These are some of the best live shows coming to Leeds that have been hand-picked to help fill your concert calendar for 2025.
This year has been an absolute corker for live performances in the city, and luckily for us the year ahead is looking just as jam-packed.
We've rounded up a list of some of the best gigs in Leeds that you've got to get tickets for during 2025, we apologise in advance for the damage this may cause your bank account.
Sugababes, First Direct Arena
Credit: Publicity Picture
Mutya, Keisha and Siobhán better known as UK girl group Sugababes will be coming to Leeds on Friday 25 October and it's going to be a nostalgic night to remember.
They have accumulated a total six number one singles in the span of five years including ‘Push The Button’ and its infamous line which “I’ve been dropping so many hints and you’re just not getting it”.
These leading ladies have been a UK music staple with ‘Freak Like Me’ and ‘Round Round’ , if you’re going to this you’ll soon be up on your feet busting your best moves.
It’s ‘No Lie’, two of the 2000’s biggest names in music are linking up to put on a tour jam-packed with nothing but hits.
The Jamaican born dancehall act has seen chart success with ‘Temperature’, ‘Got 2 Luv U’ and ‘Get Busy’, Paul has been steadily soundtracking people’s lives since his debut.
Ashanti has her own roster such as ‘Rock Wit U’, ‘Foolish’ and ‘Baby’, the latter single by the New York R&B artist even got an Aitch remix in 2022.
You can get ready to grab your tickets for Sean Paul and Ashanti’s Leeds date HERE.
Mika, Millennium Square
Image: Press image
The Beirut-born, London-raised pop star will headline Millennium Square as part of the Sounds Of The City series.
Mika has released six studio albums to date, the latest being 2023’s ‘Que ta tête fleurisse toujours’.
Mika will take to the stage on Thursday 3 July, with special guests soon to be announced.
You can grab your tickets here via the Millennium Square website.
The Pogues, First Direct Arena
Image: Supplied
The Pogues have announced their first UK tour since the death of former frontman, Shane MacGowan, with Leeds one of just half a dozen cities chosen.
Kicking off the tour right here in Leeds, The Pogues will play at the O2 Academy on Thursday 1 May 2025.
It's going to be an emotional one that's for sure.
Two of the world’s greatest pop-punk bands, Busted and McFly, will be heading to Leeds as part of their unmissable head-to-head tour.
The two groups, which are collectively behind some of the biggest pop-rock hits of the last two decades, will be visiting some of the biggest venues around the UK.
Grab your tickets here for their Leeds gig on 27 September 2025.
Kaiser Chiefs, Temple Newsam
Image: Cal McIntyre
Yorkshire indie rock icons Kaiser Chiefs are set to play their biggest Leeds gig to date at a very special venue.
Next year marks 20 years since the release of their debut album ‘Employment’ and to celebrate, frontman Ricky Wilson and the rest of the group are coming to Temple Newsam.
The huge 20 year celebration is taking place on Saturday 31 May 2025 and sees Kaiser Chiefs and six special guests ready to raise the roof of the historical building next summer.
This one isn't to be missed, and tickets are available here.
Gracie Abrams, First Direct Arena
Image: Press image
Since making her debut in 2019, Gracie Abrams has made a name for herself as one of the most exciting singer-songwriters of her generation.
The rising star has announced the European leg of her headline tour, The Secret of Us Tour, and will play 18 dates kicking off in Madrid in February.
She will be stopping off in Leeds and performing at the First Direct Arena on Tuesday 4 March 2025.
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.
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026
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
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
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.
Clementine Hall -
30th December 2024 
