Audio

Richard Ashcroft to play huge show at Leeds’ First Direct Bank Arena next year

Tickets go on sale this week.

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 28th July 2025

Following his triumphant run as special guest on Oasis’ biggest tour of the year, Richard Ashcroft will be coming to Leeds.

The former The Verve frontman, turned solo artist, will be taking to the stage at Leeds' First Direct Bank Arena in April next year, and tickets go on sale at the end of this week.

Both with The Verve and as a solo artist in his own right, Ashcroft has become one of the most accomplished and influential songwriters to come out of Manchester over the course of his career spanning three decades. 

As well as claiming one of the biggest-selling albums in UK history with Urban Hymns, which claimed 11 x Platinum certifications, Ashcroft also won two Ivor Novello Awards and three BRIT Awards during his time with The Verve.

His solo career is just as decorated too, as all six of Ashcroft’s studio albums shot to the top five of the UK charts.

Image – Roger Woolman (via Wikimedia Commons)

The announcement of Ashcroft’s upcoming Co-op Live gig will follow the release date of next brand-new album, Lovin’ You – which is set to come out on 3 October 2025.

Throughout the rest of the year up until late September, Ashcroft will continue to support Oasis on their sold-out reunion tour, before performing a sold-out show in Manchester in early November as well as a gig in Cornwall at Live at Scurrier House – tickets of which are also going on sale very soon.

Tickets for Richard Ashcroft at first direct bank Arena, Leeds, go on sale at 9:30am this Friday 1 August.

And you best be fast, as this incredible gig is bound to sell out. For early access to tickets, users of Three mobile can get presale tickets via their mobile platform from Wed 30 July at 9:30am.

Find out more and grab your tickets here.

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Featured image - Supplied

Audio

Korn announce huge Leeds gig on first UK tour in a decade

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

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.

Korn tour dates in full

  • Mon 26 October – First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds
  • Wed 28 October – Utilita Arena, Birmingham
  • Fri 30 October – Utilita Arena, Newcastle
  • Sat 31 October – AO Arena, Manchester
  • Mon 2 November – 3Arena, Dublin
  • Wed 4 November – The O2, London

Read more: The Pussycat Dolls announce major comeback with a massive global arena tour

Featured image: Supplied

Audio

Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026

Thomas Melia 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
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
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
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
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.

Read more: Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Roukaya B | February 2026

Featured Images - Supplied via Press shots

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