 Academy on Saturday 4 October.
With only half a dozen domestic dates confirmed so far, including the likes of Manchester and Glasgow, this really does feel like a return that long-standing fans won’t want to miss.
The new LP, which is a greatest hits compilation featuring the very best tracks from their discography that stretches over two decades, drops next month and we’re very ready to pump some adolescent nostalgia into our ears.
Speaking in a lengthier statement on social media, the boys from Rothwell wrote: “If a band is lucky (and hardworking, and fairly decent at what they do!) there comes a time in their career when they realise that the journey they started as mates messing about on guitars has culminated in a hefty bunch of songs that people actually care about and connect with!
“At this point, the only logical next step is to take a breath, reflect back through the archives and assemble a ‘Best Of’ album. We’ve reached that point, Pigeon Heads!”
They describe the project as a collection of songs and memories that chart their career from their humble beginnings in Leeds to their “adventures around the globe”, where they have been fortunate enough to “some of the biggest stages on the planet.”
“As a band it’s always felt like we had to do things the hard way, even with an amazing set of supportive fans”, they go on to add, “but we just kept on writing songs, kept on playing gigs and kept on being The Pigeon Detectives. Us against the world. We weren’t sorry then, and we’re Still Not Sorry now!”
Maybe it’s our age showing but those last few lines alone have got us feeling all teary-eyed.
The Pigeon Detectives come to New Century on Saturday, 29 November, which will be the closing night of their ‘Best Of’ run.
The greatest hits album arrives on 23 May via Dance To The Radio and tickets for all other shows go on general sale next Friday, 2 May at 10am.
You can also gain access to pre-sale by pre-ordering Still Not Sorry. Get ready to grab tours HERE.
Featured Images — Nina Zimmerman (via Flickr)/Resident Music
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Opening party announced for Leeds’ newest XL nightclub taking over the old PRYZM site
Clementine Hall
Leeds-based events brand Mint has officially revealed the location of its highly anticipated new venue, Mint XL.
And it's set to open in none other than the iconic former PRYZM nightclub site on Woodhouse Lane in the heart of Leeds city centre.
Known for its longstanding contribution to the city's electronic music landscape through Mint Festival, the brand is now embarking on its most ambitious venue project to date with the launch of a completely reimagined 2,500-capacity space.
The vast space is currently undergoing an extensive redevelopment and full-scale renovation, which will see Mint XL transformed into a state-of-the-art venue built around high-spec production, immersive experiences and forward-thinking programming.
Of course, it's all about the music. So at the heart of the venue is a major commitment to sound and production with a newly installed Funktion-One Vero sound system throughout the main space complemented by cutting-edge lighting, immersive visual production and bespoke room design.
Enough of the details though, let's get stuck into when it's actually going to open its doors.
Mint XL will officially launch on Friday 25 September with an opening party curated by renowned electronic music platform system which aims to set the tone for an ambitious inaugural season.
Taking over the entire venue, the event will bring together some of the most respected and influential names in underground electronic music, including Craig Richards, Enzo Siragusa, Fumiya Tanaka and Sonja Moonear, alongside a carefully selected lineup of acclaimed artists from across the scene.
Also on the line up is none other than Francesco Del Garda, Truly Madly, Prosumer, Laidlaw, Rich NXT, Voightmann, Foehn & Jerome Kinso, Isabelle Koci and of course long standing residents Annie Errez & Bobby ODonnell.
Tickets for the opening party for Mint XL will go live this Thursday 6 June at 6pm and you can get yours here.
Read more: Team behind Mint Warehouse to open new 2,000 capacity venue in Leeds with strict no-phone policy
Featured image - Supplied
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UB40 at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
British-based reggae band UB40 are coming to Leeds for a celebration of all their greatest hits live at First Direct Arena.
Formed in Birmingham in the late 70's, this predominantly dub and reggae band has gone onto achieve much success including 50 UK charting singles.
UB40 have also sold over 100 million records as well as keeping a consistent line-up for almost 30 years, before lead vocalist Ali Campbell decided to leave the band.
Now, the band's lead vocalist is former Kioko lead singer Matt Doyle, who's taken on this role since mid-2021 and is ready to soundtrack your night while you enjoy some 'Red Red Wine'.
Gig guide | UB40 at First Direct Arena, Leeds
UB40 UK tour dates
- Fri 5 June - London, UK - OVO Wembley Arena
- Sat 6 June - Manchester, UK - AO Arena
- Sun 7 June - Nottingham, UK - Motorpoint Arena
- Tue 9 June - Hull, UK - Connexin Live
- Thu 11 June - Glasgow, UK - OVO Hydro
- Fri 12 June - Liverpool, UK - M&S Bank Arena
- Sat 13 June - Leeds, UK - First Direct Arena
- Tue 16 June - Swansea, UK - Swansea Arena
- Wed 17 June - Plymouth, UK - Plymouth Arena
- Thu 18 June - Bournemouth, UK - Bournemouth International Centre
- Sat 20 June - Birmingham, UK - BP Pulse Live
Are there any tickets left for UB40 at First Direct Arena?
There's 'Tears From My Eyes' because you still have a chance to catch UB40 on their latest arena tour live in Leeds
Don't be left saying 'Please Don't Make Me Cry' instead, make sure to get yourself some tickets for UB40 at First Direct Arena in Leeds HERE.
UB40 setlist for UK tour
There's no official setlist confirmed for their latest tour, however, this 11-piece band have played an array of European dates with a pretty consistent roster of tracks:
- Here I Am (Come and Take Me)
- Maybe Tomorrow
- Homely Girl
- Sing Our Own Song
- One in Ten
- Home
- Please Don't Make Me Cry
- Many Rivers to Cross
- Higher Ground
- The Way You Do the Things You Do
- I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
- Cherry Oh Baby
- Johnny Too Bad
- Red Red Wine
- Food For Thought
- Forever True
- Kingston Town
- Can't Help Falling in Love
What are the stage times for UB40 in Leeds?
Anyone up for seeing UB40 play out at Leeds' impressive over 13,500 seater First Direct Arena will have to get there a tad early.
Doors will open at 6pm with a gig start time of 6.45pm due to the special guests who will be taking to the stage before them.
Make sure you get down early as you really won't want to miss the phenomenal duo Aswad, as well as standout vocalist Maxi Priest - It really is a reggae revolution.
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.
Read more: The Script announce HUGE arena gig in Leeds this year
Featured Images - Press Shot (Mara Publicity via supplied)
Danny Jones -
25th April 2025 
