British indie-pop kings, The 1975, shone as they brought their dazzling two-part act to the First Direct Arena on Monday night.
Returning for the first time since their iconic Leeds fest headline set in 2022, the city was pulsating with excitement to see the band take to the stage at the First Direct Arena.
If you've had an eye on social media over the past few weeks, you'll know that The 1975's recent tour performances have been nothing short of extraordinary, phenomenal and down-right bizarre.
Awaiting with baited breath to see what Matty Healy could possibly pull out the bag this time, 14,000 people held tight whilst being soothed by support act Bonnie Kemplay's soothing and dulcet tones.
The calm before the storm, as they say. But this certainly didn't last for long as bang on 8:30pm the curtain dropped and their doll house-esque, living room-like set was revealed.
The 1975 at First Direct Arena. Credit: Chuff Media
The First Act
The best way to describe the first half of their performance was 'a show-within-a-show'. Band members were triumphantly introduced with opening credits as freehand camera operators followed them across the stage once they made their entrance through various doors on stage.
Last to appear was of course frontman Matty Healy, who when came on the stage a girl heroically shouted 'Daddy!' which caused ripples of laughter in the crowd. This most certainly set the precedent for the evening.
The first act showcased material mostly from the band's new album, Being Funny in a Foreign Language, in a conceptual show-within-a-show concept which was designed to test the boundaries of what a 'pop' show should be.
Healy played the role of a drunk, misunderstood artist - stumbling around the stage, loose hipped and bendy, swigging from a bottle of red wine and chain smoking camel cigarettes.
The controversial yet loveable rockstar floats around the stage clad with mid-century furniture, clutching onto anything he can to steady himself as he spearheads crowd pleasers such as Oh Caroline and I'm in Love With You.
Then it all started to get a bit weird. One by one band members disappeared, Ross Macdonald the guitarist kissing Healy on the head before he departs.
Matty then sensually unbuttoned his shirt, softly caressed his body before thrusting his crotch directly into a camera lense. He then got on his knees, savagely ate a raw piece of steak, did some press-ups whilst grunting and then climbed into a TV screen.
This was supposedly meant to be a comment on masculinity, I'm not sure the audience immediately understood it but we definitely enjoyed it.
The 1975 at First Direct Arena. Credit: Chuff Media
The Second Act
Then, following the meat eating and the TV entering, the band return to the stage for what felt like a tsunami to the senses. "Cut all the joker nonsense now, how's everyone feeling, you alright?" Matty says, for the first time directly addressing us.
Here the crowd erupt into a 'Yorkshire, Yorkshire' chant, Healy rolling his eyes before exclaiming "Come on, get it out of your system now before I have to autotune it".
What followed was a dazzling performance of their best hits, the shimmying If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know) and the toe-tapping, life-affirming The Sound had the crowd jumping up and down, in-awe of the controversial yet loveable heartthrob in front of them.
A small interval saw Healy talk about democracy and ask the people of Leeds to choose their next song, asking us to cheer for which we wanted to hear. This resulted in Paris, and as Healy got changed into an undone, almost pyjama-like blue shirt he grasped a bunch of roses flung onto the stage.
Clutching these in the same hand as his microphone, his floppy hair covering his eyes, the frontman was perfectly executing the indie-boy persona we all know (and love) him for.
Towards the end the band played Love it if We Made It, Healy turned his back to us and faced his bandmates, arms stretched out wide, eyes closed and head up. This felt like a moment of reflection, looking to his best friends who 20 years ago started a band in their garage to now perfectly executing a sell-out, UK stadium tour.
Letting us in on a little secret, Healy explained that their first ever gig which seated just 70 people was held at iconic Leeds venue, The Cockpit. And after a monumental and historic two hours of musical and theatrical prowess that night at the arena, we were more than happy to have welcomed them back to our city.
American pop singer Kesha has dropped out of the Pitbull-fronted Roundhay Festival line-up, with a major shake-up announced today.
The second instalment of artists for Pitbull's headline Roundhay Festival show has been announced and it's missing highly-anticipated and originally-announced artist Kesha.
Festival organisers have said that the star will no longer be able to perform due to 'unforeseen scheduling conflicts'.
The American singer's musical adventure has taken a 'Joyride' since becoming independent in September 2024 and releasing her sixth studio album "." or Period almost a year ago.
Now, Kesha's title as 'Special Guest' has now been handed over to three very impressive artists who also shared a role in soundtracking some of the 2010s biggest hits.
Kesha was originally listed as a 'Special Guest' for Pitbull's Roundhay Festival gig in Leeds this July / Credit: Brendan Walters / Press Shots
One of these new artists is Jason Derulo, who is ready to treat the crowd to his array of chart-topping melodies like: 'Whatcha Say', 'Talk Dirty to Me', 'Trumpets'.
Another act who knows a thing or two about travelling the globe like Mr. Worldwide is 'Miami 2 Ibiza' hitmaker Tinie Tempah - things are definitely about to get 'Frisky'.
The final artist joining this already impressive list of names is Lil Jon who's bringing his high energy tracks to Roundhay Park such as 'Turn Down For What', 'Shots' and 'Get Low'.
Jason Derulo is just one of the artists making up the all-new Pitbull Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Wikimedia Commons (via Supplied)
Kesha's departure from this Leeds gig comes as a complete shock as the star is still set to play a whole host of UK festival dates including a BST Hyde Park show in London on 10 July.
In a statement shared via social media, Roundhay Festival has stated the reason for this very big change to the line-up:
"Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Kesha will no longer be joining us this July. We hope to welcome her to Roundhay Park in the future."
Although fans who have already bought tickets to the show might still be 'Praying' for Kesha's return to the Roundhay Festival bill, it's safe to say these artists are a great addition.
Pitbull is coming to Roundhay Park in Leeds on Friday 3 July 2026 and so far he's bringing along Jason Derulo, Tinie Tempah and Lil Jon with more acts to follow - Tickets HERE.
Popular Leeds boutique gym and reformer pilates studio suddenly shuts down
Daisy Jackson
One of Leeds' leading boutique gyms, and its sister reformer pilates studio, has shut down suddenly.
Both TRIB3 and PILAT3S announced their shock closure last night, as owners seek new operators to take over the spaces.
TRIB3 is known for its high intensity workouts, where members move between treadmills, assault bikes, and free weight zones.
And PILAT3S opened its doors just last year, offering a state-of-the-art reformer pilates studio.
But now both have closed with immediate effect, after several weeks of silence due to 'legal constraints and an ever-changing landscape'.
In a statement shared last night, they wrote how the studios had become 'a community', and thanked members and instructors for being part of the journey.
They signed off: "We remain incredibly grateful for the community that was built and the moments shared within these walls."
Inside TRIB3 Leeds, which has announced its shock closure
TRIB3 and PILAT3S Leeds members with any outstanding memberships or credits are encouraged to get in touch with the business.
You can read their full statement here: "Dear TRIB3 and PILAT3S family,
"Firstly we would like to apologise that it has taken a little time to get this message out. But with legal constraints and an ever-changing landscape, we are now finally able to put this message out there:
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that the TRIB3 and PILAT3S Leeds studios are closed and we are exploring opportunities with potential interested parties to take over moving forward.
"Over time, these studios became so much more than just places to train. They became a community—built on energy, connection, and a shared commitment to showing up and pushing limits together. We are incredibly proud of what was created and the people who brought it to life every single day.
"We know this news will be upsetting and unexpected for many, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
"We want to thank every member, client, instructor, and team member who has been part of this journey. Your support, loyalty, and passion are what made these spaces so special, and it’s something that will not be forgotten.
"Should you have any queries regarding memberships, credits or any outstanding matters please contact tribeleeds@btguk.com.
"We remain incredibly grateful for the community that was built and the moments shared within these walls.
Clementine Hall -
24th January 2023 
