| Sound City
tried in ‘96. Cud and The Sisters Of Mercy in the eighties. Chumbawamba are doing
their best but with Embrace, Super 8 and The Dandys, Leeds is finally being put on the
map. Previously overshadowed by that
mass pit of talent that they called Madchester, Leeds’ finest were never allowed to
bask in their fair share of the limelight.
Now it’s our turn to reap the glory.
Super 8 signed to Naked Records last year, and as for The Dandys, well, it was love at
first sight.
So why Leeds?
Over the past few years a regeneration
program has transformed the city centre, a constant stream of bands continue to flow
through renowned venues such as the Town & Country, The Duchess Of York, and best of
all The Cockpit.
Roundhay Park for several years running
hosted the Free Heineken Music Festival, culminating in a stunning live performance from
Pulp a month after THAT headline date at Glastonbury. "Jarvis! Jarvis! Jarvis!"
the crowd chanted and Jarvis nearly cried.
U2 admitted that their concert in Roundhay
Park during the 1993 Zooropa tour was the best night of the entire world tour, and despite
only playing three UK dates last year, Leeds became a proud Host to their Pop Mart tour.
V97 took the road northbound and landed in
Temple Newsam, Leeds. The result being the best festival I have ever witnessed. The love
affair continued with V98 returning the same site.
Grim up north? I don’t think so.
Sarah Aspinall, 1998
Leeds Festival become the
Reading Festival twin in 1999
 despite
bad luck and timing as far as exposure and success goes, the
dandys lit up the end of the 90s for many who saw them, with their
unique music and pop-starry shows. to they have all moved on to other things, the band
still have a cult following and chat list in 002.
|
