12 pictures of megastars playing Leeds Festival down the decades

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 24th Aug 2023, 11:45 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

They are the artists which provide a soundtrack to the lives of generations of music fans.

And over the last two decades Leeds Festival has provided an opportunity for many to enjoy watching their heroes live on stage. The music extravaganza has been entertaining and thrilling fans more than two decades and has attracted a galaxy of global megastars. Enjoy these photo memories, plucked from the YEP archive, remembering the artists who made a lasting impression. READ MORE: 33 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Enjoy these photo memories of global superstars performing at Leeds Festival over the years.

1. Leeds Fest memories

Enjoy these photo memories of global superstars performing at Leeds Festival over the years. Photo: YPN

Damon Albarn of Blur performing at the first ever Leeds Festival in 1999.

2. Leeds Fest memories

Damon Albarn of Blur performing at the first ever Leeds Festival in 1999. Photo: Bruce Rollinson

Leeds United fan and Stereophonics front man Kelly Jones belts out a hit in 2000.

3. Leeds Fest memories

Leeds United fan and Stereophonics front man Kelly Jones belts out a hit in 2000. Photo: Mark Bickerdike

Rage Against The Machine's Zack de la Rocha on stage at Temple Newsam in 2000. The band have sold more than 16 million records worldwide and are will be inducted into the 2023 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

4. Leeds Fest memories

Rage Against The Machine's Zack de la Rocha on stage at Temple Newsam in 2000. The band have sold more than 16 million records worldwide and are will be inducted into the 2023 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Photo: Mark Bickerdike

Slipknot on stage at Temple Newsam at the first ever Leeds Festival. The band is well known for its attention-grabbing image, aggressive style of music, and energetic and chaotic live shows.

5. Leeds Fest memories

Slipknot on stage at Temple Newsam at the first ever Leeds Festival. The band is well known for its attention-grabbing image, aggressive style of music, and energetic and chaotic live shows. Photo: Mark Bickerdike

James Dean Bradfield of the Manic Street Preachers adjusts his mic on stage in 2001. They band have sold more than ten million albums worldwide.

6. Leeds Fest memories

James Dean Bradfield of the Manic Street Preachers adjusts his mic on stage in 2001. They band have sold more than ten million albums worldwide. Photo: Mark Bickerdike