From spectacular festival performances at Leeds Festival and Live at Leeds to intimate, high-energy club shows at The Wardrobe and Brudenell Social Club, the city buzzed with musical magic. Outdoor concerts at venues like Millennium Square at The Piece Hall in Halifax further showcased the region’s ability to host world-class live music events.
With hundreds of gigs taking place, narrowing down the standout moments is no easy task. To celebrate an incredible year in music, we’ve revisited some of our reviews and compiled this list of 15 of the most memorable gigs that defined 2024 in and around Leeds.
What was your favourite show of the year?
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13. Leeds, UK, 2nd November 2024. Australian musician and songwriter Nick Cave playing the first UK gig of the new tour at Leeds First Direct Arena with his band The Bad Seeds. Picture: Ernesto Rogata
Leeds, UK, 2nd November 2024. Australian musician and songwriter Nick Cave playing the first UK gig of the new tour at Leeds First Direct Arena with his band The Bad Seeds. Picture: Ernesto Rogata Photo: Ernesto Rogata

14. Elbow at First Direct Arena on May 12
Guy Garvey's Elbow returned to Leeds in the spring for a headline show the YEP described as a "brilliant show with a perfect conclusion". | First Direct Arena

15. Ride at Leeds Beckett Students' Union on September 12
Shoegaze pioneers Ride delivered a beautiful blend of 90s bangers and new material at Leeds Beckett SU. The dreamy songs were only on occasion interrupted by drunken fans commanding Andy Bell to play songs from his previous band Oasis. | National World