venue

Bellatrix @ Rocket

I arrived at Leeds' latest venue, The Rocket bar, shortly before Icelandic outfit Bellatrix take to the stage.

Sparta @ Rocket

Four Planes In Four Days provide a low-key start to the night, their mid-paced, dynamic rock gets a decent response from the small crowd, even though the dynamics of the music don't quite work in this small venue.

Elliot Minor @ Cockpit

I arrived at the venue (just) in time to interview the band, and made it downstairs just as openers Shibby were finishing up, so on them I cannot comment.

Badly Drawn Boy @ City Varieties

Badly Drawn Boy has always had something of a reputation for erratic live performances, varying from sublime curfew-busting sets to performances blighted by his own hesitancy and the demands of dealing with a considerable and diverse back catalogue.

Tung @ LMUSU

This was going to be Orka's review. Having watched the band on a previous occasion, and having a "little-bit-too-much-to-drink" I'd promised them a real review.

Filth @ The Vine

As the first band of the night Sawthroat take the stage, many people in the venue seem unaware of their presence.

The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster @ Cockpit

Your author arrives to find his name "missing" from the guestlist and after several minutes' discussion with the venue authorities finds out that his name is on the list - so then, some advice - get people on the door who can read.

The Convulsions @ The Junction (Otley)

The Convulsions are a four piece R+B band who add a new dimension to the concept of "high energy". The Junction is a small venue used to more sedate entertainment; perhaps a game of darts while enjoying a nice pint of Timothy Taylor's for instance.

Super Furry Animals @ The Refectory

A vast cavernous hall more suited to scoffing than rocking is where we find ourselves tonight, a far cry from the Swallow Falls Hotel venue in Betws-y-coed 9 years ago...

Sharron Krauss @ Korks (Otley)

Sharron Krauss was billed as an "avant garde" singer/songwriter and an expectant crowd had gathered at Korks, a venue which had, in a previous incarnation, operated as a night club of ill repute.

Fightstar @ The Refectory

The Refectory is a shit venue. Lets be honest here, I've seen countless bands here over the past few years, Dragonforce, Trivium, Alkaline Trio and Funeral For A Friend to name but a few, and every time I leave bitterly disappointed.

Kharma 45 @ Rio's

Rio's is a decent sized venue that looks well-suited to hosting live bands; when Kharma 45 opened their set with "Come On" there was only around 3 dozen people present yet their powerful sound filled the venue giving the impression of a far larger crowd.

Blowback @ Royal Park Cellars

Having been told that The Cellars have been overhauled and improved, I was certainly interested which prompted my attendance tonight.

The Streets @ Academy

"Do you think your weekend could get better?" Mike Skinner asks the crowd as opening track (also the opener, title track and latest single from his new album) Everything Is Borrowed comes to a close, and he is greeted with euphoric response from the crowd packed into the new (though you wouldn't know it from the state of the floor) Academy in Leeds.

Lowrider @ The Vine

As darkness falls all around the Headrow in Leeds City centre, most of the people on the streets are setting off to the trendy wine bars, the oversized clubs and most are incapable of stringing two words together.

The Signs @ Mine

Considering there wasn't a lot of promotion for the showcase this evening at Leeds Mine this was one hell of a night.

16 Days @ Mixing Tin

I have to start by saying that I really don't like the Mixing Tin as a venue, its cramped, cluttered and you can never hear a word anyone's saying.

Last Letter @ Stinky's Peephouse

Having frequented Stinky's Peep House a couple of occasions before for a number of house/drum and bass nights, I must admit the venue did not register as the most obvious place where you would expect to find a rock gig on a Thursday night.

The Ataris @ Joseph's Well

This was the first ever headline show from Santa Barbara's pop-punk favourites The Ataris and judging by the fan's reaction in the near capacity venue, I'm sure many more will follow.

Roddy Frame @ City Varieties

To some artists, the City Varieties would be a venue to avoid; its arcane stylings and intimate surroundings make it a much more unconventional settings for music in Leeds.

Graham Coxon @ Blank Canvas

Support tonight is from fellow band member of Graham Coxon's band, however I didn't manage to catch his name.

Mariko @ Rocket

Bank Holiday Monday and "Lock & Load" bring us four local bands to play the Rocket Venue, fast becoming the best middle sized venue in Leeds, following the closure of the Duchess in March.

The Avenues @ Trash

Newly-renamed as Trash, the venue formerly know as the Mixing Tin held host to a launch party for the Sound People - United City album on Saturday.

Bridewell Taxis @ Bien Venue

The second coming of Bridewell Taxis was given the official seal of approval by fans after a barnstorming set at Pudsey's Bien Venue.

@ Brudenell Social Club

For those that don't know, The Brudenell Social Club is in grave danger. If money can't be raised for soundproofing then their licence will be revoked and this wonderful venue will be no more.

This Et Al @ The Library

These days, The Library looks like an enormous music venue, only scaled down. It seems eerily suited to the This Et Al of old, draped as it is with imposing red and black curtains, but the recently-refurbished venue plays perfect host to all five - count 'em - acts on tonight's bill.

four day Hombre @ Royal Park Cellars

Things must be looking up for a venue when it is chosen by independent record labels to showcase breaking talent at nights headlined by top local acts.

Placebo @ The Refectory

Arriving at about 7pm, there was already a lengthy queue outside the venue. We got into the "Over 18's" venue at about 7:30, and as everyone else was running down to the front, we decided to join them all.

The Voltz @ Oporto

First on were local band The Stays. Having seen them play a few months back, the progress they have made as a live band in such a short space of time was apparent from the outset.

I Was A Cub Scout @ Cockpit

Entering the Cockpit, immediately I am aware of the amount of people here already, at this sold out show, in time for the first support act Data.Select.Party.

The Hair @ University of Lincoln

You can take the band and the reviewer out of Yorkshire but you can't take the Yorkshire out... The Hair are an extremely tight outfit who have talent in abundance.

Iodo @ Carpe Diem

It's a familiar story. All too familiar for my liking: young band comes all the way to Leeds from afar (Lincoln in this case) with the promise of a headline slot at a decent venue.

Kasabian @ The Refectory

I don't know whether it's the great big pillars blocking everyone's view, the bizarre bar-queuing system, the epic journey required to reach the toilets or just the rubbish sound but the Refectory has never been a favourite venue of mine.

The Chapman Family @ HiFi Club

A small crowd have assembled in the plush surroundings of the Hifi club to see what this month's New Slang has to offer.

Electric Soft Parade @ Leeds Festival 2002

For some reason, the ESP have got it in for Leeds. Even though they went down really well last year in this tent a few years earlier on in the day, the brothers White bear a grudge.

Stephen Fretwell @ City Varieties

In a modern world where singersongwriters are hotter than ever, unfortunately the bland James Blunt and beautiful Daniel Powter rule the airwaves.

Hatch @ Woodkirk Valley Country Club

A Friday night running up to the New Year and a last minute decision, and a very kind offer of a lift from Steve Kind, sees me travelling out to Woodkirk Country Club, former home to Strychnine Lounge gigs.

four day Hombre @ Fibbers (York)

Fibbers of York is a great venue that has started to attract some great bands. Tonight was no exception.

Visa @ Fenton

Quite an eventful Saturday evening in the end. Firstly, I chatted away to Aeon prior to the Juno-2 gig at Royal Park Cellars - the interview should appear on the site in the next week or so - and then I bumped into Bella.

The Amazing Pilots @ Royal Park Cellars

Any band with a name containing the word "fury" give you a huge hint as to what they're going to sound like before playing a note, so it's no surprise that Two Wheel Fury provide a riotous, fun affair ranging from punk to alternative rock sounds.

Tempting Kate @ Fenton

Before we get stuck into the review I feel it's necessary to have a whinge. Stealthman were supposed to be playing tonight but unfortunately the landlord decided to be a prick and ban them from the venue due to them being under-age, after they had lugged all their gear in and sound checked.

The Wombats @ The Refectory

I was looking forward to seeing The Wombats, and it being Star Wars day the usual obvious greetings were exchanged before we headed up to the venue.

Garlic @ Royal Park Cellars

Despite having come down with the latest illness to be going around Leeds, I still tried my hardest to wrap up and get out to see London's Garlic, who were invited back to Leeds by Panama Promotions after being witnessed playing a storming set at the opening Strychnine Lounge.

The Libertines @ Leeds Festival 2002

Seeing The Libertines live is a rather cosy affair. They're the boys next door who've invited you to their gig - playing in this more intimate venue definitely suits the band; the effect would have been lost on the main stage.

Stars Of The Lid @ Holy Trinity Church

What better venue for an evening of ambient music that Holy Trinity Church? Though it may not have the best sound for a concert in Leeds I would doubt anybody's claim for a venue with better ambience.

The Sunshine Underground @ Brudenell Social Club

It may be cold outside, but the atmosphere inside the Phoenix Club-esque venue is anything but. With fierce rivalry and bitter competition all too common in most "scenes", the camaraderie and genuine mutual respect among the Yorkshire bands playing this evening is heartening to see, and sets the tone for the night.

Capital State @ Joseph's Well

I eventually got down (taxis eh, only an hour late) to Joseph's Well in time to see Sposh. Rumour has it that before the Sposh set, I'd missed a most excellent opening act called Mahwa.

Mr Shiraz @ Cockpit

It's clear just how far Mr Shiraz have come in such a short space of time, and things just keep getting better.

Kaiser Chiefs @ L'Aeronef (Lille)

A strange little venue, on the third floor of a shopping centre. The key word though is 'little'. About the same size of the Met, it's smaller than anywhere you're likely to find the Chiefs in this country any more.

Stonecold @ Rocket

For the first time in the running of this competition have I managed to find out what the rules are for scoring, and what catgories the judges are marking out of.

Coasta @ Rocket

What a welcome surprise. At the end of the first act tonight, a band who are billed just as "Special guests", comes the announcement that they will be playing The Strychnine Lounge on Friday.

Athlete @ The Refectory

Having been living in the big smoke for far too long, it's a very long time since I've been to The Refectory, in fact I was still at school in an era when Year 10 was called Fifth year.

Morrissey @ St George's Hall (Bradford)

Six years since we last saw the man they call Morrissey in this very same venue and a question hangs in the air as to whether he's still got it?

Whole Sky Monitor @ Rocket

LES FLAMES! are in their element tonight: it's a decent stage in a big scruffy bar with a hundred plus smiling faces to hear their best shot.

Mariko @ Rocket

Quality. Mariko made a welcome return back to Leeds' Rocket Venue and produced a performance worthy of their recent press exposure.

The Mission @ Cockpit

Well, what can I say my excuse is for going along to see the Mission? Some kind of concussion, a temporary lapse in judgment, a desire to walk down memory lane with bottle of Thunderbird in hand or just to go and have a laugh with some old mates.

Morassi @ New Roscoe

So, after intending to go down to see Terris, I thought I'd still pop down and check out the array of talent that had been put on to replace them.

At The Drive-In @ Cockpit

I never intended writing a review of this gig, especially as most of you were probably there anyway. But here goes ...

Last Gang @ Corn Exchange (Brighton)

Last Gang appear on stage at 8.45 sharp and before they even strike the first note the odds seemed stacked against them.

Orka @ Joseph's Well

A hot, rammed venue, filled with over 175 of Leeds' most fashionable rock'n'roll clientele, greets the return of young Leeds four-piece Orka, who set about to blast glam and fuzz rock in all directions.

Laura Veirs @ Faversham

This gig was my first at the Faversham a venue with halls I had never graced before. After a glass of lemonade (I was t-total for the evening) support act Your Heart Breaks graced the venue's small stage.

The Tonic @ CJ's Music Bar

Well this was my first time to the new live venue on the Leeds circuit that is The Kirkstall Lites, and boy was I impressed after the night was over!

Six By Seven @ Cockpit

Any aspiring pop stars out there, and I'm not talking about the ones that get a slagging by that horrible twat Cowell for ratings and self-publication, should be forced to know the story of Six By Seven.

Ryan Shirlow and the Bloody Marys @ Fibbers (York)

I'm starting to feel like a York correspondent for LMS as I stroll down to Fibbers to catch one of Leeds' most talked about bands of the moment.

Coheed and Cambria @ Cockpit

As Cameron grace the stage, the mood in the Cockpit seems quite down. Support band My Codename is Milo pulled out a few days earlier, leaving punters a bit down.

The Cribs @ Kentish Town Forum (London)

The tour that began with unconscious shenanigans in Birmingham, ended here as The Cribs poured their last ounces of energy into this final night blow-up at the Forum.

Orka @ The Wardrobe

Entering the cool downstairs bar of The Wardrobe I'm greeted by a sea of the city's most beautiful inhabitants.

O Fracas @ Brudenell Social Club

As many of the city's music fans descended on to the capital for the Camden Crawl, the rest of the Leeds faithful shrugged their way through the slippery streets of Hyde Park to the Brudenell Social Club where O Fracas were launching their new single "Follow Sue".

Little Man Tate @ LMUSU

I had seen this band at the very same venue around a year ago, so in many ways knew what to expect. Little Man Tate know what they're good at and don't really stray from that formula - spiky riffs, pounding drums and big shouty indie choruses are pretty much the order of the day.

The Pipers @ Joseph's Well

Small, dingy, my first trek into the lower gig arena that is "Joe's Well". Having lived and breathed the Duchess experience over a ten-year period, I felt no-way could Leeds produce that feel to a venue again.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ Blank Canvas

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. They have a reputation of being, well, quite melancholy. The venue, or underground cave, we are standing in, should suit them perfectly.

Adequate Seven @ Joseph's Well

WOW! What can I say about this band? They are brilliant, they have come on so much since the last time I saw them early in 2002.

Foals @ Academy

After standing in possibly the longest box office queue to get the tickets that Ticketmaster never sent, by the time we got into the new Leeds Academy (Carpet?

Gary Stewart Band @ Courthouse (Otley)

Apologies to all others on the bill at the Courthouse; the Gary Stewart Band was the only complete set a busy night allowed me.

APB @ The Vine

Although sporting an impressive name, as soon as the Bonsai Kittens emerge onto the stage all hopes are lost.

The A.M. @ Cockpit

A sparsely populated Rocket bar greets us tonight, surprising considering who is playing but nevertheless, we obtain some drinks and make our way to two of the twelve spare stools.

Tsuba @ Rocket

Around 100 people are gathered for the first Its Gone Ballistic at the Rocket Venue - a decent turnout for what is essentially a new event, in the middle of summer, and in the middle of the week.

Laughing Gravy @ The Junction (Otley)

I am sure I am not the only person who has wondered what would have happened if Tom Waits had chosen to form a skiffle band.

Bridewell Taxis @ Joseph's Well

If you're claustrophobic, then Joseph's Well was no place for you on Friday night, which saw the comeback gig of legendary Leeds scallies, Bridewell Taxis.

Flies are Spies from Hell @ Royal Park Cellars

For this sleep deprived reporter, the prospect of having to walk deep into Headingley on a Thursday evening, with an exam at 9 O'clock the next morning, was not a particularly inviting one, but none the less I upped the courage and made the effort.

Phluid @ Rocket

The second night of the reborn It's Gone Ballistic, the weekly local band showcase taking place at the Rocket Venue on a Tuesday night saw a male-female split.

Ian Brown @ The Refectory

The Refectory was the venue for the legendary Mr Brown. No, not the famous soul singer Mr James Brown (RIP) but the ex Stone Roses lead singer.

Mark Owen @ LMUSU

After witnessing the horror of the cheeky girls the previous Monday in this very same venue I have to admit I was quietly looking forward to this gig.

Mambo Jambo @ The Junction (Otley)

Mambo Jambo are, in fact, Pete and Frankie from Hull, they have been performing their own unique brand of world music for years too numerous to mention both abroad and in the UK.

Wonderswan @ Milo

The first-floor room at Milo's is, under normal circumstances, easily missed. You may have passed it en route to the facilities, but normally you'd be loafing around downstairs thinking that the (admittedly consistent) bar soundtrack was about as much aural stimulus as you'd require for an evening's drinking-cum-socializing.

Komakino @ Faversham

Donning a pair of mucky old Converse Trainers - I headed down to Bad Sneakers, I felt, suitably attired.

New Vinyl @ CJ's Music Bar

CJ's Music Bar is a relatively new venue on the Leeds live music circuit and is tucked away somewhat in the depths of Kirkstall.

The (International) Noise Conspiracy @ Leeds Festival 2004

Almost a year ago the band were scheduled to play a venue in Leeds but had to pull out due to a back injury to lead singer and former Refused frontman Dennis Lyxzen.

Mansun @ Cockpit

Okay let's be straight right from the start. We weren't exactly there for Athlete right from the start.

Six By Seven @ Cockpit

It's a shithole of a night out there, but 70 hardy and dedicated souls are here to witness the latest intriguing chapter in the Six By Seven story.

Chicken Legs Weaver @ New Roscoe

First, a grumble. Tonight, there were three great acts on for a measly three quid, on a well though out bill, in a venue just outside the city centre, with probably the most consistently good sound in the city.

Seth Lakeman @ LMUSU

Despite arriving fairly early to Leeds Met, I managed to just miss support act Ben's Brother. The prompt stage times saw Seth Lakeman begin his set just shy of 20:30; fortunately the venue seemed just about full when he began.

Kasabian @ Blank Canvas

When the lead singer of Trap 2 walked onstage tonight I couldn't quite believe what I was seeing. Was this four piece really to provide support for Kasabian or a tribute act??

Lily Allen @ Faversham

Lily Allen, the 21 year old daughter of rock and roll legend Keith Allen seems to have caused quite a stir of late and The Faversham buzzed this evening with a sold out crowd comprising of quite a mixed bag of individuals - there were those looking to check out the potential 'next big thing', there were those who were probably fans of her father and saw her mentioned in The Observer, there were minor celebrities (Alex Carter from Emmerdale) and even the odd major one ( Ricky Wilson and Simon Rix of Kaiser Chiefs fame).

Red Go Green Stop @ Carpe Diem

Seizethedayer Festival, in which promoters of local bands get together and organise an all-dayer, featuring a carefully selected mixture of said local talent at Carpe Diem, a basement venue with a good atmosphere a mere brick throw away from Millennium Square.

four day Hombre @ City Varieties

As most people that have been there before will know, City varieties is as hard as nails to fill. Tonight four day Hombre make more than a valiant effort of it, selling enough tickets to fill the Cockpit four times over.

Attic Lights @ LMUSU

Bit of an eerie feel about the Met tonight. Not sure if it's because of the approaching Halloween, or the fact that the tax dodgers have fled to their holiday retreats.

Embrace @ Leeds Town Hall

Welcome to SG #9 and welcome Embrace, virtually the only 'Leeds' band to achieve success since god knows when.

Garlic @ Packhorse

The Strychnine Lounge's debut gig at the Packhorse saw London's GARLIC make the trip up North and my god am I glad.

thisGirl @ Joseph's Well

Okay, first up, confession time - due to the joys of the Leeds bus system, I didn't reach the venue until 9 so missed openers The Lucida Console's set.

Heroic Trio @ Cockpit

Being confronted by a venue the size of a half-empty aircraft hangar doesn't daunt York's heroic threesome.

Novacain @ Rocket

Lock & Load returns to the Rocket Venue on a Sunday night, with promoter John Trueman brining four Leeds bands to the 60 or so visitors to the proceedings.

Michael Chapman @ The Junction (Otley)

Back in the early 1970's Michael Chapman was recording a series of albums for the Harvest label each characterised by his relentlessly gloomy lyrics, gravel voiced delivery and beautifully fluent ragtime guitar picking.

Easy Now All Stars @ Hard Rock Cafe

I hate to start anything on a negative point but... Flaming Lips! There. I got it out of my system. Not that it's a bad thing sounding like the 'lips, but it has to be a drawback when you realize that people could actually mistake your songs for unreleased 'lips tracks.

The Low Miffs @ The Library

Saturday night saw the debut for new club night: Fake Hips upstairs at the Library Pub. Having arrived slightly late to see the full set from openers The Electricity In Our Homes, I can't say I regretted my tardiness from what I heard.

Aqute Couch @ Atrium

Far be it from me to review my own band Star Bodixa - so I'll leave that to others. Suffice to say that their set was as brilliant and professional as ever, and up to the usual high standards I can expect of them.

Commonside @ Rocket

Another weekly dose of four band mahem that is now recognised as one of the up and coming unsigned band nights - I am of course refering to It's Gone Ballistic at The Rocket Venue.

Loudmouth Soup @ Faversham

Ok so it's another wet dreary evening at Leeds and I have no idea where the Faversham is, that is until I realised that it was right behind the Uni which made me feel like a complete knobby creek.

The Libertines @ Cockpit

There was a bit of an air of anticipation, for this gig. Parva's first hometown gig for a while, riding the back of their recent chart position, The Catheters shooting up the airwaves and the press' adoration for The Libertines, made this something of a "must-see" gig.

Dead Meadow @ Faversham

With long instrumental sections and packing the small stage with a cacophony of noise, Held In Hands delivered a chaotic and often clashing set.

Kid 606 @ Brudenell Social Club

It's a fairly quiet night tonight at the legendary Brudenell Social Club and tonight's venue sees a more leftfield electronica crowd appear out of the woodworks.

Daghdha @ Horsforth Social Club

Not many bands in Leeds will have played Horsforth Social Club, and I dare say not many bands will. It's a good-sized venue and is easy to find.

Bodixa @ Joseph's Well

Friday night, end of May, and we're down at Joseph's Well to see three top bands play to a 100+ audience.

Palo Alto @ Mixing Tin

It was when the drums kicked in that Palo Alto immediately demonstrated how phenomenal they are. Glances were exchanged with comrades, sat around one of the low tables at Leeds' newest and hugely promising full-time music venue Mixing Tin.

And None Of Them Knew They Were Robots @ Royal Park Cellars

The Royal Park Cellars always seems to guarantee a sweaty, close atmosphere, and tonight's gig proves no exception.

Lostprophets @ LMUSU

I saw the Lostprophets on the NME tour way back in 2001 and they rocked. I really enjoyed the show and the album.

Hot Dead Fox @ Santiago

This venue was the first place I ever came out to in Leeds and I can now appreciate what a find it is.

four day Hombre @ Royal Park Cellars

Tonight brought together three great bands for the re-birth of the Panama Nights, now scheduled for every Saturday at the Royal Park Cellars.

Electric Six @ LMUSU

As soon as I step into the events hall, I'm overcome by a smog of sweat and smoke. From the bar, the venue seemed quite empty, but it is rammed.

Mr Shiraz @ Warehouse (Huddersfield)

Well if there was ever a rock 'n' roll town, it's gotta be Huddersfield. Why bloody Huddersfield? I asked Mr Shiraz and their pop impresario and all-round genial chap of a manager, and they all just said 'You'll see'.

Brazil @ New Roscoe

It's a shame that around only thirty people ventured over to the New Roscoe on Wednesday night because it really is a very well laid out venue, good acoustics and has a larger PA than venues such as the Rocket - although it was a little on the quiet side tonight.

Detroit Cobras @ Cockpit

Detroit Cobras are a ballsy and real 'covers' band with a difference. Operating in various guises since 1994, their repertoire consists of garage-type covers of forgotten Motown, soul and rock'n'roll classics.

Shut Your Eyes And You'll Burst Into Flames @ Brudenell Social Club

Arriving on stage later that billed did nothing to quell These Monsters' instrumental blasts of squalling guitars with blasts of saxophone.

Scott Matthews @ Mine

Scott Matthews' second visit to Leeds since his debut album 'Passing stranger' was put out, took place at the University's Mine venue.

King Creosote @ HiFi Club

A packed HiFi on Friday night was the perfect place to preview two of the bands that will be attracting a lot of interest this year, Loudmouth Soup and King Creosote.

Lightning Bolt @ Brudenell Social Club

The venue is slowly starting to fill when Like a kind of Matador take to the stage. A trio comprising of a guitarist, a drummer and a flutist who then proceed to produce some mighty fine concept rock.

Linton Kwesi Johnson @ The Venue

Black History Month brought Linton Kwesi Johnson to a lectern near you. Britain's senior black poet is no stranger to Leeds, having past connections with the Uhuru project in Chapeltown, and there were those in his audience tonight who gratefully remembered him for it.

Capdown @ Cockpit

Tonight's support are nearly as good as the headliners. The King Blues have got the mixture of ska, punk, and politic bashing down to a fine art, and pour so much raw energy into their performance it is hard for anyone present to stand still.

Wintermute @ The Vine

"George Harrison isn't dead" Well that's according to the pensioner who took it upon himself to stand by the speakers throughout the whole of Dakota's performance, waving his walking stick and strutting his stuff, heckling at the poor lads, putting fear into the lives of those who dared breathe let alone stand more than a couple of metres from his well-guarded stage front.

Milburn @ Faversham

My day started off surreally, an early morning phone call from my old dear asking me if I've heard of a band from Sheffield, called Milburn?

Facelift @ Joseph's Well

I came over to Josephs Well with good thoughts about both bands, Facelift and The Alpine Movement, as I had seen both before but through sub standard PA systems.

Razorlight @ Cockpit

Neils Children take the stage and fire into their opening number. Alarm bells start ringing immediately.

The Cat Pack @ Primrose

My first gig of 2003 and in the dreaded month of January, the skint month, the after payday month, the "gigs are low priority on my spending list" month - but no, what's this, "you'll have to squeeze in at the back"; "you can stand on the chairs if you want"; "I'm not going to the bar again, it was murder" for tonight The Primrose is packed for its first gig of the year and the first gig ever for The Cat Pack all 19+ of them.

British Sea Power @ Joseph's Well

It's good for Leeds and good for Joseph's Well to see it as full as it is tonight (sold out in fact).

Mr Hudson And The Library @ Cockpit

I arrive late, but in time to catch the headline act's full set. The turnout is much better than I expected, the main room is full.

The Stands @ Joseph's Well

Arrived at the Well to find most people milling around outside trying to keep cool - so I missed most of the Casual Terraces set - sorry guys (however, I have seen them before and a fine band they are too).

Charly Six @ Joseph's Well

All girl three piece Brutal Tinkerbell may well be easy on the eye, but not so on the ears. It's sort of female rock in that lo-fi grrrl sense, but the pieces don't fit well together: "this lot are a little ropey" was the warning from the Well crew in advance of their first chord and half an hour later I leave with the same conclusion.

Becky Duke @ Borders

There's a lot to be said for matching a performer with the perfect venue. Last time I saw Becky Duke was a couple of weeks ago at the Royal Park, and despite putting on a wonderful show, the often noisy in-crowd banter couldn't help but detract from the intimacy in the music.

Beautiful Feet @ Hard Rock Cafe

This was my first visit to the Hard Rock and I was expecting great things. Apart from Jimi Hendrix's belt the venue disappointed slightly, but neither of tonight's acts did.

Low @ Leeds Parish Church

There are many gigs that you go to knowing in advance that it's going to be very good and there are those much rarer ones that you hope will end up being more than just a great gig.

Ooberman @ Cockpit

Ooberman returned to West Yorkshire to celebrate the release of their debut album, The Magic Treehouse.

Spiritualized @ LMUSU

18 months ago, Spiritualized were headlining one of the tents at Roskilde and I was in real trouble - the emotion pouring out of Jason Pierce and his crew was having a massive effect on my tear glands, and sitting down sobbing at how wonderful things were seemed the only option.

Weeve @ New Roscoe

Continuing on with the now established 'Wednesday... Whatever' nights, we had a bit of a disappointing turn out in all honesty, maybe due to the fact that there were only two bands playing or that the opening band's mates had school the next day.

65 Days Of Static @ Brudenell Social Club

Aaah the all dayer. The closest thing you get to a mini festival, and with a rather interesting 8 band bill scheduled for the Tasty Fanzine event, the Brudenell Social Club seems to be slowly buzzing with prospect for the bands to come.

Modeliste @ The Royal Oak (Halifax)

Live music returns to Halifax town centre with the launch of "The Dog House", a new band night upstairs at The Royal Oak pub.

Born To Run @ New Roscoe

I'm not big on lookalike/soundalike "tribute" bands as it all seems a bit naff to me, but I am a big Bruce fan, so I thought what the hell, it's only a fiver in and The New Roscoe is only about 20 minutes drive away and there's not much else happening this Thursday night.

This Et Al @ LMUSU

So here we have an "unsigned band showcase". Call me bitter, and even counter productive in the encouragement of fledgling bands but I hate these things.

Orka @ Joseph's Well

Joseph's Well saw a storming gig on Saturday night as everyone is treated to four top bands, a brilliant atmosphere, a full venue and plenty of beer.

30 Day Hex @ Fenton

Distophia play cool lo-fi indie with franticly fast guitars and pop melodies. Lots of distortion and effects muddle the sound a little, and whilst they're a small-compact-venue-sort-of-band, ideal for the Fenton, there are what-would-that-sound-like-at-the-Well moments.

Seth Lakeman @ Cockpit

The main room of the Cockpit is heaving tonight so I have no chance of getting in to see Carus Thompson, usually of Carus and the True Believers.

Wrinkle @ Joseph's Well

Having never seen or heard of Wrinkle until a friend told me I should go - I had no idea what to expect.

The Charlatans @ The Refectory

It's been six years since the Charlatans were on a stage in Leeds (festivals excepted) and there have been several major changes in that time.

Duels @ Faversham

Gigs at the Fav used to be a nightmare for me. I tended bar there while studying at University you see and while my peers pissed away heir upper class parents' money on ripped jeans and a serious of ludicrous haircuts I supplied the Fav's locals with booze to fund my own debauchery.

The Dead Certs @ Rio's

I just made it to Rio's in time to catch Cursed Diamond doing a pretty decent a cover of "Fell In Love With A Girl" for their final song.

The Charlatans @ Bingley Music Live 2007

As festival season 2007 draws to a close, I hopped on the train from Leeds for the 2nd day (and inaugural Sunday) of Bingley Music Live.