Gigs in Leeds: Need something to look forward to? Here are the blockbuster Leeds gigs happening in late 2021

We've put our plans on hold for months as we try to beat this pandemic. It's time to put a gig in the diary for the second half of 2021, when the world is likely to open up again.
Live Leeds Gigs 2021: ElbowLive Leeds Gigs 2021: Elbow
Live Leeds Gigs 2021: Elbow

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At this point, we're sympathetic to anyone nervous of buying a ticket to a comedy or musical gig. When lockdowns commenced in March 2020 few of us suspected they'd carry on into 2021.

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But with vaccines being administered daily, we can start considering what life might look like later on in the year, when venues are allowed to open up again.

Live Leeds Gigs 2021: Katherine RyanLive Leeds Gigs 2021: Katherine Ryan
Live Leeds Gigs 2021: Katherine Ryan

Is it safe to purchase tickets to a gig?

In the main, yes. Ticketmaster and ATG Tickets have guaranteed that tickets to any gig that is postponed will be honoured for the future date. In most cases they will also give you the option to ask for a refund, but this varies from gig to gig, so check the Ts & Cs before buying.

If a gig is cancelled, you will receive a refund automatically.

If you purchase a ticket through a secondary ticketing site, such as a resale site, you will likely not receive a refund – so buyer beware.

Live Leeds Gigs 2021: BlondieLive Leeds Gigs 2021: Blondie
Live Leeds Gigs 2021: Blondie
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Here, we've listed the blockbuster comedy and music gigs happening from September onwards, as that's the current projection for when the entire UK will be vaccinated.

Elbow

O2 Academy Leeds, 5 & 6 September 2021, £51-£64

The beloved Manchester rockers will be playing two gigs, touring their late 2019 album Giants of All Sizes – though you can bet these crowd-pleasers will roll their brilliant back-catalogue, too. Get your lungs ready for a sign-along to 'One Day Like This.'

Alan Carr: Not Again, Alan!

Leeds Grand Theatre, 5 September 2021, £26

It's been four years since comedian Alan Carr last went on tour, and in his latest set he promises to divulge the hilarious details on 'all sorts of dramas' – starting from the inside scope of his wedding day, which was officiated by Adele.

Ed Byrne: If I'm Honest

City Varieties Music Hall, 14 September 2021, £25.60

Irish stand-up Ed Byrne is reliably hilarious. His latest show will look at whether or not he has any traits he genuinely wants to pass onto his children. Expect oh-so-recognisable humour.

Dua Lipa – Future Nostalgia Tour

First Direct Arena Leeds, 21 September, 2021 £41.75-£138

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Award-winning pop chanteuse Dua Lipa's 2020 album Future Nostalgia brought a much-needed jolt of joy into Lockdown Life last year. Now hear it live and rock out with this modern-day disco delight.

Katherine Ryan, Missus

O2 Academy Leeds, 13 October 2021, £24.50

She's foul-mouthed – but furiously funny. Here, Katherine Ryan talks her way through how she went from avowed single lady to married woman, by accident.

Professor Brian Cox: Horizons

First Direct Arena Leeds, 22 October 2021, £43 - £112

Ok, this isn't comedy, or music. But Prof Brian Cox has the popularity usually afforded to rock stars. Here the celebrated physicist will take us on an audio-visual tour of the mysteries of the universe.

Bon Iver

First Direct Arena Leeds, 24 October 2021, £30 - £64

Wisconsin indie folk band have a reputation for their moving, intimate gigs (even in larger venues). They create beautiful, building soundscapes, that start softly and then soar into electronic riffs that are overwhelming to experience.

Elton John: Farewell Yellow Brick Road

First Direct Arena Leeds, 5 November 2021, £229 - £899

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We don't need to tell you anything about Elton John – he's a legend. This is purportedly his last world tour. Don't miss the chance to see this once-in-a-generation talent live.

Steps: What the Future Holds

First Direct Arena Leeds, 19 November 2021, £41-£114

The reunion tour for the popular British pop band. Perfect if you want a little cheesy fun. 5, 6, 7, 8!

Blondie

First Direct Arena Leeds, 21 November 2021, £63-£114

Debbie Harry is still the coolest woman in rock, even at 75. The deeply stylish New York new wave band have a back catalogue of stone-cold bangers. Get in to get your groove on.

James plus the Happy Mondays

First Direct Arena, 25 November 2021, £46.15 - £78

Fancy a little blast from the past? This Manchester double hitter is sure to take you back to the late 80s and early 90s, as James and the Happy Mondays play their crowd-pleasing hits.

A Question of Sport

First Direct Arena Leeds, November 28, £41 – £171

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A live show of the hugely popular game show. Starring long-time host Sue Barker and popular team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell – along with a host of big - name guests from across the sporting world.

Bill Bailey: En Route to Normal

First Direct Arena, Leeds, 18 December, £45

He conquered the world of dance in 2020 by winning Strictly Come Dancing, now Bill Bailey is showcasing his primary talent – comedy. Guaranteed laughs from one of the UK's best stand-ups – sure to be surreal, musical, and smart.

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