Blossoms have just announced details of a headline UK tour - and they're heading straight to Leeds.
The news comes just ahead of their biggest-ever gig at Wythenshawe Park in Manchester, which is taking place over the August bank holiday.
Blossoms just announced the new tour dates in support of their upcoming album fifth studio album Gary, which is set for release on 20 September.
The album - and its already-release title track - are named after an eight-foot fibreglass gorilla named Gary that was stolen from a garden centre in Scotland in early 2023.
The Stockport-formed five-piece will be travelling across the UK in October and November, including a massive gig here in Leeds and another across in Sheffield.
They'll be supported by the rapidly-rising Red Rum Club.
Speaking about the upcoming tour, Blossoms said: "We’ve been waiting to announce this tour for a while!
"This album was recorded live so we can’t wait to play the new tunes and all your favourites at these great venues in a couple of months.
"Gary might even be at some (depending on venue stage heights)! X"
Blossoms' new album has some big names involved, from James Skelly of The Coral to Jungle's Josh-Lloyd Watson.
Singles already released from the album include Perfect Me, Gary, and What Can I Say After I’m Sorry?
Since forming in 2013, Blossoms have earned BRIT Award and Mercury Prize nominations, with massive hits like I Can't Stand It, There's A Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls), and Charlemagne.
Blossoms will play the O2 Academy in Leeds on 18 October, plus the Octagon in Sheffield on 21 October.
Tickets for the gigs are on sale here from 9.30am on Friday 23 August.
Blossoms 2024 tour dates in full
17 October - Newcastle - O2 City Hall
18 October - Leeds - O2 Academy
19 October - Glasgow - O2 Academy
21 October - Sheffield - Octagon
22 October - Hull - City Hall
23 October - Nottingham - Rock City
25 October - Liverpool University - The Mountford Hall
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.
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.
Featured Images — Proud Mary (press shots supplied via Sonic PR)
Audio
New grassroots music space aiming to make DJing and music more accessible opening in Headingley this month
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.
Daisy Jackson -
19th August 2024 
