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Reggae legends UB40 announce massive Leeds arena gig

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Danny Jones Danny Jones - 3rd November 2025

UK reggae icons UB40 have just announced a massive run of domestic arena dates, including a huge show right here in Leeds.

The Brummy veterans of the British reggae and ska scene have been going for more than four decades now, blending both pop and rocksteady styles, as well as other Caribbean influences into their music.

A cult favourite group since their inception, whose lineup has always remained fluid – sometimes featuring more than nine different musicians on stage – they’re known for their brilliant live sets just as much as their studio material.

Started by the Campbell family, with four founding members remaining and singer Matt Doyle now serving as the modern lead singer since 2021, there’s still plenty of energy, youth and experience to their spirited gigs.

Revealing a return to Leeds with a gig at the First Direct Bank Arena on Monday morning, 3 November, UB40 have confirmed a total of 13 domestic dates.

While the 66-year-old hasn’t strictly ‘reunited’ with the group, he does star as the main featured artist on the upcoming 2026 tour.

He will also be joined by R’n’B/reggae-fusion artist Maxi Priest, as well as fellow contemporaries, Aswad – another seasoned act who have been making music in the genre and performing live since 1975.

Speaking on the comeback, co-founder Robin Campbell said: “For more than 40 years, we’ve been one of the hardest working touring bands in pop music.

“We aim to have a party every show. As much as we enjoyed our Zoom chats [about more shows] during lockdown, there’s no substitute for the relationship and synergy we have with our live audiences.”

Dropping a definitive UB45 compilation featuring their greatest hits back in April 2024 – and celebrating as many years in their recording career – UB40 are also set to release another new album next year, in line with the fresh UK tour dates.

You can see the rest of their dates, including several up in the North, down below.

  • Monday 1 June – Brighton, Brighton Centre  
  • Wednesday 3 June – Cardiff, Utilita Arena  
  • Friday 5 June – London – OVO Arena Wembley  
  • Saturday 6 June – Manchester, AO Arena
  • Sunday 7 June – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena 
  • Tuesday 9 June – Hull, Connexin Live 
  • Thursday 11 June – Glasgow, OVO Hydro  
  • Friday 12 June – Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena  
  • Saturday 13 June – Leeds, First Direct Bank Arena 
  • Tuesday 16 June – Swansea, Swansea Building Society Arena  
  • Wednesday 17 June – Plymouth, Pavilions 
  • Thursday 18 June – Bournemouth, BIC  
  • Saturday 20 June – Birmingham, BP Pulse Live

Venue presale will be available from the same time on Thursday, before general admission tickets go live on the following Friday (7 Nov).

You can get ready to grab your tickets to see UB40 in Leeds at the First Direct Arena on Saturday, 13 June 2026, right HERE.

Read more: Slam Dunk completes Leeds lineup for 2026 Temple Newsam festival

Featured Images — Pres shots (supplied)

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Northern rock and blues veterans Proud Mary announce run of reunion shows in 2026

Danny Jones Danny Jones

Veteran Manchester rock and blues band Proud Mary recently announced a limited run of UK reunion shows, including one right here in Leeds.

The seasoned Northern outfit may have seen plenty of lineup changes and a long hiatus of sorts, but now they’re returning for just a small handful of comeback gigs across the country.

Ahead of their seminal debut album turning 25 years old this year, 2026 also seems them steadily creeping up on the best part of three decades as a group in some form or another.

What better time to step back into the spotlight?

For anyone uninitiated, the native 90s and early noughties name was the first band signed to Noel Gallagher’s Sour Mash Records in 2001.

Their first-ever LP, The Same Old Blues, still remains their most revered work to this day.

Dubbed by the older Burnage brother and legendary Manc musician as “a lesson in songwriting” in an interview with the NME way back when, they started out as long-time friends and turned into fellow studio peers.

As well as supporting the likes of Oasis, Neil Young, The Stereophonics, Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, Ryan Adams, Noel’s High Flying Birds and more on various tours over the years, they also famously headlined Isle of Wight Festival in 2004.

Having collaborated with the likes of another Britpop legend, Gem Archer, as well as The Smiths’ Andy Rourke, not to mention gaining plaudits from so many other contemporaries, they’re likely one of your favourite bands’ old faithful bands.

Moreover, in regional terms, rising local indie rock quintet Rosellas are also joining them on the road for their shows.

Proud Mary will be playing at The Warehouse in Leeds on Friday 8 May and you can grab your tickets HERE.

Read more: New grassroots music space aiming to make DJing and music more accessible opening in Headingley this month

Featured Images — Proud Mary (press shots supplied via Sonic PR)

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New grassroots music space aiming to make DJing and music more accessible opening in Headingley this month

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

A new grassroots music space is opening in Headingley with a mission to make DJing, vinyl and music culture more accessible.

Meanhood Studios, founded by long-time LS6 residents Jim and Katie Young, will combine a professional DJ rehearsal studio, record shop, performance space and tuition hub all under one roof.

Their aim is simple, "to level the playing field in a scene that has often felt exclusive and gatekept.”

Meanhood started as a guerrilla pop-up record shop in lockdown when Jim started selling records from his personal collection.

Built solely on quality and word-of-mouth reputation, the venture quickly grew into a respected local record spot known for its carefully curated vinyl selection.

Images: Supplied

Jim’s roots trace back to Manchester’s late-90s free party scene, he began DJing at 17 and from Hyde Park house parties to residencies at legendary clubs, he went on to host nights featuring artists who would later become major names in UK dance music.

Katie grew up in rural Cumbria, discovering music through pirate radio, library tapes and out-of-town raves. After moving to Leeds for university, she built a 20-year corporate career while supporting events, fly-posting for club nights and working behind the scenes.

“DJing is so much more than pushing buttons,” says Jim. “You’ve got to love it when no one’s watching. We want to share that knowledge and remove some of the barriers we experienced.”

Meanhood Studios will open on Friday 13 March and will offer access to equipment, rehearsal space, vinyl records and tuition for aspiring DJs and music lovers.

It's more important now than ever to support grassroots music venues, and we can't wait to check out this new space.

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Featured images - Supplied

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