Fresh from celebrating 10 years of defining new music, Live At Leeds is set to return in 2017 with an unprecedented lineup of established favourites, thrilling new acts and a who’s who of future game-changers.
The starting gates of the summer festival season, Live At Leeds has become a go-to destination to see the bands and artists that’ll be making their mark on the months and years ahead. Guaranteed to provide festival-goers their next favourite band, the multi-venue event has previously played host to the likes of The 1975, Bastille, James Blake, Years & Years, Rudimental, Stormzy, Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran and more on their way to global acclaim.
Leading the first lineup announcement is vibrant punk duo Slaves, one of the most influential and in-demand bands of recent times. Since kicking through the front-door with debut album ‘Are You Satisfied’, their incendiary live show has seen them pack venues and take on festival main stages with their gritty voice of the people anthems. Returning last year with follow-up ‘Take Control’, Slaves manage to capture the angst and frustrations of a nation, and their slot at the festival this year is set to be a true coronation of British rock royalty.
Wild Beasts are a definitive British institution. Across 5 studio albums, they’ve become one of the most artistic and creative groups in modern British music. Returning with a bang last year, their latest record ‘Boy King’ flew straight into the UK Top 10 and garnered widespread critical acclaim.
Joining Slaves and Wild Beasts, and fresh from the release of their infectious second album ‘Every Now & Then’ are Aussie psych-weavers Jagwar Ma. Combining sprawling layers of psychedelia with all-encompassing dance, Jagwar Ma have become a true beacon of current times and their full-on live spectacle is sure to be a highlight of next year’s festival.
Live At Leeds always brings the very best of indie sounds to the city, and this year is no different. After returning with new album ‘Friends’, White Lies are set to touch down in the city - with a set brimming with darkness and post-punk that has set them apart from their peers ever since the release of their adored debut album ‘To Lose A Life...’. Promising to transport revellers to the glory days of mid-noughties indie are Leeds’ very own The Pigeon Detectives. In what could be the loudest sing-along crowd of the day, expect the local favourites to tear the city apart for a homecoming set full of raucous energy.
For those looking to witness the future of British guitar music, Live At Leeds has it covered - with an array unmissable artists who have taken on the mantle of creating the vital sounds of a generation. From the off-kilter pop of Teleman to the shoegaze dreaming of Birmingham trio JAWS, Live At Leeds is once again shining a spotlight on amazing new bands.
Brighton’s Black Honey have become true darlings of the indie world, fusing Britpop licks with a formidable live presence that has seen them play around the globe. After selling out two nights at The Lexington on their latest headline tour, expect a pivotal coming-of-age moment at the festival this year. Equally as astounding, is teenage electro duo Lets Eat Grandma, whose vibrant dark beats have been met with critical acclaim and sold-out shows, including a prized slot on Later… With Jools Holland. The unexpected charms of the Norwich locals are sure to send Live At Leeds into another realm, for a set that’ll be as unrivalled as it is unmissable.
Packing punches across the city, Live At Leeds will once again be filled with artists destined to take on huge venues and festival fields in the coming years. Whether it’s the sweet riffs of The Big Moon, the soaring indie-pop gold of The Magic Gang, the gritty-soaked sourness of Superfood, the neo-blissed voice of Nilufer Yanya or the explosive heights of FREAK - the future of music breathes at Live At Leeds 2017.
Speaking about Live At Leeds 2017, Festival Director Andy Smith said:
‘We’re really excited to reveal the first bands for Live at Leeds 2017. It’s great to welcome back local heroes The Pigeon Detectives and Wild Beasts, it’s been 7 years since Wild Beasts last joined us. Alongside them is a plethora of exciting established and new breaking artists.
Slaves rejoin us after totally smashing the Brudenell Social Club in 2015. White Lies and Superfood return after lengthy stints away and keep an eye out for The Amazons, Blackwaters, Fangclub and Freak, all pressing forward with the new wave of guitar and punk music that encompasses what Live at Leeds is all about.
With many more names to be announced for slots across the city, Live At Leeds is set to be the definitive live music experience of the year - celebrating a city and culture that thrives on looking forward and embracing the now.
Announced Today For Live At Leeds 2017:
Slaves // Wild Beasts // White Lies // Jagwar Ma // The Pigeon Detectives // Teleman // JAWS // Let’s Eat Grandma // Black Honey // The Big Moon // The Amazons // Superfood // The Magic Gang // Bad Sounds // Freak //
Nilufer Yanya // Flamingods // Brian Deady // The Night Cafe // NGOD // The Bay Rays // Blackwaters // The Pale White // Fangclub // Gurr // Luxury Death // Kllo // Team Picture // Lamia // Clay // The Opera Comic // Marsicans
Published on 18 November 2016 by Ben Robinson
