Blossoms were the third instalment of Sounds of the City 2023 and they did not let the torrential rainy skies dampen their electric performance.
Let me set the scene for you, as soon as the Stockport lads hit the stage the Manchester rain followed.
The band effortlessly swaggered their way onto the stage, dressed head-to-toe in top clobber and of course accompanied by beautifully conditioned locks. The aura they generate is simply infatuating.
Image credit: The Hoot Leeds
Tom reached for his mic and his beautiful Mancunian tones said: "We are Blossoms from Stockport, are you ready to have a good time?", the crowd roared. Wiping the rain from our cheeks, we've never been more ready.
Kicking off the set with 'Your Girlfriend' was just what we needed - hands flying, rain mac heads bobbing, it was official the Stockport lads were in town. Their setlist followed with classic bangers 'Charlemagne', 'Oh No (I Think I’m In Love)' and 'The Keeper'. A great journey through their four studio albums.
Image credit: Millennium Square Leeds
Tom went on to make a special shoutout to Leeds' best-working men's club The Brudenell, "It's been nine years since we first performed in Leeds, playing The Brudenell Social. Big up owner Nathan, we've got a lot of fond memories".
'Ode to NYC' was next, a song the Blossoms were approached to write for a new upcoming film on Netflix before it was "sacked off". Although the deal didn't go through the song was "just too good not to make the album" and we couldn't agree more.
Image credit: Millennium Square Leeds
If I had to pick the best chart-topper of the night it would have to be "How Long Will This Last". The band were on top form, the sky was grey and everyone looked like drowned rats - definitely one for the history books.
All of this wouldn't have been complete without their support act, indie legend Mr Miles Kane. Who got the most lovely reception from the crowd. I heard a few men talking behind me saying "I don't know who this guy is but he's bloody brilliant".
Miles even whipped out The Last Shadow Puppets 'Standing Next to Me'. An album that is close to any Kane and Alex Turner fans.
Image credit: The Hoot Leeds
On behalf of everyone at the gig I think it's fair to say we were all pretty soggy. For the few that rallied the rain for a beverage it was obvious Nation of Shopkeepers was the place (shoutout). These guys kept everyone warm, watered and the spirits high playing Blossoms regularly throughout the venue.
And just like that, my night was over on the most gorgeous damp Blossoms high which will not be drying off for a few days alongside my blazer I used as a shelter for my body from the rain.
The Wombats aren’t just still going strong - they’re getting better. And honestly? Long may they reign.
The Wombats absolutely tore the roof off the First Direct Arena in Leeds last night, Wednesday 26 March and what a night it was.
From the second they hit the stage it wasn’t just a gig, it was a full-blown indie-pop spectacle, packed with infectious energy, nostalgia, and a whole lot of dancing.
They kicked things off with “Moving to New York,” and honestly? The crowd was in from the first note.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Matthew Murphy’s unmistakable vocals rang through the arena and suddenly, thousands of people were screaming every lyric like it was 2007 all over again. It was one of those moments where you could just feel how much this band still means to people.
Despite the massive venue, The Wombats somehow made it feel intimate. The lights? Pure chaos in the best way - vibrant, colourful, and totally in sync with the band’s wild, bouncy sound.
Murphy’s cheeky banter between songs made it feel less like a polished arena show and more like a jam session with a few thousand of your closest mates.
Setlist-wise, they nailed it. “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” and “Greek Tragedy” had the whole place losing it, while the stripped-down version of “Techno Fan” gave everyone a minute to breathe (and maybe get a little emotional).
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Those quieter moments just made the high-energy choruses hit even harder. It was a rollercoaster - in the best way possible.
Then came the encore. If you thought the crowd was loud before, “Kill the Director” took things to another level. Pure, chaotic indie bliss. The kind of moment you don’t want to end.
Here’s the thing about The Wombats: some might say their older songs hit harder than their newer stuff, but is that just nostalgia talking? Or maybe it’s a generational thing?
Either way, they proved they’re still one of the most exciting live bands out there. They’ve still got the hooks, the humour, and the ability to turn a massive arena into a sweaty, euphoric singalong.
Mumford & Sons add new Leeds show at the First Direct Arena to sell out UK tour
Clementine Hall
Two new arena dates have been added to their forthcoming UK tour, after selling out the entire run within two hours.
Ahead of dropping their fifth studio LP Rushmere at the end of the month, the cult favourite folk-rock outfit announced a brand-new European tour in support of the record, including a limited UK leg.
The now sold-out arena run starts in Europe in November before now arriving in Leeds on Sunday 30 November.
The significance of the band’s return can be found in the title of the new album, as Rushmereis the spot where it all began for the boys: a pond located on Wimbledon Common in south-west London where Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane first hung out.
However, the multi-award-winning acoustic-driven British rockers and folk revivalists are now a trio following the departure of Winston Marshall, who quit the band back in 2021 following controversies surrounding his right-wing beliefs.
Image: Supplied
With that in mind, it’s rather fitting that they have insisted that beyond just a place and a title, Rushmere is alsothebeginning of a new phase.
Following an intense period of creativity, the project was produced by fellow nine-time Grammy winner Dave Cobb and recorded at the famous RCA Studio A in Nashville, as well as in Savannah, Georgia and back home at Marcus’ studio in Devon.
The album itself drops on this Friday 28 March and judging by the little that we’ve heard so far, they’ve been well worth the wait.
As for the arena show, tickets will go on sale this Thursday 27 March at 10am.
Best of all, they’re donating £1 from every ticket sold straight to War Child UK – this sort of stuff should be standard for any big act as far as we’re concerned.
Fran Mallinson -
9th July 2023 
