The Leadmill Announces Final Gig and Future Plans: "Our Mission Remains, Though Our Address Changes"

Sheffield's iconic venue The Leadmill prepares for its last event while promising a vibrant future for live music in the city.

A Historic Venue Faces Its Final Curtain Call

Sheffield’s legendary music venue, The Leadmill, recently declared the date for its final event amid the long-standing owners' eviction. After more than 40 years of music, memories, and community spirit, the doors will close on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

The Leadmill has been a cultural hub in Sheffield for decades.

Last month, the beloved Steel City club lost its appeal against the eviction notice issued by Electric Group, the building’s new owners, and was given three months to vacate its premises on Leadmill Street.

A Venue Steeped in Musical Legacy

Since 1980, The Leadmill has stood as a beacon for music lovers, hosting local legends like Pulp, Arctic Monkeys, Self Esteem, and Bring Me The Horizon. It’s also welcomed international stars such as Muse, Coldplay, The Strokes, and Oasis.

“After over four decades of unforgettable nights, historic gigs and a community that has stuck with us through it all, Saturday 28th June 2025 will be the final event held at The Leadmill.
We will miss our home more than words can say. Let’s make these last weeks count ❤.”
— The Leadmill (@Leadmill)

Despite the sorrow, The Leadmill reassured fans that this farewell marks a new chapter, not the end.

Continuing the Legacy Beyond the Building

In their heartfelt message, The Leadmill shared:

“We will miss our home more than words can say, but this isn’t the end for us. It’s just a new chapter in our story and yours. Let’s make these last weeks count.”

They urged ticket holders to stay tuned for updates on rescheduling and emphasized their commitment to Sheffield’s live scene, promising that music, comedy, and culture will thrive regardless of location.

“Our mission hasn’t changed even if our address will.”

The venue highlighted that The Leadmill is more than just a building: it’s the people, the spirit, and the stories that define it. Wherever they relocate, that essence will endure.

For those seeking further details, The Leadmill encouraged reaching out via email: [email protected].

Gratitude for the Team and Community

The Leadmill paid tribute to the incredible staff who have been the heartbeat behind the scenes—from engineers to bar staff, security, promoters, DJs, photographers, and cleaners.

“Your passion, resilience and care have shaped The Leadmill into the place that it is. You’ve made people feel safe, welcome and part of something bigger.”

The venue also thanked artists, collaborators, and local businesses for contributing to a shared experience they're proud of.

The Leadmill celebrated iconic AM Weekenders for a decade.

A Call for Final Performances and Community Memories

In the weeks leading to closure, The Leadmill invited acts of all sizes to perform on its historic stage one last time.

“After 10 years of the most iconic AM Weekenders in Sheffield, we're bringing this one back for one last time at The Leadmill on Friday 13th & Saturday 14th June! Get on your dancing shoes and take a trip back to where it all began and dance the night away on the very same stage…”

They also encouraged fans to share their favorite memories by sending a ‘Love Letter to The Leadmill’ to be compiled into a future project.

“To everyone who has supported us, whether from around the corner or across the globe: thank you. Our walls might be changing but our community isn’t going anywhere. See you on our dancefloor…one last time.”

The Backstory Behind the Eviction

The eviction saga began in 2022 when Electric Group, which had bought the building freehold in 2017, served a notice to the venue, sparking an outcry from music fans and artists alike.

Electric Group manages several UK venues and has promised to maintain The Leadmill as a live music venue, pledging to keep it a cornerstone of Sheffield’s music scene for the next century.

The Bigger Picture: A Crisis for Music Venues

The Leadmill’s closure reflects a troubling national trend. Last year, the UK lost a music venue every two weeks, with some experts warning this could rise to one per week in 2025 without urgent government intervention.

Sheffield native and musician Richard Hawley expressed deep sadness over the closure:

“I’m trying not to get angry, but it’s very difficult because they say I’m the musician that’s played there the most by a long, long way... There desperately needs to be a change in legislation.”

Hawley stressed the moral issue of landlords buying properties under venues only to displace them, often for redevelopment into flats, threatening the heart of grassroots culture.

Efforts to Protect Music Venues

There has been an increased push for venues to own their properties to avoid eviction threats. The Music Venue Properties scheme has been actively purchasing buildings for venues, aiming to create a “National Trust for music venues.”

Looking Ahead

While The Leadmill’s physical space may change, its spirit, mission, and community commitment remain steadfast. This isn’t just about a building—it’s about a legacy that lives on through the artists, staff, and fans who make the music scene vibrant.

Are you ready to celebrate the final chapter of The Leadmill’s storied history?

FAQs

• What is the date of The Leadmill’s final event?
  The last event will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
• Why is The Leadmill closing?
  The venue is closing due to eviction after its owners lost an appeal against Electric Group, the new owners of the building.
• Will The Leadmill continue to operate elsewhere?
  Yes, The Leadmill plans to continue hosting live music, comedy, and cultural events around Sheffield with other venues.
• How can fans support The Leadmill in its final weeks?
  Fans can attend scheduled events, share their memories by sending a Love Letter to The Leadmill, and stay updated via their social media channels.
• What larger issue does The Leadmill’s closure highlight?
  It underscores the struggles grassroots music venues face nationwide, including rising evictions and a need for protective legislation.

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